Buying a second-hand motorbike or scooter in Thailand can feel like a great deal. There are plenty of options around, and prices often seem too good to pass up. But if you’re not careful, it’s easy to end up with a bike that comes with hidden problems, missing paperwork, or unexpected costs.
This guide covers some of the most common issues we’ve seen when people buy bikes in Thailand, especially here in Chiang Mai. It’s not meant to scare anyone off — just to help you avoid some common mistakes.
No Green Book or Trouble Transferring Ownership
The green book is the official registration document for a bike in Thailand. If the bike doesn’t have one, it’s a huge red flag. No green book usually means you can’t legally transfer ownership, can’t get proper insurance, and might not even be able to ride the bike legally. No Green Book = Walk away!
Even if the seller shows you a green book, that doesn’t always mean the transfer will be easy. Sometimes the book is still in a previous owner’s name, or there are missing ID copies, or the bike was imported without proper paperwork.
What to do: Always check that the green book is present and original (not just a photocopy). Ask if the seller can help you transfer the bike into your name at the Department of Land Transport. If they hesitate or make excuses, think twice.
Unpaid Taxes and Back Fees
Every motorbike in Thailand needs to have annual tax paid. It’s a small fee, but if it hasn’t been paid for years, the fines and yearly taxes can add up quickly, sometimes more than the bikes value in extreme cases! Some people try to sell bikes that haven’t been taxed or inspected for a long time, hoping the buyer won’t notice.
What to look for: Check the tax sticker on the bike (usually on the front or under the seat). The expiry year and date should be clearly printed (Thai calendar ie 1568). If it’s more than a year out of date or you can’t find the sticker, there could be penalties to pay when you try to renew it.
Flood Damage
Chiang Mai gets heavy rain during the wet season, and flooding can be serious in some areas. Bikes that have been underwater might look fine on the outside but can have hidden damage. Water can get into the engine, wiring, bearings, and more leading to ongoing issues.
What to check: Be cautious with bikes that have just been cleaned up and priced lower than normal. A bike that’s too shiny or too cheap after the rainy season might be hiding something. Do not be scared to check under panels with your phone camera or in the air box to look for signs for mud.
Neglected Maintenance
It’s common in Thailand for bikes to be used every day with little or no preventative maintenance beyond the occasional oil change. Air filters are often original, chains are run until they’re loose and rusty, parts are only replaced when they break and you been guaranteed the bikes never had a valve-clearance.
Some sellers clean up the outside with new plastic fairings and a bit of polish, but don’t spend a baht on the actual mechanics. It might look good on the surface but ride like something on its last legs. Inspecting the air-filter is a good way to judge if the bike has had any real maintenance during its life or prior to sale, if it is filthy be sure not to offer top dollar!
What to remember: Looks can be deceiving. Don’t judge a bike just by how shiny it is. A new set of fairings costs very little, and a fresh wash can hide a lot. Ask about service history, when the oil and brakes were last done and trust none of it! Always bring someone who is mechanically minded with you or consider a pre-purchase inspection.
No matter what bike, always do a full fluid change (engine oil, gearbox oil, coolant, brake fluid) after buying the bike! Consider replacing the tyres with brand new if they are worn or more than a couple of years old.
Modified or Problematic Bikes
Some bikes have been modified in ways that make them hard to register or transfer. Things like engine swaps, loud exhausts, aftermarket lights or parts taken from other bikes can all create issues later — especially if the green book hasn’t been updated to match.
We’ve seen situations where people buy a bike, only to find out they can’t register it because the engine number doesn’t match the book or the bike colour does not match the paperwork. Fixing that can be a long and expensive process, if it’s even possible.
What to ask: Check that the frame and engine numbers match the ones listed in the green book. If they don’t, walk away. It’s not worth the trouble. Other things to check for are aftermarket exhaust systems, indicators and accessories that do not look professionally installed.
No Test Ride or Already Warmed Up
Some sellers won’t let you test ride the bike, or they’ll start it up and have it running before you arrive. That can be a way of hiding problems like hard starting, stalling when cold, or noisy engine internals.
What to do: Always ask to start the bike from cold. That’s when most problems show up (weak battery, valve issues). If you cannot test drive the bike, walk away. Things to look for are
- Engine starts and revs freely
- Feels powerful and does not bog down struggle as accelerating
- All electrical’s are working (headlights, indicators, horn, brake lights)
- Speedo displays the speed correctly and odometer is working
- Both front and rear brake are powerful
- No squealing, ticking, clunks or grinding noises
- Check for free and smooth steering movement
- Suspension should feel firm and not squeak
Final Thoughts
There are plenty of good second-hand bikes out there, but there are also plenty of rough ones which should not be on the road. A bit of caution goes a long way. If something doesn’t feel right, or if the seller is vague with answers, trust your gut.
We’ve helped a lot of people avoid these issues over the years. If you’re unsure, we offer pre-purchase inspections and advice so you can buy with confidence, or walk away if it’s not the right bike for you.
