Suzuki Best--why So Cheap?

[heybruce]

Today I saw a new Suzuki Best 125cc clutch bike for 36,000 baht, about 10,000 to 15,000 cheaper than comparable Yamaha's and Honda's. Why the price difference? Is the Suzuki much inferior, or a better buy?

[Briggsy]

Isn't the Suzuki Best very similar to the Honda Wave which is priced from around 36,000 also? The Suzuki Raider is the bike with clutch and gears.

[Phil Conners]

I don't think you get a Wave 125 for 36K. The price difference is no mystery: Honda is a very popular brand, Suzuki isn't.

[Somnambulist]

Isn't the Suzuki Best very similar to the Honda Wave which is priced from around 36,000 also? The Suzuki Raider is the bike with clutch and gears.

I went to Yamaha Square today in Chiang Mai and got a brochure for a Raider (they don't have any in stock, it's by order only), and they are having a promotion - 45,000 baht till the end of the month. I don't know much about bikes but this is the part I can read: 150cc, twin cam, 6 speed, oil cooler. Is this Suzuki's answer to the Honda CBR? How does it stack up against the Honda?

[borracho]

I don't think you get a Wave 125 for 36K. The price difference is no mystery: Honda is a very popular brand, Suzuki isn't.

But you can buy a Wave100 for 36K! Which is a great value.

It's inaccurate to say Suzuki isn't a popular brand. Suzuki makes many excellent products and produces engines for many other manufactures.

In Thailand Suzuki just isn't as popular as Honda.

Some of Suzuki bigger bikes are really fine machines.

Today I saw a new Suzuki Best 125cc clutch bike for 36,000 baht, about 10,000 to 15,000 cheaper than comparable Yamaha's and Honda's. Why the price difference? Is the Suzuki much inferior, or a better buy?

If I was in the market for a scooter I might give it a whirl. Sometimes up and coming manufactures make equal or even better product to their competitors. Subaru is one example.

I wouldn't be afraid of a Suzuki just because it's a Suzuki.

[heybruce]

Isn't the Suzuki Best very similar to the Honda Wave which is priced from around 36,000 also? The Suzuki Raider is the bike with clutch and gears.

I went to Yamaha Square today in Chiang Mai and got a brochure for a Raider (they don't have any in stock, it's by order only), and they are having a promotion - 45,000 baht till the end of the month. I don't know much about bikes but this is the part I can read: 150cc, twin cam, 6 speed, oil cooler. Is this Suzuki's answer to the Honda CBR? How does it stack up against the Honda?

45,000 for a 150cc bike seems like a heck of a deal. Is Yamaha Square that place next to Kad Suan Kaew?

[Phil Conners]

The Suzuki Raider 150 is nothing like a CBR150, the CBR is like a traditional sportsbike, the Raider is more like a Honda Nova (I think, you don't see many of them around anymore).

It's a nice enough bike though, loads of power, locals like them for their ease of tuning to ridiculous power levels. 45K baht sounds like a gift, I though the normal price was around 60K or more.

Edited May 23, 2007 by Phil Conners

[Gary A]

My wife has a 125 Suzuki Best. She is of the opinion that the Suzuki is a better bike. After two years and no problems at all, it must be good quality. She had a Honda 100 Wave before the Suzuki. It never had any problems either. My take on it is that the Honda seat was more comfortable for me than the Suzuki. The Honda was also cold blooded and the Suzuki starts easier. The 125 Suzuki also has more power than the 125 Wave based on stupid farangs feeling our oats. You won't buy it for 36,000 with the semi automatic transmission and alloy wheels. I think it cost about 41,000 two years ago. Add another 3,000 for electric start. My wife wanted the semi automatic and alloy wheels but definitely DIDN'T want electric start. I have no idea why she was adamant that she didn't want it.

[MaiChai]

Its nearest competitor is the Honda Sonic. Sonic is about the same price (well a bit more). I think the Raider is a good bike. Get one if you are not interested in resale, otherwise it could be a problem selling it. I have heard mixed reports of the Sonic; not a great bike, but very popular in Bangkok (loads of them about). Raider in yellow looks cool. Useful having that big seat plus you have all that performance. Suzuki knows how to make good bikes.

If you are looking for a cheap step through (like a Wave), Suzuki is your best bet. Good bikes and very cheap second hand (they dont keep there value like Hondas). My girlfriend bought a Smash 110 cc 3 years old for 9K (try and beat that!). Spent about 400 baht doing it up (new battery, bulbs, choke cable). I prefer this bike to the Wave (it goes, highly maneoverable, easy to drive, more fun and performance than a Wave, economical).

[heybruce]

Isn't the Suzuki Best very similar to the Honda Wave which is priced from around 36,000 also? The Suzuki Raider is the bike with clutch and gears.

I went to Yamaha Square today in Chiang Mai and got a brochure for a Raider (they don't have any in stock, it's by order only), and they are having a promotion - 45,000 baht till the end of the month. I don't know much about bikes but this is the part I can read: 150cc, twin cam, 6 speed, oil cooler. Is this Suzuki's answer to the Honda CBR? How does it stack up against the Honda?

I went to Yamaha Square today and was told that they only sell Yamaha's (imagine that). Either there is more than one Yamaha Square in Chiang Mai or someone is misinformed.

The Suzuki place I know of, at the corner of RatchaDamnoen and PhraPokklao (spelling?) in the old city does not have Raiders, in fact their only clutch bike is the 125cc Best I mentioned at the beginning of this thread. I think that is their biggest engine as well. They are also carrying Yamahas, Kawasakis and Tigers, but only semi-automatics with 110cc engines as far as I can tell.

So, while I continue to invite comments on the Suzuki Best 125cc clutch bike, I would also like to investigate the Raider. Does anyone know anyplace that sells them in Chiang Mai?

[terryp]

I went to buy a Honda Click…Bought the Suzuki Step (Fantastic bike not 1 problem in 8,000 km)…sent it off to the family as I got bored.

I went to buy a Honda Air Blade…Bought the Suzuki Hayate

Suzuki are just as good as Honda …..and not so common (Yet)

[geoffphuket]

I've a Yamaha 120 Tiara, similar to the Suzuki Raider only 2 stroke. It's been faultlesly reliable for 7 years and has covered 91,000Klms. The Honda I owned before that was exhausted after just 2 years. Pitty they don't make it anymore, the old smokers are much more fun that 4 stroke machines.

geoffphuket

Edited May 23, 2007 by geoffphuket

[terryp]

Look to be in Excellent condition

[larvidchr]

I've a Yamaha 120 Tiara, similar to the Suzuki Raider only 2 stroke. It's been faultlesly reliable for 7 years and has covered 91,000Klms. The Honda I owned before that was exhausted after just 2 years. Pitty they don't make it anymore, the old smokers are much more fun that 4 stroke machines.

geoffphuket

I am impressed 91.000 km. on a small two stroke, well done, looks real good to.