BUYING vs RENTING MOTORBIKES

Choosing between buying and renting a motorbike in Vietnam can be difficult, especially with so many options available. To help you make an informed decision, we’ve outlined the key facts, costs, and considerations of both options below.

Some travelers complain about the quality of motorbikes in Vietnam, but this is often because they chose the cheapest option available. As with most things, higher-quality bikes generally come at a higher price. By setting a realistic budget, you can find reliable motorcycles that make your journey safer and more enjoyable.

Cheap Motorbikes

If you decide to buy a motorbike, the cheapest option is usually a Chinese-made copy of the Honda Win 110cc. Many travelers choose this model because of its low price, while some are misled by sellers who advertise it as a “Honda Win” rather than a Chinese copy.

In our experience, these bikes are often unreliable and poorly maintained, making them a risky choice for long-distance travel. Common problems include oil leaks, worn bearings, poor handling, and engine issues. While the low purchase price may seem attractive, repair costs and breakdowns can quickly add up.

For this reason, we do not rent or sell Chinese Win motorcycles. We believe that rider safety, reliability, and overall travel experience are far more important than simply choosing the cheapest option. In fact, it’s not a “Chinese Win” but a “Chinese Lose”!

Quality Motorbikes

If you prefer renting a motorcycle, you avoid the hassle of buying and later reselling it after your trip. Renting also allows you to ride a higher-quality bike than you might otherwise afford to purchase.

When renting, most riders carefully check every detail to ensure the bike is in good condition and meets high standards. In contrast, buyers – often working with a tighter budget – may accept lower-quality options that would not normally be acceptable in their home country.

We previously offered older Honda GL160 models, but based on customer feedback, we have upgraded to newer, more reliable bikes. We do not use or support Chinese copy models due to safety and quality concerns.

Real Touring Bikes

There are larger motorcycles from brands such as KTM, BMW, Honda, Kawasaki, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Yamaha, Suzuki, Triumph, and Royal Enfield. However, these bikes are generally not practical to focus on in Vietnam due to their very high cost, which can range from around $10,000 USD to over $100,000 USD.

In Vietnam, imported motorcycles above 125cc are subject to import taxes of 120% or more, making them significantly more expensive than in many other countries. For this reason, these high-end models are rarely relevant when comparing buying vs renting motorbikes in Vietnam.

Riding Two-Up

In reality, most of our bikes are not ideal for riding two-up. With a passenger, comfort is limited, especially in terms of seating space and legroom for the rider.

A true touring motorcycle designed for two people typically starts from around 650cc, which is very expensive in Vietnam due to import taxes of around 120%. For example, a new Kawasaki Versys 650cc costs approximately $14,000 USD in Vietnam – far beyond what is practical for most rental businesses. The most affordable options currently available are the Honda CB500X and NX500. However, these models are not suitable for off-road riding, so we have not added them to our fleet yet.

This is why we have to be realistic when comparing buying vs renting motorbikes in Vietnam and carefully balance cost with practicality and safety.

BUYING MOTORBIKES

Motorbikes for sale are generally more common in Hanoi than in Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). One reason may be that many riders are inspired by the BBC Top Gear Vietnam Special and choose to follow a similar north-to-south or south-to-north route.

In addition, riding conditions differ between regions. The South tends to have easier roads but heavier traffic, while the North offers more scenic mountain routes that are also more challenging. Many travelers prefer to start or end their journey in the North to experience these highlights last.

Below is a typical example of a Chinese Win motorbike often seen for sale in Vietnam, commonly listed by shops or other travelers.

Availability

Most touring motorbikes available on the market are either new or used Chinese-made copies of the classic Honda Win. These typically feature a 110cc engine, electric start, and 4-speed gearbox, with prices ranging from around $150-$400 USD for used models and $500-$600 USD for new ones.

Many dealers advertise these bikes as “Honda Win,” but in reality, they are often Chinese copies. To verify the origin, always check the registration papers – if the brand is not officially listed as Honda, it is likely a generic Chinese model.

Another common indicator is the starting system. Original Japanese Honda Win models are typically kick-start only, while many Chinese versions include both electric and kick start.

Overall build quality on these copies can be inconsistent, particularly in components such as brakes and other safety-related parts. For this reason, it’s important to carefully assess the condition and reliability of any bike before purchase or use.

Prices

Japanese manual touring motorbikes are also available in Vietnam, but they come at a significantly higher price.

The smallest option is the Honda Win 100cc, which was discontinued in the early 2000s. Today, used models typically cost between $500-$1,000 USD, while well-preserved or rare examples can exceed $2,000 USD. This model was only produced with a kick-start system and never came with an electric start. It is also highly regarded by many collectors in Vietnam.

Above this, there are various underbone manual clutch bikes and touring motorcycles that cover a wide range of budgets. A used Suzuki FX125 can cost around $300-$400 USD. Newer models include the Suzuki Raider 150cc (around $2,300 USD) and the Yamaha Exciter 135-155cc, typically priced between $2,000-$2,500 USD. In 2016, Honda Vietnam also introduced the Honda Winner 150cc, priced at approximately $2,000 USD including registration.

True touring motorcycles are considerably more expensive due to importation costs. In Vietnam, vehicles above 125cc are subject to a 90% import tax plus an additional 20% luxury tax, making them far more expensive than in many other countries. As a result, used 125-150cc touring bikes generally cost $500-$1,000 USD, while new models often start from around $2,500 USD.

We only offer selected used motorcycles, such as the Honda XR250 and XR125/150L, which are upgraded from our own fleet. We do not specialize in second-hand bike trading and do not provide buy-back services.

Motorbike Quality

In general, Chinese copy motorcycles are considered the lowest-cost option and can vary significantly in quality, especially in Vietnam where pricing pressures are very high. As a result, the condition of these bikes is often more basic compared to similar models sold in other markets.

Japanese motorcycles, on the other hand, tend to maintain consistent standards worldwide. They are produced under strict quality, safety, and emissions regulations, including requirements for braking systems, lighting, and overall reliability.

Even Honda models manufactured in China are typically built to higher and more consistent standards than many generic Chinese-made copies. As a rule, higher quality and better safety usually come with a higher price.

What Do You Need?

You should have basic mechanical knowledge and be prepared for any challenges on the road. If you buy a used motorbike, it is usually necessary to service it before starting your trip, as it may have already completed a long journey.

Please check our other pages on this website to help you plan your trip in Vietnam.

Buying vs Renting: Why Buy?

Buying a motorbike can make sense if you want to save money, are comfortable with lower standards, or plan to travel long distances across multiple countries.

We also sell selected used Japanese Honda motorbikes (no Chinese copies). You can follow this link on our website to learn more.

If you are still unsure and wondering “How bad is a Chinese Win?”, we recommend checking this link before making your decision on buying vs renting motorbikes.

HIRING MOTORBIKES

When you rent a touring motorbike in Vietnam, you typically receive better support and guidance from professional rental companies. Most fleets consist of Japanese motorcycles, although some operators may still offer older models such as Belarusian Minsk bikes or low-cost Chinese Win copies.

One-way rentals are usually more expensive due to the cost of returning the motorbike to its original location. However, Vietnam remains one of the most affordable countries in the world for renting touring motorcycles.

Available Bikes

Most of rental motorbikes are updated and well-maintained (excluding Chinese copy models). You will find a wider range of manual touring and off-road bikes in Hanoi compared to Ho Chi Minh City.

The standard engine size is 125cc, but there are also larger options including 150cc, 230cc, 250cc, 300cc and even 500cc models. Many customers choose 150cc or 250cc dirt bikes for their balance of power (around 13-28HP) and strong suspension, making them suitable for Vietnam’s varied road conditions and speed limit.

Click this link on our website to find the right motorbike for your Vietnam adventure.

Support

Most rental shops provide a basic toolkit and essential spare parts upon request during the rental period. Choosing newer bikes is generally a better option, as they offer improved fuel efficiency, greater reliability, more power, and fewer repairs over time.

We provide full support, including a toolkit (on request), spare parts, road tips, traffic rules, and practical advice to help make your trip safe and memorable. We are with you on the road throughout your journey.

Safety Riding Gear

It is best to bring your own riding gear for the highest comfort and fit. However, we also offer rental gear at $3 USD per person per day. A standard set typically includes an HJC helmet, gloves, and protective clothing or pads, as shown in this link.

What Do You Need?

You should have basic mechanical knowledge, or we can show you the essentials when you collect your motorbike. It’s also important to plan ahead before starting your trip. Please explore the other pages on our website for more information, and feel free to contact us if you need any further details.

Why Rent?

Renting gives you peace of mind – no need to worry about buying, selling, or servicing a motorbike before and after your trip. You simply pick up a bike and enjoy your journey through Vietnam!

CONCLUSION: BUYING vs RENTING

Deciding between buying and renting a motorbike is not always easy. In most cases, you get what you pay for. While there are many skilled repair shops in Vietnam, maintenance and repair costs can add up over time.

Choosing a more reliable motorbike can save you money and stress in the long run, helping you avoid breakdowns that may disrupt your trip. Although taxes may change in the future and more touring bikes may be produced locally, this remains a consideration for later.

To understand the difference in performance between Japanese motorbikes and lower-quality alternatives in off-road conditions, please watch the video below.

 

That’s it – straightforward advice to help you make your decision more easily. For more information, pleas contact us.