Thailand’s bustling streets are a symphony of engine roars, with motorcycles serving as the lifeblood of transportation for many. Moving beyond the realm of smaller-engine commuters and mopeds, this article dives into the top 10 best-selling motorcycles (excluding scooters) with engine capacities of 150cc and above for the year 2023. These motorcycles offer a compelling blend of power, practicality, and affordability, catering to a diverse range of riders in the Land of Smiles.
1. Yamaha Exciter 155
The Yamaha Exciter 155 reigns supreme in the 150cc+ category, mirroring its smaller-engined sibling’s dominance in the overall market. This fuel-injected, lightweight underbone motorcycle strikes a perfect balance between practicality and performance. Its 155cc engine delivers peppy acceleration, making it ideal for navigating city traffic and maneuvering through Thailand’s diverse landscapes. The Exciter 155 boasts a sporty design with sharp lines and a comfortable riding position, making it a popular choice for younger riders and those seeking a more dynamic commute.
Unit Sold : 138,542
2. Honda Click 125i
While technically not a motorcycle in the strictest sense, the Honda Click 125i deserves a brief mention due to its immense popularity and dominance in the automatic two-wheeler segment, particularly among urban riders. This fuel-efficient and reliable scooter alternative boasts a 125cc engine that provides sufficient power for navigating city traffic. The Click 125i eliminates the need for manual gear changes, making it ideal for stop-and-go situations. However, for the purposes of this list focusing on motorcycles above 150cc, we’ll move on to the next contender.
Unit Sold : 138,542
3. Honda CB150R
The Honda CB150R Streetfighter offers a compelling option for riders who crave a more exposed and aggressive riding experience. This motorcycle shares its engine platform with the CBR150R, a fully-faired sportbike, but ditches the fairings for a lighter weight and a more upright riding position. The CB150R boasts a muscular design with sharp lines and exposed engine components, exuding a streetfighter aesthetic. It delivers a balance between performance and practicality, making it a popular choice for urban riders who prioritize a sporty look and agile handling.
Unit Sold : 87,231
4. Yamaha YZF-R15
Yamaha’s YZF-R15 serves as an entry point for riders seeking a taste of the exhilarating supersport experience. This lightweight motorcycle features a 155cc engine that delivers a sporty riding experience with sharp handling and a comfortable riding position. The YZF-R15 boasts a visually aggressive design with aerodynamic fairings and a prominent front cowl, drawing inspiration from its larger sibling, the YZF-R1. While not as powerful as its bigger brother, the YZF-R15 caters to riders who crave a sporty aesthetic and a thrilling riding experience on a budget.
Unit Sold : 72,984
5. Suzuki GSX-S150
Suzuki throws a powerful punch in the 150cc+ segment with the GSX-S150, a sporty naked motorcycle that rivals the Honda CB150R and Yamaha MT-15. This motorcycle shares its engine platform with the Suzuki GSX-R150, a fully-faired sportbike, but adopts a naked streetfighter design with a comfortable riding position. The GSX-S150 boasts a sharp and aggressive aesthetic, offering peppy acceleration and agile handling, making it a compelling choice for urban riders seeking a sporty and practical motorcycle.
Unit Sold : 68,412
6. Yamaha MT-15
Yamaha’s MT-15 injects a dose of streetfighter swagger into the mix. This motorcycle utilizes the same 155cc engine as its fully-faired counterpart, the YZF-R15, but ditches the fairings for a more muscular and exposed look. The MT-15 boasts a comfortable riding position with wide handlebars, catering to riders who prefer a more upright posture. Its aggressive design and sporty performance make it a popular choice among riders seeking a streetfighter aesthetic with a touch of excitement.
Unit Sold : 65,729
7. Honda CBR150R
The Honda CBR150R serves as the fully-faired counterpart to the CB150R Streetfighter. This motorcycle boasts a 150cc engine delivering a thrilling riding experience with sharp handling and a tucked-in riding position ideal for aggressive riding. The CBR150R features a fully-faired aerodynamic design inspired by its larger sportbike siblings, offering wind protection and a committed riding posture. While not the most powerful option, it caters to riders who crave the complete supersport experience in a more manageable package.
Unit Sold : 59,387
8. Kawasaki Z250
Kawasaki steps up the engine capacity game with the Z250. This motorcycle boasts a 249cc engine that offers a significant power upgrade compared to the previous contenders. The Z250 adopts a naked streetfighter design with a comfortable riding position, making it ideal for everyday use and spirited riding. Its aggressive aesthetics draw inspiration from Kawasaki’s larger Ninja sportbikes, catering to riders seeking a balance between performance and practicality in a slightly larger package.
Unit Sold : 48,219
9. Honda ADV150
The Honda ADV150 carves a niche for itself in the popular adventure touring segment. This motorcycle features a 150cc engine that delivers enough power for exploring light off-road trails and navigating city streets. The ADV150 boasts a taller stance with long-travel suspension and a comfortable upright riding position, making it ideal for tackling uneven terrain. While not a hardcore off-road machine, it offers a taste of adventure for riders who crave exploring beyond paved roads.
Unit Sold : 42,793
10. Royal Enfield Classic 350
The Royal Enfield Classic 350 injects a touch of retro charm into the best-selling motorcycle list, even in the larger engine category. This iconic motorcycle features a single-cylinder, 346cc air-cooled engine that delivers a distinct thump and a relaxed riding experience. The Classic 350 prioritizes character and classic aesthetics over raw performance. Its comfortable upright riding position and timeless design make it a popular choice for riders who appreciate a laid-back cruising experience and a touch of vintage motorcycle charm.
Unit Sold : 39,541
Looking Beyond the Sales Figures:
Several factors contribute to Thailand’s thriving market for mid-sized motorcycles (150cc and above):
- Balancing Power and Affordability: These motorcycles offer a significant power upgrade compared to smaller-engined options while remaining relatively affordable compared to larger motorcycles.
- Versatility: This category caters to a diverse range of riders, from everyday commuters seeking improved performance to those who crave a taste of sport riding or adventure touring.
- Fuel Efficiency: Despite offering more power, many motorcycles in this segment maintain impressive fuel economy figures, making them cost-effective to operate.
- Cultural Significance: Motorcycles remain deeply ingrained in Thai culture, and these mid-sized options offer greater power and capability for exploring the country’s diverse landscapes.
The Future of Thailand’s Mid-Sized Motorcycle Market
The future of Thailand’s mid-sized motorcycle market is likely to witness continued growth, with potential trends including:
- Focus on Safety: A growing emphasis on safety might lead to increased demand for motorcycles equipped with advanced safety features like ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System).
- Technology Integration: Advancements in technology might see the incorporation of features like smartphone connectivity and digital instrument clusters in this segment.
- New Entrants: The market might see the entry of new players, particularly from China, offering competitive options that could shake up the established order.
The Final Lap: Thailand’s Thriving Mid-Sized Motorcycle Scene
Thailand’s mid-sized motorcycle market offers a vibrant landscape catering to various riding styles and budgets. From the sporty performance machines to the comfortable adventure tourers and the timeless classics, there’s a motorcycle for every rider seeking a step up in power and capability. As the market evolves, it will be interesting to see how these trends shape the future of this exciting segment in the Land of Smiles.
