5 Main Classes of Motorbikes in Thailand

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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.