How to Buy a Motorcycle in Cambodia
Owning a motorcycle in Cambodia gives you ultimate freedom for daily commutes and weekend adventures. Whether you want a cheap Honda Dream or a proper adventure bike, here's how to buy one safely.
How do I Buy a Motorcycle in Cambodia?
Buy from a reputable dealer for new ($1,200-4,000) or Facebook groups/expat forums for used ($400-1,500). Always get the ownership transfer paperwork (blue card). Registration costs $50-150. Honda is the most practical brand — parts are everywhere.
Decide new vs. used
New bikes come with warranty and clean paperwork but cost 2-3x more. Used bikes from expats leaving Cambodia are the best deals. Check Facebook groups: "Buy & Sell Cambodia," "Expats in Cambodia Marketplace."
💡 Used Honda Click or Honda Wave in good condition: $400-800. Best value for daily use.
Choose the right bike
Honda Click/Scoopy ($1,200-1,800 new): best for city commuting. Honda Wave/Dream ($800-1,200 new): cheap, bulletproof, parts everywhere. Honda CRF250 ($4,000+ new): adventure/off-road. Yamaha NMAX ($2,000-2,500): premium scooter.
Inspect the bike thoroughly
For used bikes: check oil condition (black = overdue change), tire wear, brake pads, chain tension, electrical systems (all lights, horn, indicators), and listen for engine knocking. Take it for a 15-minute test ride. Bring a mechanically-savvy friend if possible.
💡 Any reputable mechanic will do a pre-purchase inspection for $5-10. Worth every cent.
Verify ownership documents
The seller must have the blue ownership card (vehicle registration card). Check that the engine and frame numbers match the card. No blue card = potentially stolen bike. Never buy without proper paperwork.
💡 Photocopies are not enough — you need the original blue card to transfer ownership.
Complete the ownership transfer
Both buyer and seller go to the local traffic police office with passports, the blue card, and the bike. Transfer costs $50-150 depending on the province and bike value. The process takes 1-3 hours. You receive a new blue card in your name.
Get insurance and a helmet
Third-party liability insurance is legally required ($20-40/year). Comprehensive insurance ($80-200/year) covers theft and damage. Buy a proper full-face helmet ($30-80) — it could save your life. Half-face helmets offer minimal protection.
💰 Costs
| New Honda Click/Scoopy | $1,200-1,800 |
| New Honda Wave/Dream | $800-1,200 |
| Used scooter (good condition) | $400-800 |
| Ownership transfer | $50-150 |
| Third-party insurance (annual) | $20-40 |
| Comprehensive insurance (annual) | $80-200 |
| Quality helmet (full-face) | $30-80 |
💡 Tips
- • Honda dominates Cambodia — parts and mechanics available in every town.
- • Never leave your blue card with a repair shop as collateral.
- • Check the bike's flood history — many PP bikes have water damage from monsoon flooding.
- • New bike dealers: Wing Yip, Mong Reththy, and official Honda/Yamaha showrooms in Phnom Penh.
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