marcusmarsh

Im thinking about possibly putting a center stand on my CB500F.

The main reason would be for cleaning and maintaining the chain. Plus Im about to move to Koh Pha Ngan and think a center stand would be better for some of the parking around there.

Has anyone got any experience of doing this on a F or even on a X and was it easy enough ? Would it be the same on a F and X ? If so where did you purchase the stand and any issues with it ? (Currently im in Chiang Mai for another month).

Thanks to cj, ape and papa - appreciate those answers.

The booked time for service was 9am Friday morning. It usually takes 4 hours so I usually stay in town and pick it up in a bit. This time, I got there at 8.45am, and as soon as he saw the check-list of things to do he asked if I could come back the next day in the evening time. She is running really well. I clearly notice a difference. Guess that.s mainly the sprockets and chain but what do I know...

One thing, unless im going bonkers (possible), is I can now hear the gears as I change them. I used to hear it when putting into first but now I can hear them on all gears - it seems far more clearly.

Not sure if it was always like that but dont think so. Is there anything done during a service which might make that happen ?

I did google it without much coming up.

My Honda CB500F has just had its 24,000 km service. Part of the 24,000km is a valve check. Plus I got lots of bits done like changing sprockets, chain, spark plug and more sorted and she,s running real nice

When I asked the mechanics about the valve check they said ''all is fine''. That may well be the truth as so far those mechanics have done me well. But this being Thailand (no offence to anyone intended) I would like to make sure that is really the case. Its the first valve check its had. How can I check the valves really ARE doing fine ?

Are their some symptoms that tell me when a bike with valves that are not running fine would show ?

Im mechanically inept and guess im after any tips on valves and what I should do other than just trust the mechanics who said 'all fine'.

Is it normal for a bike that,s done 24,000 km to have vales that have never been adjusted, needed adjusting ?

Appreciated

Marcus

I bought this bike new from Big Wing in Chiang Mai in October 2013. Its had every service it should have and I changed the tyres very recently. The mileage is approx 24k.

I currently live in Chiang Mai and have just yesterday got back from a month down in Koh Phangnan where Ive decided I will move to towards the end of June. I really do not want to sell this bike as ive loved every minute on it !

But I just cant see me getting anywhere near the same usage out of it on the island and am thinking of maybe getting a PCX or something for down there . Im torn between taking my CB down there with me and just trying it out for 6 months before deciding whether to sell or not. So to help me make the decision I will put it up on here and if I get a taker, probably sell it, if not, she,s coming with me.

I can not take a picture of it, as when I decided, whilst down there, I was going to move to Koh Phangnan, where I have a bungalow reserved already, I left most of my stuff there including my camera with the landlord. At that point I really didnt think Id consider selling the bike. Its only now after being back in CM on the much bigger roads (went for a 2 hour spin last night as I had really missed it) that Im not sure it will work for me having the bike down there. Though I could put her on a ferry and take her for a ride around the roads on the mainland from time to time...

But if its someone from Chiang Mai interested its easy for me to ride it to you so you can take a look.

Im a foreigner and the green book is in my name and I have the receipts for every service etc

135,000 baht.

(Would throw in the 2,500 baht helmet, if requested, too).

Marcus

Thank you for replies.

Ive decided to bring it with me and see how I fare for the first 6 months then decide to keep or sell. Will take it on ferry and ride the mainland from time to time when desperate to open her up.

I have to say, riding the current 125cc automatic Ive hired here on the island is awful, I hate it (though guess id get used to it in time) ! Hit a little bump and the whole bike shudders like there,s been a earthquake , I feel very unsafe on it.

Once more, thanks very much for all replies. And big thanks for that reply Tocher, will give them a call.

Never started so many threads in my life !! My upcoming move to Koh Phangnan has me needing all sorts of advice and have had some helpful posts so far so BIG thanks to people that have helped.

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I want to set up my work station on my balcony which is about 60 yards from beach. Im just worried about the rain. And wind also I guess.

If the landlord will let me Im thinking about installing those big plastic blinds you see in bars and restaurants around the island so that when it rains I can just let them down and carry on working.

Anyone know where I can get get some here on Koh Phangnan ? (Ive tried googling).

Are they 100% sufficient at keeping out the rain ?

Any help/thoughts would be great.

Thanks

Marcus

+1 for Chiang Mai Removals. Can't recommend them highly enough.

I moved from Samui to Chiang Mai back in 2012, and used Chiang Mai Removals. I had approx 3cbm and, from memory, it cost around 10,000bt. They even stored everything for me, as we were getting to CM three weeks after leaving Samui, and delivered it all once we got to CM.

Yep I have plumped for Chiang Mai Removals after chatting to the guy and getting a couple of quotes. Will make the move in late June.

I am sure you have done the maths but it always seems to me that secondhand stuff makes very good prices.

Maybe an opportunity to upgrade some of your big stuff and save some hassle....?

In the end...

I decided to down size a wee bit. I contacted chiangmairemovals.com and so far the service has been very good. The guy got back to me immediately by email so I rang them and liked the price he quoted me for a pick up truck driven by himself door to door. It does mean I will have to follow on my motorbike (500cc) which will be a LONG ride I know as otherwise the bike would take up too much space. Then Id need a bigger truck and the price creeps up.

The price quoted by them is one im happy with and has relieved a little stress that I was starting to feel about the move in general, house rent I will be paying on the island is 8,500 baht per month more expensive than current CM house for a starter. That and deposit ive put down plus other bits and pieces is all adding up so was concerned about haulage charges.

I have a couple of cats too and he,s prepared to take them in the cab of his truck. He even said he will leave early AM and try and do the journey in one day getting them on the last ferry which is at 6pm but will have to see how tired he gets when driving (totally understandable). This would mean leaving CM in the dead of the night so not sure if we will make it. Though ideally Id like to get cats there in one day but have my doubts we will make that.... Very friendly and helpful service so far from chiangmairemovals.com will give a final report of how it all pans out once done.

Once again I really do appreciate everyone,s posts. I was kinda dreading this move and what I thought would be all the hassle / expense attached to it. But feeling much better about it now

Next month I will be moving to the island from Chiang Mai and am very much looking forward to it

A couple of years back I bought a 500cc motorcycle for the roads up there and its fair to say I loved every minute of it (apart from time spent in the really central part of the city though even that was easy enough).

Now I am moving here and have decided to bring my bike with me. Its a bog standard Honda CB500F motorcycle so not a racing/sports type by any means and a pretty boring bike to many.

But I love it and found it rode well on open roads and even in central CM city (nipping in and out of traffic with ease). Not a pain to ride at all. But now Im coming to KP and not sure if bringing it is the best idea ?

Would REALLY be hard for me to part with it so I suppose what im hoping for is other 'big' bike owners (yes I know to many people you wouldnt consider the CB500 big but you get my point) to tell me of their experience riding around on the island ?

Fun or frustrating ? Any roads good to ride on ? Or is it a case of getting on the ferry with the bike from time to time and hitting any decent roads just over the water ?

ANY words are appreciated on peoples experience owning/riding 400cc plus bikes here on the island. Positive or negative.

I think TOT has fibre optic in my area but 3BB does not. So think its come down to

3BB - VDSL

or

TOT Fibre optic

and think I am edging towards 3BB VDSL just because the reports Ive had about TOT on the island dont seem very positive though maybe that would not be the case with Fibre Optic.

The reason I have narrowed it down to those two is because they are the only providers I have any info on in my area (from a few different sources at least).

On a slightly different note its a nice feeling to have decided im moving down here. I just need to get over the difference in monthly rent in my mind - 8,500 baht per month more expensive here - and move all my stuff down from Chiang Mai, get the internet up and running and THEN im sure the excitement will kick in. LOVE the air quality compared to CM. Cant get enough of it !

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Does anyone know of anybody on the island that has TOT fibre optic up and running currently ?

Any reports of how thats going ?

I am reliant on the net regards earning my wages but I can handle the odd power cut or dropped line. I lived in Pai up North for 3 years and that used to have many power cuts.

I guess the main thing I want is for it to be up and running 95% of the time and when it is to be of a fair speed. Then I can earn my few quid from week to week.

Today I went to the 3BB office in Thong Sala and asked about a optic fibre line. Apparently not available where I will be but they said I could have VDSL as opposed to ADSL. After googling these two it seems VDSL is a better deal (faster). Can anyone verify that for me ? Anything I need to be aware off regarding getting VDSL ?

(Im probably over stating things asking these questions, its just the thought of moving down here and THEN getting the most crap internet connection is a worry for my mind hence trying my best to straighten everything out as much as possible pre the move).

All the above answers are appreciated.

p.s. Im not after wi-fi. Must be cable (if 'cable' is the right way to term it). Its just I worry about the security concerns about being hacked whilst using wi-fi.

Not sure why you believe WiFi is any more vulnerable to attack than cable.

A sturdy base station will see you secure enough. Nothing is impervious to attack but be realistic, all the same.

I have no proof whatsoever that wi-fi is more vulnerable to attack. Its just my suspicion. I have read, within the circles of people that do the type of work I do, of people being hacked. About 7 people in the last 7 years or so. I private messaged all of those people and asked was it wi - fi they were using and all of them stated 'yes'.

Though, of course, I concede this proves absolutely nowt ! The above and a few other stories I remember people telling me about wi-fi used hacks just have me feeling wary about it.

So I have decided I am moving to Phangan from Chiang Mai. I earn my few bucks via the internet and so really do need to make a correct choice about which provider to get set up with.

In Chiang Mai I had TOT without any (or many at least) issues.

But after reading what I have found by googling it seems there are tonnes of complaints about them here on the Island.

Im going to be based in between Thong Sala and Ban Si Thanu (Just past One Love Bar and JJ,s) and I think Optic Fibre is available (very recently according to landlord).

Just hoping for some comments as to 3BB or TOT being the best provider to go for ?

Plus anyone with any experience of Optic Fibre or ADSL here in this area or on the island ?

Any comments very much appreciated.

Marcus

p.s. Im not after wi-fi. Must be cable (if 'cable' is the right way to term it). Its just I worry about the security concerns about being hacked whilst using wi-fi.

Many helpful replies here. Thank you very much to all.

Thank you all for your replies. Very helpful.

I will be making the move sometime within the next month and, as requested, will report back about the service I use soon after.

Cheers.

Has anyone any experience with the moving of stuff from North to South or vice versa ?

I have to work out whether its cost viable or best to sell all my gear and start again once down south ?

Anyone know the price of hire for a 7.5 tonne truck (not that I have nearly enough stuff to fill one) with driver what with petrol costs ?

Any help is much appreciated, thanks in advance.

Marcus

So after 10 years in CM I am considering a move down South.

Just trying to work a few things out.

Whether to sell all my stuff and start afresh once down there or, as Id prefer, take all my stuff down there.

This includes a motorbike and a washing machine amongst other things so I reckon Id need a 7.5 tonne truck (even though my stuff wont come close to filling one) that comes with a driver.

Obviously for hire of truck, driver and petrol costs I imagine this comes to a nice few quid.

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1,

If anyone has any information on what price I might expect to pay, so I can work out if its worth it or not, that would be great ?

2,

A number or name of company that someone knows in CM that does these removals so I can get a quote ?

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Thanks in advance for any help.

Marcus

I have to go get my ED visa in Vientiane this upcoming Monday ( I realize to many on here that makes me scum ). Although I have done this a couple of times in the past I just wanna make sure of a few things. I did try and search for this information in other threads with no joy.

1,

What time does the queue form outside the Consulate/ embassy ? It says the office opens at 8.30am. Do people start queueing around 7am ish ? Any tips appreciated.

2,

for the next day pick up of passport with visa what time do people start queueing then also please ? It says collection time is 13.30 until 15.30. Best time to get there in anyone,s experience is ?

3,

Also, for the first time, I am flying to Udon Thani from Chiang Mai. Once arrived at Udon airport how much, just very roughly please, should I expect to get charged for tuk tuk to the friendship bridge ? Or do people use another form of transport ?

Any help, as always, is much appreciated.

I appreciate every single answer above. The ER6n idea is out of the window. To be honest I THINK it (changing bikes) was just a wee thought process that might pass soon enough. I do like the idea of the extra power of the CB650f and im convinced in no time id grow to love the bike. But I dont quite fancy it (the look of it) if you know what I mean...

Still wanting to hear more replies, particularly for ideas of different bikes (no drop handle bars) that offer more oopmh without being too expensive.

There is a Yamaha big bike showroom or two Ive noticed around town and out near me (Lanna golf course). They got any 600cc bikes worth checking ?

Hi all,

Just over a year ago, after many helpful comments on here and lots of research, I bought a new Honda CB500F. It was the first time Id ridden a bigger than 100cc bike in maybe 15 years, since the days of my Suzuki Bandit 600cc back in the UK. All the joy of motorcycling came back in floods - honestly I was like a kid again. Couldnt sleep at night ? No problem - just go for a 2am spin on the empty roads for an hour or so - loved it I can honestly say to this day, about 14 months later, I still get a big buzz from riding it.

BUT....... theres always a but eh...

lets just say that I have started the very early thought process about which next bike to get ? I know I know... but lifes short and money is not a major issue (though thats not to say im loaded - but am fairly comfy - for me at least - and happy to spend a couple of grand on something bigger/faster).

I would like a bit more top end speed plus a tad more 0 - 100kph speed though am in no rush to go out and buy something. Thing is Im a bit lost with the process of selling and buying 2nd hand bikes here in Chiang Mai. I actually dont know where to start or who to ask. So Im gonna just blurt my early thoughts/ questions out in the hope that some of your answers (should anyone bother to reply) help me in some way. Any answers are sincerely appreciated as always.

1, I bought the Honda CB500F for 205 or 210k (baht) brand new and its in good condition.

any idea how much this would sell for in the current market ?

2, If I wanted to buy a 1 or 2 year old 2nd hand bike (perhaps a Kawasaki ER6i though im not at all sure yet) where,s the best place to start looking for decent 2nd hand bikes that are no more than 2 years old ? Also the best place to sell my current bike ?

3, Lets say I end up buying a bike from a different province than here in Chiang Mai (where I live) is that a issue ? Do I need to change registration to Chiang Mai ? Easy enough to do or do people recommend to buy within the province I already live in in the first place ?

4, is it even feasible there is somewhere I could take in my CB500 and trade it for different make of bike ?

5, any recommendations other than what I have asked above are welcome.

Ideally id like to sell my bike add a further 75k (perhaps 100k max) to what I sell it for and get something bigger and faster. If there are any suggestions for what bike that might be im listening.

I do not want a out and out racing type with the drop handle bars as thats not my cup of tea. The bike would be the only bike I ride and I like to pop into town a fair bit. The CB was perfect for this, nipping in and out of and being a nuisance to cars etc I want a bike thats good for town and good for long cruises but with more speed than the CB. Its actually possible I will stick with the CB for a fair bit longer yet BUT early doors feelers have begun....

Appreciated

Marcus

Fell of a bike offroading a few weeks back and, though I seemed fine at the time, my wrist has gradually been playing up bit by bit. So I just want to get it checked out by having a x-ray.

Any idea what the price of a wrist x-ray would cost say in the Ram ? Lanna ? Just rough prices would be fine (I did try googling this without joy). My friend recently paid 17,000 baht for one night in the Ram (no minor op or anything) so thats put me of going there.

Any other suggestions as to where I could get this done without TOO long a wait. Normally I wouldnt mind waiting at all but the up coming world cup see,s me in my busiest period in 4 years with work so ideally wouldnt want to wait for hours - though up to an hour would be fine.

Im wondering if that Dr Surgery in Loh Kroh road might have a x-ray machine anyone know ?

Suggestions please.

Appreciated as always.

FolKGuitar - I honestly might do that. When I see the sign I have sometimes thought 'why not' ?

What time does it happen from and to on a Saturdays? Saturdays are actually my busiest day work wise so another day would be more preferable but still Id genuinely like to take a look.

Id be utterly amazed if you were positive but if you are worried then its worth testing for peace of mind.

I once had a test in the Ram hospital and would not recommend it at all. Once it got from the labs to the nurses on the desk where I was waiting, the envelope was open and the nurse called me out, then she took a cheeky look at the result before handing it to me. Didnt like that at all though enjoyed the negative result somewhat.

Good luck to ya bud.

yes, unfortunately FolkGuitar that is the school I ride past.