Buying a small motorbike

I have owned a Wave RSX and Future, both great little bikes. If your gf is going to be riding a lot around Saigon I would suggest a Honda Vision or Lead scooter. Vision is cheaper than a Lead, both are very good.

- @colinoscapee

My vietnamese girlfriend wants to buy a new motorbike and I am trying to help her. However, I won't be in Vietnam until  next month and besides, I know nothing about motorbikes. I have tried  looking up prices online but once I put in my location and they realise I'm a westerner the price jumps by two or three million.

She is talking about a Honda Wave, so my questions are: does anyone have any experience of this bike and what would be a realistic price to pay for one, either brand new or very nearly new. She lives fairly near Saigon.

Thanks in advance,

Malcolm

- @Malcolmleitrim

@Malcolmleitrim

You're welcome, Malcolm.

I'd go for the RSX. When/if you are both on the bike, the Alpha's 97cc might (will!) prove to be woefully underpowered.

Though the RSX displacement is only 12cc' larger, the difference will be very noticeable.

(a general rule of thumb is 2 X the cc = 3+ X the horsepower. I'll let you do the math for the 12cc increase )

Another plus (IMHO) of the RSX is the front disk brake, as opposed to the Alpha's front drum brake. A lot less maintenance, and a lot more dependable.

Both Waves have those nice, big(ish) 17" tires which make potholes much easier/safer to negotiate. Very smooth ride compared to scooters with smaller tires. The RSX alloy rims are tough as nails, and even though your lady might not ride the bike in a way which leads to broken or bent spokes on the Alpha, there's still the concern that over time any damage or loosening of the spokes could make the rim no longer true. (both front and rear tires on the Waves are shown as "tubeless", but you can use a tube safely if need be).

Please let us know what you and your lady eventually decide on, the price (if you wish), and once a few kilometers have been logged, your impression(s).

- @Aidan in HCMC

@Malcolmleitrim


Everyone in HCMC rides a motorbike. How do you join them?

Body text:

You move to HCMC and soon notice that the seemingly chaotic traffic is quite civilised without
necessarily adhering to road rules, and there's very little if any road rage. The give-and-take seems to
work well. Just make sure you give-and-take as well, and don't worry about the ‘rules' in your home
country.

After all, they've grown up on two wheels in the traffic here literally since they were babies.

You also realise that some sort of motorbike could be very useful, and that nothing beats it for speed
and ease.

If you can ride a bike yourself and are only here for a few months, by all means rent. You won't have to
worry about maintenance –- just put petrol in the thing and hope that the ‘renter/owner' is reliable and
takes care of it if anything goes wrong.

But it makes far more financial sense after about six months to buy and sell when you leave.

Unfortunately you'll need a Vietnamese motorbike licence if you want to ride yourself and not have to
rely on Grab and Uber. These services are fairly safe (use your own helmet rather than who-knows-what
has worn it before), but like renting, it soon becomes cheaper to do it yourself.

You don't need a licence for anything under 50cc, which may be enough for city traffic if you don't carry
too many passengers. Otherwise, you'll have to convert your foreign licence or get a local one. The
legalities of foreign licences and International Driving Permits are unclear -– government announcements
seem subject to different interpretations (welcome to Vietnam), and police on the ground may be
characteristically ignorant of them (ditto).

You can do this either yourself for a few tens of dollars if you're willing to run around for lots of make-
work bureaucracy, or go through an agent for a few hundred dollars where you still need to run around
a bit with them. At least they'll take care of the theory test in Vietnamese if you don't have a foreign
bike licence, but you still have to do the giggle-inducing practice test yourself –- see Google Videos.

Keep in mind that if you convert a foreign licence without the theory and practice tests, it's only valid for
the duration of your visa or foreign licence, whichever comes first. That's a real headache at renewal
time, so you may want to try and get a ‘proper', unlimited Vietnamese licence if you're going to be here
for a few years. Hundreds of dollars…

Either way, get the mandatory third-party insurance, less than VND 100k a year, sold by women (always
women) by the side of the road. The police like to see that. Much more importantly, however, check
your own medical insurance about riding a bike, and the license(s) you need to hold.

Tip: keep a secondary wallet with about VND200,000 for police pay-offs, and photocopies of your
Vietnamese licence and mandatory insurance (never the originals). “Sorry Sir, VND200,000 is all I have.”
Don't give the “yellow cops” the originals, and make sure you pull the key out of the ignition as soon as
they stop you.

Scooter or ‘Proper' Motorbike?

Many foreigners and aspirational Vietnamese want Vespas, especially the vintage two-strokes with their
tiny, dangerously unstable wheels. Modern Vespas are more stable, like their (much cheaper) Asian
counterparts. Scooters have the advantage of bodywork (floorboards, leg shields) that keeps you
relatively dry on flooded roads.

‘Real' motorbikes have larger wheels that are more stable through potholes and over bumps, and are
more comfortable for country trips. Many popular models provide the best of both worlds with large
wheels and some bodywork.

What to Look for?

Depending on specifications, you can buy a popular Honda Wave (motorbike, little water protection)
brand-new from around US$800, or a Honda Airblade with some bodywork from US$1,400, right up to a
delectable Honda SH150 for US$4,000. Yamaha Nouvos and Suzuki Hayates are other sensible choices.
Taiwanese Sym Attilas are popular too, though their tiny wheels are less than ideal. A new Piaggio
(Vespa) will set you back around US$6,000.

Maintenance is cheap, except for some spare parts -– and especially expensive on Vespas.

Steer clear of the China-built Honda Win 110cc, advertised by backpackers who come down from Hanoi
two-up with luggage and are keen to get rid of them before their flight back home. These bikes don't
have the legendary reliability of ‘proper' Hondas.

If you buy second-hand, do it from an expat who knows a bit about bikes, or at least from someone who
understands the importance of regular maintenance –- not just someone who only visits a workshop
when something breaks down (depressingly common here). Servicing receipts are priceless.

Regular engine oil changes are crucial -– the oil breaks down quick smart at low speeds in stop-go city
traffic. Caring owners change the oil monthly or every 1,000km, which takes less than 10 minutes at a
dealer for VND100k max.

Also look for clean air filters and decent tyres, along with a near-new battery (batteries don't last long in
this heat).

Where to Buy?

If you can afford to buy new, see what the official dealers can offer. Go there in person and bring a
Vietnamese-speaker. Do an all-in offer with cash on the table. Avoid their second-hand bikes, you don't
know the history.

Try to get the bike registered in your name, which may or may not be possible without a Vietnamese
partner -– see how you go. Until recently, if you bought a bike second-hand, holding the blue registration
card was proof of ownership, regardless of the named first owner three steps removed. Apparently this
is now illegal, but no-one really knows. Again, welcome to Vietnam.

Expats advertise second-hand on anphuneighbours.com and phumyhungneighbours.com (find them
through Google Groups), or on
https://www.expat.com/en/classifieds/as … bikes.html and several other such
sites.

Make sure the sellers have cared a bit about servicing, and check all details on the registration card!

Any Vietnamese girl know how to buy a Motorbike and what to buy . . . . Just give her a good budget 

- @Frede001

Any Vietnamese girl know how to buy a Motorbike and what to buy . . . . Just give her a good budget 

- @Frede001

@robvan

@robvan

Thank you for that story, the motorbike is not for me, I'm just trying to help my girlfriend. 

- @Malcolmleitrim

@robvan

Thank you for that story, the motorbike is not for me, I'm just trying to help my girlfriend. 

- @Malcolmleitrim

If secondhand then try to get something less than 3 years old it's lost the new buyer premium so it's cheaper, but not so old it is likely to need fixing if it's been cared for, 100% check if it's had the services if not tell her to walk away, no one wants to ride a bike thats never had it's oil changed.

Or say you would like to help her but prefer the trouble free purchasing of a new bike, set her a budget and up to her what she picks.

- @Andybris2020

@robvan

Thank you for that story, the motorbike is not for me, I'm just trying to help my girlfriend. 

- @Malcolmleitrim

If secondhand then try to get something less than 3 years old it's lost the new buyer premium so it's cheaper, but not so old it is likely to need fixing if it's been cared for, 100% check if it's had the services if not tell her to walk away, no one wants to ride a bike thats never had it's oil changed.

Or say you would like to help her but prefer the trouble free purchasing of a new bike, set her a budget and up to her what she picks.

- @Andybris2020

Never met a Vietnamese that keeps a record or register of oil changes on their bikes incl my GF. She used to do an oil change every month with 200km on the oil or 2k km on the oil made no difference!

When I go get my regular oil changes done & demand that they stamp the register book they have a good laugh but do it. Spoke to a Vietnamese friend about it just the other day & he just laughed & said for a cat yes but a moto.....he said he never knew anyone who  did it.

- @goodolboy

@robvan

Thank you for that story, the motorbike is not for me, I'm just trying to help my girlfriend. 

- @Malcolmleitrim

If secondhand then try to get something less than 3 years old it's lost the new buyer premium so it's cheaper, but not so old it is likely to need fixing if it's been cared for, 100% check if it's had the services if not tell her to walk away, no one wants to ride a bike thats never had it's oil changed.

Or say you would like to help her but prefer the trouble free purchasing of a new bike, set her a budget and up to her what she picks.

- @Andybris2020

Never met a Vietnamese that keeps a record or register of oil changes on their bikes incl my GF. She used to do an oil change every month with 200km on the oil or 2k km on the oil made no difference!

When I go get my regular oil changes done & demand that they stamp the register book they have a good laugh but do it. Spoke to a Vietnamese friend about it just the other day & he just laughed & said for a cat yes but a moto.....he said he never knew anyone who  did it.

- @goodolboy

I said "Service" as in log book service where they check bolts, tyres, air filter etc, which also contains an oil change,, not the in between oil changes, If you get your scheduled service at Honda Head they take out log book and stamp it everytime.

I've never had to ask, it's stamped and handed back to put back in bike on payment.

Her sister never takes her's in for a scheduled service only oil changes so no log book is not stamped.

- @Andybris2020

@robvan

Thank you for that story, the motorbike is not for me, I'm just trying to help my girlfriend. 

- @Malcolmleitrim

If secondhand then try to get something less than 3 years old it's lost the new buyer premium so it's cheaper, but not so old it is likely to need fixing if it's been cared for, 100% check if it's had the services if not tell her to walk away, no one wants to ride a bike thats never had it's oil changed.

Or say you would like to help her but prefer the trouble free purchasing of a new bike, set her a budget and up to her what she picks.

- @Andybris2020

Never met a Vietnamese that keeps a record or register of oil changes on their bikes incl my GF. She used to do an oil change every month with 200km on the oil or 2k km on the oil made no difference!

When I go get my regular oil changes done & demand that they stamp the register book they have a good laugh but do it. Spoke to a Vietnamese friend about it just the other day & he just laughed & said for a cat yes but a moto.....he said he never knew anyone who  did it.

- @goodolboy

I said "Service" as in log book service where they check bolts, tyres, air filter etc, which also contains an oil change,, not the in between oil changes, If you get your scheduled service at Honda Head they take out log book and stamp it everytime.

I've never had to ask, it's stamped and handed back to put back in bike on payment.

Her sister never takes her's in for a scheduled service only oil changes so no log book is not stamped.

- @Andybris2020

Just shows the difference between Honda & Suzuki then, mine gets regular service & oil change since new at main Suzuki main dealer beside the airport  & always have to ask & I will still put money on it that very few Vietnamese keep even a service log. But hey you are the Vietnam expert so you must know best & I am probably wrong.

- @goodolboy

@robvan

Thank you for that story, the motorbike is not for me, I'm just trying to help my girlfriend. 

- @Malcolmleitrim

If secondhand then try to get something less than 3 years old it's lost the new buyer premium so it's cheaper, but not so old it is likely to need fixing if it's been cared for, 100% check if it's had the services if not tell her to walk away, no one wants to ride a bike thats never had it's oil changed.

Or say you would like to help her but prefer the trouble free purchasing of a new bike, set her a budget and up to her what she picks.

- @Andybris2020

Never met a Vietnamese that keeps a record or register of oil changes on their bikes incl my GF. She used to do an oil change every month with 200km on the oil or 2k km on the oil made no difference!

When I go get my regular oil changes done & demand that they stamp the register book they have a good laugh but do it. Spoke to a Vietnamese friend about it just the other day & he just laughed & said for a cat yes but a moto.....he said he never knew anyone who  did it.

- @goodolboy

I said "Service" as in log book service where they check bolts, tyres, air filter etc, which also contains an oil change,, not the in between oil changes, If you get your scheduled service at Honda Head they take out log book and stamp it everytime.

I've never had to ask, it's stamped and handed back to put back in bike on payment.

Her sister never takes her's in for a scheduled service only oil changes so no log book is not stamped.

- @Andybris2020

Just shows the difference between Honda & Suzuki then, mine gets regular service & oil change since new at main Suzuki main dealer beside the airport  & always have to ask & I will still put money on it that very few Vietnamese keep even a service log. But hey you are the Vietnam expert so you must know best & I am probably wrong.

- @goodolboy

"Just shows the difference between Honda & Suzuki then"  stating the obvious...

In 2021, the revenue of the motorcycle industry in Vietnam lay at around 4.4 billion U.S. dollars.

Market share of motorcycle manufacturers in Vietnam in 2021, based on revenue.

Characteristic    Martket share

Honda Motorcycles    79.3%

Yamaha    18.9%

Piaggio    1.1%

Suzuki Motorcycles    0.4%

Probably why there is a Honda Head on just about every main road, great bikes and great service.

- @Andybris2020

@robvan

Thank you for that story, the motorbike is not for me, I'm just trying to help my girlfriend. 

- @Malcolmleitrim

@robvan

Thank you for that story, the motorbike is not for me, I'm just trying to help my girlfriend. 

- @Malcolmleitrim

"...the motorbike is not for me YET,..."   

I'll bet ya' a nickel you'll be riding, soon enough.

Do let us know how it all turns out, Malcolm. This thread has generated quite a few views. Those enquiring minds, well you know, they're rumoured to want to know.

- @Aidan in HCMC

...now if only I could get money out of the ATM we'd be in clover!

- @Malcolmleitrim

I know about the limit thanks, I tried two different banks yesterday and both refused me, BIDV said contact your bank which you can imagine is a nightmare from here.

I have used BIDV successfully on previous trips, I'm furious with my bank at home because I told them I would be here. This digital age drives me mad sometimes.

- @Malcolmleitrim

I know about the limit thanks, I tried two different banks yesterday and both refused me, BIDV said contact your bank which you can imagine is a nightmare from here.

I have used BIDV successfully on previous trips, I'm furious with my bank at home because I told them I would be here. This digital age drives me mad sometimes.

- @Malcolmleitrim

If you have internet banking send the full amount to your gf's account, then get her to withdraw it.

- @colinoscapee

I know about the limit thanks, I tried two different banks yesterday and both refused me, BIDV said contact your bank which you can imagine is a nightmare from here.

I have used BIDV successfully on previous trips, I'm furious with my bank at home because I told them I would be here. This digital age drives me mad sometimes.

- @Malcolmleitrim

If you have internet banking send the full amount to your gf's account, then get her to withdraw it.

- @colinoscapee

Fortunately I've already done that as a precaution because this has happened to me before, but I don't like carrying large amounts of cash around if I can help it.

- @Malcolmleitrim

My Schwab ATM card will permit US$1000 per day.

- @gobot

My Schwab ATM card will permit US$1000 per day.

- @gobot

Did you know you can ask them to raise the daily limit, as well as change the daily limit for POS transactions?

I call their toll-free number using SKYPE.

I raised my daily ATM limit to $1,500.00 but lowered my daily POS limit from $30,000.00 to $250.00 (because I rarely ever use it as a debit/charge card and I want to avoid a problem if I ever lose it).

- @OceanBeach92107

HI everyone,
For Aidan in HCMC who asked and anyone else who would like to know, I arrived in Vietnam yesterday evening and today we went motorbike shopping. We ended up with a Honda Wave RSX with spoked wheels, electronic fuel injection and a front disc brake. The cost was 26.4 m VND including registration. The whole transaction was easily and painlessly accomplished in a Honda main dealership.
Thanks to everyone for your help, now if only I could get money out of the ATM we'd be in clover!
-@Malcolmleitrim

Hi Malcolm. Is it too soon to ask for your opinion of the Honda Wave RSX? How many kilometers so far?

And more importantly, have you taken it out solo yet?

ATM troubles cleared up?

@Aidan in HCMC Hi Aidan, the motorbike seems to be going well, it has been for its first service but it doesn't really travel very far, just a few km per day bringing Nhung to and from her office. I am back in Ireland at the moment but will be returning to Asia next month, hopefully for most of the winter, but it looks like I will have to hop from country to country because of the visa situation.

I managed to sort out the ATM problem after a 15 minute call to the bank in Ireland, but it's very irritating when this happens so often.

I have not driven the Honda Wave solo, nor would I be inclined to, unless it was out in the countryside. I managed to have a minor accident on a bicycle in Hoi An a few years ago, (not my fault) and I don't like taking any more risks than necessary.

Thanks for your interest.