Is buying a new motorcycle/scooter worth it?
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Is buying a new motorcycle/scooter worth it?
A simple look at motorcycle prices makes a used bike very tempting to buy in Cambodia.
i.e. A brand new Honda Dream 125 is over $2,000 now, and a used one just a few years old is around $1,200, and other good looking bikes can be had at $500-800 quite easily. After all, you just want something that works right?
You wouldn't be alone in this thinking, and admittedly, most expats don't make it to owning the same bike for a long time so there is very little long term information on ownership. This review is going to focus on why, if you can afford it, you should buy a new moto for the long term.
Here is a 2012 Honda Dream Fi, owned since new and now has 20,000 actual km.
When purchased new in March 2012, it was $1,680 all in. Now, it fetches around $675-850. That's a big gap from new price to used, but, as most would expect, the new bike has had very few faults. One battery, one set of tyres, and a new fuel injector (due to bad fuel likely).
Besides that, the bike is has proven to be very reliable, despite the rather low quality feel of the plastic body and switch gear.
So what you might ask? The bike is still practically new right? After all, 2012 and 20,000 km for a car is nothing, why shouldn't we be able to purchase a bike like the one above for $750 and call it good?
It sounds reasonable, but truth is, motos for the SE Asian market are not cars, and are not meant to last a long time...and here's why.
Brakes (mechanism, not the pad)
Brakes are cable operated cam types in most bikes here, so while they cost a lot less to replace, they wear out a lot faster. The front brakes on this bike are at the end of their life and the entire front wheel needs to be replaced.
Drive chains
While they may look cool on the outside, these are not permanently lubricated, and even worse is that they are directly exposed to dust and grime. Therefore, drive chains, sprockets and rear rubs are wear out considerably faster than shaft drives or axles (what cars have).
Suspension
Admittedly, this is more Cambodia's road condition vs. design, but suspensions in Cambodia are very prone to fail very quickly because of the numerous potholes and rough patches. I tend to go through a pair of shocks every 2-3 years, and I only weigh 60 kg. The problem is doubled if you ride with two or three people, which most people here tend to do.
Auxiliary systems
While this bike is slightly different, being fuel injected and ECU controlled ignition system, it is about the same for complexity compared to most scooters and semi auto motorcycles which all now carry a set of emission controls on them (except for Daelim Citis and Super Cubs).
These systems on SE Asian market vehicles tend to have a max life of about 3-5 years before major problems begin to occur, as a general rule. This includes fuel pumps, ignition relays, pressure regulators, oil cooler hoses (if equipped), etc. Once these begin to start dropping off, it will be rather difficult to restore the bike to decent running condition, especially with the lack of expertise in this country regarding emission control systems.
Wear items
Tyres, brake pads, batteries, filters and bushings don't last long on motos. This bike has already been through one set of tyres and is going to need another soon. Most wear items are gone through within the first 1-2 years.
But so what you may say? Tyres, brakes, a sensor here and there, then all is good right?
That's when we get to the big thing underneath...the engine (and transmission).
This bike may be a 2012 model and have just 12,000 miles (20,000 km) on it, but it is far from being healthy. Compression tests reveal at best, 40% life remaining.
Now, you might think that it's particularly low for anything (when was the last time your car needed an overhaul at 25,000 miles (40,000 km?), but it's actually not far off from average.
Motos average at least 4,000-5,000 rpm while riding around, often getting to 6,500-7,000 while passing someone. This is easily double and even triple the engine speed of most cars, and then add that these engines are simple air cooled roller bearing style engines (compared to frictionless plane bearings) and it's not at all surprising to find most engines don't seem to make it past this mileage without showing major signs of wear. Couple that to the fact that many people (both Khmer and expat) are not the most savvy bike owners, and the results are inevitable.
So while the bike might seem like a bargain at $750 (which is what you should expect to pay for one of these), truth be told, this bike is well passed the prime of it's life and it's age is already starting to show. Most of the parts are going to be well worn and in need of replacement, and the engine will already be tired and needing an overhaul to restore it.
...this is what you're going to end up with if you buy one of these used.
That doesn't mean that there isn't a market for used bikes here though.
However, the main thing I wanted to illustrate with this article is that motorcycles, especially low grade Thai / Vietnamese / Cambodian market versions are not engineered to last a long time, by nature of their design. They are cheaply constructed and designed, which is mostly why they cost so little in the first place. They are very maintenance intensive compared to cars at home, and the components themselves wear out much much faster by nature of design. So next time you think of a motorcycle, I hope you have a better understanding of what you are getting into and how the market compares here to your home country.
Returning to the original point of the article, why should you buy a new motorcycle vs. a used one? Simply put, many used motorcycles on the market are nearing the end of their useful life and would require a great deal of work and money to bring them to decent and SAFE riding condition. So rather than spend the money and suffering breakdown after breakdown or at the very least, numerous trips to a shop, I suggest just start out with a solid guaranteed platform to begin with if you can afford it.
-Akira S. (AE86)
All about motoring in the Kingdom of Wonder
Author: Akira S. (username: AE86)
Author: Akira S. (username: AE86)
- RainMan
- K440 Defender of the Faith
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Thanks AE86, been pondering this question for a while and now lean to new over used. Am stunned at the 20k appx half life.
One question, are those enclosed chain protectors (a great item) sold as an add on or are they only specific to certain brands.
One question, are those enclosed chain protectors (a great item) sold as an add on or are they only specific to certain brands.
Never mind.
A brand new Dream 125 is $1870. Bought one a few weeks ago. Looked at used as well, but the difference in price between the two made me decide to buy a new one. Maybe I looked in the wrong places for used bikes.
Experience has taught me to go new. Most (all?) Dealerships offer good monthly payment plans for khmer, I think mine was $90 for 18 months on a smash v, which isn't much more than rental.
Massive stalker
Good point about rental, $60 a month or so but most are crap (bald tyres, no servicing) so you're back to riding an unsafe moto!
Not so sure about getting one on credit. I guess its OK.
If you're not mechanically minded then buy new. That's the case not just for buying but realising something isn't quite right mechanically before it get expensive or dangerous.
I bought a 2008 Suzuki Step in October 2014 and I've just spend $55 on it, full service, wheel bearings at a Suzuki dealer! ($22 for a drive belt as apposed to $9 for a copy)
Not bad for 18 months but then I have fixed issues myself in that time, leaking vacuum pipe etc.
I've not washed it since I've had it too.
Not so sure about getting one on credit. I guess its OK.
If you're not mechanically minded then buy new. That's the case not just for buying but realising something isn't quite right mechanically before it get expensive or dangerous.
I bought a 2008 Suzuki Step in October 2014 and I've just spend $55 on it, full service, wheel bearings at a Suzuki dealer! ($22 for a drive belt as apposed to $9 for a copy)
Not bad for 18 months but then I have fixed issues myself in that time, leaking vacuum pipe etc.
I've not washed it since I've had it too.
pew, pew, pew, pew!
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I also bought new scooter a little while back. Best purchase ever. I've got a rather expensive dirt bike as well, but I think I'll buy new next time. Dirt bikes that aren't run of the mill XR250s are quite difficult to sell, and considering the upgrades I've spend and maintenance costs here and there, I figure I could have gotten a brand new KTM or Husqvarna for just a few grand more. There a something nice about knowing you're the FIRST owner of any vehicle and no idiot before you has fucked shit up. If I do decide to buy a new Husky or Kato down the line, I should probably do so before I get married. Best to buy toys while single. Either way, I don't see the point of buying used unless you're here for a year contract or something.
My Honda click is 6 years old now, gets regular ish oil changes and still goes well. 35,000km on the clock.
- Orichá
- I have some social problems
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Buying a new bike is great -- if you can find the one you want! The selection of new bikes in PP and Cambodia is very meagre indeed, and the prices are bad... A new Honda dirt bike XR150L (made in China) that costs 1700 dollars in the Philippines costs 2500 here... But other bikes show prices comparable to U.S. prices... You can find some new Honda 250M, 250F and 250L (made in Japan) -- all modeled on the XR but with new water-cooled engines like old AX-1s; well, they cost 4900 to 5400 new... There are only a handful of new ones in town... The rest are all refurbished XRs that may have new plastic skin, but certainly not new engines... A lot of foreigners get by with really cheap used bikes and keep them running somehow... I have an older RT (semi-dirt) bike that was rebuilt completely, and it is relatively inexpensive to keep on the road. But it won't be an easy sell unless I keep it looking brand new... Hmmm. The price of a new bike is just too much for most people... Import taxes are high, up to 35% on all new things, except stuff coming from China, which has big trade concessions... Search Khmer24.com for motorcycles, new and used, to see what is available. Good luck...
"Storytelling reveals meaning without committing the error of defining it."
...Hannah Arendt
...Hannah Arendt
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