Top 5 bike models that are perfect for Samui
Top 5 bike models perfect for Samui
Features of Samui for bikers:
Samui is a fairly large island with a ring road of about 60 kilometers. It will take you about an hour and a half to drive around it. However, in addition to the main ring road, there are numerous indentations of secondary roads, so - the island is full of varied road conditions.
The main road is a two-lane highway that encircles the island. It is in good condition but is often congested with traffic, especially in the popular Chaweng and Lamai beach areas. Inland roads can be narrow and winding, especially if you're heading to the viewpoints or waterfalls in the center of the island. Here you will encounter steep ascents and descents.
Samui has a tropical climate with high humidity all year round. The rainy season runs from October to December, which can make the roads slippery. Temperatures rarely dip below 25°C, so it's worth considering a bike's ability to cope with overheating when choosing one.
Criteria for choosing the perfect bike for Samui
With these features in mind, the ideal bike for Samui should have the following characteristics:
1. Maneuverability for navigation in heavy traffic and on narrow roads
2. Enough power for uphill climbing
3. good cooling system for working in hot climates
4. Reliable brakes for safe descents from mountain roads
5. cost-effective, given the high fuel prices on the island
Top 5 bike models for Samui
1. Honda PCX 160
This scooter is ideal for beginners and those who plan to mostly travel on the main road of the island. Its advantages:
- Economical fuel consumption: about 2.2L/100km, which will allow you to go around the whole island three times on one tank
- Roomy under-seat space for your helmet and beach gear.
- Idea start and stop system, especially useful in Chaweng traffic jams
- Comfortable seating and soft suspension, which is important on uneven road sections
2. Yamaha NMAX 155.
This scooter is great for those who want something more powerful but still easy to ride:
- The powerful 155cc engine makes you feel confident on climbs up to viewpoints
- VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) system provides good traction at both low and high revs
- ABS on both wheels - an important advantage on slippery roads in the rainy season
- Large 7.1-liter fuel tank allows for less frequent refueling
3. Honda CB500F.
This motorcycle is ideal for those who want to explore all corners of Samui, including mountain roads and remote beaches:
- The powerful 471cc engine easily handles steep climbs to Na Muang Waterfall or the viewpoint at Khao Pom Mountain
- Narrow profile makes it easy to maneuver in heavy Chaweng or Lamai traffic
- Fuel consumption of about 3.5 liters/100 km allows you to drive all over the island several times on one tank
- The upright seating position provides good visibility and comfort on long trips, e.g. when traveling to the remote Laem Sor beach in the south of the island.
4. Kawasaki Versys-X 300
This lightweight touring enduro is a great choice for adventurers:
- High ground clearance gives you confidence on dirt roads leading to hidden beaches like Silver Beach
- Windshield protects from headwinds when traveling the island's ring road
- A spacious 17-liter tank provides plenty of range, which comes in handy when exploring remote parts of the island
- Comfortable suspension copes well with rough roads, especially in rural areas in western Samui.
5. Yamaha XMax 300.
This maxi-scooter is ideal for couples or those who frequently travel with luggage:
- The powerful 292cc engine provides confident acceleration, which is important when taking to the fast ring road
- Large windshield protects from wind and precipitation, which is especially valuable during the rainy season from October to December.
- Roomy under seat space allows you to carry two helmets or a large shopping bag from Central Festival Samui.
- Traction control system improves safety on wet roads, which are not uncommon on Samui even outside the rainy season.
Tips for choosing a bike depending on your plans for Samui
Scooters: Practical and economical
Scooters are an excellent choice for a wide range of users:
- Ideal for beginners due to the automatic transmission
- Economical in terms of fuel consumption and rental costs
- Suitable for both daily commuting and sightseeing on Koh Samui
- Easy to maneuver in heavy city traffic
- Convenient under-seat storage for helmet or small purchases
Recommended models: Honda Click 160, Yamaha NMAX 155, Honda PCX 160
Maxi-scooters: Comfort and versatility
Maxi-scooters are the optimal choice for families and those who value comfort:
- More powerful engines ensure a confident ride all over the island
- Excellent capacity - large under-seat space for luggage
- Comfortable seating for driver and passenger even on long journeys
- Good wind protection thanks to the large windshield
- Ideal for traveling alone or with a child
Recommended models: Yamaha XMAX 300, Honda Forza 350
Motorcycles: For connoisseurs of drive and aesthetics
Motorcycles are suitable for those who are looking for a more thrilling experience:
- Manual gear shifting gives you full control over the bike
- Higher speed and acceleration dynamics
- The characteristic engine sound that motorcycle enthusiasts love so much
- Aesthetics and style - motorcycles attract attention on the road
- Better handling at high speeds
Important to remember: motorcycles usually don't have a luggage compartment, so you'll have to use a backpack to carry your stuff.
Recommended models: Honda CB500F, Kawasaki Ninja 400, Yamaha MT-07
Additional tips:
1. For long term rentals (a month or more), scooters and maxi-scooters will be the most practical choice because of their economy and convenience in daily use.
2. If you plan to ride frequently as a couple, consider a maxi-scooter - it provides comfort for both passengers and room for luggage.
3. For experienced drivers who want the ultimate driving experience, the motorcycle will be the perfect companion to explore Samui's winding roads.
4. For beginners it is better to start with a standard scooter - it is easy to drive and will allow you to comfortably learn the peculiarities of traffic on the island.
5. Whatever your choice, always keep safety in mind: use a helmet, obey the speed limit and be careful on Samui's roads.
Features of Samui for bikers:
Samui is a fairly large island with a ring road of about 60 kilometers. It will take you about an hour and a half to drive around it. However, in addition to the main ring road, there are numerous indentations of secondary roads, so - the island is full of varied road conditions.
The main road is a two-lane highway that encircles the island. It is in good condition but is often congested with traffic, especially in the popular Chaweng and Lamai beach areas. Inland roads can be narrow and winding, especially if you're heading to the viewpoints or waterfalls in the center of the island. Here you will encounter steep ascents and descents.
Samui has a tropical climate with high humidity all year round. The rainy season runs from October to December, which can make the roads slippery. Temperatures rarely dip below 25°C, so it's worth considering a bike's ability to cope with overheating when choosing one.
Criteria for choosing the perfect bike for Samui
With these features in mind, the ideal bike for Samui should have the following characteristics:
1. Maneuverability for navigation in heavy traffic and on narrow roads
2. Enough power for uphill climbing
3. good cooling system for working in hot climates
4. Reliable brakes for safe descents from mountain roads
5. cost-effective, given the high fuel prices on the island
Top 5 bike models for Samui
1. Honda PCX 160
This scooter is ideal for beginners and those who plan to mostly travel on the main road of the island. Its advantages:
- Economical fuel consumption: about 2.2L/100km, which will allow you to go around the whole island three times on one tank
- Roomy under-seat space for your helmet and beach gear.
- Idea start and stop system, especially useful in Chaweng traffic jams
- Comfortable seating and soft suspension, which is important on uneven road sections
2. Yamaha NMAX 155.
This scooter is great for those who want something more powerful but still easy to ride:
- The powerful 155cc engine makes you feel confident on climbs up to viewpoints
- VVA (Variable Valve Actuation) system provides good traction at both low and high revs
- ABS on both wheels - an important advantage on slippery roads in the rainy season
- Large 7.1-liter fuel tank allows for less frequent refueling
3. Honda CB500F.
This motorcycle is ideal for those who want to explore all corners of Samui, including mountain roads and remote beaches:
- The powerful 471cc engine easily handles steep climbs to Na Muang Waterfall or the viewpoint at Khao Pom Mountain
- Narrow profile makes it easy to maneuver in heavy Chaweng or Lamai traffic
- Fuel consumption of about 3.5 liters/100 km allows you to drive all over the island several times on one tank
- The upright seating position provides good visibility and comfort on long trips, e.g. when traveling to the remote Laem Sor beach in the south of the island.
4. Kawasaki Versys-X 300
This lightweight touring enduro is a great choice for adventurers:
- High ground clearance gives you confidence on dirt roads leading to hidden beaches like Silver Beach
- Windshield protects from headwinds when traveling the island's ring road
- A spacious 17-liter tank provides plenty of range, which comes in handy when exploring remote parts of the island
- Comfortable suspension copes well with rough roads, especially in rural areas in western Samui.
5. Yamaha XMax 300.
This maxi-scooter is ideal for couples or those who frequently travel with luggage:
- The powerful 292cc engine provides confident acceleration, which is important when taking to the fast ring road
- Large windshield protects from wind and precipitation, which is especially valuable during the rainy season from October to December.
- Roomy under seat space allows you to carry two helmets or a large shopping bag from Central Festival Samui.
- Traction control system improves safety on wet roads, which are not uncommon on Samui even outside the rainy season.
Tips for choosing a bike depending on your plans for Samui
Scooters: Practical and economical
Scooters are an excellent choice for a wide range of users:
- Ideal for beginners due to the automatic transmission
- Economical in terms of fuel consumption and rental costs
- Suitable for both daily commuting and sightseeing on Koh Samui
- Easy to maneuver in heavy city traffic
- Convenient under-seat storage for helmet or small purchases
Recommended models: Honda Click 160, Yamaha NMAX 155, Honda PCX 160
Maxi-scooters: Comfort and versatility
Maxi-scooters are the optimal choice for families and those who value comfort:
- More powerful engines ensure a confident ride all over the island
- Excellent capacity - large under-seat space for luggage
- Comfortable seating for driver and passenger even on long journeys
- Good wind protection thanks to the large windshield
- Ideal for traveling alone or with a child
Recommended models: Yamaha XMAX 300, Honda Forza 350
Motorcycles: For connoisseurs of drive and aesthetics
Motorcycles are suitable for those who are looking for a more thrilling experience:
- Manual gear shifting gives you full control over the bike
- Higher speed and acceleration dynamics
- The characteristic engine sound that motorcycle enthusiasts love so much
- Aesthetics and style - motorcycles attract attention on the road
- Better handling at high speeds
Important to remember: motorcycles usually don't have a luggage compartment, so you'll have to use a backpack to carry your stuff.
Recommended models: Honda CB500F, Kawasaki Ninja 400, Yamaha MT-07
Additional tips:
1. For long term rentals (a month or more), scooters and maxi-scooters will be the most practical choice because of their economy and convenience in daily use.
2. If you plan to ride frequently as a couple, consider a maxi-scooter - it provides comfort for both passengers and room for luggage.
3. For experienced drivers who want the ultimate driving experience, the motorcycle will be the perfect companion to explore Samui's winding roads.
4. For beginners it is better to start with a standard scooter - it is easy to drive and will allow you to comfortably learn the peculiarities of traffic on the island.
5. Whatever your choice, always keep safety in mind: use a helmet, obey the speed limit and be careful on Samui's roads.
At Dimitri's Bikes Shop, you can always get in-depth advice and find the perfect bike to suit your needs and driving experience.
What's important to know
We have prepared useful articles for you