RubberSideDown

Ducati and KTM charge more than double US MSRP for their top-of-the-line bikes (like all versions of the Panigale and the 1290 Superduke)- it has nothing to do with taxes, though- they're just gouging us here in LOS.

@rotorbreeze- if you're a mechanic, why don't you do your own servicing instead of worrying about what a Thai mechanic might do (to the point of having to watch over him, which means you're spending your time on the job regardless of whether you're doing the actual work)- after helicopters, a PCX is something you could work on in your sleep.

I service my own bike for basic stuff, and I'm not a professional mechanic (though I like pretending I am by buying quality tools;)).

And I thought I was the only person in Thailand that possessed a torque wrench. Just shows how wrong you can be.

I've got three of 'em, including one for inch-pounds- you've gotta hit your torque specs properly if you do your own servicing.

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Less than 2K- ECU flash ~$350, the stock shock from a Kawi 636 for around $50 used on eBay will fit, a few hundred for springs- with labor, still less than a grand if you can source the parts yourself.

I'm not based in BKK, but I subscribe to most of the general Thai-based FB bike groups that have a large membership.

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I bet you'll hardly notice a difference after you've got a couple hundred km on it.

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I guess it's about what you're used to- I rode heavy sportbikes (mostly GSX-R1100s) through Tokyo traffic for nearly a decade during my daily commute, and it wasn't a problem.

yes, z800 is also an option if you are fine to carry a 240 kg naked! bike along with you in the city plus eating all the wind/rain etc while commuting and touring.

z800 is a great looking bike and a super value if it is not 240 kg and if it has an abs.

You don't have to carry it- you can ride it...

It's a very well-balanced bike- there's an extremely big difference between centrally-located mass on a motorcycle (which makes the extra weight seem to disappear) and the feeling you get when carrying a load or pillion on a lighter bike.

Pushing my 250kg+ bike around in the garage can be a pain- riding it (even in traffic) is a completely different story.

I have to agree that your list of choices is diverse to the point of being silly- you need to decide exactly what type of bike you want (sportbike, cruiser, basic transportation, whatever), and then pick the models that fit your budget.

Not really - in my view anyway - a bigger bike is not a logical decision as no one needs anything bigger than a Wave in reality.

The CB500X and NC700X are very close in purpose, style, power and riding position - and if you read my post the thinking is that rather than pay the extra for the DCT auto I could get the CB500X for longer rides out of the city and a PCX for nipping about in BKK - both for less than the 350k needed for the NC700.

And the Ducati Monster is the same price range as the NC700 and all three (except the 'spare' PCX) are basically street bikes that can tour.

None have any real off road ability and none are sports bikes or cruisers. So where's the problem?

My max budget is around 350k - so all bikes including the CB500 + PCX option are around the same budget.

The fact you added the Ducati to your list along with the Honda 500 and 700 is what made it a bit ridiculous as you said it doesn't fit your needs (which could be filled by the PCX as an 'only bike' if necessary) but you're considering it- that means any bike in your price range is up for grabs, which makes coming to a final decision more difficult.

I look towards performance- in your budget, I'd probably go for the Z800, and it will be a better bike than anything you've previously owned (the Triumph was nice in its day, but that day has passed)- I rode with several of them a couple weeks ago and I was impressed with what it can do for the money (in LOS)- if you're thinking about the Duc Monster 795, you can't leave the Kawi off your list (or the new Honda 650).

There's no ''problem'- you asked for opinions.

I have to agree that your list of choices is diverse to the point of being silly- you need to decide exactly what type of bike you want (sportbike, cruiser, basic transportation, whatever), and then pick the models that fit your budget.

You could strap that thing to most big bikes and carry it around like a lifeboat, I suppose...

That didn't last long:

http://classifieds.thaivisa.com/automotives-vehicles/motorcycles/honda-nc700-dct-265397.html

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I had a friend bring it in, so no customs issues.

It's an great helmet- the ventilation is excellent, and it was built to accommodate my Sena SMH-10 headset. The shield is just dark enough to be effective, but if I had my choice I would have gotten a shade or two darker. I have a good relationship with the dealer I bought it from, and he let it go for $525.

Note it fits slightly more snug than my RF-1100, and both helmets are 'L'.

Sadest thing I see is farang in their late 40s / 50s with prospect on their jackets

I think its great that they are out doing what they want to do, most probably never had time in their working life till then, nothing says you have to be 18 to be a prospect. The Ulysses MC starts are 40 for most members

True, but that club is specifically for members over 40-years-old, and it's more social than anything else- I think the other posters are referring to middle-aged men who are prospecting for 1%'er clubs (several of which are well-established in LOS, and are into a bit more than just riding), which I agree does look a bit odd.

I just want to make sure I'm not buying something I won't be able to really ring out

I think if street riding that rules out the HP4

Although I am sure you would appreciate the technology & sheer quickness

even below rung out levels

This is true.

I can use the acceleration of the 14R almost anytime I want, even from a low speed, but I try to be careful around corners as I never know what I'll find in one (sand, oil, a buffalo, etc)- I'm also thinking about the new S1000R- at first I dismissed it, but the reviews have been stellar and it would be better for me ergonomically (though, again, there might be a quality issue)

It's also difficult explaining to the wife why I need a second pricey motorcycle...

I need to go look at the bike again- maybe next week if they have it on the floor- I've got 50K down on it, and will need to make a decision soon.

I've done my share of track days in the US- I don't want a track bike as a closed-course doesn't interest me as much these days (though I'd happily do a few instructional days per year, even on my 14R)- I want a great sportbike that's geared more for the street, and I like the the idea of the 'bleeding edge', but I'm not so sure how happy I'll be actually living with it.

I only brought up the track earlier in reference to the DDC suspension- due to the consistency of a decent track, a properly set-up race suspension geared toward a particular track would be a better choice than a self-adjusting suspension made for varying road surfaces (as newf mentioned).

I can ride pretty well and I'm no newbie, and I've owned smaller bikes- I just want to make sure I'm not buying something I won't be able to really ring out (I don't treat the street like a track), even though it would be great for posing and bragging rights.

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I'm actually more concerned with something physically failing or burning out, and having to deal with replacement parts and service- with the DDC suspension being so new and uncommon (though that will change- it's an option on the new S1000R naked bike and should be offered on the S1000RR as soon as the HP4 is discontinued) the techs might not have a handle on it yet.

I've read pretty much everything on the S1000RR forum, and I realize it's not terribly likely, but a friend recently had some issues with his BMW automobile, and it took forever to get it right.

I'm starting to think I'd be better off going with a Japanese literbike- the Kawi would be on the list. I believe the problem is that I've had too much time to think about it, and I'm starting to feel like dropping 1.4m + a couple hundred in accessories might be a little silly in light of the fact the bike is so much better than my skills, and maybe it's biting off more than I can chew.

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Kawasaki had huge problems a few years ago when the brought in the restricted model and sold it as top-spec- I don't think they have any plans to bring it in again in the near future- it's not coming in 2014 at any rate.

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RB gets US-spec ZX-10Rs, which are down about 20hp to the European version (due to emissions requirements) and require an ECU flash to bring them up to par. It's a nice bike, but holds no real interest for me as I already have a very similar electronics package in my 14R (which doesn't even approach the BMW system), and I want to try the current cutting edge.

I don't plan on riding on the track much- I brought up the DDC suspension (which is actually a major selling point for me) as I think it's the best current street suspension, in contrast to Italian superbikes, which tend to be built more for the track and less for the street.

The fact it's a very complicated bike is what has me concerned- I can see service possibly being a problem, and I'm still mulling it over.

56km/l on my MSX125 (which has amazed me).

No idea on the 14R- not a whole lot of km per liter, though- it's pretty thirsty.

will they be keeping the most important characteristics of an atmospheric engine: The linear power delivery?

My bike has a normally aspirated engine and the power delivery is anything but linear. Can't think of anything more dull than linear delivery. OK towing a caravan maybe, but not riding a bike for fun. Where is the yeeha, big grin factor?

My bike has extremely linear horsepower and (especially) torque delivery, and it's anything but dull. Non-linear delivery can make a bike feel fast if there's a big hit up top, but I'd rather have power throughout the range than have to approach redline before things really get going.

Offense? Are you kidding? This forum is for shooting the sh!t about bikes- I might react to some of your points with a counterpoint, but nothing you posted was in any way offensive.

I'm still mulling over the HP4- to me, it's the best current sportbike for the road (though probably not the track with the DDC suspension)- what's keeping me from a final decision is potential reliability issues- this is why I like Japanese bikes- they rarely give me trouble- in over twenty years of owning many, I've had so few problems it's tough for me to consider a switch.

No price yet, but it won't be cheap (or slow):