Milo

Well, he's just saying what a lot of Thai people are thinking (and doing) ...

Exactly. Same thing when "mom" tells her daughter to marry a doctor or lawyer. In otherwords, someone that can offer a life with better means. Most US woman do it by nature, and in general it is probably that way anywhere in the world. Nothing new. Men want the young beautiful woman, woman want the wealthy man. Big woop.

But in this PC world we are suppose to be insulted by this statement. But it is true and the way it is, and always has been. Course, exceptions are there.

Well said. Although of course my wife's different!

Really why would any of you be offended? Have you been to the 'poor' part of Thailand? I'm guessing he is talking about people from Isaan. Do any of you know what FARMERS work for? I do. For one day of torturous HANDS ON FARMERS work. They get paid 100-150 Baht. FOR ONE DAY. Plus they typically get fed and boozed up . Don't think for a second if you were are typical Thai person you wouldn't dream of marrying someone that made more than 150 baht PER DAY to take care of you. Sometimes it doesn't feel good to hear the truth. But. You can meet someone who is GOOD. A family that has their own money and she loves you for who you are not what you have. You can keep your ASSets to yourself. If she loves you she will only want you.

'

What a breath of fresh air (from the usual windbag-pompus-type comments on here!!!!)!!!!!!!!

It's a mutual benefit: Farang man gets servile slavish Thai woman who loves and adores him and is a puppet for him, and she gets more than 150 baht per day. An idyllic relationship, not exactly what poets from Western countries wrote about in the Romantic period, but still there is just so much mutual love in these types of relationships---if she is lucky enough to get a man who is decent from the West. Every Thai woman I have met here in Rawai talks about how bad Thai men are: they are alcoholics and never pay for what Thai women want and Thai women are left at home taking care of everything while the man goes out and drinks and spends all the money. It sounds like a form of poverty where a race hates itself so much it doesn't take care of it's own, but loves the races that exploit it, because mostly The West exploits Asian, has made it impoverished and dependent on them, you can call it Colonialism, but the situation is really just so much love and so beneficial to everyone involved (hope someone gets the little sarcasm I threw in)

Hope the 'servile' included?...trying to pry the meat cleaver out the missus' grip trying to explain sarcasm!

Maybe my experiences unusual/out of date? Taught from 2002-2006, M4-M5-M6 govt school, 50-ish in class etc.

I found all the Sts very diligent & all T's above average. Testing time of course when it all fell apart... but in their defence the overall atmosphere was enthusiastic & encouraging. I must have got out before cynicism took hold

I'm assuming the article referring to primary school level, hope so.

Thanks for all the info. Does anyone recall approx driving time from Nan via back roads back to CR? Trying to figure out if would be comfortable to do in one day or if i should stop somewhere like Toeng?

Also any specific recommendation for guest house on the lake in Phayao and also in Nan or all pretty much same same?

You'll nail Cr - Nan in a day if you're not stopping constantly for attractions, Phayao a great place for lunch but quite frankly not many (any?) decent places for the night. I stand to be corrected on this of course, but remember a thread on here fairly recently confirming it.

Again, back in a day through Thoeng not a problem. If you're going to go up & around Phu chi fah, then that's quite a jaunt; scenery out of this world but the roads are terrible. Give it a couple of months & they'll have had chance to start repairs.

Nan itself? You won't be disappointed!

Thanks for all the feedback guys. I think Im gonna start out with a Honda NSR 150 SP. It looks really cool and also is very cheap.

But first I gotta learn how to ride and then get a license

I read that the NSR needs more maintenance because its a 2 stroke( i have no clue what that means), but Im ok with that, cuz then Ill get to know the bike more. I dont have a problem getting my hands dirty working on something I will hope to love

Someone suggested that a 150cc would not be good for e.g. going to Pai or longer trips. Why is that?

2-Stroke's are certainly easier to work on, and tune. Less things for previous owners to have screwed up too...

However, do you want to be working on it, or riding it? You'll find spares take an age to arrive, and half the time it's the same price if you do it or they do.

150cc will be fine for Pai, even the entire MHS Loop. You'll find it a bit 'buzzy' on longer M'way journeys though, hands & fingers start to go numb after awhile. The saddles aren't up to much either, might as well stay on the scoot. This is the problem with wanting something bigger, you'll ever likely out-grow these 'interim' bikes in a matter of weeks.

If you've been riding daily for 6months and feel totally confident on 2wheels I see no reason why you shouldn't go straight to an ER6, just take it steady to start with, keeping an eye on your speedo. Acceleration's great until it catches you out!

The ER's are considered a "learner's" bike in the west because they ARE so tractable. Loads of torque low down, very little chance of it 'running away' with you as a 1,000cc sportsbike or even a 100cc 'Crosser can. As long as you respect the bike & its capabilities you'll come to no harm, you don't HAVE to ride like a man possessed!!

I figure more power's often safer, you're able to pay attention rather than being distracted trying to wring the nuts off a smaller bike. Intently watching that rev counter rise eking the last 50RPM before changing up...oops...hairpin...hospital if you're lucky.

You're in Cm, there are LOADS of rental shops, why not try a few different bikes out first, see what suits you best, few blasts up Doi Suthep there? I fully understand these guys erring on the side of caution (and sound advice it is too), not wishing you to be thanking them from a hospital bed but be honest fellas, how many of you took the 'baby steps' route? Buying 2nd-hand in Thailand, you're likely to get burned, the more steps, the more chance of buying an absolute minger.

As thaicbr says, good riding gear's most important, I'll add buy this first then see how much you've got left for the bike. www.pandarider.com will give you some idea of what you ought to be spending. That's just knocked a hole in your 170k!

Whatever you decide I wish you the very best, enjoy!

she has security !!! she has money in a thai account and a uk account which i do not want !!! she is the one giving me the headache right now, our daughter is suffering through this so its time to move on, all i want is my money back, ive made and given her enough money in uk and thailand i.e house in isaan, all i want is my house and car in pattaya ( or at least a paper to say that i have the right to live there in the pattaya house)

im not prepared to walk away empty handed leaving myself with nothing and her with everything .

I think when you build a house in thailand you should be prepared to lose that money... If she gets to thailand then in my opinion you wont get anything.. be careful

True, they always say never invest more in Thailand than you're prepared to lose. However, I can certainly sympathise and I'll bet this guy can get the ball rolling http://www.udonrealestate.com on the property side anyway while you're still in the UK?

I see nothing wrong in giving a 'tip' to someone who has performed a task for you.

The OP handing over an evelope after the job was done, was a nice gesture on his part.

No different than giving a bottle of whiskey or food hamper at Cristmas, to someone you do business with.

Glad everything turned out well in the end for you OP, but don't forget, she'll expect the same next year

A few years ago when Udon Immigration office was still under AEK Udon Hospital there; after nipping back with a box of chocs for the lady officer who'd put in a tremendous amount of work changing my visa to include a new business without disrupting my previous non-O & full-time employment status, she was SO over the moon and gushed I could come and "throw water" on the Monday before Wednesday's Songkrahn next week...

Didn't feel like pushing my luck quite that far! TOO tempting!!

Shame she left actually, even though she never had any change, that was just...understood, making 100b on each visa? No biggie.

These new guys at the airport ok too after being complete sticklers to begin with; we live in Udon but work in Cm and it's always awkward with money/time/business/commitments. I find if me & the missus go in first and ask real pleasant how we can manage it best while still making life as easy for them as possible, they can be quite flexible on occasion. Never once has a gift/bribe gone their way.

Noticed a 'Ducati Udon' dealer's stand in Robinsons' shopping centre yesterday? Much as I wanted to stop & drool awhile I was bringing wifey home from the hospital and she was waiting in the pickup!

Sorry, bit rushed to read all the posts but can add my two-penn'orth?<br><br>Wouldn't use Nitrogen on the truck as I'm forever altering pressures due to load.<br><br>It's great on the bikes though! ER6n's/f's & Versys'. I used to have to add 4-5PSI/week when using air, now only a couple of PSI/month with the Nitrogen. Prices vary wildly, the local guy charged me 50b for initial fill, now 20b per top-up. Per bike, not per tyre. There's a bloke a couple of K's down the road gives it to me free every time? Believe he's trying to gain my trust, then try to screw me on some new pickup tyres <img class="bbc_emoticon" alt="" src="http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/laugh.gif"><br><br>Fazer was really low up in Mae Sai as we'd been away for a good 8 weeks. Asked around & found a dodgy-looking character (sometimes you just <i>know</i> you should have asked the price first?!?!), monkey charged me 100b/tyre! Nearly told him to bladdy well take it out again <img class="bbc_emoticon" alt="" src="http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif"><br>Kawasaki Cm INSIST on adding air to the tyres each time they service, unless I literally stand over them? Plaster flaming lube-spray all over the chain they do too, even though there's an oiler on it <img class="bbc_emoticon" alt="" src="http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/rolleyes.gif"> Idiots.<br><br>That's the only trouble with the Nitrogen; when you're bannering around the country as we are, finding somewhere quickly for a top-up? My personal belief is that air here has masses of water in the form of humidity, which expands far more than we're used to back in UK etc? This causes over-inflation on a much larger scale and literally blows the wind out of any weak seals? <br>A simple de-humidifier on the compressor intake would probably solve this problem?<br><br>The one great point about the Nitrogen in bike tyres is it doesn't half make them stick like sh*t to a blanket once warmed up! <img class="bbc_emoticon" alt="" src="http://static.thaivisa.com/forum/public/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif"> Once warm they keep their footprint, which decreases if you're using air as the pressure rises. All of a sudden you become a riding GOD, boots & footpegs don't last long!! I can only highly recommend it for any sports/touring enthusiasts out there, has to be tried to be believed.<br><br>Apologies if I'm repeating other posts.<br>

The sad thing about the flooding is that it is not a natural disaster. It is a man made disaster. When building and making roads perhaps the Thais can learn a lesson now about preserving flood plains, not narrowing natural waterways et al.

Took the words right out of my mouth... :jap:

Before investing in a trailer http://twinner-trailer.com/main-e.html (good guy, custom built, German engineering) I used 2 x 8'x10"x2" Teak boards, attached centrally (width-ways) by 4 door hinges.

My trailer's got the ramp built in, but should not be used while drunk...

Ride On!

Tony

Classic!

There's one of a few White Devils MC reprobates (myself included) hanging around somewhere after an early start on the p1ss? One of the lads had foolishly left his ride with us for an engine rebuild! What began fairly cautiously soon descended into almost vandalism, 4 of us attacking the unit with a gas axe while attempting to kick it out of the frame once it proved a little awkward using conventional methods!

Dyl keeps threatening to publish that one if I don't keep him sweet, the poor guy who's bike it was, is still blissfully unaware

I took the power-plant home to work on it, many more of those days wouldn't have done us any favours!

Yep, since coming to Thailand I try to do most maintenance and repairs myself. There's some truth to the old saying, "If you want it done right, do it yourself!"

Typical, he hasn't finished the first job before starting on the next!

I had this problem a few times with my kawasaki vulcan. I had to beg the repairshop owner to pick it up and i paid him some money. But it is a major hassle. I believe the bike has been picked up 3 or 4 times. All minor stuff but none that i could fix myself. One of the reasons for selling the bike.

If i ever buy a big bike again it will be a newish one with replacement parts available. Those older bikes can never be fixed perfect.. just in a thai way. Plus that i was not a mechanic i could not steer them in the right direction or make sure they did a good job.

I often wonder why I'm stood over him making sure it's done correctly rather than saving a few bob and doing it myself? Take another swig from my third beer, and remember

thx 4 yr replys guys...

had a look at the navara and the colorado

but the guy said you'd have to 3 month once u put the order in,,so i've sort off croosed dat off my list..

most are offering the first year free insurance....

Im buying thru finance,,,should i expekt a discount off their ticket prices???

so far nissan offered 30k straight away and misu said she can offer discount..

cheers

If you're after money off, then why not just drop 2 driving wheels out of the equation? Now admittedly I'm not traipsing across rice paddies with my 2WD Toyota, but there hasn't been one occasion I've been close to stuck? On some pretty slippery clay tracks, 30' inclines included. Unless you're expecting to cover some SERIOUS off-roading the extra traction is COMPLETELY unnecessary. 99.9% of the time you'll be in 2WD mode anyway to save astronomical fuel bills anyway...

Combined with a larger turning circle, higher servicing/repair bills, higher taxation bracket on the 4-doors too, it really begs the question; why the hel_l bother? Oh yeah, there are a few tossers (present company excepted, of course!) who like to feel superior sitting higher than the rest, other than the other tossers in fourby's?! Higher C of G also means abysmal handling, wallowing around the bends & wearing your sidewalls to boot.

4doors tells me you'll never be shifting a serious payload, ergo, never that likely to need the off-road capabilities either? If you MUST play 'King of the Castle', why not save a fortune and have your 2WD jacked up instead? BigFoot if you like? Ooh! And one of those hi-level 'Snorkel' intake/exhaust systems? Sorry, can't help myself sometimes...

4WD? 200,000Km (mostly)on but a fair amount off-road tells me one inescapable fact; Surplus to requirements IMHO.

I'll attempt to assist now rather than just ribbing you? I'd go for the 2WD 3L Vigo and 'Rear Access System' crew cab? You know, suicide doors for back-seat passengers? The bed's similar to the 2door, and leg-room inside the cab almost identical to the 4door version? The bed on the 4door versions are minuscule, I almost guarantee you'll curse that particular choice 2-3times/year. Far more often than you'll regret the 2/4door option anyway; who cares? You're in the front!!

In October 2007, the Swedish auto magazine Teknikens Värld performed an evasive manoeuvre (a moose test) that revealed that the manoeuvrability of Hilux pickup truck was deficient for turning sharply at moderate speeds. The truck failed the test and only the driver's skill prevented it from overturning. After the test Toyota stopped the sales of Hilux equipped with 16 inch wheels in Europe.

So what does one do to prevent the above, fit larger wheels ? . . . . .either way a little disturbing, mind you the little mini Merc suffered the same faults, can't remember how that was rectified.

16" wheels would mean the 2WD version then? Wow, mine's always been as steady as a rock, though admittedly I'm running 205x60's on the front & 215 x 60's on the rear, aquaplaning was a minor concern but has never been an issue. Plus the OEM oil shocks all went after the 1st 18 months' motoring, replaced with gas and have enjoyed far more positive response ever since. Upgraded the torsion bars too just after the shocks, getting all enthusiastic with the new-found sure-footedness!

Really disliked the Bridgestone tyres fitted as standard, so changed to Michelin Energy with those new wheels and swore by them. Only departed from those on two occasions. Once with a set of Toyo's which stuck to the road like sh1t to a blanket (especially in the wet) but a small reduction in wear rates, and this last time with a set of Maxxis I let our local (recently appointed Maxxis dealer, surprise?!) retailer talk me into as they were 500b each cheaper, what a pile of crap they are! Untrustworthy in the wet, and I've only had them on 8months, 3/4 through their life already? Buy cheap, buy twice, they'll certainly never receive any recommendations from me!!

I'll be the first to admit I'm pretty hard on tyres (and clutches, and brakes, and...!), but I could as good as guarantee 2 years and corresponding mileage out of the Michelin tyres? Often plenty of tread left in fact, sidewalls showing hairline cracks and fatigue was the usual reason for replacement.

What about being able to locate stolen mobiles using the phone's mfr #? Or failing that, at all?? It might prevent them vanishing like the morning mist, and the visit to the police station reporting the theft a slightly less pointless exercise

They already can do that, just about anywhere in the world. They usually won't make the effort unless it's a murder case though. I'd imagine the police don't want it want this known to the average criminal and the phone companies simply don't want to deal with all of the 'lost and found' cases (although they could probably spin it marketing wise).

Sorry if my info is somewhat out of date, last time I was in the UK it was all the big news how they could track your stolen mobile to deter theft, 10yrs ago!

Yeah, I was talking about here when I was referring to the "can and able, but likely won't (unless it's something more serious than Nok or #218 stealing your phone)" part. Most bad guys apparently (and mistakenly) think that the SIM card is what makes a phone unique and not the IMEI # and if they just change SIM cards all the bad things that went with the old phone are gone. Just look at any IT center, which are basically where all stolen phones end up.

Stolen oron their last legs, took my missus forever to believe me that nobody gets rid of a fully functioning phone, and those places are false economy!

You've done a sterling job there, every right to be very proud of it indeed!

Wishing you many happy miles. Are the brakes really thatbad? A great many moons since I was on one, tearing around the fields on my mate's farm as kids, they seemed sufficient at the time?! First goes the memory, then...!!

Thanks Milo,

Let me put it this way...the Honda Cub Frontbrakes aren't any better than the one on a Tiger Retro....i think the rear brake feels better on the Tiger Retro though.

Its just that people compare the Tiger Retro with a Honda Wave....they are simply not the same (in look and feel). Comparing the Tiger Retro with the Honda Cub will be more to the point.

mbox

Dunno, I have to adjust the shoes on her Wave every 10days or so, she brakes as if she's riding her CBR400! Thank God she doesn't use that one for the shopping/school-run

Stupid question, but zero chance of fitting a front disc I suppose? I'm a bit partial to brakes!!

Self deploy crash air-bags on the deck around high rise condos, especially in Pattaya.

Frequent users “fine discount cards” for police bogus fines. Say! 40% off.

The police fine issue is a doddle. Cash stays in the glove-box if in the pickup, under the seat when on the bike. Wallet with just 100b & licenses in it easily available. Stop, look all 'little boy lost'"But I only have this?", never failed yet.

What about being able to locate stolen mobiles using the phone's mfr #? Or failing that, at all?? It might prevent them vanishing like the morning mist, and the visit to the police station reporting the theft a slightly less pointless exercise

They already can do that, just about anywhere in the world. They usually won't make the effort unless it's a murder case though. I'd imagine the police don't want it want this known to the average criminal and the phone companies simply don't want to deal with all of the 'lost and found' cases (although they could probably spin it marketing wise).

Sorry if my info is somewhat out of date, last time I was in the UK it was all the big news how they could track your stolen mobile to deter theft, 10yrs ago!

Are you there now? How long are you staying? We run free courses for our guests, but afraid we won't be in Cm until 21st Oct. 1st Tour with this option commences 6th Nov.

I don't believe you'll go far wrong with the many 'touristy' places available on almost every street corner, and I've yet to meet a soul in the service industry there who doesn'tspeak English! "Gotta have"? I'll bet it's on a par with your own. Kind of pre-requisite for the job really?

They hardly take you to the market and then bring you back to the kitchen with a chicken and a packet of Knorr Green Curry Paste Mix either? The few we've dropped guests off with in the past have always surpassed expectations. Let's face it, Thai food is hardly difficult to prepare after all? Most Thai girls can knock out a fair selection by their early teens.

A 'Pro' class then? So what are you looking for, real Thai food or something a western gourmet chef will have adulterated beyond belief to suit a particular palate? It's all basic ingredients, easily prepared in minutes, the only variants being quantity ratios and most importantly freshness! The same dish, whether from a market stall or 5* restaurant is only in those items, the market stall will use more water vs (coconut)milk, meat vs egg-plant, decent cuts rather than offal.

Here, Googled it for you, I'm sure one of these will be able to fulfil your requirements? http://www.chiangmaibranches.com/philippines/education-training-center/cooking-school/index.htm

Apologies for cynical tone, but once you've been here awhile realisation dawns that there aren't that many dishes to play with? Everything is multiplied by a factor of three with the addition of either chicken, pork or shrimp, (fish is different) and there you have it, voila!

Clare, there's no way to prepare you for the culture shock that you are sure to experience when you make this big move. To lessen the blow, I would definitely try out Chiang Mai first rather then Bangkok. Bangkok is overwhelming for well traveled people let alone someone who has never lived alone outside of your own country. Chiang Mai is a small big city Heaps of tourists, heaps of expats, good vibe generally speaking, plenty of English teaching opportunities. For the record, I love both Bangkok and Chiang Mai, I just think Chiang Mai would be a softer transition to living in Thailand.

Many people seem to think you're a troll... I think they just don't realise that you're a young/naive 18 year old. As to the English teaching.. as Bina said, it's not for everyone. I taught for 3 months in a village school and it was hel_l and I will definitely never venture there again.

I would suggest not burning all your bridges in your home town because you never know how things will turn out here and what back up you may need. Not to delve into specifics, but do you have enough funds to sustain you in Thailand for a long haul? How long did you visit Bangkok for last time? Which area did you stay in... Bangkok is bigger then Khao San Road/Central World . Did you go anywhere else in Thailand?

Too true, living here just a tad different from holidaying? Nothing makes ANY sense at first, they appear to do everything bass-ackward, in triplicate, and then you need to go and photocopy the lot just for good measure?!?! I won't bore you with the many almost insane procedures & hoops they'll have you jumping through, you can have a surprise or two, on me!

Any half-way decent school will assist you through it, better ones pay the fees too. As already mentioned, don't think its as easy as getting your TEFL and then just walking into a job! That info is somewhat outdated. It doesn't half help if your face fits too, your age will help you there, they'll figure you'll be able to relate with the Sts more easily. In fact the opposite is true, those little monkeys will see you all fresh-faced and enthusiastic, figure it's open season! You'll have to be very stern to begin with (while still remembering 'sanuk' to keep the little blighters entertained, confused? You will be!), but can relax later.

The 'face fits' rule often applies to your qualifications, documentation too. However, once in never allow yourself to figure the process is complete and relax, far from it. Spot checks are held regularly, and should your credentials be found lacking, you're out on your ear.

Don't worry, most of it will sort itself out as you progress, I too came here on a wing and a prayer without the 1st idea what I was going to do with myself, teaching being the last resort. That was 10yrs ago! However, I must agree with those who've posted teaching won't be for you if you didn't enjoy school; SO true. I put up with it, a job pure and simple, a stop-gap until I found something better? 4yrs with gritted teeth! No, teaching's a vocation or career, you have to love it.

The hours are ok, though I would rather have had our three UK 'terms' annually, rather than the American-style two 'semesters'. Summer break's a cracker! The wages suck, they're abysmal, no better term for them. Usually around the 30-35k/month mark, which really puts you on almost subsistence living. You CAN afford to go out occasionally, but have to pick & choose not only your events but venues too. 90b vs 50b for a beer suddenly puts a huge hole in the evening's budget!

Chiang Mai was recommended? I prefer it to Bkk by far, but don't forget the amount of back-packers in the area prepared to work for peanuts just to extend their stay a little further? Salaries consequently drop for all. Some 8-9yrs ago a fully-qualified, Aussie certificated (proper...real!) teacher-trainer acquaintance of mine was working in probably Chiang Mai's premier language school, 'London House', 20hrs/week, 20k/month. At the same time, I was working in Udorn thani, state school, fan rooms, 45-55 Sts/class, 14-17hrs/week, 30k/month. I rest my case, though he DID have the luxury of a/c in his 10-12 Sts classroom! Needless to say, it wasn't long before I found him a job at our place

I couldn't disagree more with the frightened old men on here "It'll all come to no good, DON'T do IIIIIIIIIIITT!!", NO sense of adventure, the old farts! As long as you've a few quid behind you (couple of thou should do), then why in bloody hel_l not?? Work a bit, kick around a bit, and undoubtedly learn FAR more in a few short months than 'Chicken Little' there has in his entire stay! Especially if you manage to work at a govt/state school, you're right in the thick of it, 99% Thai T's, they LOVE to bring you up to speed on culture, etiquette etc. I'm still so grateful to my formative years here teaching, honestly believing it was the best introduction to the country I could ever have wished for.

It's challenging, invigorating but mostly downright exasperating attempting to figure your way around constant roadblocks here! Mostly you just want to bellow "But WHY can't I??", to which they'll softly and calmly respond "Cannot". You have to learn to accept that one, especially as an employee. The subject can be broached a few days later and discussed, but don't bother at the time, you'll get absolutely nowhere.

The ONLY important question remains; is it worth it? YES!! So what if you fall flat on your face, lose everything and have to borrow the airfare home from the Embassy? All you've really lost is a couple of years, your initial outlay...and...nothing else! Against the priceless experience(s) gained? A drop in the ocean. Caution; becoming used to this land & lifestyle could easily end you up in no-man's land culturally and physically? Many come here, can't stay, but end up detesting their home country to a far greater degree as a consequence.

Yes, horror stories DO happen here, MANY of them! A fair percentage of those flying home daily weren't sharp enough to keep either their wits, or their wad about them!! As suggested read the stories, but ensure you read between the lines too, most folk don't want to admit they were so unbelievably stupid in signing over all their worldly possessions to a comparative stranger? Well, anybody with half a brain wouldn't, would they?! You'll find a recurring theme in all these so-called horror stories, naivety on a horrific level!

Me? I came here with nothing. Done myself proud, I've still got most of it left, LMAO

You've done a sterling job there, every right to be very proud of it indeed!

Wishing you many happy miles. Are the brakes really thatbad? A great many moons since I was on one, tearing around the fields on my mate's farm as kids, they seemed sufficient at the time?! First goes the memory, then...!!

No your right not possible. It seems i was wrong. look here http://www.cwc.co.th/.

My bike sticks out onto the tailgate when i take it on the truck (4 door Ford Ranger) but its not a problem if you tie a red cloth to the back. I also bought a ramp and now its a piece of piss to get it in the back by myself. just need a bit of a run up. My bike ain't a chopper so maybe not as long as yours (2 280 mm (89.8 in)) but she's 245 kg wet so a fairly heavy old girl.

my Vigo 4 doors bed is only 150cm, but no problem with a huge cruiser, VTX 1800cc at almost 400 kg.

or 2 Ninja 650R

a red cloth in daytime

extra rear and brake light required in the night time

I used to have a Vigo 4 door also, and the bed is too short. I am thinking of getting a 2 door Chevy or Toyota Supercab with the longer bed just to be able to haul this bike. I don't have the exact length, but it is a raked out chopper, quite long. It just won't fit. I will measure it tonight to see just how long. Here it is. I am 167 cm tall just to see the scale.

Before investing in a trailer http://twinner-trailer.com/main-e.html (good guy, custom built, German engineering) I used 2 x 8'x10"x2" Teak boards, attached centrally (width-ways) by 4 door hinges. Therefore easily carried when folded, only 10"x4". Lay them down, open to full 20" width and a doddle to ride the bike up. Helper behind then raises the lower end to horizontal and slides under the bike, keeping the (take the back brake off ) back wheel on them. More technique than brute strength, and careful positioning of the boards means the side-stand can also be parked on it. Be warned though, getting the bike off again requires forethought and synchronised timing to avoid, erm, some scrap in a greasy patch of fluids?

Once mastered a piece of cake though, myself and my 42Kg 5' wife used to manage it with very little fuss, just swapping with each other to steady the bars? Have to admit though, the 3-bike trailer's a VAST improvement! This now enables a 5bike capacity with a little juggling? Though I'm not as good as those Thais yet with 18-odd Wave's stacked 3 high!!

thx 4 yr replys guys...

had a look at the navara and the colorado

but the guy said you'd have to 3 month once u put the order in,,so i've sort off croosed dat off my list..

most are offering the first year free insurance....

Im buying thru finance,,,should i expekt a discount off their ticket prices???

so far nissan offered 30k straight away and misu said she can offer discount..

cheers

If you're after money off, then why not just drop 2 driving wheels out of the equation? Now admittedly I'm not traipsing across rice paddies with my 2WD Toyota, but there hasn't been one occasion I've been close to stuck? On some pretty slippery clay tracks, 30' inclines included. Unless you're expecting to cover some SERIOUS off-roading the extra traction is COMPLETELY unnecessary. 99.9% of the time you'll be in 2WD mode anyway to save astronomical fuel bills anyway...

Combined with a larger turning circle, higher servicing/repair bills, higher taxation bracket on the 4-doors too, it really begs the question; why the hel_l bother? Oh yeah, there are a few tossers (present company excepted, of course!) who like to feel superior sitting higher than the rest, other than the other tossers in fourby's?! Higher C of G also means abysmal handling, wallowing around the bends & wearing your sidewalls to boot.

4doors tells me you'll never be shifting a serious payload, ergo, never that likely to need the off-road capabilities either? If you MUST play 'King of the Castle', why not save a fortune and have your 2WD jacked up instead? BigFoot if you like? Ooh! And one of those hi-level 'Snorkel' intake/exhaust systems? Sorry, can't help myself sometimes...

4WD? 200,000Km (mostly)on but a fair amount off-road tells me one inescapable fact; Surplus to requirements IMHO.

I'll attempt to assist now rather than just ribbing you? I'd go for the 2WD 3L Vigo and 'Rear Access System' crew cab? You know, suicide doors for back-seat passengers? The bed's similar to the 2door, and leg-room inside the cab almost identical to the 4door version? The bed on the 4door versions are minuscule, I almost guarantee you'll curse that particular choice 2-3times/year. Far more often than you'll regret the 2/4door option anyway; who cares? You're in the front!!