This guide is meant to help a foreigner living in Cambodia buy a scooter (or motorcycle). It is based purely on my years of living in the country and the many scooters and motorcycles I have purchased during that time.
Buying Basics:
The less the scooter has been owned by Cambodians, the better condition it will be in.
Used bikes owned by foreigners for a long time in Cambodia, can also be in bad shape.
If it's only been used in Cambodia a few years, or it was imported directly from Japan and was only used in Japan, it will usually be in good condition.
In general: Avoid anything that has been in Cambodia very long. Things get abused here, most people are poor, engine parts get replaced with cheaper Chinese counterfeits, most people lack understanding of correct maintenance, the sun and rain destroy things, etc.
The shops you buy from are not so important. Sticking to the advice above, is. This is by far the most important factor for buying a "reliable" bike.
Where to buy:
Khmer24 .com, or Facebook Marketplace. These are basically the only places you need to look. I especially like Khmer24 because you can filter by exact make and model. If you are in a big city like Phnom Penh or Siem Reap, there are areas of each city with lots of scooter dealerships. You can just physically walk around these areas and look at bikes. Note that a lot of sellers will not speak much English. Most people in Cambodia use Telegram. If you add the number from the listing to Telegram, you may be able to communicate through Telegram using Google Translate. I have done this before. I have also just showed up at their shop, if they give the address in the listing. Also: Phnom Penh is, by far, the best place to find special or unique bikes. Every other city in the country, even Siem Reap, has practically nothing compared to Phnom Penh in this regard. If you just want to buy a basic scooter like a Honda Dream 125, then you do not need to look in Phonm Penh. But if you want something unusual, Phnom Penh is where it's at.
Avoiding Stolen bikes:
When you buy a moto in Cambodia, if it has been previously owned in Cambodia, then it should have a plastic registration card (about the size of a credit card) as well as a license plate (metal plate on the back of the bike). If the bike is missing either one of these, it was likely stolen, and is impossible to legally own. Police can always confiscate it from you at any time if they stop you. These bikes, no matter what their condition, are never worth more than a few hundred dollars. The cost to make it legal (if it is even possible) will cost more than the value of the bike. I never recommend buying a stolen bike. Also, even if the bike has a license plate, it may be from a different bike that the seller slapped on at the last second to make it "look" legit. You can avoid this by scanning the QR code on the license plate and verifying the details from the government website (make, model, engine block number, engine CC, year of manufacture, etc.). All new license plates have QR codes on them; only very old license plates (10+ years?) do not. Also, the plastic registration card can be faked as well. So you will need to scan the QR code on the card as well to confirm it.
If the bike has not been previously owned in Cambodia, then it will have neither a plastic registration card, or a license plate, but the seller should have the tax paperwork showing its importation into the country (not to mention, the bike should look pretty new, although it is technically possible to import an old, mediocre bike into the country).
Registration, Ownership, and Insurance:
It is legal for foreigners to own scooters (and motorcycles) in Cambodia, with caveats.
If you are not the first person to own the scooter in Cambodia, then you can not register it in your name. Instead, your proof of ownership will consist of your receipt from the seller, as well as the plastic registration card from the previous owner. Do not lose either of these. The receipt from the seller should also have yours and his thumbprints on it, as well as a possible witness, which they will imprint when you buy it.
If you are the first person to own the scooter in Cambodia, then you can register it in your name. This means you will be the first person in Cambodia to get the plastic card and license plate, registered in your name. There are private businesses in Siem Reap and Phnom Penh that will handle this paperwork for you for a reasonable fee, which I recommend. You'll need to give them the original importation tax paperwork from the seller. The bike will then need to be registered in the province you are living in. Although, some people register it in Phnom Penh, even if they are not living there, by basically lying and paying a fixer "fee". This is technically illegal but makes it is easier to sell the bike in Phonm Penh later on, where there are more potential buyers, and nothing else will need to be done in their home city. I do not recommend this, but people do it. There is also a unique 3rd option: you can register it with a custom license plate, for a fee. This is an official and legal option. For example, maybe you want the license plate to say ILOVEBIKES, or whatever. These custom license plates give you the unique freedom to not have to declare it as registered in any one province, it is my understanding. Whatever option you choose, registering a bike in your name is more complicated and will take more time than buying a bike that has already been owned by someone else in Cambodia.
Insurance is not required. If you want insurance, I have heard very good things about Infinity. Another popular Cambodian insurance company is Forte, although I have no personal experience with them.
There are no annual emissions testings, inspections, or tax requirements for bike ownership in Cambodia.
If you have a Cambodian spouse or a trusted Cambodian partner, you can of course register the scooter in their name, instead of yours. The easiest thing is for you to just give them the money and they buy it and sign for it.
Driver's License/Driving:
You do not need a driver's license to drive a scooter or motorcycle in Cambodia if the engine is 125cc or less. If your bike is bigger than this, you have 2 options for getting a driver's license:
Option 1: Get an annual temporary license. This is what most foreigners do (if they get one at all). You will need a valid license from your home country. I believe it has to be motorcycle approved too. The easiest way to complete this process is have a reputable visa agent (travel agency) do it for you. DM me if you want a few that offer this service. They'll handle all the paperwork.
Option 2: Get a permanent Cambodian driver's license. This is a more tedious process. You must pass a motorcycle driving test and other legal requirements. The advantage is you'll have an authentic full, normal, Cambodian driver's license that is good for 10 years. I plan to try this myself at some point.
Note 1: I drove a 223cc bike all around Cambodia with no license. Even during traffic checkpoint stops and border crossings, I was never asked to show my license. However, in Phnom Penh, police are known to crack down on people. Even in Siem Reap, I would not be surprised if they started to. My advice is to get a driver's license if you buy a bike over 125cc, so you do not run into legal problems. They can also supposedly impound your bike if you do not have one.
Note 2: I have no experience with International Driver's Permits in Cambodia, although I've heard from others of police not accepting them. They are kind of gimmicky anyway.
What bikes to buy?:
Depends what your needs are.
Group A: Tiny, city only, super cheap. An electric scooter. This is good ONLY if you plan drive around the city. Never long distances. These are very quiet and don't go very fast, so be careful that you do not get hit by someone. You will not have the power to move out of the way quickly, and you will not be easily seen or heard by other motorists. These scooters are great for their price points and reliability (no need for gas, oil, spark plugs, etc.). If you live in Phnom Penh for example, it could work. Also, a Honda Today 50cc scooter (first scooter I ever bought) is a step up from an electric scooter, in a sense that it has lots of storage capacity (huge optional front basket, underseat storage, and storage near legs), and a longer range, without needing to be "recharged". But it suffers many of the same drawbacks (small, top speed is about 40km per hour, etc.). And because it's not electric, you must do oil changes, air filter cleanings, spark plugs, etc. If you do get a Honda Today 50cc, get a fuel injected version. Note that all of these Group A scooters are fully automatic. No shifting required. Women can also drive them while wearing a short skirt (legs do not need to be spread to drive).
Group B: Cheap and all-around practical. Ok for everything but not great at anything, these bikes will go about as fast as you will ever need to go in Cambodia (~80 milometers per hour). Honda Dream 125cc. This is the definition of group B. It is the most popular scooter (technically, an "underbone motorcycle", although it still uses scooter oil) in the country. I'd say about 50% of all scooters sold in Cambodia are Honda Dreams. Very basic, but very reliable. Good on fuel too. Every mechanic in the country can fix them. This is probably the biggest advantage. They are somewhat versatile, although in my opinion, a bad choice for rough, muddy, or bumpy roads. The tires are very thin, not really meant for offroad, although you can buy knobby tires for them, which I strongly recommend. The seat is not very soft. There is no underseat storage capacity. Women wearing short skirts can't really operate this scooter because your legs must be spread open to drive it. There is no storage capacity at your feet, because it is not flat. This bike has no oil filter, and no disc brakes (drum brakes only). And because of the Honda brand name and its popularity, you will pay a significant premium to buy one. My verdict: Not worth the hype. There are better values. The Suzuki Viva 125cc was a great bike, but they stopped making it in 2023. Now they only make the 110cc version. The Viva 110cc has been around for decades, has disc brakes in the front, and an oil filter, and it is much cheaper than the Dream. Otherwise, it is nearly identical. And equally reliable. Both bikes (Dream and Viva) have bulletproof reliable engines. The Viva is a better value in my opinion, but still nothing special. Both of these bikes are very plastic-y and cheap feeling. One nice thing about both of these bikes is the chain is completely covered, which means water can not easily penetrate it and get it rusty/dirty. The transmission on both is a 4 speed, semi-automatic (no clutch, but you still need to shift with your foot). Special note: The Honda Wave is nearly identical to the Honda Dream, and has also been around for decades, with many interchangeable parts and just as reliable. It is also more affordable, and less likely to be stolen. Some models even have front disc brakes (still no oil filter though). Many Honda Waves are 110cc, not 125. But that's about the only disadvantage. Lastly, I will also mention the Suzuki Smash, which is similar to the Suzuki Viva, although I am not quite sure what the mechanical differences are. I don't believe the Suzuki Smash was ever available in 125cc variants in Cambodia. Basically, if you want a Honda Dream, strongly consider a Suzuki Viva or a Honda Wave as well.
Group C: Yamaha PG-1: 114cc. This is basically a better quality version of the Honda Dream/Suzuki Viva, and is designed to go both in the city and light offroad. It is kind of the perfect scooter for Cambodia. Luggage kits are available for trips/adventuring. I expect this bike to possibly even replace the Honda Dream in terms of popularity. It has sold extremely well since being introduced a few years ago, for good reason. It has fuel injection (no carburetor), and is great on fuel. It has an oil filter. It has wider tires, with disc brakes in the front. Some models even have ABS. This is a massive safety improvement that most Cambodian scooters do not have. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) means it is impossible to lock up the front wheel, no matter how hard you slam on the brakes, preventing one of the most common causes of bike wipeouts. ABS versions of this bike will say "ABS" on the front fender and will cost a bit more. It is well worth it. In my opinion, there is zero reason to get a Honda Dream over this bike. As is the case with both Honda and Suzuki, the manufacturer (Yamaha) is a very high quality, Japanese bike manufacturer. The transmission is also 4 speed, semi-automatic (no clutch, but you still need to shift with your foot). Cons: Only 114cc (engine is the same as the Yamaha Lagenda 115Z). Chain is exposed to water and dirt, unlike Dream and Viva. Women wearing short skirts can not really drive it (legs must be spread, just like Dream and Viva). Also, it is less common than the Dream (for now).
Group D: Honda Click 125cc. This is probably the bike I would recommend to the majority of people reading this guide, even if you think you are in groups A, B, or C. You should consider it. It is one of the most popular bikes in all of Southeast Asia, and is sold under different names in other countries. It is extremely comfortable; probably the most comfortable 125cc scooter I have ever driven. Great for long trips. It has tons of storage capacity, including near your feet (which sit flat). In addition to women in short skirts being able to drive this scooter easily (since the floor is flat and their legs do not need to be spread), it's also great if you have a dog or young child, as they can stand in the front on the floor. It's also a perfect scooter for carrying 20 liter water jugs, since you don't need to balance them precariously on the seat or strap them awkwardly. You can just set them on the floor. It is good on fuel and reliable. It is fully automatic (no shifting). It has disc brakes. It even has a convenient pocket in the front for you to put your phone or a drink (this is a hugely useful feature). Any mechanic should know how to work on it. This scooter is like the family mini van or Lexus car. Cons: It is ugly in my opinion, and it is not ideal for rough roads, and completely unsuitable for offroading (occasional dirt roads are fine). The PG-1 would be better for rough roads. Also, as is the case with this style of scooter, a lot of the weight rests on the rear tire. That means it can be a bit scary if you jam on the front brakes too hard, as the front tire will lock up easier. Note that if you want a bigger version of this bike, Honda makes very similar bikes with bigger engines, but will require a driver's license since it is over 125cc. Also: be leery of the smaller "Honda Beat", which is basically just a cheaper version of the Honda Click. The under seat storage won't be big enough for a helmet, and it just feels lighter and cheaper. Not worth the money you save. Get a Click. An honorable mention would be the Honda Scoopy. This is another very popular bike, especially with women, similar to the Honda Click. Although I don't see any advantage to it over the Click. In fact, I think the Scoopy is only sold in 110cc variants in Cambodia. In any event, it is popular.
Group E: This is the smallest version of the "big bike" category (and what I also consider "light dual sport"). There are lots of bikes that could qualify. It's what I find myself in personally, after years of being in groups A/B/C/D. I am at the point where I want something that is not just practical, but fun as hell to drive. I want it to look cool too, not just be functional. I am comfortable sacrificing some practicality for this (worse fuel economy, less storage space, harder to find mechanics for it, etc.). I used to think the Honda FTR 223 (same engine as the Honda SL 250) was the perfect Group E bike, but the design is archaic and dated, and the suspension is poor (don't let its looks fool you). It also has not been manufactured since 2014, and quality parts are hard to find (if you do get an FTR, get one newly imported from Japan, never used in Cambodia). Instead, I went ahead and bought the fuel injected version of the Suzuki Grasstracker Big Boy 250 (FI) (250cc, Fuel Injected version), which admittedly, also isn't made anymore, and isn't a super common bike in Cambodia. But it is fuel injected, which is something I really missed on the FTR. The one I bought was also in great shape and was imported directly from Japan (I am the first owner in Cambodia). I can not stress how important this is when buying big bikes (getting them imported from Japan and/or barely used in Cambodia). The seat on the Suzuki Big Boy isn't particularly comfortable, but for around town and around the province, it is a fun and capable bike. Next, I also bought a lightly used-from-Japan Honda CB400SS (400cc, carburetor; not to be confused with the "Honda CB400", which is a completely different bike). The Honda CB400SS is even older than the FTR, and has the same engine as the Honda XR 400 dirtbike, along with a much more comfortable seat. It also looks awesome, and, like the Suzuki Big Boy, is a good dual purpose bike (acceptable for both the city and light offroad). Honestly, many bikes could qualify based on your tastes. This kind of bike, Group E, is something someone buys if they have the money to buy it and they love riding bikes/going fast. It's the kind of bike that even if you have one, you might still keep a type B/C/D scooter at home to compliment it, just for getting the groceries or picking up your kid. Type E bikes are perfect for road trips, too. They should not be bigger than ~400cc though, in my opinion. Otherwise they are not practical to drive most of the time. Special note: An honorable mention would be the relatively small (250cc or so) sport bikes, such as the Honda CB 150 or Kawasaki Ninja 250. I consider these sort of a Group E bike, but less practical, since these are really only meant for the city or at the least, not very rough roads. And they will definitely require more specialized mechanics to work on them. I also think the seating position is uncomfortable (you are basically leaning forward), and I think they are ugly. But, some people love them and swear by them.
Group F: You want a badass dirtbike? Be warned, the seats on ALL dirt bikes suck. They are horrifically uncomfortable for long journeys. Also, these bikes are EXPENSIVE. But, you get what you pay for here. Dirtbikes are top quality. The suspension, the brakes, the frames... way better than what you will get in a non-dirtbike. They are meant for abuse. If you get a dirtbike, you will have a super comfortable and reliable riding experience on any of the roughest Cambodian trails you throw at it. What feels like a jackhammer on other bikes, will feel like a cloud on a dirtbike. But, you won't be comfortable on long roadtrips (because of the horrific seat). A lot of dirtbikes also have exhaust pipes that go way up near where your passenger is sitting. This is great for deep water, but bad for your passenger. Dirtbikes are also kind of ugly in my opinion. All in all, they are good for their intended purpose: Dirt, mud, water, trails, etc. If you want one, the Honda CRF is the one I recommend in Cambodia. It is fuel injected, extremely reliable, and an excellent overall bike. A lot of people online recommend the Honda XR. I don't. The XR has not been made in years. It is getting old. It is not fuel injected. If you want to drop money on a great dirtbike, get a Honda CRF. They are also popular in this country, so not unusual for a dirt bike shop to work on. Get the engine size that you prefer. Personally, I think a Honda CRF 250 is the perfect balance for nimbleness and power in a dirtbike. You can bore out the engine, open up the exhaust, etc., if you want more power.
Group G: This is for insane big bike imports, like a Harley Davidson or a Kawasaki Ninja 1100. Ignoring the massive price, if you want a Harley Davidson or some other wildly impractical bike, just be aware of a few things: In Cambodia, there will only be a few shops in the entire country that know how to work on it. Also, the roads and traffic in this country for a bike bigger than ~400cc make 90% of your riding miserable. In the cities, you will be like a bus, stuck in traffic and unable to weave through obstacles. Finding parking will consistently be a nightmare. In the countryside, you will have problems on back roads with potholes and mud. It will be downright terrifying. These big bikes are meant for long smooth open highways, not Cambodia. If you want some sporty Japanese big bike, be aware that these are meant for smooth roads in Tokyo, not the Cambodian muddy/wet/dusty roads. Be mindful too that when rain comes in this country, it can come quickly, and without warning. So your precious imported big bike is going to get rusty/corroded/muddy much easier than if you only drove it in nice weather back in your home country. Conclusion: I do not recommend group G bikes.
Note 1: If you want to test drive a particular bike for a few days, my advice is to rent one. Before you drop 2 or 3 grand on a new bike, why not spend $20 to really test it out? I have done this before. This is one of the best ways to find out if you TRULY like a bike that you are interested in, without having a bunch of buyer's remorse afterwards.
Note 2: You can pay for a trusted mechanic to look the bike over with you, or make an arrangement with the seller to drive it to a trusted mechanic's shop for a quick inspection, before you buy a bike. I have done this. DM me if you want a few trusted mechanics.
Note 3: Be careful buying bikes that have not been manufactured in a long time, or are very rare. The parts will become increasingly harder to find.
Storage/longterm parking:
If you at all care about your bike, do not store it in the weather. The rain will destroy the metal, and the sun will destroy the paint and soft material. I will not rent an apartment that doesn't have covered parking, for example.
If you are going outside the country for long periods of time, there are lots of shops that will store it and start the engine once a week, keeping it in perfect working order. They charge a reasonable fee for this; $20 to $30 a month is common. DM me if you want a few shops that can do this.
Luggage racks/boxes:
I strongly recommend, no matter what scooter or motorcycle you buy, that you pay a welding/fabrication shop to install a metal luggage rack on the back of your scooter, so you can attach a plastic luggage box. It allows you to haul so much more stuff. Groceries, restaurant food, even just a spare helmet. I know a few shops in Phonm Penh and Siem Reap that do this. Send me a DM if you want. All you need to do is buy the plastic luggage box. The biggest box you'll typically find is 48 liters of volume. This is the size I recommend. It will hold 2 helmets. You can find them on Ali Express and other places. A shop can install it for you. Also, most scooters (not motorcycles), have an optional front basket that any mechanic can install for you. They'll know where to get them. I highly recommend this as well, to increase your storage space.
Helmets:
Always wear your helmet. Safety aside, you WILL get stopped eventually by police if you don't wear one, and you WILL be forced to pay a fine. This is always an unpleasant and stressful experience.
Speaking of helmets, my advice is buy one with a white colour (to reflect the heat and increase night time visibility), as well as one with a clear, non-tinted visor, so you can see properly at night. And, it should have a secondary tinted retractable visor, for when it's sunny. Bonus points if the helmet is a full face helmet with a fully retractable face guard. Full face helmets are the ones where the bottom part of your face and chin are also protected, not just your forehead. They are much safer during an accident, and much more protective for your hearing while driving on the highway. But, they are very annoying if you can't retract them, otherwise you will have to take your helmet off every time you eat, drink, or have a conversation. Also, before you buy a helmet, make sure you are comfortable in it. Try on many. They vary wildly in size and weight.
Note that the visors on any helmet typically need to be replaced once every year or two. The plastic becomes scratched and hard to see out of. It costs about $3 to replace these. When these go bad, you don't need a new helmet. Just a new visor. Most big helmet shops can do this.
Night time driving:
As someone who has lived in the country a long time, let me say to you: It just isn't safe to consistently drive long distances at night in this country, especially on a scooter. It does not matter how experienced you are, how many cool aftermarket headlights you install, etc. Either you can not see, or the other drivers are blinded by your aftermarket headlights and they can not see. One or the other. Most stock headlights on scooters are completely abysmal. Even brand new scooters, they just suck. Like a dim candle. Even if you install aftermarket ones, at best, you are now just blinding all the oncoming traffic, and oftentimes, to counteract, they'll switch on their highbeams. So congratulations. You are now blinding eachother.
If you are in a city, it's fine. The streetlights will be sufficient. But outside the cities, just avoid excessive nighttime driving. Do it in the day. If you are on a roadtrip and it's getting dark, find a hotel.
If and when you do drive outside the city at night, your tail lights and brake lights are just as important as your headlights. Tail lights in particular get neglected. These should be on anytime your headlights are on, otherwise people can't see you from behind.
Lastly: It used to be illegal in Cambodia for bikes to have their headlights on during the day. This is no longer the law. Anyone telling you to turn your headlights off during the day to avoid a ticket, is ignorant.
Miscellaneous note about scooter safety:
The smaller your scooter, the less safe it is. This may seem counterintuitive, but in my many years of riding scooters and motorcycles, the single greatest factor I have found for safety is being able to accelerate quickly. Example: Passing a car quickly, or moving out of the way fast, etc. Also, bigger bikes typically have better braking mechanisms, better headlights, etc. Basically, don't get an electric scooter or a 50cc Honda Today, and be surprised at how scary driving outside the city on the open highway feels.
Also: Mirrors are incredibly important. If your mirrors vibrate like crazy or constantly move around, replace them. It's not normal. I have found round mirrors typically remain much more steady than rectangular mirrors, unless they are original manufacturer parts, which for many bikes, is rare and/or expensive. A pair of aftermarket round mirrors cost about $5 at any mechanic's shop.
Oil changes:
Most Cambodians are very, very ignorant about oil changes. They think you need to change the oil every few hundred kilometers. I have seen people change their oil half way between Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, then change it again when they arrive (350 kilometers total journey, 2 oil changes). Even most mechanics think once the oil is black, you must change it. In reality, this is not true at all. Colour means nothing. Even the oil manufacturers tell you this. Refer to the owner's manual for oil change schedules. On a big motorcycle with a clutch, oil should be changed approximately once every 3000 - 4000 kilometers. I'm not sure what it is for Honda Dreams. If you are abusing it hard, like a dirtbike, then change it more. I usually go every 3000 kilometers on big bikes. Also, change your oil filter each time you change your oil (if your bike has an oil filter), and make sure your air filter is also clean (this often gets neglected).
Get synthetic or semi synthetic oil if you can, not the cheap crap the mechanics sell in the metal cans (usually with a horrible API rating). Dealership oil is also ok, although typically it is not synthetic.
For scooters, I like Caltex semi synthetic 10w-40 scooter oil.
For big bikes with a clutch, Motul 100% synthetic 10w-40 or 20w-50 motorcycle oil (not scooter oil) is the best you can buy.
A note about mechanics:
Many are ignorant. Not bad people. Not stupid. But ignorant. If they are Cambodian, and do not speak English, you need to be careful. It does not mean they are unskilled or uncapable, but they are often the types of people who butcher your wiring in a way that may work for now, but ends up causing you major problems later on. With mechanical stuff, trust me when I say, it is better to do it right the first time, even if it costs more, than to hack it together now and waste hours, days, or weeks of your life trying to figure it out later. My general rule of thumb is, I never let an uneducated mechanic work on my engine or my electrical. And yes, this is basically the advice other Cambodians have told me. If you have a very old scooter that is already hacked together, then it doesn't really matter much. But if you have a pure, unadulterated bike, and you want to keep it that way, be careful. Also, the more uncommon your bike is, the more important it is to stay away from uneducated mechanics. I only know 2 shops in Siem Reap and one in Phnom Penh that I trust with my specialized Japanese import bikes. One rule of thumb you can sort of follow is that if a shop specializes in dirtbikes/big bikes, and they speak decent English, they will likely be more reputable. All of the best mechanics I know are like this. If you just need a broken mirror replaced or a flat tire fixed, any old mechanic can do this.
If you follow the first part of this guide, you shouldn't need to be doing engine work on your bike (Japanese bikes in original condition don't have many problems). But if you do, never install Chinese aftermarket parts in your engine. You must get original manufacturer engine parts. Ideally, made in Japan (gold standard) if it's a Japanese bike, although some engine parts, especially for scooters, are licensed by the manufacturer to be made elsewhere (example, a Honda Dream part made by Honda of Thailand). The more common your bike is (example, Honda Dream), the less likely aftermarket engine parts will be used, since original OEM parts will be abundant and commonplace. With less common bikes or bikes no longer manufactured, like the Honda FTR, it is more likely that a Cambodian shop will use aftermarket engine parts (piston rings, rocker arms, camshafts, etc.), since the originals are hard to come by. Hence again, another reason to stick to quality shops.
I will also say regarding drive chains for big bikes and dirtbikes, the gold standard is to get a chain that is made in Japan. They cost around $200 or so (can vary). You'll want to replace your sprockets too, at the same time, to prevent wearing out your new chain. A big bike chain for less than $100 is likely from China or Thailand. They do not last nearly as long and I strongly advise against it. For small scooters like the Dream, do not worry. Just use whatever the shop replaces it with.
Dealerships: Do not assume the dealerships can order you parts. They can hardly do anything, actually. Even if their company made your bike originally. They will tell you they can't help you. If you have a unique bike, like a Suzuki Big Boy 250 for example, the Suzuki dealership is unlikely to help you. Instead, you will need to go to a mechanic who specializes in big bikes and can order the original manufacturer parts you need. I know a few shops if someone wants. Send me a DM.
Special note: If it's a really rare part that you can only find on eBay, have a mail forwarding company like Camboquick order it for you. They will take care of customs and import duties and have it brought in to the country. Let them order it.
Also: Seats can be reupholstered for a few dollars at any upholstery/custom furniture shop. Local mechanics can direct you.
Lastly, have your brakes checked every once in a while. I have seen so many expats unaware of how simple this is. Especially drum brakes. These literally cost about $5 USD to replace. Drum brakes in particular also need to be adjusted as they wear down (the pads get thinner so the cable must be adjusted to pull farther). You can also adjust them yourself by spinning the adjuster nut with your finger (look it up if unsure how). Brake problems, as well as speedometer problems, are generally very easy to fix at most shops.
Fuel Injectors vs Carburetors:
On simple scooters like the Honda Dream, Fuel Injectors vs Carburetors don't matter much. Most bikes in Cambodia are carbureted and this is fine. But all things else being equal, I prefer fuel injected. Yes, they are more expensive. Yes, they are more complicated to work on. But there is a reason fuel injection has replaced carburetors in most of the developed world. Fuel injection means your engine gets the precise correct amount of fuel, every time. These bikes purr like kittens and run SMOOTH. They also use significantly less fuel and don't need to be adjusted. Meanwhile, carburetors are crude and inefficient. When they work well, they work well. But a lot of times they don't. Problems can include rough idle, difficult starts, and other issues. To put it more simply: When a carburetor works, it may work well, ok, or poorly. When a fuel injector works, it works perfectly, unless something is obviously wrong. Fuel injection is definitely something I recommended on bigger bikes, too, if reasonably possible, if for nothing else than the fuel efficiency. Note that if you do get a fuel injected bike, you need to use good quality fuel (not from the vendors selling it in bottles on the side of the road). Also, do not run a fuel injected bike out of fuel. It can damage the injectors.
Transporting bikes:
Vireak Buntham, J&T Express, and Capitol Transportation, are just some of the Cambodian shipping companies that can transport your bike anywhere in Cambodia, if you do not want to drive it from one city to the next. They charge cheap rates, and they should carefully prepare your bike for shipping with cardboard and other materials. I have even taken bikes with me to Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, underneath the bus, so I did not have to drive them between cities. The shipping/bus company will take off the mirrors and empty the fuel so that they can slide it in sideways. Some bike sellers will also help you ship it, if they have done it for other customers in the past.
Security/theft:
Bikes get stolen. Not a major problem in most parts of Cambodia, but it happens. When it does happen, it is usually at night, when you are asleep, not during the day (there are some exceptions). The problem is worse in Phnom Penh, but I have occasionally seen it happen in Siem Reap and other places. You need a safe place to park it at night, wherever you are living. Especially if you have something desirable, like a brand new Honda Dream. Also, although I do not worry about theft during the day, I still always lock the front wheel whenever I park it. It amazes me how many people do not do this or don't know how to do this. Basically, all bikes have the ability to lock the front wheel. Usually with your ignition key. If it is sticky or difficult, spray some WD-40 into the key lock hole. The front wheel lock won't stop a dedicated thief, but it will prevent someone from wheeling it away in 5 seconds.
Bonus info:
Driving to other countries with your Cambodian bike:
Cambodia shares land borders with 3 countries; Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam:
Laos: You can drive a Cambodian plated bike across the land border north of Stung Treng at the Cambodian/Laos "Tropaeng Kreal" border crossing (this is the only border crossing with Laos). The Cambodian immigration officials will create a temporary permit that allows you to drive into Laos for 30 days. I've done this with my Cambodian motorcycle. You just have to have proof of ownership, which can either be the registration card of the previous Cambodian owner + bill of sale showing you bought it, or (if it is in your own name), your own registration card (see earlier section on ownership).
Thailand: My understanding is you can only drive a Cambodian plated bike into Thailand if the bike is registered in your name. Using the registration card of the previous owner + your receipt, will not work. I have also heard it can be a tedious process, regardless. I have never tried it myself so I can not say. Of course at the time of this writing, the land border between Cambodia and Thailand is closed due to the ongoing border conflict. But hopefully things will open up again normally soon.
Vietnam: Vietnam does not allow Cambodian plated bikes into Vietnam (although I believe there is an exception for Cambodian citizens who live near the border). Interestingly, you can bring a Vietnamese plated bike into Cambodia, and I know several people who have done this. Although, I have heard the process is getting harder.
Learning to ride:
I have met many a traveler in Cambodia, who have never operated a scooter or motorcycle before. Sometimes these people come from western countries where they take the bus or train everywhere, or they have only driven a car. But don't worry. Operating a scooter or motorcycle is no different than riding a bicycle. The physics are the same. You just don't have to pedal.
My advice for a beginner is to rent a small scooter with an engine of 125cc or less. The price for a daily or weekly rental is practically nothing. A few dollars a day. Play around in a parking lot or small side street. Don't worry, Cambodians drive pretty defensively anyway, despite how it looks. Many have been driving since they were 12. It is chaotic, but functional. (Cambodians in vehicles though.... Well, that's another story.)
Why a scooter instead of a car or tuk tuk?:
Scooters/motorcycles are absolutely the best way to travel in this country for daily commuting. Public transportation is abysmal or non-existent in most places, and cars are WAY too big for the traffic/road/parking conditions you often find. A scooter or small motorcycle is the best way to get around. They are also economical and fuel efficient. Tuk tuks are fine for a while but if you live here longterm, trust me, you'll want a set of wheels of your own. Scooters/motorcycles add the maximum level of FREEDOM to your Cambodian life.
Guide last updated on 2026-July-26
