SUV versus Motorcycles in Thailand

[CharlieH]

 

Do you categorize yourself as an adrenaline enthusiast who finds exhilaration in a motorcycle drive, or do you have a proclivity towards the comfort and safety features of an SUV? Each stands with its unique advantages and disadvantages. From parameters like fuel efficiency and ecological footprint to factors such as cost and convenience, we’ll comprehensively examine these facets and beyond.

So, be prepared as we initiate this comparative journey, contrasting SUVs and motorcycles within the Thai context, and facilitating an informed decision on the optimal selection for your lifestyle.

Vehicle types in Thailand

Diverse landscapes and intricate urban roadways define Thailand, catering to the proliferation of various types of vehicles. Here, we delve deeper into the features and advantages of sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and motorcycles, dominating the roads of Thailand.

Overview of sports utility vehicles (SUVs)

SUVs, due to their size and weight, provide an impressive on-road presence. Accommodating more passengers than the average car and affording high seating positions, they’ve earned a solid reputation for comfort and safety. Moreover, with newer models progressing towards fuel efficiency, SUVs are not on the back foot in the ‘eco-friendly’ race anymore.

Overview of motorcycles

Photo by Kat Sazonova on Unsplash

Motorcycles, on the other hand, offer unrivalled flexibility. They ensure easy navigation through the densely populated cities of Thailand. Boasting lower fuel consumption, they make for a cost-effective mode of transport. The draw of motorcycles extends to their affordability and the reduced import tax, consequently further strengthening their foothold in the Thai vehicle market.

Key considerations for choosing a vehicle

When opting for a vehicle in Thailand, your decision hinges on various factors. These might include cost comparisons, the environmental impact of the vehicle and its suitability in urban versus rural settings.

Cost comparisons

Discussing finances, sports utility vehicles (SUVs) generally cost more than motorcycles. For instance, SUV ownership includes higher initial procurement charges, higher fuel costs, and steeper maintenance fees, not to mention the annual tax applied by the Department of Land Transport (DLT). On the other hand, motorcycles like a Honda Click come with an affordable annual tax and the total ownership costs reaching around THB 51,000 annually, bridging the wide gap in cost between SUVs and bikes. Depending on what brand of vehicle you may be looking for, the prices will slightly vary.

Environmental impact

In terms of environmental impact, motorcycles win the debate. Motorcycles typically consume less fuel compared to SUVs. With rising environmental concerns and the global push towards reducing carbon footprints, this point serves as a significant benefit for individuals leaning towards motorcycles.

Practicality for urban vs rural areas

Practicality is another prime factor influencing vehicle choice. In Thailand’s bustling urban regions, the flexibility and space efficiency provided by motorcycles are major draws. They enable you to weave through tight traffic and find parking easily. However, in Thailand’s scenic rural expanses, SUVs may provide a more comfortable, relaxed ride, especially for longer excursions. They offer higher passenger capacity and better comfort features which can be particularly appealing on those longer trips.

Remember, in the end, your choice of vehicle must resonate with your personal needs, lifestyle, and the specific conditions of the area you’ll be navigating most frequently.

Ownership conditions in Thailand

After studying the features and benefits of sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and motorcycles in Thailand, it’s crucial to understand the ownership conditions within the country. This section shifts focus from the comparative analysis of these vehicles to the legalities of vehicle ownership, to the associated costs and taxes, and finally, to the fundamental insurance considerations in the region.

Legal requirements

Photo by Cytonn Photography on Unsplash

Owning a sports utility vehicle or a motorcycle as a foreign national in Thailand isn’t just a dream; it’s a reality governed by certain legal stipulations. These prerequisites allow foreigners to conduct a seamless and lawful vehicle purchase. Consulting local authorities or specialists with expertise in auto-ownership laws offers accurate and relevant data necessary for you to sail through the legal process of owning an SUV or a motorcycle in Thailand.

Costs and taxes

Beyond the upfront costs of a sports utility vehicle or a motorcycle, additional expenses such as taxes and maintenance fees come into play. Compared to motorcycles, SUVs typically incur higher ownership costs due to the higher procurement charges, more substantial fuel expenses, increased maintenance fees and steeper annual taxes. In contrast, motorcycles such as the Honda Click offer a more affordable route for vehicle ownership. Understanding these costs can help in determining the type of vehicle that aligns with your financial capacity.

Insurance considerations

Insurance forms an essential aspect of vehicle ownership in Thailand. Coverage offers a safety net during unexpected incidents, saving significant financial burdens down the line. An informed decision on insurance should factor in the distinct insurance premiums for sports utility vehicles and motorcycles. By considering the terms and coverage of different insurance policies for these vehicles, you can assess the suitability of a particular insurance product to your needs.

Market trends and popular choices

Diving into the Thai vehicle market, you’ll uncover specific trends and popular models that resonate with the locals. In this section, we’ll take a deeper look at both sports utility vehicles (SUVs) and motorcycles, unpacking their present market trends, and their popular models and their features within the Thai market.

Current market trends

Thailand’s automobile sector has shown steady growth and has become an essential element of the national economy. Notably, the promotion of completely knocked-down (CKD) units has seen a spike owing to government support. This has materialised in the form of reduced import duties for auto parts, in turn encouraging significant investment from manufacturers.

A distinct shift towards environmentally conscious vehicles is also evident. The introduction of eco-car Phase I in 2009, followed by Phase II in 2015 acted as a catalyst for the production of economical cars, drawing interest from many major producers. As a result, these ‘eco cars’ have seen an increase in production from accounting for 28% of total output in 2007 to a record 40% in 2022. The Thai market is thus indicating a clear preference for smaller, fuel-efficient cars and motorcycles in comparison to larger, less sustainable models.

Popular models

The local preference greatly influences the most popular models in the SUV and motorcycle categories. When it comes to SUVs, the eco-cars have gained prominence due to their economic and environmental benefits. Their fuel-efficient technology, along with the government’s tax incentive scheme, makes them a desirable choice.

Some options for motorcycles include:

• Honda Click 125i
• Yamaha Nmax
• Kawasaki Ninja ZX-10R
• Honda PCX
• Royal Enfield Bullet 350

Some options for SUVs include:

• Toyota Fortuner
• Honda CR-V
• Mazda CX-5
• Mitsubishi Pajero Sport
• Ford Everest

Replacing your vehicle becomes necessary when you face frequent breakdowns, increasing repair costs, declining fuel efficiency, or safety concerns. Additionally, outdated technology, poor performance, and rising mileage can signal it’s time for an upgrade. Evaluating these factors will help you decide if a new car is the best option.

 

 

[SAFETY FIRST]

9 minutes ago, CharlieH said:

Do you categorize yourself as an adrenaline enthusiast who finds exhilaration in a motorcycle drive, or do you have a proclivity towards the comfort and safety features of an SUV?

I'm both, got the xDiavel to ride for pleasure, when the weather is suitable and the Fortuner for family, shopping, in the heat of the day. 

 

Oh yeah and the PCX for quick trips. 

 

Boring just having one or the other. 

 

[MrJ2U]

You'll need both.

For obvious reasons it'll depend on your finances.

[Pilot3Boz]

I have both and utilize them accordingly.. GS for the enjoyment of the "ride".. The Everest for daily use and scuba trips south carrying the gear, golf trips with the clubs and luggage.. No motorbike though... Have sadan for leisure trips and around town... All good!!!

[donmuang37]

Interesting, but sort of an "apple and oranges" comparison.  How many people and saying, "Hmm... should I buy an SUV or a motorcycle?"  

 

And it totally overlooks two major considerations:

1.  Safety!  80% of traffic fatalities in Thailand are motorcyclists.

2.  Comfort:  Motorcycles aren't so comfortable during the hot and rainy seasons!

[Yellowtail]

Riding a motorcycle is fun and exhilarating. 

 

Having to ride a motorcycle as one's only mode of transportation blows, though it does not blow as hard as not having a motorcycle. 

[johng]

4 hours ago, Yellowtail said:

it does not blow as hard as not having a motorcycle.

Walking is for sure not as much fun as riding a motorbike.

( though so much more environmentally and health friendly  🤮 )

[Yellowtail]

1 hour ago, johng said:

Walking is for sure not as much fun as riding a motorbike.

( though so much more environmentally and health friendly  🤮 )

 

Plenty of walkways is Thailand where that is just not so...

[novacova]

Whatever is most practical and convenient for the journey, a couple of cars and some motorcycles. No practical use for a suv here for us and not into 4 wheel’n in the mud and won’t be utilizing the space in the back.

[KhunLA]

Pretty hard having that 'exhilaration in a motorcycle drive' on the reasonably priced MC/small scooters in TH, especially if buying for 51k as implied in OP.  Good for scooting around town and through congestion.  On highway, or playing, I would need a least a 750cc.

 

But nothing, little scooters, I'd feel comfy doing top speed on or pushing the limits of bike & road, on Thai roads.   A bit unpredictable & dangerous.   A larger bike able to actually go fast ... that's suicidal here.

 

I'll stick with the SUV, especially for anywhere over 1 hour drive.   Heat, dust & diesel exhaust doesn't make for  a pleasant experience.   Even short drives on MC and I feel the need to shower when back home.

 

No EV listed, so a bunch of under performing vehicles ... so 20th Century 

[SAFETY FIRST]

14 hours ago, KhunLA said:

But nothing, little scooters, I'd feel comfy doing top speed on or pushing the limits of bike & road, on Thai roads.   A bit unpredictable & dangerous.   A larger bike able to actually go fast ... that's suicidal here

I've got a few mates, we all have Ducati's. 

Most are 1198 & 1262cc.

I enjoy riding casually, not pushing the bike, I ride my bike to show off. 

I don't like riding with some of my friends, they push their bike to the limits, racing over crests, through small villages etc., I won't do it, I don't enjoy the ride. 

 

[OneMoreFarang]

SUV or motorcycle?

What's the next question? Beer or milk? 

[Jeff the Chef]

Gimme a Volvo Globetrotter with 50 cal's mounted front and rear, keep your pussy mobiles and 2 wheel death traps.