To RENT or to BUY?
Well that is THE question and here are the PRO’s and CON’s of both.
BUYING a Motorbike
Overall it’s cheaper than renting (if you drive for 30 - 60 days).
You can trash the bike and not worry about damage costs.
You can sell it when you are done and make all or most of the money back.
It’s yours, so you feel more freedom and part of the pack as it were.
You’re on your own, no support if things go wrong.
If you need to leave the country quickly you might not have time to sell it.
You don’t have the safety net of the rental company for help and support.
RENTING a Motorbike
+If your trip is 7 - 21 days long, then you will probably save some money.
+You have a person you can call if things go wrong.
+The insurance will cover most of the wear and tear damages along the way.
+You’ll have more time and comfort to choose the perfect bike for your needs.
+Rental companies will pick up the bike for you when you finish with it regardless if you are near or far away from the starting point.
+Rental companies will have (for a fee) helmets and riding gear available to rent or purchase.
-Over 3 weeks or longer it will be more expensive to rent.
-Most niggling break downs such as flat tyres etc you will have to problem solve -alone anyway.
-You need to make sure you don’t damage the bike too much.
-Rental bikes aren’t as ‘cool’ as owning your own bike, you won’t have that sense of ownership.
Overall I opted to BUY. I wanted to own it, and I wanted the adventure of sourcing and buying it myself.
Here are some places that will help you RENT or BUY a motorbike.
In Hanoi contact Mr. Phung, he will help you RENT or BUY a motorbike. This is where I bought my motorbike from.
Go check out my guide for the best free things to do as well as itineraries and travel tips to make your trip unforgettable.