Hi, I've just arrived in PP and am looking for a used Honda PCX (125 or 150). I've already checked forums, khmer24 and khmermotors websites. I've also visited several dealers in Preah Sihanouk blvd but it was hard to get clear information in English.

Here are the questions for which I'd need clarifications:
1) mileage: how reliable is it ? I saw second hand bikes that looked pretty used with only 50km (!)... It seems to me that they can "re-boot" the meter, whereas this is a critical indicator to be considered when buying a vehicle in Europe (indicates state of engine, need for maintenance etc.). So I'm wondering if I should consider this as a good criterion when buying used bikes.
2) year: it seems that the year of the bike is a key component for the price. There are large discounts for bikes from years 2011-2013 (I found bikes at $ 1,300-1,500, compared to above $ 2,000 for bikes from 2017 and later). But I heard that maintenance was generally poor in Cambodia so there may be extra risk for old bikes. Is it considered as a generally good practice to avoid scooters older than a certain age (e.g. 5 years)? Or is it mainly about getting the most recent model (with LCD screen etc.)?
3) plate: there was a bike with no plate so the dealer said he could register a plate on his name. What are the risks? Could I still insure the vehicle?
4) insurance: which papers do I need to insure the vehicle? I will contact insurance companies next week (currently closed due to holidays) but any feedback on previous experiences would be appreciated.
5) Any other advice based on your experience?

Thanks in advance for your help.

Are you licensed to drive a big bike?

If not, stick to less than 125cc. You might be able to get insurance for the 150cc bike, but when driving it unlicensed they won't pay out a penny when shit hits the fan. Below 125cc no license is required.

If you are looking at a price range of $1000-$2000 why not buy a new motor cycle? There are a lot of advantages - you get a warranty and you can register in your name. There is a higher fee for registering in a foreigner name. 2nd hand motos can not be registered to a foreigner so your dealer offer was quite reasonable. If you buy second hand the old owner just gives you the card and then its yours.
I dont know about the Honda model PCX but a new standard Honda 125cc is around $2000. A new Suzuki is around $1500.
I have never insured my motos and most Khmer people do not. I expect the premium would be quite high relative to the value if insurance is actually available.

Honda’s are way overpriced.

Don't look at what the odometer says. Let the nicks, caked dirt, and stains tell you if it was heavily used or well cared for. Try to look under the plastics for caked crude too. They are smart on how to make an older used bike look pretty on the outside.

Thanks guys for the replies.
@Kammekor, about driving license: I'll request a Cambodian one as soon as I get my certificate of residence (I already have French and international licenses). It seems not too complex and cheap. Model PCX can be 125 or 150 depending on the year so I prefer to get the license even if under 125cc it is not compulsory. I may also rent a dirt bike for a few days to see the country in the coming months, so better to have a license as these are generally 250 or 400cc.
@samrong01: I'd rather to buy "used" as the scooter I am looking for is a bit more expensive, plus risk of damages and theft (although I want insurance). I'm mainly looking at the PCX as it's larger than other scooters (like Honda Click, Dream etc.) so more room for me (I'm 1.90m high), gf and bigger trunk. But I may reconsider if it makes more sense to buy new or cheaper.
I understand that most people don't insure their vehicle, but if I spend up to $ 2,000 I would not be confortable about risk of theft. I'll see how much the insurance company asks (I read somewhere it could be around $ 100 per year, to be confirmed as should depend on model...).
@Ravensnest: yes... the meter is probably not a reliable indicator. I'll carefully scrutinize the bike before buying, ask to try it etc.

Ced wrote:Hi, I've just arrived in PP and am looking for a used Honda PCX (125 or 150). I've already checked forums, khmer24 and khmermotors websites. I've also visited several dealers in Preah Sihanouk blvd but it was hard to get clear information in English.

Here are the questions for which I'd need clarifications:
1) mileage: how reliable is it ? I saw second hand bikes that looked pretty used with only 50km (!)... It seems to me that they can "re-boot" the meter, whereas this is a critical indicator to be considered when buying a vehicle in Europe (indicates state of engine, need for maintenance etc.). So I'm wondering if I should consider this as a good criterion when buying used bikes.
2) year: it seems that the year of the bike is a key component for the price. There are large discounts for bikes from years 2011-2013 (I found bikes at $ 1,300-1,500, compared to above $ 2,000 for bikes from 2017 and later). But I heard that maintenance was generally poor in Cambodia so there may be extra risk for old bikes. Is it considered as a generally good practice to avoid scooters older than a certain age (e.g. 5 years)? Or is it mainly about getting the most recent model (with LCD screen etc.)?
3) plate: there was a bike with no plate so the dealer said he could register a plate on his name. What are the risks? Could I still insure the vehicle?
4) insurance: which papers do I need to insure the vehicle? I will contact insurance companies next week (currently closed due to holidays) but any feedback on previous experiences would be appreciated.
5) Any other advice based on your experience?

Thanks in advance for your help.

1) Don't believe any odometers here. Very easy to spin back. Go via general condition and so on instead. As mentioned, stick to under 125cc.

2) Again, maintenance is generally poor here, so it's a crap shoot. If you don't know what to look for I'd suggest going with someone who does. Even then, it's a bit of a gamble. Expect to spend a bit on repairs/maintenance after purchasing.

3) I wouldn't get a bike in someone else's name. However, you can't really get a bike in your name unless it's brand new. So it's still normal to get a registration card without your name on it. Just make sure you get the card AND the buy/sell paperwork with thumbprints. Even if it's in your name, the address will likely be not your real address unless you go through the proper process.

4) As far as I'm aware, it's still not really possible to get 3rd party insurance or theft insurance. I think Infinity offered some for a while but they stopped.

5) Stick to under 125 unless experienced.

If you are going to drive just around PP then get a stealth bike, ugly but reliable, old Suzuki motos and old Hondas the jaos don't want them