The bikers thread; trips, news, chat, all things motorcycle

[buksida]

Chip shortages put a dent in rising sales of motorcycles
The Thai economic recovery is expected to boost motorcycle sales in the domestic market, but manufacturers are still struggling to deal with ongoing semiconductor shortages, says the Federation of Thai Industries (FTI).

Manufacturers are looking forward to continued sales in the remaining months of this year after September saw motorcycle purchases soar by 35.8% year-on-year to 150,297 units, said Surapong Paisitpatanapong, vice-chairman and spokesman for the FTI's automotive club.

The tourism sector is a key driver of the economy and can help boost people's purchasing power, according to the Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking (JSCCIB), which earlier this month increased its GDP growth forecast to 3-3.5% this year, compared with a previous prediction of 2.75-3.5%.

The JSCCIB attributed the increase to the recovery of the tourism sector.

Despite good tourism prospects and rising motorcycle sales in September, purchases dropped by 12.5% from the previous month, largely because of the semiconductor shortages, said Mr Surapong.

The chip scarcity especially affected the big bike category, he said.

"The semiconductor shortage is still a major problem for motorcycle makers as it affects production of big bikes and other new motorcycle models," said Mr Surapong.

https://www.bangkokpost.com/auto/news/2 ... otorcycles

[PeteC]

Triumph 1200 gets safety, ride comfort upgrades

https://www.bangkokpost.com/auto/review ... t-upgrades

Triumph has introduced the latest Tiger 1200, featuring a new generation of T-plane triple engines, a practical shaft drive set-up and exceptional long-distance comfort.

The Tiger 1200 line-up includes the Rally Pro priced at 972,000 baht and the Rally Explorer priced at 1.039 million baht.....

Continued at link with many photos, specs and highlights.

[Dannie Boy]

That’s a serious amount of money for a bike, even if it is a good one!!

[Nereus]

Triumph has introduced the latest Tiger 1200, featuring a new generation of T-plane triple engines

Hmm, that is a bit radical! Engine designers tend to try and design an engine that runs smoothly without vibration. To do that they use only two different types of crankshafts, one called a "flatplane" and the other a "crossplane". This means that looking at the crankshaft from one end, you will see that the "throws" of the crankshaft form one or the other. And that in turn determines the firing order.

https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/diffe ... ne-cranks/

What Triumph have done changes that with following:

Triumph’s New T-Plane Firing Order Explained

https://www.cycleworld.com/story/bikes/ ... explained/

[buksida]

ROYAL ENFIELD ANNOUNCES NEW 2023 SUPER METEOR 650 CRUISER
Royal Enfield has announced the Super Meteor 650, as an expansion of both its cruiser range and 650 platform.

The Meteor range was launched by Royal Enfield in 2018 with the launch of the Meteor 350 as the brand’s first modern cruiser.

While the 350 has been successful, similarly so has been the 650 platform with the Royal Enfield Continental GT and Royal Enfield Interceptor making use of the 650cc twin-cylinder engine.

Royal Enfield has now taken that 650 platform and applied to the Meteor, resulting in the Super Meteor 650.

This is not simply an engine swap for the Meteor 350, or a new aesthetic for either of the existing 650s. Instead, the main frame, suspension geometry, tank, side panels, swingarm are all new, and there is a full-LED headlight for the first time. Additionally, the Super Meteor will be the first Royal Enfield to use upside-down forks.

https://www.visordown.com/news/new-bike ... 50-cruiser

Been riding the baby Meteor for 18 months now and it definitely needs a bit more oomph, but no more weight.

[Ginjaninja]

Been riding the baby Meteor for 18 months now and it definitely needs a bit more oomph, but no more weight.

Do you think it can be 'tuned'? What about a sporty cam?

[buksida]

Its not that sort of a bike, more of a plodder than a ripper! The easiest way to get a few extra horses and lose a few kilos is to get rid of the cat and run a straight pipe. But then of course I wouldn't be able to ride it in Hua Hin because it will sound like an Enfield.

[Big Boy]

1,400 Yamaha motorcycles to parade in Hua Hin tomorrow

The Yamaha Lovers Reunion will be held tomorrow in Hua Hin, with around 1,800 people from all over the country and 1,400 motorcycles taking part.

The group will meet at 8am at the Queen Sirikit Gardens (19 Rai), before forming a convoy to Market Village Mall, with a 9am arrival there.

[PeteC]

Is the Market Village outdoor area big enough to park/display so many motorcycles?

[Big Boy]

I doubt it, but I doubt Queen Sirikit Gardens (19 Rai) is either. MV isn't really open at 9am, so plenty of room in the car parking I suppose.

[Dannie Boy]

Good enough reason to give the area a wide berth!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[PeteC]

Photos and story at link

BMW launches aggressive looking all-around F 850 GS bike

https://www.bangkokpost.com/auto/review ... 50-gs-bike

[PeteC]

Royal Enfield Thailand chapter hosts reunion party

https://www.bangkokpost.com/auto/review ... nion-party (Photos)


The 12th edition of the annual Royal Enfield Rider Mania brought bikers together to enjoy the 'Motoverse'

https://www.bangkokpost.com/auto/review ... and-better (Photos)

[Big Boy]

1908 Harley-Davidson sells for a record $935,000

A Harley-Davidson motorcycle dating from 1908 sold for $935,000, making it the most expensive bike ever sold at an auction.

Mecum Auction in Las Vegas said the motorcycle, known as the Strap Tank due to the nickel-plated steel bands that suspend the fuel and oil tanks from its frame, sold for $935,000 after fees in a late-January auction.

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2023/02/13 ... -yY_M6Z-hs

[buksida]

Thailand is home to the most motorcyclists in the world
The Pew Research Centre reported that Thailand has the most motorcyclists in the world. Similarly, most victims of road accidents in the country are riding motorcycles.

If you’ve ever visited Vietnam, you might have noticed the abundance of motorbikes on the road, especially in Ho Chi Minh City. It may lead you to believe that Vietnam has the highest number of motorcyclists in the world.

However, a recent report by the Pew Research Centre indicates that Thailand takes the lead in terms of motorbike ridership globally. According to the report, 87% of households in Thailand own at least one motorbike, beating Vietnam by only a sliver, where 86% of households own a motorcycle.

Top ten countries with the most motorcycle users in the world:

Thailand – 87% of households own a motorcycle
Vietnam – 86% of households own a motorcycle
Indonesia – 85% of households own a motorcycle
Malaysia – 83% of households own a motorcycle
China – 60% of households own a motorcycle
India – 47% of households own a motorcycle
Pakistan – 43% of households own a motorcycle
Nigeria – 35% of households own a motorcycle
Philippines – 32% of households own a motorcycle
Brazil – 29% of households own a motorcycle

House Power also reported a similar study on motorcycle usage conducted by the World Health Organisation, which goes in a similar direction. The countries outlined in that study with high motorbike usage include Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Unfortunately, motorcyclists are the biggest victims of Thailand’s perilous roads. The Bike Republic website reports that Thailand has the most motorcycle accidents globally, with over 74% of road accidents involving a motorcycle.

According to the latest update by the Thai Safety Collaboration (Thai RSC), 2,601 victims have died this year in road accidents in Thailand, with 79% of them being motorcycle users. In January alone, 75 foreigners were killed in road accidents in Thailand.

https://thethaiger.com/news/national/th ... -the-world

Very surprised at this, would have thought Vietnam or Indo would have been top. Its a shame Thais can't ride them properly though.