The Honda Wave RSX and the Yamaha Exciter 155 VVA sit at opposite ends of what Vietnam calls a motorbike. One is a semi-automatic underbone you shift with your foot and never think about; the other is a manual-clutch sport machine built for revs. Honda and Yamaha publish full specifications for both (retrieved 23 September 2026), and the numbers show exactly how far apart they are.
The core difference
The Wave RSX is a 109.2 cc air-cooled underbone with PGM-FI injection, 6.46 kW at 7,500 rpm, 8.70 Nm at 6,000 rpm and a four-speed rotary gearbox - no clutch lever, no left-hand work. The Exciter 155 VVA is a 155 cc liquid-cooled four-valve engine with VVA variable valve timing, 13.2 kW at 9,500 rpm, 14.4 Nm at 8,000 rpm, a six-speed gearbox and a manual clutch with Assist and Slipper technology.
The verified numbers
| Spec | Wave RSX | Exciter 155 VVA |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 109.2 cc, air-cooled | 155 cc, liquid-cooled, VVA |
| Max power | 6.46 kW @ 7,500 rpm | 13.2 kW @ 9,500 rpm |
| Max torque | 8.70 Nm @ 6,000 rpm | 14.4 Nm @ 8,000 rpm |
| Gearbox | 4-speed rotary | 6-speed, manual clutch |
| Fuel tank | 4.0 L | 5.4 L |
| Claimed economy | 1.56 L/100 km | 2.07 L/100 km |
| Kerb weight | 98 kg | 123 kg wet |
| Brakes | not itemised on page | front and rear discs (ABS on limited versions) |
| List price | 25,664,727 VND | 55,200,000 VND (limited ABS Monster version shown) |
Real-world fuel economy varies with speed, load and conditions; both figures are manufacturer claims.
What it means on the road
The Wave RSX is roughly half the price to buy, about 25 kg lighter and uses noticeably less fuel per kilometre. It is the tool for commuting, errands and daily Hanoi traffic - Honda even fits it with a U-box that holds one half-helmet and a 4-in-1 key.
The Exciter trades all of that for performance. Doubling the power, adding two gears and a clutch lever turns the same daily commute into a sport ride - but you must operate the clutch at every light, the seat is higher to reach, and the price ladder is steep.
Which one for you?
Choose the Wave RSX if you want simple, cheap, reliable city transport. Choose the Exciter 155 if you specifically want to ride a manual clutch bike and enjoy engine speed. If clutch operation is the question rather than the answer, the semi-automatic side of this comparison will save you money every single day.
Renting either one
The Yamaha Exciter 155 is not one of our price-published rental models - contact us to confirm current availability. Honda Wave-class bikes are our published rental class at 150,000 VND per day; contact us to confirm which Wave version is currently in the fleet. Insurance is not included in rentals - customers arrange their own.