br549

Hi Guys .

I have 140-90-15 on the rear

110-80-17 front

I am in Dan Sai,Loei as I write and it's dark out so cannot see the brand . They have treated me well and am very happy with all the miles I put on

Mike

Hi Guys ,

Monday 7th . Left Mahasarakham early this morning and now in my hotel I Phitsanluk .A lettle more than 7 hr ride with only 1 fuel stop and 1 Pepsi and smoke break . Boring ride rtill you reach Chum Phae , then the fun begins , I've done the Rt 12 Chumphae lomsak a a few times .It's some of the best riding I've done . The 3 KM down hill with all twistys is amazing just before you reach Lom Sax .

From Lom Sax to Phitsanubon was my first time , about 135km . I was ok, a few good rides but doesn't compare with the 100km Chum Phae ride IMHO .Phitsanulok is much lager a town then I thought and you can get lost very easy . Tomorrow AM I will head for the tiny village of Chiang Rai.

Philnz....thanks for the heads uo on Rt 11

Villagefarang....Chiang Kham is what I was planning on my return anyway . I didn't know

Know about Rt.1148 to Nan and I think thats a good idea . Isn't Nan

were the Duang beetle festevile is every year ?

Jubby...........With your last UTUBE video with Junior Sample is right on, you da

man

My ass is sore, shoulders hurting and balls swollen. I see across the soi from my room a massage parlor , Sweet looking little things in the window . Maybe time for a short time to heaven.

Mike

man

.HI GUYS

it seems were getting off track of my original post . I was just informed that my G/F will joining me in Chiang Rai by bus Friday. I guess that means that I'll be in Chiang Rai area for at least 10 plus days .

Kandaham , I received your email and will keep you updated Thanks again . Maybe next weekend we could plan a BBq . I would love to meet you guys in the little village of Chiang Rai .

I will leave tomorrow (Monday) for a previous comitment in Phitsanulok and then a long ride to Chiang Rai on Tuesday. Not sure where to stay for a week or so but I'm sure it will work out .

Mike

Hi Mike.

Welcome to the little town.

Lots of beer stops here but I can't vouch for any of them. The town is small enough that you'll discover the popular ones within a few minute's conversation with almost anyone here.

We only have two liars in CR. They will both weigh in shortly on this thread and give you better directions for the beer spots. But they will probably be happy to be your guides and hosts on those runs also.

We have some really good eating places here. Check out the pinned thread section and have a look at the Google map. Most of the restaurants on that are pretty decent and fairly priced for the goods offered. Give me a PM when you arrive and I'll be your guide for that run. I need to get the ol' bike out and take it around town for an hour anyway. I've been neglecting it. I promise NOT to take you to Limbo's favorite pizza place.

Lots to see in the area. You'll enjoy any day rides out of the city that you make.

We have one local celebrity here that you might want to run across. He is a famous Aussie and is known near and far. He is currently looking at upgrading his old abacus and Etch-a Sketch for a real computer. I heard he is shopping for a newer, more comfortable driver's seat before he gets the computer though, because he heard that the new computer has a hard drive. He told me that he didn't even realize that you could drive them. He will probably weigh in here also if he has gotten the computer set up already.

Lots of places to stay also and some are nice as well as cheap. Again, PM me and I'll give you the tour of some of those when you hit the ground here.

Print out the pinned Google map when, or before, you get here and keep it handy. It will make getting around a little bit easier. When we know for sure what days you will be here, we can update you on the current events that you may want to attend.

Don't hang around in Chiang Mai too long. Something in the water there. You'll see what I mean when you get to talking with some of those guys there. Most of them really wish they lived in CR anyway.

Stay safe. Keep us posted on your arrival date.

Hi guys , Kandahar you may be right , I have no reason to go to Chiang Mai. I'm thinking of changing routes from Phitsanulok by taking rt. 11 to somewhere around Chumphu to Rt.1 and direct to Chiang Rai . What do you think ?

Philnz , Thanks for the advice . The worse road I've traveled was 60km from Thai Li following the Mekong to Chiang Khon . Huge pot holes when there was tarmack and the rest was dirt.

Jubby, I am little confused. What does Shotgun Buggy have anything to do with Junior Samples and BR549?

You Guys are starting to scare me .

Mike

Thanks Guys ,

Kandahar, we must be about the same age or at least from the same country. Anybody that knows what "BR549" is about

is ok in my book . When you speak about BIG BIKES a phantom s kinda streching it a bit .

In my original post I live in Mahasarakham and love it here for over 3 years . I spent 1 year in Udon Thani then 2 years in Khon Kaen were I met my now wife from Salakham .I enjoy the country and it's Issan style of slow living. Most people have never heard or have any idea where Salakham is but the truth is that it is the exact center geographicaly of Issan and the hufd of higher learning (university)

I'm guessing , but think the ride from Phitsanulok to Chiang mai will be about 5 to 6 hours . I AM NOT A 130-160 Kmph rider (as if a phantom would even dream of doing ) I enjoy the ride and want to smell the roses . In my younger years I would go from point A to point B as quickly as possile , but after a C1 C2 fracture , fractured skull and a fractrued hip and ribs all in separate accidents I've mellowed out. I will keep you posted on my progress and look forward to be be in the little village of Chiang Rai .

Mike

Hi guys ,

My name is Mike and live in Mahasarakham . Over the last 2 years I have been all over Issan with my bike . Last week spent 5 days in Loei around Thai Li and Chiang Khon area . I am an older man , well old enough to start collecting Social Security.

I have a Honda Phantom (sorry)but has treated me very well . I ain't no Capt. Slash (Gt Rider forum) but have logged over 20,000km in a year and a half and the bike has given me no problems . I hope to leave monday Feb 7th for Phitsanulok from Mahasarskham , I will see a friend there . Hopefully leave next day for Chiang Mai , witch I have been a few times . I want to do the tourist Samoeng loop ,witch I have not been . From there I will go to Chiang Rai .

I want to spend 3,4,5 days there. As never been there before , I would appreciate any info. on where to stay and resturants . Maybe meet up with a couple of you guys for a beer and swap lies .

Thanks Mike

I live near Loei in Ban Meung (48km away) and know of several resort/guest houses around. The roads are getting busier since I first came here 5 years ago. A lot more commercial vehicles and more Thai tourists heading to Chiang Khan. There are two resorts just after the T intersection at Tha Li/Ban Meung. The one on the LHS visible from the main road is fairly new and built in traditional thai style except for the bathrooms - no scooping required. I'm not sure on prices but would be happy to inquire.

Life here is often a gong-show and never routine. Mundane tasks like digging cassava or Thai fishing (bring your pump) have me smiling more than any job I ever had back in Canada. Scenery is great and so is the weather.

The only downside being the only falang in the village is a shortage of conversation. I have my internet, books, movies etc. but now and then need a good laugh in my own language, preferably over beers without having to go back to Pattaya.

Tsocr, Corona, whereabouts are you? Anyone up for a few beers?

Hello Mike , I will be in your neck of the woods in a few days , I live in Mahasarakham and want to spend a few days in Chiang Kang . I will come on motorcycle , well it's a Phantom so almost a motorcycle .I would enjoy to talk to you and we can swap lies after a few beers , I am an American from south Florida so we almost speak the same language . I would enjoy meeting with you . I have the same name as you,

Mike ,Mahasarakham

Mike

20lbs of Taco Bell, freeze it and pack it in dry ice.

Assuming that the giftees drink wine, wine is the correct choice. Other good choices: tahini, peanut butter, horseraddish, balsamic vinegar, canned garbanzo beans (assuming that they like hummus), southwestern US chilli powder, hot sauce -- these are many of the things that I wish someone would bring me (other than a new Vette, which is beyond your stated budget (and tough to get into a suitcase)). Bed sheets would also be appreciated. Can you bring a few things for me?

sweet relish

I have no idea what Billd is talking about removing Barrel and top end...To replace

cam chain tensioner is a bolt on procedure...A competent mechanic can do in about

25 minutes . remove starter ( offset closed end wrench ) and remove cam chain tenser

(allen wrench) total cost was 725 baht. Be sure to note distance in bolt pattern

as far as Iknow there are 2 diffarent tensioners pending on yearbuilt . for some

reason I tried to add photos but could not. I had 26,000 km on Phantom when I

replaced . Not all Honda dealers know what you want done. the Thai word for cam

chain tensioner is " Tua domso or soo " best of luck.....Mike

B. If married when at the land office the spouse can not change anything without your signature of agreement. Wrong. She owns the property and can do with it as she pleases without your consent or signature.

Reply:

Well, I do know that last year we wanted to use one piece of land for collateral at the Co-Op and the Land Office would not allow my wife to use the land as collateral UNTIL she had a form (from the land office) signed by me.

Rented? Leased land in your name?

I also am unsure about this . I am married and built a home in Mahasarakham . September of this year I was told by the developer to be present at the Government office to receive "Chanote" for land our home was built on . I'm thinking why in hel_l am suppose to be there . Was also told to bring copies of my passport and "yellow tabien ban " . Developer/builder and my wife were at the office and sure enough I was called up to present my passport and yellow book . Then I had to sign my name on chanote along with my wife . I was told that my wife could not sell land and home without my consent if things were to go belly up . This is my personal experience .

I live in Mahasarakham and did my extension based on retirement. For the last 3 years have done in Korat with absolutley no problems . Because of the new district laws I had no choice but to go to Mukdahan . Having read previous post about the treatment in Mukdahan I came prepared with everything including the kitchen sink . 3 copies of everything related to my extension . First and foremost immirgation officials were very courtious and polite . They required a doctors certificate of health and a map to my home . Im talking about "retirement" not marrige . Went to the hospital and got papers needed (100 bht) and drew a map to my home . everything had to bo copied in triplicate and signed . I also applied for a single entry permit . I spent a total of 3 1/2 hours there but in the end I received my extension and rentry . When all over I was told that next year not to come back to Mukdahan but to go to Khan Kaen , the new immigration opening soon . I asked "are you sure KK ? " The grand poopa came over and told me yes...Khon Kaen > I then asked when it will open and the location . He did not know . I asked if Roiet and Kalison was gong to be in the KK district > He said no decision was made yet on Roiet and Kalison was not in there district and could not answer . In all fairness it was a pleasent experiance but it took a long time . Oh , the August 27 th........I'm kinda sad because of all the trees the took there life for the paperwork envolved to renew my extension .........Mike

Does anyone of you fellows know which is the best and available moisture barrier for bathrooms here in Thailand?

tar paper (used in roofing ) offers no insulation but is an excellent vapor barrier

If you have 400,000 Baht ( In my name only and proof of funds from abroad) or more in a Thai bank and wish to obtain an extinsion based on marrige , are you still required to get an Embassy letter ? I realise an Embassy letter is not required if have 800,000 baht in Thai bank on an extension based on retirement . Mike ..BR549

Hi Allen...Lex car rental has Honda Steeds , 700 BT / day plus 5000BT deposit .www.udonmap.com they advertise there and post photos of actual bikes , I used them during Udon bike week and can highly recomend , Maybe see you in KK, Mike

Thanks....My wife and I would be happy to be there too