If you’re planning on riding a motorbike in Vietnam, it can be quite tricky to decide which bike to choose, especially if you don’t have much experience. I know this was a dilemma that I encountered when I moved here.
There are so many options to choose from, but If I could recommend one bike, which ticks all the criteria for the perfect all round bike to ride in Vietnam. Then I would be in no doubt to say that the Honda XR 150L is the best choice everyday of the week.
Honda XR 150
The Honda XR150L is a lightweight dual-sport motorcycle featuring a 149cc air-cooled engine, 5-speed manual transmission and a 12-litre fuel tank.
I’ll talk about the bikes specifications in more detail later in the article. There is also a lot of useful information about the bike on the official Honda website.
The XR150L has become one of the most popular dual-sport motorcycles among expats and travellers in Vietnam. Despite Vietnam having over 77 million registered motorbikes, the XR150L still manages to stand out and attract attention from both locals and foreigners.
It’s important to note that the Honda XR is not technically made by Honda, but instead form Chinese company Honda Sundiro. This means that these bikes are imported and are not covered or serviced by Honda Head garages here in Vietnam. Apart from that, this doesn’t affect the quality or reliability of this bike.
Why should I get a Honda XR 150?
There are several reasons why I believe the Honda XR150L is an excellent choice for both travellers and long-term residents in Vietnam.
The main advantages are:
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Versatility
- Enjoyment
Comfort
The Honda XR 150 offers excellent a smooth and comfortable ride regardless of if you’re driving off road or in the city.
In my case I need to commute to work on a daily basis, so have had a lot of experience with city riding. This bike really shines as it eats up pot holes for breakfast, thanks to its impressive suspension and large 19-inch front wheel. This is especially important in Vietnam, where potholes, broken roads, and uneven surfaces are common. Good suspension not only improves comfort but can also prevent accidents and reduce damage to the bike.
The XR150L is also comfortable on longer journeys outside the city. The upright riding position makes it enjoyable for touring and exploring rural areas. However, the seat itself is not heavily padded, so it can become uncomfortable during very long rides.
Reliability
The Honda XR150L is an extremely reliable and low-maintenance motorcycle.
One of the biggest advantages of owning a manual or semi-automatic bike in Vietnam is the ability to use a kick starter. Unlike many automatic scooters, a weak battery is far less likely to leave you stranded.
The bikes components are widely available in Vietnam meaning that when you break down its easy to find replacements without breaking the bank.
Another underrated advantage is the bike’s tube-style tyres. While tubeless tyres are more common on modern scooters, tube tyres are often easier and cheaper to repair, particularly when travelling in remote areas.
Overall, the XR150L is built with simplicity in mind, which is one of the key reasons why it is so reliable.
Versatility
Another area where the Honda XR 150 stands out is it’s versatility.
The bike can really do a bit of everything. It’s small enough to manage the busy city traffic, but also with it’s higher ground clearance and suspension make it capable of driving on poor roads and rugged terrain with ease.
That flexibility is a game changer and a major reason for this bikes appeal to the expat community. From my personal experience, this bike has been a great everyday commuter bike with the freedom and flexibility to go on off roading adventures on a drop of a hat.
Enjoyment
The last and maybe most important reason, I think the Honda XR 150 is the best bike in Vietnam is the sheer enjoyment that you get out riding this bike.
The bike has a lightweight feel, upright riding position and responsive handing make it enjoyable in city traffic or on the open road.
It’s straightforward, no frills, no crazy technology just a genuinely enjoyable bike that will get you from A to B while allowing you to have a bit of fun on your way there.
Cost
If you are looking to buy a newer Honda XR150L model in Vietnam, prices are typically around 75–80 million VND ($2,900–3,100 USD).
However, prices can fluctuate significantly depending on the bike’s condition, mileage, and modifications, as most bikes are purchased second-hand.
Older models generally sell for around 30–45 million VND ($1,200–1,800 USD).
Personally, I bought my 2018 Honda XR150L for 38 million VND.
One major advantage of the XR150L is that it holds its value surprisingly well. Due to strong demand among tourists and expats, resale prices remain relatively stable compared to many automatic scooters in Vietnam.
Downsides of the Honda XR150L
While the Honda XR150L is an excellent all-round motorcycle, it definitely isn’t perfect for everyone.
The two biggest downsides are:
- Lack of storage
- Poor rain protection
Storage
Unlike most scooters in Vietnam this bike has no built-in storage, which can definitely be a pain in many instances.
The bike does include a rear rack, which is useful for attaching bags or luggage for long-distance travel. You can also install a rear storage box if needed.
Additionally, you can also add a back storage box. However, If you are looking for a bike, that has good storage potential this is probably not the best option for you.
Riding in the Rain
One of the key problems, which I first faced when riding this bike was the lack of protection against rain and puddles that the bike offers. This is due to the position of your legs, resulting in soaking wet trousers and shoes.
You can reduce this problem by wearing waterproof trousers or bringing spare clothes to change into. However, this can still become frustrating if you commute daily during the rainy season.
Compared to scooters, which offer much better weather protection, the XR150L is definitely less practical in poor weather.
Is the Honda XR 150L beginner friendly?
Coming from someone who hadn’t sat on a motorbike until arriving in Vietnam. I can say that the Honda XR 150L is an excellent beginner bike to learn and master a manual transmission bike.
The seat on the bike is low, the engine is not too powerful and the clutch has a forgiving biting point, making stalling out unlikely. More over the bike is fairly lightweight and manoeuvrable at only 128 kg, which isn’t much heavier than the average automatic bike.
If you plan on living in Vietnam long term, I think learning to ride a manual bike like the XR150L is absolutely worth it. It gives you far more freedom to travel and explore different parts of the country.
How to check the fuel level on the Honda XR 150L?
One surprising feature of the Honda XR150L is that it does not have a fuel gauge.
So how do you know when you’re running low on petrol?
The answer is simple: the bike starts spluttering and eventually stalls. At that point, you switch to the reserve tank.
The XR150L has a 12-litre fuel tank divided into:
- 10 litres main tank
- 2 litres reserve tank
Fuel tap positions:
- UP = Main fuel tank
- DOWN = Reserve fuel tank
The reserve tank provides more than enough range to reach the nearest petrol station.
Fuelling up the bike
The Honda XR 150 features a spring loaded fuel cap, which means there is no need to twist the key when closing the fuel cap.
Instead push the cap down with both fingers and the key will come out on its own.
It’s really easy to get the key stuck and even broken in the fuel cap, avoid this hassle and take your time.
Is the Honda XR 150L suitable for tall riders?
Yes, but to a certain degree. I am pretty average height at (184cm) and the bike fits perfectly, comfortable when driving and stationary.
The tallest person who I know who rides an XR 150 is around (196cm) and hasn’t encountered any major issues except on longer journeys due to the seats upright positioning.
How to start the Honda XR 150L
The Honda XR 150L can be started in a number of different ways, adding to its reliability.
Electric starter
Day to day you are likely to only need the electric start button. Simply turn the key, ensure the bike is in neutral and then press the starter bike and the bike will 9/10 times fire up instantly
Kick starter
If the battery is weak or flat there is the option to use the kick starter. This provides a dependable backup system, especially if you’re in a remote location. All you need to do is pull the piston lever out, place your foot firmly on the lever, until you feel resistance and then push down firmly.
Push start
The last option involves pushing the motorbike usually down a hill, pulling in the clutch in gear two and then releasing the clutch, which should give the bike enough momentum to start
Cold starts
Occasionally on cold starts you may need to use the choke, by placing it in a higher position and starting the bike and gradually letting it down into normal driving position.
For a full walkthrough and demonstration I would highly recommend checking out this video.
Honda XR 150L specifications
Honda XR 150 L (2025) latest model specificaitons.
Engine
| Engine Type | 149cc air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke |
| Max Power | 12.1 hp @ 7,750 rpm |
| Bore And Stroke | 57.3mm x 57.8mm |
| Valve Train | OHC; two valves per cylinder |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Induction | 22mm piston-valve carburetor |
Chassis Suspension Brakes
| Front Suspension | 31mm fork; 7.1-inch travel |
| Rear Suspension | Single-shock; 5.9-inch travel |
| Front Brake | Single 240mm disc |
| Rear Brake | 110mm drum |
| Front Tire | 90/90-19 |
| Rear Tire | 110/90-17 |
Video overview of the Honda XR 150L
In this video, I give a quick demonstration and walk through of the bike. I do intend on filming a more detailed guide in the future.
Is the Honda XR 150L the right bike for me?
If you want a reliable, versatile, and enjoyable motorbike in Vietnam, it’s hard to beat the Honda XR150L.
While it may not be perfect for everyone, especially riders wanting storage or rain protection. The bike offers an excellent balance between city commuting, touring, and off-road capability. Whether you’re a complete beginner or an experienced rider, the XR150L is one of the best all-round motorcycles you can buy in Vietnam.