Honda Chris, I too live in the Philippines and I am on my second XR150l bought a new one after 79,000km on the first. I ride on the island of Mindanao mainly but have ridden it to most of the major islands via a ferry. I think the bike is perfect for the Philippines. I have also tried to get the same items as you and ran into the same problem, no parts. The stock handle bar seems to have a solid bar running the full length inside of it so hand guards will not work unless you replace the handlebars. Some parts are available for it in Australia but I could not find a dealer who would ship to the Philippines. I also found guys who will build parts for you but you have seen their Tricycles and quality of work. Regarding the bash plate you might try a machine shop but I suggest have a Filipino friend take it in for a quote because a foreigner always gets overcharged. Its more fun in the Philippines. I too thought about buying the CRF250L and I would have if I was going to stay the rest of my life their but I will return to the states after living their four years.