WHY ONLY HONDA MOTORBIKES FROM OFFROAD VIETNAM?

You may wonder why Offroad Vietnam has chosen to use Honda motorcycles exclusively instead of offering a mix of different brands. The answer is simple: after more than two decades of organizing motorcycle tours across Vietnam, we have found that Honda motorbikes provide the best combination of reliability, durability, performance, and nationwide parts availability. Below are the reasons behind our decision.

Russian Minsk – An Option Only When There Is No Better Choice

The 125cc two-stroke Russian Minsk was once a very popular motorcycle in Vietnam. However, in our experience, it is outdated and far less reliable than Honda motorcycles. Unless you have solid mechanical knowledge and are prepared to carry a generous supply of spare parts, we would not recommend using one for a long trip.

Minsk motorcycles are prone to mechanical problems, and if they break down in remote areas of Vietnam, finding a mechanic with the necessary knowledge and spare parts can be difficult. By contrast, Honda mechanics and spare parts are available almost everywhere in Vietnam, making repairs much faster and easier when needed.

Performance is another area where Honda has the advantage. The Minsk 125 produces around 10 hp, while our Honda motorcycles range from 9.8 hp (Honda CGL125), 11 hp (Honda XR125L, Honda XR125L), and 13 hp (Honda XR150L) to 28 hp (Honda XR250 Baja, Honda CRF300L) and 30 hp (Honda GB250). Even a Honda Wave 110cc delivers nearly 9 hp, which is impressive for a much smaller four-stroke engine.

You can compare the differences between these motorcycles here.

Unlike many rental companies, we own and maintain our entire motorcycle fleet instead of using bikes from third-party rental shops. Every motorcycle has a metal fuel tank, allowing you to use magnetic tank bags conveniently during your ride.

Honda Is Simply the Best Choice for Riding in Vietnam

Honda has long been the most reliable motorcycle brand for Vietnam’s road conditions. Their motorcycles are known for durable engines, dependable suspension, and outstanding reliability. If you ever need assistance on the road, there’s almost always someone nearby who owns a Honda and can point you to the nearest repair shop or offer a helping hand. This widespread support is especially valuable when riding through the remote mountainous regions of Vietnam.

In addition, Honda motorcycles are renowned for their excellent fuel economy. For the same engine capacity, a Honda can consume up to 50% less fuel than a comparable Russian motorcycle and around 20% less than similar models from Yamaha, Suzuki, or Kawasaki. As a result, owning or renting a Honda often means lower overall running costs, making it one of the most economical choices for touring Vietnam.

A Word of Warning About the Chinese “Honda Win”

In recent years, many small motorcycle rental shops in Hanoi have been renting or selling Chinese-made motorcycles marketed as “Honda Win” 100–110cc.

Be warned: this is simply not true. The original Honda Win was equipped only with a kick starter, and Honda discontinued the model in 2003. Any motorcycle advertised as a “Honda Win” with an electric starter or a 100cc or 110cc engine is not manufactured by Honda. Instead, it is a generic Chinese copy.

These copycat motorcycles are often sold at very low prices. A brand-new Chinese copy typically costs around US$500, while used examples may sell for as little as US$50-300. By comparison, a genuine Honda Win originally retailed for around US$2,000, and even today a well-maintained original usually costs at least US$1,000.

At Offroad Vietnam, we do not rent, buy, or sell Chinese copies because we believe our customers deserve reliable, well-built motorcycles. Our priority has always been safety, comfort, and reliability, not simply offering the cheapest option.

If you’d like to learn more about the differences between the original Honda Win and the Chinese copies, please read our detailed guide here.

Enjoy Vietnam, ride safely, and return home with unforgettable memories – not mechanical problems.

We hope this article has helped explain why Offroad Vietnam chooses to use Honda motorcycles exclusively for our tours and rentals.