Backpacker’s Guide to Buying a Motorcycle in Vietnam
One of the first things most people notice when they arrive in Vietnam is the absolutely ridiculous
numbers on motorcycles on the streets, and the almost complete lack of cars and busses. There are now well over 20 million bikes on the road, with over 3 million in Saigon (HCMC) alone! Holy shit.
Bikes here are used to transport the whole family (there are 4 people on the bike in this photo), as well as whatever crap you need to carry. I’ve seen bikes holding way more than average honda back home. So if you’re traveling through Vietnam, why fight it. Buy a bike.
Step 1: Decide what type of bike you want.
Everyone in Vietnam rides relatively small bikes with engines ranging from 100 to 125cc. The reason is that for bikes over 175cc you need special papers to get them in, and a special license to ride. Also, everyone here drives super slow (even on the highway people usually go about 60 kph, and at 80kph you’re passing virtually everyone) so there is no need for a big bike. So now that you know you need a small, cheap bike, you have 4 solid options:
1) Minsk
Russian made, 2-stroke 125cc engine, and it used to be the standard for an all-around bike in Vietnam. Now, not so much. Almost every time I see one of these now there is a white guy sitting on it, which means that parts are becoming more and more hard to find, as are mechanics who deal with them. They stink and smoke, and break down all the time. On the other hand, they look super cool, they get a good ride on rough roads, they can carry two people, and they’re cheap. You can pick a good one up for around $300. If you’re into working on the bike as much as riding, this could be your ride.
2) Honda Bonus
Honda name and reliability, plus a 125cc engine and one of the larger bikes on the road, and it looks cool. This bike is comfortable for two, has plenty of power, and it’s easy to find parts for and fix along the way. The downside is that they are on the heavy side (sucks in congested city streets), and they have a reputation for losing oil and ruining the top end. One mechanic is Saigon talked me out of buying one due to the necessity for increased maintenance. The Bonus is also a little pricy with a good one costing around $400.
3) Honda Wave 
The Honda Wave has to be the most popular bike on the road. I’ve seen more of these than anything else, literally millions of them here in Vietnam. Yes, they are a scooter, but even tough looking Vietnamese guys ride them, so no shame there. They come in several different engine sizes up to 110cc, which puts out more power than the 125cc Minsk, and gets better gas mileage. The 110cc engine is also the most popular and most reliable in Vietnam, so it doesn’t break down much, but if it does anyone can fix it super cheap and fast. Another plus is that you can get one with an auto transmission, which still lets you select the gear with your foot like a regular bike, but there is no clutch to worry about. This can be really nice for someone without much experience, and makes learning to ride a snap. The downside is that it’s really only good for one person, and the ride isn’t too great due to the light suspension and small tires. I’m also not a big fan of the riding posture and the feel of the balance on these things, but maybe that’s just a personal thing. The average price is in the middle at about $300 to $350 for a good used bike.
4) Honda Win
Probably the second most popular bike on the road next to the Wave. It also has the 110cc engine, with a standard 4 speed transmission. Plenty of power for the mountains, great reliability, and it gets about 25-30km per liter (or about 60mpg)! It’s good for two, but not as heavy as the Bonus, so it’s easy to ride in the cities. The price is similar to the Wave at $300 to $350 for a good one.
We went for a slightly modified Win that has upgraded rear shocks and a bigger seat meant for two. It also has a larger than normal tank (10L), so we never have to worry about gas. So far no problems, plenty of power, and pretty comfortable even on long rides. I love this bike even though it’s not the toughest thing on the road with it’s yellow and purple color scheme.
Step 2: Buy a Bike
Buying a bike in Vietnam is easy, but there are a few things to look out for. One of the easiest ways to get a bike is to but one off another backpacker. We bought our bike in Saigon, and there were new bikes showing up for sale at our guesthouse almost every day. In either Hanoi or Saigon you can easily walk down the street and find bikes other backpackers have used for sale. The only downside is that they are not mechanics and may not even know about problems that are coming. Luckily, a full tune up and regular repairs will only run about $40 on a bike that is running and driving pretty good. So if you see a good deal go for it, but have it checked out before you take off on a long trip. Most of the time you will get everything including a helmet, spare parts/tools, a map, and maybe rain gear. The most important thing you need to make sure you get is the blue registration card. This card doesn’t need to be in your name (no one changes it over), but you need to have it or the cops can confiscate your bike.
We bought our bike from a dealer named Kevin in Saigon. He checks out all the bikes and makes any repairs, so we knew what we were getting and didn’t have any surprises down the road. He also set us up with an oversized rack for our pack, a map, raingear, two full-face helmets (which are nice if you like your face), rain gear, and even insurance. He also said he would buy the bike back if we came back through Saigon. After shopping around for a week we found Kevin’s prices pretty competitive and it just seemed like the best/easiest deal for us.
Step 3: Get out and Ride 
Getting a bike allows you to go wherever, and whenever you want. It also allows you to play out some sort of mid-life crisis fantasy even though you’re only in your 20’s or 30’s, and it’s the best way to see Vietnam. Riding is also super fun, and that’s what you’re trip should be about.
Read about Part 1 of our trip here.
Themocracy
I am in Hanoi looking for a bike fit for two people to ride down to Saigon. Let me know if you have one to sell. Also, can someone please tell me if I need to get a Vietnam drivers license to ride in this country. I have been finding conflicting information. Thank you!
Hello guys/girls,
I am selling two Honda Waves. I am located in Ho Chi Minh.
For more information check: http://vietnam.craigslist.org/mcy/3570076916.html for my ad.
Greetings,
Dennis
PS: 1 = $300 / 2 = $550
Hey, thanks for the tips, great page. did anyone have Kevin’s details? Looking to ride from Saigon north leaving around the 5/2/2013. If your selling or riding that way feel free to contact me ay Ryan.mcdonough@hotmail.com
Hi – great post – very informative! I am also interested in Kevin’s contact info or address if you have? Was also wondering if you saw any bikes with side car – I am traveling with all my kiteboarding gear which is in a big golfbag so was thinking i could just put in side car and take off from Vietnam to Thailand on Bike. Any additional tips welcome!
evannovis@gmail.com
Evan
Hithere,
Great info, what’s the deal with licences? We’re heading off from Ho Chi Minh and would like to purchase a bike there, any tips would be most appreciated.
Probabley a long shot, but is it possible to hire a bike in Vietnam and drop it off in Siem Reap? Or even Bangkok
cindy1314@bigpond.com,
Cheers,
Cindy
Hey,
We are three guys who wants to buy three motorbikes in saigon.
Can we have info on Kevin? Madshildorf@gmail.com
If anyone is selling please call: +4553618788
Hey there,
Me and my friend are currently in saigon, looking to buy 2 Hondas. give me a message on +61458455784.
cheers!
Hey,
Will be arriving in Saigon on Wednesday 27th February 2013 and am looking to sell an Automatic Yahamaha Nouvo for $370
Contact me for details at damo.luft@yahoo.co.uk
Thanks!
Hey,
I am arriving in Saigon on the 27th February 2013 and I am looking to sell a recently fully serviced Honda Wave for $280!
Contact me for further details on ameerkpatel@gmail.com
Thanks
This blog is useful like a poetry or a proverb. It misses real useful hints. Who is “Kevin”. How do you actually buy a bike. Ok, I am giving you another good hint: do not drive around with a flat tyre; it is dangerous and you will most probably break the tyre.
Hey guys great post but as i am in central vietnam in hue i am looking to buy here… Any ideas? Or anyone looking to sell?
I’m in hanoi and looking to purchase a bike for touring Vietnam and Cambodia. If you have one for sale, please contact me.
Thanks,
Eddie
Eddie@eatinglightbulbs.com
Hi,
I’m in Saïgon, and I’m looking for a motobike like Honda Wave or equivalent.
If you have one to sell, send a foto and a price to :
m.degas@gmail.com
Thanks
Mathieu
I found the second hand Honda Wins, a little at around $200 – $225 for a used one in ok condition, or closer to $300 for one in pristine condition.
Good guide on different motorbikes. I wrote a little bit on what to look for in a bike in Vietnam, if anyone is looking for more info.
http://fivemonthrtw.wordpress.com/2013/03/06/motorbiking-in-vietnam-a-guide-to-riding-the-ho-chi-minh-highway/
Dominic´s last [type] ..Motorbiking in Vietnam: A guide to riding the Ho Chi Minh Highway
I wish buy 2 second hand bikes at 14.03.2013 in Sajgon.If you have something interesting write me: willa@jasna.pl
Thanks.Cris
D
What really get’s me frustrated when people don’t know the difference between scooters and motorcycles.
Hey all! Looking for two bikes to buy around the 16th of June 2013.
Planning a trip down to Ho Chi Min. Give me a shout
PS: any advice or so on reselling the bikes or would you park it on the dump after such a trip?
Sorry, looking for the bikes in Ha Noi
I have good second hand bikes in Saigon. Write me at vn.bikes@gmail.com if you need something good and affordable.
Bonus 125cc for sale in Hanoi
Bonus is in great condition !!! Just testride and you will see. Was perfect for us, 2 persons And 2 times luggage. It has custom racks for luggage on te side. Comes with 2 helmets and raingear! Contact us for more info. It has a new cilinder and carburator since 500 km so it is in very very good condition!! Very comfortable seat for 2 And good tyres and suspension. Tank for 10 litre so 350 km between gasstation! Price: $400
phone number: 01655855476
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.UUyLz9mLGWc´s last [type] ...UUyLz9mLGWc
Hey there,
We are three Dutch guys staying in the Pham Ngu Lao area of Ho Chi Minh City looking for (second hand) motorbikes to buy here.
We’re interested in the 100-150cc range (e.g. Honda Win, Suzuki GN125).
Let us know!
E-mail: dutchguysvietnam@gmail.com
Vietnamese mobile: 01639782722
Does anyone have contact info for the mysterious Kevin?
I have been looking for 3 specific models with no luck
they are the 2010-1012
Honda click I with pgm fi
the wave 110i with pgm fi
the wave rsx fi at with pgm fi
I am in HCM and found a used rsx fi at in hanoi for 800usd but its to far away I like all the newer bikes with fuel injection I see a few on the road but it seems maybe they were imported from Thailand? I know honda thailand has way more fuel injected bikes the wave i gets ridiculous milage 100 kilometers per 1.7 liters and for US Folks thats 130mpg I drive a lot sometimes 2 plus hours a day and sick of spending millions of dng on gas or anything thats not going in my body Also If anyone knows a mechanic selling all the PGM FI gear and guts ecm etc.. and can just swap on that stuff to a regular wave engine since im pretty sure its the same I would also consider that option If you know a place selling these models please contact me natgeo456@yahoo.com
Hi
Around the 16th of April I will arrive in HCMC with my Honda Win 110cc, ready to sell it. I bought the bike in Vietnam Motorbikes from 400 Dollar and it is in great shape. Just back from the north. Went on and off road, did 300 km rides per day.
Contact me via my Vietnamese Mobile number on 01289170221 or mail me on stijn.vanbrakel@gmail.com
Pictures available on request.
I am leaving HCMC on the 18th of April.
Regards
Stijn
Hi Guys if anyone planning to get rid Honda win(viet papers) in Siem reap or Phnom pehn next 22 days
please let me know
twobarrels@gmail.com
0975896916 (cambodia phone)
Hey guys!
I’m in Saigon now and I’m selling a Suzuki GN125. The price is 450$ including 2 good helmets, a chain lock, two sets of keys, and a big backpack rack with 5 straps.
Send me an email if you’re interested!
My email is
manusemil@hotmail.com.
Hi,
Just came from hoi an on a honda bonus 125 cc is in good condition, wanna sell at 475 dollar.
You can come and try the bike, wanna quick deal, so it’ s a fair price, including a good helmet, backpack reckmand straps for your luggage.
Send me an email on michel22022@gmail.com. Or phone me on nummer. 0125 6724075
Including the registration papers.
looking for two (or one) bikes in HCM. pref. Honda Wave. price between 200-300 $.
I would be very happy about fitting requests
viet nr.: 01289831196
Mareike
If the Kevin you are talking about is Kevin Raven then I would avoid him like the plague. He sold me a dog. The oil was thick black and the transmission was shot. It broke down 2 days out of town – VND2m to fix. I think that all you need to know about Kevin is that he told me to check the oil level every day!
EVERY DAY!
Hey everybody! I have a Yamaha nouvo scooter (125cc) up for grabs between April 13-18th when we arrive in Saigon/HCMC. Bike had a complete tune up before departure, comes with registration, excellent quality helmets, luggage rack, extra straps and even a piece of paper in Vietnamese asking for an oil change haha! (done every 1000km or so ) rode from Hanoi, good condition. Email me at Dustin.e.louis@gmail.com if interested.
Hi, I am Tam,mr. I have 1 motorcyle – Honda win for sales. I live in Cong Quynh, district 1. Please email me at vietnammotorcycletours.com@gmail.com via telephone +84 912 07 68 07.
Thanks
Tam Nguyen´s last [type] ..Mekong Delta Motorcycle Tours fromSaigon 3 days
Thanks for the useful post!
I’m looking to buy two well maintained bikes asap in HCMC. Preferably with luggage racks. Send me an email at larasse@gmail.com if you have something of interest!
Nicolai
Hello,
great website thanks. We are in Saigon and looking for a Honda win 110ccm or the rocking bonus!
has anyone an idea where to go or is there someone selling one?
replies greatly appreciated.
regards Jan
jancua1@gmail.com
jan´s last [type] ..Rajasthan
Hi,
I am in Hanoi and want to sell my Honda Bonus. So if anybody interested just send me a mail to ph_ra@hotmail.com.