Overandout

In my opinion you should sell the bike and buy a decent one.

X2, I wouldn't have bought it in a 1st place...

Well, there is that, but at the end of the day it was cheap, and I was doing a mate a favour by taking it off his hands when he left (I just didn't appreciate exactly how much of a favour....)

In my opinion you should sell the bike and buy a decent one.

My head tells me you're right, but my heart tells me that that's the boring way out.

I guess depending on your initial cost but for a replacement you won't get much in the way of a decent bike for under 10,000 baht even if Claire buys old Honda Tenas for 4500!

So even if you spent 10,000 on it you would still have a reasonably decent bike and would always get the 10,000 back.

If 10,000 is a reasonable estimate of outlay then I think it would be worth it. But I'd need to take my time, do it properly and completely and that means buying another bike to get to work on in the mean time.

I just know that when I start taking it apart its going to be riddled with snapped or cross threaded bolts and tiger seal and sawdust type repairs which my OCD character traits won't allow me to ignore !

You didn't say how many miles were on it, but it does sound quite neglected. Take it to a good Honda bike shop and see what they recommend. Getting a bike to decent condition is not usually a very expensive affair in Thailand. Or, trade it on on something heaftier!

The clocks say 14k kms, the condition screams out 114k.....

Thanks KR, for your constructive information.

In general I don't trust any mechanics to work on my motorbikes and I have always done my own maintenance and repairs (when I lived in the UK I was too poor to pay for good mechanics rates and then I moved to Spain where all the decent mechanics work for race teams and those left in high street garages are dangerous rip off merchants) so I won't be considering taking the bike anywhere for anything other than very specialist repairs such as alternator rewinding and tyre plugging which can't be done at home.

Anyway I comment on your specific comments....

Quote:

So I've been on the road now for a few weeks using a CBR150 carb model that I bought quite cheaply from a colleague who has left Thailand.

Trouble is the bike sucks. I'll list a few of the issues to give you a feel of where I'm at:

Engine:

Sounds like a two stroke with piston slap when warm. Not sure yet if its a cam chain issue, cams themselves or worse....

When revved over about 5k rpm it has a rather pronounced vibration (could be that its just my perception as I've never had a 4 stroke single before, but the engine doesn't feel very happy)

cam chain tensioner needs replacing 650 baht, probably that's it but I'm wondering if I should strip the engine or at least the head to be sure before spnding out on any parts. that bike vibrates, but does much better with the cat removed. don't think I've got a cat, not on a carb engine surely? The air and idle control probably needs some tweaking too. The carb needle should probably be replaced by now also, when it gets worn it snacks back and forth causing vibration do to inconsistent mixture 200 baht. If the carb is like the rest of the bike it probably needs a complete overhaul!

I'm not sure how much power a CBR150 is supposed to make but I'm guessing that mine is way down.

On a positive note, there's no oil leaking out of it (perhaps there's none in there....) and the gears select OK

They arent very strong bikes, but they can be made to be more responsive. With better acceleration with additional top speed Tsukigi down tube 800 baht, reinforced welds fro somchai 200 baht. Sounds good, but I'm a long way off increasing performance at the moment.. what welds do you mean to be reinforced? The ones on the Tsukigi down tube?

Clutch judders while pulling away.

Tighten the clutch cable at the engine, if there is room left for adjustment. Change the oil and lubricate the chain also. I'm honestly at the point of wondering if its even worth doing routine maintenance but I suppose you're right, I should.

If the clutch is about to be completely worn out, you may want to consider getting rid of the bike. 2000ish baht. I'm not against spending money on it, I just can't decide if I want to or not.....

Front end:

Front tyre has a slow puncture, needs inflating once a week.

Fix tire with plug, or get the valve stem checked to make sure the valve is not loose,new valve stem 120 baht. I already took it to a bike shop who just denied it was losing pressure (I think they just couldn't be bothered to look for the leak).

Steering bearings are suspect

Both fork seals are blown and leaking oil down the stanchions

If it knocks when you brake hard or go over bumps, steering head bearings are bad. Big job to change head bearings 700 baht, and no one will want to touch it. ? Steering bearings a big job? I did mine on my RGV in a morning and that included converting an old screwdriver into a suitable prybar to remove the old races without damaging the frame.

leaking forks are only a problem if you ride hard, or are extra heavy weight...average rider wouldnt know the difference. I disagree, forks used when all the oil has gone will score an wear the insides of the sliding lowers and will have to be replaced, happened to me on a GPZ600 I bought cheap years ago.

Brake seems to be OK though.

Rear end:

Seems to be wobbly, suspect that swing arm bearings/bushes are shot.

Could be the wheel bearings, but its probably an underinflated cheapest possible tire, or there may have been an innertube used that is not the correct size (oem is suppose to be tubeless)..new tire 800 baht size 100/70-17. (irc oem) Tyre presuure is OK, haven't checked the wheel bearings......

Damper doesn't damp, it pogos.

If your frame is black it can be adjusted, if your frame is grey it cannot. New shock 800 baht. It springs back up violently, I doubt adjustment can save it, but I do have a black frame (that could be dirt and grime though...)

Rear brake is squeaky and grabby, probably been used for years with brake shoes with no friction material left on them.

if its squeaky you have brake material, if its grinding you dont. If its grabby its the incorrect mastercylinder. Brake pads 150 baht. See my comment above about routine maintenance....

Electrics:

No lights in the cluster means I can't see how fast (slow) I'm going at night (at least the engine tells me what revs I'm at by the frequency of the vibrations and rattling noises)

Dash light bulbs are probably out, but if not the wiring harness may be unplugged. Bulbs 50 baht. You're probably right but I'm losing the will to invest my time in a bike I may always hate.

When I select main beam, the main and dipped beams come on but at about 1/3 power, like 2 candles in empty bean cans.

Battery is good though and it always starts.

Headlights have always sucked, they run off the alternator, you can improve it a little by using Osram bulbs, but it will eventually melt the harness. Live witht he sorry headlights, no way around it, unless you install projectors. Well, at least I'm not in danger of dazzling any oncoming traffic....

Other anciliaries:

The mirrors are replacement chinese crap bolted to the bars instead of the fairing, they wobble around and are next to useless.

put the mirrors in place and drip super glue at the ball joint. 25 baht Bodger! I'm thinking a nice set of brand new mirrors (if I decide to save the mule from the knackers yard)

The red filters for the tail light under the clear persepx cover have fallen off and are rattling around inside the light unit.

take tailight off and reinstall the red lights securing them with glue, its a common fault. 25 baht plus 100 baht labor from somchai. Easy fix, lack of will power.....

Footpeg rubbers are worn through to the metal and droop down.

Get new pegs. Easy fix, lack of will power.....

Passenger footpegs won't stay folded up.

install washers 20 baht Easy fix, lack of will power.....

Cosmetics:

The fairings are all there and in one piece, but the original decals have been removed and in general it looks tatty.

New decal pack is 350 baht This would be last thing on the list and TBH if I get the mechanics sorted I maight treat it to a Marquez replica paint job (complete with scrape marks from the contact with Dani's bike).

So to summarize, I hate it and need to make a decision from the following options:

1: Take it off the road, buy a cheap scooter to get about on temporarily, and fully restore the Honda to its original glorious state.

2: Cut my losses, sell it and buy something else.

3: Buy something else decent to use as a daily hack and turn the CBR into a project bike (possible drag style special?)

Any comments, be they serious, helpful, constructive, derogatory, insulting or amusing will be welcomed, considered and possibly discarded.

I'd be interested to know what the 450k repairs were....

I would expect that a Panigale comes standard with Marchesini wheels which won't have taken kindly to being hit square on by 1000kg of steel at even a low speed and with the impact cushioned by a tyre.

Also I would question the chassis' resistance to that kind of impact, particulalry the swing arm and pivot area of the frame / engine casing. At this level of design everthing is minimised to resist only design forces transmitted by "normal" use of the bike, this doesn't usually include being rear ended by a car!

If it were my Panigale I'd be extremely worried about just having new plastics and paint without some kind of structural alignment checks being done.

So I've been on the road now for a few weeks using a CBR150 carb model that I bought quite cheaply from a colleague who has left Thailand.

Trouble is the bike sucks. I'll list a few of the issues to give you a feel of where I'm at:

Engine:

Sounds like a two stroke with piston slap when warm. Not sure yet if its a cam chain issue, cams themselves or worse....

When revved over about 5k rpm it has a rather pronounced vibration (could be that its just my perception as I've never had a 4 stroke single before, but the engine doesn't feel very happy)

I'm not sure how much power a CBR150 is supposed to make but I'm guessing that mine is way down.

On a positive note, there's no oil leaking out of it (perhaps there's none in there....) and the gears select OK

Clutch judders while pulling away.

Front end:

Front tyre has a slow puncture, needs inflating once a week.

Steering bearings are suspect

Both fork seals are blown and leaking oil down the stanchions

Brake seems to be OK though.

Rear end:

Seems to be wobbly, suspect that swing arm bearings/bushes are shot.

Damper doesn't damp, it pogos.

Rear brake is squeaky and grabby, probably been used for years with brake shoes with no friction material left on them.

Electrics:

No lights in the cluster means I can't see how fast (slow) I'm going at night (at least the engine tells me what revs I'm at by the frequency of the vibrations and rattling noises)

When I select main beam, the main and dipped beams come on but at about 1/3 power, like 2 candles in empty bean cans.

Battery is good though and it always starts.

Other anciliaries:

The mirrors are replacement chinese crap bolted to the bars instead of the fairing, they wobble around and are next to useless.

The red filters for the tail light under the clear persepx cover have fallen off and are rattling around inside the light unit.

Footpeg rubbers are worn through to the metal and droop down.

Passenger footpegs won't stay folded up.

Cosmetics:

The fairings are all there and in one piece, but the original decals have been removed and in general it looks tatty.

So to summarize, I hate it and need to make a decision from the following options:

1: Take it off the road, buy a cheap scooter to get about on temporarily, and fully restore the Honda to its original glorious state.

2: Cut my losses, sell it and buy something else.

3: Buy something else decent to use as a daily hack and turn the CBR into a project bike (possible drag style special?)

Any comments, be they serious, helpful, constructive, derogatory, insulting or amusing will be welcomed, considered and possibly discarded.

If I were a judge in this case I don't think I would class this as one of my most difficult days at the office.....

If only one of these ·bikers" is lying in hospital paralysed then I'd say that they got off fairly lightly.

2014 Yamaha color scheme for the R1 & R6

I think they should have gone more blue white like their MotoGP bikes

Not nice... what were they thinking?

Dear Roger Wilco,

No rush the bike has been waiting since February. I am procrastinating as usual. I know one cylinder is low but which one? Thought it might be another excuse for someone to have a beer and a chat and as that person owns a compression tester...

Beer is good, chatting is also good.

Procrastination is the thief of time, but at least it doesn't make you go blind. *

(* Performance Bikes Magazine circa 1993)

Hi VocalNeal,

I'm still arranging my life in BKK (been here a few weeks) but as of next week I hould be living near Thong Lo BTS and my stuff arrives on the boat during this week.

Amongst my stuff are all my tools, compresion tester included. So if you can wait a week I can lend it to you.

Thanks for all the responses and interesting debate about the green book.

I have been told that no Thai people carry the green book with them, just a copy and that was by a lawyer, but I didn't ask her to justify that with a legal reference....

Back to my own tragedy.... I went to pick up the bike yesterday from where the last owner left it. 3 original keys waiting and it started 2nd time ! All good !

Until I realised that the front tyre was totally flat.... I have no pump (all my tools are on a boat somewhere), so for the time being I have left it where it is.

So now I need to find out if the tyre is punctured (probable) and how to get it recovered to a shop for repair.... the saga will continue.

So...

Asking around my office about where to go to get the inspection done so as to be able to pay the tax, a Thai colleague says "ah you don't want to be messing round with long buraucratic processes, I can make a call and get the inspection done, tax paid and green book transfered into your name for 2500 baht.... just bring the bike here so they can take the frame and engine numbers and pay the guy. In 2 days you get the tax sticker, and all the docs in your name.....

Seems expensive (and possibly a bit of a "Thai" way) to do things though.... so as I am a new comer and very green in these matters... what's the general forum consensus... pay for the "easy way" or try to do it myself?

OK so I have my licence !!

Also got my car licence at the same time. No driving test required, just the 4 simple colour blindness / reaction / dexterity and peripheral vision tests, all done in 90 minutes.

BUT, I asked about my green book and what I needed to do for the transfer and was told that the tax hasn't been paid for 2012 or 2013... but that should only be a few hundred baht. Also I seem to need some kind of inspection / MoT test done and to pay the compulsory insurance, all before I can get the green book in my name...

I was told that there are shops that can do all this for me, but not all bike shops. Can anyone recommend a place in Bangkok (Sukhumvit or Rama IV area) ?

Seriously, if the product really is called "Ventz" with a Z, I'd refuse to buy it on principle

Also I'm missing a gear lever.

World fastest vespa.jpg

If he's done it "properly" it would have the shift still attached to the handlebar, that would be for extra cool points of course.

_{OK, so that's all my doubts answered. Thanks a lot to all.}

_{I'll go ahead with translating the Spanish license now that I've requested it from the embassy and get myself mobile next week hopefully!}

_{I'm getting withdrawl symptoms already, I haven't ridden a motorbike since 24th July, exactly one month...}

Thanks for the clarifications.

I'll be glad if I only have to do the eye and reflex tests.

And yes, I do have the green book for the bike, in the last owner's name. I also have a power of attorney and copies of his documents and I have a blue book work permit, so I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can transfer the green book into my name without too much hassle.

I'll let you all know how I get on.

Gracias por el recibimiento!!!

Is it wise to roll up to the DLT riding a bike that legally I shouldn't be riding?

(Obviously there are thousands of people riding round illegally but... two wrongs and all that.....)

As this is my first post on the forums I thought I'd start here, amongst the bikers...

Just arrived in Bangkok this month from Madrid (lived there for 9 years) and have bought an ex-colleague's CBR 150 to get about on. (I think I need to get an apartment to be able to transfer it into my name though).

I'm trying to convince myself that it's a sensible choice for Bangkok, but in reality I know I'm going to hate it after owning a GSXR 750 (well two really) for the last 12 years.

So tomorrow I'm going to the Spanish embassy to try to convince them to certify a translation of my driving licence so that I can try to get a Thai one.

I'm assuming (from a lack of information to the contrary) that a bike licence in Thailand is not graded by any size / bhp restrictions, i.e. I can take my test on whatever mule the test centre has and go out and ride a Hayabusa right?

Also, any advice on insurance? where to go, how much to pay and the like?

Sorry if I'm repeating the same old newbies' questions but I've been reading search results from this fórum for an hour already!