VIETNAM USED MOTORBIKES FOR SALE

If you’re looking for used motorbikes for sale in Vietnam, along with current availability, prices, buying tips, and expert advice, you’ve come to the right place. In this guide, I’ll explain the different types of used motorcycles, what you can expect to pay, and the pros and cons of each option – from budget-friendly bikes to premium touring motorcycles.

If you’d like to browse the used motorbikes currently for sale from our company, please click here.

Are Touring Motorbikes Cheap or Expensive in Vietnam?

Vietnam is truly a motorbike nation, with more than 45 million motorcycles on the road in a country of around 93 million people. With a land area of just 329,560 square kilometres, motorcycles are the preferred form of transport, while large-displacement touring bikes remain relatively uncommon.

One of the main reasons is taxation. In Vietnam, motorcycles over 125cc are subject to significantly higher import duties, special consumption (excise) tax, and other government charges, making them considerably more expensive than smaller motorcycles.

When registering a motorcycle, owners must also pay a registration fee, which varies by location. In major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the registration tax is generally 5% of the motorcycle’s value. In addition, there is a fee for the number plate, which increases with the value of the motorcycle. For example, in Hanoi, the current plate fees are:

• VND 1 million for motorcycles valued at under VND 15 million.
• VND 2 million for motorcycles valued at VND 15-40 million.
• VND 4 million for motorcycles valued at over VND 40 million.

As a result, you can generally expect to pay 1.5 to 2 times more for a touring motorcycle in Vietnam than you would in many other countries. Chinese motorcycles are available at much lower prices, but they are typically limited to 110cc or 125cc models. The following sections explain the different options in more detail.

Vietnam Used Motorbikes for Sale: Low End (US$200-300) – Chinese Motorcycles 

This is probably the cheapest category of used motorbikes available in Vietnam, but it is also generally the lowest in quality. In reality, these motorcycles are not built to the same standards as those sold by Chinese manufacturers in China. Some sellers – both local and foreign – advertise these bikes using names such as Honda Wave or Honda Win, which can be misleading. A more accurate description would be Chinese Wave or Chinese Win, as these are copies, not genuine Honda motorcycles.

The original Honda Win was produced in Indonesia and discontinued in the early 2000s. Today, genuine Honda Win motorcycles in good condition are highly sought after by collectors in Vietnam and typically sell for US$1,000-2,000.

A used Chinese motorcycle can cost anywhere from US$50 (very poor condition) to around US$300 (reasonably rideable), while a brand-new model is priced at approximately US$700, including taxes and registration. Because of their low purchase price, many travellers choose these motorcycles in an attempt to save money. Unfortunately, low initial cost often comes at the expense of reliability, durability, and safety. Many riders soon discover that what they bought is less of a Chinese Win and more of a “Chinese Lose.” For more information, please check this link out.

The photo above shows an old Chinese Win copy, a good example of the type of motorcycle discussed in this section. Based on our experience, we have chosen not to rent or sell Chinese motorcycles because we believe our customers deserve safer, more reliable, and better-maintained machines.

Conclusion

Despite their low purchase price, we recommend avoiding Chinese motorcycles and investing in a better-quality bike, as discussed in the following sections. A more reliable motorcycle is likely to save you money, time, and frustration in the long run.

Alternatively, if you’re only travelling one way across Vietnam, you may wish to consider a one-way motorbike rental offered by some rental companies. A quick online search will help you find the available options.

Vietnam Used Motorbikes for Sale: Mid-Range (US$400-800) – Japanese & Taiwanese Motorcycles

There are many used motorbike dealers throughout Vietnam specialising in semi-automatic and fully automatic scooters. The most popular brands are Honda, Yamaha, SYM, and Suzuki. Among them, the Yamaha Nouvo is one of the most commonly available used scooters, followed by the Honda Wave and the SYM Elegant. We won’t cover Suzuki in detail because used models are relatively difficult to find and generally harder to resell.

Yamaha Nouvo

The Yamaha Nouvo was produced in six generations, with used prices typically ranging from US$150 to US$800, depending on the model year and condition. Before buying one, consider the following:

• Carburettor models can be difficult to start on cold mornings.
• Higher fuel consumption, typically 4-6 litres per 100 km.
• Spare parts are generally more expensive than Honda equivalents.
• Older bikes often have bent or worn wheels.
• Easy to buy, but resale value is relatively weak because demand from local buyers is lower.
• Braking performance and suspension comfort are generally inferior to comparable Honda models.

Honda Wave

The Honda Wave is, in our opinion, the best all-round choice in this price range. Used examples typically sell for US$450-800. Its main advantages include:

• Reliable starting, even early in the morning.
• Excellent fuel economy, averaging 1.8-2.2 litres per 100 km.
• Affordable, widely available spare parts throughout Vietnam.
• Strong resale value. A well-maintained Wave can often be sold for only around US$100 less than the purchase price.
• Reliable brakes and a comfortable suspension, making it ideal for everyday use.

SYM Elegant

The SYM Elegant is another good-value option, with prices generally ranging from US$400 to US$600. Here’s what you should know:

• Easy starting in all normal weather conditions.
• Good fuel economy, typically 2.0-2.5 litres per 100 km.
• SYM spare parts are less widely available, although many Honda components are compatible.
• Lower resale value than the Honda Wave, so depreciation is usually higher.

• Safe braking performance and comfortable suspension for daily commuting.

Conclusion

The Yamaha Nouvo is suitable for budget-conscious travellers who don’t mind riding an older scooter and are willing to accept higher running costs and lower resale value.

The Honda Wave is the best overall choice. Although the initial purchase price is higher, it offers excellent reliability, low running costs, and strong resale value, making it easy to sell when your trip is over.

The SYM Elegant sits comfortably between the two. It offers a good balance of purchase price, fuel economy, and reliability, although its resale value is generally lower than that of the Honda Wave.

Vietnam Used Motorbikes for Sale: Mid-High End (US$1,000-2,000) – Japanese Touring Scooters & Dirt Bikes

This price range is not inexpensive, but it offers some of the best value for money if you’re looking for a reliable touring motorcycle in Vietnam. All of our touring scooters and dirt bikes are modern models in excellent mechanical condition, making them ideal for longer journeys.

Honda Winner Touring Scooter

The Honda Winner is typically priced between US$1,000 and US$1,500. Here are a few reasons why it’s an excellent choice:

• Fuel-injected 2016–2017 models, providing easy and reliable starting, even after the bike has been parked for several weeks.
• Excellent fuel economy, averaging just 2-3 litres per 100 km.
• Affordable, widely available spare parts, supported by nearly 1,000 authorised Honda dealerships across Vietnam.
• A powerful 150cc engine producing almost 16 horsepower, making it suitable for both city riding and touring.
• Strong resale value, with good demand from younger Vietnamese riders.
• Excellent brakes and stable handling. The only drawback is the narrow, firm seat, which may be less comfortable on very long rides.

Honda XR125/XR150L Dirt Bike

The Honda XR125/XR150L is another excellent touring option, typically priced between US$1,500 and US$2,000. Here are some of its key advantages:

• Equipped with a 150cc engine producing approximately 11-13 horsepower, offering a good balance of performance and reliability.
• Fitted with an upgraded carburettor that improves starting and delivers slightly more power, with fuel consumption of around 3.5 litres per 100 km (compared with approximately 3.0 litres for the standard setup).
• Spare parts are readily available from our workshop, ensuring quick maintenance and repairs.
• A comfortable seat and long-travel suspension, making it well suited to rough roads and off-road riding.

• Resale value is generally good, although not quite as strong as comparable Honda scooters.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for high-quality motorcycles without spending a fortune, these models offer the best balance of purchase price, reliability, and resale value. They provide an enjoyable riding experience, low running costs, and can usually be sold quickly at a competitive price when your journey comes to an end.

Among all brands, Honda stands out for its exceptional resale value. With an estimated 80% share of Vietnam’s motorcycle market (new and used combined), Honda motorcycles are always in high demand, making them one of the safest long-term investments for riders travelling or living in Vietnam.

Vietnam Used Motorbikes for Sale: High End (From US$2,500) – Genuine Dual-Sport & Enduro Motorcycles 

Without doubt, this category offers the best riding experience and the highest level of performance. However, it also comes with the highest purchase price. A well-maintained Honda XR250 (1998-2000) or a Honda CRF250L (2014-2017) typically sells for around US$2,000-3,500 depending on its condition and maintenance history.

Other popular dual-sport motorcycles, such as the Suzuki DR250, Yamaha TTR250/XT250, and Kawasaki KLX250, are often available at slightly lower prices. However, spare parts for these models can be much more difficult to source in Vietnam. By choosing a Honda dirt bike, you’ll benefit from better parts availability, easier maintenance, and a stronger support network throughout the country.

One important factor to consider is resale. Because these motorcycles are relatively expensive, the pool of potential buyers is naturally smaller. If you need to sell your bike quickly, you should be prepared to accept US$500-1,000 less than your purchase price, depending on the motorcycle’s condition, age, and current market demand.

Conclusion

The best choice for riders seeking a true touring or off-road adventure. Although the initial investment is higher, you get a genuine dual-sport motorcycle with superior performance, durability, and capability – a real iron horse built for exploring Vietnam’s most challenging roads and trails.