Looking to Buy a Motorbike in Vietnam?

Buying a motorbike in Vietnam may seem difficult at first. However, with a bit of guidance, it is actually quite easy. I have done it four times and learned some valuable lessons along the way.

Here you will learn about the types of motorbikes available in Vietnam and where to buy a motorbike in each of the major cities.

I will also answer common questions like; should you buy an auto or a manual, a Chinese copy, a legit Honda or possibly a Belarusian Minsk? Or should you actually just rent instead?

Most importantly, you will also learn how to check your motorbike properly before handing over your cash.

It’s easy to get screwed over, this unbiased buyer’s guide makes sure you don’t.

At the end of this article, I will also show you some epic Vietnam motorbiking routes which you seriously don’t want to miss. So, make sure you read to the end!

First. Should I Rent or Buy a Motorbike?

Most travellers don’t give this enough thought.

If traveling Vietnam for 2 months or longer, you should buy your own motorbike. It works out cheaper over the long run. Remember that you’ll need to spare a few days at the start and end of your journey to buy and try to resell a decent motorbike.

However, bear in mind that selling your motorbike for a fair price can be quite challenging. I’ve experienced it firsthand. Don’t expect to recover all (or even half) the amount you spent on the motorbike.

If traveling Vietnam less than 2 months, you’re better off renting a motorbike. You can actually rent a much better motorbike (like a Honda XR150) with free roadside breakdown assistance for the same price. Plus, you avoid messing around looking for a decent motorbike to buy, and then trying to offload it for a fair price.

The main challenge with good quality motorbike rentals is the high demand. You should try to secure rental motorbikes at least 2 months in advance.

I’ve partnered directly with reputable motorbike shops in Hanoi, Danang and Ho Chi Minh City offering reliable bikes at great prices. Convenient one-way drop offs are also available for a fee. Send me an enquiry now and get an exclusive discount!

Which Motorbike Should I Buy?

If you want to buy a cheap motorbike in Vietnam, then your best option is probably a Chinese copy Honda Win. It is cheap, has a manual clutch, uses normal petrol, and is easy to fix when you inevitably break down.

Legitimate Japanese built Hondas are way more expensive to buy (USD 1,000+) and often far outside backpacker budgets. If you want a real and reliable Honda you’re really better off renting from around USD 15 per day (enquire here).

However, the manual clutch Honda Win might not be for everyone. So, here are the most common motorbike options you will find in Vietnam for sale (note that where I refer to Honda in this section, I mean a Chinese copy):

1. Honda Dream: semi-automatic // 100cc scooter // Price Range USD 200-300
2. Honda Wave: semi-automatic // 100cc motorbike // Price Range: USD 200-300
3. Honda Win: manual clutch // 110-125cc motorbike // Price Range USD 300-400
4. Russian Minsk: manual clutch // 125cc motorbike // Price Range USD 300-400
5. Honda XR150: manual clutch // 150cc motorbike // Price Range USD 1100-1500

Honda Wave & Honda Dream (Semi-Auto)

The Honda Wave and Honda Dream are best for those with little to no motorbiking experience.

Pros: These motorbikes are both semi-automatics which do not require you to use a clutch. This means changing gears is as easy as pushing the foot lever up and down. It might take about an hour of getting used to, but you’ll quickly be on your way. Essentially, if you can ride a bicycle, you can ride a Honda Wave or Honda Dream.

Other benefits of these motorbikes are the comfortable seat and the small under-seat storage for those things you really want to keep dry.

Cons: you might cop a bit of shit from other riders with manual motorbikes like the Honda Win. And without a clutch, you might struggle up some of the steeper mountains and off road trails.

Honda Win (Manual Clutch)

If you’re traveling on a tight budget and don’t mind the frequent breakdown, then buying an old Honda Win (copy) is your best option. You’ll need a bit of experience with both riding and repairing motorbikes though.

Pros: This motorbike is your cheapest option if on a tight budget. You can buy one for around USD 300 and aim to sell it again for half the price. The Honda Win offers the clutch control needed to ride through the high mountain passes in northern Vietnam. Without a clutch, getting to more remote and off-road places can be tough.

Cons: As they’re generally not maintained at all, these old cheap Honda Wins will break down often. You should also give them a daily check over tightening up all nuts and bolts that rattle loose from standard riding. However, if you know what you’re doing, these bikes are fairly indestructible.

Russian Minsk (Vintage)

The Russian Minsk is both badass and bad. It looks awesome, sounds awesome, and breaks down everywhere. I only recommend a Minsk for those who really know how to fix a motorbike.

Pros: The Minsk is a two-stroke motorbike. One of the fondest memories is the smell of burnt oil riding up the mountains. The suspension on the Minsk Sport version is ok for off-roading and the seats are more comfortable.

Cons: They break down all the time. Even a well serviced Mink will break down almost every day. Spare parts are uncommon and cost way more as they are not interchangeable with the Japanese/Chinese motorbikes. Many locals even refuse to repair a Minsk. Carry lots of spare parts or be prepared to search for a long time.

If you’re buying a Minsk in Vietnam, consider your repair budget to be the same as the cost of the motorbike itself.

Honda XR150 (Adventurer)

The Honda XR150 is your best motorbike option if you’re planning to rent, not buy. It offers the best of both worlds for on-road and off-road riding capabilities, with enough power to climb up steep backtrail mountain passes like those you’ll find around Ha Giang.

Pros: Great suspension and off-road tires give you the flexibility to explore even the most remote parts of Vietnam. The XR150 looks, sounds, and feels awesome. Everyone will see you as a true adventurer, and think, shit they came prepared! You can rent them from USD 15 per day, drop me an enquiry here to check availability now.

Cons: They’re expensive to buy. Apart from that, nothing.

Where to Buy a Motorbike in Vietnam?

Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC)

Remember these words “find the guy next to the big neon bull.”

Backpackers are most likely to stay at or near Pham Ngu Lao Street. At one end of the street, there’s a huge neon bull’s head called the Crazy Buffalo.

Go to that neon sign, then head into the small alley on the left. There you will meet a short Vietnamese guy fixing used motorbikes. He has a huge stash of motorbikes underground at an average price of USD 300.

Not all of his motorbikes are in great condition, so I suggest inspecting them with my detailed checklist at the end of this article. You can also give these motorbikes a test ride first.

Some motorbikes have been crashed badly and repaired while others have been looked after well.

Hanoi

If you’re looking to buy a motorbike in Hanoi then you should start off at the backpacker district in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Ngo Huyen is a crowded narrow laneway where you will find lots of hotels, guesthouses, travel agents, and the shop called Phung Motorbike. This guy has loads of new and used motorbikes for rent and for sale, which will have been serviced well.

You can usually buy a motorbike cheaper in Hanoi directly from another backpacker, however, it will not have been serviced and most likely has been crashed.

Be sure to check out my Hanoi travel guide while you’re in town!

Sapa

Backpackers regularly ride from Hanoi to Sapa, then plan to cross from Sapa to Laos with the overnight bus. These backpackers often have their Vietna tourist visa running out of time and need to offload the motorbike quickly.

This means you can often get a motorbike in Sapa super cheap, at around a 60-70% discount of the purchase price.

We sold two decent condition motorbikes in Sapa for a total of USD 200. But the catch was that you had to take both or none.

Buying a Motorbike Online

Travelswop – this marketplace website has been around forever. Listings are not updated very often, and there is quite a limited choice available. You are better off going directly to the small shops.

Facebook – the Facebook group called ForSaleVietnam lists all sorts of things by locals and expats. Scroll through the page and you will find motorbikes posted quite often.

ChoTot – this is the Vietnamese version of Craigslist or Gumtree with just about everything for sale. The website is only available in Vietnamese, but this link will take you directly to motorbike listings.

What to Check Before You Buy

If you have never ridden a motorbike in Vietnam, welcome. Let me start by telling you that all budget second-hand motorbikes will have been crashed at some point. If you’re being told otherwise, it’s a lie.

Since these motorbikes have been crashed, they’ve been damaged, and not all have been repaired properly. Here are a few basic checks to make before you buy a motorbike in Vietnam:

• Check the rear swingarm is straight – the rear swingarm is those two vertical forks holding the rear wheel in place. If either of the rear swingarm forks are bent then, your ride will veer to the side every time you pass over a rumble strip or pothole.
• Check the headlight works and is powerful – riding at dusk or night in Vietnam is downright dangerous, but it happens quite often. You are not always going to reach your destination in daylight hours, so be prepared.
• Check the battery properly charges and holds a charge – the battery provides steady power to the headlight. If the battery is no good the headlight will be dim and flicker as your riding speed changes.
• Check the horn works – it doesn’t take long to realize the Vietnamese rely on horns to communicate.
• Test the front brake – Rule #1 when riding a motorbike is to use your front brake when stopping fast. If it doesn’t work properly you will crash soon.
• Check for the Blue Card – the Blue Card is the Vietnamese vehicle registration paper. Police may stop you and ask for this, so be sure your motorbike has one.

Typical Motorbike Repair Costs

There is no point denying that your motorbike will break down. With a Chinese copy motorbike it is inevitable, and buying a genuine Japanese usually just isn’t worth it.

However, one of the things that makes Vietnam such an attractive place to motorbike across is the abundance of motorbike mechanics. And they’re cheap!

Here are some of the most common breakdowns with a rough price guide for repairs:

• Repair a tire tube – VND 30,000 (USD 1)
• Change tire tube – VND 50,000 (USD 3)
• Change an entire tire – VND 200,000 (USD 9)
• Tighten chain – VND 30,000 (USD 1)
• Change engine oil and filter – VND 150,000 (USD 6.5)
• Repair cracked motorbike frame – VND 200,000 (USD 9)
• Replace rear swing arm bolt – VND 200,000 (USD 9)

It is best you learn to do the following easy repairs by yourself; change the spark plug, clean the spark plug, adjust the brake and clutch cables, pump up your tyres.

Useful Tips for Motorbiking in Vietnam

After renting or buying a motorbike, there are a few useful accessories you should consider for your big journey. These things will make your trip much easier and more enjoyable:

• Bungy cords make tying down your luggage way easier. These will save you at least 10 minutes every morning compared to using ropes. Make sure you buy a few spares as they tend to snap easily.
• Wet weather gear. Although it looks expensive now, it is worth every last Vietnamese Dong in your pocket. You’ll thank me when you get blasted by a thunderstorm up in the mountains.
• Some essential spares parts include; headlight bulb, fuel filter, fuel line hoses, tire tubes. They will all come in handy.
• Tools; spanner, hammer, hand tire pump – all the basics.
• A decent road map of Vietnam, this is essential for exploring the back roads, especially when there’s no internet signal!

Where to Ride in Vietnam?

Heading north from Ho Chi Minh City, your first stop may be Dalat, Nha Trang, and Cat Thien National Park. Departing Hanoi, you might make your first pitstop at Ninh Binh, Thai Nyugen, or Haiphong.

To learn more about these, and 23 other destinations right across the country, you cannot miss my epic Vietnam Motorbike Route. This details exactly how I rode across the entire country for over three months.

These are the basics of renting or buying a motorbike in Vietnam and getting yourself properly set up for the journey ahead. Don’t rush, take it easy and enjoy the ride!

MORE AWESOME VIETNAM ARTICLES YOU’LL LOVE