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The first thing is, how much do you want to spend?

$20k

For that amount you can get a large bike.

Next question. Do you have a big bike license from your home country?

No

nscprez wrote:

I am looking for some information on motorcycles since I am 6'3" and weigh about 205 lbs.

Are Honda Goldwings or something similar available in Saigon as I want to do some travelling around Vietnam when it opens up?

What's the cost of an gas to fill it up?

What is the process to obtain a motorcycle license and the cost of of insurance?

Any names or companies you would suggest?

Thanks in advance for your feedback, suggestions and comments.

Greg

You can convert your full bike licence to VN, you have to have 3 months visa or longer to do it,, you cant own a car or bike as a tourist, honda dealers sell goldwings new, they are 1.2 billion vnd, (58,000+ USS) petrol depends on date you get here,,,  insurance not sure

Looking more fore a cruising bike like the Honda Gold wing not a Phantom

Thank you

nscprez wrote:

No

How you going to ride a goldwing as a non bike licence holder? Non way is it a learner bike. 50cc is largest bike without a bike licence.
175cc is A1 over 175cc is A2
Non of which you can get as a non licence holder in your own country without doing a test here.

I can only imagine a 6'3" man weighing 205 lbs driving a 50cc  lmao

You really, really need to get a bike license in your home country before you come.  With that it is a matter of some paperwork to get an A2 license.  Without it you will find it very difficult to get a license here.  It can be done but it's a pain.

Large bikes are expensive due to tariffs.  VN applies a 100% tariff to anything over 150 or 175cc.  When I bought my Duke 390 it was double the cost in the US.

Good information to know
Cheers

Maybe best to sort out the license first.

nscprez wrote:

I can only imagine a 6'3" man weighing 205 lbs driving a 50cc  lmao

Over here a 50cc scooter like a Honda Scoopy or Vision type is the same size and shape as a 125cc Honda Vision scooter unless you buy a moped looking type.

I find it very hard to imagine a non licence holder buying a Goldwing and jumping on it and touring anywhere much less Vietnam where the city streets are 10 deep in motorbikes in peak hour, people drive the wrong way, wrong side of the road and its a huge heavy bike.

The only thing I can image is the first ride ending in a hospital with the bike a total wreck.

Like others have pointed out, get your licence go buy a bike in your home town get plenty of experiance before even thinking of going anywhere near a Goldwing, the weight alone (800lbs) will freak you out as a non licence holder it's a 67" long 1800cc monster with more buttons and switches than just about any other bike on the planet.

But make sure you have money for a care flight home before getting on one.

Andybris2020 wrote:

nscprez wrote:

I can only imagine a 6'3" man weighing 205 lbs driving a 50cc  lmao

Over here a 50cc scooter like a Honda Scoopy or Vision type is the same size and shape as a 125cc Honda Vision scooter unless you buy a moped looking type.

I find it very hard to imagine a non licence holder buying a Goldwing and jumping on it and touring anywhere much less Vietnam where the city streets are 10 deep in motorbikes in peak hour, people drive the wrong way, wrong side of the road and its a huge heavy bike.

The only thing I can image is the first ride ending in a hospital with the bike a total wreck.

Like others have pointed out, get your licence go buy a bike in your home town get plenty of experiance before even thinking of going anywhere near a Goldwing, the weight alone (800lbs) will freak you out as a non licence holder it's a 67" long 1800cc monster with more buttons and switches than just about any other bike on the planet.

But make sure you have money for a care flight home before getting on one.

wow!
but there must be other suitable bikes?

but regardless, if OP is going to drive bike here (which is totally normal), so much better if he gets licence (and practises!) BEFORE he comes

fred2796 wrote:

Andybris2020 wrote:

nscprez wrote:

I can only imagine a 6'3" man weighing 205 lbs driving a 50cc  lmao

Over here a 50cc scooter like a Honda Scoopy or Vision type is the same size and shape as a 125cc Honda Vision scooter unless you buy a moped looking type.

I find it very hard to imagine a non licence holder buying a Goldwing and jumping on it and touring anywhere much less Vietnam where the city streets are 10 deep in motorbikes in peak hour, people drive the wrong way, wrong side of the road and its a huge heavy bike.

The only thing I can image is the first ride ending in a hospital with the bike a total wreck.

Like others have pointed out, get your licence go buy a bike in your home town get plenty of experiance before even thinking of going anywhere near a Goldwing, the weight alone (800lbs) will freak you out as a non licence holder it's a 67" long 1800cc monster with more buttons and switches than just about any other bike on the planet.

But make sure you have money for a care flight home before getting on one.

wow!
but there must be other suitable bikes?

but regardless, if OP is going to drive bike here (which is totally normal), so much better if he gets licence (and practises!) BEFORE he comes

Read the original post, he is not on about a scooter or small MB, he is on about a 1,800cc bike & that's certainly not "totally normal" here & especially so for someone who does not even have a "big" MB licence in his own country so would presume he does not even ride a big bike in Canada!

goodolboy wrote:

fred2796 wrote:

Andybris2020 wrote:

Over here a 50cc scooter like a Honda Scoopy or Vision type is the same size and shape as a 125cc Honda Vision scooter unless you buy a moped looking type.

I find it very hard to imagine a non licence holder buying a Goldwing and jumping on it and touring anywhere much less Vietnam where the city streets are 10 deep in motorbikes in peak hour, people drive the wrong way, wrong side of the road and its a huge heavy bike.

The only thing I can image is the first ride ending in a hospital with the bike a total wreck.

Like others have pointed out, get your licence go buy a bike in your home town get plenty of experiance before even thinking of going anywhere near a Goldwing, the weight alone (800lbs) will freak you out as a non licence holder it's a 67" long 1800cc monster with more buttons and switches than just about any other bike on the planet.

But make sure you have money for a care flight home before getting on one.

wow!
but there must be other suitable bikes?

but regardless, if OP is going to drive bike here (which is totally normal), so much better if he gets licence (and practises!) BEFORE he comes

Read the original post, he is not on about a scooter or small MB, he is on about a 1,800cc bike & that's certainly not "totally normal" here & especially so for someone who does not even have a "big" MB licence in his own country so would presume he does not even ride a big bike in Canada!

Just waiting to see a flood of offers from locals with Honda Goldwing lookalike, cheap to run and fix... just 300,000kms since new.... omly 500 usd

I hwve never ridden a bike unless you count an old honda monkey bike when i was 10 yeaes old.. the idea of coming here to vietnam especially a city to start touring is insane... rules of the road? If its sort of paved you ride on it...including pavements. Traffic lights.. optional in some places.. ride the wrong wwy down a road.. sure no problem.

To all yoiu expat bikes.. hats off, its a brave move.

nscprez wrote:

I am looking for some information on motorcycles since I am 6'3" and weigh about 205 lbs.

Are Honda Goldwings or something similar available in Saigon as I want to do some travelling around Vietnam when it opens up?

What's the cost of an gas to fill it up?

What is the process to obtain a motorcycle license and the cost of of insurance?

Any names or companies you would suggest?

Thanks in advance for your feedback, suggestions and comments.

Greg

Insurance? Whats that.... before you take the plunge it mjght be worth looking at what insursnce does and doesnt cover.. its basic at the very best, not like fully comp back home and if you get into an accident that is deemed to be your fault you best have lots of cash in reserve

goodolboy wrote:

fred2796 wrote:

Andybris2020 wrote:

Over here a 50cc scooter like a Honda Scoopy or Vision type is the same size and shape as a 125cc Honda Vision scooter unless you buy a moped looking type.

I find it very hard to imagine a non licence holder buying a Goldwing and jumping on it and touring anywhere much less Vietnam where the city streets are 10 deep in motorbikes in peak hour, people drive the wrong way, wrong side of the road and its a huge heavy bike.

The only thing I can image is the first ride ending in a hospital with the bike a total wreck.

Like others have pointed out, get your licence go buy a bike in your home town get plenty of experiance before even thinking of going anywhere near a Goldwing, the weight alone (800lbs) will freak you out as a non licence holder it's a 67" long 1800cc monster with more buttons and switches than just about any other bike on the planet.

But make sure you have money for a care flight home before getting on one.

wow!
but there must be other suitable bikes?

but regardless, if OP is going to drive bike here (which is totally normal), so much better if he gets licence (and practises!) BEFORE he comes

Read the original post, he is not on about a scooter or small MB, he is on about a 1,800cc bike & that's certainly not "totally normal" here & especially so for someone who does not even have a "big" MB licence in his own country so would presume he does not even ride a big bike in Canada!

i did when first posted, and i suggest YOU read the post i was replying to, and my post again, which say all that, before shooting off your ill-advised comments. duh.

Jlgarbutt wrote:

nscprez wrote:

I am looking for some information on motorcycles since I am 6'3" and weigh about 205 lbs.

Are Honda Goldwings or something similar available in Saigon as I want to do some travelling around Vietnam when it opens up?

What's the cost of an gas to fill it up?

What is the process to obtain a motorcycle license and the cost of of insurance?

Any names or companies you would suggest?

Thanks in advance for your feedback, suggestions and comments.

Greg

Insurance? Whats that.... before you take the plunge it mjght be worth looking at what insursnce does and doesnt cover.. its basic at the very best, not like fully comp back home and if you get into an accident that is deemed to be your fault you best have lots of cash in reserve

Out of interest I wonder what the premium would be for a first time rider no previous experience on a Goldwing? I'm guessing pretty expensive.

Andybris2020 wrote:

Jlgarbutt wrote:

nscprez wrote:

I am looking for some information on motorcycles since I am 6'3" and weigh about 205 lbs.

Are Honda Goldwings or something similar available in Saigon as I want to do some travelling around Vietnam when it opens up?

What's the cost of an gas to fill it up?

What is the process to obtain a motorcycle license and the cost of of insurance?

Any names or companies you would suggest?

Thanks in advance for your feedback, suggestions and comments.

Greg

Insurance? Whats that.... before you take the plunge it mjght be worth looking at what insursnce does and doesnt cover.. its basic at the very best, not like fully comp back home and if you get into an accident that is deemed to be your fault you best have lots of cash in reserve

Out of interest I wonder what the premium would be for a first time rider no previous experience on a Goldwing? I'm guessing pretty expensive.

My insurance is the kind you buy at the petrol station 60,000 vnd & all its good for is if the cops stop you at least you have it & I have tested that out 4 times & it works. No coffee money needed.

nscprez, I saw a few good replies to your query. I've traveled this path.
1. I had a cycle license before I moved to Vietnam and easily converted to a local auto and moto license. Way easier getting your moto license in your country.
2. If any of your documents expire (passport, TRC, WP, or new hair style) be prepared to jump through all the same local hoops for a new license.
3. Unless you intend to tour on Vietnam's highways of danger, a small 150cc is better suited. Parking a big bike will be problematic and you'll need to accept it will be bumped, scratched, mirrors bent, and a glowing theft-mobile. My Honda 150cc insurance annual fee is 150k. I purchase it annually only because it's a requirement with no hope of recovery if stolen. If I were in an accident fault or not, I'm the guilty party.
4. There are or were max cc restrictions but this could have changed. I believe one can get around this by joining certain moto clubs. But don't trust me on this!

River Frogs wrote:

nscprez, I saw a few good replies to your query. I've traveled this path.
1. I had a cycle license before I moved to Vietnam and easily converted to a local auto and moto license. Way easier getting your moto license in your country.
2. If any of your documents expire (passport, TRC, WP, or new hair style) be prepared to jump through all the same local hoops for a new license.
3. Unless you intend to tour on Vietnam's highways of danger, a small 150cc is better suited. Parking a big bike will be problematic and you'll need to accept it will be bumped, scratched, mirrors bent, and a glowing theft-mobile. My Honda 150cc insurance annual fee is 150k. I purchase it annually only because it's a requirement with no hope of recovery if stolen. If I were in an accident fault or not, I'm the guilty party.
4. There are or were max cc restrictions but this could have changed. I believe one can get around this by joining certain moto clubs. But don't trust me on this!

175cc on an A1 license. No restrictions now on cc if you have A2 Only restrictions on big bikes now are how big your wallet is.

Just to be clear I have rode motorcycles before and let my motorcycle license lapse.
Ever try riding a motorcycle in the winter in Canada during a snow storm? lmao

nscprez wrote:

No

I have rode motorcycles before and let my motorcycle license lapse a useful piece of information,,,

nscprez wrote:

Just to be clear I have rode motorcycles before and let my motorcycle license lapse.
Ever try riding a motorcycle in the winter in Canada during a snow storm? lmao

yep I can understand what you say, Scotland same in winter & not easy for sure. Here its not how you handle your bike, its how others riders & drivers perform that's your big problem. I am sure you will be OK but its a whole different ball game here believe me, like no where else in the world.

nscprez wrote:

Ever try riding a motorcycle in the winter in Canada during a snow storm? lmao

Have you ever been to Vietnam?

nscprez wrote:

Just to be clear I have rode motorcycles before and let my motorcycle license lapse.
Ever try riding a motorcycle in the winter in Canada during a snow storm? lmao

Please get it reinstated without fail before moving.  Trust me on this.  I'm heading up the NW Ontario next Wednesday for 10 days.  I missed my annual fall fishing trip up there last year due to being stuck in VN because of the COVID lockdown.  The fish miss me.

Not sure if you want to be caught in this on a Goldwing.

colinoscapee wrote:

Not sure if you want to be caught in this on a Goldwing.

Looks nicely controlled with at least two traffic policemen, but I am very glad I don't have to drive in it anymore.

Travelfar wrote:

colinoscapee wrote:

Not sure if you want to be caught in this on a Goldwing.

Looks nicely controlled with at least two traffic policemen, but I am very glad I don't have to drive in it anymore.

On a 350kg bike it wouldnt be much fun. On a scooter, a breeze.

colinoscapee wrote:

Not sure if you want to be caught in this on a Goldwing.

One of the apartment owners in our building kept a black Bentley, and a gold colored Goldwing in the garage.  He kept his mistress in the apartment.     Once in a while he would come by and take her for a ride, I suppose out in the country.   I never saw what he drove to arrive there.

I suggest when you come to Saigon, visit an expat-friendly dealer. An excellent one is Saigon Motorcycles, run by an Australian Trevor and his Vietnamese wife and many employees.



Be forewarned, driving here is nothing like you have ever experienced. Rent first.
Large bikes are difficult to ride in the city because of the density and slow speeds. Most with those guys also have a motorbike for local riding. Look at the Yamaha NVX  or Honda PCX for a large guy automatic motorbike. I am 6'2" 190 and a smaller Honda Airblade automatic or Winner are plenty big for me+wife, but I am not doing long distance traveling.






And definitely get your license renewed. Only cost around $15 to get it transferred here.