With prices from 800 USD, they are pretty reasonable value-for-money machines.The four-speed Wave 100 for 2006 is similar to the previous model, except for some minor improvements. Two of the versions (called RS and RSV) have disc brakes in the front, giving better stopping power compared to the ancient drums. The drums in the rear brakes have been maintained.

The Alpha, RS, RSV have an electric starter, which starts very efficiently. There’s also the option of the kick starter. The only model that has no electric starter is Wave 1.

The rear spring suspension is a more dynamic version that is said to increase ride comfort, while the front utilizes upside-down forks.

One significant change is the use of wider tires for increased stability and better handling, especially in the turns.

The Wave 100 is Honda’s latest small motorcycle.The grip for the pillion is a slightly-raised bar above the rear light.

The foot-pegs however are of the very old-fashioned straight rubber ones,

not very suitable for a modern-looking bike.

For storage, there’s something called a “U-box,” a deep-set compartment under the seat that would be able to hold small to medium-sized items. It certainly keeps your wallet and handphone dry when you get caught in an unexpected storm.

Lights have been improved, with increased brightness; the front ones have a double lens that gives a clear light, though the beam is directed too close.

Instrumentation includes fuel level, speed, gear and turn signal. RS and RSV models are fitted with a maintenance-free battery, a real convenience.

At 97cc and a four-stroke engine, don’t expect any major power.

The acceleration is pretty reasonable for level road with gear well spaced out for smooth acceleration at all engine revs.

However, going up hill with a pillion rider can be quite slow.

Thankfully there’s a gear indicator panel, so after some trial and error you’ll figure out the best gears for gradients.

Its suspension system soaks up bumps and potholes well, and mounted to a more rigid chassis tends to give a wobble-free and better ride stability.

The four-stroke engine has less acceleration but is a lot cleaner and does not emit the stinking white smoke that the two-stroke bikes do.

There’s no clutch.

Its frugal fuel consumption would definitely make the

Wave a good choice for those who are watching their monthly petrol bills carefully.

The only thing we find not good on the Wave and other Honda models in Vietnam is seat. The back part is so thin that you can't hardly ride comfortably. You are likely to stop every 40 km to refresh yourself.
 

HONDA WAVE RS 100cc (7 USD per day, monthly rate: 50 USD/30 days)

Vietnamese customers’ taste and demand,

Wave RS is a model in harmonious combination between strong sporty design and youngfullness. In addition to keeping strong feature, fuel saving and environmental friendliness of Wave engine - the outstanding point of Honda motorcycle engines,

Wave RS Wave RS obtains more outstanding features than Wave Alpha and Wave ZX.

 

 

HONDA FUTURE NEO GT 125cc (10 USD per day)

 

 Viet Land Explore organizes motorcycle touring by Honda and Minsk motorbikes.

They were imported from Indonesia (Hondas) and the former Soviet Union (Minsks) during the early to late 1990’s. Upgrade to Honda motocross is available. Hondas are very powerful bikes and we have replaced longer shocks to make them very comfortable for mountain roads. They are very reliable and well maintained before every trip and always in good condition. Today Minsks are not seen much in the cities but there are still some in mountainous areas but the trend is they will soon be replaced by reliable Hondas or cheap Chinese bikes. Nicknamed the "Iron Buffalo" they are easy to use and easy to repair and still handle the job very well. To be honest, Minsks are a bit under powered, but with Vietnam's narrow mountain roads which have many blind curves, they are the bikes of choice. Big bikes are a real big waste here in Northern Vietnam and more accidents are likely to happen if we use bigger bikes. Vietnam regulations limits bikes to 175cc until May 2007 but the most commonly used are 100cc, 125cc and 156cc Hondas and the 125cc Russian 'Minsk'. It would take sometime to have big bikes imported in the country.

HONDA DIRTBIKE XL 125S (Four-stroke dirtbike at 15 USD per day)

 A good, well maintained dirt (trail) bike is the cornerstone of every enjoyable enduro tour. As always, this is a compromise between bike purchasing cost (we're not sponsored by any motorcycle company - the touring business here is too small to be attractive for any bike manufacturer), bike operating cost, availability of spare parts, reliability and the "fun factor" of the bikes. Considering all this, we purchased four-stroke Honda XL 125, which are fairly lightweight, durable, and a barrel of fun. Made in 2000, Honda XL 125s 4-stroke, 125 cc is a real motorcross for Vietnamese mountain roads where power means nothing as roads are small and have many blind curves.

 

Number of seats	2
Country of origin	Japan
Engine displacement	125cc
Cylinder	01
Engine power (hp/rpm)	13/9,500
Starter	Kick
Engine type	OHC, air-cooled
Stroke cycle	04
Compression ratio	9.4:1
Speed	06
Ignition	CDI
Fuel Consuming	51,4 km/liter speed 50 km/hour (standard gasoline)
Clutch	Manual, Wet Type, & Double Clutch
System (volt.)	6V
Front brake	Drum
Rear brake	Drum
Front tyre	2.75-21-PR
Rear tyre	4.1-18-4PR
Front suspension	Telescopic fork
Rear suspension	Swing arm w. sh. abs
Fuel tank capacity (l)	07
Ground clearance (mm)	265
Height (mm)	1,110
Length (mm)	2,080
Curb weight (kg)	104
Seat height (mm)	820
Wheel base (mm)	1,310

MINSK MOTORCYLE

The plant was founded on 6 November 1945.
 

It is situated in the capital of Belarus - Minsk:
Motovelo Corporation, 8 Partizanski Ave., Minsk, Belarus 220765; Tel: 375 17 221-6905; Fax: 375 17 221-6806

 

The plant manufactures on parallel assembly lines motorcycles and bicycles. 70% of bicycles are exported to Russia, while 90% of motorcycles are exported to countries outside of former USSR - Iran, Vietnam, Turkey, Mexico, UK, France, USA and Germany.

Since privatization the MotoVelo Corporation has been in decline trailing near bankruptcy. On 25 November 2005 some 600 employees of MotoVelo rallied and blocked one of major Minsk streets in protest of low salaries ($100/month) and poor work conditions. On 16 December 2005 majority stock (90% of stock options) were transferred to Belarusian state to save the plant. The Belarusian socialist economy means that the plant will soon have an influx of state money and improve.

Some believe that this whole situation was created by a Motovelo director deliberately, since immediately after the collapse of Motovelo he was promoted to high government position. Looks like Lukashenka regime was after the hard currency flow generated by this 90% export of motorcycles abroad. However - this is good news for consumers - the plant will survive.

Two models Mr Cuong rents out: 7 USD/day (bike and helmet)

 

MMVZ-112

Engine	Two-stroke, one-cylinder
Engine capacity, cc	125
Engine power, kW(HP)	7,36(10)
Number of gears	4
Maximum speed, km/h	85
Fuel	Gasoline A76
Average fuel consumption (with one driver at speed 60 km/h, liter/100km)	4
Front fork	telescopic, with hydraulic dampers, move 130 mm
Rear suspension	balance, with hydraulic gas-filled dampers, move 85 mm
Brakes	Drumed, with mechanical drive, diameter 150 mm
Tires	3.00-18 or 3.00/80-18
Battery	None
Ignition	Electronic, noncontact
Maximum weight, kg	105

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MMVZ-113

Engine	Two-stroke, one-cylinder
Engine capacity, cc	125
Engine power, kW(HP)	7,36(10)
Number of gears	4
Maximum speed, km/h	85
Fuel	Gasoline A76
Average fuel consumption (with one driver at speed 60 km/h, liter/100km)	4
Front fork	Telescopic, with hydraulic dampers, move 150 mm
Rear suspension	Balance, with hydraulic gas-filled dampers, move 95 mm
Brakes	Drumed, with mechanical drive, diameter 150 mm
Tires	3.00-18 or 3.00/80-18
Battery	None
Ignition	Electronic, noncontact
Maximum weight, kg	112