Every road in Vietnam tells its own story and your motorbike is the companion that brings those stories to life. To make sure your journey is safe and memorable,here are some useful tips for choosing the best motorbikes for traveling in Vietnam.
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1. Key criteria for choosing a motorbike for your Trip
A powerful and stable motorbike is essential for long-distance journeys, especially when traveling through Vietnam’s mountainous roads and challenging terrain. To find the best motorbikes for traveling in Vietnam, consider the following key factors.
Engine & Performance:
Mid-range engine: A bike with an engine capacity of 125cc or higher is ideal for long road trips. A larger engine delivers stronger power, making it easier to climb hills, carry heavy luggage and maintain speed without straining the motor. On routes with steep slopes or rough surfaces, a higher-capacity engine helps you stay steady without needing to over-rev the throttle.
Torque & Acceleration: Choosing a bike with high torque allows smoother acceleration and helps maintain a stable speed over long distances. This feature is especially important when riding through mountain roads, winding paths, or overtaking other vehicles on highways.
Transmission: Manual or semi-automatic bikes offer greater control over speed and traction compared to automatic scooters. When riding through mountain passes, manual shifting lets you maximize the engine’s power, preventing the bike from losing momentum on uphill climbs or running too fast on descents.
Overall performance: Prioritize bikes with good stability, minimal vibration and an efficient cooling system (such as liquid or fan cooling). These features help the engine maintain optimal temperature, preventing overheating during long rides or traffic stops on steep roads. A smooth, low-vibration ride also reduces fatigue in your hands and back, ensuring greater comfort throughout the journey.
Terrain capability & safety:
Suspension System: Choose a motorbike equipped with Monoshock or dual shock absorbers with external oil reservoirs. These systems offer better shock absorption, longer travel and greater stability. They are ideal for riding on mountainous routes, rocky trails or uneven terrain.
Braking System: Prioritize bikes with disc brakes or ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) to ensure safer braking, especially when riding downhill or in wet and slippery conditions.
Ground Clearance: A bike with high ground clearance allows you to pass through muddy paths, rocky roads, or potholes without scraping the undercarriage, ensuring smoother movement across various terrains.
Tires: Opt for knobby tires or Dual Sport tires instead of smooth sport tires. These provide better traction and grip on dirt, gravel and wet surfaces, enhancing stability when cornering or braking suddenly.
Chassis: Choose a bike with a strong and durable frame capable of withstanding heavy vibrations and continuous loads throughout long journeys. A solid chassis not only improves riding stability but also enhances safety on challenging terrain or at high speeds.
Seat Height: Choose a motorbike with a seat height that matches your body size to ensure stable footing and better control, especially on steep or slippery terrain. For example, riders with a shorter stature should avoid Enduro or Adventure models that are too tall.
2. The most popular and best motorbikes for traveling in Vietnam
In Vietnam, there are many motorbike options suitable for long-distance trips. Here are some of the most popular and best motorbikes for traveling across Vietnam.
2.1. Type of motorbike
Motorbikes suitable for road trips in Vietnam are generally divided into three main categories: Standard Manual Bikes, Sport Underbone/Clutch Bikes and Adventure/Dual-Sport Bikes.
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The table below provides a quick comparison to help you choose the most suitable type for your journey.
Type of Motorbike | Popular models | Main advantages for touring | Disadvantages |
Semi-Automatic Motorbikes | Honda Wave Alpha, Honda Future, Yamaha Sirius | Extremely fuel-efficient, spare parts are easy to find, can be repaired anywhere, easy to install luggage racks. | Weak engine when carrying heavy loads or climbing hills, small storage compartment. |
Manual Clutch 150cc Bikes | Yamaha Exciter 155 VVA, Honda Winner X, Suzuki Raider R150 | Powerful 150cc engine, excellent for climbing steep roads, sporty riding experience, many models equipped with ABS. | Small or no storage space, requires clutch-riding skills, consumes more fuel than semi-automatics. |
Off-road / Adventure Bikes | Honda XR150, Kawasaki Versys-X 300, Honda CRF Series, Honda CRF300L, Kawasaki KLX 250, Yamaha Tenere 700, Honda Transalp 750 | Long-travel suspension, high ground clearance, durable design for rough terrain, comfortable riding posture for long journeys. | Spare parts difficult to find in remote areas, requires an A2 license for bikes over 175cc. |
2.2. Best motorbikes for traveling in Vietnam
The Honda CRF300L strikes the perfect balance between agility, strength and versatility. Designed for riders who crave adventure beyond the pavement, this dual-sport bike is equally at home navigating Hanoi’s traffic as it is tackling the rugged mountain roads of Ha Giang.
Unlike high-performance sport bikes, the CRF300L focuses on real-world usability- steady power delivery, excellent suspension travel and comfortable ergonomics for long-distance exploration. Its lightweight design and responsive handling make it ideal for Vietnam’s varied landscapes, from muddy village trails to open highways.
Specifications Overview (2022–2024 Models):
Engine: 286cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, DOHC
Power Output: 26.9 hp (~20.1 kW)
Torque: 26.6 Nm @ 6,500 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Final Drive: Chain
Front Suspension: 43mm inverted telescopic fork, 260mm travel
Rear Suspension: Pro-Link single shock, 260mm travel
Brakes: Front 256mm disc (2-piston), Rear 220mm disc (1-piston)
ABS: Switchable
Seat Height: 880mm
Ground Clearance: 285 mm
Weight: 142 kg (wet)
Fuel Capacity: 7.8 liters
Why is the Honda CRF300L one of the best motorbikes for traveling in Vietnam?
With its lightweight frame and enhanced torque, the CRF300L offers smooth acceleration and reliable traction on steep hills or dirt paths. The long-travel suspension absorbs shocks effectively, ensuring stability even on rocky or uneven terrain. Compared to its predecessor, the CRF250L, this model brings improved handling, better comfort and increased performance efficiency.
Riders appreciate its fuel efficiency, comfortable riding posture and low maintenance needs, making it a great choice for both beginners.
The Kawasaki KLX 250 is one of the most well-balanced dual-sport motorcycles for riders who value both city agility and off-road durability. With its reliable performance and light frame, this bike is an excellent choice for exploring Vietnam’s diverse landscapes, from the winding roads of the Ha Giang Loop tour to the muddy trails of the Central Highlands.
Quick Specifications:
Engine: 249cc, liquid-cooled, single-cylinder, DOHC, fuel-injected
Power: 24.7 hp (18.4 kW) @ 8,000 rpm
Torque: 21.7 Nm @ 7,000 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Final Drive: Chain
Front Suspension: 43mm long-travel telescopic fork
Rear Suspension: Uni-Trak® linkage with adjustable preload
Brakes: Front 250mm disc / Rear 240mm disc
ABS: Optional on certain versions
Seat Height: 885 mm
Ground Clearance: 280 mm
Fuel Tank: 7.7 liters
Weight: 146 kg (dry)
Why the KLX 250 Fits Vietnam’s roads?
The KLX 250 is made for riders who value reliability over power. Its light frame and soft suspension handle rough terrain with ease, while the fuel-injected engine offers smooth starts even at high altitude.
Perfect for Vietnam’s mix of paved and unpaved routes, the bike offers excellent maneuverability in traffic yet remains steady on gravel, dirt and mountain tracks. Riders appreciate its upright riding posture, which reduces fatigue during long-distance journeys.
The Yamaha Tenere 700 is a mid-size adventure motorcycle designed for riders who crave freedom beyond paved roads. Combining rally-inspired design, proven reliability and long-distance comfort.
Key Specifications:
Engine: 689cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke
Power: Approx. 72 HP
Torque: 68 Nm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Fuel Tank Capacity: 16 liters – ideal for long-distance exploration without frequent refueling
Seat Height: 875 mm – tall stance, optimized for control on off-road terrain
Weight: 204 kg (wet)
Brakes: Dual front discs, single rear disc with switchable ABS
Suspension: Front: 43mm USD forks with long travel. Rear: Link-type with remote preload adjuster
- Wheels: 21" spoked front and 18" rear – designed to tackle rugged terrain and absorb impacts smoothly
The Yamaha Tenere 700 is relatively lightweight, allowing both experienced adventure riders and beginners to handle it with ease. Yamaha has kept the design simple, with no ride modes or complicated menus, giving riders pure and intuitive control. With its strong engine and durable suspension, the Tenere 700 can tackle any terrain, from steep mountain passes to rough backroads across Vietnam.
The Honda Transalp 750 is a mid-sized adventure motorcycle equipped with a powerful 755cc parallel-twin engine. It delivers smooth performance on both highways and challenging mountain trails.
Key Specifications:
Engine: 755cc parallel-twin, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, Unicam
Power: Around 90.5 HP
Torque: 75 Nm
Fuel Tank: 16.9L – excellent for long-distance touring
Weight: 208 kg (wet)
Seat Height: 850mm – ideal balance for both touring and mild off-road riding
Transmission: 6-speed with optional quickshifter
Brakes: Dual front discs & single rear disc, switchable ABS
- Suspension: Front: 43mm Showa SFF-CA USD forks with long travel. Rear: Pro-Link with adjustable preload
- Wheels: 21” front and 18” rear spoked wheels – ready for mixed terrain
Why do riders love the transalp 750?
Riders love the Honda Transalp 750 for its versatility across all types of terrain. As one of the top sports-tourer motorcycles for long rides, it comes equipped with advanced rider aids such as Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and switchable ABS, enhancing safety and stability on every journey. Additionally, its comfortable ergonomic design ensures a pleasant experience, making it perfect for long multi-day trips.
Comparison table evaluating motorbike models based on their suitability for typical riding conditions and travel purposes in Vietnam:
Key Selection Criteria | Honda CRF300L | Kawasaki KLX 250 | Yamaha Tenere 700 | Honda Transalp 750 |
Heavy Off-road Capability (Muddy trails, large gravel) | EXCELLENT (Due to light weight, high clearance, long travel suspension) | GOOD (Capable, but less power than 300cc) | EXCELLENT (Strong power, 21-inch front wheel) | FAIR (Heavier, less agile than T7 off-road) |
Long-Distance Comfort & Range (Cross-Vietnam touring) | FAIR (Small fuel tank, 300cc engine strains at high speed) | FAIR (Small engine, small fuel tank) | GOOD (Large fuel tank, powerful engine) | EXCELLENT (Large tank, tech comfort, 755cc engine) |
Agility & Maneuverability (City traffic, narrow lanes) | EXCELLENT (Very light, easy to handle) | EXCELLENT (Very light, suitable for all riders) | FAIR (Tall and heavy, challenging at low speed) | FAIR (Heavy, over 200kg wet) |
Rider Skill & License Requirement | GOOD (Easy to learn, A1/A2 license) | EXCELLENT (Easiest in the group, A1/A2 license) | GOOD (Requires experience and A2 License) | GOOD (Requires experience and A2 License) |
Maintenance & Running Cost | EXCELLENT (Common parts, less complexity) | FAIR (Kawasaki parts less common than Honda) | FAIR (Expensive parts, complex maintenance) | GOOD (Expensive parts, high technology features) |
3. Tips for checking your motorbike before the journey
Before you set off on your Vietnam motorbike tours, take a moment to check your motorbike. A simple inspection can help prevent potential problems and ensure a safe journey.
Brake Fluid (Disc Brakes): Check the brake fluid level and color. If the fluid appears dark or discolored, request a replacement or consider changing to another bike.
Brakes: Check the thickness of the front and rear brake pads. Make sure the brakes respond smoothly and are not too soft or too stiff.
Tires: Check that the tread depth is sufficient (not worn down to the TWI mark). Look for cracks, cuts, or any embedded nails or sharp objects.
Drive System (Sprocket – Chain – Gear): Ensure the chain is not too loose or too tight and is properly lubricated. The sprockets should not have worn or broken teeth.
Lighting and Signals: Test all lights, including headlight (high/low beam), tail light, brake light, and turn signals (front and rear) to make sure they are functioning properly.
Cooling System: For liquid-cooled bikes, check the coolant level in the reservoir and radiator. Low coolant can cause the engine to overheat, especially on steep mountain climbs.
>>> See more: The Ultimate Vietnam Motorbike Tour Guide For Beginners
Here are the best motorbikes for traveling in Vietnam along with essential pre-ride checks to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Choosing the right motorbike is essential to fully experience Vietnam’s diverse landscapes. As a trusted Vietnam motorbike tour expert, Frontier Travel Vietnam is ready to help you pick the ideal bike and plan routes that make every journey safe and unforgettable across this beautiful country.
