Each second backpacker you meet in Southeast Asia talks about driving scooters round Thailand or taking a motorcycle throughout the size of Vietnam. It has nearly develop into a rite-of-passage for travellers in Southeast Asia to leap behind the handlebars of a Honda Wave or Win and zoom by way of the countryside. After our 8 months and 15’000km driving throughout the area, we are able to truthfully say that that is maybe one of the simplest ways to discover the international locations of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. For those who wish to do it themselves, right here is our information on shopping for a motorcycle in Southeast Asia.
Do I Want Journey Insurance coverage?
Legally, no. Intelligently, sure. Accidents do occur on daily basis and, sadly, we now have had a couple of pals be severely injured and worse, killed on the roads in Southeast Asia. Motorbiking is harmful, and there’s no denying that.
You would possibly assume that this gained’t occur to you, or that if you’re injured that medical care is affordable. However not if you find yourself in a critical situation or have a collision with one other particular person and you’re liable for private damage. Critically take into account getting journey insurance coverage earlier than you journey a motorcycle in Southeast Asia!
If you recognize the proper firm, you’ll be able to even purchase journey insurance coverage while you’re already on the street (in case you have got already began your journey). If you wish to know extra, learn our article Do I Want Journey Insurance coverage.
We advocate World Nomads.
What Sort Of Motorcycle To Purchase?
The preferred sorts of bikes present in Southeast Asia are 100-125cc scooters, specifically Honda Waves and Honda Desires. These strong, dependable bikes appear to final endlessly, and discovering elements to repair them is extraordinarily simple. In case you journey huge bikes again in your house nation it’s possible you’ll be postpone on the considered downsizing to a moped. Earlier than you write them off fully nonetheless, consider simply how exhausting will probably be to search out elements for a CBR600RR in rural Cambodia.
In Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia one other common choice is a Honda Win. These are precise motorbikes versus scooters, with a full guide transmission and taller suspension. Discovering elements for these are additionally a chunk of cake and nearly each mechanic in Southeast Asia could have no downside fixing one.
One other factor to remember is licensing. In Vietnam, any engine over 175cc requires particular permits – not one thing that one can attain in a month, and even 3 month lengthy stint within the nation with out placing in appreciable effort and time. For the sake of ease, we advocate shopping for a motorcycle with a smaller engine measurement. Additionally you’ll unlikely have the ability to utilise a giant bike to its full potential on a lot of the traffic-filled, potholed roads of Southeast Asia.
Our suggestion – Purchase a Honda Win or Honda Wave.
Guide Or Automated?
We propose shopping for a full guide or semi-automatic bike. NOT an automated. Automated bikes are costlier to repair, burn by way of much more gasoline and are far much less reliable if you’re driving on mountainous or gravel terrain. Take our phrase for it – if you’re driving down a steep grime street, you will need the choice of choosing your gear earlier than descending.
In case you are fearful that you simply don’t have the abilities to journey a semi-automatic bike, calm down! They’re very simple to journey and after about one hour of apply you may be constructing your confidence up in a short time. It isn’t difficult.
What Do I Want To Purchase A Motorcycle?
Shopping for a model new motorcycle in Southeast Asia might require numerous paperwork. In Thailand for instance you want a housing settlement to show you really stay there. Nonetheless if you’re solely planning on driving your motorcycle for a couple of months, getting a second hand bike is the best choice. For this you solely really want a fistful of money. Simply be sure that the earlier proprietor provides you the registration papers. In Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia most individuals simply depart the bike registered within the unique title as they don’t should be renewed.
In case you are fascinated about crossing borders together with your motorcycle, we advocate shopping for a Vietnamese-plated bike. These can enter Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam legally with minimal fuss. Every other registration could be very tough to maneuver throughout borders with out full possession of the bike.
Do I Want A Licence?
Technically sure, you do want a licence. In Thailand, Cambodia and Laos an Worldwide Drivers Allow will likely be sufficient to keep away from hassle with the police (though Cambodian police are fairly corrupt and should not settle for it). In Vietnam an area licence is required, nonetheless that is very not often enforced. Likelihood is you’ll by no means be pulled over by a police officer in Vietnam except you’re concerned in an accident or are driving in an unsafe method.
Remember that your journey insurance coverage is not going to cowl you except you have got a legitimate licence accepted within the nation you’re driving in. This implies your automotive licence from again residence doesn’t cowl you for driving a motorcycle in Cambodia or Laos. In Vietnam you WILL NOT be coated by insurance coverage except you get a Vietnamese licence. Bear in mind all this subsequent time go to open the throttle round a blind nook.
How A lot Ought to I Spend?
You’ll be able to actually spend as little or as a lot as you need on a motorcycle. As a tough ballpark determine for backpackers, try to be round US$250 for a second hand Honda Win or Wave. This could differ by a few hundred {dollars} both aspect relying on situation, the place you purchase it and model. Bikes in Cambodia and Laos are costlier.
The native worth on a Honda Win in Vietnam is nearer to US$100, however don’t count on to get one for this worth except you have got a Vietnamese buddy who makes the acquisition for you.
Purchase From A Backpacker Or A Store?
In case you go to any of the backpacker districts in Vietnam, you will see that a whole lot of individuals promoting their motorbikes. You’ll be able to often get a greater worth for a motorcycle off of a backpacker, as they’re usually in need of time on the subject of promoting. However don’t be a douche bag and throw out a ridiculously low-ball worth within the hopes of screwing one other backpacker out of $50. Bear in mind, we’re all travellers and may all look out for one another!
One thing to remember when shopping for a motorcycle off of a backpacker is that some (not all) attempt to spend as little cash as potential on upkeep and repairs. If a biker tells you they did one oil change in 2000km, their bike might be going to disintegrate on you. You’ll be able to nearly inform right away from the particular person and the way in which their bike appears to be like whether or not they took care of it or not. Use your instincts.
In case you purchase a motorcycle from a store they often do a full service earlier than they promote it. The price of these bikes will often be greater, however they usually include a driving lesson and a few gear. From the bigger and extra respected outlets they might also have a assured buy-back scheme on the finish of your journey.
This isn’t to say shopping for a motorcycle off of a backpacker is a nasty concept – they a minimum of know the latest historical past of the bike in comparison with a store that simply purchased it from somebody. Simply be sure that they frequently maintained it.
What To Look For When Shopping for A Motorcycle In Southeast Asia
Most motorbikes in Southeast Asia have ridden hundreds and hundreds of kilometres across the area. Fortunately they’re dependable and sometimes get new elements all through their total historical past. In case you are unfamiliar with motorbikes and engines, you’ll want to a minimum of take a look at these few issues if you take it for a take a look at journey:
- No fluid leaks.
- Cables and is derived are in good situation.
- Tyres have tread.
- Brakes work.
- Headlight, brake lights and indicators work (low-cost to repair if not).
- No corrosion on battery terminals or wires.
- Suspension not too comfortable.
- Mirrors (sure you have to these).
Word that your odometre and speedometre will in all probability not work. That is regular on the subject of motorbikes, and chances are high when you get it mounted that it’ll break once more in the future quickly. Don’t stress about this. Additionally keep in mind that repairs are low-cost in Southeast Asia. You should buy a whole new engine for US$50 when you go to the proper place.
When taking your motorcycle for a take a look at journey be sure to take it out on a freeway (if potential) and actually push the engine to close full velocity. That is the one technique to know whether or not the engine is definitely in good situation. Most bikes sound effective in third gear pottering alongside at 20km/h. You actually need to start out hitting 50 or 60 to see if the bike begins shaking violently or if it begins spluttering. Do a brake examine at an honest velocity as properly. In case you can, journey as much as about 40km/h and brake exhausting in a straight line (bear in mind to not lock up the entrance brake). If a child runs out in entrance of you, you will wish to know you’ll be able to really cease the bike.
Promoting Your Motorcycle
After you have reached the tip of your journey you will wish to promote your motorcycle once more. The best method to do that is to promote it on to a motorcycle restore store. You’ll not get an ideal worth for this, however a minimum of you’re going to get one thing and it’s problem free.
In case you are determined to get some extra cash again to your bike, your greatest guess is to promote it to a different backpacker. Go to a well-liked hostel in a backpacker district and make a poster. Additionally make an advert on an internet classifieds web site corresponding to Craigslist or an expat website.
