Trail-Tested:
How the Yamaha PG-1
Handles Adventures
Some bikes look ready for adventure. Others prove it. The Yamaha PG-1? It’s one of the few that does both—built to look good in the parking lot, but happiest when caked in mud and chasing horizons. And in Ambuklao, Benguet, I got to see exactly what this little machine is made of.
This wasn’t a tame Sunday ride. Over the course of a day, we put the PG-1 through everything the Cordillera could throw at us—2-foot deep river crossings, gravel-heavy quarries, steep chutes that tested traction, and winding mountain roads with views that made you forget you were still riding. The verdict? The PG-1 isn’t just an entry-level adventure bike—it’s a capable, confidence-boosting trail companion.
Across the Rivers
of Ambuklao
One of the day’s early challenges came in the form of a wide, 2-foot deep river crossing. For many small-displacement bikes, that’s a nightmare scenario. For the PG-1, it was just another page in the playbook. Its manageable weight meant I could keep steady footing if I needed to dab, and the torquey delivery from its engine pulled me across without hesitation.
On the far bank, water dripping from the tires, the PG-1 felt like it was saying, “What’s next?”
Loose rock is where you separate a good trail bike from a pretender. The quarries around Ambuklao are littered with chunky, shifting gravel that swallows the front wheels of less-prepared machines. The PG-1’s suspension soaked up the chatter, while its stable geometry kept the front end tracking true. Even when the terrain demanded quick corrections, the bike stayed light and responsive under my hands.
By the time we exited the quarry, it felt less like I was testing the PG-1 and more like we were working together.
Through the Gravel-Heavy Quarries
Climbing and Dropping the Steep Chutes
Steep climbs in the Cordillera can be humbling. Short, punchy ascents with loose rock at the base and rutted soil near the top can sap momentum fast. Here, the PG-1’s low-end power shone through. It didn’t lurch, it didn’t fight me—it just dug in and went up.
And on the way down? That same lightness and control made steep chutes feel far less intimidating. Feathering the brakes, keeping weight balanced—it all felt natural with the PG-1.
Cruising the Cordillera Roads
Adventure riding isn’t just about the gnarly bits. The mountain passes and winding asphalt sections between trails are part of the journey, and the PG-1 handled them with ease. Its upright position kept things comfortable, while the nimble chassis made carving through the twisties a joy. This wasn’t a bike that begged to be trailered to the dirt—it thrived in the in-between as well.
The Verdict: More Than a First Bike
By the end of the day, covered in a layer of Cordillera dust, I realized the PG-1 had never once felt out of its depth. It took every challenge in stride, giving me the confidence to push further while never feeling like it was punishing mistakes.
That’s the magic of the Yamaha PG-1—it’s accessible enough for new riders, but has the grit and heart to keep up as your skills and ambitions grow. Whether you’re crossing rivers in Ambuklao, carving quarries, or just taking the long way home, this is a bike that makes every ride an adventure.
