Dutchbike

Yeah, there is a hidden key.

but that "hidden' key just opens the door?? ( manually) what if ( worst case scenario) you drop the the electronic key in the water or it just doesn't work. once you're in the car that "key" gives a signal to the car to "unlock" the ignition or...... the key is only needed for open the car and once it's open you can start it.

Thanks for the reviews, i'm tempted for this little Suzuki as well and it's good to read some real life reports.

After driving a pick up ( Vigo) for 2 1/2 years the short testdrive ( GL MT) made me realise how much i missed the feel of a modern car.

Nothing wrong with the VIgo but after mostly driving Alfa Romeo's in Holland i really had to adept my driving style, a Vigo is just dangerous when you push it in the corners. (indeed, like driving a boat.... nice one mjj)

The Swift always have good reviews in tests for it's handling.

So i problaly will go for the GL MT, only the waiting list..... around 7 months. It looks like Suzuki is a victim of it's own succes. well good things take time.

Just curious about the keyless entry/start system, what would be the options to start the car if the battery in the key is empty or the key faulty??? is there a back up start system ( a hidden ignition)

in Holland i once saw a guy at a petrol station with a big new BMW which had problems with a similair system and he had to wait for the service guys to show up.

Same here in Buriram and surrounding provinces, it's looks almost if there is a sort of dress code for those money collectors, "yes, you can work for us but ........ " they all have the same look and bike although some have upgraded for the new cbr 150.

There riding style is also the same, remarkable fast, for 2 up and a 150cc

I think those guys are a "nightmare" for many Thais who took on loans.oh no..... there they are again.

Mayby that's why they drive so fast , avoiding to be run over by a Thai in a old pick up with bad experience with them.

It looks like it's gone here in Buriram province as well, at the local PT station in Nang Rong the 2 Benzine 91 pumps were replaced by Benzine 95 ( red sign) there also selling gasohol 95.

I'm a bit surprised by this, is this a better ( higher octane) benzine? i never saw this benzine for sale at a PT station. according to the guy at the pump it's without alchohol, the price was 49,52 a liter.

When it would be "real" benzine 95 i'm happy ( much better for my 2T bikes)

Somebody can confirm this??

Here's a picture of my 2011 KLX 250 ( black frame) with the side bodywork removed, taken at a slightly different angle but it shows that the "dent" in the tank is supposed to be there.

Just checked my KLX 250 ( almost 2 years 10.000 km's) and all looks OK.

Good to know though .

When i clean my bike, i always give it a good inspection ( loose bolts etc)

I never came across such a issue on a KLX 250, it might be just a incident and not a structual problem / design flaw

I'm curious what Kawsaki tells the owner of this bike although it's problaly out of warranty.

A slightly modified RD 350 LC.... sweet!!

My post seems to bring back a lot of memories, nice sentiments and nice bikes!!

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That Yamaha RD 350 LC sure was a nice bike.

After i had an accident with my CB400F and needed a new bike, i almost bought one, but a lot of people warned me about the "dangers" of that bike.

I listened and bought a XT 500 instead ( quite something else) problaly a wise descion ( being 19 with little bike experience it can be a dangerous bike)

Living in this amazing country for over 2 years now, and in this time i developed a big passion for the dying race of small displacement 2 stroke sport bikes.

I don’t know why, I’m already in my late forties and these kind of bikes are more mend for the younger generations of starting bikers, but maybe it’s got something to do with the fact I always was fascinated with these kind of bikes but never got to it to buy one in my home country, apart from some 2 stroke mopeds and a couple of dirt bikes in my youth, the rest of my motorcycle career I drove 4 strokes.

Well, when I moved over to live in Thailand I made up for all those lost years and already got 4 of those Thai made smokers.

I must have been a nice time in Thailand ( at least, when you’re into bikes) with all those 2 strokes screaming around but somewhere in the end of the 90’s it all changed and from then on 4 strokes rule this country.

I’ve red and heard various reasons the 2 strokes were sort of banned, one interesting theory is that at some point the King was bored with all those 2 strokes leaving big clouds of smoke near his palace, he had a talk with AP Honda and that’s how it’s all started.

At an environmental point of view it’s much better but the streets became more boring.

The remains of that 2 stroke era are still around but disappearing in a fast rate. They end up as driving food stalls ( with sidecars), shabby run around bikes ( many times driven by an elderly Thai at very low speeds) or just parked in a yard and left there to rust.

For a reason I don’t understand they don’t seem to appeal to the youngsters anymore, the only 2 stroke which is still popular is the Honda Dash. But most of them prefer Clicks, Finos and all the other 4 stroke bikes. Mayby it has something to do with the very bad fuel economy and the fact they need a bit more attention then the hassle free 4 stroke.

They always say that a 2 stroke is a simple design, it is, but…. those 150 cc’s need a good set up (carb/mixture/exhaust/ignition/powervalve) to run perfect and well… that’s a thing not many Thai take put an effort in.

When there is a thread about 2 strokes on Thaivisa I can see there are more people like me, loving those smokers!!!

Take a well set up 150 cc bike out for a spin and you’re “lost” forever ( at least I was) laughing at a similar 150 cc 4 stroke and even 250 cc’s 4 strokes.

Ok, there’s no torque and you have got to keep the revs up, but these little bikes give so much joy.

To finish this little tribute ( just felt like writing a little story and share my passion) there still out there: the Honda NSR 150’s ( RR and SP) the Yamaha’s TZR and TZM 150’s the Kawasaki’s KRR’s 150 and even the occasional Suzuki Gamma’s and not to mention the older air cooled 2 strokes ( Yamaha’s RXZ, Kawa’s GTO’s and so on)

I would say: grab one before it’s too late, there mostly not expensive, parts are easy and cheap available and there sooooo much fun to ride.

Keep the smokers alive.

Dutchbike.

A lot of replies and good info thanks everybody!!

Indeed.... i will have to get my new stamp before (or on) 5 december, to go back again on the 19th december to get another entry of 90 days just wins me 14 days and not worth the effort and money.

I knew that you can use a multiple entry visa as many times you want, but thought the maximum stay would be 12 months, that "extra" 3 months is good to know.

i did my border run at that Cambodian border quite some times and Chong Chom border ( or Kap chaoeng) is a very laid back border, Hardly used by farangs, almost no waiting time, it attracks loads of Thai ( brought there by those grey minivans) which are all in a hurry the loose there money in the big casino resorts located just after the bordercrossing.

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A border run costs me 1200 thb for the Cambodian visa and another 300 thb for leaving Cambodia the same day (if you stay one day in Cambodia you don't have to pay that 300 thb)

Mayby that's a ripp -off ???? well for 300 thb i don't want to make a scene. i'm perfectly happy with this border,

In Cambodia you can take a motorbike taxi ( or walk) to a market, not very special but some shops there have a good collection of very cheap DVD's (the latest movies) and i'm a big fan of movies so always paying that shops a visit and.funny to notice they already recognice me.

Again many thanks for all the info,

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@ the Dude and Lopburi 3 thanks for the superfast reply,

I always was under the impression that i could use my visa only 4x3 months good to know this info.

Here's my situation:

Last visa issued 20-12-2011 (Savannaket Laos) Non-O multiple entry ( married to a Thai)

use before 19-12-2012.

1 entry: 21-12-2011 coming from Laos

2 entry: 15-03-2012 coming from Singapore

3 entry: 11-06-2012 coming from Cambodia

4 entry: 07-09-2012 coming from Cambodia

I thought after that last border run (07-09-2012 valid until 05-12-2012) i should get a new visa, but during that last run a immigration officer tolded us i could get one more stamp ( 3 months) on this visa.

Now the time time is near for a new visa/or stamp, my wife called him,( he gave us his card) he tolded we could go to the border (CHONGCHOM) and before entering Cambodia call him so he could take ( another) look at my visa, ( my wife gave him all the dates as written above) if i can get another 3 months stamp.

Is it this worth the try ( or better say, a 250 km drive???)

If i would get another 3 months stamp it would mean my visa was good for 15 months.

I have my doubts about that extra 3 months, but mayby someone here has got a similar experience.

Thanks in advance

Try ( what's in a name) Chiang Ria Saddlebags.

http://crsaddlebags.com/index.html

When it's not on there webshop send a mail to Marty ( the owner) i'm sure he can do a search for you.

I bought there a few items online and very pleased with the good service and info.

Might see you there Karlos, so it's this coming weekend??

17/18 NOVEMBER. please confirm.

I remember when you once openend a topic about a mini GP at Bonanza,( last may) your Kawa dealer also gave you at first the wrong date.

To everybody else i can recommend this event: a real nice "day at the races" ninja 250 class/ Dtracker 250 class/ ER-6 N/F class

and a lot of KSR racing ( stock and modified) Thai stunt team, and .... free entry.

Thanks Kawasaki.

It looks like the last round of the Kawa mini Gp is coming but i'm unsure about the date, from my kawa dealer i received this mail:

Quote:

"Kawasaki mini GP will be on Sunday 18, December at Bonanza race track.

This time, they set 2 days event because it be the final for this year.

Saturday 17 is meeting day, biker can try on track for free. In the evening will be Party. serve food and drink also free. You may stay one night at that.

Sunday 18 is race day

Anyway, I will set plan for MPC customers to joy this event"

Since there are no sat/sun 17/18 in december i'm guessing it's coming weekend, i'm still waiting for an anwser but mayby somebody here can confirm the date.

I visted a Mini Gp at Bonanza ( near Khao Yai national park) and it's a nice event and the track is on a real scenic location.

Well, the choice is limited: Kawasaki has got the KLX or D tracker ( motard version) around 155.000 baht (both 250 cc) and 125cc/150cc versions of both of them ( but those last 2 are a bit to small for most of us farangs)

Honda has got the CR250F around 120.000/130.000 baht.

Kawasaki and Honda are both excellent top quality bikes, at a reasonable price, they will serve you well for many many years and keep there value.

For pratical use ( shopping) i recommned to fit a luggage rack.

There are also lots of cheap Chinese dirtbikes around,with various levels of quality.

A friend of mine has got a Lifan Cross 200 ( with electric start around 45.000 baht)and that bike has been more or less trouble free for 6000 km.

can't think of anything more, ( i wish there was more choice from the big 4)

As far as i can give a "diagnosis" by reading your post it could be 2 things, onë: something is not tightend inside the engine and came loose ( i assume the rebuild was apart from the clutch plates a new piston and rebore ??) go back to the shop. two: the kickstarter is just "slipping"over the kick axle shaft, caused by not tightening the kick starter nut well enough or a worn axle shaft.

I saw that problem more with older bikes and even a Thai style repairs: welding the kickstarter permanently on the axle shaft :-(

Good luck.

By the looks of it, it seems to be a Yamaha XV 535 in some countries called Virago, 450cc.... strange cc mayby a Japanese homemarket version.if not mayby a recycled green book. XV 535"s were made from 1988 until???? , there where virago's 250/500/535/750/920/1100 , but this one definitly looks like a XV 535.

It's difficult to judge a bike by a picture, and the most imported things are: paperwork ( green book) and which parts you will have to replace: can you get those parts easy, and .... at what price.

Before purchasing a project bike, be sure you know these things and do some research or you're in for some headaches.

Also the asking price sounds a bit high to me. ( does the engine run??)

Good luck and make no hasty decisions.

Dutchbike.

@ dogpoo, sorry to hear about you're financial loss, some lessons can be sometimes expensive

I also was looking for some time for an aftermarket exhaust ( in my case for a KLX250) and was quoted 22K for a Leo Vince by my Kawasaki dealer.

Every KLX with Thai aftermarket silencer i saw was a bit too loud for my liking.

Lucky for me a friend who was coming to visit me was willing to take a LV silencer from Holland ( around 11 K) No check at the airport

As you can see on the picture it comes with different inserts, the one installed in the silencer is EU approved soundlevel, and perfect for everyday riding, with a slight improvement in power and torque ( i guess a LV for a CBR 250 comes with a similair package)

And when you wanna "get loud" it's just a matter of minutes ( 3 bolts) to change the insert for a louder one,

Drove a few thousend KM's with it and really happy with the quality of the LV, looks ( and stays) nice and a good soundtrack ( even at the EU level) It's a pity that the price level in Thailand of those imported brands is so high,

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Hi Dutchbike

About a year ago I wrote an article about buying an SR in Thailand. I think it will help:

http://omega-racer.b...n-thailand.html

Kickstarting my SR is as easy as kickstarting my wife's old Honda Cela.

Prices for SR without book are about 65.000, with book they start at 90.000.

If I were you I would wait, check the classifieds (English & Thai), bikes with books pop up regularly, but prices can go from 90.000 to 300.000.

A very good site is srthailand.com, also thaiscooter.com....there are a few facebook groups too, but they mostly sell parts there.

Weak points? I'll let you know when I find one. :-)

If you want to know more, feel free to PM me...I'm always happy to talk about the SR.

Thanks Omega,

Nice article(s) on your blog, a true SR fan.i see.

It looks like the 2 SR's at the local shop are gone, but as i wrote i'm not in a hurry, sooner or later one will cross my path.

heres a beauty with a green book....cant be sold as the price is a bit high

http://www.bahtsold....fe-racer-113952

A real beauty indeed!!! and the kind styling, i like, but...... the price ha ha,

GTO = Gran Turismo Omologata or was that for another kind of vehicle

Nothing wrong with the Kawa GTO, but i like almost every 2 stroke bike ( even workhorses)

When the oppurtunity would come along i would be more then happy to add one to my collection.

Good look with your search,there still plenty around.but be prepared to spend a bit more on some new parts.

At a local ( Thai) bike shope there 2 Yamaha SR 400's for sale ( spoked wheels, front drum brake)

I always liked these SR's but before going there ( or better, first send in a Thai relative to ask the price and after that go there myself and see how much more there asking for a farang ) i want to be a bit more informed about this model.

There seems to be quite some of these SR 400's in Thailand ( I assume Japanese home-market version of the SR 500).all grey import??? or where these bikes at one point officialy imported/sold by Yamaha Thailand??

With an engine based on the good old XT 500 there's not much wrong with reliablity and the rest of the bike is quite basic/ low tech. an easy bike to work on.

Other things i want to know:

Prices?? all depends on the shape/km's/ paperwork, but just a indication

Parts: easy to get in Thailand?? through Yamaha?? or are there specialiced shops in Thailand??

When at one point i decide to purchase a SR 400 it will be a new "project" and i want to make a cafe racer of it, so any shops in Thailand with quality aftermarket parts?? for SR's

Weak points of the SR's 400 ( if any)

And... ( if there any owners around) how's the ride?? i owned a XT 500 a XT 600 and a XBR 500 ( a out of the factory cafe racer style bike from Honda) and always liked those big thumpers, lot's of torque and a nice soundtrack.

I'm not in a hurry, just gathering information, which is part of the fun.in the searh for a new "project"

Thanks in advance

An interesting thread, and i think it;s indeed all about the mentality of most Thais that so many vehicles are bought on finance.

An example from my own ( Thai) family: When my wife 's younger brother and his wife both got a job in a nearby town ( 20 km) they needed a bike to go to work,

My Farang brother in law and me decided to help him a bit ( he's a good guy and got 2 small kids to take care of) and offered him to give him a second hand bike ( there's a shop in town where they sell those reposessed bikes) and guess what.... he wasn't really happy with the idea of getting a second hand bike, and choose for the other option, buying a new bike on finance!!!!! we still helped him,( but a lot less, when he would have agreed he would have got a second hand bike for free)

He bought a Click paid 25.000 cash (our donation and his savings) and 18 downpayments of 2000 = 61.000 ( price new click in 2011 47K??)

When somebody would have made me an offer like that, i would have been a easy choice : get a free bike

But second hand is a sort of dirty word for Thai.

Driving around in Isaan (which is the poorer part of Thailand they say) you see everywhere the latest models motorbikes and cars and yes... many times parked outside a shack.