theforce

Hey there Commande,

I would definitely suggest going to Rama 9. They follow the factory requirements as outlined in the service manual. However if you do request to for additional work such as changing the filter every 6k, they would definitely oblige you. This is the same situation with any other Kawasaki dealerships, none will voluntarily do work that is not specified in the service chart such as changing the oil filter at 6k.

The head engineer is based in Rama 9 and can deal with valid insurance claims immediately unlike the other dealerships that require the certain complaints to be sent back to Rama 9 to be verified. They also have certain speciality tools that I doubt the other dealerships have.

Rama 9 has always done a great job and are genuinely friiendly bunch of people. Its super busy though, so a booking would definitely be required. At times, the mechanics try and finish urgent work the same day by staying overtime which none of the other dealerships care to do. Real Motor Sport seems to have more style, bling and accessories than Rama 9 which is a no frills service center. However in my experience, the latter seems to do the same job a little better.

In Rama 9 they have a customer's waiting lounge with Kawasaki bike magazines (mostly in Japanese), chairs, tables, tea, coffee, water, really slow internet and flat screen TV. You really don't have to bring in the chair and water if you don't want to :-)

AMD's seems to be cheaper than their corresponding Intel's in the 11-13 inch 'mini' notebook or 'thin & light' notebook category. AMD E350 & E450 processors seem to be quite good, the former being a Dual core while the latter being Quad core. One can normally find them on 11 - 13 inch laptops. Computers having either of these processors have an HDMI output.The E450 processor usually has 8 GB ram capacity, usually 2-4 GB are sold standard with the notebook. MSI U270 (9k Baht) has the E350 processor (currently out of stock in Pantip) while the MSI X370 (13k Baht) is available. Samsung Mini 3 (11k - 13k Baht) come with both E350 & E450 processor specs. ASUS 1225 (13k Baht) is quite new with the E450 spec. HP dm1 (14k Baht) comes with E450 processor & Windows 7 Starter 32 bit.

Both the ASUS & HP also come with external DVD drive. Only the HP comes with the original Windows 7 starter program.

There main differences between these choices are the webcam specs (usually ranges from 0.3 MP to 2.0 MP), and the batteries (either 3 cell or 6 cell).

Do keep in mind that Windows 7 32 bit will only recognize and use 4 GB RAM even though one puts more physical RAM. I'm not sure but please check and confirm this - If one has the original Windows XP program or Windows 7 Starter, they can update to a more complete Windows 7 OS online for a fee.

Hope this helps :-)

Considering price, fun and performance, I would vouch for a locally produced er6 or Versys. The price factor usually involves cost of the vehicle, cost and availablity of spares and service support. The unbeatable factor for the Kawasaki is that it is made in Thailand and is much more affordable than its direct import counterparts. By virtue of its local manufacture, it also has affordable service support and easily available spares. These are factors that usually matter to bike owners as it would be ridiculous to spend more time, money and mental energy maintaining the bike than actually on riding it.

The next factor to be considered would be the comfort and useablity both in Bangkok streets and longer trips out of Bangkok. The er6 is a very nimble bike that can zip through traffic, on over the sidewalk, is easy to park and doesn't overheat. The differences between the Versys and the er6n, in my humble limited knowledge, are the inverted forks, the swingarm and higher clearance which may help in handling and comfort in dual terrain but in a steet only traffic congested Bangkok situation with many stops & go's and limited parking, I believe they would be comparable except in riding position and height.

The other factor that I tend to give importance is the presence of a radiator and if the engine is liquid cooled. Liquid has better thermal conductivity by virtue of its higher density than air and thus can dissipate heat faster. Moreover liquid can be more easily manipulated in the cooling system (radiator & pumps) than air through fins on the cylinder head. Thus air cooled engines run hotter than liquid cooled ones and the former would be quite uncomfortable to the inner thighs of the rider in city traffic. It would be wise to choose a bike is liquid cooled and has a radiator for Bangkok city use.

There are riders that have a small bike such as a 150 or Fino/Click for the Bangkok riding and a bigger bike for longer trips upcountry. This is an unbeatable combination to keep one on two wheels in Thailand. However in my opinion, the er6 has comparable convenience of use in the city as the smaller bike and with enough 'bigness' to tour upcountry with comfort. The factors mentioned in the 1st paragraph seals the deal:-)

One issue that can not be overlooked, especially in Thailand, is the bling factor or the halo effect. As is in the nature of most possesions (such as car, phone, hand bag, etc.), a bike's brand and price tag may serve as a social status indicator of the owner. If this has a significant influence on one's cognition, then it may justify spending twice or three times the money on another bike that does the same function in similar capacity.

I hope this helps...

You could also do what "ThaiSold" has suggested. That can work very well too.

Chiang Mai is a great place and most people I know prefer it to Bangkok any day!

Hello Yan,

You can easily have a decent life with 25,000 Baht a month. You can get decent studio apartments in Bangkok between 6,000 - 8,000 baht a month, close to the MRT or BTS.

One tends to waste money if one is not occupied. If you are keen on education, assuming you have a Bachelor degree, you can pursue a Masters and easily get a ED visa (renewed yearly for 5 years). This avoids the hassle of visa runs and paying tax. You seem to be passionate about life and I appreciate that very much. During these 5 years you could travel Asia, learn Thai (become fluent if dedicated), pursue your hobbies and pick up new interesting things (from Buddhism to Yoga to Photography to Music to Scuba Diving) and make your life more meaningful.

Be prudent in your spending habits and make it a habit to save every month. You will be surprised at how easy it is to have a positive bank balance at year end despite having a good meaningful time.

If you have any questions, you can contact me and I would be happy to answer what I can.

We who are aware of what CAT-True is trying to do, we can do the right thing. We have a choice in this matter.

We can boycott their services (those who haven't already) and switch mobile services to DTAC for a start.

For coffee lovers, avoid True coffee and stick to Starbucks or Amazon Cafe!

At the end, they need consumers to survive.

We can do our part to patronize who we think is getting the unfair treatment.

In this way we walk our talk :-)

I've used Putoline & Motul, Both work fine. Putoline's lube has a blue color, some riders may not like. However Veloil has a similar product that I've used on a off roader in Laos. Its nearly 1/3rd the price of Motul (as per Thai importer's price list). And it worked well. You can find it here http://www.veloil.com/products/four/chain1.htm. Just call up the company, ask for the product. They'll direct you to the person in charge of the distribution and he/she will direct you to the shop closest to your location that sells it.

Regarding the issue of fling, given the centripetal forces acting on the chain at the rear sprocket of any bike doing decent rpms - fling is present even though chain lubes are given adhesive properties. However one can minimize both the fling and the chain being dry by using little amounts of lube and often. The best time to use the chain lube is when the ride is over and the chain is still warm. Just spray a little dollop in the inner circumference at every outer link joint of the chain. The Motul can has a diagram showing this. The excess nearly always flings off (that's why always use little dollops). I have been advised to lube the chain every 300 kms in total dry conditions or immediately after the ride (regardless of the kms since the last lube) should there be rain. Touch the inner edge of the chain, if there are deep dark grease marks that are slippery - the chain is ok. Keep the can of lube in the underseat compartment or in the tank bag.

As for Scottoilers (http://www.scottoiler.com/uk/Kits/View-all-products/Page-1-9.html) I have been fortunate to meet a person using it. There is a mechanism to increase/decrease the quantity of oil depending on the wet/dry season one is riding in. However the person did tell me that it would be a good idea to turn it off during track sessions.

I'm quite interested in a rear paddock stand. I've been quoted ridiculous figures especially for those that can be adjusted. Any advice/suggestions would be most welcome and appreciated.

hey there,

i have an NSR 150 that i'm looking to sell

its in good condition and has been maintained well

has a green book in my name, will transfer immediately on sale

reply me if still interested

thanks.