Fishenough

Off to Makro this very moment, but enjoy shopping at the markets and do so regularly.

This information is so others new to Thailand have a rough idea of the normal pricing.

Nice Buell

I bought the DTracker primarily for the suspension travel as a city bike; if I wanted to do the swapping wheels route wouldn't it be better to buy a KLX, than get motards wheels for it?

Currentlly trying to convince my misses that the BoxerRS would be a better choice than the Phantom for her. Only ever seens one at the dealship past the train station, anyone know the availability if a 250RS in Chiang Mai?

Could we have pinned topic with examples of fair price points for different items?

Only having six months living in Thailand, and being exceedingly cheap, always want to ensure we are paying a fair price for our purchases. For example, I would like to buy a stone or concrete yard furniture set and haven't yet been able to find (by asking around) an excepted price; or ball park figure. - Can't stand paying too much, but (please) don't want this thread turning into another 'complain about Farang pricing' rant.

I'll start with market price examples, of course these vary by season, and I don't mean Tops market.

Price per Kilo

• Apple 40B or >
  
• Banana 15b
  
• Ground Beef 120B or >
  
• Bell Pepper 60 or <
  
• Ground black pepper 200B
  
• Peanuts 10-25B
  
• Cabbage 10-20B
  
• Whole Chicken 50B
  
• Chili's 30-100 (small mountain grown ones are by far the best to cook with)
  
• Chili Powder 50B
  
• Cucumber 15B
  
• Dill 80
  
• Eggs 80B doz
  
• Garlic ~25B
  
• Lettuce 10B or > (the reason I want to share this - was quoted same day 100baht to 10 baht for a Kilo of lettuce)
  
• Limes 30 for 150B
  
• Mushrooms ~130 (nice big and fresh)
  
• Onion 10-15B
  
• Pork (Shoulder) ~105B
  
• Tomato 5-10B
  
• Shrimp 160 or > but I only buy the bigger ones
  

Best Regards

Strange as the bkk shops are still doing it right now.. importing as parts and registering..

A large, Japanese vehicle importing company, whom I've bought many vehicles over a five year period and shipped to 2 other countries (not here), imformed me they have crated and shipped five bikes this week already to Bangkok. As parts! Including a 2005 CBR600, I was watching, that sold for peanuts at auction.

I know the landed costs but would never attempt; even with the language skills and a good lawyer, but having been informed it happens wonder how all these bikes will get on the road in the current situation? Wonder how many will get shipped here; it's cheap and easy to do that part, and will never make it on the road.

Anyone know of a recently wrecked big bike (with legit book) in need of a rebuild? Not asking for real but that's how it would work in many a case I'd guess, and is this how the shops do it?

I did add a box on the back, high gloss black like the bike, and have 2 gold dragon decals on the side panels. Regardless of where I go, everyone looks at the bike.

Live in the Nong Hoi area and seen your bike; does really look great in person; I slow down just to get a better look, letting you pass.

BTW, I gave the Yamaha X1R to my stepson, who loves it. I let him take the CBR out once. He came back and said, "Nice! Very fast! Too much for me!

That's gotta be the biggest reason choices of bikes over 250cc are so limited! I bought a 250 as an injured rider concerned about CM traffic but all the time locals are calling my bike fast, even the police; go figure.

It's May, which means that there are two main topics of idle conversation -

'It's hot' - 'Raawn Maak' (or 'Haawn Maak' to us locals) and 'It's very quiet' .

Talking about the weather is a polite pleasantry in most countries and Thailand is no different.

However, the talk of business being slack is always spoken with great concern and worry as if this is some new phenomonem. So, just to console those that are concerned about business, I'll give you one of my many pearls of wisdom ....

It's MAY. May is always hot and always very quiet business-wise. It has been for the last twenty years that I know of and probably will be this year too. June will also be very quiet, but trade WILL pick up in July. So relax, Go fishing, play Tennis, or if you're old or out-of-shape take up Golf.

The exception to this rule may be Marco's but not let's go down that path.

Now you have me worried; the last two days our business has been full, even requiring extra seats to be brought in.....oh what are we to do come July.....

...wishing it was quieter for some fishing time......

Pretty special time of year; quiet, warm and slow. That's nothing to complain about, good pearls too.

Keeping the hopes up for this bike; the missus is in the market for a light touring bike and is leaning towards the Phantom . Can't find english specs on the X-road, as seat heat will be a deciding factor. Can't get her on a D-Tracker, though suspension adjusted lower is a close fit - almost 4-5 inches lower than mine with it's 1.5/2 inch higher seat. Also just not impressed with quality of the Tigers and can't find a clean TW225/XT250 in good condition.

Phantom; lighweight; touring bike...all in one sentence? LOL! Assuming that the quality is up I'd think that this Sach is going to be a good deal; why don't you like the quality of Tigers?

Is there an existing Sachs Dealer in Chiang Mai?

Read that we want a more comfortable, well made bike that travels safetly at highway speeds with better brakes, real tires, relatively good gravel road manageabilty, and better range for her. She likes the Phantom

I heard of the X-Road via a Translated Thai forum but wasn't aware of it's availablilty at all; assume now it will be available at the Tiger dealerships.

After being North American based, therefore only really knowing Japanese bikes find the Tigers overall build quality not what I'm used too. True it is a better build quality than the Platinum; but I agree for the price the Boxer is good I'd just go with the CBR at the price point.

Regards

How is someone operating a 100% LPG system on a diesel motor?

LPG can be injected into the intake as performance enhancer, as with water/alcohol injection on turbo diesels. I have used, and installed, both in the last few years and they work well. Propane (LPG) injection was preferred, kinda like a diesel NOX system, but allowed my 2.5 liter Mitsubishi motor to have much great speeds on our long Canadian hills. My two stage system wasn't used around town, but when touring and used selectively provided performance boost with no reduction in mileage. Sounds like I'm selling something, but I'm a petroleum chemist who has played with fueling options for the last 20 years since receiving my degree and diploma. Talked to several shops in CM that install intercoolers, they haven't heard about LPG injection – only alcohol water injection. Not saying no one does it, just in my limited experience here it appears uncommon.

Katabeachbum reported a 30% LPG injection system, and with proper air, fuelling and boost controls there should be a much noticeable performance boost. Hope the Toyota is running a EGR gauge.

We hope to have a intercooler and LPG injection system installed next month (Vigo), and if anyone is interested I can report here on the details and results?

Keeping the hopes up for this bike; the missus is in the market for a light touring bike and is leaning towards the Phantom . Can't find english specs on the X-road, as seat heat will be a deciding factor. Can't get her on a D-Tracker, though suspension adjusted lower is a close fit - almost 4-5 inches lower than mine with it's 1.5/2 inch higher seat. Also just not impressed with quality of the Tigers and can't find a clean TW225/XT250 in good condition.

Is there an existing Sachs Dealer in Chiang Mai?

your bike does sound like it would be LOUD in person; the ER6 and Yamaha chasing what looks like a modifed KSR brought a simile to our faces.

Cool, thanks.

Its rev limited in the higher gears forcing a rider to slow down and; enjoy the country and stay alive amongst so-so drivers. The biggest weakness, IMO, is the motocross seat on a road oriented bike; having mine redone makes 400-500kms days a treat.

Simply a quality bike, with solid brakes, easy handling and excellent gas mileage that will be left behind on the highway by bigger bikes. Every bike is a comprise for what you’ll use it for; so ideally 2-3 bikes is just right. Myself liking something more solid than a scooter, that has nice suspension for my damaged spine and handles dirt track comfortably. Stock tires are useless on wet dirt/mud/clay.

Rent one for a couple of days, also try out the Er6n – that should make up your mind.

Got my vote, is that no surprise?

Look forward to learning how to hook a fish around the Chiang Mai area; as for the moat, a bait pellet and some string is enugh to bring in a fish to entertain the kids.

Nice pictures neighbor, was out to Samoeng today and it was much quieter. The odd splash every few kilometers was nice, though the kids are out of practice and there timing was off; many times missing me completely. Of course needing a cool down, a quick u-turn on the bike was required.

Not going to miss Songkran at all Ian? How’s the BC weather currently?

Lucky guy, you hit the weather just right for your return too.

Plus you can watch the Canuck and Flames game!!!!!!

Cheers

Was just in Miguel’s to pick up my invitation to the grand opening of the new location in Nong Hoi at Chiang Mai 89 Plaza. Saturday, 25 April starts 6PM.

I guess they want everyone to know about the new location cause there’s free margaritas and a Mexican buffet and a live band called ‘La Fiesta’ so looks like it could be a blast. I hear tickets are limited and are flying out now. You have to go to either location to get your ticket. They have more information on their website.

Please don't feed the trolls.

But do they charge for water?

I used to have a motor caravan in the UK, loved it. However, I would never consider one in Thailand. It would be impossibly hot to live in unless you could leave the engine running for air-conditionung. Camping sites are a rarity so you would be wild camping - I would not consider this from a safety point of view.

If you bought one here, which you could do quite legally, you may have difficolty taking it out of the country for a lengthy period. Easier to buy one ready converted in Australia and bring it here. That would be right hand drive same as Thailand and Malaysia.

I hope that helps.

That was a concern of mine and hope to explore this more in time; good excuse for exploring on the bike. Van traveling has been our favorite for the past twenty years throughout North America; it's compact and economical, and a regionaly common vehicle provide a safe, non descript accommodation. The readily available accommodation would be icing on the cake.

Heat in a well ventaited vehicle is no issue if your prepared; the vehicle below with its open roof and extra added fans provided a nice, bug free, nights sleep in high 30 degree, humid, weather in central Mexico. That picture is our last road trip this summer in BC, and daily temperatures were reaching the mid 30's this August in Central BC.

I piped in because we are considering doing so also, already having met reasonably priced and talented fabricators in town. A high roofed Toyota Hiace being our primary choice. Look forward to hearing what you decide and build!

Cheers

Nice picture Fishenough - the blue sky really makes it look great. What time did you take it?

Got in on this a bit late but here's my effort:

Close to 7pm! We only have point and shoots so I had to catch it before it got too dark. Been waiting awhile for it though, very cool IMO.

Interestingly enough saw a couple of red shirted, caucasian farang attending the PPP rally last night in front of the 3 Kings center, Chiang Mai.

They seemed to be attracting plenty of attention, with other PPP attendees taking their pictures frequently.

Ps – worked for an internet/cable provider for quite some time. Common compliant was having to pay for services before you received them.

Point is where/what is the big deal in paying for something before you get it. Wish the Toyota dealer here would offer me that curiosity of paying later.

But please!!! WE DO NOT CLAIM TO BE A MEXICAN RESTAURANT.

We would never be so pretentious, silly or numb-skulled as all that.

Come on, how many places advertise the world's best cookie/hamburger/pizza/apple pie/cup of coffee; the list goes on. Competition is a good thing (think Starbucks).

You do yourself a disservice thinly veiling an insulting to another restaurant mentioned in the same thread.

I mean this whole heartedly; as a big eater whom has cravings for North American styled foods on a regular basis. Given the costs, new to me, of a Expat running a business in Thailand (work permits, registered capital, VAT payments, staff salaries and benefits – bet I'm missing something but I'm trying to learn); the test of time always show the truth.

I for one always click first on the "best (insert food here)" threads!

Personal favorites to satisfy the ground chuck craving; Texas Roast beef and Miguel’s (nice surprise).

Next to try; Woody’s.

Mike’s burgers has been a big let down from year and half back, Kad San Kaew (just last night) and Niemanheiman locals both.

Pics from my house looking towards CM.

Was watching it from the oposite direction; the smoke cloud is getting quite thick over the city.

Saw plenty of vehicles headed out there at full speed, sirens going, too.

Hope no one was hurt, and that they can curb the amount of smoke soon.