Buying a bike in SE Asia that can be taken accross borders
 

Hi All
I'm planning to spend 6 months riding around SE Asia next year and would like to do it all on the same motorcycle. So, I was wondering which country is the best for buying a bike that I can register in my own name that I can take across national borders with minimum hassle?
I've done a bit of touring (on various Honda step-thus) in North Thailand, Cambodia, South Java (from Bali) and Vietnam in recent years but this time I'd like to cover the lot on a larger more comfy machine (except 'Nam and Burma) in one long trip and ideally ending up in the same country where I bought my bike, so I can sell it again.
I'm not sure which sort of machine to buy, but I was thinking along the lines of a Honda XL250 or similar. I've heard however, that the Chinese manufacturer Lifan offer good deals on their bikes and have a good dealer network across the whole region -does anyone have experience of their machines?
I realise this question has been asked before, but getting the latest info and hearing peoples experiences would be very helpful.
Many Thanks
Phil TK
England

Hola, les cuento que he tenido bastante experiencia con los productos chinos.
A una moto de 200 cc la lleve por América durante 32000 kmts y aguanto bien.
En Australia compre una Kimco 125 cc y le metí 19884 kmts.
Ahora pienso en India comprar una Royal Enfield 500 o una Badjad pulsar 200 cc.
Los motores chinos están desarrollados hasta 200 cc de 200 cc para arriba están en etapas de consolidarse.
Lo esencial es cuidarla, no pasarlas de vueltas y llevarlas a una marcha tranquila de 80 a 90 kmts/h...el resto lo hace el piloto.
Pero estas motos, conosco las Lifan desde Peru y son buenas maquinitas.
No son para toda la vida, pero para un viaje inferior a 30000 kmts están bien.
Les dejo mi blog para que vean lo hecho.
The Dreams Trip / El viaje de los sueños
Saludos.
Buenas rutas.
Ernesto.

Hi,

My suggestion is buy your bike in Malaysia as it's a straight forward procedure and you can take it around SEA without much hassle.

If you decide to start from here, let me know and will show you around where to get the bike and if time permit would like to join you for the trip.

sorry to jump onto the thread but at the moment i'm organising a trip to asia myself and am arriving on the 22nd of December.. until march.

if I fly into Malaysia and buy myself a bike what about the paperwork to ride off into the other countries? does it get changed easily into my name without an address? I don't understand? please explain as this interests me very much and would make my trip a lot easier .. thanks for any advice and sorry again for jumping onto the thread

[QUOTE=kevinhancock750;441319]sorry to jump onto the thread but at the moment i'm organising a trip to asia myself and am arriving on the 22nd of December.. until march.

if I fly into Malaysia and buy myself a bike what about the paperwork to ride off into the other countries? does it get changed easily into my name without an address? I don't understand? please explain as this interests me very much and would make my trip a lot easier .. thanks for any advice and sorry again for jumping onto the thread[/QUOTE

Hi,

The paper works in basically straight forward. Normally, the bike shop will do everything for you. Don't worry to much about the address as can easily be sorted out.

Once you get your bike registered under your name, just jump on it and cross the border around SEA region.

Hope this help. Cheers.

thanks for your reply,
what if I buy a bike privately and not from a shop? I been looking on the internet and was interested in something like the Honda wave for 10wks but secondhand not new... or small 125cc motorbike.

Hi Kevin...

Don't see any problem if want to get privately own or secondhand bike. The only thing is you have to do the registration on your own or pay a small amount of fees to a shop and they will do it for you.

well that is welcomed news.... :thumbup1:
either that or its rent in each country that I visit which would be a pain, and also moving between the countries is now made easier..:thumbup1:

looks like i'm in Malaysia for Christmas then :D
any ideas how long the paperwork takes? to changover to my name?
i'm arriving in Bangkok on 22nd December and will then probably fly on 23rd to KL to start looking for a bike. I know theres a meet in north Thailand on 10th January so would like to be there.

and thanks for your replies zainal.

Thanks for the replies guys. Hopefully we all will stay on this thread and we can exchange even more information in the near future.
And many thanks to Zainal, your information certainly makes things a lot easier for me in terms of planning. What I would also be interested in is prices, could you let us know of some examples of what is available in dealers at the moment? I would be interested in a secondhand machine initially -around 250cc or maybe smaller if it is a reputable model.

Cheers
Phil TK

hope you don't mind me latching onto your thread phil...
as we're looking for the same information
www.mudah.my is a site I was just looking at for secondhand bike in Malaysia. theres probably other sites too but I found quite a few cheap small 125cc on there.
when you thinking of going?

No, I don't mind at all, it's great stuff.
I'm heading off from the UK in late January, it's a shame I'll miss the Hubb meeting in Chiang Mai -I went to the last one and it was an excellent event, well worth it. Once I'm over in SEA I'm not sure if I will head off from KL to Sumatra and then Java, Bali etc or go north and do Thailand and Cambodia etc I'll be away 6 months at least -is the plan.
Cheers for the link Kevin.
Phil TK

Yes mudah.com.my is the one you should look at for the kind of bike and price range. From there you will know what the market like. Once you decide what you want then only we can look into it or maybe get a better price somewhere. Bear in mind there are lots of second hand bike too at the shop. Cheers

Hi Guys, I also am hoping to get a moto in KL just before Xmas with help from Zainal. I am presently riding around Laos on a Vietnamese registered tiddler which I will be handing back to the rental agency at the end of Nov. If you want to meet up in KL for a beer and info swap let me know. Ride safe.

hi maja, by the looks of things i'll be arriving in KL on the 23rd December and a meet up would be nice bier. it's my first time in asia so some advise over a glass or three would be greatly received :thumbup1:.

just need to start organising a bike and have it ready for my arrival which would be nice. i'm only looking for something small possibly ex5 or similar.

'Glad this thread is proving useful already. I hope everyone stays in touch and keeps us informed on how their trip goes.
I poured over some maps this weekend and to update my plans:- I've decided to travel from KL up to the Thai border and ride along the Thai-Burma border to the North, stopping off at Phuket and Koh Tao for a bit of diving perhaps.
I need to be in Vietnam at the end of March to meet some fellows from the UK for a couple of weeks and will look to store my bike somewhere in Bangkok and then fly to Hanoi. Then back to Bangkok and ride into Cambodia and Laos.


Cheers
Phil TK

Me, too!
 

Hi All,

I leave in 28 days (on 1 Nov) for Saigon, arriving on 1 Dec. Will spend the first few days locating and buying a bike.

Then, it's up the coast to Hanoi, over to Halong Bay, back west to Sapa, and then down through Laos, over to Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar, before heading back to Saigon for Tet at the end of January. Am solo as of now, and would very much like to meet up with anyone who may be in the area. bier

Just heard about the HUBB get together in Chang Mai and will hit that, if I can.

Am keeping a blog--sporadically for now, hopefully daily during the adventure: ridingseasia.blogspot.com. Stop by and say hello...

John

will be at the chiang mai meet myself... should be riding a Malaysian registered 125 scooter thingy.. see you guys there.
:mchappy:

Do you have contacts to rent in Bangkok?

Its not normally a popular spot to rent from in Thailand.

More renting options available if you rent from another region like chiang mai.

And unless you are very experienced in extreme traffic Bangkok is a nightmare to ride around.

I'll be doing the same journey late January. I havn't planned a route yet but this forum RideAsia Motorcycle Community is another good place to look/ask for details of the best roads and places to stay etc.
I think the secret of travelling around asia by motorcycle is to avoid the major roads that trucks and lorries use -if possible. Earlier this year I had a nightmare ride from Vientiane down to Nakhon Ratchasima on Highway 2, I had to use the 'refuge' lane most of the way to avoid the nutcase lorry drivers. Unfortunately the refuge lane is peppered with debris and every now and again you have to swerve onto the highway to avoid melon sellers/kids/cyclists and all mannaer of hazards.
I'd be interested in what route you take to Chiang Mai.

Leaving Asia?
 

Good thread, but I still have a question: How easy is it to leave Asia with a bike from Malaysia? What about getting a carnet?

I'm looking into buying a small bike in Malaysia (or India or Nepal?) and heading to Europe.

Thanks!

not sure on my route as yet but starting in kuala lumpur and riding up the east coast to Thailand and into Bangkok or somewhere around there for new years.. then following up the west side towards Chiang mai, haven't done an route as such. only now starting all my research
on stuff to visit.
will be on small local roads only. :mchappy:

Buying a bike
 

After reading the above posts (page 1), I'm thinking that my plans to start the trip with a purchase in Vietnam May be asking for a challenge. Too late to change my flights, so does anyone know of a reputable bike shop in Saigon (HCMC)?

What about carnets? According to Member Countries, only Thailand may want one. Does anyone know if an Asian bike needs one there?

Thanks,

John

Things to see
 

Since one cannot send a PM until after 5 posts and this is my fourth, I'm posting...

I've done extensive research into what to see in Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar. If anyone would like the lists, email me at the address below and I'll send you a PDF of one or as many as you want.

If anyone else has such lists, I'd greatly appreciate them at jdpearce at comcast dot net.

Cheers,

John

Buying and Riding A Motorcycle in South East Asia
 

Sherrie McCarthy and Patrick Schweiser produced a book titled:

Buying and Riding A Motorcycle in South East Asia (Smashwords, Amazon...)

They researched your options and ended up buying small motorcycles in KL.

They then rode around SE Asia and even managed to work in a stop and slide show at Horizons Unlimited Mini Meeting 2012 in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

The book is an ebook and details much of their research and options.

Motorcycles are more expensive in Malaysia (a $20,000 USD BMW GSA in the USA costs $42,000-$45,000 USD in Malaysia depending on accessories) and the surrounding countries, but the big bikes are around. Of course many seldom see 6th gear of more than 120 KPH. A 125cc will do you fine most of the time.

Maybe see you at HU in Thailand Jan 10-11 with your new purchase? Share with the attendees your "fly-and-buy" experience as a slide show?

Good luck on your acquisition adventure.

Many thanks for that info Gregory, I in fact remember having a very brief chat with yourself at the mini-meet in Chiang-Mai earlier this year, (I think we were talking about beer though) and there was some great presentations that evening too of course. Sadly I won't be able to make the next meeting.
I like the idea of doing a slide show of my trip but I thought I'd try and do an edited video with cinematic music and narration, I used to do similar films when I was a resort diver on Koh Tao so I'll certainly give it a go. Plus of course I could raise some funds by selling copies of my videos.
As you say KL seems to be the most hassle free place to purchase a machine and then take it it accross borders (I've just found the ebook and downloaded it -cheers). I'm after something like a CR250 or perhaps a Suzuki DRZ400 or similar but as you say anything above 125cc is adequate.
I'll have a blog going somewhere but will post progress on this thread for sure.
I hope others on this thread will keep us all informed of their progress, when you are out on the road and find yourself staying in a one horse town it's great to check in and read how others riders are doing and then posting your own 'report'.

Phil TK

i have emailed a few bike shops in KL asking about buying a 125cc scooter from them and if they can process the papers to my name but not had even one reply which seems strange after contacting 5 different shops. I am hoping to have something for my arrival on 23rd dec or I don't know how long i'll need to wait after due to christmas

Kevin.
Check out Zainal's post #6.
I wouldn't worry about getting the your bike sorted. There are a couple of threads on Rideasia.net about buying in Malaysia and it seems that it's not difficult and everything can be sorted out once you are there, I should think there will be a huge number of bikes to choose from.
But I would indeed research how the xmas break might affect paperwork etc. That's a time factor that could change your plans and is worth investigating.

So far,so good.
 

Hi People, I'm presently in the coffee capital of Vietnam about 3-4 days ride from HCMC. I am travelling on a rental 125 Yamaha which in the 7 weeks so far I have ´done´northern Vietnam, north and central Lao, back into Vietnam and have almost completed the HCM highway, also known as Highway 14. In about 3 weeks I hope to fly from HCMC to KL and there obtain another tiddler and then head north sampling the beers of Thailand, Cambodia and if possible Burma. The reason than the trip profile is that whilst it seems that you can take a Malysia registered to all the ASEAN? countries you cannot take it into Vietnam and may well have difficulties entering Lao. I asked as many questions as I could at the VN/Lao crossing when leaving VN and for both, 125cc max and no foreign bikes whatever size unless part of an organised tour group. On my return to VN via a new crossing, at Dernsavan and again the questions and the same answers but I must emphasize the friendliness and helpfulness of both customs, immigration and police from both countries. You cannot get a VN visa at the land borders but there is a VN consulate in Savannakhet which allegedly dispenses VN visas. To give you some idea of the 'Russian Roulette' of VN border crossings, I crossed int Lao at Na Meo with a young French couple who had bought a VN tiddler and were trying to get it to Bangkok via Cambodia to sell the moto. 3 days previous they had been turned back at the border post at Dien Bien Phu, this situation is not uncommon. A word of warning, VN and Lao are set up for people on little bikes, and it works, however, forget about the command position on the road and the correct way to position and ride corners, both will get you killed very quickly and as to route planning, 300k is a very long day, no, make that a very, very long day especially in the hills. But, the beer is very drinkable, the accommodation very cheap and the food very entertaining. I expect to be in KL in about 3 weeks as I said and expect to stay there for about 2 weeks so if anyone fancies cocktails in KL, I'm you man. Ride safe.

Kevin
Check out this webpage and scroll down to the underlined heading Malaysia.

Buying A Motorcycle In South East Asia - Unleash Your Adventure

thanks for that phil.... 2 working days looks good to me. I have just emailed kok motors to see if they reply but it sounds good to me

cheers buddy :D

kok motors emailed me back and said it would be no problem for me to buy a used bike from them and if I arrive on the 24th December it will take 1-2 days to sort out :D.
hey maja, I will be spending my Christmas in KL if your still there, or if anyone else is there for a beeror 3

Sounds like you're having fun Maja. I did the HCM trail a couple of years ago and like yourself I did a couple of very long rides through the mountains. One memorable day was from the border town Lao Bao on to the '14' running close to the border and then branching off to Hoi An (it took me hours to find the right road into Hoi An) That ride was about 300km, it was a very lonely ride as unbeknown to me the road had in fact been closed because of landslips and I didn't see another vehicle all day. I had to drag the bike accross mud several times and was lucky to find fuel when I needed it.
Hoi An turned out to be my favourite place on that trip.

That's good news Kevin. I'll be doing the same thing in January, I'm looking for a KTM200, they seem to be going for about £2300 for the 2012 model.
KTM have dropped their prices in Thailand and hopefully in Malaysia too so maybe I'll get one even cheaper.
I noticed there are plenty of mopeds for just a few hundred pounds, I would avoid the automatic ones, they tend to be more difficult to repair and often have trouble with steep hills -especially when loaded up. Honda Waves are as good as anything and are easy to get repaired almost anywhere.

roo poo
 

Hi, jumping into this thread also as it answers some questions of mine. Planning 2/3 months in January. Buying two bikes in Malaysia and travelling into Thailand and Cambodia. Please can anyone tell me if it is possible to sell the bikes in Thailand at the end rather than coming back to Malaysia?
Also what documents will we need to cross borders along with the bikes papers?
Cheers

On my way!
 

Greetings from SFO! I'm between flights and soon to board for Hong Kong. Will arrive in HCMC at 7 p.m. PST Saturday (10 a.m. Sunday local time).

Will have a report on the buying experience as soon as I'm an owner.

Until then, keep the rubber side down...

Hi People, greetings from sweaty KL. Yesterday I went to KOK motors and bought a 2nd hand 150i Yamaha. The owner's son and a couple of his staff completed all the paperwork for me, transferring the ownership and then taxing and insuring my new mighty steed. This was completed in 1 day. KOK motors say that 1 day is normal for a new moto but a 2nd hand one is usually 2. So far I am well satisfied with the service I received and would recommend these guys.

Kevin, I now expect to be spending xmas probably in Penang or just over the Thai border, KL is just too oppressive and expensive to loiter in. I am aiming to make the HU meet in Chiang Mai and as my poor old body doesn't like long days any more I am doing it in little hops so if you are going to leave KL on the 26th you should catch me up abeam Bangkok. If you have any questions about moving around KL or accommodation, give me a PM. Ride safe.
p.s they also bought me lunch and drove me back to my hostel.

Hi Mike,

Great to hear that everything went well with your bike. Tried to call you a couple of time, but u were not in. I went to your hostel, and you're already out. Hope to see you somewhere soon. Enjoy.

no worries maja, if I don't catch up with you i'll see you at the meet at chiang mai. bier

Hi Kevin, I'm still waiting in KL, no problem buying the moto but and it can be a big but, I am still waiting for the side pannier mounts and the mounting bracket. Kok motors rang this morning to tell me they will arrive tomorrow. The paperwork for the moto was completed on the 4th, tomorrow is the 14th. I didn't see any pannier mounts on any of the motos in Kok's so if you are going to need them an e-mail to Sunny motos might be in order. Ride safe.

thanks for that maja but I'm ok and just going to tie a large waterproof holdall on the back and throw a pacsafe net over it. cant wait to go now and am excited for my first time in asia.. in fact I'm starting to pack my bag tonight as I'm away in work for the next 3 days..
soon to be :palm::scooter::Dbeer:mchappy::D

hey guys, ive just arrived in kl for xmas and i am also looking for a second hand honda wave type thing! can anyone help me as im not too bright and this is all very confusing for me! haha. and maybe meet up for a beer aswell would be cool. cheers, jono. my number is 0176615977

Hey jono, I'm sitting in bkk waiting on my flight to KL. I, m landing at 19.40. Where you staying? I got nothing booked and will be going tomorrow to find my used honda so maybe we can join..... I'm a beginner also so dont expect much. :welcome:
I have spoken to kok motors through email and they will sort bike paperwork and I, m going there tomorrow. Maja just purchased from them without problem and maybe we get discount buying 2:thumbup1:

Hi Guys, a bit of advice about heading north. Take the quickest way to Highway E1 north, motos don't pay at the tolls except fr RM1.20 for the bridge to Penang and the traffic away from the big centres is light. If you want to get a 60 day visa for Thailand you will need to go to, I would suggest, to the Thai consulate in Georgetown Penang, (N5°25´29.1 E100°18' 20.1) give your passport into the consulate at 10.30 along with RM110 + 2 pp sized photos and a photocopy of your pp and the application form which you get for free at the office. A good place to stay in Georgetown is the SYOK backpackers (5°25'11.6 100°19'58.6), I think, right at the top of Chulia St, the staff are amazing well aware of what you need and you can get the bikes inside. Crossing into Thailand you will need the moto registration doc but if you have bought your 60 day visa beforehand, no more money, after you get your temporary import doc, the Thai insurance office is directly in front and 60 days will cost RM45. I'm presently in Thung Song just up highway 41 and slowly drifting north at about 200k per day. See you in Chiang Mai if not sooner. Say hi to Calvin at Kok for me and tell him so far so good.Ride safe.

Big tip.. dont stay at oasis guest house in chinatown KL its a bit untidy if I, m kind. Was late getting here sonjust grabbed something but will move on tomorrow.

Try Explorers GH 126 Jalan H.S.Lee, friendly and clean. Ride safe.

bought the bike but sadly the jpj government office had the computer down to do the paperwork so I'm still a pedestrian. got a 125 wave that came on part ex and had it cheap before they started fettling with it. hopefully be on the road on Thursday but a few walks around here aren't so bad and a visit to the Batu Caves tomorrow is on the cards.
staying around the corner from kok motors at TA hotel

Good luck Mike and Kevin, ride safe!
Mike, what do you think of the FZ150i? It looks like just the sort of thing I'm looking for. There seems to be plenty for about £1000 in the KL dealers websites which is what I'm prepared to spend if the bike is up to it.
It's a shame I'm going to be a month behind you guys, I'm looking forward to reading how your trips go tho.

Phil

All sorted I, m on the road:scooter:
gonna spin about locally today and kick off northbound tomorrow morning.
will I need to carry a can or is petrol plentiful in these parts?

Great news, so far it seems that the longest distance between gas stations is coming up the E1 where service stations on the highway are at most 50km apart. After you enter Thailand, no problem lots of gas stations on the main highway. My advice would be to forget about the can, it's just one more thing to tie on. If you do decide to use the E1 north, by far the best way to get out of KL, remember though, motos do not pay tolls so as you approach the toll plaza, stay left and look out for the motorcycle sign, easiest way is follow a local. Another tip, if there is a hard shoulder, use it and overtake trucks etc. on the inside, don't use the lanes unless you have to. As regards the FZ150i, it seems fine, only problem I can find is it really should have 6 gears, I'm just not used to seeing high revs on the dial. I suppose I could always use bodge tape, that worked on the Beemer when it started playing tunes on the emergency lights on the dial. Ride safe.

Went for my first real spin in asia today, got out of KL and headed north on E1 then came off to visit the cameron tea plantations. Nice winding roads and got soaked by warm rain, enjoyed the experience but rode too much. V tired now. I reached Idoh and kick off early to Georgetown and stay there tomorrow night. So far so good. :funmeteryes:

Important bit that I thought that I had mentioned but on checking back through the posts I found I hadn't. The Customs lady at the Thai border despite agreeing that I had indeed been granted a 60 day visa informed me that she could only allow me a temporary import of 29 days and her colleagues confirmed her decision. So, the last half of my visa is unusable as it is single entry only so with that info, think carefully about how many days you will be able to use. Some bridge eh, make sure you get the ferry back to Butterworth, also it's free inbound to the mainland. Ride safe.

Mike, read this thread here:- (KTMPhil is the owner of the Riders Corner Bar -the bar hosting the HUBB meeting in January, he can advise you on how to renew the import papers.)

Ext. Customs Temp. Import of Foreign Reg. Bike in Chiang Mai

That looks like the business, thanks a lot Phil and Kevin, as they say in the Andrew, "belay my last pipe". Kanchanaburi tonight, traffic ridiculous, Sunday bloody Sunday. Ride safe.

Well I got in thailand no probs, 1 month for the bike also, I'll prob use that and then enter laos and ride down towards cambodia... see how things go......
Made it to phatthalung today and looks like im gonna take the krabi road and up the national park, gonna get a fuel can tomorrow as I've come close a few times now. The scoot only has a small tank, 3.5 ltr I think. Will then have to put some miles in for chiang mai...:mchappy:

I used an old oil bottle that held 1.5litres and fitted nicely under the seat of my Honda Wave, it's a useful reserve supply and gives an extra 30+ miles. Any bikeshop will let you have an old oil bottle, they usually have a bin full of them somewhere.
Remember that when you are staying in a hotel you can't take a fuel can in your room of course and if you leave it on the bike the chances of it being nicked are high. Geting a can that fits under the seat is a good idea.

had my first puncture.... right outside a bike shop :D

looking for a bike that takes me to europe from SEA
 

hi guys,
just read your conversation about buying a bike in malaysia. I was wondering if anybody knew if I could get the CDP for a malaysian bike to ride to Europe?
Any suggestions where to start my research?
Thanks
René

Im also interested in buying a bike in Malaysia and riding to Europe. Im from Australia, whats the easiest way to do it?

I'm selling a moto in Malaysia at this time that I have just done 11,000k on see details on the bikes for sale site if you are interested for full details. It's a Malaysian registered bike in my name. Ride safe.

Very valuable thread, thank you.

How about taking a MY registered bike to Indo and Singapore? Any special papers needed?

And one FAQ of this thread is still unansered. Has anybody ever arranged a CDP for one of those bikes in MY so it can be taken to India?

Cheers,
Mario

I note the LACK of much info about crossing various borders within SE Asia. Which WAS the title of the thread! :rofl:

Seems the three main posters for the last two years have decided Malaysia is THE place to buy ... but NONE ever offered direct price comparisons to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam or Laos ... in terms of cost of similar bikes. Has anyone ever compared prices or compared bikes available?

And NONE told us what they actually paid for their Malaysian purchased bikes. To make this thread even half useful:
PRICES PLEASE. :thumbup1:

Also ... the only border crossed (apparently?) by any of the 3 main posters here was Malay/Thai border. But what about going into Cambodia, Vietnam or Laos with your ML registered bikes? Any 1st hand reports? Any hard DATA?
Costs, hassles? Revelations?

Malaysia does sound simple for purchase ... but if prices are double or triple Vietnam, Cambodia or Thailand ... not sure if it's a good deal or not?
Comments? ?c?
I've read many reports about HUBB riders doing Vietnam in "quasi legal" status without problems. I know some are fearful of this ... yet many buy and re-sell after their trip. Is this considered hard or impossible now in May of 2014?

So guys ... what about some alternatives? I did read the Blog about the BMW riders who sold their bikes and bought bikes in Malaysia. Pretty useless.
Lots left out, IMO, but a couple good links.

I did like the link posted regards buying in various countries and the major PITA it seems to be with things like extending visas, residency requirements, et al. Guide Books are good ... for about two months or until the whole system changes ... again!

I'm not interested in buying new. Used in good condition is fine. I'm not planning on living in SE Asia forever ... but would spend a few months on the road.

Is renting easier? Rent a new bike in each new country?
Thoughts? Hard numbers? FACTS? Personal experiences?

My feeling is the rapidly expanding tourist industries in ALL these countries do NOT want foreigners buying and selling bikes. They'd much rather have them RENTING or doing packaged tours. MUCH Higher profits.

My "guess" is these strong lobbies are working hard to STOP bike purchases by foreigners, and paying govt. officials well to do their bidding ... and will eventually succeed. Am I crazy? :eek3:

Motorcycles for sale in Kuala Lumpur - Mudah.my

Just for general info and price comparisons, Mudah is not a great site but worth a look at for an idea of types and prices of bikes here.

Hi Mollydog, maybe you should re-read the threads and possibly do a bit of research yourself, Google is a wonderful thing. Ride safe.

P.S. For what it is worth, I paid MR7000.00 for my moto and 12,00km and 5 mths later sold it on to another traveller for RM5000.00. Maybe a look at the GT Riders website would save you a little bit of finger strain.

Your correct Maja, I did not do much searching. I read HUBB instead. But two years ago I followed Ride Asia forum ... learned a few things but overall, not to useful for me.

Thanks for the price info. :thumbup1:
Sorry to criticize ... (actually found some of your info MOST useful!)
I just figure if guys spend two years contributing to an Asia thread ... why would you NOT include "The Basics" of what riders might want to know? :angel:

PS: Google gives about 2 million options .. not that specific. Would take a bit of TIME to sort through it all ... 99% useless, non relevant info.

I hope we can re-boot this thread and get real feedback from current buyers/sellers/travelers in the region now. NOT X Pats, but regular HUBB travelers. I know the guys around the "Travelers Corner" Restaurant, Hostel, shop in Chiang Mai, Thailand provide good info on general travel around Asia.
:Beach:

I came across probably searching for the same info that mollydog was looking for. We've got the information that it's very very easy to buy in Malaysia and how long it takes, but that's about it.

No real comments about price. They research shows around £1000-£2000 depending on what you buy.

Absolutely no mention of going to vietnam at all. So we'll have to presume that none of the riders have done it on their Malay bikes.

No reports about how they've got with their bikes, or how they disposed of them at the end of the trip.

Comapred to say touring Africa, or South America information is sorely lacking in the Asia forum. Probably because everything is too busy having such a good time - At least that is what I like to think :)

Ahh - Sorry, i'm an X-PAT. Maybe I know too much for Mollydog.

There is a recent post here. I posted information on how a visitor on a tourist visa can buy a bike in Thailand ( I would suggest minimum 3 month tourist visa).

The guy came with the intent to buy his own bike, in the end went to look at bikes in the South, I suggested a site 'bahtsold.com'. He approached a buyer, who was finding it difficult to sell and offered him 350B / 7 quid a day for a 2014 CRF 250 ( less than half the going rate of rental bikes in the North ). The guy took it, went to the land transport office, and hooked him up with the paperwork to travel the bordering countries.

The market for 2nd hand bikes is very very slow in SE Asia, credit is easier to get than Europe and local buyers prefer shiny new bikes. If your buying a bike to resell understand that it may not be as easy as just offering a knock-down price. Consider the seasons. Just as Western bikers put their bikes away for the winter, Asians generally won't ride too much or look for bikes in the monsoon season, you have a better chance to re-sell a bike in November / December.

Vietnam - :( I wish I could see a day coming when ASEAN bike could just hop over the border after completing a temp import ticket, but I think that day is a long way away.

If you are looking to buy or sell a bike, Asians love Facebook, there are lots of bike/area specific groups on FB, you will always see new posts every hour of the day.
Thailand has a lot of bikes for sale, although it may be easier to register in Malaysia. Look to Bahtsold.com / Rideasia.net / GTRider.com for further info if you haven't already.

Wow! What a rant from 2014.

Prices as quoted in mudah.my are in the same in range as Thailand. You want to buy a bike in Cambodia - Go ahead !

There are plenty of other info about borders on other sites - Malaysia, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore are all ASEAN countries .. Does a English rider encounter any problems when entering Italy ? No - So why do you expect a drama here, its not the 70's - pushing the boundaries of exploration - its something people do everyday - a painless form, a standard fee and a smile.

The only troubles you will have is entering Laos on any foreign bike over one of the friendship bridges because its not permitted, but again, plenty of info on other sites.

Vietnam is a different ballgame.

Yes, and no - Buying a bike in Asia is pretty straight forward. It does make sense, why would any government allow a tourist to buy a bike if they only had permission to stay in the country for one month ( albeit that can be extended ) - Why should you be able to register a bike when you don't have an address ?

There is no organisation that represents small time rental businesses, get over it.
Its just draconian (immigration) laws. If you have all your paperwork correct then its not a problem, for example you want to ride in Asia for 6 months, and you turn up with a multi-entry 6 month visa from your own country, you do a little home work prior and you won't encounter any problems. If you enter Thailand with two thousand dollars and a 15/30 day visa exempt, your not going to get very far.

Recom237:

I think you have been an Expat too long... ;-)

A tourist visa to Thailand is 60 days, not 90 days as you say. It can be extended with 30 days at any immigration office if the right procedures are followed and right paperwork are present though.

There is no problem crossing the so called Friendship bridges to Laos. I have done that two times without problems, though they insisited I needed a escorte which costed some money one of the times.
And there are several bordercrossings over to Laos that you dont need to cross any friendship bridges if that would be a problem such as the one near Ubon/Pakse and the one in Loei province and the one in Nan province.

About Vietnam and about buying bikes in SEAsia as a foreign I belive you are spot on though... :-)

Hati-hati... :D

Regards from Sulawesi...

OK here is what we paid for our yamaha Fz150i that we rode 5000km in Malaysia earlier this year ,$2600 OTD with 1 year insurance.
250's are about 2 x that. Have an address n cash,buy the bike n go.
Exchange rate is better now (was 3.65 then).

What countries did you travel with that Malaysian registrated bike?

Snakeboy
So far only Malaysia,We have our tickets to complete the SEA ride the first quarter of next year.

So far the info have is that Laos,cambodia n VietNam have an agreement to allow passage of each others registered machines,that still leaves Burma out anyway (dont know how to spell the other name).
A fixer is possible (mentioned in other sites)for VN for other countries registered bikes just need to find one.(?)
Also maybe possible to register in Cambodia,will someone in the know please let us know,then get into VN cheaper than the guide process.Laos registration looked complicated but then maybe a fixer can fix that.

Yes, you are probably right, I the sun must be getting to me, and I don't like parting with cash. :)

Yes, correct, 60 days. Sorry, I'm married to a local, so I just remember the 90 days .. 90 day visa, 90 day check-in - my calendar works on a 90 day cycle. The extension would be irrelevant if you wanted to buy or register a Thai bike.

Sorry, I was so angered by the previous poster comments, I didnt mean to misinform about Laos - yes, some bridges will let you cross in a party / with an escort. Mukdahan won't let you across at all, but there are people in town that will load you up on a pickup for a fee.

Like you say there are other options like Vang Tao / Chong Mek ( Ubon Rattathani ) and Chiang Kong / Huay Xai.

Just me, I would avoid the friendship bridges - Simply because it involves parting with extra cash and time.

Like I said, all this info has been posted elsewhere before - it hasn't changed in years and probably won't in the near future. But thanks for correcting the details.

A lot of the info that may help is on the GT-Rider site Thailand it covers a lot of country's in the region and I have found it really v useful on previous trips. I hope to be over in October for several months if my broken leg heals ok
Safe riding
Paul

buy a bike in SE Asia for a tour
 

Hi Phil

Best way you should by in Thailand there you can register the bike under your name. For SE Asian registered vehicle to travel around SE Asia you don't need a Carnet de Passage. Other option that you can buy and register in Malaysia.

For vehicle registered in SE Asia is almost the same one you travel around the region.

Vietnam always required a crossing border permit to enter/exit the country



Honda XR 250 is strongly recommended as they are type of enduro bike suited for long distance, mixed road condition...I own one for the last 3 years in Vietnam and he work perfect

Brian

Ok guys, lots of good info here but I have a few questions.


Last time I took a bike into Malaysia I shipped from Australia but that was a long, long time ago (1977) and each time I have visited S.E. Asia since then I have rented - around 20-30 times over the years.


However, this time I am planning on buying a bike in Indonesia and riding it up through Sumatra before hopefully shipping from Medan/Belawan to Port Klang. Given that Indonesia is an ASEAN member does this mean that I can bring the bike into Malaysia without customs issues? (P.S. I know Vietnam is also an ASEAN member and I know the difficulties involved in taking your own transport in/out.)


Alternatively, can I buy in Malaysia and export to Indonesia without any special approvals?


At present, my plan is to arrive in Indonesia early November and buy a bike in Bali (probably a small auto scooter - contrary to other's experiences I find they have more than adequate power for hills/mountains - as they are way easier to ride in traffic, which will be the majority of my riding). So questions 3 is, is there anyone on the HUBB in Bali who can help with purchase / sell me a bike, and registration.


Thanks, Garry.

I can't help too much, Garry, but this info may be relevant. I bought a 2007 Honda megapro in palembang, Sumatra, for $620, and just sold it five weeks later for $470, quick sale. It came with full registration and papers, but because I sold it so far from where I bought it it was devalued as the new owner must change the registration province.
I found it on olx.co.id (just like gumtree) and was helped by a local. If you want local help, try couchsurfing, most people are very happy to lend a hand.

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