­­Top 9 Honda Adventure Bikes For You To Conquer Any Routes In Vietnam

Why are Honda Adventure Bikes suitable for Vietnam tours?

Honda adventure motorcycles  are designed for long  trips through many different terrain types. Adventure bikes, in general, and Honda adventure bikes, in particular, are not as rigid as sportbikes and not as light as a motocross. The compact and flexible design helps these bikes reach the necessary speed and conquer rough off-road tracks more easily. With the development of technology and engineering, Honda adventure motorcycles  have become stronger, safer, and more flexible.

This is why so many bikers choose these motorcycles to be a reliable companion to explore Vietnam. Many products from Honda are lightweight, allowing us to handle better on-road and weather conditions in this country. The more you go through various types of terrain, the more you need to maintain your bikes. This is an advantage for the car manufacturers when distributing this vehicle. You also should refer to the  10 Best Lightweight Adventure Motorcycles for Beginners – 2020 Review.

Best Honda adventure bikes for touring around Vietnam

1. HONDA XR650L ADVENTURE BIKE

Specifications

• Powerplant: 644cc Carbureted Single-Cylinder, 5-speed trans.
• Horsepower: 43.6 hp @ 6,000 rpm
• Torque: 38.2 lb.-ft. @ 5,000 rpm
• Fuel Capacity: 2.8 gallons (10.6 l)
• Front Suspension Travel: 11.6 inches (295 mm)
• Rear Suspension Travel: 11.0 inches (280 mm)
• Seat Height: 37.0 inches (940 mm)
• Wet Weight: 346 lbs (157 kg)
• Years Produced: 1993 ” Present
• 2014 Base MSRP: $6,690 US

Honda XR650L is one of the perfect adventure bikes for those who want to explore different lands on Earth and experience off-road riding. This combines a dirt bike and a touring one with big engine displacement. Honda XR650L is designed to overcome any complex terrain like a real dual-sport. The long-travel suspension is especially suitable for riding on desert terrain. Therefore, this bike is satisfying if you want to explore the South of Vietnam (Ninh Thuan, Binh Thuan, and the Central Highlands). Moreover, this motorbike can handle well on both highways and off-road tracks. The bike includes no windscreen or luggage rack, and its tank is not big. However, it’s still the king of off-road bikes with similar displacement.

Pros

• Suitable for most terrains in Vietnam
• Reasonable price
• Exceptional durability
• The air-cooled engine is easy to repair
• Additional items (bigger tank, windscreen, etc.) are available
• The best option for those who have just started to use adventure bikes
• The best motorbike to conquer Northern loop  Vietnam tours

Cons

• You can’t replace 250cc or 450cc dual-sport bikes in off-road tours
• Hard to go on single tracks with abyss aside (due to the heavyweight and big size)
• Rain and muddy terrain make its weight a greater disadvantage
• Less supportive of short people

2. HONDA ADVENTURE BIKE AFRICA TWIN

Specifications

• Engine: Liquid-cooled, SOHC, parallel-twin
• Displacement: 998cc
• Bore x Stroke: 92.0mm x 75.0mm
• Horsepower : 94.0 hp @ 7,500 rpm
• Torque: 73.0 lb.-ft. @ 6,000 rpm
• Transmission: 6-speed
• Final Drive: Chain
• Seat Height: 33.5/35.4 in.
• Rake: 27.5°
• Trail: 4.4/4.3 in.
• Front Suspension: 45mm; fully adjustable; 9.1/9.9-in. travel
• Rear Suspension: Fully adjustable; 8.7/9.4-in. travel
• Front Tire: 90/90-21
• Rear Tire: 150/70-18
• Fuel Capacity: 18.8 liters
• Wheelbase: 62.0/62.2 in.
• Kerb Weight: 232 kg (511.47 pounds)

Honda Africa Twin is undeniably one of the greatest pride of this company. The bike can operate perfectly on all terrains, from crawling on crowded streets to climbing obstacles, crossing wetlands, overcoming off-road tracks, or even conquering continental roads. At first glance, you can see that the design of Africa Twins is for a champion: a thick aluminum plate under the chassis, long suspension, large fuel tank, and incredibly powerful engine. This is not a good choice for those lacking riding experience but a real beast for masters. With this bike, it is possible to conquer mountains, deserts, rocks, sand, water, etc. Engine, suspension, seat, light, and chassis are perfect for time-consuming, risky journeys. Once the tank is filled up, the bike can go for 400 kilometers. You may like to read  2020 Honda Africa Twin CRF1100L – A New Level of Convenience – Comparable With a Car.

Pros

• Ready to ride on any routes
• Fully supportive equipment
• Exceptional durability
• Suitable for long trips

Cons

• Require good riding skills and experiences

3. HONDA CB500X ADVENTURE

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 471cc
• Wet Weight: 196kg (432lbs)
• Fuel Capacity: 17.5 Liter Fuel Tank
• Horsepower: 49HP
• Seat Height: 810mm
• Torque: 41.30 Nm (4.2 kg-m or 30.5 ft.lbs) @ 7000 RPM
• Front suspension: 41mm fork
• Front-wheel travel: 140 mm (5.5 inches)
• Rear Suspension: Pro-Link single shock with nine-position spring preload adjustability
• Rear-wheel travel: 119 mm (4.7 inches)
• Production Year: 2013 ” present

Honda CB500X Adventure is a midsize machine compared to other Honda adventure bikes with the same engine displacement. It has relatively lightweight, which is an advantage on the way exploring the lands in the Indochina Peninsula, as well as in Southeast Asia. However, this is not a good choice for those who want to conquer enduro or hardcore routes. The medium size and 49 HP make the bike suitable for those who don’t have much experience with Vietnam motorcycle tours. The seat is comfortable so that it’s perfect for you and your beloved to travel together. Not like Honda XR650L, CB500X can be used to go on mountainous terrain with high passes. The anti-lock brake system (ABS) is also why this bike is your trustworthy friend in Vietnam, where rainy weather and slippery roads are a real risk. The acceptable price is one more vote for Honda CB500X to be on this list.

Pros

• Lightweight
• Suitable for people of different heights
• ABS added it is good to use in Vietnam’s weather and road conditions.
• Reasonable price and running costs
• Good start for inexperienced bikers
• One of the best bikes to ride on Ho Chi Minh Road.

Cons

• Not suitable on hardcore and enduro roads
• Not impressive suspension and acceleration.

4. XR400 ADVENTURE BIKE

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 397cc
• Dry Weight: 116.6 kg (257.1 pounds)
• Fuel Capacity: 11.40 liters (3.01 gallons)
• Horsepower: 34HP
• Seat Height: 930 mm
• Torque: 33,0 Nm (3,4 kg*m) / 5500 rpm
• Front suspension: 43 mm fork
• Front-wheel travel: 280 mm (11 inches)
• Rear Suspension: Pro-Link single shock with spring preload, 16-position compression, and 16-position rebound damping adjustability
• Rear-wheel travel: 300 mm (11.8 inches)
• Production Year: 2001 ” present

XR400 is considered the best adventure bike to ride in Vietnam. The bike seems to be produced for the terrains in Vietnam. While the XR650L still has the disadvantages of the weight and size, XR400 is an adjustment to bring the most fantastic riding experiences in the S-shaped country. It is light and absolutely easy to ride. Also, the great suspension and seat make it the first choice for those eager to try off-road tracks. Sometimes, you may find it like a real enduro bike or a touring one. The capability to overcome passes and single off-road tracks is impeccable. In short, this is what you would love to ride on a trip, including the toughest routes in Vietnam. Even hardcore routes are not a big problem with this beast. Try XR400 Adventure Bike with Ha Giang Loop, the Northeast, and Northwest, and you won’t regret it.

Pros

• Easy to ride
• Perfect for any terrain in Vietnam
• Many items available to add-in
• Best seat ever

5. CRF 250 ADVENTURE

Specifications

• Engine Type: 249cc liquid-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
• Engine Displacement: 397cc
• Weight: 105kg (231 pounds)
• Fuel Capacity: 6.28 liters (1.66 gallons)
• Horsepower: 24HP
• Seat Height: 37.4 inches (949.96 mm)
• Torque: 22 Nm / 7000 rpm
• Front suspension: 48 mm fork
• Front-wheel travel: 533.4 mm (21 inches)
• Rear suspension: Pro-Link® Showa single shock with spring preload, 17-position rebound damping adjustability, and compression damping adjustment separated into low-speed (13 positions) and high-speed (3.5 turns); 12.3 inches travel.
• Rear-wheel travel: 457.2 mm (18 inches)
• Production Year: 2017

Vietnamese people love Honda CRF250 Adventure, which is even more successful than its siblings in this country. Not powerful as XR400, this dual-sport can still bring you the feeling of a touring bike on any route, including passes with sharp curves and a slope of 15% or more. The front suspension uses an upside-down fork, while the rim is 18-21 inches ” just like a professional enduro bike. With CRF250, you can confidently conquer mountains, forests, and hardcore roads. The bike is quite light, so you can make it easy to go on highways or crowded paths. One more person and plenty of stuff are not difficult to bring with this Honda vehicle. If you want to find a place to test the bike, the Ho Chi Minh trail, Northern Loop, and especially the Northwest of Vietnam are perfect.

Pros

• Easy to go on mountainous terrains, through forests, highways, and packed streets.
• Impressive durability
• Capability to move on steep passes

Cons

• Not as powerful as XR400

6.  HONDA VFR1200X CROSSTOURER

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 1237cc
• Wet Weight: 285kg (275kg without DCT)
• Fuel Capacity: 21.5 liters (5.68 gallons)
• Horsepower: 127bhp @ 7750rpm
• Seat Height: 830mm
• Torque: 92.9 lb-ft @ 6500rpm
• Suspension: 43mm inverted front fork, adjustable preload and rebound, single rear shock with Pro-link linkage, adjustable preload, and rebound
• Wheels/Tyres: Edge-spoked wheels for tubeless tires. 110/80-R19 front tire and 150/70-R17 rear.
• Production Year: 2016 ” present

Honda VRF1200X Crosstourer is the most desirable Honda adventure bike in Vietnam in 2020 as it meets the most demanding requirements of a high-class adventure touring bike. You will soon be attracted by the superior V4 system and spoked rim, allowing it to go with tubeless tires. With this bike, you and your companion can discover even the most complicated terrains in not only Vietnam but also other countries in Southeast Asia ” Rugged mountainous roads, sharp curves, or seaside paths. With the help of smooth power delivery and an anti-lock brake system, VRF1200X Crosstourer is ready to beat down cross-country  motorcycles via  Ho Chi Minh Road,  Ho Chi Minh Trail, the Central Highlands,  or  the South.

Pros

• Large fuel tank
• Beautiful design
• Luggage rack and windscreen available
• Smooth engine

7. HONDA ADV 150

Specs

• Engine: 149.3cc SOHC single-cylinder
• Curb weight: 294 pounds
• Fuel Capacity: 7.95 liters (2.1 gallons)
• Horsepower: 14.34hp @ 8,500rpm
• Seat Height: 31.3 inches (795mm)
• Torque: 13.8Nm @ 6,500rpm
• Front suspension; travel: Non-adjustable 31mm Showa fork; 5.1 inches
• Rear suspension; travel: Non-adjustable piggyback-reservoir Showa shocks; 4.7 inches
• Rear Tyre: 130/70 R13
• Front Tyre: 110/80 R14
• Production Year: 2020

To be honest, this combines a scooter and adventure bike. It is designed to go far on slightly rough terrain. However, you can easily see that Honda ADV 150 can show its all powers in Vietnam. This is one of the countries with the greatest amounts of scooters. Therefore, we can assure you that the bike is suitable to use in the crazy traffic of Vietnam. However, you should not test the bike’s durability on extreme trails or stream crossing sections. The belly of the bike is sensible, so you may need to prepare an additional panel to cover it. Honda ADV 150 is an ideal option for beginners, but you may find it not comfortable to go far. In return, there are cool features that Honda has prepared to amaze you.

Pros

• Easy to control
• Convenient
• Suitable for the traffic in Vietnam

Cons

• Hard to go on extreme trails
• Not as powerful as other adventure bikes

8. Honda CB190X

Specifications

• Engine: 184cc, single-cylinder, air-cooled, four-stroke
• Dry weight: 330.7 pounds (150kg)
• Fuel Capacity: 14 liters (3.69 gallons)
• Horsepower: 11.7W @ 8000rpm
• Seat Height: 1375 mm
• Torque: 15 Nm @ 7000rpm
• Suspension: telescopic forks (front) and monoshock (rear)

This is a naked bike that gives you the full capacity to handle the long routes. It’s quite suitable for Vietnamese terrains, especially plains or the Ho Chi Minh road. However, the passes with extreme slopes (mostly in the North) or rough off-road tracks are not for this bike. Disc brakes are applied to both wheels. What makes people love this bike is probably the stunning design and fuel capacity. Once the tank is filled up, you can go for up to 600 kilometers. Its price is also affordable for amateur riders.

Pros

• Outstanding fuel capacity
• Eye-catching design
• Suitable for plain terrains

Cons

• Hard to handle off-road tracks and rough terrains
• Not impressive acceleration

9.  HONDA 400X ADVENTURE

Specifications

• Engine Displacement: 399cc (2-stroke, liquid-cooled, DOHC, 2-cylinder, 4-valves)
• Dry Weight: 194.0 kg (427.7 pounds)
• Fuel Capacity: 17.00 liters (4.49 gallons)
• Horsepower: 45.59 HP (33.3 kW)) @ 9500 RPM
• Seat Height: 795 mm (31.3 inches)
• Torque: 37.00 Nm (3.8 kg-m or 27.3 ft.lbs) @ 7500 RPM
• Front suspension: Conventional Telescopic, 41mm forks
• Front-wheel travel: 139.7/ 55 in
• Rear suspension: Prolink môn with 9 stage Preload adjuster, steel square pipe swingarm
• Rear-wheel travel: 119.3 mm/ 4.7 in
• Production Year: 2013-2014

Just like Honda CB500X, this is also one of the  Honda adventure bikes  we all want to ride in Vietnam. Of course, the CB500X still dominates regarding the ability to overcome different terrains. ABS helps you in different situations, but you should just go on normal dry off-road tracks. Ho Chi Minh Road and some parts of the Ho Chi Minh Trail are enough for CB400X. Also, traveling to the Central Highlands, the plains in the South, or the Northwest and Northeast with CB400X is not a bad idea. LCD system is really helpful as you can observe different indexes.

Pros

• Easy for beginners to ride
• Suitable for most terrains in Vietnam, excluding the extreme
• Helpful LCD and ABS added

​Cons

• Limited capability to ride off-road

In case you are not an experienced rider, it is highly recommended to choose the one from this list of  10 Best Touring Motorcycles for Beginners – Under 500cc

Make your motorbike tour in Vietnam flawless with Honda Adventure Bikes!

So we can all see that the nine Honda adventure bikes above have advantages. XR650L, CB500X, and 400X are perfect start for beginners since they are quite easy to ride. Meanwhile, XR400 and CRF250 impress people with their flexibility. If you want to take the dare of the crazy traffic on the streets in Vietnam, Honda ADV 150 is a great option. When you must conquer a long route, Honda CB190X will be there, ready to support it. And Honda Adventure Bike Africa Twin and Honda VRF1200X are the powerful beasts you need to overcome the toughest challenges.

All these motorbikes are on the same list because they are all the best Honda adventure bikes to use in Vietnam. Therefore, if you are planning to join any on-road or off-road tours in Vietnam, it’s advisable to use one of the Honda adventure bikes we have just recommended. They will help and give you plenty of memorable riding experiences. Please click here to rent a high-quality adventure bike for a smooth trip.

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Besides Honda, Yamaha is also a good choice for your Vietnam motorcycle  touring. Before coming to cool Honda bikes, it is advisable to visit the  Top 5 Yamaha Dual Sport Bikes for The Best Motorcycle Tours in Vietnam. Please contact us

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