Popular Motorbikes in Thailand — Brands, Models & What to Know

Thailand has one of the richest motorbike cultures in Southeast Asia — from the humble 125cc automatic scooters that outnumber cars on Bangkok's streets to the Royal Enfields and adventure tourers parked outside Chiang Mai coffee shops. Before diving into specific models, it helps to understand the brands available, the market they operate in, and why certain bikes dominate so completely.

The Brands in Thailand

Honda — The Undisputed Market Leader

Honda holds approximately 77% of Thailand's motorbike market by unit volume — a dominance that is difficult to overstate. Thai Honda has maintained its position as the top-selling motorcycle brand in Thailand for 35 consecutive years, and the Honda Wave 110i remains the single most popular bike in the country year after year. Honda manufactures bikes in Thailand through Thai Honda Manufacturing, making locally produced models significantly more affordable than imported alternatives.

For riders and buyers, Honda's dominance has a practical implication — Honda bikes hold their resale value better than almost any other brand in Thailand. The second-hand market is enormous, parts are available everywhere, and any mechanic in the country can work on a Honda without a second thought. If you are buying a bike to sell later, Honda is the safest choice.

Popular models: Honda Wave 110i / 125i, Honda Click 125i / 160, Honda PCX 160, Honda ADV 160, Honda CRF300L, Honda CB500X, Honda Africa Twin

Yamaha

Thailand's second largest brand with a loyal following, particularly among younger and more style-conscious riders. Produces bikes in Thailand and offers strong competition to Honda across scooter and mid-range segments. Parts and service are widely available.

Popular models: Yamaha NMAX 155, Yamaha Aerox 155, Yamaha MT-03, Yamaha XSR 155 / 700

Kawasaki

Well-established in Thailand with a strong presence in the big bike and sport bike segments. Bikes are officially imported and assembled in Thailand.

Popular models: Kawasaki Z400, Kawasaki Ninja 400, Kawasaki Z900, Kawasaki Versys 650

Royal Enfield

A relative newcomer to Thailand but one that has found a passionate and fast-growing following among touring and adventure riders. Royal Enfield recently inaugurated its first CKD assembly facility outside India in Samut Prakan, Bangkok — making Royal Enfield bikes more competitively priced and more widely available.

Popular models: Royal Enfield Himalayan, Royal Enfield Meteor 350, Royal Enfield Classic 350

BMW, Ducati, Triumph & Other European Brands

European bikes are available through official dealer networks but come at a significant price premium due to import taxes. It is worth noting that some European models are actually manufactured in Thailand — Ducati and Triumph both produce certain models locally — which makes those specific bikes significantly more competitively priced than their fully imported counterparts. Other models in the same brand's lineup that are imported from Europe carry the full import tax burden. Prices within a single European brand can vary enormously depending on where that specific model is made. Always check whether the model you are interested in is Thai-produced or imported before drawing price comparisons.

Popular models: BMW R 1250 GS, BMW F 850 GS, Ducati Scrambler, Triumph Tiger series

Locally Produced vs Imported Bikes — Why the Price Difference Matters

The price of a motorbike in Thailand is shaped significantly by whether it is locally manufactured or imported. The total rate of customs duty, excise tax and VAT on imported motorcycles in Thailand amounts to approximately 77% of the declared value — meaning a bike imported as a complete unit from overseas arrives in Thailand at roughly double the price it would cost in its country of origin.

This is why Honda and Yamaha dominate — both manufacture their core models in Thailand, avoiding import duties entirely. What this means for riders:

• Locally manufactured Honda and Yamaha models offer the best value, widest parts availability and strongest resale values
• Big bikes and European brands are priced accordingly — wonderful to own, but genuine luxury purchases in the Thai market
• The second-hand big bike market exists and is active, but prices reflect the original import cost — bargains are rare on well-maintained machines

Popular Models at a Glance

Automatic Scooters — 125cc to 160cc

• Honda Click 125i / 160 — most common bike in Thailand, practical and reliable
• Honda PCX 160 — premium comfort scooter, popular with commuters and expats
• Yamaha NMAX 155 — sporty premium scooter, strong following among younger riders
• Honda ADV 160 — adventure-styled automatic, higher ground clearance

Semi-Automatic

• Honda Super Cub / CT125 — iconic, characterful, increasingly popular as a lifestyle bike

Manual Geared — Mid-Range

• Honda CRF300L — lightweight dual-sport, go-to rental bike for northern loops
• Honda CB500X — comfortable mid-size adventure tourer for long-distance riding
• Yamaha MT-03 — sporty naked bike, fun on city and coastal roads

Manual Geared — Big Bikes

• Royal Enfield Himalayan — approachable adventure tourer with genuine character
• Honda Africa Twin — benchmark long-distance adventure tourer
• Kawasaki Z900 / Ninja series — sport and performance riding
• BMW GS series — premium touring, the aspirational choice for serious long-distance riders

Buying a Bike in Thailand

Thailand has a well-established second-hand bike market, particularly in Bangkok and Chiang Mai. For riders staying for an extended period, buying and selling a bike is a practical and cost-effective alternative to long-term rental.

Key things to check when buying second-hand:

• Ensure the bike has a valid blue book — the vehicle registration document — and that the details match the bike
• Check that road tax and Por Ror Bor are current
• Have the bike inspected by a trusted mechanic before buying
• Confirm the seller is the registered owner — buying without a proper blue book transfer can cause significant problems later