Fishenough

I'll add my feedback, though it applies to a different country and a rider that likes hours in the saddle. I rode 8000 kms last spring for a work contract across Canada. Last summer I had my BMW GSA and a 2014 Scambler, I bought the triumph as my urban bike. Also last year I text rode Kawasaki W800 and the Z900R, and a Honda CR1000R. All these bikes are so different, and this summer I may buy the Z900 as it reminds me of my first street bikes in the late 80s.

The scrambler had more character, and a mellow ride, but like others say it's a small bike for me. I simply didn't use it as much as I hoped, so I'll sell it in the spring. For my an urban bike needs to put a smile on my face, and I rode a Versys for 3 years living in Thailand and it was not my favourite urban bike. Now if it's the 1200 triumph twin that would like be different!

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Starting watching this thread only outta the curiosity of what bikes people would say to buy though opinions were asked about 2 bike specifically......

This past weekend had a test ride booked for the Yamaha SCR950, which is available at a great price, and the dealership let me also ride the XSR900. I won't bother with comparison between the two but the XSR is a wonderful motor, gets you pumped with it's excited vibes but doesn't feel like it's going to kill you. I'm not familiar with sport bike traction control, it's on my GSA, but never knew this was part of the ride with the Yamaha. And at 5' 11" for a small bike I felt like I could comfortably spend a solid couple of hours in saddle......it was a far better bike than the SCR is all regards.

I'm a few years out of Chiang Mai now after living there for 10 years but the dual sports were my favourite for the city. Both CM Kawasaki and Honda dealerships have strong potential for good service. I had both the KLX and D tracker, along with other big bikes and a scooter parked at my house at all times. For riding in the city or the trails anywhere in the North West they were the better bikes.... Sometimes for the simple reasons, ie get blocked in parking somewhere and you may be able to ride forward over the curb, something you can't do in a scooter with a tire the same height as some CM curbs. I put high 80 k's on both 250 trouble free, and recently have been riding my bro in laws CRF, which is equally an excellent bike. Myself I'd choose the KLX for trails and would go with the smoother CRF for city only.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/audZKN9z2AQPMqjN6

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The below PVC has survived 50,000 kms of gentle treatment with no cracks or glue failure. Years ago I made water bottle holders for my bikes in Thailand out of large PVC and they held up for far more mileage than the little KLR

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http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/349790-kayaking-on-the-ping-river/?_fromLogin=1

My deciding factor, not law, is when my child can wear full protective gear that you can find available locally. At 7-8 my son fit ladies small protective riding armor, not just helmets and gloves. ATGATT. Not certain if it's the same as over 10 years ago, but in ladies small protective jacks and pants available in Thailand there was a good selection of mesh gear that will be quite comfortable for a youngster. 

15 hours ago, papa al said:

Stick with Laos.

Friendlier.

Better terrain. 

Everything.

Well not that I can argue, but when I moved to Thailand in 2004 my son and I took off for 3 months around Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia. Home schooling, guest houses, and off the track exploring. Yes Laos was my favorite, still to this day I sell it to many people I meet, but all these countries had a lot of charm, and would go riding back in Cambodia in a heart beat. Outside the cities found people wonderful in Cambodia, but traveling with a 8 year old on your bike does bring out the friendly side of everyone well traveling in SE Asia.

Cheers

Thank you for the nice report and detailed pictures of Pai Camble. Much appreciated, as I haven't been to Pai on close to 4 years myself.

Though I did first visit there 1994, and many times when I lived in Chiang Mai - I have T shirts here in Northern Canada from both the Nest and the Yellow Sun Bar. By motorbike, traveling steady it was by my norm a pretty short ride, to visit friends, chill, explore the area, or maybe a little romantic getaway. Pai uniqueness in my humble opinion hasn't changed much over the years, things in the town have changed of course. At any time I could meet and listen to a traveler from who knows where tell me of their travel experiences. Been to many touristy places, and Pai is tops as the friendliest bundle of travelers maybe found anywhere. The lack of substantial things to do, plus no beach, helps with that. Been a couple of times to Vieng Vang and once to Goa for example, and found that with the distractions of partying and beaches the so called backpack crowd is highly distracted. Bring a great attitude to Pai and you will have a great time.

Doesn't matter if the same model is sold in Canada, the foreign registered vehicle has to be over 15 years old to be insurable in any province. One exception is you temporarily import it to Canada, for a max with years and promise to take it outta country after that time.

Know this 1st hand, for almost 20 years have imported vehicles from Japan in small numbers, and once bought a Zuki SV in stellar shape with no miles that was only 6 years old. Good thing it didn't cost much to buy, and shipping was cheap as I had it stuffed into a Toyota van, as it had to be parked for 9 years.

I had bought a stoneware crook pot at Makro, but preferred the large non-stick rice cooker I bought at the kitchen supply store on Lamphun road. It was a little larger than the crock pot, had an infinite temperature control, but the biggest advantage was I could first brown the meat, and/or sauces, right in the cooker, than set it for anything from a 4 hour to 12 hour cooking time. I used that cooker for 5 years and the non-stick was still in great shape. Making everything from curries, chili, stews, pastas, borscht, and an endless array of one pot meals. This rice cooker did cost somewhere around 3000 Baht yet never cooked just rice.

Cheers

Off the top of my head, would be call Mountain Biking Chiang Mai, located near Wat Phra Singh. Of course I don't know there current stock, it is mostly different types of mountain bikes but have rented road bikes there, but not for a couple of years.

You could also inquire with Crouching Tiger Cycling Tours, they have good bikes, tours, and great staff.

Just curious, I've met cyclists from Khon Kaen and Udon Thani, there may be bikes shops there, more conveniently located. Yes I've only ever seen well worn cheap beach style bicycles for rent in Udon Thani, but maybe someone here has a better idea.

You'll find it handy on wet roads, may prevent the rear from being locked in a panic moment. Plus riding fast on a soft surface through tightly placed trees, doesn't hurt either, but that's a bit of backing in.....

There is something more. Prior departure you have to go to Bangkok airport and ask for an international health certificate. This is important.

Hello, for others a couple of years ago myself included, the international health certificate is at a different location. Getting to and from the office needs to be factored into your travel time, as with planning on any unexpected level of activity in the office. I was the first they served when I should up at 9 in the morning, our visit only taking a little over an hour with friendly service from goverment employees, my friends arrived at the office at 10 AM and were no finished until 3 PM. Honestly with the busyness in the office and the lack of staff that day they were concerned they were even going to obtain the certificate that day and make a late night flight.

At a friends recommendation, and Care's for dogs staff, we stayed in Bangkok for the night before leaving and the required quarantine time for my dog for my travels.

Big list of things I don't miss about Chiang Mai;

Little stinging ants

That smoky month that was always a great excuse to get away.

Ok just the ants.

Cool is defined as what some random chick likes.... allrighty then.

Sonia Couling has been an extremely popular host on Thai TV for what 15 to 20 years, and is considered one of the hottest ladies over 40 by many Thai men. I don't live in country in more but know that she's hardly random.

Most motorcycles are cool IMO.

But

Using the Top Gear adage defining coolness as the best bike to show up and pick up say Sonia Couling for a night out.

It's not about quality, reliability, speed, performance, or even style. As much as I get excited seeing a Panigale, I can say the same about the time I saw Mrs Couling. Maybe your dream girl would be more impressed with the coolness of a Kawasaki GTO than the thought of squeezing on the back of a Panigale?

I'd show up on a Ducati Hypermotard, more my idea of coolness.

My son, I, and his boy scout friends cycled doi suthep several times most months of the year, but when the pollution was bad we would simply hire a songtaew to take us, our bikes, and a selection of nice drinks and snacks to the campground above the Wat, and we would enjoy taking our time getting to the bottom. Also during Songkran before and after time it was more enjoyable not having the workout of the climb combined with all the splashing. Also all the spots over the years we stopped to tour at had parking for our bikes that was supervised when we locked them and left them.

Once the affair with a wonderful Thai lady was over, you noticed that Thailand is a dirty place and Thai girls are a load of bunk. No, we don't do ignorant generalizations. No, we don't give advice on a Web forum. This web site is not for you. Spend more time with Canadian dating sites. That's better for all of us.

The perfect response that I both enjoy and look forward on this forum, one that is randomly negative and a critical assumption that couldn't be any farther from the truth. No offense taken, sorry to disappoint but even just a brief read is open to all of my life in Thailand and past travels since 1988 to Thailand.

Don't usually feel so strongly about advice given on a Web forum, but follow your heart. Of course have a long, and painfully honest, talk with your lady about what both of you want. Go from there.

I lived single in Thailand for a couple of years after my marriage ended well there, and have now been living just over 2 years in Northern Canada. Found in both countries that if you put yourself out there (Internet dating) there are a huge number of women to meet. Heck I to was smitten by an wonderful thai lady, and if it wasn't for the fact that I'm a single parent could likely still be living there. Like yourself have returned to Thailand after a break from living there and been shocked at the dirtyness that I overlooked well living close by.

Be sure to ignore the ignorant generalizations about Thailand and thai women posted here, even the ones you find you can relate slightly to are a load of bunk.

Don't forget that Nong Hoy extends well across the highway/ Mahidol as well. I used to live down there. Never any troubles. It's nice to live among the locals. Those who feel they need to live in gated communities or condos in over-trodden areas really miss out on being integrated into the community.

Wherever I live I also always take it upon myself to be gracious and introduce myself to neighbors, share if I bake a little something extra, or bring back some kind of candy or something for kids when I travel abroad - keeping your neighbors on your side as extra ears and eyes is always helpful. Plus you get to (hopefully) make some friends in the process. I've been invited to untold numbers of parties and celebrations because of this, and also sometimes am greeted with a neighbor bringing over a portion of a curry or khanom jin, say, just because they cooked a bunch and they want to be neighborly. Get connected and enjoy the area.

Spot on bro.

That's been my experience exactly.

x2 for my experience in 5 years living in Nong Hoi. My home baked Biscotti proved most popular with both locals and expats, alomst couldn't keep up with the demand, and my 11 through to 16 year old son walked the streets alone or with friends often.

Hi, yes I know I don't live in Chiang Mai but I would recommend a friendly phone call to The Well International, as it is surprising how often visiting groups plan a trip to Doi Inthanon and ride sharing might be fun. I still have plenty of missionary friends on Facebook and chat also with them, so many 'see the sights trips' always on the go. Also I'd ask on CouchSurfing Chiang Mai - the more the merrier/cheaper/safer in that van to visit.

Great, and affordable places to stay include the camp ground across from those nearby visible falls (Siriphum?) on the 1284 road (there can provide tents and bedding) and the fantastic Royal Garden Orchid Project a little further up the same road (that place is awesome, nifty Flintstone style housing and the most amazing deck views in the north).

BMW GS 800 is over my budget, the 3 bikes I chose are within my intended budget!

As I've shared before, I've ridden the Versys extensively in Thailand (rentals over a 2 plus year period, week long tours on one a couple of times), and a short 50 km ride here in Canada, and I agree with the reviewers in the link provided. The Versys is a better bike for the reasons they've listed, and a big item for me is I am a lifetime dirt bike rider, and the Versys is the natural fit for my style. On a twisty road I'm confident I'd be faster on the Versys easily by a small margin.

Last year I bought a V-Strom new at a deep discount as it was priced to move onto the new model year, and I made the right choice. For the longer mileage in northern Canada the strom's engine is more pleasant to spend the day with a more enjoyable character. At the end of a full days riding on the Versys I was sick of the engine, and to buy one vibration damping foot pegs and bar mounts would be a best. End of the day with the Strom and I could find myself blipping the throttle, something I wouldn't want to do after a full day in the saddle with the Versys. This winter I'm planning on buying new handlebar mounts for my Strom which will give me the more upright ridding position of the Versys. So I think the Versys is a neat bike, the one of the 2 I prefer ridding on gravel with, but anywhere I was given the choice I would choose the Suzuki.

Must not have debt out on the car...ownership book

Vehicle must be in your or your partners name and that person must be with the vehicle.

Ignore khwaibah's post. I have driven both my truck and motorcycle, both registered in my name, to Laos several times and had nothing but the best experience.

Have no idea about the debt issue.

Local motorcycle forums (GTRider.com and RideAsia.net) I find are the best places to find out what documents to prepare and bring - bring plenty of photo copies as advised of necessary documents, and have a fabulous trip.

Are you looking for an exporter or a freight forwarder?

If you are looking for an exporter, why would anybody export your goods and take all the risk of the goods being pirated or stolen goods, or have drugs embedded into the frames? I recommend against being the exporter for other people's goods. If everything is clean, you would want to be the exporter yourself, otherwise it smells fishy from the beginning.

If you are looking for a freight forwarder, that's another story. There are some specialised in art products. As long as you are willing to be the exporter.

Hello,

I am looking for specialized art products, made in Thailand, for shipping to North America. It's easy enough to use the Thai postal system and over countless time I've mailed things either way with no issues what so ever. I am here and would like to buy some art.