Best Motorbike to Buy in Pakistan: A Comprehensive Guide to Motorbike Options
Motorbikes are a popular mode of transportation in Pakistan, offering affordability, convenience, and efficiency for daily commuting and recreational purposes. With an array of brands and models available in the market, finding the best motorbike can be a daunting task. This guide dives into the best motorbike options in Pakistan, providing insights into various brands, their top models, and factors to consider when making a purchase.
1. Overview of the Motorbike Industry in Pakistan
The motorbike industry in Pakistan has experienced significant growth in recent years, fueled by rising demand for affordable transport and the increasing popularity of motorbikes for touring and adventure purposes. Several domestic and international brands dominate the market, catering to diverse consumer needs. Local manufacturing and assembly have also helped reduce costs, making motorbikes accessible to a wider population.
2. Popular Motorbike Brands in Pakistan
2.1 Honda
Honda is one of the most trusted and well-established motorbike brands in Pakistan. Renowned for reliability, durability, and fuel efficiency, Honda offers a wide range of models that cater to both urban and rural riders.
Honda CD 70: Known for its exceptional fuel efficiency and low maintenance costs, the CD 70 is a preferred choice for daily commuters.
Honda CG 125: This model is celebrated for its powerful engine and robust performance, especially on uneven terrains.
Honda CB 150F: A premium offering with a sporty design, advanced features, and powerful performance for enthusiasts.
2.2 Yamaha
Yamaha has built a reputation for producing high-quality, stylish, and durable motorbikes. Its innovative designs and advanced engineering appeal to a younger audience.
Yamaha YBR 125: A sporty bike with a sleek design, comfortable ride, and modern features like self-start and alloy rims.
Yamaha YBR 125G: Designed for adventure seekers, this model offers a rugged build, off-road capability, and enhanced suspension.
Yamaha YBZ 125: A budget-friendly option with excellent mileage and reliability for daily use.
2.3 Suzuki
Suzuki is another leading brand in Pakistan, known for its powerful and long-lasting motorbikes. Suzuki models cater to both urban and touring needs.
Suzuki GD 110S: A compact bike ideal for city commuting, offering a smooth ride and reliable performance.
Suzuki GS 150: This model is popular among touring enthusiasts for its powerful engine and comfortable seating.
Suzuki GR 150: A premium model with modern aesthetics, superior handling, and advanced features.
2.4 Road Prince
Road Prince has gained popularity in Pakistan for its affordable and reliable bikes, making it a strong competitor in the local market.
Road Prince RP 70: A cost-effective option for daily commuters, offering great mileage and minimal maintenance.
Road Prince RX3: A robust touring bike equipped with modern features, ideal for long-distance rides.
2.5 United Motors
United Motors provides economical options with satisfactory performance, targeting the budget-conscious segment of the market.
United US 70: An affordable and efficient bike, suitable for urban use.
United US 125: Offers a balance of power and price, catering to mid-range users.
2.6 Chinese Brands
Several Chinese motorbike brands have entered the Pakistani market, offering stylish designs and competitive pricing. While their longevity may not match that of established brands, they provide good value for money.
3. Motorbike Categories and Recommendations
Different riders have varied needs, and selecting the right motorbike involves understanding these categories:
3.1 Commuter Bikes
Commuter bikes are designed for everyday use, focusing on fuel efficiency, comfort, and affordability.
Top Picks:
Honda CD 70
Suzuki GD 110S
United US 70
3.2 Touring Bikes
Touring bikes are built for long-distance travel, offering superior comfort, durability, and storage options.
Top Picks:
Suzuki GS 150
Yamaha YBR 125G
Road Prince RX3
3.3 Sports Bikes
Sports bikes are performance-oriented, featuring powerful engines, aerodynamic designs, and advanced features.
Top Picks:
Honda CB 150F
Yamaha YBR 125
Suzuki GR 150
3.4 Off-Road Bikes
Off-road bikes are designed for rugged terrains, offering robust builds and enhanced suspension systems.
Top Picks:
Yamaha YBR 125G
Honda XR 150L
Zongshen RX3
4. Key Factors to Consider When Buying a Motorbike
When purchasing a motorbike in Pakistan, consider the following factors to ensure you make the best choice:
4.1 Budget
Determine your budget before exploring options. While affordable bikes like the Honda CD 70 and United US 70 are suitable for tight budgets, premium models like the Suzuki GR 150 cater to those seeking advanced features.
4.2 Purpose
Identify the primary use of the bike—whether for daily commuting, long-distance touring, or recreational purposes. Each category has specific models tailored to different needs.
4.3 Fuel Efficiency
In a country where fuel prices fluctuate, fuel efficiency plays a crucial role. Models like the Honda CD 70 and Suzuki GD 110S offer excellent mileage.
4.4 Maintenance Costs
Suzuki GD 110S: A compact bike ideal for city commuting, offering a smooth ride and reliable performance.
Suzuki GS 150: This model is popular among touring enthusiasts for its powerful engine and comfortable seating.
Suzuki GR 150: A premium model with modern aesthetics, superior handling, and advanced features.
4.4 Maintenance Costs
Opt for bikes with readily available spare parts and affordable maintenance. Honda and Suzuki bikes have an extensive service network across Pakistan.
4.5 Resale Value
Brands like Honda and Yamaha have a strong resale market in Pakistan, making them a safer investment.
4.6 Comfort and Features
Consider the bike’s comfort, especially if you plan to use it for long rides. Features like electric start, disc brakes, and advanced suspension systems can enhance the riding experience.
4.7 Durability
For rough and uneven terrains, durability is a key factor. Models like the Yamaha YBR 125G and Honda CG 125 are built to handle challenging conditions.
5. Tips for First-Time Buyers
Test Drive: Always test drive a bike to assess its comfort, handling, and performance.
Research Reviews: Read user reviews and expert opinions to understand the bike’s pros and cons.
Check Documentation: Ensure proper documentation, including warranty, registration, and insurance.
Inspect the Bike: Thoroughly inspect the bike for any defects or damage, especially if buying second-hand.
Compare Prices: Visit multiple dealerships to compare prices and negotiate for the best deal.
6. Conclusion
The motorbike market in Pakistan offers a wide range of options to suit every budget and purpose. Whether you’re a daily commuter, an adventure enthusiast, or a sports bike lover, there’s a model out there for you. Brands like Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, and Road Prince continue to dominate the market with their reliable and innovative offerings. By carefully considering your needs, budget, and preferences, you can find the perfect motorbike that aligns with your lifestyle.
Whether you’re cruising through city streets or exploring the rugged beauty of Northern Pakistan, your motorbike is more than just a vehicle—it’s a companion that brings freedom and adventure to your journey. Choose wisely and ride safely!
I rented a motorcycle for 3 weeks in Pakistan, and in this post, I’ll show you exactly how I did it, what bikes are available, the best city to rent from, and how much motorcycle rentals cost.
Where’s the best place to rent a motorcycle in Pakistan?
The good news is you don’t have to visit the local motorcycle markets to hire a motorcycle in Pakistan. You can simply rent online via a WhatsApp conversation before you arrive!
I started looking in Lahore and quickly realised the options weren’t great. Me also didn’t want to visit the intense motorcycle markets and have to haggle there (If you don’t speak Urdu, you really need a Pakistani friend with you to help there!).
I found Islamabad the best place to rent a motorcycle in Pakistan. It makes sense because it has a major international airport, and it’s the beginning of the many motorcycle trips to the Northern Regions.
So start your search on Google or Google Maps for “Islamabad motorcycle rentals.” I share my rental quotes later in this post.
What motorcycles are available for rent, and which should I choose?
Motorcycle rentals cost anywhere from $10 to $150 daily for high-end adventure bikes like a Triumph Tiger, Suzuki V-Strom, or BMW F 850 GS.
I won’t cover those high-end bikes here because I wanted the Pakistani experience on a cost-effective and economical 150cc bike. Plus, you ain’t gonna be riding fast here anyway. Although, I’m sure it would be a luxurious and comfortable experience on one of those bikes!
150cc motorcycles, although they seem small to us, they are enough to get the job done even in the mountains. These smaller bikes have limited luggage space, so pack light and bring 2 bungee cords to attach your bag.
Most popular 150cc: Suzuki GS 150SE
The most popular bikes you’ll see absolutely everywhere in Pakistan, and in HUGE numbers in car parks, are the Honda CD-70, Honda CG-125, and then their cheap Chinese clones, the Road Prince RP-70n and United US-70.
The Suzuki GS 150SE is similar to these but with a 150cc engine. It’s the most recommended motorcycle for long trips because of its low price and repairability. The only downside is the seat is not very comfortable!
Most comfortable 150cc: Honda CB 150F
If you want a cheap but comfortable option, I went with the Honda CB 150F. Because it’s more comfortable and harder to find, the rental companies charge a premium for it, unfortunately! But if you need a little comfort, like me, this is the best option for the price.
After a few thousand kilometres on this bike, I can say the seat is great, and my bottom never really got sore. Unlike on my Royal Enfield Himalayan – their seats suck for long journeys (I just road 7 hours on it from Amritsar to Delhi today).
The only downside is the CB 150F’s suspension is horrible; you will feel all the bumps and potholes.
There are 250cc and above bikes available, but I recommend these 150cc models because Pakistani mechanics know these bikes inside-out. During your trip, you won’t have any issues getting anything fixed on these. Whereas little-known Chinese 250cc or high-end foreign bikes can only be serviced in big cities.
What to know before renting!
Obviously, always check the condition of the bike before taking it.
But, most of us are not mechanics!
Plus, when you plan to leave on a certain date, you can’t really be choosy when you pick up the bike! So, try pickup a day or two in advance so you can do whatever work needs to be done on it.
You’ll probably discover issues with the bike on the first day of riding. I did!
All the problems I had with my rented motorcycle in Pakistan
During my ride, here’s all the work I had to do on the Honda CB150F:
When I picked up the bike it had a flat rear tyre. The rear tyre kept leaking throughout the first two days. Turns out it was given to me with a puncture! When I reached Naran, the bike was really struggling to fire. Turns out the last renter had left the choke open. I’d been riding with it open too. So the spark plug was dirty and needed to be cleaned. The bike continued to miss fire, so I replaced the spark plug. The rear wheel’s tread was way down, so I replaced the tyre. Oil changed at 1000km. Replaced a broken speedo cable. The chain guard got disfigured and was hitting the chain. A kind panel beater fixed it for me for free. As you can see, the bike was a real pain and dampened my trip with so many visits to various service centres.
Luckily, the parts and labour were very cheap! Some of the repairs were even free because the friendly locals wouldn’t take money from me!
Alls well that ends well because the rental company reimbursed me for the work.
I called around the main rental companies in Islamabad, looking for the best prices for a cheap motorcycle.
Don’t forget to bargain! They will come down to meet your budget if they have an excess supply.
For example, I wanted the Honda CB150F, so I told Pakistan Bikers that I wanted the bike for 3 weeks minimum, but my budget was $16 daily. They agreed.
Note: Pakistan Bikers and Pakistan-Bikers are two different companies! Someone copied someone.
Cost per day to rent a 150cc motorcycle in Pakistan
The rental usually includes a helmet, elbow and knee pads, gloves, and a cellphone holder.
If this post helped you, please comment and tell me about your travel plans and what motorcycle you’re looking at.
Disclaimer
The content on this blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered professional advice. While we strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information, we make no guarantees regarding the completeness, accuracy, or reliability of the content provided. Readers are encouraged to consult directly with professionals for advice tailored to their specific needs.
Any views or opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of our company. We reserve the right to modify or update content as necessary.
The entire route is on tarmac roads in good condition, to some extend curvy but mostly easy to handle. A minimum of 5.000 miles of motorcycle riding experience is required.
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The majority of the route is on well-developed tarmac roads with some curvy parts. A minimum of 7.500 miles of motorcycle riding experience is required.
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The route is very twisty, occasionally on narrow tarmac roads. A minimum of 10.000 miles of motorcycle riding experience is required.
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The majority of the rout is on very demanding, very narrow curvy roads, and sometimes on single lanes. A minimum of 15.000 miles of motorcycle riding experience is required.
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The entire route is permanently on very demanding, extremely curvy, very narrow, partly on single lanes. A minimum of 20.000 miles of motorcycle riding experience is required.
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AVERAGE DRIVING TIME PER DAY
Some of our participants enjoy riding as many miles as possible, whereas others preferred to arrive early at the hotel to enjoy the amenities before dinner. The stated driving times include breaks and photo stops, but not the time spend for lunch (between noon and 2pm, usually 1 hour). A riding day usually starts around 9 am, if necessary a little earlier.
