Two advantages the Nouvo has over the Airblade is more ground clearance and better stability, both because of using 16 inch wheels instead of 14 inch. Note that I am not saying the Nouvo is the all around better bike, just that I think it is the better bike for Phnom Penh and a new rider. I have rented both before in Thailand, and except for the better brakes, I prefer the Nouvo. I also seem to remember that the Airblade was a bit of a pain for shopping--less storage space, no bag hook, and no place to attach a basket. It did have better brakes, however, and I remember seeing an advertisement last year for a new model with fuel injection--but that might be an issue as far as finding a competent repair shop here. My experience is with bikes that are now 2-3 years old, so it might no longer apply. I have been by (but not in) several Yamaha shops in PP and not seen a Nouvo, however. I had an opportunity to buy my friend's extremely low mileage 2006 Nouvo last year for 20k baht when he was relocating, and I really regret not doing so.
For coolness, I gotta call the Vespa the hands-down winner, however--especially in Cambodia, where the locals actually think of them as old fashioned and a bit uncool--which of course just makes them even cooler, IMO. Given a choice between a fully restored classic Vespa and a new Nouvo or Airblade, I'd take the Vespa for sure, but I'd probably be happier day-to-day riding the Nouvo.
Oh, and Nouvo is pronounced the same as the French word nouveau, or so a motorcycle dealer in Thailand told me. That would make sense, considering other Yamaha bike names.
Honda Wave vs Airblade
- Doctor Seuss
- Basement Dweller
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I'm now the proud owner of an Airblade. $1970 from the Honda shop on Monivong.
So far I'm very satisfied with it. It's a perfect bike for people like me who shouldn't be riding anything motorized faster than an electric wheelchair, while still packing more punch than other 110cc bikes.
I simply love the brakes. They don't lock up even if I purposefully try to (almost). And the suspension and tires are perfect for Phnom Penh Potholes <TM>.
It also feels more stable and solid than any other bike in the same range I've ever ridden.
If anyone teases me about the gayness of it, I'll personally hack your computer and fill it with gay porn
So far I'm very satisfied with it. It's a perfect bike for people like me who shouldn't be riding anything motorized faster than an electric wheelchair, while still packing more punch than other 110cc bikes.
I simply love the brakes. They don't lock up even if I purposefully try to (almost). And the suspension and tires are perfect for Phnom Penh Potholes <TM>.
It also feels more stable and solid than any other bike in the same range I've ever ridden.
If anyone teases me about the gayness of it, I'll personally hack your computer and fill it with gay porn
Since I'm the worst driver on this forum (Dr Seuss is fucking Schumacher compared to me) I've of course already fallen once with my new GayBlade. I certainly love the fact that it's actually designed to protect me when that happens, and it barely got a scratch from it.
Now I just need to find the hardware and software needed to interface with the computer in it so that I can hack it. I'll also install my own on-board computer running Linux or QNX just for the geekiness.
Now I just need to find the hardware and software needed to interface with the computer in it so that I can hack it. I'll also install my own on-board computer running Linux or QNX just for the geekiness.
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- Bark plop plop bark woof woof
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Will do!koastal wrote: Can I recommend you buy a $6 Solex Disc brake lock ? They are fluero yellow and are available from all market lock shops. I keep it locked on the rear peg and it gives me extra piece of mind.
I was thinking of building my own alarm that delivers a nasty shock to anyone who tries starting it without giving it the special secret handshake first.Also, as Suess said, I have had an immobiliser alarm fitted for $25. If anyone tries to ride off on it, I can hit a button and it kills the bike
Is that just like Hells Angels, except that we drink fruity drinks instead of moonshine and hug people instead of beating them up?Enjoy, and welcome to ABBA.
Anyone knows where the diagnostics port is located on the Airblade? I looked around the computer box but couldn't find it. On cars it's usually located in some really smart-ass place.
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