It's best to have a good look around and find the best moto for yourself and that of your needs. There are plenty of motos for sale all over the county, many shops and online sales of new and second hand. Its not too different or difficult then buying one from here, just the same has buying at one's own country, apart from maybe the language barrier, decide what you are wanting and get looking, don't worry about walking away and looking at another shop or moto. Just remember you need the plate and card, and importantly the sales invoce.
With the money your willing to spend OP you would more then likely pickup yourself a dirt bike, or something for/and suited to your build. With also the situation there could be bargaining to be had, but keep in mind, some dealers or sellers have monies and may have put the moto your pondering over, at it's lower price to sell. In the past I have been able to shave a little cost off the price tags, or ended up with a free helmet or two, you could go has far to ask for the oil change on the bike you maybe concidering to buy (obviuosly offering to pay the price} for the service, but if not still pull out the dip-stick and look at the oil and level.
It is still also debatable if you buy new, if the moto will actually go in your name, like they say it will. Insurance (look on facebook) there are a few riders sites in Cambodia, I have read of westerners getting their insurance in Phnom Penh, apparently doesn't matter if the bike is not in your own name, due to the insurers knowing how the law stands, also I have read they pay out too, not just for theaft but for accident, the later always a concern.
Good luck OP with your moto hunting, and take care on the roads.

Thanks everyone for the help, appreciate.

To answer the questions/comments:
- I would just use it in PP (10 km/day between home and office) and around the city so I don't need something too powerful. For same reason, a dirt bike would probably be less convenient on a daily basis (no storage box etc). I had mentioned above a possible road trip in the countryside but, in such a case, I'd rent a dirt bike, so it's not a criterion for now.
- budget: up to $ 2,000, but could be adjusted upwards if I find something reliable (hard to tell before buying!!) and I got confirmation I can be insured
- @clutchcargo : these imported bikes that can be locally registered under my name could be a good compromise (not totally new, not too used). I'll try to go to Bayon (they have several PCX + other bikes + speaks English) and look for something quite recent to mitigate the risk of buying something that won't last.
- If PCX is too expensive (for recent ones), I'll look for a less expensive model like Honda Click.

To be honest, I think your budget is too high. $600-800 is all that's needed for a daily driver. A brand new bike is $1200, so not sure why you're willing to splurge so much. Either buy a new Wave 110 for $1200, or a used bike for $800.

Bitte_Kein_Lexus wrote: ↑Sun Aug 23, 2020 9:04 am To be honest, I think your budget is too high. $600-800 is all that's needed for a daily driver. A brand new bike is $1200, so not sure why you're willing to splurge so much. Either buy a new Wave 110 for $1200, or a used bike for $800.

The same price will get you a Yamaha 110cc with a disc brake (the Wave has drums). New, with warranty, in your own name.

The Wave comes in two models Kammeko. One with disk brakes, the other with drums. I think the drum brake version is $1100. As for new/warranty/your own name, the same applies for the Wave (or any new bike for that matter). Yamaha is a good deal as well, but the reality is that they'll lose their value a lot more (and I'm guessing the OP will be here on a shorter term study tour), plus for anything more serious, parts will be hard to find, even in the city (and especially hard in the countryside).

Bitte_Kein_Lexus wrote: ↑Sun Aug 23, 2020 9:26 am The Wave comes in two models Kammeko. One with disk brakes, the other with drums. I think the drum brake version is $1100. As for new/warranty/your own name, the same applies for the Wave (or any new bike for that matter). Yamaha is a good deal as well, but the reality is that they'll lose their value a lot more (and I'm guessing the OP will be here on a shorter term study tour), plus for anything more serious, parts will be hard to find, even in the city (and especially hard in the countryside).

I haven't seen the Waves with the disc for years, checked several dealerships in several provinces including PP. I think they were a (too) fierce competition for the Dream. Nearly the same enginepower, but with a disc brake instead, and over 800$ cheaper.... If I see one, I'll buy one on the spot.

Agree about the losing value of the Yamaha over the Honda. If you plan to use the bike for a short period of time, go for Honda. If you use it for years, don't care about it.

For me, in the boonies, I prefer a disc brake. Drum brakes need too much cleaning to keep working properly. I guess in PP in the rainy season it's more or less the same.

Kammekor wrote: For me, in the boonies, I prefer a disc brake. Drum brakes need too much cleaning to keep working properly. I guess in PP in the rainy season it's more or less the same.

Disk brakes are superior no matter what. The disk will still get exposed to mud, causing temporary poor performance at times, and premature wearing of the pads. They're still better though.

Back in the day, people argued that drum brakes were better because they were "enclosed", but of course it's bullshit. Kind of how some people now will argue that a cable clutch is better than a hydraulic clutch because it's got a cable... New technology seems to scare some people, but I'll take the stopping power of a disk any time. At the end of the day, it doesn't really matter as he's just after a daily driver. I just think he should save cash and stick to a $600 bike or something vs a $2000 PCX. It's a bit pointless to buy a new bike in your name of you're here just for a little while. However, this so just a hunch based on a recent Facebook post, so I may very well be wrong.

Kammekor wrote: ↑Sun Aug 23, 2020 9:20 am

Bitte_Kein_Lexus wrote: ↑Sun Aug 23, 2020 9:04 am To be honest, I think your budget is too high. $600-800 is all that's needed for a daily driver. A brand new bike is $1200, so not sure why you're willing to splurge so much. Either buy a new Wave 110 for $1200, or a used bike for $800.

The same price will get you a Yamaha 110cc with a disc brake (the Wave has drums). New, with warranty, in your own name.

Exactly You can buy a Yamaha Spark 115cc with fuel injection for about $1200 and they do all the registration, plates etc for you.
Just to bump an old post of mine:

Kuroneko wrote: ↑Sun Jun 30, 2019 12:07 pm

Nixon wrote: ↑Sun Jun 30, 2019 11:37 am Do I need a license or not? I have tried to look this up but it seems to be a bit confusing. If I need a license I need a letter from a Sangkat, what is that?

If you ride a motorcycle of 125cc or under you don't need a licence. The A1 license was revoked in 2016. https://www.phnompenhpost.com/national/ ... 25cc-motos

I run a Yamaha Jupiter 115, This years model is the Spark 115i, its fuel injected and will set you back about $1200.



Engine Type: 4 -stroke , SOHC, single-cylinder , air-cooled .
Volume: 115 cu .
Compression ratio : 9.3 : 1 .
Bore x stroke: 50.0 mm x 57.9 mm
Fuel system injector
Ignition : CDI

I bought this new in 2012, I have done about 40,000 kms and it is still running perfectly and is serviced regularly at Yamaha
Address: 35D E F, Czech Repulic Blvd (169), Phnom Penh 12253
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 5PM
Phone: 023 885 515

I doubt you’ll get any new Honda for under $1500.
Yamaha and Suzuki (Smash, Viva) are superior bikes tech wise.
There’s more chance of getting a Suzuki fixed in the boonies than a Yamaha as they’ve been around longer.