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Is it possible to rent a dirt bike or touring motorcycle for trips to the north? I know Minsks are the way most go, but I'd rather have something a little more powerful and suited for unpaved roads (especially in the rain).
answered about 14 months ago by Antwerpman
I believe there is a limit which prevents people from riding a bike larger than 175cc and that obtaining a licence for above this size is very difficult, so that is probably why you dont see larger bikes on the road or available to rent
answered about 14 months ago by hanoiRob
You can rent a Yahama DT from Hung and Dung on the dike road. Hung's # 0912214554 DEFINITELY take it for a serious test drive before you go and insist they fix any potential problem. Hung's really good about this but Dung will require some motivating. Personally I wouldn't wanna be on anything besides by Minsk on unpaved roads in the rain up north, but to each his own.
answered about 14 months ago by recon
hanoiRob, This will be my first time on a Minsk. From what I see on the streets in the city they don't look particularly well suited to more questionable road conditions. Do you have experience driving them in the mountains, and what advantages do they have? Recon
answered about 14 months ago by alpha
If it's in good running order, you'll be fine. I've ridden Minsks in the northern mountains on several occasions, including on the muddy, dirt path valleys outside Sapa and never had the bike fail me. An added advantage is that once you get to the mountains, 90% of the adult males you meet will know how to fix one (and probably have the tools handy). The only time I've lacked for power on one was in wanting to haul ass a bit on some of the better paved roads, but what they lack power, they make up for in simplicity. Besides, are you there to enjoy the ride, or will you be racing somebody? I'm sure "grubby" will be quick to point you in the right direction concerning this sort of trip once he notices this thread. He's been there and back to those yonder hills many a time on his own Minsk. Pick his brain a bit if you need more details...and have a good trip.
answered about 14 months ago by grubby
Did someone call my name? I have indeed ridden many a kilometre around the rounds of the North, paved and unpaved, always on a Minsk. The "old buffalo" doesn't look like much, on paper or in person, but it's a bike with personality, and as alpha points out, parts and labor are ubiquitous up north. The Minsk shares a design philosophy with the AK47: build simple, build tolerant. It's not sophisticated (the design hasn't changed much since the 1930s), but makes a virtue of that fact. People joke that you can repair one with a spoon, and I have actually repaired mine with the silver paper from a cigarette pack. Your experience with one totally depends on the quality (personality) of the bike you rent, but this shouldn't be a problem if you get it from Cuong (http://www.newhanoian.com/details/venueid/1064) or Hung and Dung, as hanoiRob suggested (these two shops are the Springfield and Shelbyville of the Minsk world in Hanoi, but they both have good bikes, and not just Minsks). Whatever your two-wheeled conveyance, a trip around the northern mountains is about the most fun you can have without breaking any laws. Feel free to message me if you want more specifics. Tom
Thanks alpha and grubby. I technically will be breaking laws by not having a license but having fun none-the-less. I also found the Minsk club website that mentions Cuong as well. Oh, know anyone who wants to go for a ride Oct. 7-14? Can't Wait!
answered about 8 months ago by offroadvietnam
There are Honda dirt bikes 125cc or Honda road bikes 100-160cc rentals. They are up to international standards and of course more reliable than Minsks. - Check out the bike: http://www.offroadvietnam.com/eng/18-118.php and http://www.offroadvietnam.com/eng/18-58.php - Read customer testimonials: http://www.offroadvietnam.com/eng/22-98.php This is a totally new business and you will communicate with a staff speaking very good English and in case you have problems on the road, no wasted time to have support.
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