fm2002

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 ?

Was recently up at Mityon on Sukhumvit Pattaya and saw the new Ninja 650's. Man I wanted to buy that bike right than and there. I decided to put some thought into it before making such a important investment. I would be doing about 70% on road and 30% off road. I would say 50% of my total driving would be in remote areas like Malaysia, Laos, Thailand and possibly Vietnam and Cambodia. So it has to be reliable and part availability friendly. Some of the time I would have my gf on the back.

Alright guys what bikes available in Thailand would be the best for me ???

Well I'm sure everybody remembers when the airport closed to protesters a few months back. Well I was one of many who had a ticket out. Mine was on Cebu Pacific to Clark, Philippines. As this was just a trip for fun I wasn't to disturbed when I couldn't go. Especially when they promised to return my full fare. Well it's been what 4 months and still no refund. Everytime I call I'm told still no money from Cebu please call back. Today they actually told me at least 2 more months. As Cebu doesn't have a company here in Thailand, but just agents there really isn't any recourse. Great prices, but if anything goes wrong or you have to make changes you better just forget it !

If you didn't this is one reason you should always pay with credit card even if a few dollars more.

I always do except, of course this time. My card had expired and was awaiting the replacement from my home country.

Well I'm sure everybody remembers when the airport closed to protesters a few months back. Well I was one of many who had a ticket out. Mine was on Cebu Pacific to Clark, Philippines. As this was just a trip for fun I wasn't to disturbed when I couldn't go. Especially when they promised to return my full fare. Well it's been what 4 months and still no refund. Everytime I call I'm told still no money from Cebu please call back. Today they actually told me at least 2 more months. As Cebu doesn't have a company here in Thailand, but just agents there really isn't any recourse. Great prices, but if anything goes wrong or you have to make changes you better just forget it !

As I wrote a few months back when the Yellow shirts were in charge of the airport. The core problem is lack of funding to educate the poor. If you educate the poor they will be smarter voters and thereby be represented by those that are truly acting in there best interest. This will lead to the poor blossoming into a middle class. A strong middle class is the sign of a working democracy. As it stands the Yellow or the Red leaders don't give a dam_n about the poor just controlling them and what better way to keep them under control than by keeping them ignorant.

Side note - I feel sorry for Thailand. What just happened at Royal Cliff must be an embarassment for Thailand. People from the outside and I hope inside Thailand will not look at this as a sign of democracy, but instead as a step back into third world status. I'm from the USA and believe in democracy, but in this case I wish the King was back in charge for only He demands the respect of the people in this country no matter how much money is involved !

i am not yellow or red

What horse manure. You are a Thaksin hater and not real big on telling the truth either!

Boy that sure is a leap of faith ! No affiliations here. Just stating fact and amazement what someone would endure for 500 baht.

I take no sides between Yellow or Red, but I know for a fact that people from Issan are being bused up here, given free food and 500 baht per day to join in the protest. What is hard to believe that they do all this for only 500 baht ! I live right next to where the Red Shirts are congregating in Pattaya (behind Big C soi 2) and it's basically a empty dirt lot where they setup floodlights and blare loud speaches and video all night long. It's almost George Orwell "Big Brother" like. There meant to eat, sleep (don't know how; I can't), and be brainwashed all right there. It's 5:30AM now. In about an hour the buses will start departing for Jomtien where without any sleep they will herd up in the hot weather all day. All for 500 baht

I'm very interested in how you plan on getting your vehicle in to Cambodia ??? All the research I've done says you need a permit which is very expensive $1700 USD 1-5 cars and takes 1 month. Unless you plan to roll the dice and pay off the border agents. Which IMO is very risky. Please let me know if I'm wrong.

To answer your question: other than taking the normal precautions I would recommend the device that locks to your steering wheel and a good alarm.

don't take it....is safest i guess.

In the process of building a house for my Tilac's Mom in That Phanom. Have decided on building it cost & materials. Have already negotiated labor cost and now want to source out materials. Compiling a materials list so my Tilac/Mom can take it around for quotes. There is very little in That Phanom to do this so I was thinking of Mukdahan or Nakhon Phanom. Anyone out there know of 3 or so places I could submit my materials list to for quotes ???

Thanks

I have to agree with bkkjames. IMO Thailand just doesn't have the proper climate to ever be able to produce wine worthy enough to put in a bottle. Perhaps a box or bulk for export. I grew up 30 minutes from Napa Valley and what makes Napa or any other good growing area is DRY heat at the proper temp to ripen up them grapes before picking. (Can you imagine what a humid rain would do to grapes right before harvest) Also with lots of quality water and dirt. I would agree with Jingthing if they could produce good wine, but I don't see it ever happening. It really is a case whereby the government is protecting a market with unrealistic potential expectations.

Thailand has to be the worse place I know of in the world if your a wine lover. This is why you'll find me every visa run in Vientiane enjoying great wine at duty free prices !

Well, I had some 8000k ones put on my Isuzu Gold Series truck. Just got back from a trip upcountry where you really need them. They worked great and much better than the ones that came with the truck. Installed, I think they were 9500 baht and come with a 1 year warranty.

You will get oncoming traffic flashing you as they will think you have your highbeams on. I do feel for them, but I have bad nightvision and when I have to drive at night they really work for me.

Need to find a professional Private Investigator to a locate the whereabouts of a Thai national. I believe this person lives in Bangkok. This has nothing to do with locating a bar girl, but instead for a legal issue. If you are qualified and can prove it please feel free to post or PM me directly.

You need to do your homework before starting any HRT regime. A very good start is here:

http://content.nejm.org/cgi/content/full/350/5/482

It should cover most of your concerns.

An acquaintance of Naam's became testy

On observing he'd grown rather chesty

While the hair on his head

Had visibly fled

His thorax was bountifully balled.

brilliant! nothing to improve... except perhaps removing an apostrophe i will however refrain to let him know about the limerick as he has become very touchy about being bald although it suits him.

by the way, no such thing like growing boobs happened to him. i think it's lack of testosterone that causes boobs on elderly males.

I travel every year to Northern Japan to do some snow skiing. My Thai GF would really like to experience snow and thought it would be great to bring her along this year. I have accessed the Japan Consular website and am fairly familiar on the requirements. That said I would rather find a Visa agency specializing in this. To be specific a Japanese owned or ran by Japanese company in Bangkok.

Anybody know of any such agencies ? There are so many Japanese in and around Sukhumvit that I'm sure need a service like this, but as I don't live in Bangkok it would be great to have a few names and locations before I drive down.

Actually there is a good detox spa connected to my gym located on Pattaya Nua Road, Pattaya. It's called Rasayana and the link is: http://www.rasayanaretreat.com/. They also have one in BKK. At times they even have a 2 for 1 for couples. How romantic

Got this from some research I got awhile back from a Thai based company who organizes motor caravans;

"Vietnam :costing for car permission 1200 USD per group/30 days for apply car permission."

Sounds interesting, I am thinking of going to Cambodia, any plans to go there?

Interested in any travel in and around SE Asia. Cambodia would be great, but as mentioned to do it legally you have have to purchase a permit costing 1700 USD 1-15 vehicles. Thought we could start a thread and see if there is enough interest ???

To all,

Just returned from Laos where I did 3000 k touring central and northern Laos in my truck. Had a great time, but was thinking how nice it would be if there were more along for the ride. In addition some countries like Cambodia, Vietnam and China the permit price makes it cost prohibitive for only 1 or 2 vehicles. This invitation or discussion is not limited to make or model, but those that have a car might want to think twice. For example Laos has great roads, but there is always that situation where your on a great rode and out of nowhere you hit a pothole that could house a buffalo and there goes your entire front end

To all,

Just returned from Laos where I did 3000 k touring central and northern Laos in my truck. Had a great time, but was thinking how nice it would be if there were more along for the ride. In addition some countries like Cambodia, Vietnam and China the permit price makes it cost prohibitive for only 1 or 2 vehicles. This invitation or discussion is not limited to make or model, but those that have a car might want to think twice. For example Laos has great roads, but there is always that situation where your on a great rode and out of nowhere you hit a pothole that could house a buffalo and there goes your entire front end