Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > West and South Asia
West and South Asia From Turkey to Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Ladakh and Bangladesh
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 24 Jan 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 4
KL to Ha Noi?

Hi guys I am planning on doing a coastal tour from KL to Ha Noi and I have some questions. The reason we chose KL to start is because we heard that it was the easiest to get a bike registered in your name. Is this true, I have been hearing that Vietnam can be simple too, I just haven't found to much info on it. I have heard that entering Vietnam can be a struggle. Is it do-able or should we think about starting in Ha Noi or HMC? Would we just need proof of registration to cross the necessary boarders, or is there more paperwork that we would need? And my last question for now (im sure ill have more) is what would you guys recommend for bikes? the main three I have heard suggested are the Honda wave, Honda win, and the Minsk.

Your guys input is very helpful seeing as I am a huge newbie when it comes to this stuff. Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 24 Jan 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jun 2012
Posts: 45
Quote:
Originally Posted by canadian123 View Post
Hi guys I am planning on doing a coastal tour from KL to Ha Noi and I have some questions. The reason we chose KL to start is because we heard that it was the easiest to get a bike registered in your name. Is this true, I have been hearing that Vietnam can be simple too, I just haven't found to much info on it. I have heard that entering Vietnam can be a struggle. Is it do-able or should we think about starting in Ha Noi or HMC? Would we just need proof of registration to cross the necessary boarders, or is there more paperwork that we would need? And my last question for now (im sure ill have more) is what would you guys recommend for bikes? the main three I have heard suggested are the Honda wave, Honda win, and the Minsk.

Your guys input is very helpful seeing as I am a huge newbie when it comes to this stuff. Thanks
I am planning to buy a motorcycle in Vietnam in 3 weeks to tour the country while my motorcycle is been shipped to Thailand.
As far as I know, It is not possible for non resident in this country to register a motorcycle: If you buy a motorcycle there, you have to ask the guy who sell it to you to give a paper saying that "he authorize you to drive his motorcycle".
Fortunately, in Vietnam the insurance is linked to the vehicle and not to the owner.
Furthermore, legally, for driving in Vietnam you must convert your driving licence into a Vietnamese one, which take 7 to 14 day.

I don't know about Malaysia, it might be easier there.

Regarding which motorcycle, it will depend on your budget& driving style.
Honda will be more expensive but less problematic.
Indeed, Minsk are known for breaking down a lot... therefore some mechanic knowledge would be advisable.

Last edited by YGio; 24 Jan 2013 at 15:35.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 25 Jan 2013
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2012
Posts: 25
Choice of bikes in Vietnam

Quote:
Originally Posted by YGio View Post
I am planning to buy a motorcycle in Vietnam in 3 weeks to tour the country while my motorcycle is been shipped to Thailand.
As far as I know, It is not possible for non resident in this country to register a motorcycle: If you buy a motorcycle there, you have to ask the guy who sell it to you to give a paper saying that "he authorize you to drive his motorcycle".
Fortunately, in Vietnam the insurance is linked to the vehicle and not to the owner.
Furthermore, legally, for driving in Vietnam you must convert your driving licence into a Vietnamese one, which take 7 to 14 day.

I don't know about Malaysia, it might be easier there.

Regarding which motorcycle, it will depend on your budget& driving style.
Honda will be more expensive but less problematic.
Indeed, Minsk are known for breaking down a lot... therefore some mechanic knowledge would be advisable.
I traveled a great deal in Vietnam from 2004 to 2012. I had several Minsk and a Ural without the sidecar. Apparently it is still running around Ha Noi. Unless you are a pretty good mechanic, or speak Vietnamese well, you should stay away from the Minsk. They are bulletproof for the most part and my first Minsk never broke down in two years. I know they have a legendary rep for durability and they are great in the mountains. They don't seem to know when to quit. Having said that, I have the great good and bad fortune to have had three others which had small problems that cost lots of time. I can send photos of several different mechanics working on bikes I rode. They always seemed to break near a place where I could get it fixed but good mechanics are definitely hit and miss and most manly VN men insist on helping anytime the things don't start on the first kick. And this friendly help takes a nasty turn when they begin to take your bike apart when it doesn't start by the third or fourth. I do not have a monopoly on this story by the way. This can also happen on other bikes and whether you rent or buy, try to get something that has an electric start and good battery. You can hardly imagine the attention one can get having even the slightest hiccup near a group of VN men. And I would say I had much better luck in the rural North. In that people seemed VERY helpful and knew when to stop helping. Right around Da Nang going south things seem to change. (Obviously this is just my experience.)
I hope I am not getting off on too much of a tangent but riding in Vietnam for me, was an absolute pleasure almost all of the time. But no exaggeration, a foreigner preparing to kick start a bike just seems to have a weird effect on VN men. I have a horrible story which I would rather not relate, nothing dangerous but definitely annoying. I am finally coming to the point! See if you can get a Honda, maybe the wing, with electric start and not too beaten up. Check the usual things, chain, tires and etc. and you will be happy!
I know nothing about KL, but I have traveled quite a bit in Northern Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and the above mentioned Vietnam. I have crossed to Cambodia and Laos on a Thai bike. I was not allowed to cross into Vietnam. My VN friend who is local out of Ha Noi claims it CAN NOT be done. She works with the government and customs and seems to know what she is talking about but I have heard it possible from sources on this site. Don't know. Good luck and enjoy.
PS If you do decide on the Minsk anyway, just try to get one from a dealer or foreigner who had it for awhile. Give it a shakedown cruise around the place you bought it. NEVER forget to turn off the gas when you go to a gas station. You need to mix the gas and oil. The heavy oil will kill a good part of an hour and maybe two if it goes down without gas. Give it a couple of days before you run out to the hills. I love the Minsk and would travel on one again in a heartbeat. The only thing is that nostalgic fondness sometimes blocks memories of the bad. If you want to see some photos of the insides of the Minsk, hit me up. And...I never had a Vietnamese license. I was never pulled over not do I know of any foreigner who was ever pulled over in Vietnam.
PEACE
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Jan 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 4
Quote:
Originally Posted by Ron Connors View Post
I traveled a great deal in Vietnam from 2004 to 2012. I had several Minsk and a Ural without the sidecar. Apparently it is still running around Ha Noi. Unless you are a pretty good mechanic, or speak Vietnamese well, you should stay away from the Minsk. They are bulletproof for the most part and my first Minsk never broke down in two years. I know they have a legendary rep for durability and they are great in the mountains. They don't seem to know when to quit. Having said that, I have the great good and bad fortune to have had three others which had small problems that cost lots of time. I can send photos of several different mechanics working on bikes I rode. They always seemed to break near a place where I could get it fixed but good mechanics are definitely hit and miss and most manly VN men insist on helping anytime the things don't start on the first kick. And this friendly help takes a nasty turn when they begin to take your bike apart when it doesn't start by the third or fourth. I do not have a monopoly on this story by the way. This can also happen on other bikes and whether you rent or buy, try to get something that has an electric start and good battery. You can hardly imagine the attention one can get having even the slightest hiccup near a group of VN men. And I would say I had much better luck in the rural North. In that people seemed VERY helpful and knew when to stop helping. Right around Da Nang going south things seem to change. (Obviously this is just my experience.)
I hope I am not getting off on too much of a tangent but riding in Vietnam for me, was an absolute pleasure almost all of the time. But no exaggeration, a foreigner preparing to kick start a bike just seems to have a weird effect on VN men. I have a horrible story which I would rather not relate, nothing dangerous but definitely annoying. I am finally coming to the point! See if you can get a Honda, maybe the wing, with electric start and not too beaten up. Check the usual things, chain, tires and etc. and you will be happy!
I know nothing about KL, but I have traveled quite a bit in Northern Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and the above mentioned Vietnam. I have crossed to Cambodia and Laos on a Thai bike. I was not allowed to cross into Vietnam. My VN friend who is local out of Ha Noi claims it CAN NOT be done. She works with the government and customs and seems to know what she is talking about but I have heard it possible from sources on this site. Don't know. Good luck and enjoy.
PS If you do decide on the Minsk anyway, just try to get one from a dealer or foreigner who had it for awhile. Give it a shakedown cruise around the place you bought it. NEVER forget to turn off the gas when you go to a gas station. You need to mix the gas and oil. The heavy oil will kill a good part of an hour and maybe two if it goes down without gas. Give it a couple of days before you run out to the hills. I love the Minsk and would travel on one again in a heartbeat. The only thing is that nostalgic fondness sometimes blocks memories of the bad. If you want to see some photos of the insides of the Minsk, hit me up. And...I never had a Vietnamese license. I was never pulled over not do I know of any foreigner who was ever pulled over in Vietnam.
PEACE


So would it make sense to start in ha noi? would we be able to buy bikes there? and leave the country on them?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 30 Jan 2013
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jan 2013
Posts: 4
Hey guys,

So I would really appreciate some more feedback. I am thinking now that starting in Vietnam probably makes the most sense. This trip is pretty last minute but you guys could really help me out a bunch seeing as there are a lot of you who have done this trip or a similar one. looking forward to hearing from you guys. thanks
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
help: 1st time planning trip through SE asia zilley Trip Paperwork 7 21 Dec 2011 11:23

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 13:34.