Navigating the traffic in Tanzania’s bustling cities like Dar es Salaam or Arusha can be challenging, especially during peak hours. For many, motorcycles offer a convenient and efficient way to get around. Whether you’re a local or a foreigner living in Tanzania, buying and selling a motorcycle in Tanzania is a fairly straightforward process. However, there are a few key considerations and steps to keep in mind to ensure a smooth transaction.
Motorcycles in Tanzania are widely available, with many dealers offering models suited for both urban commuting and off-road adventures. The most common engine capacities range from 100cc to 150cc, especially among motorcycles used for boda bodas (motorcycle taxis). If you’re looking for higher-capacity motorcycles, options are available, but they may require special ordering or even importing. If you are having issues finding what you want, reach out to us at info@iridearusha.com and we can give you some options.
The process of buying a motorcycle in Tanzania is typically quick, with most dealers accepting cash or card payments, and some may accept checks with a waiting period for clearance. After buying your bike, you’ll receive a sales invoice with crucial details like the engine number, chassis number, and registration number—these will be needed for insurance and registration.
Insurance and Ownership in Tanzania
It’s important to note that driving a motorcycle in Tanzania without insurance is illegal. Many dealers have affiliated insurance agents, but to avoid potential scams, it’s advisable to research and choose an insurer in advance. You’ll need to provide your passport and sales invoice to secure valid insurance. Once you’ve got insurance sorted, the next step is registering the motorcycle in your name. In Tanzania, this process involves submitting your documents to the relevant local authorities, such as the Tanzania Revenue Authority (TRA), to receive the logbook that proves your ownership. Most reputable dealers will assist with this as part of the buying and selling a motorcycle in Tanzania process.
When it comes time to sell your motorcycle in Tanzania, be prepared for a bit of patience. The market for second-hand motorcycles can be competitive, with some buyers making low offers or failing to follow through. You can list your motorcycle on platforms like ZoomTanzania, Facebook Marketplace, or jiji.com. We also recommend the Hot Bikes Tanzania facebook group. Regardless of whether you’re buying or selling a motorcycle in Tanzania, it’s important to be thorough and cautious in your transactions to avoid common pitfalls, ensuring your experience with motorcycles is a positive one.
If you have any questions or need some advice, don’t hesitate to reach out to iRideArusha for assistance with buying, selling, or renting motorcycles in Tanzania!
4 Responses
Hey there,
I have used the search option but I did not find much info.
I am in northern Botswana at the moment. I am considering to buy a motorbike somewhere in eastern Africa. Second hand or first hand, it does not really matter. Something cheap that allows me to travel for a few months. Countries like Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Etiopia or Mozambique are in my radar.
I was thinking of going to Tanzania through the Zambian border and buying it there, since Tanzania is known for the motorbike culture, more than other countries in southern Africa.
Something cheap, do not need to travel huge distances, and the idea is to use it for 4-5 months and then resell it.
I was thinking about a 150cc or maybe 200cc. Nothing fancy, just a way of moving around without many headaches and easy fixes if it breaks down at some point. I have driving license and experience riding bikes
I am open to suggestions regarding motorbikes and countries. I would also like to know how it works to put it under someone’s name or if someone has experience with that.
I know, a lot of questions but any input highly appreciated.
Also if you can hook me up with a dealer it would be excellent
Thanks so much
Hey Fernando!
That sounds like it will be an awesome trip! I would probably recommend the Sinoray 250CC motorcycle. It looks kind of like a dirtbike and has on and off-road capability. Sinoray is a very popular brand here and parts are cheap. It should cost you around $2,000 USD. Alternatively, a TVS or Boxer 150-200 CC would be really great as well but just won’t have as much off-road ability. Feel free to reach out to us at info@iridearusha.com if we can answer any other questions and we hope you will come say hello when you are in Arusha.
Hey Michael and Sandra!
Yes, Check out Car and General Trading in Upanga in Downtown Dar es Salaam. https://g.co/kgs/vup4Je3
They have a variety of bikes and were professional when I bought my TVS 125CC (Made in India) from them. Be prepared to pay via a bank transfer or I assume cash is fine too.
The other place to check out is the METL Group who have a couple of locations and specialize in the Boxer bike (made in China) which is also well regarded.
Let us know what you end up getting!
Hello to iridearusha,
Just following this thread with Fernando as my partner and I are also travelling to Tanzania (in May) and hoping to purchase a small motorbike. Your response to Fernando was really helpful :). We are arriving in DES and we were just wondering if you knew of any dealerships that would be good to check out in DES. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.
Thanking You
Michel and Sandra