Regarding the mushrooms issue, I just wrote this in other forum:
Set a traceability.

You can only harvest in the land/forest with a specific government license for that land.

Every day when leaving the land/forest you should report to the officer who weights it and put data in the system - not paper. In addition, put them in a sealed traceable container.

If police catch you with mushrooms without the corresponding daily reports or not in a sealed container or with a seal-broke container, they are confiscated and fine of 100K

To be able to sell in the market or to export you should show the receipts, the sealed container and that be cross checked versus data in the system. If you try to sell/export more than the registered weight or without the sealed container, confiscated and fine 100-300K.

In addition, checkpoints in the access to the burt lands/forests. If catch with mushrooms from there fine 500K and prison.

In my country they're doing something similar since a few years ago, and they've significantly reduced the mushroom mafias.

For the daily commute I wear a 1200฿ open faced one, so I'm comfortable leaving it hanging on the mirror.

But every time I'm going to ride faster than 60Km/h I wear my full face HJC, EU approved bought here at fair price at 5200฿.

A 500฿ one is just a piece of plastic to avoid fines.

I use a raincoat + rain overtrousers from Decathlon. The ones used for trekking.

You had better make sure that the Doctor gives you a quick vision test and asks a few questions because at the DLT if you show up with one of those 50B certificates you will be told its no good. They changed this last year and now you need to go and get the proper certificate, I got mine at C.M Ram Health Center for 300B. Height, weight, Blood Pressure, Temperature, Vison Test and General Health questions before the Doctor would issue a certificate .

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For looking for online take a look at Kaidee Mocy, here's a link for Clicks in Chiang Mai: https://www.kaidee.com/c12a1826p1-motorcycle-motorcycle-click/chiangmai/ be warned that some ads in Kadee are not private vendors but proper shops.

Regarding the Green book, you need it to transfer bike to your name. Just reject any bike without green book in the name of the seller.

Darwin in action: those body parts not being used tend to disappear.

This morning I was looking to the mirror in the motorbike in front of me, to be sure she did see me; then she actually looked at the her properly set mirror! Was awesome! I had to double check she's Thai people.

I usually ride in the middle of the left half of the lane. That way avoid the random pick up/waves with cart/buffalo pulling from the side roads without even looking, while can move to any side in case of obstacles and use the clean part of the lane, avoiding to ride over the painted arrows etc.

In one lane twisty roads just don't ride in the right half of the lane: it's sad to not be able to use all the lane for a clean way, but half of the pickup/van drivers love to cut every right corner invading the opposite lane - and the other half of them drive too fast so invade the opposite lane when turning left.

Well, in Phuket they require you to do the TM30 before you can get a certificate of residence, that's why I mentioned it. You are correct in that it's not for the residency cert but you need to do it anyways to get the cert [emoji846]
 
Maybe the OP did the TM30 already, maybe his landlord did. But chances are that it might be not the case. It's a relatively new enforcement.
 
One more thing for the OP: if you want to get a license then maybe you want to also buy a bike on your name. If so, better get 2 residency certs at the same time. One for the DLT to get the license and one to get the bike registered on your name.

aremesal: good post! One thing to add: If the CM immigration is anything like the Phuket one, then they ask for a bit more recently when you want a residency cert from them. The contract has to be signed in blue (not black), one needs a copy of the ID card of the house/condo owner as well as a PoA that authorizes you to register yourself on their behalf. They also asked me for a copy of the house book. Alternatively one can bring the landlord in person to immigration. As I see CM Immigration seems to ask for a 1000 THB "fee", maybe they are more lenient in that regard?

If you want to do the TM30 in behalf of the owner then yes, you need all the things you said - or go with the landlord.

But for the residence certificate you only need the (copy of) contract, photo, and copies of passport. Here in Chiang Mai they enforce the TM30 so they ask you to have it properly done *before* applying for the certificate.

Here they ask for 1000฿ for the next day certificate, or free if you can wait 5-6 weeks [emoji34]

Maybe it has changed, the last residence certificate I get was last November...

Last year I decided to get the Thai license - if I plan to live for a long time here, the IDP is only valid for the first 3 months according to Thai laws and the IDP from my country is only valid for one year, so it's not a good option for the long term. I took all the tests as I didn't have the IDP at that time.

First the paperwork:

- Residence certificate: go to Inmigration, go by the stairs at the right of the building. It's first or second floor, just ask for the certificate. You need a copy of your contract and copy of the TM30, as well as copies of your passport and photo. Just ask the staff "I need it for tomorrow" and they'll ask you for the 1000฿ and give you a "receipt" for pick up next day.

- Medical certificate: you can do it in any clinic. Depending on the fancy it could be between 100 and 500฿. Any small clinic - I mean, any just-a-man-behind-a-counter clinic can do it. It's a matter of 10 minutes.

- Standard copies of your passport, etc. Photos not needed. Bring your actual passport too.

Go to the Land Trasport Office at 8am or earlier:

-it's in the Hang Dong Road, going south, opposite the airport and before the Big C. It's easy to spot, just ride and when you see the big "Always wear helmet" sign, go inside.

- In the building go to the first floor, reception/information desk, ask for the driving license and give them all the paperwork; they will check and send you to the #20some counter where an English speaking staff will check again, keep everything and give you a number.

- They will call everyone for the blind and reaction test, just follow the people. The blind test you can say the colors in English or Thai. If you can walk in the street without killing yourself, you'll pass it.

- Then, go to the #1 room for the training. The training is a 5 hours video + explanations in Thai. Some of the videos are subtitled to English. The instructor will give you a "book" with all the Traffic Act, the signs, etc. so you can study while the only language is Thai. There's a break for lunch and eventually they'll return the passport to you.

- After finish the training they ask who is going to take the test next day. Memorize your number and go home.

The theory test is pretty easy, if you have a license back home. But somethings are a bit different from the western countries so if you want to "study" you can do this tests a couple of times: http://thaidriving.info/

I did it 3-4 times, and get a 50/50 in the test. But as said, it's pretty easy. My thai gf had only car license since 20 years ago, and last month decided to take the test for the bike license, she didn't "study" one minute and get a 49/50, so don't be worry about it, it's easy.

Second day:

- go early and go to the last room, marked as "Test room". Say your number from yesterday and they will give you a card. With that card you can sit in a machine, put the card inside and take the test. The test is 50 questions, you can fail up to 4 if I remember well. It's in some different languages (Thai, Chinese, English, and some more) and it's pretty obvious to use. You can go fordward and back until finish. When finish the machine will tell you your score, take the card and go to the desk, they'll check again and print the result for you, you have to keep that paper with you for the driving test.

- Go for lunch

- Driving test: go to the test area and wait to be called - just follow all the people. They'll briefly explain the circuit, then go to your bike, put the helmet and follow the people to do the test. If you can ride a motorcycle you can pass the test without any issue, it's pretty simple: ride, stop, turn right, stop, turn left, small hill, easy slalom, ride on a 15m long 20cm wide curb, stop before the line, you're done. After that wait in the area of "test passed". Remember 3 things: always use the turn indicator, always put both feet on the ground when stopping, and wear your helmet all the time - even when you're not riding - until you have the papers with you.

- When they return you the papers stating you passed, you can go to the main building, and is in this moment when you can put off your helmet. Go again to the information desk and they'll give you a number.

- Wait for the number to be called, go to the desk, pay the tax (105฿ if I remember well) and go inside near the 3 photo booths, wait again for your number.

- When your number is called go to the booth, they'll take a photo and print the license in a couple of minutes. You can buy a plastic envelope for the license, 10฿

And you're done, congrats, now you have a 2-years license ???? 

Yeah it will be Chiang Mai.
 
cheers

I don't know apartments in Santhitham but if you can't walk a mere 2Km a day, I think you're doing something wrong with your fitness - even going to the gym in a daily basis...

Usually the only tricky thing is to get a residence certificate because some provinces require more than 30 days left in your permission of stay. If you have more than 30 days then you can do it without any hassle just take a couple of days and is pretty easy to pass.

I can give you advice regarding Chiang Mai, but you still didn't say where are you...

I believe the Benelli 500 is a good bike and it gets some good reviews worldwide so there certainly don't seem to be too many quality concerns as of yet
 
The biggy for the Op though in my opinion would be lack of ABS, realise that's a bit marmite but honestly would anybody choose to use a car without ABS nowadays?
 
Personally anything that marginally helps when learning or participating in death race Thailand can only be a good thing...
 
CBX or MT03 would be top of my list as both are comfortable and pretty upright with about the same power i.e plenty for starting out and having a bit of fun...

Have a look at the Benelli Leoncino 500. I think it fits your requirements and you might like it. It's easy to ride, enough horsepower and plenty of torque.
I have one and love it.

OP we are dying to know your current bike's name and model, do tell, not just it's 200cc...! ? 
 
Also I suggest trying Yamaha Xmax 300cc, in traffic you will be laughing at the guys messing around with their gears and clutch, and on the road you will love the comfort....Okay , not the power of 500cc, but would you go faster than 140km/hr on Thai roads....! Acceleration is also good, I have seen the guys go off the light pretty fast...
You never regret an automatic and space to put your helmet and a lot more, and plenty money left for accessories....[emoji16]

If you decide on the X, I would set aside 20,000THB for suspension modifications, steel front brake line and a day or 2 training at a Honda training centre. The rear shock has no real rebound damping and is sprung for a 50kg person. Personally if I didn't have the extra cash for a new bike + suspension, I'd buy a low KM second hand model and then get the suspension done.
 
In fact, if you are more road based, I'd buy a second hand model anyway. They have  a 17 inch front wheel which will be better for road use. You also get better choice of affordable quality tyres at 17 inch as opposed to 19 inch.
 
The above suits me. It may not suit you and besides you may still want the Rebel 500. Also, don't worry about the Rebel having less power than the Vulcan. 40 + HP is going to be fine.
 
All the best with what you decide. Let us know the the outcome.
 

The X is totally different from the R. The R for my size has something like a 13 degree forward lean angle. The X has a completely upright 0 degree. I would assume the same for the Rebel. Give it a try. The CB500X has the advantage of bigger suspension travel and a bit of wind protection. Plus better options to mount luggage and to take a pillion if you want to. I think this website might give you a good idea: http://cycle-ergo.com/
Enter both bikes, your measurements and switch between the two to see the difference. Unfortunately I don't think they have the Rebel.

The Honda CB500-X could also be a good option, ideal for Thai road surfaces, not too powerful for a novice, very reliable engine, super comfortable seat, slipper-clutch, excellent fuel consumption (although you’ll need to use ‘95, it won’t like ‘91), the 2019 model has a 19 inch front wheel to deal with the potholes, LED lights..... this bike is ideal for someone like you (and me)..... 220,000 baht, the finance that Honda offers is only about 20,000 interest over 4 years or something.... easy.

21 hours ago, Kenny202 said:

I found a sports bike too hot sitting at traffic lights etc around the city. I swapped my CBR for a Forza and never looked back. May look like a grandpa bike but great comfortable all rounder with tons of storage. Probably as fast as a CBR300 and great tourer too

When I tried it yesterday it feels more maneuverable than my current one, I could move it in small spaces better than mine, so I think it's OK for Chiang Mai ????

21 hours ago, Farangwithaplan said:

It is the same engine that is found in the CB500X, F and R models. It is under stressed and has a counter-balancer to keep it feeling smooth.

 

The Rebel may have slightly different cam timings but if you don't find the engine characteristics to your liking, a simple front or rear sprocket change will dial it in for you.

 

My CB500X is no powerhouse but does it's job without fuss. Can lift the front wheel or get it a little light with my large frame when accelerating hard in first. Will lift the front wheel without issue with a tweak of the clutch.

 

There are not too many issues noted with the engine and from memory, my cam shims were only just out of tolerance on last inspection so I expect this to be a long lived engine if filters and semi synthetic oil is run in them. I have just under 50K on mine with 49k of those put on it by me. Clutch is still good and I give it a hard time during some moments.

 

You will the power welcome coming from the bike you have now, but this is no powerhouse. But is is very rideable and livable. If you have any specific questions, fell free to shoot me a PM and I'll answer them if I can. Enjoy the new bike.

 

Kawasaki make a 650 in the same cruiser style form as the Rebel. It has a much stronger engine. A guy at the office has one and it has not had an issue in 60k. Not sure on the price difference though I expect it will be more costly than the Rebel.

 

 

 

I tested the CB too, the R, and to be honest it didn't delighted me. The gearbox is softer than the one in the Rebel and the instruments are more comprehensive, but the riding position didn't impress me. I haven't tested the X or the F tho... maybe I should test the X or F too, maybe they're different from the R.

Regarding the power, my current is just 17HP so the Rebel's 40some would be a nice improvement ????

20 hours ago, thaiguzzi said:

What about the Rebel 500?

What about it?

Fugly as sin.

Yeah, it says Honda on the tank...

Yes, I read your comments in the thread about the Rebels 2 or 3 years ago ????

The thing is that maybe I have not good taste, but I DO like it xD

20 hours ago, DILLIGAD said:

And it’s heavy when compared to its power.


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As said before, my current bike is a mere 17HP and 160Kg, so the 40some and just under 200Kg would be a great difference for me ????

19 hours ago, lemonjelly said:

Kawasaki Vulcan S, 650cc, bit more expensive but getting amazing reviews.

I was reading about it too. Maybe I feel it's a bit too much for me, remember than I'm a total novice and I prefer to go step by step. In addition, the Vulcan S looks to me like longer so not so easy to ride in the city/traffic jam; maybe I can try to find a dealer in which I can test ride the Vulcan.

19 hours ago, eisfeld said:

Top candidate for the ugliest cruiser in production. The engine is very docile. From the looks I think the Vulcan S is much much nicer. That engine also performs a lot better. Both sound like <deleted> though. Kawa really missed the boat here by not putting a 270 degree crank in it to mimic a V-Twin like e.g. Triumph does.

 

The Honda 500 engine is rock solid. I've done about 60k km on mine and it never ever missed a beat even if you abuse it a bit. Never heard of people having issues. The biggest downside there, at least in the CBR trim, is the vibes above 5k RPM. But you probably wont be riding much in that RPM range with a cruiser and maybe the Rebel doesn't have that issue to begin with.

 

The Rebel is not a sports bike so there's that. And the 500 engine in my CBR500R which is the same as in the Rebel doesn't get hot imho. At least not compared to other big bikes.

 

If we're talking Honda 500 then I'd say the CB500X is the best trim for Thailand. Relaxed riding position, good suspension travel and a little bit wind protection. Very popular here for a reason.

 

Either way, forget about the 300.

Many people say it's ugly as an *ss, but I like it... ????in fact I like it more than the Vulcan! As said before, I think the Vulcan is a bit too much for me, and it's longer and heavier...

Regarding the CB, as said I tested the R version and the position/handling didn't delighted me, I liked much more the handling in the Rebel. Maybe I'm a bit weird ???? But as said, I didn't tested the X or the F...

Anyway I already discarded the 300, both in the Rebel, CB and CBR. Tested a CBR300 and liked the gears but anything else, and I have read enough bad things regarding that engine.

18 hours ago, lemonjelly said:

One of the downsides to these cruisers with foward controls is that you can’t stand on the pegs when going over pot holes etc.... my spine would prolly look like bits of backbone from a can of tinned salmon after a few days touring on one of those.

Good point, I didn't think about it while testing so didn't test it ???? In fact the Rebel has the pegs not so advanced, but definitely they're not in a good position to get stand on, and that's something I do everyday a lot in these uneven thai  roads and streets... Good point to have in mind!

18 hours ago, Farangwithaplan said:

But back to the Rebel, neither that or the kwaka are my style, but people do like them like them. People like the relaxed position and the low centre of mass and seat height. I'd take the Kwak if I was a longer experienced rider who would miss the power.

 

But as the OP is coming from a small capacity and that is something we need to keep sight of,  I don't think they will miss the extra power of the 650 engine.

 

Yes, as said I liked to much the position and low centre of mass. I mean, I'm not an expert but after trying some bikes the past months and specially the Hondas (CB and CBR) the position and handling of the Rebel was almost perfect FOR ME. I felt so naturally riding it. But again, maybe I should test any other "bobber style" around, as that was my first time riding a bike like that.

Of course, I'll not miss any extra power. My current is a 200cc 17HP carburated air-cooled, so anything will be MUCH better ????

In fact, I'm a total novice with proper bikes (I mean, apart from scooters). I bought my current cheap one some months ago and I plan to use it at least one and a half years to get experience before going bigger; and when going bigger, I prefer to go step by step to keep learning. At the end, my 20's are far far away so I don't learn so fast - and if fall, I'll not heal so fast too ????

That is the reason I'm looking at the Rebel or anything similar in the range 400-500cc, I think I'll not need more power in the next years, at least until I have a couple more years of experience.

As I'm a novice I'm not sure about anything, but I'm sure I want a bike not sporty - I prefer relaxed position - and I want a bi-cilinder. Rest of the things... I just don't know about right now, so I ask here to the veterans who can give me advice ????

Today I could test a Rebel 500 and liked it so much. I was thinking in changing my small (200cc) bike by the end of this year and now that Honda is a firm candidate.

I've read bad reviews and info about the Honda 300cc engine (the one in the Rebel, CB...) but didn't find so much regarding the 500cc one,which I think is totally different.

Do you know any flaws about that bike? Or is it a good choice?

Almost forgot; I use the bike in a daily basis, in the city, for everyday commute as well as short (under 300Km) trips on weekends. For the city, the Rebel handles way better than my current small bike [emoji28]

but then again how many of these papers are they actually doing per day? Can't be more than 10 -20.

That’s a little rough @ 1000 baht, but the US Embassy is more for an affidavit. So it’s free or 1000 baht?, or do they have a 3-5 day fee? What ever it is they gotcha by the nose ring, so no choice. Think of buffalo when I speak if nose ring. 

Did she give you an immigration official receipt after you've paid?
 
Or is this a private transaction deal?