Using automatic motorbike in Da Lat

I would say an automatic is fine, since we're not talking about serious mountain pass driving here. Even if you do drive up and down a mountain, it will be at moderate speeds, and you won't need your lower gears for engine braking (downhill).
Here's the "problem": On fully automatic bikes/scooters, unlike on automatic cars, there's no gear selector to put the gearbox in a lower gear, for example if you need it for engine braking, in order to avoid overheating the brakes. So if you're driving downhill, you will need to rely solely on your brakes to reduce speed. But unless you intend to drive in an exuberant manner , this won't be a problem.

I hired a Honda Click,,, we got up to the radar part going about walking speed at the steeper parts,, then when we moved on from there we back tracked when we went down the next steep hill,,,, I had to get off and walk back up as the bike could not carry the 2 of us,,,,, I would highly recommend a 150cc Honda winner or equiv if there are 2 of you especially if one of you is over 75kg to make sure you can get back up and over the steep parts.

We, two couples, rented 110cc clunkers. We went down the main hill to the waterfalls and back, no issues. But if I were to live there, 150cc would be a good idea. Automatic options are NVX, Vario, 2020 Airblade.

gobot wrote:

We, two couples, rented 110cc clunkers. We went down the main hill to the waterfalls and back, no issues. But if I were to live there, 150cc would be a good idea. Automatic options are NVX, Vario, 2020 Airblade.

We got to Nhà Vọng cảnh lookout then going down the next hill it looked steeper than the rest so we did a u-turn,, the Click did thumping sounds,, stalled and I had to get off and walk, so after water and gasping for air we gave in and went back down the mountain.
I guess it depends on weight of riders and condition of said bike but this one gave in with our weight on it and threw in the towel.
I'm sure my year old Airblade would have made it no problem, but to be sure iI would be looking for one of the bigger cc bikes or a manual so you can keep it in a lower gear.

Andybris2020 wrote:

gobot wrote:

We, two couples, rented 110cc clunkers. We went down the main hill to the waterfalls and back, no issues. But if I were to live there, 150cc would be a good idea. Automatic options are NVX, Vario, 2020 Airblade.

We got to Nhà Vọng cảnh lookout then going down the next hill it looked steeper than the rest so we did a u-turn,, the Click did thumping sounds,, stalled and I had to get off and walk, so after water and gasping for air we gave in and went back down the mountain.
I guess it depends on weight of riders and condition of said bike but this one gave in with our weight on it and threw in the towel.
I'm sure my year old Airblade would have made it no problem, but to be sure iI would be looking for one of the bigger cc bikes or a manual so you can keep it in a lower gear.

Manual or automatic, uphill it won't make a big difference if you (almost) don't make it. An automatic will select the lowest gear available if it needs to, so if it "threw in the towel", it simple didn't have enough power, a manual gearbox on the same engine wouldn't have helped. Maybe an automatic saps a little bit of power, depending on what type it is, but not all that much.
Indeed, if you intend to use it regularly in the mountains with a passenger (and both "Western-sized"), I would also go for a 150cc.

Thanks for the replies everyone. Great advice about bigger engine.

Although I've used semi-automatic's in the past (mostly the 110cc Honda wave) I tend to go for automatic's usually due to the luggage space under the seat and the floorboards keeping the feet dry when it rains.

With the Honda wave semi-automatic feet are exposed so feet get wet due to splatter from road and going through any major puddles. Suppose, it's not a major problem, if only there were a semi-automatic or manual bike similar to the Honda Blade or Yamaha  Nouvo's luggage space then I'd probably opt for that. any ideas?

sanooku wrote:

Thanks for the replies everyone. Great advice about bigger engine.

Although I've used semi-automatic's in the past (mostly the 110cc Honda wave) I tend to go for automatic's usually due to the luggage space under the seat and the floorboards keeping the feet dry when it rains.

With the Honda wave semi-automatic feet are exposed so feet get wet due to splatter from road and going through any major puddles. Suppose, it's not a major problem, if only there were a semi-automatic or manual bike similar to the Honda Blade or Yamaha  Nouvo's luggage space then I'd probably opt for that. any ideas?

I think there are several automatic bikes, or rather scooters, in the European style, like the classic Vespa, which might be available in Vietnam. If you prefer an Asian make, the Sym Attila comes to mind. But I'm not an expert on the matter, far from it. I would probably just check out the websites of my preferred makers and see what they sell here.

Kurterino wrote:

sanooku wrote:

Thanks for the replies everyone. Great advice about bigger engine.

Although I've used semi-automatic's in the past (mostly the 110cc Honda wave) I tend to go for automatic's usually due to the luggage space under the seat and the floorboards keeping the feet dry when it rains.

With the Honda wave semi-automatic feet are exposed so feet get wet due to splatter from road and going through any major puddles. Suppose, it's not a major problem, if only there were a semi-automatic or manual bike similar to the Honda Blade or Yamaha  Nouvo's luggage space then I'd probably opt for that. any ideas?

I think there are several automatic bikes, or rather scooters, in the European style, like the classic Vespa, which might be available in Vietnam. If you prefer an Asian make, the Sym Attila comes to mind. But I'm not an expert on the matter, far from it. I would probably just check out the websites of my preferred makers and see what they sell here.

Any manual or semi-automatic's with similar luggage compartment to Honda Blade or Yamaha  Nouvo's?

sanooku wrote:

Any manual or semi-automatic's with similar luggage compartment to Honda Blade or Yamaha  Nouvo's?

Doesn't the Honda lead have the same drive line as the Air Blade but with a larger luggage compartment.   I know the newer Air Blade is larger but before they were both 110cc.  An acquaintance drove his Air Blade 110 from HCM to Da Lat in a day but he was by himself, no passenger.  Getting there must take a lot more power than just driving around locally.

THIGV wrote:

sanooku wrote:

Any manual or semi-automatic's with similar luggage compartment to Honda Blade or Yamaha  Nouvo's?

Doesn't the Honda lead have the same drive line as the Air Blade but with a larger luggage compartment.   I know the newer Air Blade is larger but before they were both 110cc.  An acquaintance drove his Air Blade 110 from HCM to Da Lat in a day but he was by himself, no passenger.  Getting there must take a lot more power than just driving around locally.

There has always been a 125cc version of the Air Blade here. I think now there is a 150cc versiin. There is also the Thai version of the Air Blade which is much better.

I am pretty sure that the 125cc Air Blade came out about 2014.

THIGV wrote:

I am pretty sure that the 125cc Air Blade came out about 2014.

2013, I have a 2018 and wife has a Lead both 125 cc but her's has a huge luggage compartment and bigger fuel tank, mine 4.4L her's 6.6L.
Both perform neck and neck we did 2,500Kms last TET 5 of us on 2 bikes me with Gigi top box & panniers both of us had no problems keeping up with one another.
If you need Luggage size go for the Lead is step through and has 37L of compartment.

sanooku wrote:

Kurterino wrote:

sanooku wrote:

Thanks for the replies everyone. Great advice about bigger engine.

Although I've used semi-automatic's in the past (mostly the 110cc Honda wave) I tend to go for automatic's usually due to the luggage space under the seat and the floorboards keeping the feet dry when it rains.

With the Honda wave semi-automatic feet are exposed so feet get wet due to splatter from road and going through any major puddles. Suppose, it's not a major problem, if only there were a semi-automatic or manual bike similar to the Honda Blade or Yamaha  Nouvo's luggage space then I'd probably opt for that. any ideas?

I think there are several automatic bikes, or rather scooters, in the European style, like the classic Vespa, which might be available in Vietnam. If you prefer an Asian make, the Sym Attila comes to mind. But I'm not an expert on the matter, far from it. I would probably just check out the websites of my preferred makers and see what they sell here.

Any manual or semi-automatic's with similar luggage compartment to Honda Blade or Yamaha  Nouvo's?

Sorry, I meant Honda Air Blade. Honda Blade is a semi-automatic.

THIGV wrote:

sanooku wrote:

Any manual or semi-automatic's with similar luggage compartment to Honda Blade or Yamaha  Nouvo's?

Doesn't the Honda lead have the same drive line as the Air Blade but with a larger luggage compartment.   I know the newer Air Blade is larger but before they were both 110cc.  An acquaintance drove his Air Blade 110 from HCM to Da Lat in a day but he was by himself, no passenger.  Getting there must take a lot more power than just driving around locally.

Yes, it's true. For long distance trips, need a lot of power. Otherwise it takes forever, can be bullied by larger vehicles, and end up with a sore bottom after long hours of riding.

To combat the last, I used to make frequent rest stops, which of course increases journey time. The Honda wave 110cc semi automatic for example, is not that powerful, it's mainly for urban/city riding I believe - not for long distance, so the seat is rock hard.

I've ridden from Hue to Lao Bao on a honda wave 110cc. Done it in 3.5 hours in good weather. If it rained took around 4-5 hours. Saigon to Da Lat being double the distance (about 300km) it will be increadibly hard to do on a 110cc honda wave I imagine.

Andybris2020 wrote:

THIGV wrote:

I am pretty sure that the 125cc Air Blade came out about 2014.

2013, I have a 2018 and wife has a Lead both 125 cc but her's has a huge luggage compartment and bigger fuel tank, mine 4.4L her's 6.6L.
Both perform neck and neck we did 2,500Kms last TET 5 of us on 2 bikes me with Gigi top box & panniers both of us had no problems keeping up with one another.
If you need Luggage size go for the Lead is step through and has 37L of compartment.

Can you put tubless tyres on a Lead?

sanooku wrote:

sanooku wrote:

Kurterino wrote:

I think there are several automatic bikes, or rather scooters, in the European style, like the classic Vespa, which might be available in Vietnam. If you prefer an Asian make, the Sym Attila comes to mind. But I'm not an expert on the matter, far from it. I would probably just check out the websites of my preferred makers and see what they sell here.

Any manual or semi-automatic's with similar luggage compartment to Honda Blade or Yamaha  Nouvo's?

Sorry, I meant Honda Air Blade. Honda Blade is a semi-automatic.

THIGV wrote:

sanooku wrote:

Any manual or semi-automatic's with similar luggage compartment to Honda Blade or Yamaha  Nouvo's?

Doesn't the Honda lead have the same drive line as the Air Blade but with a larger luggage compartment.   I know the newer Air Blade is larger but before they were both 110cc.  An acquaintance drove his Air Blade 110 from HCM to Da Lat in a day but he was by himself, no passenger.  Getting there must take a lot more power than just driving around locally.

Yes, it's true. For long distance trips, need a lot of power. Otherwise it takes forever, can be bullied by larger vehicles, and end up with a sore bottom after long hours of riding.

To combat the last, I used to make frequent rest stops, which of course increases journey time. The Honda wave 110cc semi automatic for example, is not that powerful, it's mainly for urban/city riding I believe - not for long distance, so the seat is rock hard.

I've ridden from Hue to Lao Bao on a honda wave 110cc. Done it in 3.5 hours in good weather. If it rained took around 4-5 hours. Saigon to Da Lat being double the distance (about 300km) it will be increadibly hard to do on a 110cc honda wave I imagine.

I rode twice from Vung Tau to Nha Trang and back on a Wave. No issues, as I have a big, well padded arse.

colinoscapee wrote:

Andybris2020 wrote:

THIGV wrote:

I am pretty sure that the 125cc Air Blade came out about 2014.

2013, I have a 2018 and wife has a Lead both 125 cc but her's has a huge luggage compartment and bigger fuel tank, mine 4.4L her's 6.6L.
Both perform neck and neck we did 2,500Kms last TET 5 of us on 2 bikes me with Gigi top box & panniers both of us had no problems keeping up with one another.
If you need Luggage size go for the Lead is step through and has 37L of compartment.

Can you put tubless tyres on a Lead?

I don't see why not, I think most can.

Having said that her ex works for Honda and he did a plug/patch repair on the screw she had in the rear last month.

colinoscapee wrote:

sanooku wrote:

sanooku wrote:

Kurterino wrote:

I think there are several automatic bikes, or rather scooters, in the European style, like the classic Vespa, which might be available in Vietnam. If you prefer an Asian make, the Sym Attila comes to mind. But I'm not an expert on the matter, far from it. I would probably just check out the websites of my preferred makers and see what they sell here.

Any manual or semi-automatic's with similar luggage compartment to Honda Blade or Yamaha  Nouvo's?

Sorry, I meant Honda Air Blade. Honda Blade is a semi-automatic.

THIGV wrote:

Doesn't the Honda lead have the same drive line as the Air Blade but with a larger luggage compartment.   I know the newer Air Blade is larger but before they were both 110cc.  An acquaintance drove his Air Blade 110 from HCM to Da Lat in a day but he was by himself, no passenger.  Getting there must take a lot more power than just driving around locally.

Yes, it's true. For long distance trips, need a lot of power. Otherwise it takes forever, can be bullied by larger vehicles, and end up with a sore bottom after long hours of riding.

To combat the last, I used to make frequent rest stops, which of course increases journey time. The Honda wave 110cc semi automatic for example, is not that powerful, it's mainly for urban/city riding I believe - not for long distance, so the seat is rock hard.

I've ridden from Hue to Lao Bao on a honda wave 110cc. Done it in 3.5 hours in good weather. If it rained took around 4-5 hours. Saigon to Da Lat being double the distance (about 300km) it will be increadibly hard to do on a 110cc honda wave I imagine.

I rode twice from Vung Tau to Nha Trang and back on a Wave. No issues, as I have a big, well padded arse.

You'd be an instant hit with pope francis:

Pope Francis Allegedly ‘Likes' Bikini Model's Photo on Instagram. Creates Buzz

On a serious note, I actually started taking a cusion after the first long distance trip. Even on Yamaha Nouvo I have to do that...You have a great advantage with an already cushioned arse.

Andybris2020 wrote:

THIGV wrote:

I am pretty sure that the 125cc Air Blade came out about 2014.

2013, I have a 2018 and wife has a Lead both 125 cc but her's has a huge luggage compartment and bigger fuel tank, mine 4.4L her's 6.6L.
Both perform neck and neck we did 2,500Kms last TET 5 of us on 2 bikes me with Gigi top box & panniers both of us had no problems keeping up with one another.
If you need Luggage size go for the Lead is step through and has 37L of compartment.

I visited the thegioididong shop today to check out laptops. After parking motorbike, hung around the parking area and took some pictures of the motorbikes that appealed.

Noticed a semi-automaic bike called Honda Future 125cc. Seemed like it had a decent size luggage compartment for a semi-automatic. Would need an exact size for comparison really. Anyone know the actual size in litres for the Honda Future 125cc?. Maybe it depends on the version?

As I was leaving the parking area, a lady pulled up beside me to park. She opened the seat to leave her helmet and revealed the most gigantic boot I have ever seen. When she was gone, I had look for a make and model. Guess what? It said 'Lead' on the side.

Suddenly i remembered your post.

Definitely will be considering it. The step through is also a plus cause I've bumped my knee trying to mount the Yamaha Nouvo a couple of times. THere is a railing at the the back of the seat (presumably for pillion riders to hold on to), but it's placement is not great, especially if you are rushing to mount bike. Can easily wack knee in to railing that would cause some pain.

sanooku wrote:

Any manual or semi-automatic's with similar luggage compartment to Honda Blade or Yamaha  Nouvo's?

  I've never seen a step-through hide-your-legs bike (Honda Lead/Vision, Vespa) with manual or semi-auto.

  My wife has a Honda Future, just a better featured Honda Blade. Seat box fits 1 helmet, raincoat, and some stuff.  She prefers the smaller size and maneuverability of a Blade vs Vision.

  Honda Lead is automatic with biggest seat box.

  Manual bikes get storage by hanging a helmet box (or whatever it is called) off the tail, panniers on big bikes, or you wear a back pack.

sanooku wrote:

Andybris2020 wrote:

THIGV wrote:

I am pretty sure that the 125cc Air Blade came out about 2014.

2013, I have a 2018 and wife has a Lead both 125 cc but her's has a huge luggage compartment and bigger fuel tank, mine 4.4L her's 6.6L.
Both perform neck and neck we did 2,500Kms last TET 5 of us on 2 bikes me with Gigi top box & panniers both of us had no problems keeping up with one another.
If you need Luggage size go for the Lead is step through and has 37L of compartment.

I visited the thegioididong shop today to check out laptops. After parking motorbike, hung around the parking area and took some pictures of the motorbikes that appealed.

Noticed a semi-automaic bike called Honda Future 125cc. Seemed like it had a decent size luggage compartment for a semi-automatic. Would need an exact size for comparison really. Anyone know the actual size in litres for the Honda Future 125cc?. Maybe it depends on the version?

As I was leaving the parking area, a lady pulled up beside me to park. She opened the seat to leave her helmet and revealed the most gigantic boot I have ever seen. When she was gone, I had look for a make and model. Guess what? It said 'Lead' on the side.

Suddenly i remembered your post.

Definitely will be considering it. The step through is also a plus cause I've bumped my knee trying to mount the Yamaha Nouvo a couple of times. THere is a railing at the the back of the seat (presumably for pillion riders to hold on to), but it's placement is not great, especially if you are rushing to mount bike. Can easily wack knee in to railing that would cause some pain.

I ride both mine and wife bikes I have to say if I was to reset and start over, I would have bought the lead, every time we go out without boys I end up sat on the front of her bike wishing I'd bought one instead, here is why;-
The steering is lighter and I can control it in rush hour traffic way better than mine, the floor pan is higher so feet out the way of water.
Her's has a compartment in dash to throw phone, gloves, sunglasses or purse/wallet, keys in, the light can be (and has been) changed to super bright LED.
The step through can hold your shopping (if you hang bags on mine the overhang and several times people have hit and burst the bags).
The luggage area holds 2 helmets, jackets, raincoats and everything except the kitchen sink.
The bike also has a bumper wrap around protection bar that Airblade cant have so all in all I would go for one over any bike I have ridden in my 2 years here.
I sent you a PM with a link for all bikes and specs & prices for VN

Tip: Hire a lead in Vung Tau and try the back road up to Ho May Park that will give you an idea what they drive like on steep hill,, mind the monkeys jumping out for a lift at the temple lol,,,

For around town Lead is good. If you want to go long distance and up country roads, get a Future 125. Put a rack or Givi box on the back, then you will have plenty of storage.

I have a rack on the back of my bike, it is very useful when travelling.

Rack

gobot wrote:

sanooku wrote:

Any manual or semi-automatic's with similar luggage compartment to Honda Blade or Yamaha  Nouvo's?

  I've never seen a step-through hide-your-legs bike (Honda Lead/Vision, Vespa) with manual or semi-auto.

I don't know about now, but older Vespas (like back in the 1980s) were 4speed manuals, I used to own one myself. The clutch was the left handle bar lever and you switched gears by twisting the left grip into different positions. Not the best system for switching gears, but it worked.

Kurterino wrote:

gobot wrote:

sanooku wrote:

Any manual or semi-automatic's with similar luggage compartment to Honda Blade or Yamaha  Nouvo's?

  I've never seen a step-through hide-your-legs bike (Honda Lead/Vision, Vespa) with manual or semi-auto.

..The clutch was the left handle bar lever and you switched gears by twisting the left grip into different positions. Not the best system for switching gears, but it worked.

Some tuk-tuk's (auto-rickshaws) still have the same twisting the left grip for switching gears I believe. It's a bit mental even on three wheels.

Kurterino wrote:

gobot wrote:

sanooku wrote:

Any manual or semi-automatic's with similar luggage compartment to Honda Blade or Yamaha  Nouvo's?

  I've never seen a step-through hide-your-legs bike (Honda Lead/Vision, Vespa) with manual or semi-auto.

I don't know about now, but older Vespas (like back in the 1980s) were 4speed manuals, I used to own one myself. The clutch was the left handle bar lever and you switched gears by twisting the left grip into different positions. Not the best system for switching gears, but it worked.

Dang, well there you go, Best Answer!     
Sanooku, look for a 40 year old manual Vespa in Da Lat. Italians make some great vehicles that last forever, probably tons of 'em.

I used to have a mountain bike with twisty gear shift, ugh, kept needing adjustment to hit all the gears.
Worse, it made me feel like I was riding a bike for 10 year olds.

Most scooters you see on the roads these days use Variable Pitch Pully system or CVT. This system gives infinite drive ratios depending on load & is every bit as good if not better than manual or semi manual gear shift providing its maintained properly. Critical to the system working properly is engine performance/power (same in a manual or semi auto also, even in first gear going up hill  if the engine clapped out or low in power, it will just stall ) in the CVT system another critical part is the belt condition, if the belt is worn out it will just slip going up hill.
I have an example to share, about 8 months back Ms My's Yamaha 125cc could not even take the 2 of us up the ramp leaving the apartment, me 84 kilo & her 38 kilo. She had it in & out of various road side garages all charging her in the region of 1 mil for their "repairs" & still it was clapped out & in for in excess of 4 mil by this time.
Totally p****d off I took it to the nearest "real garage" & had them do a computer test on the engine........outcome..........new piston, rings & barrel, de coke head & exhaust, new drive belt & 1 year guarantee..........4.5 mil.
Now that scooter goes up that parking lot ramp like a "rat up a drainpipe" with the both of us on it & would conquer any of the hills between HCMC Bao Loc & Da Lat, might be in the lowest ratio & slow going but it would do it.
Now going down a steep hill with an auto scooter that's a different ball game, its good brakes that are critical cos you cant use the lower gears as a brake like manual or semi auto
Thing is that from my early experiences renting here & in Da Lat, all the scooters were basically clapped out & brakes?? forget it.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cKbzUgFdS0

goodolboy wrote:

Most scooters you see on the roads these days use Variable Pitch Pully system or CVT. This system gives infinite drive ratios depending on load & is every bit as good if not better than manual or semi manual gear shift providing its maintained properly. Critical to the system working properly is engine performance/power (same in a manual or semi auto also, even in first gear going up hill  if the engine clapped out or low in power, it will just stall ) in the CVT system another critical part is the belt condition, if the belt is worn out it will just slip going up hill.
I have an example to share, about 8 months back Ms My's Yamaha 125cc could not even take the 2 of us up the ramp leaving the apartment, me 84 kilo & her 38 kilo. She had it in & out of various road side garages all charging her in the region of 1 mil for their "repairs" & still it was clapped out & in for in excess of 4 mil by this time.
Totally p****d off I took it to the nearest "real garage" & had them do a computer test on the engine........outcome..........new piston, rings & barrel, de coke head & exhaust, new drive belt & 1 year guarantee..........4.5 mil.
Now that scooter goes up that parking lot ramp like a "rat up a drainpipe" with the both of us on it & would conquer any of the hills between HCMC Bao Loc & Da Lat, might be in the lowest ratio & slow going but it would do it.
Now going down a steep hill with an auto scooter that's a different ball game, its good brakes that are critical cos you cant use the lower gears as a brake like manual or semi auto
Thing is that from my early experiences renting here & in Da Lat, all the scooters were basically clapped out & brakes?? forget it.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cKbzUgFdS0

I hear ya bro, as I said I hired an old Honda Click me 82kg her 48kg - result on flat roads it went great on hill I could and did walk faster than it.

I think to sum up:- In my opinion, hire a manual 150cc, stay away from old bikes, if buying your own just about any 125cc in good condition will do the trick.