fm2002

Probably, but it's against the law. Your passport must be in your possession at all times while in Thailand and traveling between countries. To get the Visa they must put that sticker (Visa) in your passport in Vientiane. Which means you have to go to Vientiane and physically do the 'exit' and 'entry' thing.

Some foreigners have gotten in serious trouble by shipping their passports out of the country while they stayed in the country. At one time the Thai government was cracking down very hard on it with many foreigners sending their passports to Malaysia to get visa's.

Don't even consider it!

Just grin and bear it. TIT!

Think you but you mis understood my post. " I'm heading to Vientiane" meant I will travel to Vientiane. That said your statement about it being illegal I have read on TVF this may not be correct. As I recall the foreigners working on the oil rigs in Thailand get their Visas renewed w/o ever leaving. There was some other examples as well.

Hi

well in front of the Thai Embassy there are a few "visa agents" waiting for customers. Usually they are beside the street in a tent and they will

ask you.

For the service, they will charge you about THB 1000 toTHB 2000.

If you are coming late to the embassy, there will be a lot of people waiting for the visas. So the service is quite ok, because you don't have to

waste your time. Otherwise, if you do it by yourself, everythink would be free, as the visa is still free of charge.

You can pick up the passport the next day.

Cheers

Thanks. I know about the touts across the street (how can you miss them), but have never used them. Was thinking of a more established business perhaps with an office in Vientiane. Doesn't sound like there is such a place so will give the touts a try.

Heading to Vientiane tomorrow to get a double entry Thai tourist Visa. Been there many times to do this, but I guess I'm getting lazy. Was wondering if there's any agents that can do all the formalities for me ?

A friend of mine is visiting from Australia and has a friend who is involved with a bar called 5 Star Bar, but he doesn't know where it is. Anybody know it ?

Pulau Weh is a decent option, though it takes some work to get there. First you have to get to Banda Aceh, usually by air, but also possible overland from Medan, and then you take a ferry over to Weh. Part of the problem with the logistics is that Banda Aceh doesn't have an immigration service that can issue visas, so you either have to arrive at Medan, get your visa on arrival there, and then get to Banda Aceh to catch the ferry or you have to get your visa ahead of time in Bangkok at the Indon consulate there (takes 2.5 days) and present it at Banda Aceh when you land. I believe you can also get a visa (maybe even with a shorter wait time) at the Indon consulate at Penang, Malaysia, where you can hop on a plane to Banda Aceh.

An easier option would probably be Bali, though it's not exactly off the beaten path, it's also not high season there right now, so it won't be as crowded. They dive year round.

Thanks for your info. SInce I won't have time to get a Visa before I depart BKK. Could I fly to say KL and than fly to Medan where I could get my Visa on arrival ? Also how does one get from Medan to Banda Aceh ?

Hey Guys & Gals

Need to get out of Thailand no later than Monday and was thinking of doing some diving. Hoping you guys might have some recommendations. Here is the criteria;

1) Relative ease to get there (SE Asia)

2) Land based

3) good snorkeling during off diving times (for girlfriend just starting out)

Would like someplace new to me so this would have to be off the beaten path as I've been to most of the obvious places. One place I remembering reading about that might fit this criteria was Weh ???

Thanks

Posted on GT Riders a question about the procedures/forms needed to cross on a rented bike into Laos, but I've received no reply. Does anyone know where I might find this information ???

Biggest (though not necessarily best) bike rental chain in CM is Pop's. They have D-Trackers, KLX250s, ER6n's and Ninja 650Rs. Other good rental shops are Mr. Mechanic and Tony's Big Bike (no relation to me)

Are you hoping to take rented bikes into Laos? Rather tricky...

I've never seen anything other than scooters for rent in Mae Sot.

Happy Trails!

Tony

I am planning on taking rented bikes into Laos. Are you familiar with the procedures ? Assuming it's pretty straight forward, but have never done it ???

Guys,

Planning a ride with about 3 friends first of February starting Chiang Mai going into Laos and back. Will need to rent 4 bikes preferably D-Trackers or perhaps larger. Can someone point me to the best rental shop in CM to service all my needs ?

Also just got back from doing the MHS Loop, in my truck including Umphang. Will be going back to Umphang in 2 weeks. I plan on driving straight to MAe Sot than onto Umphang. There will be 2 trucks going so I was thinking of driving to Mae Sot throwing my gear in my buddies truck, than renting a bike and doing the drive to Umphang on a bike. Anyone know of a rental shop in Mae Sot ???

I have CAT 2.0mb package. Tested from Jomtien @ 0455hrs local time. This speed is typical for this time of morning. Will test again between 3-5pm and let's see ???

Beer Lao and San Miguel (made in PI) are great, but isn't Japan an ASEAN country ? If so Sapporo and Kirin Ichiban are great beers !

My mate is a motivated seller for a very clean 650GS with turatech everything, panniers, LOADS of extras..

More info please; year, miles, price & where is it located

Well I went down to Beach Road yesterday and rented the Kawasaki Er6n. I decided to take it out to Chonburi to Chonburi Superbike which entailed about a 100km ride on Sukhumvit returning on highway 7. So the ride was limited to paved good roads. As with any new Japanese bike there isn't much to say bad about it. The small things I didn't like were:

1) Comfort - for me it's not that comfortable. After sometime I'm sure my muscles would accommodate it better, but it seemed a reach to the bars and the seat angle didn't accommodate quick starts or stops for me or especially for my gf on the back. You could perhaps change the bars to bring them in closer. Bottomline - I couldn't see taking this bike on long haul rides

2) Wind Shield - it was windy yesterday, but I would definitely need to put a windshield on it. At speeds 100+ I definitely was being pushed around

3) Suspension - if you have read my post I'm looking for a bike I can also use on dirt. For this reason I believe the suspension is too stiff for this. Of course this bike is made for street so you would expect this.

4) Exhaust - from 0 -3500rpm the bike sounds and feels like a diesel flubbering up. It clears up after that, but what the heck ? I'm guessing it has something to do with that box at the bottom that I would say is a emission controller. Would get rid of that ASAP !

CAn't comment on how it handles on mountain roads or on dirt.

Guess now I'll try and test drive the BMW 650GS and see how it compares.

I rode a BMW R1150R 50,000 miles on and off-road around the U.S. and Canada before coming to Thailand a couple of years ago. I have felt lost here without a decent MC, but I cannot afford to pay the price for such a machine in LOS with the 100% plus mark-up for imports. I am not well versed in the motorcycle market here and do not know what is available without the 100%+ mark-up. The Kawa KLR 650 would be a dream machine here. Does Kawa have a plant in LOS, or will there be the 100% mark-up if the KLR becomes available? How can I keep tabs on whether it becomes available? If it does not become available what is available in a decent dual sport worthy of 3,000+ km rides? Is there anything manufactured here besides the toy bikes and the Tigers? Thanks for any assistance. It is time, and I need to learn about the MC market here.

Hi TongueThaied,

Kawasaki has a motorcycle plant in Rayong that produces the following:

Ninja 250R

KLX 250

D-Tracker (250)

KLR 650

ER6n

Ninja 650R

If I forgot any models I'm sure someone will add them.

All of the models listed above EXCEPT the KLR 650 are available here in Thailand at prices that are comparable to what we'd pay in the US. In other words, they are a REALLY GOOD DEAL compared to all of the imported bikes and their huge mark-ups.

Been hounding Kawasaki about the KLR 650 and they've said that they can't sell that bike in Thailand because it can't pass the strict Thai emissions test. Go figure, huh?!

BUT! Rumor has it that the 2010 KLR will meet Euro III emissions standards which means it SHOULD pass the Thai emissions test (which apparently is slightly different from the EURO III test)

So- keep your fingers crossed that we'll have the KLR 650 in Thailand soon! I'm sure the minute it becomes available you'll hear about it on dedicated motorcycle sites like the Golden Triangle Riders and Secret Soi Riders sites.

In the meantime I think I'm going to throw some enduro tires on my ER6n and see how it handles on dirt- should be fun!

Happy Trails!

Tony

About 4 years ago, I went on basically all the roads in Northern Laos (in buses mostly) and they weren't bad at all with the exception of the Huay Xai>Luang Nam Tha road. It was just a mud bog from one end to the other. Buses wouldn't even run it for good reason. We ended up paying some serious 4x4 Hilux' to take us. In any case, that road has been built by China over the last few years. When I did it, it took a minimum of 8 hours if everything went smooth but it often took 12 hours or more. I have met people that have done it more recently and they say its a fairly smooth 3 hour bus trip now. So it sounds like the North must be in reasonably good shape everywhere now. I don't know about the south at all though. ON GT-rider I am sure you can get all the details of the current condition though.

Just did the road from Chiang Khong to Luang Namtha. It's pretty good now taking 3 1/2 hours (although heard of a recent washout). No problem with a ER6n.

Can anybody give me directions to Chonburi Superbike. Heard they may have a selection of BMW bikes for sale, but I can't seem to find any contact info for them. I would be coming from Pattaya.

Thanks

Hi fm2002,

About the 2 F650GS I know for sale here in CNX, they are from 2007 (on the road on May and registered -green book- on October), have about 13000/15000 km on the clock, IMHO in good condition (but not mint) and ride well...

I choosed the red one in this time because:

1) I do wanted a red one,

2) I felt it was the best one though its 17500 km...

I'm not a fool to buy a red bike if I feel it is worse than the other black and titan blue ones...

The 3 bikes for sale:

2 or 3 weeks ago, I met the seller. The asking price is now 360 KB... maybe 350... The seller, Khun Jeerapab (Mrs) is a hard trader! She sticked to her prices with smiles. You have to smile and be "charming" too, and have solid arguments to get a bargain! If you want her phone number, please PM me...

Green books registered in BKK. No problem: I've done the change to CNX without any hassle: I will get my new plate/number next week! So just papers and some (long?) time...

If not actually done, front and rear tyres had to be changed (maybe 6000/8000 Bahts), rear sprocket too (maybe 1500 Bahts), and batteries were at the end of their life (maybe 2500/3500 Bahts)... Nothing broken, torn or missing... Good bikes IMHO. And I insist IMHO: what could be right for me could be wrong for you, and I/you understand that. I don't want any problem in the future because this or that! I just try to help if needed...

Cheers,

Gobs

Gobs,

Thanks for all your help. You give a number of the ladys secretary who is selling the bike on GT-Rider. Is this number correct ? It looks like I've narrowed it down to a used BMW 650GS or a new Kawasaki 650er6n. Will rent the Kawi soon here in Pattaya and see how it rides. Than maybe take a trip up to CNX to checkout the 2 BMW's. Wanted to ask you if there is a reputable shop up there that can check the bikes out for me ? I'm assuming she is currently renting them so perhaps I can rent them for a checkout ride.

Frank

This may help or just make your decision harder. I've been on a big percentage of roads in Laos and most were very good. I think you'll be very happy with your current bike and dual sport tires. I'm also considering the Er6n, but am trying to see if I can change the suspension to the Versys. Making it close to the BMX 650GS.

Never been to Cambodia on Bike, but heard the roads are unpredictable and can be very bad.

Hi guys,

I have been riding around on a BMW F650GS, 2003, 35k kms for about 2 years. Serviced and sold by Barcelona and with all papers. I will be moving away from Thailand soon, so if anyone is interested in a great and very reliable enduro/allroad let me know. Comes with BMW panniers and possibly a Zumo sold seperately. Bike is in BKK.

JR

Thanks for the offer, but am looking for something around year 2007.

The Versys is 6kg heavier than the Er6n, but the fuel tank holds 3 litres more fuel. The Versys has adjustable front suspension. And the frame/swing arm is slightly different. Not much between them, ay! But the price of a Versys in LOS would bite!

Any ideas if you were to change only the swing arm and support and front forks ??? Think you wouldn't have to change the other bits.

I think you said your budget is about 300,000 Baht, yes?

I'm surprised no one has mentioned the Kawasaki Versys-

Identical frame and engine as the Kawasaki Ninja 650R and ER6n, but dual sport suspension. Get the right tires and this baby just might fit the bill. Only problem is it's not made or sold in Thailand... Yet. Still, if you bought a brand new ER6n for 245,000 (or my used one for 200,000 ) I think you could probably import the bits needed to convert to Versys without too much difficulty.

All the guys up north are keeping their fingers crossed that some day Kawasaki will sell the KLR 650 in Thailand. It's made in Thailand and would be a great bike for touring SE Asia!

Ride On!

Tony

Hi Tony,

this is awesome....as you might remember i was still not convinced with the ER6-n fitting my purpose to 100%, as I really would like an Enduro type of bike...this would make it just perfect! A bit more legroom, upright riding position.

have you or anybody ever tried to put together such a kit for the Er6-n, to make it the Versys? At what cost?

I suppose Kwacker Thailand would not be helpful?

Cheers,

frank

I'd buy the Versys in a minute. I have heard rumors that Kawasaki will release to the Thai market all the bikes they currently manufacture in Thailand. Not sure the Versys is one of them, but we can only hope. In addition my friend last night told me about the import taxes going away at the beginning of the year. Hopefully this will add some affordable bikes to the market. Not sure I can wait ???

Hi fm,

Maybe good to go for an Africa Twin, fm, or as Bard mentionned for a Transalp (more modern) if there is one in Pat'...

Though BMW is extremely reliable, in remote SEA areas, it's easier to get sorted of some problem with Honda bikes (even more true for AT). Furthermore AT and Transalp are bulletproof bikes, IMHO as reliable as a BMW (but not same type of bikes), and if well prepared/cared no hassles on the trip...

And touring SEA is not the Dakkar race, is it? Unless you are going to ride in some real an deep "no man's land", you are going to "meet" (kind) people even if you are not aware of their presence...

In fact, no really matter the bike if well prepared and cared...

Just to say, fm2002: I'm the poster of the thread on GT-Rider you are talking of, and yes, I bought the red one and I'm very pleased with it: a fantastic bike IMHO!

The "seller" is a "high end" rental company in CNX that want to renew its bikes with more modern ones (maybe F800GS it was said to me...). Bikes were serviced in Barcelona (BMW) Chiang Mai where I was able to check service and maintenance sheets about these bikes from delivery: nothing "special"...

For the record, about half a year ago, I had the same dilemna you get now... Though I rode with great pleasure a Yamaha FZ6F, I was not able to get access to some areas (but no enduro or motocross!). After turning around and around in my mind, I decided to put some more money on the table and went for a recent F650GS as a second bike.

Why?

1) I checked many Africa Twin and was every time desapointed by price (up to 250 KB one 2001 nice bike in Pattaya!) or condition/care or "legality" of the green book... In this time I didn't find any Transalp...

2) After enjoying riding a lot of carb-bikes (here and back home before), I prefer now injected engines handling... My age or lazyer, don't know, but no hassles: you turn the key on, press the starter button and woom!, always start-and-go first time even if parked 2 weeks before...

2) Injected engines allow you to fill your tank with 91 or 95 or (near) whatever petrol AND gasohol (even it's not the best, but you can if necessary!). Usually, carb bikes are not so flexible...

3) Nowadays EFI (2004 and up for F650GS and many other brands) is absolutely reliable, efficient and a pleasure (for me) to ride...

4) F650GS is a "light" bike compared to AT or Transalp: it is like a bicycle in any situation. Very, very easy to handle and never can't be surprised or feared...

5) Though F650GS has an austrian Rotax/Bombardier engine and was made in Italy in a Aprilia factory, it is a BMW designed bike with the best and the worst you can expect from a BMW bike: made for heavy duty jobs, reliable and that inimitable (?) BMW designed touch... but some irritating details and very expensive spare parts (beware to choose a "perfect" 2nd hand one!)...

6) And many things more: comfort, sound, softness... but I'm not going to write a novel, here!

I don't say here "I get the best bike". Nooooooo! Rather peaceful (50 hp), safety and reliable, this F650GS just perfectly fits my needs and feels for "light" offroad... that, I'm aware of, may not be the same as others... Many, many very good but different bikes. When choosing you have just to quote it: "yes (or not), this one I feel it is MY bike"!

Well, all this only my 25 Satangs!

Good luck fm and tell us what you decide and why...

Gobs

I'm torn. I tell you a story. One afternoon about 2-3 years ago I'm sitting in a corner Indian restaurant in Pakse, Laos having lunch. While we are enjoying lunch a couple on a silver BMW bike rides up and stops. That was the first time I had seen the BMW bike that was made for both on road and off road. Not sure what size or what model, but I tell you I fell in love with that bike right than and there. At the same time I knew ( my friend had a road BMW back in the states ) that they were probably beyond my pay grade. Recently I have seen one parked on a few occasions just off Walking St. in Pattaya, a red one that I admire every time I see it. What to do ? I haven't even seen the Hondas' you mention up close yet and I'm sure there nice bikes, but I'm sure I'll always want the BMW.

Let me ask you a question. Why were the bikes you left behind and didn't buy inferior to the one you did ? Are they still there and if so what was the asking price ?

Thanks for all your input.

Frank

Since you're located in Pattaya go down to Motor zone in 3rd road he has one Transalp and 2 or 3 GS 650's there for sale with green book. Never asked the price but he is pretty resonable so it will be about 50k lower than what Red Baron would ask for them.

Anyway it was all there last week when I popped by, just a food for thought...

I'll go down tom. Where exactly on 3rd road is Motor Zone ? I am very familiar with 3rd road so you can maybe tell me a nearby well known business ?

Hi Thaifan2,

Yeah! Great idea!.. If fm2002 has some 1 MB to put on the board, no problem... although: not my cup of tea for riding in the mountain around Chiang Mai! I tried one: nice bike and this and that, but not a bicycle as the F650GS can be, well IMHO!

But on second hand market you can find some 1150GS for around 500 KB...

Oh, I forget: 2nd hand F650GS are in CNX...

Cheese!

Gobs

Hey Gobs. Saw your reply on GT, but as the Thread is receiving more interest here I'll reply here. As for my price range I would say 300,000 or less. Which would mean second hand for a BMW or new for other. To better explain my expected riding terrain. Let's say 40% roads like the loops north of Chiang Mai. I'm planning on a ride from Chiang Mai to Chiang Khon, Luang Namtha, Muang Sing, Pak Beng, forget the rest but re -enter Thailand at the border crossing north of Chiang Khon. Sounds like you may know this terrain. I would say 40% on terrain like this. The remaining 20% would be motorways & highways. I can do motorcross, but unless it's necessary won't be doing any of this.

On Gt Rider I read about 2 second hand BMW's for sale in CNX. There were 3, but the poster bought the Red one. I'm sure you are speaking of these same bikes. My major concern with second hand from a dealer is owner history. Was it owned by a conscientious person who takes great care or originally from a rental shop who is just offed it because of a problem ???

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated !

I would love to have the BMW, but Surfing Spleen makes a good point. I was recently on a ride in very remote Northern Vietnam where we were riding Russian Minsks. Now I know the BMW is not anything like the Minsk, but we broke down a few times and were always able to get it fixed w/o much delay.

I know the BMW is very very reliable but can you guys help me debate the tradeoff between being:

almost bulletproof w/o much remote support vs. more support (Honda) with a little less reliability.

A s/h BMW GS ,unless money is not a problem ,then a new one .

The BMW F650GS looks great, but the cost is a bit much. Any idea where to look for second hand ?