An era of decent affordable bikes for LOS

[STEVE G]

I'm not a motorcyclist myself but many of my colleagues here in Europe have these ridiculously fast things, Ducatis and Hayabusas and that kind of machine and from the stories I hear, I don't think many of them ever go as slow as 140k!
Personally speaking, I sometimes felt like I was going that fast with three up on a motorbike taxi.

[Takiap]

Firstly, I would hardly consider a 250 to be a big bike, and secondly, 140km/h is not really a serious speed. Sure, it's a bit on the fast side for me, but you see people doing those sort of speeds every day, both here and in the west. I often nip along at 90 to 100 on my Honda Wave, but only when conditions allow for it. Well, at least I used to, before I had the side hack fitted. And, if you've ever used one of the mini buses to Bangkok, you've gone a lot faster than 140km/h. E-Dork, don't forget technology has advanced over the years, and today's machines are able to do these speeds with a greater degree of safety than they could in the past.

I never owned a bike while living in Scotland, but many of my mates did, and I assure you, they would consider 140km/h to be going in reverse.

[E-Dork]

Firstly, I would hardly consider a 250 to be a big bike, and secondly, 140km/h is not really a serious speed.

It really depends on where your diving at those speeds Takiap. I would consider that speed being done frequently in Thailand as your road into the next life.

My biggest concern really is newbies to Thailand, on reading this thread, go and get a big bike and think that they CAN travel at what we think is an acceptable speed without danger, hence, my moaning about the dangers of it.

[ste860]

140 kms is only 86 miles an hour so its hardly a dangerous speed as long as the driver or rider is aware of and looks far enough ahead i dont see a problem,and also you have to second guess peoples intentions may be a km or 2 in front ,

but in all honestly some roads here have hugh potholes and other obstructions so maybe in a car but never on a bike

[Spitfire]

Those that say 140 is peanuts could be forgiven for thinking that it's OK on the over regulated roads of Europe or the US but here in LOS it pretty much equals to a death wish really.

Here, it's just the number of hazards that are to be taken into consideration that are a problem for any driver of any vehicle, ie cows to lazy students and all etc walking across dual carriageways at their convenience, chickens, dogs, 12 year old kids on bikes, 5 member families on a Honda Wave/the type that believes that there is nothing you can't carry on a scooter, indifferent bus/songtheaw drivers, market-man that believes he is a rule unto himself, scooter boy that thinks 150kph on a Yamaha Fino is fine and chasing pussy is more worthy than safety, kids playing football by the side of the road, people that run red lights and go before the red changes to green, amber gamblers, those that pass you at 100kph and then cut straight in front of you and do a sharp left suddenly, no right of way or safety code displayed displayed towards anyone under any situation, triple parking, potholes, corrupt police, drunken drivers, no license or tax/insurance types running around, truck drivers that think it doesn't matter because they are in something big so you have to yield or get squashed, the list goes on and on and on...................

Anyone want me to continue? Got at least another paragraph or two on this one.

Riding a bike at 140 kph is suicide on these roads as the blithering idiots everywhere only show contempt, indifference and couldn't give a f*** for anything, so easy to see.

[E-Dork]

Riding a bike at 140 kph is suicide on these roads as the blithering idiots everywhere only show contempt, indifference and couldn't give a f*** for anything, so easy to see.

My thoughts entirely. I was a little suprised to be honest that I got shot down for suggesting that this was a crazy speed to be doing in Thailand.

[Winkie]

Just to get this thread back on topic, I am starting to get more serious about buying a Kawasaki Versys. This is a 650 twin made in Thailand, light enough to be good in traffic, upright riding position, so not tiring and slow speeds, yet with enough muscle to have a bit of fun too.

Price seems very reasonable at THB285,000.

Agree with the general consensus that you take your life into your own hands when you go out on the roads here. Whilst I've lived in Thailand for 11 years, and have riden bikes (big a small) here occasionally, this will be the first bike that I have owned here (was a rider for many years, now have the itch to get back on again).

[Nereus]

A big range of motorbikes on display at the Bangkok Motor Show.
Show runs until the 5th April.

[buksida]

Another revival to this thread to mention the new CBR150i, I've seen a couple of what I previously thought were the new CBR250Rs around however they turned out to be the new 150 which looks very similar. Here is a cheesy Thai commercial for one ... smart looking bike ...



Only 75k new, having owned an older CBR150 I'd be very tempted with one of these if I hadn't already fallen in love with the 250R!

Been spending some time on this badboy recently ... muchos fun, especially when you're on the highway cruising at about 100 and some muppet in a pickup comes up behind you and flashes ... bye bye ...

[STEVE G]

What are those two bigger sports bikes in the front of the motorbike dealership near to the centre of town on the left of Pethakasem heading north? I think they're CBR's of some description.

[dtaai-maai]

Buksi, when was the last time that bad boy had a new rear tyre?

[sjpthsuk]

Was thinking of one of these 250cc's but trading in the PCX but i don't think the garages here are keen in getting 2nd hand bikes back in exchange (less than 1000km on the clock).

Incidentally, with regards tests - is there any difference in the size Thai's can drive - i.e. back in the UK until you do your practical on the smaller bike, you can't progress to the bigger bike, and when you sit the test it's on a 500cc which when you pass allows you to drive any size. Is there such a thing here, or is it carte-blanc with minimal training and knowledge.

[buksida]

Buksi, when was the last time that bad boy had a new rear tyre?

Dunno ... its not mine.

As far as I know the Thai motosai license allows you to ride anything.

[dtaai-maai]

^^ Ah, nice to know Mrs Buksi lets you ride her bike occasionally!