Hi there,

My very first post, so go easy guys

I travel to Phuket regularly to see the g/f and I'm spending a small fortune on renting bikes everytime.

Decided to buy a scooter, she can use it to commute to work when I'm not there. A bike also means she can move out of Patong to a cheaper, larger apartment.

I've scanned through old posts and it seems the Yamaha Spark 135 is well thought of. I'm also considering a Honda Click. Needs to be economical, have enough power to shift 145Kgs (combined weight of me and her) up a steep hill and a decent amount of storage space.

Visited Yammy dealer in Patong today. 50,500bht for a Spark 135D-CW (top model in range) Does that seem steep or reasonable?

Are there any dealers you can recommend in Phuket for a better deal?

Hi,

I've seen the Spark for sale for 51,000 baht, so I guess what you saw was in the right range. You can still try to bargain a bit and get either a discount of a couple of thousand baht, or some free accessories.

A friend bought from the Yamaha dealer opposite Esso on Prabarami Rd in Patong, maybe you could check there too. It's a big building with big Yamaha sign.

Honda air blade the best of the new auto's IMO...

51 ish price and can get interest free 12 months payments.

Honda air blade the best of the new auto's IMO...

I like the look of the Air Blade too and I assume that Honda's bikes are as reliable as their cars.

I'm torn however as her friend owns a rental business and swears blind that Yamahas are great!

If it were a car I'd have no problem choosing but I know nothing about bikes.

Yamaha Nuovo is OK.. I prefer a non auto, I find they tend to have that bit more power (I know its a scooter) and I feel sort of sat on top with the Nuovos ride position.

I would buy an air blade.. They are the newest. They seem to have the better power.. They are honda.. They are cheaper I think.

In another year when shes upgraded her rental stock she will swear by the honda !!

Did you ever buy a bike and which one ? Interested as I am just thinking of doing same ?

Thanks

I have an air blade and one of those older models from Honda. ( sorry forgot the model name )

My older bike ( about 6 years old ) is still great to get around and needs almost no or little maintenance.

I would say go for the Honda.

I don't have experience with the Yamaha but i don't hear many good stories about the older models.

In Phuket, I cannot recommend any dealers but given that there are some big hills, I'd go for a semi-auto like a Honda Wave or Dream as autos don't have any engine braking to speak of and are a bit more thirsty. The new Wave X looks like a nice bike to me.

Having said that, I just bought a new Yamaha Nuovo 135 and am very happy with it. IMHO, better than the Airblade that the wife has.

Cheers,

Pikey.