Motorcycle hire on Koh Samui

Posted by Full mooner on September 16th, 2011 filed in transportation

As Samui Island is not too big, a small motorcycle offers a great transportation option. Hire shops at all the main resorts and beaches provide motorbike rental services. The standard offerings are 100cc or 125cc Honda step-through bikes with four gears and an automatic clutch. Hire fees are between 130 and 250 Baht a day. Prices are dictated by whether it is peak tourist season and the condition of the bike.

Those who are not happy with geared motorcycles can pay slightly more and rent a fully automatic twist-and-go Honda Click or Yamaha Neuvo for 200-300 Baht a day. Bigger bikes are available for daily rates of around 500 Baht, but riders without prior motorcycling experience will find Samui’s roads are not meant for people to learn on.

Once out on Samui’s roads, motorcyclists should exercise caution as road surfaces and local drivers are not the same as in Western countries. Sandy patches on roads and drivers pulling out from side-roads without looking are among hazards riders face here. The motorcycles also do not usually come with insurance and all damage has to be paid for by the hirer.

Despite the small risks, motorcycle hire is a great way of taking in Samui’s abundant tourist draws as they allow people to get off the beaten track. Running low on fuel is not a problem as small roadside shops sell petrol from 55-gallon drums. There are also plenty of mechanics’ workshops dotted about that offer speedy puncture and engine repairs.