floridaguy

The NC35 does not have Ram Air. They are just a couple of plastic tubes stuck on the tank to look like it has Ram Air. They do nothing!

I would also doubt they are even any where near "about on par" with an ER6 in terms of speed.

V4 and built in Japan from the mid 80's to the mid 90's NC21 NC24 NC30 (mine and the one pictured above) and then the last of the batch with USD's, 17" rear wheel and ram air, which went by the name of NC35.

Cracking bikes and if one is found in perfect mechanical condition they are about on par (acceleration and top speed wise) as a ER6 or Ninja 650

er6 is a whopping 40+ kilos heavier

and also has only about 18 more HP

similar enough speeds i would imagine

Yeah, the week before I bought this bike, my buddy and I rented a CBR600RR and an ER6N. The CBR was restricted but the ER6N wasn't. We did many jackrabbit starts from red lights and neither could really pull away from the other. And I can't tell much difference between those 2 bikes and my VFR400.

You can get almost any LED light at Autobacs that plugs into the same socket as you have now, no modification. LED's draw much less power and are much brighter and last longer. But, billd766, you have a problem in your charging system. Your bike should be able to power all your accessories, and then some, under normal conditions. Have your entire system checked out. I know you said that it is putting out the correct power, but it may not be reaching the battery. Check your regulator/rectifier, check your cables. Have it checked if you can't. Unfortunately, electrical gremlins are very hard to find sometimes.

CO2 cartridges available at most Home Pro stores.

K&N Air Filter Oil available at FastCorner and Red Baron. Maybe DirtShop too?

Thanks for your help. I haven't noticed them at home pro. Do you know what section I would look in?

Sorry I don't know what section, but I've seen them at the big HomePro opposite Crystal Design Center on Padist Manudharm (sp?) road. Here: 13.799329,100.613409 Link: http://maps.google.c...&num=1&t=h&z=18

Paintball is pretty popular here in Thailand so if you find a shop that sells paintball guns and accessories I'm sure they can hook you up with CO2 cartridges as well.

Ride on!

Tony

Good one Tony, the paint ball suggestion. As for that, in the Amarin Plaza on Sukhumvit in Bangkok, where Gadgetrend is, there is a shop that does paint ball accessories. They should have something like that.

I am seeing alot more cars and motorcycles with led lights under the car/truck/bike. Have you thought about that? I just saw some for 150 baht at Big C. If you want brighter any of the custom LED/Light shops can make them. Also, Autobacs has some very bright Audi style LED clusters, but they aren't cheap. These can be mounted in front or even behind, or really anywhere, but are bulkier than the LED strips. Any of these might be alternatives to a headlight modulator. For my own bikes, on my chopper I installed an HID headlight, and my sport bike I am in the process of putting some LED accent lights on to increase visibility, and to swap out my regular lights for brighter LED tail light, signals, and headlight.

As for your question, I am not sure, but I wouldn't think a modulator would be road legal, so you may want to avoid putting a red flag up to the police, announcing "I am a falang with money, see my big flashy bike, come get some money!" Even my HID Xenon headlight gets me flagged down 1 or 2 times out of 10 that I drive around Bangkok. As far as I know, HID headlights on motorcycles are not legal, but any kind of accessory light, like extra accent lights or under vehicle lights, are legal on any vehicle.

So I got the bike back from the shop. There was a hole in one of the coolant outlets on the engine block, just corroded and worn through. So he replaced that, changed oil to synthetic, new filter, installed a brand new coolant reserve tank (old one was just old and not properly installed), flushed coolant, and balanced the carbs (apparently the front butterfly valves were not in sync with the fronts). Total came to 2600 baht, and only 500 of that was labor charge. I thought that was reasonable.

I will take my Honda Steed to him this weekend and have the carbs cleaned. A float is sticking and leaking gas.

Ok, now to touch up the paint, and change some other cosmetics.

V4 and built in Japan from the mid 80's to the mid 90's NC21 NC24 NC30 (mine and the one pictured above) and then the last of the batch with USD's, 17" rear wheel and ram air, which went by the name of NC35.

Cracking bikes and if one is found in perfect mechanical condition they are about on par (acceleration and top speed wise) as a ER6 or Ninja 650

Thanks Karlos

Having had bikes in the US I was really taken by the pics & the specs of these as they were always just something we saw in mags or later

on the internet as gray bikes. Of course on my trips to Thailand over the years I saw many gray bikes as they have them there naturally.

But yes they look very cool & interesting. I would be interested in finding one once I arrive to stay permanent next month.

Have always had 4 cyl street bikes here...600RR & 900RR etc.

600 ninja there could be a possibility but not too excited about twins....Not counting Ducati's of course

Thanks

I took my time deciding on whether I wanted a CBR600RR or the NC30. In the end, it makes little sense to own the 600 over the 400, in terms of cost, maintenance, availability of parts and knowledgeable service. The cost to buy a 600 is about 5 or 6 times more than the 400. I paid 70k, a 600 will set you back about 300k, and the 600's are used for rentals, so many are just trash. The CBR600RR I rented in Pattaya had the frame welded together after what must have been one helluva crash.

When you arrive in Thailand, let me know if you want some help finding an NC30 or NC35. I have a list of shops that sell them, and also the shops that know how to service them in and around Bangkok. I bought mine off a private seller, with green book, plate and taxes all paid. I have passed through 3 or 4 police checks so far and they haven't look twice at my plate and tax sticker.

Thanks, I will give the export shop a go.

Ok, I don't normally ask these silly questions, but I can't find any. I wear them under my shirt/jacket when I ride my motorcycle. I like the thin t-shirt material. It wicks away sweat and keeps my outer shirt from getting wet/stained. Something tight fitting like Under Armour, but cheap because I throw them out frequently as they get sweat stains. I can find thicker ones at MBK, but they are hot and bulky. I used to buy the thin ones for 50 baht each at the Suan Luam night market before it closed.

Any ideas? What do you wear?

Thanks!

John

I think they may be the kind of places that offer "extras", and so probably not what the OP's after.

I don't know, I have never been to a Turkish bath, but these are very large and obvious signs that say "Turkish Bath" so I am not sure that they are the usual crap tourist massage parlors.

Now this is stuck in my head, and I will have to find them, if only to satisfy my own mind if not the OP's!

Sell your tools, get some Craftsmen or Snap-On tools all in metric and bring those. It is impossible to find good quality tools. I left all mine back in Florida, and miss them. The ones here are crap, not just in quality but also selection. When you do find some decent quality tools, they are about 4 times the price of what you could bring. As long as space and weight aren't a problem for you, bring the hand tools. As for the power tools, if I were you and I used my tools alot, I would bring them. It might be a bit of hassle, but worth the quality.

There are 2 Turkish baths on Sukhumvit, visible from the road, on the even soi side. I know I sound like an idiot, because I can see the establishment in my head but I am trying to remember where it is. I think just off Prom Pong BTS, next to the Benjasiri Park. Another farther down... ahh, maybe I shouldn't have posted.

My wife lost her DL - She simply asked for a new one at the DLT offices (Sukhumvit 107 area).

No issues at all. I'm not sure of the regulations, she might simply of spoke to someone flexible.

Normally a police report is required to obtain a replacement for many things, such as DL license, ATM card, passport, etc. Your wife just got lucky I guess. To the OP, get a report, it only costs 20 baht, receive a copy on the spot and take that with your DL copy and visa/WP. As previously stated, doesn't matter really which police station you go to, just make sure you report it lost in their jurisdiction.

Well, I know the radiator hoses were worn! Took the bike out for a blast through the city and a hose split and sprayed hot coolant on my leg! So the bike is at a local mechanic overnight. I am having him replace ALL the hoses, better safe than sorry. Also asked him to make sure he flushes both radiators and runs a flush through the motor before he refills it with coolant. Nothing kills a motor faster than heat.

While he was at it, having him change oil and filter to fully synthetic, and change air filter. He also knows a guy who he thinks can do the under seat exhaust custom routing job, he will let me know in the morning. I will pick up the bike at 9am and see if all is sorted. Ah well, better to have these things happen now and fix it properly instead of finding out a couple hundred kilometers into a long run that my coolant hoses are old. He also tried to convince me not to change the paint from flat black. Maybe I will leave that for last while I decide.

Here is a photo of the NC30 I missed out on a couple of weeks ago. I love the clean lines of the underseat exhaust on the CBR600RR seat fairing. He was asking less than what I paid for mine! Arghh

That was a nice one!

Do you mind me asking what the asking price was for it?

I am curious as I have not seen these ever sold in the US. ( the 750 was of course )..years ago

I am sure there are grey imports but still just wondering....

Good luck with the project the one you ended up with looks like a good start.

That bike was sold for 68000 baht. Exceptional deal. Most bikes in much worse condition are going for mid 70s. At shops they are normally 85-90k, and have seen one for sale at 120,000 baht! It is going to take me at least 15000 baht if I want to get mine to match that one. I guess I will just have to pick my battles and just do the things that I really want, like the under seat exhaust, and of course all the maintenance stuff.

I know there is a shop in Chiang Mai that sells them on eBay for about 4000 USD plus shipping (700-800 USD if I remember correctly).

I do want to have my carbs disassembled and cleaned and balanced and sequenced. I will take your advice on the jet sizes, as I really don't know much about carbs. How does the jet sizing affect heat? I understand re-jetting for different exhaust setups, but have not educated myself enough about their effects on cylinder heat.

As for the wheels, it is not very high on my priority list right now. The tires are practically new, so I won't need to think about it probably until after I get everything else sorted. I just don't want to be limited in choices, and have a hard time finding tires.

Here is a photo of the NC30 I missed out on a couple of weeks ago. I love the clean lines of the underseat exhaust on the CBR600RR seat fairing. He was asking less than what I paid for mine! Arghh

Thanks for all your suggestions. That 3000 baht bike is probably as close as I will get. Ah well, it was just a passing interest. It is a shame that bikes are so expensive here, where many Thais can't afford them. It really is a great way to get lots of exercise, see the sites, and park the car to reduce emissions and polution.

Karlos, I fell in love with your bike last year when I saw some previous photos. Partly why I began searching for one to buy. I found one and called the guy less than an hour after he posted the ad and arranged a meeting in Siracha where the bike was. An hour later I called to get final directions and he said someone came cash in hand and paid full asking price for it. I was so bummed. I will post a photo tonight. It is now the template I am using for my project bike.

I just bought a NC30 in very good condition and now want to work on it for fun. I know there were a couple of TV members who have or still own this bike, and I remember someone having some parts left over from an old bike that they already sold. Anyone have any extra parts that they would like to get rid of? I might be interested.

My plan is to check valve clearances, full carb cleaning, flush and change all fluids and filters, replace exhaust system, replace or repair instrument cluster (speed and temp not working, RPM is working), replace fork oil, re-skin the seats, replace all brake pads, repaint (fairings, wheels, worn bits), replace brake/clutch levers and handle grips, and replace front foot rests and brake/gear levers. Did I miss anything?

I am also thinking of replacing the rear wheel with a 17 incher from an RVF to increase my tire choices. Also, I would like to route the exhaust under the seat for a cleaner look, but not sure if the current slip on will work. The NC30's with under-seat exhausts that I have seen usually have a smaller end can. Anyone know of a competent garage that can custom bend new exhaust pipes, preferably in Bangkok?

She rides great, but noticed something rattles when I hit a very hard bump, maybe just a loose headlight housing or instrument cluster.

This is how she looks right now:

Brian, looks like alot of changes since I was last in your shop. I need to come up, I am in need of a new helmet. Do any of your helmets have an internal retractable sun visor?

Also, are you organizing any rides any time soon?

Sure, a few of the Bilmolas have retractable sun visors. The Explorer model is really nice. My wife just started using it and loves it.

We are thinking of doing a run to Kao Yai on our next trip. We are still working out the details. I'll let you know when I have more info. Thanks.

Brian

Well, I just picked up a new (to me) little Honda VFR400 today and was going to ride up to look at your helmets, but it looks like rain, and I don't like riding in the rain. I guess I will head up tomorrow morning.

For sure let me know about the Khao Yai trip, I have been trying to get some friends together and go there, maybe we can tag along on your run. Will you take your new CBR1000, or another bike?

Brian, looks like alot of changes since I was last in your shop. I need to come up, I am in need of a new helmet. Do any of your helmets have an internal retractable sun visor?

Also, are you organizing any rides any time soon?

Thanks for the information guys, looking forward to getting started!

On 26th May Bira is open for bikes. I'll be there going slow. If you're ready be there! I can show you round the track.

Sorry,not 26th it's the 28th.

I thought someone mentioned Bira is no longer open? I would love to go if possible.

BTW, I looked through these, and they all seem to be high end shops to me, no cheap ones.

http://bicyclethailand.com/bike-stores/#bangkok

First I am not a serious biker. To give you reference, I bought a cheap $60 USD mountain bike at Wal-Mart in the US and it lasted me 3 years of riding, using it several times a week just for recreation. I just started looking for a bike here in Bangkok, and I can't find a new bike under 5000 baht, and that was for a really cheap feeling bike at Tesco.

Does any place sell decent bicycles for less than 3000 baht? I don't take my bikes "off road" even though I like the mountain bike style. I don't ride fast or hard. I just want to ride on the streets and in parks in an around Bangkok. A mountain bike would suit the rough roads and sidewalks here pretty well.

I really won't take care of it. It will probably sit outside my condo and occasionally I may throw it in the back of my pickup and head out of town. I can't see me spending 12,000 baht for a bike, which is what I found at 2 bike shops on Sukhumvit Rd Soi 66 or 68.

Anywhere to buy a decent cheap bike anywhere in Bangkok?

Thanks!

NUTS!!!!

Saw the aftermath of something like this in Florida where a lady changed lanes on a motorway doing the speed limit of 65MPH. The motorcycle doing well over 150MPH and splitting lanes hit the back of her van dead on center. Motorcycle driver went through the back window and out the front windshield of her van - dead instantly. The motorcycle came through the back of the van and parked itself in her front seat - killed 2 small children in the back and their mother.

I am all about speed, but do it safely and in an appropriate places. As for everyone yelling at others to "wear your gear, wear your gloves and helmet and leathers" - I don't care about that. You crashing without gear on only affects you, not the other motorists around you. In fact, someone without gear who crashes and lives may drive safer after that, if able.