Which Honda is Right for your Tour?
Updated 07/08/25
When choosing between the Honda XR150, the CRF300, and the CB500x for a motorcycle tour in Vietnam, a rider should consider several key factors related to their riding style, experience, and the specific kind of trip they plan to take. Here are some questions to ask yourself to help make the final decision:
Contents
Riding Experience and Skill Level:
How experienced are you with riding a manual motorcycle? The XR150 is often described as beginner-friendly due to its light weight and manageable power. The larger bikes, especially the CRF300 and CB500X, will require more skill to handle, particularly in challenging conditions.
Are you comfortable with the bike’s size and weight? The XR150 is significantly lighter than the CRF300 and especially the CB500X. Lighter bikes are easier to handle in Vietnam’s traffic and on rougher, off-road terrain. The CB500X, while great for highways, can be intimidating for less experienced riders due to its size and weight.
Touring Style and Terrain:
What kind of roads will you be riding on most often? The XR150 is a dual-sport bike that excels on both city streets and unpaved, muddy, or rough roads. The CRF300 is also a dual-sport, but with a larger engine and more power, it’s better for more aggressive off-roading and longer stretches of highway. The CB500X is a touring bike, ideal for covering long distances on paved roads and highways, but its weight and design make it less suitable for serious off-road adventures.
Will you be doing a lot of off-roading or sticking to main roads? If your tour includes a lot of remote, mountainous, or unpaved routes, the XR150 or CRF300 are the better choices. If you plan to travel primarily on the Ho Chi Minh Trail or other major scenic highways, the CB500X’s comfort and power will be a huge benefit.
Comfort and Luggage:
How important is rider and passenger comfort for long distances? The XR150 has a comfortable, upright riding position and a wide, soft seat, making it a good choice for both the rider and a pillion (passenger). The CB500X is also designed for touring comfort, with a larger seat and better wind protection from its windscreen. The CRF300’s seat is typically taller and narrower, which is much less comfortable for extended periods and very uncomfortable for a pillion.
How much luggage will you be carrying? The larger bikes (CRF300 and CB500X) generally have more space and better mounts for luggage, but the XR150 can also accommodate a decent amount of gear with the right setup. At Rentabike Vietnam we offer side and top boxes included in the rental fee. No extra charge!
Cost and Practicality:
What is your budget for the rental? The XR150 is the most affordable option, while the CRF300 and CB500X rentals will be significantly more expensive and they are more costly to repair should you break something.
How accessible are parts and maintenance? The XR150 is a very common bike in Vietnam, meaning parts and mechanics who know how to work on it are more widely available. Parts for the larger, less common bikes might need to be shipped in from a major city, which could lead to delays if you break down in a remote area.
Do you have the correct license? Since Jan 1st, 2025, you need an A or A2 license for all of these bikes in order to drive legally. You will also need the 1968 IDP Vienna Convention license if you plan to drive on a foreign license. This blog tells you more about licensing in Vietnam
The Final Verdict
The final choice between the Honda XR150, CRF300, and CB500X for a tour in Vietnam is a highly personal one that depends entirely on the rider’s priorities.
If you are a newer rider seeking an affordable and reliable bike that can handle any road condition with ease, the Honda XR150 is a fantastic choice that won’t leave you stranded.
If you have more experience and crave the power to tackle more challenging off-road trails and cover long distances with more confidence, the Honda CRF300 is the ideal all-around adventure machine.
Finally, if your tour is focused on comfort, speed, and long days on paved roads, the Honda CB500X will provide the best touring experience, albeit with some limitations on rough terrain.
FAQ
Is the Honda XR150 a good choice for a beginner rider in Vietnam?
Yes, the text specifically states the XR150 is “beginner-friendly” due to its “light weight and manageable power,” making it easier to handle than the larger bikes.
What type of terrain is each bike best for?
The XR150 is a dual-sport that “excels on both city streets and unpaved, muddy, or rough roads.” The CRF300 is also a dual-sport but is better for “more aggressive off-roading.” The CB500X is a touring bike, “ideal for covering long distances on paved roads and highways.”
Which bike is the most comfortable for a long tour with a passenger?
The text notes that the XR150 has a “comfortable, upright riding position and a wide, soft seat,” which makes it a good choice for both the rider and a pillion. However, if you are larger it is quite uncomfortable to have a pillion on the XR150.
What are the pros and cons of the CB500X for a Vietnam tour?
The CB500X offers “comfort and power” for long distances on paved roads like the Ho Chi Minh Trail. However, its “weight and design make it less suitable for serious off-road adventures.”
Do I need a specific license for each bike?
Since Jan 1st 2025, you need an A2 or A license for all of these bikes in order to be driving legally. You will also need a 1968 Vienna Convention International Driving Permit (IDP).
Be Honest with Yourself
By honestly answering these questions about your skill level, touring style, and budget, you can ensure you choose the perfect two-wheeled companion for your unforgettable Vietnamese adventure.
