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Kawasaki Barako Ii 175
7.0/10 Commuter

Kawasaki Barako Ii 175 Review

"The most practical used buy for utility-focused Filipino riders."

Provincial riders needing reliable daily cargo hauler $400-$900 used 2005-2018
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Used Buyer Review

The Barako II 175 is the workhorse of the Philippine countryside, and that reputation is genuinely earned. This is an old-school four-stroke single that'll haul cargo, tackle rough provincial roads, and start reliably in conditions that would embarrass a more sophisticated machine. If you're buying used, check the frame welds around the rear carrier mounts — they crack under heavy loads. Also inspect the front forks for leaks since seals are cheap but often neglected by previous owners. Parts availability is genuinely excellent, which matters enormously for a used purchase. Any moto shop outside of a major city will stock Barako consumables. The engine is simple enough that a decent provincial mechanic can rebuild it blind. Don't expect sporty handling or comfortable highway cruising — this thing tops out around 100kph and gets unhappy staying there. It's a tool, not a toy. Buy it knowing exactly what it is.

Pros

+Parts everywhere, dirt cheap
+Bulletproof simple engine
+Handles rough roads well
+Excellent load carrying ability
+Easy amateur-level maintenance

Cons

-Highway cruising is miserable
-Rear frame cracks common
-Dated suspension, harsh ride
-Zero excitement factor
warning
Avoid if

You want highway speed or sporty riding

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