Thailand Expats

syeatman · #36 26-01-2006, 23:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

I think the main thing is guys who have never ridden a sport (or any) bike before coming along and then thinking hey that looks like fun lets rent this R1 here !!! Few beers later and they have no idea of the real risk they are running..

Will never forget a guy who pulled up on his Harley with two mates on similar and slowed to turn into the parking area next to Taipan. his mate braked harder than he was ready for and he was already leaning in for the turn. The bike just dropped making a noise that stopped the hundred or so people in the immediate area (this was after midnight on a weekend). Everyone just stopped and looked at this guy, then laughed. I did feel for him, but it was obvious from the way he was trying to pick the thing up that he was not a regular bike rider.

Just expect the unexpected at all times. In the past week I have had people open a car door in front of me, undertake me and then immediatelly indicate to turn right (like I was supposed to know where SHE was going) and also a kid of no more than 10 ride into the back of me as I was turning! So far I've not had an accident, but to be realistic my day will come, I'm just hoping that riding sensibly will cut the risk of it being a serious one.

LivinLOS · #37 27-01-2006, 10:43

BTW anyone interested in big bike tours (harley tours) should talk to Dave at www.v-twintours.com he rents out harleys and organises full packages for vacation trips etc...

Ok kinda guy too..

forsa · #38 27-01-2006, 12:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lord_Farquard

I have questioned the same thing, but then where do you store it when you're gone??

For me not a problem... I have a girl with a house that I can leave it at. One problem I could see when leaving it with your TGF, is it would probably get used - if not by her then by her friends, relatives etc. Also, what if you/she decides it's over - goodbye bike! I guess it depends on who you can trust.

I know when I store my bike here in Canada for the winter, I put fuel stabilizer in the tank, change the gear oil etc. because it's gonna be sitting a long time. Can you even get fuel stabilizer in Thailand? hmmm....

LivinLOS · #39 27-01-2006, 16:35

Also could consider makig a deal with a person who rents bikes.. They take a commision on long term rents any time all thier are out.. I know a relaible Thai lady who would do that kind of thing..

Of course thats if its just an old scooter you have no attachment to, if it was anything special then not advised..

Dingo's · #40 27-01-2006, 17:26

Hey Guys,

Just giving a little info about JRD. My mate that lives here too bought a JRD and lucky for him paid only 20,000 down and financed the rest. After the 3rd day of riding it (brand new), it broke down, it's been in the shop for 3 months and the finance company within JRD seized the bike back as they didn't make their payments.

Went to the tourist police, said it happens with these guys alot. They recommened contact the finance company direct, make payment like nothing has happened. As soon as they take payment and had receipt, they had grounds for receiving a brand new bike on the spot as it's fraud.

They didn't want to deal with them and got ALL their money back. Not going to work in all cases. I wouldn't touch a JRD. I've got a Mio and it works great.

LivinLOS · #41 27-01-2006, 17:52

Its odd cause all the online things have been universally bad..

Yet the two guys I know that had them sing thier praises..

Anyway.. Prolly just keep mine..

ElectrO · #42 28-01-2006, 11:54

Quote:

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

Well as a bike rider (guessing from your sig) just ride super defensively and you should be fine.. Simply assume EVERYONE will pull out on you, cut you up, turn without indicating, indicate without turning, shoot red lights etc.. Sounds bad but you get used to it after a while..

No need to assume the above, as its a most definate.

E

Crustasian · #43 07-02-2006, 01:16

Just got told today about a good place for second hand bikes in Phuket City but it is hard to describe where.

Best way to explain where is : - if you take the bus into Phuket after several junctions the bus turns right past the Chinese Temple on the corner.The shop is in the same street as the temple.

They are selling second hand 125s at 27,500 Baht.

geespot · #44 07-02-2006, 20:37

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crustasian

Just got told today about a good place for second hand bikes in Phuket City but it is hard to describe where.

Best way to explain where is : - if you take the bus into Phuket after several junctions the bus turns right past the Chinese Temple on the corner.The shop is in the same street as the temple.

They are selling second hand 125s at 27,500 Baht.

Jeez and thats good?

Take a trip to khon kaen or in my case chumphae, u can get 125cc wave or suzuki best for about 12,000 baht, with av 5000km on the clock

G

crab · #45 16-02-2006, 11:10

Hi all.

Many thanks for all the helpful advice and comments. In the end, I decided to play it very, very safe and bought myself a new Yamaha Nouvo from the Yamaha dealership in Patong. In the process, got myself registered with Immigration as having an address on record. Bike's now mine, all legal and in my name; and red temporary plates will be replaced, I'm told, within about three months.

I'm too incompetent for anything other than a simple auto like this. Had a terrible time riding an ancient Dream in Koh Yao.

Cheers.

Robaht · #46 05-03-2006, 14:59

It's no wonder there are so many motorbike accidents here because not only do most of the farangs have zero experience driving, they are cruising along, chatting with their mates, sight-seeing, paying no attention at all. Same for many of the thais, driving the wrong way, cutting in front....and on it goes. I have driven motorbikes all my life, if you drive one on phuket, drive defensively!!!

I went to the Yamaha dealership over by the Esso gas station in Phuket, they want about 44k for a new Mio, and 57,600 for Nouvo with mag wheels. They gave me a price list, doesn't look like they would want to cut any deals.

Cheers,
Robaht

shark1963 · #47 26-08-2006, 04:18

Hey mates, a friend of mine is planing to retire from the US army in a few month and wants to move to thailand.As he has never been to thailand, he has no clue about visas and all the other things,so i try to help him in that way. The question i still have and couldnt find out by doing a search is how much new motorbikes cost. He has a Motorbike here and we first thought about shiping it to thailand.But after a research about the taxes i think its not worth and he should buy a new one in thailand. The prices for scooters are low so this is not the issue. Even i think a scooter is better and more practical, he like to drive a bigger bike.

Can anybody of the biking expats give me an idea what prices we are talking about if he wants something bigger , starting at 500cc. Thanks for your help

shark

MisterFun · #48 26-08-2006, 04:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by shark1963

Hey mates, a friend of mine is planing to retire in a few month in thailand.As he has never been to thailand he has no clue about visas and all the other things,so i try to help him in that way. The question i still have and couldnt find out by doing a search is how much new motorbikes cost. He has a Motorbike here and we first thought about shiping it to thailand.But after a research about the taxes i think its not worth and he should buy a new one in thailand. The prices for scooters are low so this is not the issue. Even i think a scooter is better and more practical, he like to drive a bigger bike.

Can anybody of the biking expats give me an idea what prices we are talking about if he wants something bigger , starting at 500cc. Thanks for your help

shark

I was looking at shipping my Harley Fatboy over to Thailand, transport cost approx. $3800 USD which I didn't was too bad. However they will nick you hard in customs, sometimes several times the actual cost of the bike unless you can find the right person(s) to cross their palms with the coin of the realm. It was suggested to me to ship my bike into Malaysia and drive it across the border, sort of like getting a visa for your bike. And yep, you have to periodically "make a visa run" for it or it will get impounded. There are many websites that discuss this in detail.

MisterFun · #49 26-08-2006, 04:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by MisterFun

I was looking at shipping my Harley Fatboy over to Thailand, transport cost approx. $3800 USD which I didn't was too bad. However they will nick you hard in customs, sometimes several times the actual cost of the bike unless you can find the right person(s) to cross their palms with the coin of the realm. It was suggested to me to ship my bike into Malaysia and drive it across the border, sort of like getting a visa for your bike. And yep, you have to periodically "make a visa run" for it or it will get impounded. There are many websites that discuss this in detail.

I forgot to add, Nicky's Handlebar on Ratuthit (sp?) rents Harleys and offers guided tours. Also does limited sales. At the time Nickys had a certified Harley mechanic from the states that serviced the bikes. There is another Harley dealer between Patong and Phuket Town that rents as well as sells.

shark1963 · #50 26-08-2006, 09:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by MisterFun

I forgot to add, Nicky's Handlebar on Ratuthit (sp?) rents Harleys and offers guided tours. Also does limited sales. At the time Nickys had a certified Harley mechanic from the states that serviced the bikes. There is another Harley dealer between Patong and Phuket Town that rents as well as sells.

Thanks misterfun, i will have a look how to bring your bike via malaysia to thailand. But i am not sure if its that what would fit for my friend. He will be around bangkok, so its a long ride from malaysia and as i said he hasnt been in thailand before.

He has now a BMW, i guess hewouldnt be into a harley but i will ask him of course. Somebody who knows prices from Japanes brands ?

Capt. Fantastic · #51 27-08-2006, 11:19

Does anyone have any input on a 150 cc scooter with a manual clutch? Does such a beast exist? I am sort of partial to manual clutches.

I want a new bike, like the idea of buying locally, but will travel for the right payoff.

LivinLOS · #52 28-08-2006, 08:49

Sonics are manual clutch (mate was selling one).. CBR 150's are solic little things..

Niether scooterish though but the sonic is close.. Trend these days is to autos..

marc26 · #53 28-08-2006, 22:31

Quote:

Originally Posted by MisterFun

I was looking at shipping my Harley Fatboy over to Thailand, transport cost approx. $3800 USD which I didn't was too bad. However they will nick you hard in customs, sometimes several times the actual cost of the bike unless you can find the right person(s) to cross their palms with the coin of the realm. It was suggested to me to ship my bike into Malaysia and drive it across the border, sort of like getting a visa for your bike. And yep, you have to periodically "make a visa run" for it or it will get impounded. There are many websites that discuss this in detail.

if anyone needs a custom agent, i know a good one who knows all the tricks