Manual motorbike options in Vietnam, here are some models for 2020
article updated for 2020
When it comes to buying a motorbike, it is always sensible to consider the services and maintenance that comes with the motorbike. Here in Vietnam, the motorbike market is divided between local motorbikes and imported motorbikes. A lot of imported models can be classified as the hot “ naked bikes ” which often turn heads for their lighter weight and handling.
The local bikes are the motorbikes that are manufactured, assembled or even imported to the country under their manufacturer brand name. They are officially sold and benefit from a full support system from the local genuine motorbike garage such as Honda, Suzuki, and Yamaha. In other words, Honda will service a Honda motorbike and Yamaha will service a Yamaha motorbike.
“Not local motorbikes” or bikes that are imported by 3rd party dealers into Vietnam. They are legal, but these motorbikes are not supported by the official service centers. This means maintaining them can be much harder and finding parts can sometimes be impossible! These motorbikes mostly rely on their dealers to get spare parts and within backstreet mechanics, these parts can often be Chinese replica parts as the cost of importing genuine components is outrageously high.
Take one of these motorbikes to a genuine service center and they will turn you away despite it being under their brand name.
This article is for the motorcyclists that are looking to buy a genuine motorbike that is supported by the official garages. I hope it can help the buyer understand the available options on the 2019 motorbike market.
The ranking below is based on my opinion about the popularity of these models on the Vietnamese market. (prices can be slightly different depending on location and availability):
1. Yamaha Exciter 150 |
48 mil |
|---|---|
2. Honda Winner 150 |
46 mil |
3. Suzuki Axelo 125 |
28 mil |
4. Suzuki GZ 150 |
64 mil |
5. Suzuki Raider 150 |
50 mil |
6. Yamaha FZ150i |
69 mil |
7. Suzuki GD110 |
29 mil |
8. Suzuki GSX-S 150 / GSX-R 150 |
77 mil |
9. Yamaha TFX 150 |
80 mil |
10. Honda MSX 125 |
50 mil |
1. Yamaha Exciter 150
First choice for the local petrolhead and is a brand name itself among Vietnam manual bikes. The Exciter is one of Tigit’s few preferred manual motorbike choices.
Read more about the Yamaha Exciter history
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Exciter brand name | Rubbish suspension |
| One of the best handling motorbikes | big price gaps between different bike colors |
| Cool exhaust noise | |
| Yamaha always has parts |
Base price: 48mil
2. Honda Winner 150
Honda’s mighty contender to the Exciter. The Winner is a more of a well-rounded motorbike than the Exciter. Tigit also stocks the
Honda Winner
for rent.
The Tigit shop mostly prefers the Yamaha Exciter, but the Honda Winner seems to be a favorite among our customers.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Honda after service | Makes a boring exhaust noise (can be modified for better sound) |
|
Incredible price for one of the best manual motorbikes on the market |
Terrible stock seat |
| DOHC for more top speed |
Honda shops never stock parts, everything has to be ordered |
| Good suspension | |
| 6 gears/Many color choices |
Base price: 46 mil
3. Suzuki Axelo 125
AXELO is the bike for dreamers with shallow pockets.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| A quality manual motorbike for an incredibly cheap price. | Ugly looks |
|
Only one Suzuki shop in HCM and not many others across Vietnam |
Base price: 28 mil
4. Suzuki GZ150
Only choice for those looking for a cruising motorbike, the GZ150 is designed for cruising those endless highway roads. They come with boxes.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Only local cruiser motorbike | Only one authorized sales location in HCMC |
| Comes with boxes | |
| Large seat, comfortable drive | |
| Reasonable price |
Base price: 64 mil
5. Suzuki Raider 150
Race-kart motorbike for motorcycle enthusiasts, very small and lightweight but with plenty of power and noise.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High quality to the point that it can be modified up to death-defying speeds. | Tiny motorbike and not very practical for everyday use |
| Very cool exhaust noise | The parts are expensive |
| Terrifyingly fast when modified | Not newbie friendly; requires real skill to ride |
| It screams motorbike enthusiast to anyone who is on one - will earn instant cred |
Base price: 50 mil
6. Yamaha FZ150i
Yamaha’s contender to the imported Honda CBR150.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheap for a "naked bike" | Shares the same engine with the Exciter 150, 20 mil price gap |
| Beautiful looking motorbike | You're paying for looks |
7. Suzuki GD110
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Cheap price for a classic looking motorbike | 110cc engine is falling behind other manual motorbikes on the market |
| Comes with 2 options for style: Tracker or Cafe Racer | |
|
A great contender for those Honda Win or Honda 67 drivers |
Base price: 29 mil
8. Suzuki GSX-S 150 / GSX-R 150
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No experience with this beast | Maybe it's hard to find |
Base price: 77 mil
9. Yamaha TFX 150
Another Yamaha’s contender to the imported Honda CBR150.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Looks cool and outstanding for the price | A bit small for a "naked bike" |
Base price: 80 mil
10. Honda MSX 125
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Small and easy to drive around town | Lacks power |
| Status symbol, since it's expensive | Not practical |
Base price: 50 mil
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