The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Bike for Bali

So you’re coming to Bali with the plan of riding a motorcycle… but which one do you want to ride?

Choosing the right scooter or motorbike can completely transform your Bali experience. The island’s roads range from smooth beach strips to narrow shortcuts, steep mountain curves, and rural pathways. Different regions, riding styles, and trip needs all call for different bike types.

This complete guide breaks down how to select the perfect scooter, whether you’re a beginner, a returning traveler, or an experienced rider seeking adventure. Consider this your foundation for every other bike guide.

Here’s what you’ll get out of reading this guide:

Table of Contents

1. Why Choosing the Right Bike Matters in Bali
2. How to Choose Your Bike: The 4-Step System
3. Bike Categories Explained
4. Best Bikes in Bali by Riding Style
5. Top 12 Locations and Which Bike Works Best
6. Local Tips for Safe and Efficient Riding
7. FAQ — Choosing a Bike in Bali

Why Choosing the Right Bike Matters in Bali

Bali is a unique destination for motorcycle and scooter lovers because:

• Traffic patterns change dramatically by area
• Road quality varies — from smooth to uneven
• Tourists often ride with surfboards, backpacks, or passengers
• Distances between regions can be larger than expected
• Beginners and experienced riders need different features

A bike that matches your skill level and travel style helps you ride confidently, safely, and comfortably across the island.

How to Choose Your Bike: The 4-Step System

Use this simple framework to make the right choice.

Step 1 — Determine Your Rider Level

Be honest about your skill level.

• Beginner

• Intermediate

• Experienced

This affects bike size, power, and handling.

Step 2 — Define Your Trip Style

Are you here for:

• Short local rides

• Digital nomad routines

• Full-day island trips

• Waterfall adventures

• Romantic travel

• Family holidays

Your scooter needs to match your daily use.

Step 3 — Consider Your Passenger + Luggage Situation

Think about:

• Riding with a partner

• Laptop or work backpacks

• Surfboard mounts

• Long-distance comfort

Some bikes handle weight and distance better.

Step 4 — Match Your Region

Where you stay matters:

• Canggu

• Uluwatu

• Ubud

• Sanur

• Seminyak

• Jimbaran

• Amed

• Sidemen

Different regions = different terrain.

Bike Categories Explained

This section connects the full list of scooters and motorbikes available on Flexbike.

Light & Easy (Beginners)

Best for: first-timers, gentle rides, quiet areas

Examples: Honda Scoopy, Yamaha Fazzio, Honda Beat

Light, predictable, great for narrow streets.

Everyday All-Rounders (Most Travelers)

Best for: Canggu, Seminyak, Denpasar

Examples: Honda Vario, Yamaha Lexi

Reliable, stable, comfortable.

Premium Comfort (Long Rides)

Best for: Uluwatu, Ubud, island trips

Examples: Honda PCX, Yamaha NMAX

Smooth suspension and excellent stability.

Adventure & Performance

Best for: waterfalls, mountains, open roads

Examples: Honda ADV, Yamaha MT

Stronger braking, higher suspension, more control.

Best Bikes in Bali by Riding Style

Best for Beginners

• Honda Scoopy

• Yamaha Fazzio

• Honda Beat

Easy acceleration, simple handling, forgiving balance.

Best for Digital Nomads

• Yamaha Lexi

• Honda Vario

• Honda PCX

Great for laptop backpacks and multiple daily trips.

Best for Couples

• Vespa LX

• Honda PCX

Comfort meets aesthetics.

Best for Long Distances

• Honda PCX

• Yamaha NMAX

Wide seats, stable engines, safe at higher speeds.

Best for Adventure & Waterfalls

• Honda ADV

• Yamaha MT

Designed for uneven surfaces, steep climbs, and remote routes.

Best for Families

• Honda Vario

• Yamaha NMAX

• Honda PCX

Comfortable enough for two riders with gear.

Top 12 Locations and Which Bike Works Best

Only five of these may appear in other articles to avoid overlap; the rest are unique to this cornerstone guide.

1. Canggu

Best bikes: Vario, Lexi, Scoopy

Shortcuts + café hopping + coworking routes

2. Uluwatu

Best bikes: PCX, NMAX

Steep hills and long coastal drives

3. Ubud

Best bikes: PCX, ADV

Curves, forest roads, longer distances

4. Seminyak

Best bikes: Vario, Fazzio

Short trips, frequent stops, dense areas

5. Sanur

Best bikes: Scoopy, Lexi

Wide roads and calm traffic

6. Jimbaran

Best bikes: PCX, NMAX

Balance of hills and open beach roads

7. Amed

Best bikes: ADV, MT

Remote, steep, and scenic

8. Sidemen

Best bikes: ADV, PCX

Valleys, hills, and rural paths

9. Bedugul

Best bikes: ADV, MT

Fog, cool climate, mountain roads

10. North Bali (Gitgit Region)

Best bikes: ADV

Steeper inclines and unpredictable terrain

11. Nusa Dua

Best bikes: PCX, Vario

Smooth, wide, resort-area roads

12. Pererenan

Best bikes: Lexi, Vario

Balanced traffic with scenic rice fields

Local Tips for Safe and Efficient Riding

• Avoid shortcuts at peak hours
• Keep a raincoat in the seat storage
• Ride slowly in unfamiliar areas
• Use both brakes gently on curves
• Keep distance from delivery drivers
• Refill fuel often — stations vary by region
• Practice in calm areas if you’re new
• Ride early for the best traffic conditions
• Avoid nighttime riding in mountain areas
• Always check mirrors for fast riders

FAQ — Choosing a Bike in Bali

Q1. What is the best all-round scooter for most travelers?

Honda Vario or Yamaha Lexi — reliable and easy to handle.

Q2. Which scooter is best for long distances?

Honda PCX or Yamaha NMAX.

Q3. What if I am a complete beginner?

Honda Scoopy is the safest and most confidence-building option.

Q4. Should I rent a manual motorbike?

Only if you're experienced. Otherwise choose an automatic scooter.

Q5. Best bike for exploring Bali’s countryside?

Honda ADV or Yamaha MT for uneven terrain.

Q6. Which scooter is best for carrying a laptop?

Yamaha Lexi or Honda PCX.

Q7. Can I ride in Bali without an international license?

Legally, no. A proper motorbike category license is required.

Internal Recommendations

• Best scooters for daily commuting: /indonesia/bali/bikes
• Scooter safety guide: /guides/safety

Flexbike for Your Bali Ride

Flexbike helps travelers compare scooters across categories and choose the perfect bike for their trip style. Whether you need a beginner model, a long-distance scooter, or an adventure-ready machine, Flexbike connects you with trusted rental partners across the island.

With Flexbike, riders can:

• Book in minutes

• Pay securely inside the app

• Get delivery to villa or hotel

• Access transparent pricing

• Read real reviews from verified vendors

A simple and reliable way to plan your rides in Bali.

► Explore your options at flexbike.app

Flexbike for Rental Vendors

If your rental business operates in Bali, Flexbike provides free digital tools to help you reach more travelers and manage your bookings smoothly.

Partners can:

• Showcase their full scooter fleet

• Organize bookings in one system

• Track performance

• Manage customers and availability effortlessly

Vendor tools are free to use.

► Add your fleet today at flexbike.app