Japanese used bike transactions on the rise following motorcycling restrictions

As the authorities restricted riding motorcycles in some townships of the Yangon Region, the transactions of used bicycles from Japan become good again, according to the used bicycle shops in Insein Township.
The authorities banned riding motorcycles in Thanlyin, Hlinethaya, Twantay, Kawhmu and Dala townships for security concerns recently and the people mostly use bikes in their townships or wards, said the residents.
“There is one bicycle at every house. Although the people have motorcycles, they cannot ride anymore for regional order and so they use bikes. People buy bicycles as the fuel prices are high. It costs between K500 and K1,000 at least for trishaw fare to travel a certain distance,” said Ko Aung San Tun from Thanlyin.
The buyers mostly buy used bike from Japan that is priced between K80,000 and K100,000. The renewed bike is between K100,000 and K130,000, said bike seller Ko Ah Pu.
Most of the bikes in Myanmar are used ones and imported from China and Japan.
“Some buy the bikes at Insein Nantha Gone market. They also add other accessories. We sell only the frame including two wheels, seat and handle. That is called a frame. The price of the frame depends on its paint colour. The price starts from K70,000. If the buyers install some parts as they like, the bike looks good and the price is more than a hundred thousand. It takes half a day for those who are searching for the bikes until they get the one they like most,” seller Ko Tun Myat said.
Those who can afford choose the used bikes from Japan as they like and there are some people who buy Chinese bikes at the licensed pawn shops that cost between K30,000 and K50,000. — TWA/GNLM