Buying a motorbike

[aa]

How long do you have to live here in order to make buying, vs. renting, a motorbike worth your while?

I am renting a Honda Wave 125cc, electric start, for 3000b/month, but I think I would do better to buy a gently used bike and re-sell it. I plan to stay about 3-9 months longer depending on how my job goes.

I can probably get it down to 2500 baht/month if I commit to 3 months or more, but if I buy a used bike for 15000 and sell for 10000, I'm doing a lot better. Then again there's the hassle and uncertainty of finding a buyer.

There's a bike available for sale through a co-worker that I would be comfortable buying. 100cc, kickstart, 15,000km. Wondering whether to take the plunge.

Anybody been (sorry for the pun) down this road?

[Sabai Jai]

AA

Finding a "Gently used" bike always a bit tricky. Depends what other factors are involved; Do you do alot of miles? On the Soi or the Highway?
Do you have somewhere secure to keep it?

Also unless you have a Thai partner I'm not sure if you can just walk in and buy one (Legally).

Any way I think you are asking the questions in the right place, if your lucky you may even be offered not only advice but a bike!

SJ

[Randy Cornhole]

Buying a used bike here will be more expensive than you think. A new Honda 125 wave for example is about 45,000 bht new, and you will expect to pay around 30,000 for a thrashed second hand one!
On the point of ownership, I went into the police station and asked about owning a bike myself. I was given a pile of forms and was asked for 2 x passport photo's and a letter from my home owner (I rent). I thought, sod this and went down the local Honda shop with 45,000 cash and my passport. I spoke to the lady and said I want a bike in my name now or I will put the money back in my pocket and be on my way. Not a problem she said and went away. About 30 mins later she returned and gave the keys. A week later I received the log book in my name. This was nearly 4 years ago and no problems have arisen....Hurrah
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[Norseman]

Another point is that, when you rent a bike, you normally don't have any sort of insurance.
You crash, you pay. For all persons involved.
Buy a new bike and get one year proper insurance right away, paid by the seller, + a free helmet.
It will also be much easier for you to sell a used bike with still a valid insurance.
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I intend to live forever -- so far, so good.

[dtaai-maai]

I also bought a bike 4 years ago, when on a tourist visa. No problems.

In terms of value, it's easily worked out. How much do you pay per month these days? When I bought mine (on Samui) I got my money back in 10 months.
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