Hi there!

[Honda Hunter]

Hi everyone,
Well, after many trips the LOS and now having lived here for two yrs, I've finally got my finger out and joined this forum.
I'm 37 yrs old and I'm an English teacher (I know, you probably think there's far too many of us here already). Never mind. The new policies that have just come into play, will change that soon enough).
As my forum name suggests, for most of the last yr and half I've been trying to find a Honda CBR400rr to buy that has all the relevent paper work, isn't being sold for a 200% profit just because I is a farang and isn't a ringer (i.e. stolen).
Can anyone help me? Also, can anyone clue me up on what's needed if I want to register the bike in Phuket if I buyit in Bangkok. I've seen them going for a lot cheaper there but I guess there must be some red-tape issue as to why others haven't done so.
Any help will be appreciated.

[georgelondon]

welcome to the board honda.

[Pad Mc]

Originally Posted by Honda Hunter

Hi everyone,
Well, after many trips the LOS and now having lived here for two yrs, I've finally got my finger out and joined this forum.
I'm 37 yrs old and I'm an English teacher (I know, you probably think there's far too many of us here already). Never mind. The new policies that have just come into play, will change that soon enough).
As my forum name suggests, for most of the last yr and half I've been trying to find a Honda CBR400rr to buy that has all the relevent paper work, isn't being sold for a 200% profit just because I is a farang and isn't a ringer (i.e. stolen).
Can anyone help me? Also, can anyone clue me up on what's needed if I want to register the bike in Phuket if I buyit in Bangkok. I've seen them going for a lot cheaper there but I guess there must be some red-tape issue as to why others haven't done so.
Any help will be appreciated.

Welcome to the board Honda...

I used to have a 600F myself. Great bike! If you have no luck with the CBR check out a NC30...


Keep it between the ditches.

You might try this link....

SBN :: 2006 Honda NC30

[LivinLOS]

I have one but it isnt cheap.. NC29 gull arm CBR400.

Owned before me by a British mechanic and fully maintained by me (well by garages I tell what to do) Currently need a new front tyre and had a recent 15k spent (chain, sprokets, brake pads, condensor, etc).. Nice carbon look and canary yellow.

Dont use it enough to justify it (and also am a little too tall for its framesize).. Depending on if you want it with fresh oil and new rubber or as she stands but 65 (considering the recent money spent new parts) would be my number. When I put parts I always go genuine honda or jap import, never put the Thai pattern bits on it.

All books and history 100 % clean.. No problem for name change.

As Pad says.. The NC30s are a better engine, more pull at the lower revs.. Also that single sided swing arm just looks hot !! A 600 would be ideal for me but they take a massive price jump from babyblade to blade.

I dont think theres too much hassle with changing regions Thai Visa is the place to ask.. Certainly vehicles in the province seem to have a high premium over BKK or upcountry.

[LivinLOS]

Thinking about it I may know of a tri arm NC23 thats been refurbed.. Had new paint job done and looks nice.. Not mine so know nothing of its history..

Think that would be 40 OBO.

Same price for a CB400.. Sounds less interesting and doesnt howl like the CBR's but more comfortable riding position for round town.. Reckon that would be somewhere sub 40 also.

[Pad Mc]

Originally Posted by LivinLOS

I have one but it isnt cheap.. NC29 gull arm CBR400.

Owned before me by a British mechanic and fully maintained by me (well by garages I tell what to do) Currently need a new front tyre and had a recent 15k spent (chain, sprokets, brake pads, condensor, etc).. Nice carbon look and canary yellow.

Dont use it enough to justify it (and also am a little too tall for its framesize).. Depending on if you want it with fresh oil and new rubber or as she stands but 65 (considering the recent money spent new parts) would be my number. When I put parts I always go genuine honda or jap import, never put the Thai pattern bits on it.

All books and history 100 % clean.. No problem for name change.

As Pad says.. The NC30s are a better engine, more pull at the lower revs.. Also that single sided swing arm just looks hot !! A 600 would be ideal for me but they take a massive price jump from babyblade to blade.

I dont think theres too much hassle with changing regions Thai Visa is the place to ask.. Certainly vehicles in the province seem to have a high premium over BKK or upcountry.

Joey Dunlop's Favourite bike.

[Honda Hunter]

Hi guys,
First a big thanks to everyone for the warm welcome and assistance. 'MacPad' i'll do my best to follow your advice re ditches! Secondly, 'MacPad' and 'LivinLOS' I take your points re the NC30, but I think it's a matter of opinion over which is better. Certainly the NC30 is more flexible for town work but the overal feel of the bike doesn't do it for me. The VFR 'feels' a little too light and that motor is just a little too buzzy. But that's just my opinion. I agree with you guys about the 600's. Unfortunately, I also agree about the price jump. eggghhh!
'LivinLOS' you've got me interested in your bike. But you'll have to clarify something for me. I thought the NC29's were CBR400rr's as opposed to CBR400's. I always thought the NC23's were CBR400's? I know for sure that the NC29 motors were introduced later, but I thought that with them came more power, hence "RR".
Lastly, I know this will probably sound stupid, but your bike does have the full compliment of 6 gears doesn't it? The reason I ask is because I've come across a lot (usually rentals) with only 4, ocassionly 5 if I'm lucky. Sorry if that sounds stupid.
Anyway, 'LivinLOS, if you want to meet up re your bike let me know.
Cheers

[Pad Mc]

Originally Posted by Honda Hunter

Hi guys,
First a big thanks to everyone for the warm welcome and assistance. 'MacPad' i'll do my best to follow your advice re ditches! Secondly, 'MacPad' and 'LivinLOS' I take your points re the NC30, but I think it's a matter of opinion over which is better. Certainly the NC30 is more flexible for town work but the overal feel of the bike doesn't do it for me. The VFR 'feels' a little too light and that motor is just a little too buzzy. But that's just my opinion. I agree with you guys about the 600's. Unfortunately, I also agree about the price jump. eggghhh!
'LivinLOS' you've got me interested in your bike. But you'll have to clarify something for me. I thought the NC29's were CBR400rr's as opposed to CBR400's. I always thought the NC23's were CBR400's? I know for sure that the NC29 motors were introduced later, but I thought that with them came more power, hence "RR".
Lastly, I know this will probably sound stupid, but your bike does have the full compliment of 6 gears doesn't it? The reason I ask is because I've come across a lot (usually rentals) with only 4, ocassionly 5 if I'm lucky. Sorry if that sounds stupid.
Anyway, 'LivinLOS, if you want to meet up re your bike let me know.
Cheers

Just seen this site HH...

It covers tech specs very well for all Honda models.

Check it out...

Honda motorcycles. Pictures, specifications, reviews


The 400RR
Honda CBR 400 RR 1995: technical specifications


I'm no expert myself on the ins and outs in difference between the CBR400rr, NC29, NC30 etc... But i know a couple of guys (mechanics) who really know their bikes that swear by the NC29/30.

I would be interested to know how yis get on with this one...

[Honda Hunter]

Hi guys,
I think that a sufficient amount of time has now passed to give you all an update on my progress.
First, a big thanks to Livin LOS. I did end up buying his bike and I haven't looked back since. To those of you who haven't met him, this is one sound guy. How many people would say to you 'just take my bike for a test drive for a couple of days and tell me what you think.'? That alone inspired me with huge confidence in the bike and the owner.
I now ride this bike everyday, mainly heading to and from school in Thalang - although fairly regularly to Patong, Karon, Kata and Nai harn, too! Admittingly, I was ultra-cautious at first. Lets face it, we all know that we're taking a big risk riding on the roads out here, especially on an unfamiliar bike first thing in the morning when no one's really awake yet and nearly all those on the road are trying to get over a hang-over from the night before. However, 'Akira' (as I've now named the bike) has taken it all in her stride, usually covering up my inadquacies as a rider - thank god.
I've had some (very) minor mechanical stuff done to Akira since buying her, like getting the carbs cleaned and balanced, new fuel filters fitted and the front fork seals and oil replaced. This stuff was all expected as LivinLOS had already told me that the bike had been sitting around for about five months, but I certainly hadn't expected such outstanding results. The difference is simply breath-taking. The CBR 400 is not known for low-end smoothness but that's exactly what I've got now. Mid-range punch is particularly good as well and very useful for those moments when you really need to get out of the way of some p***k with a death-wish. Those BM's who've ridden bikes on the Thepkrasatri road (the main road heading to the airport of Phuket) will know exactly what I mean.
And for fun? Well, there's this nice little country-like road from my place leading out to the Thepkrasatri road which, for the most part doesn't have much traffic on it. Up until the other day, the sight-lines were fantastic running into a beautiful set of fast S's and then on to a lovely, long 1 kilometre straight with greenery all around. This was my Morning Glory!
Sadly, someone in their great wisedom has decided to place a large advertising bill-board sign right on top of the first right-hander of the Ss. Clear line of sight now gone. Thanks mate, I owe you one.
Never mind, I'm now planning to do some long trips out to places like Nakom si tamarat in the new year to make up for the loss.
As I've already pointed out (not that I needed to), the road sense out here is pretty much non-exsistent and no matter how good one is on a bike, shit happens. So, when I got the opportunity to head up to Bangkok with my bro last week (see the Fish's post in BM's on Tour section), I went up to RCA and got directions for a sports bike kit shop. Just my luck, this shop was having a 20% discount on all protection gear so out came the credit card (Oh christ, I'm not looking forward to seeing that bill come in). I've managed to find a great 'air-flow' technology padded and plated jacket that actually works. You still melt if you're stationary for more than five minutes, but once you get going again things do cool down.
Well, that's about it from me for the moment but I do have one question for BM's who are interested in bikes. I've been thinking about setting up a new posting (don't know where on the forum yet - perhaps the moderators will let me know where is appropriate) that covers all aspects of biking here in Thailand - mainly things like great places to ride, where to get good safety kit, problems experienced riders have had that might save new riders from great expense (or more inportantly, pain), etc, etc.
Do you guys think this is a good idea? Please let me know and I, with the moderators permission of course, will start to develop something.
Cheers for reading
Sooner or later the thirst always wins!

[S1MON]

Good to hear you are enjoying the bike

I would be interested in longer rides around Thailand, staying in other places and things could be a lot of fun in a small group, i have looked at some motorcycle groups in Thailand but not many keep an up to date website, and i do not really want to join the hot-dogs or warrior porks.
hopefully i will be in Thailand a lot more very soon and would be interested in a bike for myself, although i would prefer a cruiser to a sports bike, they are just too scary for me .

do you know of the best place to look for bikes, i have seen siam and the gazzette, but i imagine most deals are done outwith the net.

maybe catch you next time.

Simon

[LivinLOS]

Most deals done offline..

Was a nice 600 steed for sale recently.. And a honda phantom faux sized thing (200cc... hot rod alike).. After high season can ask about..

Great to hear its all working out for you and your happy.. I said that under that lumpy miss fire was a clean little engine.. Shouldnt have let her idle for as long.. Well done on the safety gear too.. Always a worry not having some..

Ride Thailand could be a good thread.. I am sure of it gets enough interest it could expand.. Needs to show enough post interest to make a forum IMO..

Stay safe.. Enjoy..

[dawsey]

Originally Posted by Honda Hunter

Well, that's about it from me for the moment but I do have one question for BM's who are interested in bikes. I've been thinking about setting up a new posting (don't know where on the forum yet - perhaps the moderators will let me know where is appropriate) that covers all aspects of biking here in Thailand - mainly things like great places to ride, where to get good safety kit, problems experienced riders have had that might save new riders from great expense (or more inportantly, pain), etc, etc.
Do you guys think this is a good idea? Please let me know and I, with the moderators permission of course, will start to develop something.
Cheers for reading
Sooner or later the thirst always wins!

Hi Honda Hunter,

By all means start a thread off in the "Idle Chit Chat " section and see where it goes.

Dawsey

[Honda Hunter]

Hi guys,
S1MON, I know what you're talking about there. IMO, there's something about the aparent attitude/atomosphere of some biker gangs/groups that seems to miss the whole point which, as far as I'm concerned, is not about how cool I think I am or how cool I hope other people think I am. For me it's about the enjoyment of riding your own machine in a great country while learning as much as you can from the more experienced and, perhaps, giving the more experienced a renewed sense of energy and fun for the sport/hobby, etc. When you come to Phuket feel free to get in touch.
Regarding sports bikes, I don't think you should write them off unduly unless there's something about the look of them that's not for you. For the most part, the scary aspect of a sports bike really is the nut sitting on the back of them and in fairness that goes for all bikes - including the workhorse of Thailand, the Honda Dream 50/100 cc!
Re LivinLOS comments on bikes; I think you're right. Wait until after high-season. Prices right now will just be stupid and as a farang the Thais will see you coming! But I'm not too sure about the Honda Phantom 200cc. Though I've never ridden one they sound like a turbo-charged hair drier to me and they're quite a big bike for just 200cc. Now, the 600cc you mentioned seems like a very different prospect. I can can imagine that would be a great relaxed cruiser, if expensive.
I agree about needing the post interest, which is why I was asking for BM's to register their interest first - perhaps a vote in the positive from your good self Seft. You know, just to help get things started?
I will send in my reports of bike trips either in BM's on tour (if not enough interest specifically about bikes) or in a new posting in idle chit-chat as advised by Dawsey (thanks for the input).
N.B. I just bought my new insurance on the bike so that I'm ready to just stick it on when the old one runs out. CBR 400's have to be insured at the transport office in Phuket (so I was told) as they are considered specialist bikes. Well, either way, it cost me Bht646 and I'm told that for a bike like a Harley it would be in and around the Bht800. Please don't quote me on that one, it's just a gauge as given to me.
Btw, some more quick questions for all BM's; it's getting harder and harder to get my hands on good ole 95 octane rated fuel. Now, I know I can't use 91 coz the bike doesn't like that. What I really want to know is what is the alternative and what the hell is 95 gasohol?
Also, I'm beginning to feel like a bit of a dunce here. Why can't I get my smilies to work?
Cheers
__________________
Sooner or later the thirst always wins!

[LivinLOS]

Dont use gasohol.. Burns hotter and wrecks valves so I was told..

Interest shure.. Post away pics help..

The 600 was a bit pricy.. Tho I rode it across the island and it had some serious low end grunt.. Felt like it could pull a boat trailer.. Really nice position to ride.. I have never liked a foot forward but this with its foot forward and really wide bars was super comfy and confidence inspiring, so much so I started to push it much harder than I should, simply enjoying it too much..