I'm not too sure exactly which shop would be the best at this point (as it's been a while since I was in the market for a new bike), but I know someone who bought a new Vietnamese-made Wave for less than $700. He's had no problems with it in that time.

As for the license...of course while I would never suggest that someone should openly show disregard for the law, I must also admit that I've never known any foreigner in Hanoi who had a license.

I bought a honda wave rs at Honda Hoan Kiem ,No problems it was 15 million plus about 1.25 million for rego and insurance but it may pay to have a Vietnamese friend you can trust purchase in their name much easier.ride safely!

Thanks for your responses...am looking tomorrow at bikes with a Viet contact, will post the results!

Went to the second hand market at "kiot A29 cho xe may Dich Vong". Stacks of 2nd hand bikes all look great. ONly issue is that there does not seem to be a great dicsount for the fact they are second hand. For example a bike thats done 5000 km is about 1m dongs less than a new one. Ratther buy a new one. In fact we are here for only one year so I will probably rent one for $45 per month.

Can you let me know if you find somewhere good to rent one? Thanks