Phuket Nightlife

nmk · #1 09-01-2004, 02:07

In mid April is the 10th annual Puket Bike Week. I plan on being there, picking up a bike from Nicky's Handlebar HD but am curious if anyone's attended this event in the past? From the websites, it looks like a fantastic time, not anywhere as big as Sturgis but potentially more fun. Curious about how the locals and girls treat the bikers and if anyone has rented a Harley in Phuket before?

Nick

mr boo · #2 10-01-2004, 15:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmk

In mid April is the 10th annual Puket Bike Week. I plan on being there, picking up a bike from Nicky's Handlebar HD but am curious if anyone's attended this event in the past? From the websites, it looks like a fantastic time, not anywhere as big as Sturgis but potentially more fun. Curious about how the locals and girls treat the bikers and if anyone has rented a Harley in Phuket before?

Nick

Hi Nick,

Do you have a website link for this?

Thanks

Jonas · #3 10-01-2004, 15:59

Here is a link ,

http://www.annual-phuketbikeweek.com/

Redman · #4 10-01-2004, 20:12

Phuket Bike Week is ok. It could be much better if they got their shit together. There is some cool party nights, some organized rides and probably 600+ Harleys from around the region.

Book a bike from Nicky early to reserve your bike, otherwise you will be riding a Honda Steed for bike week - a cheaper option, but not as cool.

Being in Phuket guarantees you will have a blast - the beaches, nighlife and girls.

If you havent done it before, well worth the effort. I've done the last 6 and I do the Chiang Mai ride as well and its a good group of guys and a lot of fun.

Later.

knortyboy · #5 11-01-2004, 00:34

Hi,
The only thing I thought bad about bike week was the riders who got upset after getting covered in cold water (well it does conincide with sonkran) If they insist on riding around all the soi on Bangla road what do they expect.

HOOF HEARTED · #6 11-01-2004, 02:58

Hi Knortyboy,

My one and only trip to los was in April 1999. The bike week was on then. There was a load of bikers there, the bikes were mainly harleys and chopper types. We 'had to move out' of Phuket, long story, but one bg didnt like my butterfly requirements.

Anyway, me and my mate are keen bikers over here, me SP1 and Jimmy has a speedtriple, and we thought of hiring one for a day. The tyres put us both off. If you know anything about bikes, look at the rubber and you will see what I mean. Flattened centre nearly bald, and this is on sports bikes. Also heard dodgy tales re insurance, and the owners coming and taking them back without you knowing then charging you for them. Dont know if this is fact or fiction, but the tyres were deffo death rings.

My brother has hired an r1 out there and was sh!t scared!!. Mind you, he hadnt been on a big bike for a few years.

If I was ever to be allowed to go back, (by me missus), I think I'd opt for a trailie. Take it easy and check out some deserted beaches and tracks sort of stuff, you know. Apart from the tyres on sportsbikes, who knows if the tarmac is 'grippy', if you know what I mean.

Things may well have changed now, but I bet you'll find a better bike than the two wheled variety, stay safe and have fun, have a 'ride' for me you lucky b@st@rd!!

stuart

Redman · #7 11-01-2004, 15:45

Thats what I mean about planning. It is pretty stupid to have Bike Week at Songkran. Its not so much the getting wet we dislike, it's more the risk of dropping the bike on the slippery roads. Getting hit with water or powder at 60km+ hurts a lot.

Stuart, you are right on all counts. The rental bikes here are just damn dangerous. That is particularly true of sport bikes, but applies also to the 125 Honda Dreams. Combine poor tyres, worn suspension, slippery roads with unskilled riders and the results are obvious. It's been a bumber season for accidents this year. The roads are just covered in white paint where the police outline the accident scene to determine blame.

And yes, the insurance scams happen. Basically, you cant get insurance. So if you do drop a bike they will charge you absolute top dollar to repair it - and make a nice profit. They actually like accidents as it keeps the bikes looking new. I have heard of the rental guys stealing the bike and charging you for it, but I think its mostly urban myth.

Personally, I'd rent the Steeds or similar. You dont ride as fast, they are in better condition and during bike week, you kind of fit in.

Later.

Phillip · #8 11-01-2004, 16:00

Every week is bike week in Patong. If you pick up your bike from Captain Kirks then be sure to check it for rust, chances are it will also require a re-tread. Those bikes from Captain Kirk have been around the block at least a thousand times, I'd choose a new model as the 3 wheeler Joy has bent handlebars and a buckled rear wheel.

Rex7777 · #9 12-01-2004, 00:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by nmk

In mid April is the 10th annual Puket Bike Week. I plan on being there, picking up a bike from Nicky's Handlebar HD but am curious if anyone's attended this event in the past? From the websites, it looks like a fantastic time, not anywhere as big as Sturgis but potentially more fun. Curious about how the locals and girls treat the bikers and if anyone has rented a Harley in Phuket before?

Nick

I was in Phuket for Bike Week in April of 2000. Good fun. At the time, I didn't realize there was any such thing. I was just there for some fun. Anyway, I went to Smokin Joe's Roadhouse early one night. It must have been the opening night of Bike Week. I sat down in the corner, had a beer or two and was talking to some girl. The next thing I knew there were hundreds of bikers everywhere. They semed to be having the time of their lives.

Rex