Honda Wave

[chawbdurian]

How are Honda Waves for traveling through Thailand? I used one last time I was over there and had a blast, but never drove more than a couple hours a day and almost never on the highway. I know there's comfier options but you really can't beat the price on those things. 
 

What are your thoughts? Have I fallen for เด็กแว้น memes? I think they're pretty cool.

[HappyExpat57]

Local travel ok. Any long distances or extended trips, I wouldn't recommend them. Too hard on your bottom line.

[novacova]

The Honda ct125 is a good small displacement bike for long rides. The wave is great on fuel though taxing on the butt, certainly not good choice for long distance unless one modifies and improves the seat.

[Jim Blue]

Understand the Wave is the bike of choice among motocy thieves !

Not sure if it due  to the superb ride or the anti thief device though ?

[johng]

The wave has got to be the most popular bike in Thailand

cheap to buy, maintain and run,  easy to ride, almost indestructible but easy to fix at any shade tree mechanic all over the country if anything does go wrong.

For long distance  the fuel tank might be a limiting factor   but as mentioned  probably  most people would have to stop for a "butt rest" before the fuel ran out 😆

 

[spidermike007]

Absolutely awful. Though they are a solid bike they're certainly not made for long distance travel, unless you are a very hardcore type, who does not mind punishing your body. 

 

If budget is the issue, I would step up to a Honda ATV 160, it's a far better bike, much better suspension, and a more comfortable ride, with a lot more power. Otherwise, the smallest bike I would consider touring with is a 350cc. Either a Forza or an ADV. 

 

While we're on the topic does anybody own a Zontes 368? I was wondering about them. Been hearirg good things. 

 

 

[cjinchiangrai]

For long distance a PCX/NMAX/Forza will be more comfortable. Bigger seat and bigger tires.

[connda]

34 minutes ago, chawbdurian said:

How are Honda Waves for traveling through Thailand? I used one last time I was over there and had a blast, but never drove more than a couple hours a day and almost never on the highway. I know there's comfier options but you really can't beat the price on those things. 
 

What are your thoughts? Have I fallen for เด็กแว้น memes? I think they're pretty cool.

Your butt will hurt.

[chawbdurian]

Since these bikes are really easy to work on, how about installing a custom cushion? I've seen lots of options online. 

[Furioso]

I wouldn't go with the Wave.

 

Honda ADV-160 is close to perfect for city riding as it easily squeezes through traffic, very reliable, incredible fuel economy. It can take you anywhere in Thailand but the ride is firm. 

 

My neighbor owns a Honda ADV-350 now it is a fantastic bike but it's a little too heavy for me as I'm around 90 kg. Does not squeeze through traffic as easy as the ADV-160 but super comfortable and a lot more torque. Perfect cruiser for long road trips but not as good in heavy city traffic. 

[Aforek]

41 minutes ago, cjinchiangrai said:

For long distance a PCX/NMAX/Forza will be more comfortable. Bigger seat and bigger tires.

Before I had a Honda Wave : have to stop every 50 kms, sore shoulders, arms, buttocks maintenance expenses, many punchures 

 

now I have a Yamaha Nmax 155,  more confortable ( 100 kms no stop possible ), maintenance very cheap,  no punctures, large luggage compartment, break ABS 

 

but for travelling, yes , a 350 cc is better ;  between Honda and Yamaha, I choose Yamaha 

[KhunBENQ]

I use it for short rides around the village and out to the fields.

But with it's standard seat I wouldn't want to do long trips.

You can be sure that you get all modifications you can think of. One of the most built motor vehicles ever.

Every roadside mechanic in Thailand can do basic repair.

Parts are dirt cheap.

The wheels are bigger than scooter wheels and I feel more stable than on a girlie scooter like Scoopy i.

[KhunLA]

2 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Otherwise, the smallest bike I would consider touring with is a 350cc. Either a Forza or an ADV. 

 

While we're on the topic does anybody own a Zontes 368? I was wondering about them. Been hearirg good things. 

Agree with above, and the Wave definitely wouldn't be my choice, or anything smaller than the 350cc recommended.

@chawbdurian

 

[novacova]

2 hours ago, chawbdurian said:

Since these bikes are really easy to work on, how about installing a custom cushion? I've seen lots of options online. 

There are plenty of shops that do custom cushions. The stock seat on the wave slops forward and a little narrow opposed to being saddle like, is one of the main reasons why it gets tiring to set on for long periods, they’ll know the issue when making note of that to the shop as it’s a common complaint.