Honda Scoopy v Yamaha Fino

[hammered]

We want to get a new automatic run around just for town use to replace the 18 year old Suzuki Step. Does anyone have any comment on which of these two would be better in terms reliability, servicing and general use.

 

Thanks for all comments in advance.

[The Oracle]

I would go Honda as they are, by far, more common as a brand than any other.  A lot of the parts are interchangeable not only between years and iterations of a model, but often between models as well.

You don't say where you are but in my personal experience living in The Bowels of Phetchabun Province, more common replaceable parts such as chains, lights, indicators and so on are more likely to be actually held in stock in the local mechanics workshop.  Especially for Honda Waves, as there are substantially more of those (and their predecessors) than anything else. 
However, out of my nearest two towns - Bueang Sam Pan (16km south) and Nong Phai (12km north) only Nong Phai has motorcycle dealerships:  Honda and Yamaha.  (BSP has Nissan, Toyota, Hino, and Kubota dealerships).
The biggest plus, however, is almost EVERY 13 year-old boy, mechanic, or backyard bloke with a set of spanners, knows how to work on Hondas - especially Waves and Clicks.

My Landlady bought a Honda Scoopy-i when she returned from Hong Kong in 2007.  Still going and gets a roadworthy no worries (okay, the speedo cable seems to have given up the ghost about four years ago but considering it's only used in the village and the once-a year ride to Nong Phai, who cares?)  She is considering buying another next year.
I haven't rued my purchase at all.  I wanted a bike with gears so I bought a the top-specced Honda Wave-i 110cc with mag wheels, discs, and electric start.  Landlady's daughter learned to ride on it, too, and often borrowed it to ride to school (12km north) on days I was on a driving holiday or overseas.  She actually bought her daughter a Wave last year, as well, when she turned 15.  She pootles around Phetchabun City where she now goes to school, and rides the 90km each way home for the weekend.
None of them have missed a beat.

Only real "expense" has been a new battery after four years, and two new tyres at around 15,000 (before last wet season) - and many new inner tubes. 

A normal, 4000km service is so cheap that I've forgotten how much.
Considering I only pootle around the village to the market / 7-Eleven 3km each way on it (I have a car for anything requiring me to go on the main road) I didn't even service it annually.  BUT for my last service (it needed a mandatory registration roadworthy check as it was over five years old) at 17,600km, they also gave it some other bits and pieces - it also needed the scheduled chain replacement and I think that cost an extra 800 baht.  All in, I think it cost around 1700-1800 baht, including the rego fee.  A normal service is usually (maybe?) 300-400.

Or, after warranty has expired, just give it to your local "mechanic" for the oil change every 4,000 kays and a replacement chain every 20,000.  Just remember an annual roadworthy test (which is basically a service with a checklist) is required for road registration after a bike hits five - although some of the Frankenstein's Monsters I see blasting around here with four schoolboys on it wouldn't pass an emissions test, let alone a roadworthy.  LOL

Good luck.

Edited September 3 by The Oracle
Clarification

[jaideedave]

Honda...end of...

[papa al]

seven of one

half-a-dozen of the other

[novacova]

22 hours ago, hammered said:

Does anyone have any comment on which of these two would be better in terms reliability, servicing and general use.

Honda more availability of parts and services, otherwise about equal. 

[spidermike007]

If you are over 5'9", I would suggest looking at either a Honda ADV 160, or a Yamaha NMax. I prefer the Honda. It is around 100,000 baht. They're bigger bikes, they have a bigger frame, the suspension and tires are safer, and they are a lot more comfortable. Especially if you plan to have a passenger. They are a bit more expensive, but not to a large extent. 

 

 

 

 

Edited September 4 by spidermike007

[Postmaster]

Definately the Honda.  However, I  found the Scoopy tinny and girlyish and certainly not as robust as the Honda Click which is a superior buy at 58,000 baht for the 125cc. Get the Honda Click.  The 125cc is more than adequate but the 160 cc has ABS braking which is an advantage but more costly.

[pookett]

Between the two the Scoopy will last longer. Both are decent enough but the Fino, as with the Filano, suffer from slightly feeble front suspension set up, meaning a hefty bump can result in a full rebuild. The Scoopy set up is far more forgiving.

 

However, if you want an almost indestructible ride, get a Wave.

Edited September 4 by pookett

[Irish star]

I have a Honda MSX I love that thing in traffic , I think Scoopys and such are butt ugly 

[NoshowJones]

In my experience the Fino was very heavy on fuel, apart from that it was a great little bike.

[briofoz]

Scoopy, get the keyless model.

[SAFETY FIRST]

I have very first model Scoopy, exposed indicators. 

Bought it from soi Buakhou Mityon for the Mrs, still got it, nice little bike, I ride it occasionally, buying new tyres, oil change etc. 

 

 

 

[JonnyF]

14 hours ago, Irish star said:

I have a Honda MSX I love that thing in traffic , I think Scoopys and such are butt ugly 

 

The MSX is great. I just ordered a limited edition Monkey in the classic 80's Motocross colours which is essentially the same bike as the MSX/Grom. Love those little things around BKK.

 

 

As for Fino/Scoopy, I'd go Honda. More servicing and looks better IMO. Both are reliable. 

[gomangosteen]

The Fino That Wouldn't Die

 

100,860km on the Yamaha Fino, bought new Oct 2013 has had every scheduled service from the dealer we bought it from.

 

Current user daughter #2 25-30km/day to/from uni, a repeat of D1's four years uni trips.

 

Basic care and maintenance. Don't know that it's better or worse than Honda equivalent model. One Yamaha one Honda shop near us.

Edited September 5 by gomangosteen

[Irish star]

7 hours ago, JonnyF said:

 

The MSX is great. I just ordered a limited edition Monkey in the classic 80's Motocross colours which is essentially the same bike as the MSX/Grom. Love those little things around BKK.

 

 

As for Fino/Scoopy, I'd go Honda. More servicing and looks better IMO. Both are reliable. 

So easy to navigate and reliable 

[Kinnock]

I'd go for a Yamaha Filano or Honda Giorno with ABS if you want the Scoopy/Fino traditional scooter style.  

 

ABS on the front is a useful feature on small wheeled, lightweight scooters.  The Honda Adv is also worth considering, but it's more costly.