thailandsgreat

But open face helmets come with a visor, don't they? Scanning shops now. Several have "Real" at 3000 B. Feels sturdier than mine, but even XXL feels cramped. If you order on Lazada/Shopee can you make return?

Thanks. Will do. Even if it doesn't fit under the seat, theft is less common in Thailand than many other countries. There isn't much to do, a good helmet is what you need. Will hang it on the mirror in the supermarket parking or jam the strap under the seat. There also seem to be gadgets that "lock" the helmet to the bike and require cutting to steal helmet.

Thanks, I will have to look into this. The locking looks similar on the cheaper helmets I have used. A red flap closing a strap with "notches". I will Google shops in Pattaya. Any suggestions of shops appreciated. I don't think the one I use has a poor lock. A poor lock to me would be the plastic buckle you have for belt bags and the strap will just slip to any length easily. Those look very unsafe and are used on helmets in rental shops. But my helmet may be thinner since an XXL fits into a Click 160 storage ... The type on my helmet seems to come at only 25B though ... https://shopee.co.th/product/308460876/9685909470?gclid=Cj0KCQjw9MCnBhCYARIsAB1WQVUuvQDVBA-pfHDXeNYXM_RxW1ckPTCm9VNUn970H9kjizogCsqYxYAaAvgLEALw_wcB --- I would not buy a helmet with this type of lock https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQaP1uXRqQf0BiyEBUqSazHDUqur3lwT3wHng&usqp=CAU

Avex Crux, XXL https://shopee.co.th/product/31344940/2835156335?gclid=Cj0KCQjw9MCnBhCYARIsAB1WQVWPuMjUVsFgaCHOm7ps6R9NFp0X9F0-y0iJ0pnVAmAfYeLHoBU3dp0aAv4dEALw_wcB Is this an area where I could improve safety by getting a better helmet? Finding larger sizes is a problem. It was one of only two helmets that fit, in the biggest helmet shop I could find around Pattaya South. Other shops and supermarkets had none. Put a tape around my head now, it showed about 63 cm. If I need to improve on helmet, where in Pattaya would I go look for helmet? ... and what are the brands to look for, preferably not too heavy, using phone hasn't been merciful on my neck. I can feel that when I often keep to the left lane on Sukhumvit where pavement is neglected. Thanks. ---- Just another question: I sometimes find useful stuff on mailorder like Lazada, Shopee etc. Does it work well to order that with a western credit card?

My full face helmet fits. I mostly do 60-70, so far. U-turns on highways are most critical. Even if you speed up to 80 you don't know what can come from behind while you cross over. The system seems to be built around U-turns. You can't always wait for first left and then immediately make a U-turn on the smaller road and a right on the highway since there are few traffic lights and most access roads just allow left turn onto highway. If your destination is on the right side of the highway you are often forced to making a U-turn. Well hopefully careful does it and checking the mirrors. Experience is the only way. I asked in Mityon today how the Aerox and ADV differed. But the sales girl just looked at me as if I had asked the difference between rice and noodles. You are just supposed to know these things. ????

I am a novice contemplating to buy a bike. This week I rent a click 160. Much more "reactive" than adv. Good maneuvering in jammed traffic but maybe demands more attention on the highway. If you have a top box on an adv or aerox, to get on you must probably "hurdle" your right leg over the tank cap area which is higher than on pcx, but I like firm suspension of adv, feels "safe". Adv is 110k click 70. Driving position on click is high feet. If you drive far some "experts" write you should make a break every hour anyway and let any scooter <160cc idle for 10 min I keep renting 'til I know more. Occasional good prices low season. Thai people drive Filano because good storage, but Lead, 37 liter, is largest below 160cc I believe and also step thru! I don't know why so few are on the streets. Both 125 cc.

I just make some simple observations regarding the 150-160 cc bikes. I saw one click with passenger and top box. It looks "little" with only only one rear shock, but probably works fine. But as one's driving improves, the adv suspension can maybe take more "load". But price is definitely a selling point for the click. Around 70k, whereas the others, also w front abs are 90-100. The only bike in that segment with dual channel abs is Nmax.

Interesting. My experience is limited but the main difference to me between the 150 pcx and adv (both I drove are 2022 or 21 I believe) is the shocks. I am pretty sure a sporty guy would go for the adv. (Both have caster 26.5°, I believe that has to do with responsiveness) The adv is marked "Ohlin" below the Honda logo. Why would they rent a nicely modified bike to foreigners? How can I tell if the shocks are modified? They are really firm.

I see what you mean. I rent an adv 150 since 2 days. It is firmer in suspension and has 27 l storage. My full face helmet fits in but the pcx:s have 30 l. I immediately noticed you sit 30 mm higher on the adv 150 than on the pcx:s. The adv 160 could be a good deal. Only 15 mm higher than the pcx:s and 30 l storage. Tried out the abs carefully on tarmac with sand on, in 5 km/hr. It shortens braking distance but no steering effect, bike still went forward. Between pcx and adv maybe the stiffer suspension of adv is the main difference? Would it give you a better chance if you missed a pot hole on the highway? (Naturally a little less floating/soft.)

I am sure you are right. I just quote what the manual says ("on the other side of a wall"). It feels good to know what the button does. And for this bike I follow the renter's instructions. Pretty new and well maintained bike. Unfortunately they didn't want me to ride as far as Sattahip or similar. But I can still try it on Sukhumvit. I can't go so far with it. So if it jams I just call them ????

I read that from the manual. I agree. You don't have to touch it. But if you park just outside your room where you keep the fob you should deactivate it, according to the manual.

I think the round button just breaks the connection so if the bike is parked beside where I sit, noone can ride it. The other two arms the alarm and activate blinkers/horn so you find it in the parking lot. Was lucky and rented well maintained bikes. Like you wrote. ADV gives a solid feel.

Rented an ADV 150 today. Front wheel abs. This rental said I should use the fob when I lock it. The other said never use it because it hangs up. I have little experience but the suspension and also transmission feels firmer and more distinct The 150 has 10% less storage than the corresponding pcx, the 160 has the same (30 l).

The last U-turn before Sukhumvit is about 20-30 m before the Outlet/Lotus access road. Today I saw someone heading into the oncoming traffic to reach the access road. I am no expert but I don't think you should U-turn in the junction, so you will have to make a detour on Sukhumvit either South or North. Or maybe you can enter after the night market. Coming on Thepprasit from Jomtien going to Lotus is not well planned?

The Guardian's take: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/aug/22/thaksin-shinawatra-anger-and-anticipation-in-thailand-as-exiled-former-pm-expected-to-return

BTW, is there some empty parking lot where you can get the feel of the bike at low speed, do figure eights etc. ? I tried some shopping centers. I didn't disturb anyone, but it slowly attracted the locals' attention. ????

That is a good idea. And repeat until street is suitable for U turn. ???? But I am slowly getting into it. Most drivers are alert and aware of motorbikes. Using blinkers, they leave a small gap for you but you must trust them and grab the slot immediately. U-turns on Sukumvit are when concentration must be on top. If only one other guy messes up, that is enough. Can't make multiquote work. But occasional guys overspeed and lane shift so it's not enough to know the lane you're going into is clear. You must preferably know all what is behind you.

Yes. I don't think Google maps has got it. Ended up on Sukhumvit going from soi 17 to Lotus, anyway. ????

Let's see if I can rent one. I have been three days on a 2022 pcx 155 which feels good with my limited experience. Nmax another alternative. Both single channel abs I believe Many use pcx which is an advantage for repairs and resell. 155 felt steadier than the click 125 going to Satahip. Slowly learning traffic rules. There was a red light and traffic coming on from the right so I stopped. But a guy pointed at me and said "You, go". Fortunately I was in the chicken lane to the left and blocked no one.

I agree, I have tried both places the last couple of days. You wrote you drive 80-85 on the 125 cc. So far I am more like 60(-65) which is what is painted in the road, but some come like bullets from behind. Well. It is a good way to see the country. Much respect for the situation will maybe help. And planning to minimize the number of right turns. Inside Pattaya it has not been as bad. The cars line up so the small bikes can trickle in position in front and rush to the left lane when green. (Advantage of small bike.) Cars also keep more reasonable speed inside Pattaya so you can keep up with it. Just my impression.

One must really be careful on the highways, is my impression. I have mostly rented bikes up north. Went on Sukhumvit Pattaya now. Lane change for right turn is critical. Probably best as a beginner to wait on the left bank for a red light, a few hundred meters before the turn and then quickly rush over to right lane when clear, was my first conclusion. Bike is a good way to get to know some places outside the cities. One must be really careful.

I read somewhere you can use a fob with a completely dead battery if you hold it very close to the right spot on the bike (and press unlock?). Some backup circuit.

I see. Long ago my family had a car with fob with buttons. But they are out of fashion now. The buttonless fobs can not control the ignition. If you drop it during riding you would come to a sudden stop ????

I am a complete novice on this. So the fob has no buttons. You just keep it in the pocket and then the bike is maneuvarable with master switch and starter engine button on the bike?

So locking the bike with the fob will not turn off the ignition? ????