AllanB

Like this?

Began cutting bits off my 400 Shadow in an effort to turn it into a "Cafe Racer for two plus luggage". In the true spirit of the Cafe racer the plan is to spend no money. Reason...I have no money.

"The taxman's taken all my dough and left me in my stately home...."

Will publish the photos if it doesn't end up looking like shit....but then maybe I will anyway....as a warning!

I personally think a scooter should be Vespa or Filano size maximum. I tried a PCX and agree very boring on a run (wet rag seems about right), I had a go on my mates Forza, heavy and cumbersome and surprisingly rattly on Thai roads. Did the MHS loop a while ago on our new Filano and it did the job, but on the long runs, ...no.

I wouldn't go anywhere near a loose surface on any scooter I have seen/riden and this one at 1/4 ton, forget it. It is a joke to use the word adventure with this machine and as others have suggested there a real adventure bikes out there for less money.

My new CRF, although the engine is, shall we say "odd" is good off-road and at (AllanB) high speeds is good even two up, so has more right to the "adventure" label. 

We did a lot of touring on the Vespa in Europe last year, not so great on the motorways, but the up side was negotiating the many narrow streets. This big ugly heavy expensive offering wouldn't even do that. So what is it good for in terms of adventure?

HOWEVER!!....Just looked at the definition of the word "adventure" an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity. so once again I am completely wrong.

23 hours ago, Issanman said:

I have to agree. A gear position indicator is not something that I have ever wanted or needed.

That is because you never owed a Phantom, this heavy bike has as much power and torque as a clockwork orange, so being in exactly the right gear was crucial to not stalling. I assume the Rebel does not have that problem.

These bikes look really good when they are dirty with a bit of luggage strapped on, we saw a couple of them along with two Triumphs at a services on highway 2, all with Thai guys on board. They all had BKK number plates and were on their way back from the north, so around 500km to go.

I haven't ridden the Rally, but on a recent MHS loop trip on my CRFL we were accompanied by a couple on a Forza with a screen. Although it was windy on some of the trip we noticed nothing, while the guy on the Forza claimed a lot of fairly serious buffeting, which he attributed to the screen.

So is the screen a good idea in Thailand, where it is unnecessary?

The point is the design brief of an "Adventure Scooter" and what kind of adventure is likely on this?

A rather difficult trip to Tescos? Some good news, the fact that it has no storage means the return trip will be less arduous.

Just been shopping to get some potatoes, carrots and fuktongs and what should I find outside Tescos, an array of big expensive Honda bikes?

Not a "Transalp" or an "Africa Twin", ....this "Adventure Scooter" goes under the catchy name of XADV!! Enough to really get the testosterone flowing and the price for this scooter covered in breakable plastic is 425,000 baht, at least that is what the woman at Tesco told me. Plus what a great place to promote it to the "Grey Baht Brigade" where most of the guys in the centre are not even allowed out on their own.

Who is this for and an adventurer with a parka ? Who wants a 1/4 ton scooter....

The marketing men had better get busy.....

Will get one on order for later this year.

Thanks

Canthai55 is right, remove the earth and put an ammeter (DVM) across lead and battery. That will tell you if you have a leak, try it with and without the steering lock on and with the stand up and down. Then do the maths or report the figures and I will.

That's the place to start.

Back in Khon Kaen now, my mate and his missus had already seen that stuff, didn't want to see it again. So 3 days on the loop, reflecting on the trip and our bike...

Comfort

Last night couldn't be bothered to unload the bike so took the Filano to snooker and couldn't believe how bumpy the ride was. Just done 3 days, around 450km on some good, some bad roads, hit a few small potholes, some roads being dug up for resurfacing and didn't notice anything. So the CRF250 has really good suspension for long trips. The home made seat cover did it's job even after a longish stint of riding, a good system. My old arms and legs were fine too even on heavy braking on the downhill hairpins with the missus on the back.

Handling

This was never doing to be a strong point, but once into the groove it handled pretty good, bearing in mind I always ride at 75% max. Even the tyres which are a major complaint, I found good.

Engine and gearbox

The gearbox was the usual peach, hit a couple of neutrals pussyfooting into 1st on a couple of hairpins, but all my fault and easily remedied, so not an issue. The engine still the disappointment on any slight gradient forget about anything under 5000rpm and approaching 9000rpm thought the engine would go bang it was so rough. I am now thinking now about a new fuel controller, remapping, whatever you call it.

On the open roads sat on 80/90kph very comfortably, in that 5-6000rpm sweet spot. On the hills there is, understandably, a lot of gearchange work to do with 2 and luggage.

Met a German guy on a 250motard and he was well pleased.

Not sure we will do the loop again, a bit "been there done that", but very enjoyable, perfect weather. Met some Malaysian guys who were friendly, 2 on 1000cc bikes, one on a 150 all mates and happy travelling together. Dave and I had very different bikes a CRF250 and a Forza, but it don't matter.  Anyway thinking about a Singapore trip next...maybe...just me and MrsB?

Never ever buy a Mazda product. It is considered treasonous to criticise a Japanese product if you are Japanese, such is the state control. Well <deleted> that, we are not Japanese sheep, let them stick their crappy defective cars up their arse.

Buy another brand, Mazda are shit................

This case needs maximum publicity.....

We made it from Pai to Mae Sariang today, the road down the 108 from MHS is quite a fast road, saw a procession of around 50 Porsches on their way MHS. A couple of the <deleted> were on the wrong side of the road.

With only 173km back to the truck in Lamphun we will try to fit that boat ride in tomorrow.

By the way they are digging the main road up out of Pai, I did think about riding it on our CRF, but my mate and his missus are on a Forza. Probably would have fallen off anyway and buggame it was cold this morning.

19 hours ago, naboo said:

You like Lamphun then? Back at the Thoen Thong?

 

Last month I was in Mae Sariang. Several guesthouses on the river. Took a trip (in the truck) out to the Sarawin River. Take the 1194 just south of Mae Sariang. You can take a boat trip up the river, 600B/hour or make a day of it for about 1500B. It's very isolated, mix of people in the village/town on the river, some Rohingya, some Thai, some Burmese, some hill tribe, some military.

 

And if you're stopping in Lamphun on the way back, send me a PM. There's a place to have a drink just down from the Thoen Thong and I'd like to have a look at your CRF.

Can't find Khum Yum on the map but will be heading down the 108 so will look out for it.

Mae Sariang may work out for us and yes we will be staying in Lamphun on the way back, our truck is parked at the hotel.

We stayed at this hotel last time when we took the Filano, much easier to find than one in CM and it;s on the loop anyway. Finding anywhere in CM is a nightmare for a newcomer, we have been there 3 times and still got lost this time too, only cost us about 20 minutes this time so improving.. 

Cheers

We are in Lamphun at present ready for another go at the loop and wondered what options there are for the second half after MHS?

We are setting off tomorrow morning for Pai and then heading to MHS, also some interesting stuff to see en-route. Places to stay on the second half?

Cheers

I wouldn't mind one of those, but if all else fails I took a hydraulic bottle jack and welded a "v" on the top. I use it in conjunction with the side stand, I can remove the front wheel, rear wheel or lubricate the chain.

One of those would give me more height and be more stable, so be interested to follow this thread, they are about £40 in the UK.

On 09/01/2018 at 4:50 PM, cusanus said:

Got mine yesterday brand new. I'm delighted, great for an old man and I feel like a kid again. Had my Fino for ten years and it was great, the Filano is a bit smoother and classier ride. Two big questions, though. Can't figure out how to set the time (yet) and that leads to the next, how to find or download an English manual. 

Mine was already set, ask the dealer.

I think if you analyse a Vespa in terms of written data you will never understand. I bought my Vespa GTS125 last year in the UK a few months after I bought a Filano125 here at 1/3rd the price, the Vespa is worth every extra penny.

I was never into bikes/scooters as a young man, so the nostalgia doesn't apply, it must be the Italian or even the European thing.

I see a lot of Vespas and the like in Europe including these new 2 strokes, they all look and sound great, to me the Jap stuff is anonymous A to B kit.  

16 hours ago, lowprofile said:

Thanks for the offer Allan.

I have spent the last days going from one preferred choice to another and finally bit the bullet this morning - I bought a 2nd hand klx250 from a dealer here in Phuket.

I shall spend the rest of the week flagellating myself,no doubt.

I kept returning to the Lifan dealer for a look at the x-cross 200 but it just looked so poorly put together against the klx.

 

Cheers for all the input.

Don't do that, enjoy the bike. I was disappointed with the CRF after the Lifan because my expectations were so high and it took a while to run in. But these dirt bikes are all about fun and adventure, you have made your choice, now go out and ride.

The Honda/Kawas are better finished bikes than the Chinese ones, have more power and street cred, but at a price, if you are happy with the price it will work. 

You could buy mine, all the enhancement work has been done, so better and cheaper than new. Parts are cheap and available, I have a spare clutch cable and CDI,  I don't know where you are, but I am in Khon Kaen.

After a bit of fun, if you then want to upgrade you won't lose much, if anything, the green book is in my wife's name.

Anyway an option for you.

PS It has new tyres, as the originals were old stock.

I have bought 3 S/H Finos over the past few years for family and friends and all are still running well. I paid B18k, B15k and B9k+ plus parts for B3k. There are lots around and very cheap to run, although a tad thirstier than some other scooters.

A new Honda Wave with drum brakes and kick start is still only around B34k, what we paid 8 years ago, still good and can do 200mpg. We toured Laos and Vietnam on a couple of ones we hired.

If you have a B52k budget the Filano 125cc is a biggish scooter and a great ride with lots of shopping space. We ran ours in on the Mae Hong Song Loop, 2up plus luggage, easy peasy.

I have bought 3 S/H Finos over the past few years for family and friends and all are running well. I paid B18k, B15k and B9k+ plus parts for B3k. There are lots around and very cheap to run, although a tad thirsty.

A new Honda Wave with drum brakes and kick start is still only around B34k, what we paid 8 years ago, still good and can do 200mpg.

If you have a B52k budget the Filano 125cc is a biggish scooter and a great ride with lots of shopping space.

Yes, I am an owner and a fan, as mentioned the gearshift pattern is different. I recently bought a new CRF for the extra power for our 2 up touring, still wondering what to do with the Lifan which is still mint-ish. When I first bought the GY200 it was very badly commissioned, clutch and mixture out, a few loose nuts, but easily fixed, the seat was crap and had that re-covered, plus a bit of extra padding. Didn't trust Chinese bearings or chain, so changed them and now the bike is good and lots of fun for the money. I don't see any build quality issues, other than the PDI shortfalls I just mentioned. Very easy to ride off-road, even two up, it made me look good and a lot of fun with a simple but torquey engine.

The KLX150 is a very small bike, hired one a few years back, not that impressed, the 250 is good as you would expect and much taller, even than my CRF250.

It depends on your budget I guess and what you want.

4 hours ago, speedtripler said:

If 91 is banned, the pumps that used to sell 91 will  change the green sticker to orange and sell 95

Don't worry, the world will not grind to a halt

 

Benzene is still  the best fuel you can buy in my opinions, even without considering engine wear I get less mpg per gallon using ethanol blends but it is 20% cheaper than premium benzene and if you don't have a high quality performance vehicle then you should probably save your money and run the cheap stuff

Not worried, nothing will change for me, I am a rich farang, not sure why the authorities are doing this. Most manufacturers have designed their engines around 91 octane fuel...??

4 hours ago, speedtripler said:

Nonsense, all bikes since about 2010 can even use e20 or 91 or 95 or benzene 

 

You think 98% of the bikes in Thailand will only run on gasahol 91 is laughable, seriously 

I didn't say they would only run on Gasahol 91, I was and am saying that most smaller petrol stations only have G91, G95 and diesel, many only have G91 and diesel and that will leave the bike rider with the more expensive 95. The people selling bottled petrol will now only offer the more expensive 95.

On top of that most don't understand what these "E" grades are and don't trust them. 

In Khon Kean, where they have them, the E pumps are very rarely used, I have personally never used them, I stick to G91 and G95 for the Lifan which needs 93+.

As far as I am concerned the lower the ethanol levels the better, the reason, these rubber compounds are "resistant" to ethanol and that resistance is not 100%. 

22 hours ago, Kwasaki said:

I don't see it like that, most of the poor in our village use bicycles,  the not so well off wave type motorbike owners & scoot owners push their bikes to pumps in the soi's where they only have to pay for 20 baht worth of fuel and these pumps are all 95 E10.  

You must live in a different part of Thailand to me, Isaan is considered the poorest part of Thailand and in the villages here, only children ride bicycles, indeed even young kids ride around on motorcycles. The more wealthy folks fit a sidecar for the family or business, or both, so everyone uses 91.

What you consider a small increase has a big impact on the poor and even if it makes little real difference, the political impact will be considerable. Not that they can do much...

The people selling fuel by the bottle will put 95 gasahol in and that means less for 20 baht.