PattayaClub

Well i did about 500 miles ( Samut Prakarn to Chiang Mai) on my ER6N with stock seat so it can be done.

Of course it can be done!

Th question is, how bruised were your butt bones when you climb out of the saddle at the end of the day?

In search of "Iron Butt" awards..

I got a couple of them in the US some 9 years ago.

Think that could be done in Thailand.... Phuket to Chiang Rai 50cc of dirt...stamped by la migra?

By the way what do you like better for the long one.... CBR 650 F or the Er-n 6....better price on the honda of course, power lacks,, the Kawaii...seem fast..but to cruise..maybe not so comfortable.

Where in Thailand can you have a custom saddle made?

The problem is, you can't. Thais only focus on looks, never functionality. I included the vid to give an idea of how it is done -- the fitting process. I went through it at Rich's, but there are a lot of YouTubes and other stuff on the net about how to fit a seat. What I did was found a seat shop (in Chiangmai) that does beautiful work. I had him strip off my seat cover, then I went to work on the seat, resculpting it to fit my butt. When I had it as close as I could get it (even contact, no "hotspots"), I inset a piece of gel. Then I went back to the shop and had the guy cover the seat. He did a beautiful job, but no leather, unfortunately

I'll admit, it wasn't quite as fine as a Rich's seat, but I can go 7-8 hours in the saddle without my butt falling off. You have to do it yourself or you will never get a proper seat in Thailand. That's the deal. That the only deal.

And by the way, three hours on a stock ER6n seat and you are going to wish you were walking.

In search of "Iron Butt" awards..

I got a couple of them in the US some 9 years ago.

Think that could be done in Thailand.... Phuket to Chiang Rai 50cc of dirt...stamped by la migra?

By the way what do you like better for the long one.... CBR 650 F or the Er-n 6....better price on the honda of course, power lacks,, the Kawaii...seem fast..but to cruise..maybe not so comfortable.

I have theERn6, but no matter WHAT bike you have, long distance riding is all about the seat. The seat will make you or break you, and I have never sat on a stock seat on a long ride in my life that was worth a shit. As mentioned above, I rebuilt my ER seat. In the US, I had a seat on my Beemer made by Rich's Custom Seats in Seattle. It was like riding on a Laz-e-Boy. It was expensive, but worth every penny. I always used leather with Rich's Seats, but could not find it here, so I'm stuck with vinyl. I did not live in Seattle, I rode over 1,000 miles to get a Rich's eat.

http://www.richscustomseats.com/process

Here's a vid:

In search of "Iron Butt" awards..

I got a couple of them in the US some 9 years ago.

I was taking a bus from Phitsanulok to Khon Kaen a few years ago and noticed the driver with his feet up on the steering wheel clipping his toenails. At one point during the trip, the bus swerved hard and the driver hit the brakes throwing everybody forward. there was a collective gasp. I didn't see what happened.

The following week, the same bus crashed on that route, killing several. The bus passed a spirit house along Highway 12 just before it crashed. People blow their horns as they pass. The driver neglected to do so on this trip, according to the survivors. Many Thais theorized that this was the reason for the crash. I was relieved to learn that the crash was not caused by dangerous driving or equipment failure, although the driver WAS negligent for failing to toot his horn. The next time I take that trip, I'll bring along one of those marine horns that operates on a can of compressed gas so I can take care of the toot myself.

"... so I can take care of the toot myself."

The word "toot - "dtut - ตุ๊ด- " in Thai has an interesting meaning, similar to your avatar.,

Kind of you to point that out. Happy New Year!

I used to drink it in the US. It was made in California: http://www.beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/5605/11856/?ba=humanawho

http://www.redtruckbeer.com/redtruckbeer/limitedbeer.asp

Did somebody here steal the name? Who would do such a thing in this country?

If you want to take a trip, I know just such a breeder in Phitsanulok.

I was taking a bus from Phitsanulok to Khon Kaen a few years ago and noticed the driver with his feet up on the steering wheel clipping his toenails. At one point during the trip, the bus swerved hard and the driver hit the brakes throwing everybody forward. there was a collective gasp. I didn't see what happened.

The following week, the same bus crashed on that route, killing several. The bus passed a spirit house along Highway 12 just before it crashed. People blow their horns as they pass. The driver neglected to do so on this trip, according to the survivors. Many Thais theorized that this was the reason for the crash. I was relieved to learn that the crash was not caused by dangerous driving or equipment failure, although the driver WAS negligent for failing to toot his horn. The next time I take that trip, I'll bring along one of those marine horns that operates on a can of compressed gas so I can take care of the toot myself.

And for Bangkok Bank they have one capability that other Thai banks do not have and that is U.S. Automated Clearing House (ACH) receiving capability. ACH is the primary funds transfer network in the U.S. The ACH receiving capability allows low cost funds transfers to Thailand via routing through Bangkok Bank's New York branch...and you don't have to have an account with their NY branch as you simply use their ACH/ABA routing number and your local Bangkok Bank account number. The transfer is treated as a U.S. domestic transfer...allows most folks to avoid a pricey SWIFT fee, have monthly pension payments direct deposited to their Bangkok Bank account, etc. The ACH capability is a definite plus for U.S. folks.

Bangkok Bank also offer a similar facility for us Brits via their London Branch, which makes them number 1 in my eyes. Incidentally they are the fourth bank at which I have opened an account since moving here 7 years ago.

My least favourite is a toss-up between any of the previous 3: Krung Thai and Kasikorn for lax security procedures which enabled fraudsters to clone my debit cards and relieve my accounts of significant sums. And Ayudhya/Krungsri on account of their ATM which steadfastly refused to cough up any cash but still charged me for the withdrawal.

Regarding your Krungsri Bank statement, that brings back a nice memory. A new Krungsri branch opened in the mall I visit several times a week...the branch had brand new ATMs, Cash Deposit Machines (CDM), just ever thing brand new. While I have used Bangkok Bank CDMs probably around 50 times I had never tried a Krungsri CDM for my relatively new Krungsri Mee Tai Dai Savings account I opened at another branch. So I decided to give the Krungsri CDM a try with a 1000 baht note test. The CDM took the money fine but when I slide over to the Passbook Update Machine (PUM) right next to the CDM the PUM did not show the deposit I had just successfully made in the CDM. Waited a few minutes...tried again...same result...not showing the deposit.

So I take the receipt I got from the CDM, go into the branch, tell them the problem and the literally fall all over them selves in correcting the error. They got the 1000 baht deposit to show on my passbook through some manual updates they did on their computers. Went home and logged onto my Krungsri ibanking and it showed the correction. Next day the original 1000 baht deposit done in the CDM showed up also. I figured the 1000 baht correction they had did would fall off, but it's been way over a year and its still there. So effectively I got 1000 baht from Krungsri due to a slow update. I've used the same CDM again several times successfully and the PUM will immediately reflect the deposit also. Guess on that day the CDM deposit didn't immediately credit to my account their system was just slow in updating and once it did they didn't want to make a debit to take away the 1000 baht credit they had given me.

Before some TV apologist accuses you of dishonesty for not immediately returning the 1,000 baht, let me add that this is very reasonable compensation to you for the trouble you went through due to their faulty system.

If I were dishonest, on the other hand, I might suggest that you try to replicate the experience with 100,000 baht . . .

I have an ERn6. In the US I owned and toured with liter bikes for years. The 650cc is perfectly adequate. There is something about us that always thinks bigger is better. We always want the biggest and the best. In reality, that's not necessary.

I have toured all over Thailand and found the ER to be great. Unless you are trying to set speed records or racing with your friends, the 650 has all the power you could ever need or want. It also has parts and service all over the country. You get into some of the bigger bikes and you can forget about widespread parts and service -- especially service. Think about this long and hard if you plan extensive touring.

As is the case with any stock bike I have ever ridden (including my US BMW), the seat will need to be rebuilt. I have sat on many stock seats that felt like heaven in the first instance (e.g., my US BMW). But I have never ridden a stock seat that didn't bruise the butt bones after 4 hours in the saddle (e.g.,my US BMW).

If you get the seat rebuilt, you MUST participate. Seats are science, not art. I have never yet met a Thai that had any understanding of this. The seat, under the skin, must be sculpted to fit YOU. YOU need to do the sculpting. I also fitted a gel pad into the sculpted foam. A Thai will build you a beautiful seat of which you can be proud, but your butt will be broke after 4 hours in the saddle. Go to the seat shop and have the guy strip off the cover. Then you spend the day riding and sculpting until you get it exactly right. You don't want to feel any contact points; it should feel uniform throughout. After you are sure you have it right, take it back to the shop for the guy to make the cover.

You can find a lot of information if you spend 3 or 4 hours researching bike seats on the Internet. It will be time well spent.

I can ride my ERn6 8+ hours comfortably on my rebuilt seat.

By the way, I am 170cm tall. The ERn6 is fairly low and fits me well. If you are much taller, consider the Versys instead. It is considerably taller, and will be more comfortable for a taller person.

One more edit. For touring add a windscreen or yu will be beaten to death. I put a full height windscreen on mine and have protection from both wind and rain.

If you are unhappy with the color, for about 10,000 baht you can change all the colored parts. I changed mine from black to red.

Here is a picture of mine outfitted for touring:

Foreigners telling other foreigners how they ought to behave ...... you gotta laugh.

Especially as the foreigner doing the telling has only been here a month.

I'm betting OP wears white cheesecloth Buddha outfits every day and walks around wai-ing bar girls, wait staff, and other assorted lower orders.

What is the bet ?

Put your money where your mouth is, lay your cards on the table and tell me what the stake in this bet is .

I think he was just saying that you are a pussy. I'm bored to and cancelling automatic notification. Wow, too much.

Her friend may have been charged with a nefarious offence?

Her passport stamped on her only remaining page.

The police bribed her.

Molested her.

These are all vague unlikely but possible reasons for her non compliance.

She may simply be conducting a quiet protest against the current rulers .

It's nonetheless less most probable she had no reason.

But also not our business as a non Thaii.

Unless concerned for her safety .

I have told girls to put on a bra etc to help them avoid issues.

But the anthem?

No not my business.

It's akin to asking why a visitor to the states isn't placing hand to heart and/ or standing there to theirs.

It's not necessarily rude or ignorant.

A kiwi might rub noses but not expect you to.

I think if asked its more a sign of respect to comply .

Sports grounds and some events.

But it's not a big deal.

She may being female had other reasons .

She could have experienced some discomfort below at that instant.

Many westerners falsely feel they are custodians of Thai culture.

Simply put its always better to let the locals sort out the offenders .

A female westerner would be excused in most cases.

Thais value highly white skinned females .

She most likely meant no real malice and perhaps little was taken.

Certainly it's their pride being played out.

Not our business.

Personally I stand .

But would not choose to lecture anyone who didn't .

It's basically not our anthem or relevant unless at a cinema or sports event.

Then it's polite.

Market places or temples not so sure.

Again she had her reasons.

Move on

Frankly, it seems like the guy that started this thread is the only one that gives a damn about this minor an unremarkable incident. People should be left alone to make their own choices. I could imagine the guy that started this thing advocating that this woman be forced to enroll in an attitude adjustment session.

Thais NEVER stand up in a private setting. It's all just a show. So the farang woman is real. What's wrong with that?

I am talking about a public place were everyone else abides, you are talking about a private place where no one abides, . Two different situations

Well, you missed my drift. Since they do not do it in private, it's not in the heart. When they do it in public; it's only a show.

I have so many favorite banks! How can I choose just 1?

I've had an account with Bangkok Bank for about 15 years. Never had a problem and I like being able to transfer money in the US to their New York branch, but I'm not sure I'd use the word "favorite." Convenient for me and trouble-free, yes, but it's remained a fairly Platonic relationship rather than one of passion.

Too many fees.

Thais NEVER stand up in a private setting. It's all just a show. So the farang woman is real. What's wrong with that?

"What are the legalities of greywater disposal from a household property?"

Is this a joke? ​What country are you in??? In Thailand, a lot of people dump raw sewage. You're worried about gray water? 555.

I get great customer service at TMB (Thai Military Bank). And, like Bangkok Bank, TMB has an international branch -- only instead of New York, it's in the Cayman Islands. Hey, I wonder if that is where all the bonus money went from that Thai aircraft carrier that has no airplanes. Maybe it will receive the retirement bounty from the submarine purchase. Anyway, handy to have that Cayman Islands account for the unusually big money that sometimes comes to those who fight corruption.

I also very much like TMB's "no fee account." I can transfer money anywhere in the country with no fees.

I just got my 'Breville' coffee grinder from USA and I bought a 220 to 110/120 volt converter (300w) from Amorn Electric.

It works perfect!.

I don't think the 60Hz to 50Hz change affect it, because when I set it to 3 cups of coffee, it gives me exactly the needed amount of coffee ground.

It is completely correct accordingly to my "coffee measurement spoon".

The negative side was, I had to pay a lot in import tax.

The price for the grinder was 182 US$ (6,370 Baht) and I had to pay 2,542 Baht (40%) in tax.

I have imported a number of items (including a 20,000 Baht watch from Japan) before and always paid around 10% in tax.

PS! The Breville coffe grinder is designed and engineered in Australia, made in China, send to USA and finally delivered and used in Thailand. A long trip!.

I have imported 10's of thousands of dollars worth of stuff from the US (including a nice conical burr grinder) and never paid one baht in tax. You are not doing it right.

Would you enlighten all of us about "the right way"

Anybody that is interested and is willing to pm me and talk on the phone, I'd be happy to. I do nothing illegal, but in this strange political environment, there are some things I just do not want to write about.

I just got my 'Breville' coffee grinder from USA and I bought a 220 to 110/120 volt converter (300w) from Amorn Electric.

It works perfect!.

I don't think the 60Hz to 50Hz change affect it, because when I set it to 3 cups of coffee, it gives me exactly the needed amount of coffee ground.

It is completely correct accordingly to my "coffee measurement spoon".

The negative side was, I had to pay a lot in import tax.

The price for the grinder was 182 US$ (6,370 Baht) and I had to pay 2,542 Baht (40%) in tax.

I have imported a number of items (including a 20,000 Baht watch from Japan) before and always paid around 10% in tax.

PS! The Breville coffe grinder is designed and engineered in Australia, made in China, send to USA and finally delivered and used in Thailand. A long trip!.

I have imported 10's of thousands of dollars worth of stuff from the US (including a nice conical burr grinder) and never paid one baht in tax. You are not doing it right.

I went to the hardware store to buy some window film. I picked what I wanted & then asked for 2 mts. They had a cutting machine for this purpose & after about 10 minutes of trying to work it out the 15 staff who were there, walked away & left a girl to cut it with scissors. I just sat back & laughed. I then walked up put the roll in the machine & showed them how to use it. They all nodded politely & said we know how to use. It OK. Thais do not take a foreigner telling them how to do something well. They don't like it at all. So if such a simple task cannot be taught to a Thai then how the **** are engineers going to teach them how to maintain an plane or anythign else that is critical in the aviation industry.

Thai govt will hire an agency in Thailand who will hire another international agency who has the expertise, systems and experience to find the right people to do the job who will be hired on short term contracts. There may even be far more layers of bureaucratic hiring than that, agencies hiring agencies hiring agencies etc.

The whole thing will be very expensive, in fact far more expensive than it should be. The minister and senior civil servants who oversee the whole thing will get kickbacks. The taxpayer will foot the bill. Never let an opportunity for graft pass by.

Sounds like thew ay FEMA handled the Katrina reconstruction starting with its hiring of Haliburton as prime contractor.

Why should a Farang get pay more than a Thai He can learn a lot in Thailand

Because farang are experts and Thais typically know little but have Thai credentials.

I spray paint the exposed PVC mainly to block UV. A year on and the paint is fine. No prep work, just spray.

If Amazon ships it, you're gonna get hosed on taxes. A have Amazon ship it to somebody in the US or UK, then have that person ship it to you by post in a care package (with used books and cookies), and you'll fly under the radar.

What a joke! 300,000 subscribers??? The news letter gets sent to multiple email addresses owned by a single person, to dead and abandoned email addresses, etc. Although it is easy to get suspended by TV, it is almost impossible to get your name off the membership list, meaning a huge number of "members counted for advertising are either non-existent or non-active.

Oh so the sh1t left on your bum is disinfected? The gun never touches your arse anyway, plus if your worried about touching it with your hand, that's what soap and water are there for.

Stop being such a soft <o<k..

Do an experiment. Throw some mud on the wall in two places. Spray one patch off with the bum gun. Wipe the other one with some dry tissue. Which one came clean. Man, I wouldn't want to have your arse, Greenchair. Hey,maybe there's a reason your chair is green. Have you been eating lot of spinach?