So, wifey wants a moto. She's not bothered whether it's an actual motorbike or a scooter. She has been riding around on an ancient Honda Cub (or Daelim, I don't know) but it was a loaner and has now been given back. A friend has offered her a 2012 Honda Click i for $1400 which is more than I am hoping to spend. It's got 3500k on the clock, looks to be in good condition and so far as I can tell the price is in roughly the right ballpark for what it is . I guess it's the old model with the 110cc engine since there's no mention of eSP or engine size on the bodywork. A quick poke about online says the newer 2012 and later Clicks are better and safer since they have bigger wheels, wider tyres, better brakes and the bigger 125cc engine. I know naff all about motorbikes except they're a quick way of killing yourself, especially in these parts.

Any advice on choosing between a motorbike and scooter, older vs newer, stuff to watch out for, howlers and lemons to avoid, good and bad places to buy appreciated. She'll only be driving it around town, no long road trips and rarely with anyone sat on the back. At the end of the day cheap and reliable and not too shitty looking is what we want.

Thanks in advance.

Advice on buying a moto: don't buy a horse.

(Sorry man, I've got nothing.)

Check the kms on the speedometer. Make sure they are all lined up accurately if you are buying a second hand bike. If one of the digits is a tad higher or lower than the others it is almost certain that it has been wound back. Make sure you get the plastic ownership card too.

2014 Honda Wave A- $1080 out the door. Includes a 1 year warranty, which I have heard is honored pretty well ( for Cambodia).

Cannot beat this deal, IMHO. I bought one and even though it is only a 100cc, I think it gets the job done well. The girlfriend loves it. It sits a bit taller, which is great for me, but still not tall enough where any women would have a problem.

I also like that they body style on this bike was last revamped in 2011, so it is pretty hard to tell it is a brand new bike ( Jaos). Plus, it is a simple engine that is very easy to fix with parts available everywhere.

Whatever you decide, good luck.

Thanks for the comments. Looks like we'll get a Yamaha Taurus ($990 at Yamaha Town on Sihanouk) or a Honda Wave. Didn't see Wave alphas anywhere but gazillions of Waves for $1120 and upwards.

The wave isnt bad. I had to go big or go home..Phantom all day...I love it. I got it dirt cheap also.

Wifey drove home a Taurus from Yamaha Town today. Hopelessly inefficient performance from the salesgirls and having said they could do the registration on the premises after about 2 hours the head saleswoman said "can not". Grrrr. Spent the money we saved over buying a Wave on a hopefully decent helmet at KTM on Street 51.

Can anyone recommend an insurance company? Just want theft cover really.