7 Recommended Motorcycles for Riding in Singapore: The Best Choices for Daily Commuting and City Life
Introduction
Singapore is known for its modern infrastructure, well-maintained roads, and efficient transportation system. However, for many residents and daily commuters, motorcycles remain a practical transportation option. Whether you are travelling to work, attending classes, running errands, or exploring different parts of the city, choosing the right motorcycle can make your daily journey more convenient and enjoyable.
With Singapore’s busy roads, frequent traffic congestion, limited parking spaces, and tropical weather, selecting a motorcycle requires careful consideration. Riders need a vehicle that offers good fuel efficiency, reliable performance, comfortable seating, and easy handling. Maintenance costs, insurance, road tax, and the Certificate of Entitlement (COE) are also important factors to consider before purchasing a motorcycle.
Fortunately, the motorcycle market offers a wide range of options, from compact automatic scooters to sporty street motorcycles and comfortable touring models.
In this article, we explore seven recommended motorcycles suitable for riding in Singapore. Each model offers different advantages, making it easier for riders to find a motorcycle that matches their lifestyle, budget, and commuting requirements.
1. Yamaha NMAX 155 – Comfortable and Practical for Daily Commuting
The Yamaha NMAX 155 is a popular choice for riders who prioritize comfort, convenience, and modern features. Its automatic transmission makes it particularly suitable for navigating Singapore’s busy urban roads, where frequent stopping and starting are part of everyday travel.
Equipped with a 155cc engine, the NMAX offers a practical balance between performance and fuel efficiency. Its smooth acceleration helps riders move through city traffic without requiring frequent gear changes.
One of the biggest advantages of the Yamaha NMAX 155 is its comfortable riding position. The upright seating arrangement and spacious foot area provide a relaxed experience, especially during longer commutes. Its under-seat storage compartment is also useful for carrying everyday essentials, small bags, and personal belongings.
Depending on the version and market specification, the NMAX may include modern features such as ABS, traction control, and smart-key functionality.
For office workers, students, and everyday commuters, the Yamaha NMAX 155 offers a combination of practicality, comfort, and contemporary styling.
Key Highlights:
- Engine: 155cc
- Motorcycle type: Automatic scooter
- Comfortable upright riding position
- Convenient under-seat storage
- Suitable for urban commuting
- Modern safety and convenience features, depending on variant
2. Honda PCX 160 – Smooth Performance and Modern Design
The Honda PCX 160 is another excellent option for riders looking for a comfortable scooter for everyday transportation in Singapore.
Featuring a refined 157cc engine, the PCX 160 is designed to deliver smooth acceleration and convenient urban mobility. Its automatic transmission makes it easy to operate, particularly for riders who prefer a simple and comfortable riding experience.
The PCX 160 stands out because of its elegant appearance, aerodynamic bodywork, and practical design. Its comfortable seat and spacious footwell help create a relaxed riding experience during daily journeys.
Another advantage is its storage capacity. The under-seat compartment provides space for everyday items, making it convenient for people who commute to work, visit shopping centres, or travel around residential neighbourhoods.
Fuel efficiency is also an important consideration. Although actual consumption depends on riding habits, traffic conditions, and maintenance, the PCX 160 is designed with economical everyday use in mind.
Its combination of comfort, stylish design, and practical features makes the Honda PCX 160 a suitable choice for riders who want a modern scooter without sacrificing convenience.
Key Highlights:
- Engine: 157cc
- Motorcycle type: Automatic scooter
- Smooth and responsive performance
- Modern and elegant appearance
- Practical storage capacity
- Suitable for everyday commuting
3. Yamaha Aerox 155 – Sporty Styling with Urban Agility
For riders who prefer a more aggressive appearance and sporty performance, the Yamaha Aerox 155 is worth considering.
The Aerox 155 combines the convenience of an automatic scooter with the appearance of a sporty motorcycle. Its distinctive design, sharp body lines, and modern styling appeal to riders who want something more dynamic for their daily journeys.
Powered by a 155cc engine, the Aerox offers responsive acceleration and agile handling. These characteristics can be useful when navigating crowded urban streets and making frequent stops.
Its relatively compact design also makes it convenient for moving around Singapore’s busy neighbourhoods. Riders can benefit from its automatic transmission without compromising the sporty appearance that distinguishes it from conventional scooters.
The Aerox 155 is particularly attractive to younger riders and people who enjoy a more energetic riding experience. However, its sporty design may involve a firmer riding feel compared with more comfort-oriented scooters.
Storage capacity and seating comfort should also be considered, especially for riders who regularly carry work equipment or travel with a passenger.
Overall, the Yamaha Aerox 155 is an appealing option for commuters who want a combination of modern styling, convenience, and enjoyable everyday performance.
Key Highlights:
- Engine: 155cc
- Motorcycle type: Sporty automatic scooter
- Aggressive and modern styling
- Responsive acceleration
- Agile handling for city roads
- Suitable for riders who prefer sporty designs
4. Honda Wave 125 – Economical and Reliable for Everyday Use
The Honda Wave 125 is a practical motorcycle for riders who prioritize simplicity, reliability, and economical transportation.
Unlike automatic scooters, the Honda Wave 125 uses an underbone design with a semi-automatic transmission. This setup offers a different riding experience while remaining relatively easy to operate.
Its 125cc engine is designed for everyday transportation rather than high-performance riding. For commuting between home, workplaces, and nearby destinations, its modest engine capacity can provide a useful balance of performance and fuel economy.
One of the most attractive features of the Honda Wave 125 is its straightforward design. Its relatively simple mechanical layout can make routine maintenance more manageable, depending on the availability of parts and local workshop services.
The lightweight structure is another advantage. Riders who frequently navigate residential streets and crowded parking areas may appreciate its manageable dimensions.
Although the Wave 125 does not offer the same storage convenience as many modern scooters, accessories such as a rear box can help improve its practicality.
For riders who want an uncomplicated motorcycle for regular travel, the Honda Wave 125 deserves consideration.
Key Highlights:
- Engine: 125cc
- Motorcycle type: Underbone
- Semi-automatic transmission
- Practical and lightweight design
- Economical everyday transportation
- Suitable for regular commuting and errands
5. Yamaha MT-15 – A Lightweight Street Motorcycle with Sporty Performance
The Yamaha MT-15 is an attractive choice for riders who prefer a traditional motorcycle with sporty styling and engaging handling.
Featuring a 155cc engine with variable valve actuation technology, the MT-15 is designed to deliver responsive performance across different engine speeds.
Its naked-bike design provides an upright riding position, giving riders a more direct connection with the road. The lightweight chassis and relatively compact dimensions can also make the motorcycle manageable in urban environments.
For commuters travelling through Singapore’s residential districts and commercial areas, the MT-15 offers a combination of agility and everyday usability.
Unlike automatic scooters, the MT-15 requires manual gear changes. Riders who enjoy controlling their motorcycle and developing their riding skills may appreciate this characteristic.
However, the motorcycle has limited built-in storage. Commuters who regularly carry laptops, shopping bags, or other personal belongings may need to install a suitable rear box or use a backpack.
The MT-15 can also appeal to riders who want a motorcycle that works for weekday commuting while remaining enjoyable during weekend rides.
Its combination of modern styling, responsive performance, and practical dimensions makes it a versatile option for riders who prefer a sporty street motorcycle.
Key Highlights:
- Engine: 155cc
- Motorcycle type: Naked street motorcycle
- Manual transmission
- Lightweight and agile handling
- Sporty design
- Suitable for commuting and recreational rides
6. Honda ADV 160 – Comfort and Versatility for Different Road Conditions
The Honda ADV 160 is designed for riders who want the convenience of a scooter combined with adventure-inspired styling.
Its 157cc engine provides practical performance for everyday journeys, while the automatic transmission offers convenience in heavy traffic.
One of its defining characteristics is its elevated appearance and versatile design. The ADV 160 features a comfortable upright riding position, a relatively tall stance, and suspension designed to handle a variety of ordinary road conditions.
These features can be useful when travelling through different parts of Singapore, where riders encounter everything from smooth expressway approaches to uneven residential roads.
The ADV 160 also offers practical storage space, making it suitable for commuters who need to carry personal belongings throughout the day.
Its adventure-inspired styling gives it a distinctive appearance compared with traditional urban scooters. Riders who enjoy occasional longer journeys may also appreciate its relaxed seating position and practical design.
Nevertheless, its larger dimensions and taller seat may not suit every rider. It is worth sitting on the motorcycle and testing its weight and handling before making a purchase.
For people who want a comfortable scooter with a more rugged appearance, the Honda ADV 160 is a compelling option.
Key Highlights:
- Engine: 157cc
- Motorcycle type: Adventure-style automatic scooter
- Upright riding position
- Practical storage capacity
- Versatile suspension design
- Suitable for commuting and occasional longer rides
7. Yamaha XMAX 300 – A Comfortable Option for Longer Journeys
For riders who regularly travel longer distances or prefer a larger scooter, the Yamaha XMAX 300 offers a different level of comfort and performance.
Powered by a 292cc engine, the XMAX 300 provides more power than typical 125cc and 155cc commuter scooters. Its additional engine capacity can be useful for maintaining a comfortable pace on suitable roads and expressways.
The maxi-scooter design provides generous seating space, a relaxed riding position, and practical storage. These features make it appealing to commuters who spend considerable time on their motorcycles.
Its larger body and substantial road presence also contribute to a stable riding experience. Depending on the version, modern equipment may include ABS, traction control, adjustable windscreen features, and a digital instrument display.
However, the XMAX 300 is larger and heavier than smaller scooters. This can make low-speed manoeuvres and parking more challenging for some riders, particularly beginners.
Its purchase price and running expenses may also be higher than those of smaller commuter motorcycles.
The XMAX 300 is particularly relevant for experienced riders who want more performance, additional comfort, and greater versatility for both city commuting and longer trips.
Key Highlights:
- Engine: 292cc
- Motorcycle type: Maxi-scooter
- Automatic transmission
- Comfortable seating and riding position
- Generous storage capacity
- Suitable for longer commutes and expressway travel
Important Factors to Consider Before Buying a Motorcycle in Singapore
Choosing a motorcycle involves more than comparing engine sizes and exterior designs. Riders should consider several important factors before deciding which model best suits their needs.
1. Motorcycle Licence Requirements
Singapore has different motorcycle licence classes, including Class 2B, Class 2A, and Class 2. These categories determine which motorcycles a rider is legally permitted to operate.
Class 2B generally covers motorcycles with an engine capacity of up to 200cc. Class 2A covers motorcycles with an engine capacity between 201cc and 400cc, while Class 2 applies to motorcycles exceeding 400cc.
The licence category is an essential consideration when comparing the motorcycles listed in this article.
2. Fuel Efficiency and Daily Expenses
Fuel consumption can significantly affect the overall cost of motorcycle ownership, especially for people who travel to work every day.
Smaller motorcycles and scooters are often practical options for riders who prioritize economical transportation. However, actual fuel consumption depends on factors such as traffic conditions, riding behaviour, motorcycle maintenance, and passenger weight.
Buyers should compare realistic fuel consumption figures rather than relying exclusively on manufacturer estimates.
3. COE, Insurance, and Road Tax
Motorcycle ownership in Singapore involves additional expenses beyond the purchase price.
The Certificate of Entitlement, commonly known as COE, is an important part of the vehicle registration system. Its cost can significantly influence the total price of a motorcycle.
Insurance premiums and road tax should also be included in the ownership budget. These expenses can vary depending on the motorcycle, rider profile, insurance coverage, and prevailing regulations.
For used motorcycles, checking the remaining COE validity and the vehicle’s maintenance history is especially important.
4. Comfort and Practicality
A motorcycle that looks attractive in a showroom may not necessarily be comfortable for everyday use.
Riders should consider seat height, riding position, handlebar reach, suspension, and overall weight. Storage space is another important consideration for people who regularly carry work equipment or personal belongings.
Whenever possible, test-sit the motorcycle and arrange a test ride through an authorised dealer.
5. Safety and Weather Conditions
Singapore’s tropical climate means riders regularly encounter high temperatures, humidity, and sudden rainfall.
A suitable helmet, protective riding jacket, gloves, and proper footwear can help improve rider protection. Motorcycles equipped with ABS can also provide an additional safety benefit by helping prevent wheel lock during certain braking situations.
Riders should maintain a safe following distance, adjust their speed during wet weather, and remain alert around larger vehicles.
Conclusion
Singapore offers a wide variety of motorcycles suitable for different commuting needs, riding preferences, and budgets.
The Yamaha NMAX 155 and Honda PCX 160 provide convenient automatic transportation for everyday city travel. The Yamaha Aerox 155 offers sporty styling, while the Honda Wave 125 focuses on straightforward and economical commuting.
For riders who prefer manual motorcycles, the Yamaha MT-15 combines modern street-bike styling with agile handling. The Honda ADV 160 provides a versatile scooter design, while the Yamaha XMAX 300 offers additional performance and comfort for longer journeys.
Ultimately, the right motorcycle depends on your licence category, daily travel distance, budget, comfort requirements, and personal riding preferences.
Before purchasing, compare the latest local specifications, total ownership costs, and availability from authorised dealers. Taking time to evaluate these factors can help you choose a motorcycle that makes travelling around Singapore more convenient, comfortable, and enjoyable.