Motorbike for my girl ... your advice ?

[CamboMan]

My young Cambodian girlfriend would like me to purchase her a ‘new’ motorbike. She lives and studies in Kratie (we do not yet live together). I have lived in Cambodia few years but know nothing about bikes, never had one. I see a new one will be in the range of 2000$, over my budget. My girl expresses some wishes but I would also appreciate ‘external’ advice : is new necessary or second-hand is good as well ? where to buy then to get a reliable machine ? And I started to do some research but the choice is so vast : Honda Dream, Wave, Viva, Click, Airblade, Zoomer, Scoopy, … What would you suggest ? Thks

[Jerry Atrick]

My young Cambodian girlfriend would like me to purchase her a ‘new’ motorbike. She lives and studies in Kratie (we do not yet live together). I have lived in Cambodia few years but know nothing about bikes, never had one. I see a new one will be in the range of 2000$, over my budget. My girl expresses some wishes but I would also appreciate ‘external’ advice : is new necessary or second-hand is good as well ? where to buy then to get a reliable machine ? And I started to do some research but the choice is so vast : Honda Dream, Wave, Viva, Click, Airblade, Zoomer, Scoopy, … What would you suggest ? Thks

Whatever she wants lol - she won't be happy with anything else

I would suggest buying her nothing and seeing how long she sticks around without expensive gifts

[SlowJoe]

My young Cambodian girlfriend would like me to purchase her a ‘new’ motorbike. She lives and studies in Kratie (we do not yet live together).

… What would you suggest ? Thks

Honestly, I suggest you run while you still can.

[CamboMan]

My young Cambodian girlfriend ...

Whatever she wants lol - she won't be happy with anything else

I would suggest buying her nothing and seeing how long she sticks around without expensive gifts

I am only seeking a response to the question I ask, not your commentaries on something I did not ask. Thank You

[John Bingham]

I would suggest one of these, widely available in Mondulkiri and good for both transporting timber and as a runaround.

[Kammekor]

My young Cambodian girlfriend would like me to purchase her a ‘new’ motorbike. She lives and studies in Kratie (we do not yet live together). I have lived in Cambodia few years but know nothing about bikes, never had one. I see a new one will be in the range of 2000$, over my budget. My girl expresses some wishes but I would also appreciate ‘external’ advice : is new necessary or second-hand is good as well ? where to buy then to get a reliable machine ? And I started to do some research but the choice is so vast : Honda Dream, Wave, Viva, Click, Airblade, Zoomer, Scoopy, … What would you suggest ? Thks

All Honda's are pretty reliable machines, Wave giving you the most bang for your buck, but it's a poor men's Honda, disliked by many young girls.

She probably wants the newest Scoopy, like many girls that age, count on 2400-2600 USD for a new one. My guess is that all that's negotiable from your side is the color. Scoopy it will be. Some girls like the Zoomer, but not so many. Same price range.

If you can't afford it, forget it.Pretty young girls don't do second hand bikes, if you buy her one she'll probably sell it and borrow the rest to get a new Scoopy.

[hdgh29]

My young Cambodian girlfriend would like a new motorbike ...

Honestly, I suggest you run while you still can.

I am only seeking a response to the question I ask, not your commentaries on something I did not ask. Thank You

Then
you are on the wrong forum . Regulars here specialise in extraneous ad hominem comments and opinions. But that's social media all over, isn't it.

[mi1]

From my experience second-hand is good choice. I bought my Honda Wave for 700$ (new was around 1.5k if not mistaken) 6 years ago and still drive it every day without any issues. Important point is when u go to buy better take someone who understands motos and can do basic checkup. U can find proper second hand moto on facebook, khmer24 or go to "moto streets" near Olympic (that is what i did). For new one just go honda official sellers.

In your case i feel there's a catch. Locals not only see it's from practical point but also how it will impact they 'face'. I do not know details but i feel 'buy new' suits much better for young girl who date old westerner. So it must be 2.5k Scoopy as was suggested earlier

I do not know you and this is not what u asked but.. if

- you are old/ugly/weird then u must buy new one (she will tell you which one) otherwise it's big lose for her face and she will feel disappointed.
- you are nearly same age/social status suggest her that u can help/loan with second hand and just check online or go moto streets. For 500$ is possible to buy reliable moto. Most likely she will be very happy also

[CamboMan]

From my experience second-hand is good choice. I bought my Honda Wave for 700$ (new was around 1.5k if not mistaken) 6 years ago and still drive it every day without any issues. Important point is when u go to buy better take someone who understands motos and can do basic checkup. U can find proper second hand moto on facebook, khmer24 or go to "moto streets" near Olympic (that is what i did). For new one just go honda official sellers.

In your case i feel there's a catch. Locals not only see it's from practical point but also how it will impact they 'face'. I do not know details but i feel 'buy new' suits much better for young girl who date old westerner. So it must be 2.5k Scoopy as was suggested earlier

I do not know you and this is not what u asked but.. if

- you are old/ugly/weird then u must buy new one (she will tell you which one) otherwise it's big lose for her face and she will feel disappointed.
- you are nearly same age/social status suggest her that u can help/loan with second hand and just check online or go moto streets. For 500$ is possible to buy reliable moto. Most likely she will be very happy also

Thank you and well noted. I appreciate this response with real usable info and worded in a nuanced way.

[tightenupvolume1]

You should get an "old girlfriend" they will be happy with a bullock cart