As I said before, Thai laws regulating capacity of motorbike engines allow no more than 250 cc. As a result, Thai moto-market evolutions in a different way than European. In this post I’ll tell about the most popular bike groups.
Usual Mopeds
Usually they come with half-automatic or manual transmission, kick starter and for a cheap price (which, of course, means cheap parts and cheap design). At first view, this kind of bikes looks like boring bike for poor people, but if you familiarize yourself with these bikes you will discover some cult models. Honda Sonic, for example, is an accessible way for Thai youngsters for crazy riding and cheap tuning. Honda Dream is Thai working horse, useful and reliable independently of how old it is.
Automatic Scooters
The mainstream of Thai motorbikes. Easy to mastering (“bike for my mother”), very comfortable, good looking and hi-tech inclusive. Better than European weak scooters (you said 50 km/h? LOL!) and not frightening like big nakeds and choppers. Popular among tourists, some of them felt so much in love with Thai scoots that they import bikes to their countries.
Minis
Various mini-something: mini-supermotards, mini-mopeds, sometimes even mini-choppers. Toys for big guys. Recommended for moto-addicted, because bikes sometimes are nor comfortable neither useful. But they are always beautiful.
Retros
90% of this class is presented by legendary Vespas, sometimes – by glamorous, recovered and tuned, sometimes – by half dilapidated that looks like Terminator in the end of movie, pieces of scrap metal owned by the uncle Lee from China Town. Other 10% – by various legendary mopeds and second hand Japanese bikes.
Gray Import Bikes
Nothing special – usual big sport bikes, nakeds, choppers, tourists, off-roads. Usually imported for/by rich Thais and expats. As this class is expensive and requiring more skillful driving, it’s not so popular on Thai roads.
The current maximum engine displacement with reduced tax is 250cc, this changed about 2 years ago
you didn’t mention imported 50cc soi hoppers, which aren’t really legal but all over the place Charlys Chappys zx’s and zoomers for instance
Richard: thanks for correction, I’m a bit lame in details
bowery4: soi hoppers – what is it? BTW I also didn’t mentioned illegal modifications and driving without driving license and traffic regulations knowlege
I love motorcycle ever since my youth age. I have my cheap road bike with me until now. It’s been a long time since I’ve used it but it still rocks. I’m planing to sell it for a cheaper price.