Cambodia's roads resonate with the hum of motorbikes, integral to the nation's daily life, commerce, and family dynamics. In the aftermath of the Pol Pot regime, personal transportation was scarce, with bicycles serving as vital lifelines during the country's rebuilding phase. Even today, the sight of old-fashioned cycle taxis in Phnom Penh, pedaled by elderly men, harks back to this era. As Cambodia progressed, motorbikes became the primary mode of transport, reshaping daily routines and economic activities. Despite a burgeoning economy and the increasing presence of SUVs and pickup trucks, especially in rural areas, two-wheelers remain indispensable. It's common to witness families of six or seven, including children, sharing a single motorbike—a testament to its crucial role, particularly among those with limited means. Dominating the streets are models like the Honda Dream and Honda Wave (100cc to 125cc). These reliable workhorses facilitate daily commutes, transport goods for vendors, and adeptly navigate both urban and rural terrains, thanks to their durability and fuel efficiency.
In urban centers like Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, automatic scooters such as the Yamaha Nouvo, Mio, Suzuki Let's/Step, and Honda Icon are favored by the youth. Their ease of handling and automatic transmissions make them ideal for city navigation. For heavier loads, robust models like the Taiwanese SYM and Sanyang motorbikes, along with the Honda MD, are prevalent. Ranging from 90cc to 150cc, these motorbikes often tow trailers laden with construction materials, produce, livestock, and furniture, supporting small businesses and farms, especially in areas with challenging road conditions. Affordable models like the Suzuki Smash and Suzuki Viva are also widespread, appreciated for their straightforward mechanics and cost-effectiveness, serving both urban commuters and rural inhabitants. Modern scooters such as the Honda Click, PCX, and Scoopy are gaining popularity, offering comfort, style, and safety features like ABS and ESP. The Yamaha Qbix, with its futuristic design, appeals to younger riders seeking advanced features. Premium options like modern Vespas and Lambrettas cater to those desiring a distinctive presence on the road. The Thai brand GPX, along with some Chinese manufacturers and Indian brands like Bajaj and Royal Enfield, have entered the market, providing stylish and affordable alternatives and expanding consumer choices. Higher-end motorcycles from manufacturers such as KTM, BMW, Triumph, and Ducati are also becoming increasingly common on Cambodia's improving road network, appealing to riders seeking more performance and prestige. For off-road adventures and weekend excursions, the Honda XR 250, CRF 250, Yamaha WR 250, or Kawasaki D-Tracker are essential. These capable machines conquer challenging terrain and remote trails with ease, though they are occasionally outmatched by skilled local riders on their more modest, V-shaped, semi-automatic motorcycles. For tourists exploring Cambodia, a variety of motorbike options cater to different adventure preferences. For city navigation and short trips on well-paved roads, small scooters under 125cc, such as the Honda Scoopy or Yamaha Mio, are recommended for their ease of use and maneuverability. Those venturing beyond urban areas will find 250cc all-rounders (like the FTR, SL230, Big Boy 250, or similar models) or dirt bikes like the Honda CRF 250 or Yamaha WR 250 ideal for handling diverse terrains, regardless of road conditions. For more adventurous travelers, larger adventure models offer the comfort, power, and durability needed for extended journeys across Cambodia's varied landscapes. Despite the rapid economic growth and the increasing presence of SUVs, two-wheelers continue to play a pivotal role in Cambodia's transportation landscape. Classic models like the Daelim City and Honda Cub (or MD), icons of the 1990s and early 2000s, remain common sights. Additionally, there's a growing trend of larger displacement motorcycles gaining popularity among enthusiasts for leisure riding and collecting, adding another dimension to Cambodia's vibrant motorbike culture amid swift modernization. Whatever you choose to ride, ride safely, enjoy the trip, and adapt to Cambodia's sometimes smooth, sometimes erratic flow of traffic. What would be your ride on Cambodian roads?
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AuthorChris Danze. Archives
January 2025
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