Those of you who read my stuff would know that I'm sort of like RideApart’s resident Southeast Asian correspondent. Think of me as a window into a part of the motorcycling world many riders never see, let alone ride in. Out here, motorcycles aren’t weekend toys or lifestyle statements. They’re everyday tools. And in that ecosystem, small, simple bikes aren't just appliances. They're legit fun machines with soul and character.
That’s exactly why the Yamaha PG-1 exists, and why it’s my 2025 Editor’s Choice.
On paper, the PG-1 shouldn’t work in 2025. It’s small, slow, simple, and unapologetically old-school in a motorcycle world obsessed with ride modes, screens, and spec-sheet flexing. And yet, the more time I spend with it, the more convinced I am that Yamaha nailed something genuinely special.
At its core, the PG-1 is as analog as a brand-new motorcycle can realistically be. Power comes from a basic air-cooled single-cylinder engine displacing just over 100cc. It uses fuel injection for reliability and emissions compliance, but that’s about where the modernity stops. There are no ride modes, no traction control, and no layers of electronic intervention shaping how the bike behaves. You get a five-speed gearbox, a light clutch, and controls that feel immediately familiar.
Performance is modest by any standard. Acceleration is relaxed, top speed is not the point, and overtaking requires patience. The PG-1 never pretends to be fast, and that honesty is refreshing. Instead of pushing you to ride harder, it encourages you to ride smarter and slower, paying attention to everything around you rather than what’s happening on a dashboard.
The chassis follows the same philosophy. The frame is basic and robust, paired with conventional forks up front and twin shocks at the rear. The setup is soft, forgiving, and tuned more for comfort and stability than precision. Braking is simple and effective, with just enough bite for the bike’s lightweight nature.
Then there are the wheels and tires. The 16-inch knobby rubber immediately tells you what this bike is for. This isn’t a street bike pretending to be rugged. It’s built to handle broken pavement, dirt paths, gravel roads, and the kind of urban shortcuts that bigger bikes would think twice about. The PG-1 lives in that gray area between road and trail, where most real-world riding actually happens—especially in a country like the Philippines.
Visually, it looks like a small scrambler, but without trying too hard. There’s no forced retro styling or decorative nostalgia. The high bars, flat seat, and minimal bodywork all feel functional rather than styled. It looks the way it does because it needs to, not because it’s chasing a trend.
And that functional honesty extends to ownership. The PG-1 isn’t a bike you worry about. You ride it in the rain, through mud, over potholes, and down alleys without hesitation. Drop it, pick it up, keep going. Wash it with a hose. Park it anywhere. There’s freedom in riding something that doesn’t demand constant care or reverence.
As a daily commuter, it’s almost effortless. The bike is light, narrow, unintimidating, and almost mountain bike-like, which makes traffic easy and stress-free. Fuel consumption is extremely low, maintenance is straightforward, and running costs are nearly nonexistent. It’s the kind of motorcycle that integrates itself into your routine because of how simple it is.
Take it off the pavement, and it becomes even more charming. No, it’s not a dirt bike. But it encourages exploration in a way few modern motorcycles do. Dirt roads, farm paths, construction zones, and unplanned detours suddenly feel inviting rather than intimidating. The PG-1 thrives in places where scooters feel out of place and bigger bikes feel like overkill.
That naturally puts it in the same conversation as bikes like the Honda Trail 125 and Hunter Cub. Those machines have earned their cult followings, but the PG-1 offers pretty much the same thing for a fraction of the cost. Retailing for P89,000 pesos in the Philippines, or the equivalent of just $1,500 USD brand new, it's the closest thing to a steal on two wheels I can think of...without actually doing anything illegal. And take note, I purchased mine very slightly used for less than a grand.
What ultimately won me over wasn’t the spec sheet. It was how the PG-1 changed the way I ride. On fast bikes, every ride becomes a mission. Speed, lines, braking points, gear choices. On the PG-1, all of that fades away. You notice your surroundings. You take detours. You stop caring about how quickly you’ll get there and start caring about how enjoyable the ride is.
In 2025, a motorcycle this simple feels almost rebellious. And that’s exactly why the Yamaha PG-1 earns my Editor’s Choice. Everyone should own at least one tiny, slow bike in their life. The PG-1 makes a very strong case for being that bike.
