AddyA

Thank you, KhaoYai; great response, as usual ???? I was a bit of a lunatic in my teens, too. My Suzuki 250 X7 on L-plates put me in hospital for five months. I calmed down when I passed my test and started to ride bigger bikes. There didn't seem to be a need to show off anymore. I've also been riding bikes in Thailand for 20 years. I took a Honda 954, Yamaha R1, and a bunch of other big bikes through the streets of Bangkok many times. I haven't had an accident yet, but I am never complacent and constantly vigilant. Thanks for pointing out the bars and an after-market pipe. These are not things I would have picked up on, so great advice ????

I wish those who report grim facts would please take the time to include which demographic suffers most in these COVID updates. Now, it shouldn't come as any surprise that Singaporeans are at high risk of infection. Everyone knows they are unfit and unwell due to poor lifestyle choices. In fact, estimates suggest that 400,000 Singaporeans already have diabetes in this tiny nation. And one-third of those don't even know they have the condition. Plus, people with diabetes are much more vulnerable to severe illness after they get coronavirus than healthy folks. Hence the rise in hospitilizations. Source #1: https://www.singhealth.com.sg/rhs/keep-well/War-on-Diabetes Source #2: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/need-extra-precautions/people-with-medical-conditions.html

This one has come up for sale in the Chiang Mai Buy & Sell Facebook page, KhaoYai. It's a 2014 model, but it's not as attractive as the one in Bangkok. It also has higher mileage and a higher price tag. All that said, I haven't ruled it out just yet.

Thank you, KhaoYai. That's an impressive looking machine you've got there. I had no idea these bikes were so popular, but I'm beginning to see why. I still find it hard to believe that a 2011 model only has 12K on the clock. I'm assuming it's been used periodically to stop the parts ceasing up. Here's a like to the ad in case anyone's interested. It's still for sale as of this morning. https://www.facebook.com/groups/1556621254618029/posts/3466184323661703/

Great post; thank you, MrFill. I hear a lot about the reliability of this bike, which is reassuring. And I was going to look into fuel consumption and torque later today, but you beat me to it. Having a bit of decent torque makes riding the Chaing Mai loops a lot more fun ????

Thanks, ThirdCulture and Ro54 for responding. This bike is starting to appeal to me more and more. I'd never even considered it before I saw that Facebook ad. Anyway, I'm going to keep a lookout for one locally. It seems like a no-brainer if I can find a well-taken-care-off second-hand model ????

Thanks for posting that, Troy Tempest. I still have some reviews to get through, but the vibration issue is not something I've come across until now. I guess a test ride will tell me if it's a buying issue or not ????

Great response, thank you, Sunmaster. Your old bike looks beautiful. I have read some reviews, and there seemed to be an issue with the cracked welding around the engine mount. But I'm not sure if that was an issue with earlier bikes (pre-2020). Other than that, it does tend to get a decent write up. Any 2011 bike with only 14,000 KM on the clock is a rare find indeed. My problem is that I'm a perfectionist, so I don't buy secondhand bikes with visible chips and scratches, not even old ones. I have two bikes, including a 17-year-old Honda Wave with 80,000+ KM on the clock. Even that has no scratches, chips, or dents. So, I'd sooner wait until the right model comes along. If the ER6N 650 in the pic above was in Chiang Mai, I would have been to view it already. Not least because of its price tag of only 75,000 Baht ????

Anyone here know anything about the older Kawasaki ER6N 650cc, around 2011? There's a beauty for sale in Bangkok (see pic) that's only done 14,000 KM. It looks new in the photos, and seems to have a few aftermarket parts. But bikes always look great in phots, right. I'm in Chiang Mai, so Bangers is quite a trek to go and view something that might not be as it seems. The bike does look interesting, so I may keep my eye on the local buy and sell bike forums. But I've never owned Kawasaki's before, hence this post. Anyway, I just wondered if anyone here had ridden these older models, and if yes, please share your experience. Thank you.

You know there are experts (doctors) who disagree with vaccinating children and healthy adults, right? If not, you haven't considered to the opinions of opposing experts. So that means you disagree with my point above. That is, no one can make well-informed, independent decisions without listening to all sides of an argument. Of course, you are free to agree or disagree with anyone about anything. But it's better to agree to disagree than spout anti-vaxxer rhetoric at anyone who chooses to question the COVID-19 response.

The anti-vaccine rhetoric in your response is my point. No discussion, just slagging off the thoughts of others. And for the record, I have never said I'm an anti-vaxxer or that I haven't been vaccinated. I'm simply pointing out that it's impossible to make well-informed, independent decisions without listening to all sides, that's all. If you disagree with the last point, that is perfectly fine. But at least say why in your response.

How many folks who vaccinated themselves and their kids made well-informed, independent decisions? It's a question only you can answer. I've said it before, and I'll keep on saying it. People only search for material they want to believe in and disregard the rest. You can find anything to support your tenet if you look for it. Reading and listening to experts who reinforce what you want to be true is a physiological comfort. That's especially the case when it comes to health-related issues. On the other hand, it can be terrifying to listen to brave experts who dare to share opposing views. That's probably why some find it easier to mock them than engage in an intelligent debate. Alas, it seems that most are easily swayed when the media giants use their influence to silence critics. And that's why they do it. The cancel culture is toxic yet growing. But people don't seem to mind as long as those canceled are on the opposing side of thier beleifs.

Maybe it's time to see all the faces of all those behind AseanNow. I mean, surely it must the only faceless businesses left on the web?

What do you think?

@MrFill makes a valid point; the world has a grossly overmedicated population. Indeed, prescription drugs are the third leading cause of death after heart disease and cancer in the US and Europe. And prescription drugs (especially painkillers) kill more Americans than heroin, cocaine, and smoking combined. Another study linked statins to a higher risk of diabetes and other health disorders. So be careful what you take, folks. Sadly, people are too quick to accept whatever DRUGS doctors tell them without questioning the said substance. But none of this makes sense unless you accept the recognized channels of expert opinion, of course. I refer to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), PubMed.gov, and others. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25355584/ https://www.cdc.gov/media/releases/2011/p1101_flu_pain_killer_overdose.html https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/07/well/live/statins-may-increase-risk-of-diabetes.html

Ayup, Chiang Mai. Has anyone here ever had an old bike reconditioned in Chiang Mai? My little Honda is an OAP now, and its gaskets, seals, etc., need replacing. I'm considering getting a complete bike-lift if I can find a suitable garage. It still runs well, and it's only for sentimental reasons that I don't want to get rid of it. Some of you will understand, while others may think I'm nuts. But it's been a constant in my life for 17 years, and the little beauty has never let me down mechanically in all that time. Thank you.