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#1
10-03-2005, 14:24
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Motorbikes? Worth the risk?
I have been hiring these engins to go around the island for some time now. I always thought they were dangerous as hell, but oh so convenient.
These last days I really don't feel safe..... First my last night on Samui. I went back to my hotel in Bophut, coming from Chaweng. A van was driving a bit weird before me. One moment he has been driving too much to the left, then too much on the right. I kept behind him, because I did not trust the fellow. Then I saw him take a turn. A bit later a motorcycle with two Thais NOT wearing a helmet, turned in, coming from the right. Then the van reapered suddenly going back to left side of the road taking the motorbike with him. An horrible crash of steel. A blink later two men were lying dead just in front of my wheels! I cannot believe that there was still life in these men. I went of my bike and make signs to the traffic to slown down especially my wife, coming behind me. Other people came, and as a farang I could do no more, so we continued. Yesterday-evening after a short stay at MT bar, where I had the pleasure to meet some BM's, we went back to Kata. On one of the last curves to get over the hill, I heard a noise behind me. I looked behind and saw that my wife fell again in the curve, due to the sand on the road. Her shoulder is open, many scratches this time, on her body. I called the doctor at 00.30 to take care of it because the injuries were dirty and I did not want to take any risks. Well, she can walk it hurts, no swimming-pool, sea for her. Antibiotics too! I really wonder know if it is worth to pay your freedom like this. And i have to admit, for the first time, especially due to the Samui incident, I am scared on the bike now! Maybe bike do not bring me luck, but still it IS so dangerous! 
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#2
10-03-2005, 15:30
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Sorry about your wife
I hope she recovers quickly.
Does she have much experience of riding a bike? Maybe she would be better off on the back of your bike?
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#3
10-03-2005, 15:35
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bikes in thailand
all moped/motorbikes are dangerous in any country but i would say Thailand as got to be allot worse as 99.9%of people are not wherein much clothing and are on what ever side of the road they fill like driving on .
I rented a bike last time I was in samui and had a accident I went skidding of into a truck on a dusty bend .then 2 days later on a new bike went into a shop window it didn't help drinking allday and all night I will never get back on one .my scard knees are proof of my mistakes with motorbikes in thailand . Darbs
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#4
10-03-2005, 15:42
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Sorry for these accidents.
But unless you are an experienced driver on a motorbike don't rent one. Many accidents by tourists is because they never ride a bike at home but like to do so on holiday, and lack needed experience. But motorbike is also the best way to getting around and gives you freedom to go where you want and discover the surroundings. In Thailand I always drive very carefully and defensive these days, you can not trust other vehicles behave as they should and many Thais drive crazy/stupid. When I first arrived here I drived more fast and agressive but after my accidents (3 in five years) I have learned my lessons. I hope your wife recover quickly and feel better soon, take care of her.
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#5
10-03-2005, 20:25
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i agree, unless you ride a m/cycle at home (and not many people do) its very dangerous to ride one in los
if you do ,you must be aware of your surroundings at all times ,this means looking all around constantly and at the same time checking the road surface for sand etc always look straight ahead not at the road just in front if you,(this way you use your peripheral vision to survey the surroundings ) dont speed dont ride pissed bring a proper helmet with you- the thai ones are a joke ,wear at least jeans and a sleeved top and proper shoes when riding a m/cycle there is no plan "b" --if you are in an accident its going to hurt- ! check your insurance policy most only cover you for bikes up to 125cc!!--if you want to ride a bigger machine,and providing you have a licence to do so rough guides do a good insurance policy------- end of surmon Last edited by andy50 : 10-03-2005 at 20:37.
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#6
10-03-2005, 20:35
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I'v only had my bike for a month and i'v had two accidents, I don't take it out at night now. 
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#8
11-03-2005, 00:13
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I get someone else to drive when possible
I have years of off-road experience from my farming days in Africa and I've done some international touring in Africa and a bit in Europe but these days I don't have a bike and so I don't ride.
Last year, my BG companion rented a bike which I paid for and she drove most of the time. This tended to be short trips during the day time from Karon to Kata and to the view point etc. She would not drink during the day so I could get comfortably innebriated and hold on to her and enjoy the ride. She was very careful and has quite a bit of experience of riding bikes around the area. I felt quite safe. I came with a current International Driving Permit last year and have a new one for this year but I probably won't do much, if any, driving. At night time I think the tuk-tuk or taxi is the best option but during the daytime I just love cuddling up tight to my gorgeous little personal chauffer. MikeGB rightly advises not to use bikes if you don't normally ride.
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#9
11-03-2005, 02:49
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I hired one on my last visit.
I was with a bg travelling from patong up the west coast, somewhere near Fantasea, when all of a sudden I seemed to be losing control of the bike. After coming to a standstill I found the problem to be a puncture of the rear tyre. What was I going to do in the middle of nowhere, my thought was to abandon it and walk back to Patong . I wasnt really bothered as she had hired the bike anyway. About a minute later a thai couple passed on a bike, shouting and pointing , I assumed it ment round that corner as I was at a junction. I pushed the bike and to my surprise was a small garage come petrol station and a new inner tube fitted for 100 Baht. I would have paid a 1000 to be on my way.It was like finding a oasis in the middle of the desert.Never saw another garage all day ! Bike riding in dangerous in any country but I feel safer in Thailand as so many people ride on them, would never have one in the UK even though have had one in past.
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#10
11-03-2005, 21:04
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Well my wife did not drive till tonight. She only wants to drive on the beach-road karon-Kata, but not over the hill.
At home I dont drive bikes, but as I had 4 trips in a bit over a year, I think my driving is ok. I drove from Kata to central-store. Not relaxing, but as the Thais, I know how to use my horn! I even shout if a car is coming close to me. I drive secure again but lat 2 days I lost a bit my selfconfidence, it was too much in 24 hours. The 2 dead men were spooking me. My wife has much pain in the shoulder. She cannot go in sea or swimming-pool, and that suc*s. But I will continue to ride the bike, but I will take the tuk-tuk on some evening to Patong. Luckily, my wife legs are quiet allright. So she can open them and still got some fun in that special place between her legs.  
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#11
11-03-2005, 23:52
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[quote=tintin]
My wife has much pain in the shoulder. Luckily, my wife legs are quiet allright. So she can open them and still got some fun in that special place between her legs. QUOTE]Nice one tintin  Dont matter about the shoulder as long as the legs can open 
__________________
I want to die peacefully in my sleep like my Granddad Not screaming in fear like his passengers
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#12
12-03-2005, 06:57
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Not being an experienced rider l do not bother with bikes......even though it would be fun.......l would just be devastated if l injured myself say on day 2 of a 2 week stay and had to head home or stay in hospital.....just do not think it is worth the risk.
I can ride motorbikes as much as l want when l am home.
__________________
New HHplc Product Coming Soon...Watch This Space 
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#13
12-03-2005, 06:58
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Motorbike
Hi Tintin
Sorry to hear about your wife and hope she recovers quickly in spite of your assistance! I have only ridden a bike in Thiland squashed between two BG's. I was the only one wearing a helmet and it did not feel too safe at all. But then again it had other compensations. A moped is a dangerous vehicle at the best of times. Underpowered and unbalanced. I think if I was seriously going to use a motorbike I would hire a motorbike 500 cc and above and not mess about on a motorised bycycle. If I did not have a motorbike license I would not "learn" in Thailand.... Mac
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#14
12-03-2005, 17:46
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I agree..even though i can ride a bike i'll get the BG to do it. I have seen so many motorbike accidents it just is not worth the risk.
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#16
12-03-2005, 18:23
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Injuries
Motorbikes are a hazard no doubt about that. I can recount many a story about friends who have come to grief, including myself. The number 1 rule is never ride whilst too drunk and don't ride too quickly. Maintain your line and if you change it, check to see who is around you. I disobeyed the drunken rule and paid the penalty as my attached photo shows. I was knocked out and the exhaust burnt right through my leg. If you see a fellow in Patong (This April) with a scar on his leg shaped liked this it will be The Sorcerer. I still feel safer on a bike rather than crossing the road, especially after I was run down and had my cheekbone fractured whilst crossing the road in front of Christin Massage. Ah Patong, You gotta love it.
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#17
13-03-2005, 17:57
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Sorcerer, if l was your health insurer l would build a clause into your policy that you are not covered if you go within 1000 of LOS......that looks nasty
__________________
New HHplc Product Coming Soon...Watch This Space
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#18
13-03-2005, 18:27
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Sorry to hear about the wife Tintin, she should definately stay off the bikes.
If you talk to just about any bg she will show you scars from motorbike accidents. Never considered riding one at home to dangerous, I usually hire one when in LOS you just have to be careful.
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Always play to win!
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#19
13-03-2005, 20:30
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Not quite true though IreMark.If the Thais can be taught to use common sense and keep to the speed limit then maybe there isn't anything to worry about.Throw in the drunken farang riders and heavy rain showers and its a nightmare. I think you need eyes in the back of your ar$e driving in Thailand
__________________
I want to die peacefully in my sleep like my Granddad Not screaming in fear like his passengers
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#21
14-03-2005, 06:39
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I have two motorbikes in AUS i love them CB 1000 and a CR 250 dirt bike when i was in phuket i thought **** riding a littel moped the Big bike company in patong had a CB 1000 3 years old 1000 B per day so i got it i spent the next few days riden around phuket taken pics i dont know how i lived
i was all most killed twice do they have road rules in phuket ? i know that they do BUT DOSE ANY ONE USE THEM ?  you can not ride a bike in LOS like you do in your own country you need eyes in the back of your head and your head to be able to turn like some sh!t out of the exorcist and if you have not riden a bike before dont hire one the thing that spins me out the most is that if you get into a accident it is your fault the police argument is that if you did not come to LOS there would be no accident ARE MOTORBIKES WORTH THE RISK HELL NOLast edited by no1patto : 14-03-2005 at 06:43.
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#22
14-03-2005, 06:47
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Some of the best times I have had have been on the motorbikes in Thailand (apart from the fcuking of course ).Once you get away from the city, the roads are good and quiet. If you dont normally drive a motorbike , then I would suggest you forget it. Most of the accidents occur through drink, and people taking corners too fast, without experience. If anyone can tell me how you can come off when travelling in a straight line (apart from people pulling out in front of you ) then im sure me and Isaac Newton would be interested. My advice - if you ride bikes regularly at home, then hire one in Thailand. You take a risk when you fcuk the bargirls and its worth it - same goes for the bikes
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Dirty Mike You can beat an egg, but you cant beat a wank.
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#23
14-03-2005, 13:47
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Quote:
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#24
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