Are 125cc scooters in Thailand powerful enough to travel uphill easily?

Nov 18, 2024
a month ago
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
What are the 125cc scooters like in Thailand? Do they have enough power to travel uphill either little effort?
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TLDR : Answer Summary
125cc scooters in Thailand, such as the Honda Click and Yamaha Grand Filano, are generally considered capable for navigating various terrains, including hilly areas. Most users report that these scooters can handle moderate inclines effectively, especially with a single rider or light load. However, performance may diminish when carrying additional passengers, which can make climbing steeper hills challenging. Riders with more experience suggest renting a higher cc scooter, like the 160cc PCX, for more power if tackling significant hills or for long-distance travel. Overall, while 125cc scooters are suitable for city use and light excursions, potential riders are advised to consider their weight and cargo needs when evaluating their suitability for steeper routes.
George *******
I've got a Honda PCX 125cc. It'll go anywhere and two up.
Otto *********
Take a 155 cc Scooter...
Andy ************
There great Honda Click
Steven *****
Get a 160cc nmax
Mark *********
Yes for sure. I have one
Marketplaces ****
1000cc ok you not sure..better stay there your mama look after you..
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Marketplaces ***
are you sure she will or are you just being silly?
Chris ******
The 155/ 160cc is much better ,Click 160 ,ADV 160 or Aerox 155 ,amazing scooters
Mccurry ********
I've got a yamaha 125 and like it
Neale *********
I'm renting a new honda click 125 right now and it's perfect for the city and will do motorway speeds no problem.

I paid 3500 a month rent for it
Daniel ******
155 is more sporty. 125 is no pleasure!
Lucky ******
More than enough.
Gordon *********
125 Honda very good and hold there price
Will *********
Many groups of young people go on camping tours in the North of THAILAND on stepthroughs carrying camping equipment and even a passenger..

The bikes are fully automatic and quite capable of most gradients.

Make sure your rental is in good running order...check transmission and brakes
Greg ******
Just got a Yamaha NMax at 155cc. Plenty of power to get out of your own way. Works great with two people as well.
Martin *******
Could be a problem if you're hiring it on Koh Chang with it's deadly hills
Nick *********
Yep
David ********
If you don't know the answer to your question you shouldn't be riding at all. It's like how long is a piece of string. The bike is dependant on your individual needs. The bike will go anywhere but if it is to small for your frame it will be uncomfortable,unstable and could cause you injury. Better to wait until you can test ride them don't worry about power worry about practicality.
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David *******
oh such presumptions. I’ve rode plenty bikes in the past but my previous insurance quote only included a scooter to 125. I used a scooter last year but not sure on the engine size.
David ********
@Tony ********
that's not how you intitial post was worded you were asking about riding up hills . Most insurance policies cover up to 110. If it's insurance question ask you insurance company.How the Fuc@#$k will someone know here. It's your policy if you want to ride bigger bikes you must tell the insurance company and they will adjust your policy.
Dan ************
Essentially they are shit. Shit power, shit brakes and shit suspension.

Learn how to ride a real bike, not something that was only ever intended for slow speed city commuting.
Bucky ********
how fat are you
Steve ********
Only go downhilll, and you will be fine.....
Goel ********
Don't be a cheap Charlie, rent powerful scooter to have good experience 🛵
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Goel *******
it’s about the insurance cover, not the price
Mark *************************
For a scooter, Honda Click, and get the biggest CC one you can afford. Acceleration is next to none in their category. PCX160 is almost there but not quite, the Click 160 has a better top end than the PCX160.
Wes *************
125, no problem…
Alex ************
Honda click is fine for most hills. The Scoopys suck though
Terary **********
My girlfriend and I have no issues going up steep hills. Together we're 120kg.

Top speed without the girl is about 100-120km/h. That's fast enough to hurt yourself pretty good.

Scooters are good enough to get through the city without issue. They're not so great for long trips, off-road riding, or similar real motorcycle activity.
Galenus ******
Depends on your weight. As an American you might be a bit too heavy😂
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Galenus *****
if I’m not American does that automatically make me lighter?
Darren *******
I’m 18 stone and it takes me and a pillion every where 👍
Carey *********
I prefer the 150 to 200 cc, good for town and country
Robert *******
I had a Yamaha 115 and it was impressive. Myself and my son had a blast. We would bar hop all night and drag race when there was no traffic. Side note, just as dangerous and any bike at any size.
Brian *********
I have an old 2011 Honda click 110 and I run it at 80+ kph all day long on most stretches of road.
Brandon **********
If ur upset about visa on arrival and visa exceptions it might be a slow ride uphill
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
EY ****
Same as a 125 in any other country
Christopher ***********
Thai Mrs hires 125 Clicks when we go to Phuket. She’s a much better rider/driver so I ride pillion. Don’t like it at all. I’m 110kg and Mrs 90kg. Worth noting the total weight limit of around 130kg. We go up and down the hills fast enough!
Peter *********
Better off with a Honda pcx 160cc does the business
James ************
Just for all around I like the Click 125. Parking and maneuvering at traffic lights to me is just more difficult on bigger bikes.
Ricky ********
2 people and 5 jetskis
Andy **********
125ccm are ok, and if only 1 person on it then you can go uphills as well mostly. But I would prefer a 160ccm Honda Click or PCX. Still small but with more power.
Jet ********
Yes
Marcos **********
Think carefully before buying a scooter to try and explore the roads of Thailand. It seems to work well for some YouTubers, but if you get a flat tire or run out of gas In Northern Thailand, you'll be in real trouble.
Steve **********
You can solo on one, at least my Honda Click 125i seems okay .. up Inthanon is fine, as Samoeng loop and such. I’ve ridden mine from Chiang Mai to Hua Hin, CM to Bang Saray and down to Khamphaeng Phet several times.. I think the trick is to be sensible with the speed, I never ride faster than 80 km/h, much easier on the motor and drive train
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve *********
great info Steve. Cheers. I’m looking to rent one in Chaing Mai and Hua hin
Steve **********
@Tony ********
too easy, mate… Best of luck..!
Jon ********
I’ve had 3 Yamaha filano 125 cc. They are perfect for PAttaya. At 140 kilo they are a little sluggish if you have a passenger not still not a big sea ok
HarryHappy *********
No problem, But if you have a Fatbird, I recommend a 150, especially if she brings a mate! 555
David **********
I have a Honda LEAD 125. It’s like a Buick Encore. It rips. I haven’t gone faster than 80 KM/Hour but it has plenty of power. I like it because it larger than most bikes, I’m a larger Farang and plenty of storage space under the seat. Enough for groceries or large backpack etc.

125cc is more than enough
Rune ********
Depends on your weight and the mountains. In kpg. Pai. Chang. I wouldn't go for 110.
Kenneth *******
They are tougher than you think.
Brunt *******
It depends....on how many pounds you and your mate ?😂
David *******
How much you weigh?
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@David ******
my weight is ok
David *******
@Tony ********
I mean if you like 70-80 kg, should be ok, but if you like 100 kg, get at least 150cc
Chris ******
Do not buy a Yamaha Mio Mx 125
Brian ********
You will get up hills, but not quickly. The real issue is going down hill on an automatic bike as there is no engine braking so you'll be on the brakes a lot. Be cautious of brake fade.
Ingvar *******
Up to 7 people and sidecar. Then you have 6 to push.
Stephen ********
yamaha aerox is great 155 cc
Teddy ************
Not if your shaped like Peter from family guy your screwed best get the wallet out for helicopters mate
Teddy ************
Think you’ll be just fine tho
Bennito *********
Brian *********
No

They sit at the bottom

Hoping -

Is this a serious question
Juhani ********
Yes
Peter *****************
If you are big like bull than it under power dude.
Jim ********
160cc PCX is loads better. That’s what I always get
Tullio *******
They’re coal fired, pollute a bit but they get the job done, just make sure you have enough coal from the mine….
Ian *********
Rent one and try it for a few days
Maurice *********
I haven’t seen one with a single person on, most have the whole family on and that’s going uphill too.
Mike *******
depends on the steepness of the hill
Mark *******
Depends how fat you are.
Peter *******
Click 125 found the Koh Chang hills easy
Preston **********
It depends on your weight of your bigger like myself I would go for at least 150cc
Lye **********
I did Mae Hon Son loop, even up to the top of Doi Inthanon (road access) with 125cc scooter. Single rider with backpack. Important thing is condition of the scooter and tyres.
Ben ******
Yes. Unless you you are too fat.
Farang ******
Nah they are shit. That's why I bought a 950cc ducati
Nick *******
@Farang *****
they are shit aswell
Farang ******
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Farang *****
I’m assuming that if you’re used to a 950 then that’s why you think a 125 will be so crap
Farang ******
@Tony ********
I did drive a 125 click in the (biggest) mountains in Samui. I am around 95km my friend around 55kg. Together the bike had serious problems for this big hill. If you only drive in the city and not a very big/heavy peroson, for that it's okay. Before my daily was a vespa 150. In the city its perfectly.
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Farang *****
appreciate it mate.
Richard *****
I was once flat out 4 up in a 1500cc Toyota Vios auto when one with 2 up sped past as though I was parked! 😮
Paul *******
They’re okay, but remember unless you have a full motorcycle license, some of these scooters are not covered by insurance and make sure you have an international driving permit or they will just find you over there
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Paul ******
got that covered mate
Bernard *****
I met Malaysians Bikers on 125cc scooters in Chiang Mai loop in January. Came from Kuala Lumpur 😊😊👍👍
Dan ************
@Bernard ****
some of those bikes may have been modified. Big bore kits are available for many small bikes in Asia
Bernard *****
@Dan ***********
May have been modified, but I drove with them some kms and I don't think that they were modified.
Richard **************
Don’t think you can go around the chiang mai loop on one
Kelly ********
@Richard *************
people do, but I've seen them struggle.
Richard **************
Me doing it on a 125 in 1988. VERY slow and almost killed the poor bike
Mark **********
Pcx 155 or 160 Honda 👌
Kelly ********
@Mark *********
I own a PCX. They're ok on straightaway, but underpowered on steep hills. Still better than a 125 though.
Mark **********
@Kelly *******
more of a 500cc myself 👌
Charlie *****
No we all get off and push 🙄
Giorgio ******
no problem in the mountain with a 125cc .

155cc is better . ABS break . very useful acceleration power : great when leaving a red light ahead of the mob , and great to overpass .much better for your back for long bumpy rides.
Martin *********
Yes
David ********
Get one of these.
Frank **********
Arron ******
PCX would be budget bike of choice
Peter *******
@Arron *****
Nah, like riding an armchair
Jim *********
For about 25 years I raced big bikes off road and I love the little 125s in Thailand. No trouble at all keeping ahead or even with city driving. Hills aren’t an issue.
Colin *******
I've got a Honda click 125 which is my girlfriends daily driver for work and I use a Honda click 160 coz I'm a fat falang 😂
Steve ********
@Colin ******
Those new 160's are awesome , so quick off the mark . Although i am not too keen on the keyless ignition.
Colin *******
@Steve *******
never had a problem with mine
Steven *******
@Steve *******
The keyless ignition never works the first time on my new PCX. Second or third time always.
Dennis *********
It’s a good question l think, no point going for anything bigger if your licence is only going to permit you to ride up to 125cc.

Obviously something bigger would be better but if you have an accident you will be in trouble!
John *********
@Dennis ********
is licensing tiered by engine size in Thailand, or is that a home/former country thing?
Brian ********
@John ********
no. In Thailand you need a full motorcycle endorsement on your IDP. If you have a limited one in your country, you will not get the motorcycle endorsement and it will be illegal to ride any bike.
John *********
@Brian *******
Thanks for clarifying.
Han ********
My Yamaha Grand Fellatio does the business anywhere. (Y)
Michael **********
It depends on the weight it’s carrying
Michael *******
I have a honda lead 125 . Goes up hills no problem. 2 people. Great bike
Radius ******************
No u gotta push them up the hill or take a running start

Or wait for a red truck and they can load it up in the back for 10 baht

Good luck
Giorgio ******
@Radius *****************
a red truck load it up for 10 baths ? lol !! where have you been the last 30 years ? in a cave in the Himalayas ??
Radius ******************
@Giorgio *****
sarcasm and humor are words that u haven't had the pleasure of using I see .
Giorgio ******
@Radius *****************
I use sarcasm a lot . only when the question is stupid .
Giorgio ******
@Radius *****************
pute b***** t

rode a 125 cc on the mountain never hzd to push it . except maybe of you are 300kg
Radius ******************
@Giorgio *****
Google sarcasm !
Mark *****
Have U not seen how much they load these bikes up & travel around ??

They R STRONG 💪
Nicolas ********
Your elevator doesn't go all the way to the top floor does it?
Will *********
Yes - many of them are now over 125 - up to 160 and beyond....but make sure your insurance company covers you - you also need full m/c license and an IDP to be legal
Steven *******
@Will ********
To be legal, the IDP has to have the motorcycle endorsement.
Will *********
@Steven ******
yes full m/c licence cat A not cat A1
John ******
Wrong place to ask, punch your weight and road incline ratio into chat GPT alongside bike info, its really notvthatvdifficult why is everyone asking dense open ended questions online these days. So what happens when someone blindly answers do they follow, honestly, TAF 🤣
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *****
or dense answers in a chat group for advice. Nice one
John ******
@Tony ********
you should be privilaged i even bothered, good luck navigating your way throgh life via facebook, your not getting a job working forcme thats a certainty I can confirm pal 🤣
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John *****
and there you go, presuming you know all there is about me and my work life. oh to be you eh?
Steve *******
@John *****
what do you think these ADVICE groups are for..?
John ******
@Steve ******
Let me think, muppets that cannot work life out themselves. Let me simplify it for you, in fact, im not gonna do that son, figure it out 🤣🤣🤣
Steve *******
@John *****
you do realize, that you're in this group too, right..?
Chris ********
Always Honda! 125 Click
David ***********
@Chris *******
one of the best alround motorbikes in the world bar none and ive ridden most stuff
Steve *******
They are great for basically every type of road, except if you're going off-roading or up very steep hills, like the areas outside of Chiang Mai.

But the people who sell the bikes in those areas can adjust the torque (?) so they work better for those specific roads.
Mark *****
@Steve ******
💯 fact that's where my Wife's province is & there's no such thing as sead roads so when it gets wet you definitely know your riding a Honda Wave they just keep going until they sink
***
way up those tyres & the suction well you'll know about it when & if you ever do experience it, but it's all apart off the beautiful Mountain Country living lifestyle steep hills, windy skinny narrow roads & a sharp keen eye to know what's coming to you before it comes

555 😅🤣🤣😂😂😂
Andy **********
@Steve ******
Well you mean the bikes might have low or high gears. Pretty sure that never happens. Ditto remapping fueling.
Steve *******
@Andy *********
the ones you rent on Koh Larn have custom gear boxes for exactly that purpose. Go sit in a corner
Andy **********
@Steve ******
For that childish response I'm blocking. Not that you will know.
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Steve ******
am thinking Mae Hong Son loop
Kurt **********
@Tony ********
I did it with Honda PCX 155 plenty of power and comfortable ride for long distances. Also good for latching duffle bag on back and holds two full face helmets under the seat
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kurt *********
is PCX 155 a trial bike?
Randy *********
@Tony ********
I’ve been riding the MHS loop for over 40 years. If you’re an experienced rider, I’d personally spend the extra money for a few days and rent a bigger bike to do the loop. Scooters are fine for around CM, but why not treat yourself and get a 500 or 650 and really enjoy the ride? My 650 Versys is the perfect bike for the MHS loop in my opinion. Enjoy 😎
Tony *********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Randy ********
cheers mate. Been a while since I rode a 500/ 600cc haha. I’d get too excited with all that power.
Cabbie ******
@Tony ********
I did the Mae Hong Son loop on an Aerox…was great 👍🏼
Jonathan ************
I’ve got a 125cc Yamaha Grand Filano, i pull me and 3 ladies up hill no problem.
David ********
Even a Honda Dream is enough as Paddy Doyle proved.
David ********
James *******
Ralph *******
@James ******
Pratt by name…
Michael ***********
Brandon ************
The most popular (likely due to the price) scooter in Thailand is the Honda Wave 110cc. I've seen 3 people on one of these go up a mountain. And most of the mountain villages are awash in Honda Waves. 125 will get you anywhere you need to go, but maybe not super fast.
Nick *******
I used to have a Honda Click 125cc Auto which was good. But now i have a Yamaha Aerox 155c Auto. Much better & more sporty. Bigger Wheels & good for long journeys. Cost 70,000b new.
Nick *******
But mind you, as 90% of the farangs that live over here are over 95kg then the only option would be a PCX as seen by many riding them.
Brandon ************
@Nick ******
I prefer NMAX personally
Nick *******
@Brandon ***********
Honda Wave is mainly for Thai riders. Best would be Honda Click 125cc Auto and are cheaper & more sturdy.
Wayne ********
Honda click is now a 160 cc I don’t know if it’s true but I have heard that they have discontinued the click 125. That’s what our local Honda dealer told me so you can take that with a grain of salt.
Brandon ************
@Nick ******
I wasn't recommending a Honda Wave. I was saying if Thai people can get up mountains on a Honda Wave, then the op can get wherever he is going with 125cc
Bbc *********
Nope if u pillion
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