floridaguy

OP, you have to take into consideration the kind of bike you want to end up with, most don't ride both big cruiser and sport bike. My suggestion is go for the one that more closely resembles what you want to "graduate" to. If you want to end up on a Harley, get the Phantom. If you want a big sport bike, go for the Tiger or Kawa or whatever.

I wanted to end up on a fully custom chopper, so my very first bike ever was 4 months ago here in BKK, it was a custom Phantom. It had a longer wheel base than a normal Phantom, but same width. I loved it. I never found myself caught behind when others weaving through cars. Not being able to maneuver around cars was never a problem for me. 1 month later I bought a custom Honda Steed. This is much longer in wheel base, and much wider. I do now get caught not being able to move forward through city traffic. But, as stated, it is sometimes about the adventure. I couldn't tell you how many times I have sat in traffic and noticed something for the first time that I have passed probably 100 times. I don't mind, but it usually only happens once in an hour or so of constant driving that I am stuck. Still better than sitting in my cage in traffic!

So go with what you like. Phantoms are out of production, but they are very popular, and you will always find a mechanic with experience working on one. Same with the other sport bikes. Stick with a popular bike, if you are worried about mechanics.

Be safe, have fun, happy motoring. Below are my black Honda Steed and orange Honda Phantom.

My last off topic post.

Thailand's upcoming bike weeks.

http://ghostriders-t...-RALLIES-EVENTS

Thanks ScubaBuddha, your off topic comments were most helpful and welcome

If you know where they are there are sections of highway in Thailand you could do 200 kmh.

On the elevated highways between Bangkok and Rayong/Chonburi, there really are good stretches of road with very few cars that do allow that speed. And, they are not patrolled or monitored by the police. Traffic is minimal because of the 65 baht toll fee.

Hmmm me and an iPhone, I currently use a old Nokia 6630 because I lost my other phone. So are you sure it was me?

Nope, I was guessing you were that Richard. There is only one Richard in Thailand right? Ha ha, sorry, my bad.

Anyone ever been legally fined close to 1000 baht for speeding?

Never. I've lost count of how many times I've been done (more than 20), and it's always been 200 Baht at the window.. The highest I've ever been caught at was 162 in a 90, but that's just because I only drive faster than that on more deserted roads

Edit: The one and only time I've ever had to do the trip to a police station was in Pattaya for not wearing a helmet (was 200m from destination, pulled it off, got nabbed). Was a total PITA - went straight to station, paid and returned to the scene within 15 mins, but officer who took my license was nowehere to be found.. Next day had to queue for 45mins to get the license back... Always pay direct if you can!

Had a few close calls with police insisting on doing it by the book - all in BKK. Took a 1000 to settle those on the spot.

Why does everyone always complain about having to go to the station to get their license back? First, most stops have a "desk" to pay your fine. He is usually at a small makeshift table. Watch the Thai drivers, they will seek him out. Hand him your ticket, haggle with him and come to an agreement, he writes PAID on your ticket. Go hand it back to the ticketing officer, and get your license back. Smirk really big if you paid less than what he refused to take from you in the first place. Once you pay the "boss" he can't refuse to give you license back.

On the rare occasion where the cop won't give your license back, then call the police station and haggle on price. Then go to your ATM and pay your ticket through there, it is an option under Transfer money or pay bill of some sort. When that is done, call back to the police station to let them know it is paid and they will post the license back to you. I got mine in 2 days. If you are pulled over in the mean time, show your ticket and your paid ATM slip, and they will not fine you for not having your license.

In my case, I was parked on the side of the expressway leading to BKK airport waiting to pick someone up. Cop comes up, asks for my license and walks back to his car without saying a word. Then, he comes back, hands me a ticket, and walks away again without saying a word. I got out to speak to him, and he just drove off. So, that is how I know you can just call and negotiate a price over the phone, pay by ATM, and they will post it back. Simple. BTW, the ticket said 2000 baht fine, I paid 400. It would have been less if I could have spoken with the ticketing officer. I have never paid more than 200 baht for any offense.

To the OP, I argued with a cop at the Chonburi Motorway toll booth about fines. He showed me on his ticket pad what the fines were. It is written in Thai, but the numbers are clearly legible in typed English. It is a tiered structure. Let me try to remember... as in most countries, the faster you are going over the speed limit, the higher the fine. Something like 10kmh over, 20kmh over, etc. The fines went from 200 to 400 to 800 to 1000 I believe. I can't really recall. Next time you see a traffic cop, he will gladly show you.

I'm almost flattered about the interest in me, but why is it needed to know more about me? Most people on this forum know that I have a website, and work in the automotive sector (motorcycles). That is already a lot to know about a person you never met.

Anyway, I'm not in anyway related to any motorcycle dealer, so sorry I cannot assist you (my previous post about selling a YZF-R1 was intended as a joke). I not know about your brand loyalty, but, with developments in the Thai motorcycle market. The Thai Suzuki main distributor is getting a new owner and management, Honda Motor (Thailand) openly suggested that it's time to move to big bike distribution for Thailand. When it comes to handling and ridability the Yamaha YZF-R1 isn't the first bike I would think of in the 1000cc supersport class...

But if you still want to import the 2006 YZF-R1 LE, and its 4 years old (on the month precise) you can get 46.67% discount on the 80% import duty. (3 y. and 10 months is 45% discount and 12 y. and 2 months is 48.33% discount)

For the old ladies, no regrettable I wasn't there. The pictures where send to me and I found it something I wanted to share with you all. There's often so much negative stuff on this forum, and sometimes a positive topic can keep things a bit in balance... But the company has a bonded warehouse and custom officers are generally not very helpful if it comes to unpacking or moving cargo. And as a motorcycle company who has equipment to move motorcycles in crates on a daily base at the port, it would be very disturbingly wrong if a company like that didn't offer a helping-hand to unpack.

And the mystery still thickens, because you also are quoted on an unrelated site about the release date of the iPhone 4 here in Thailand. So, internet entrepeneur, motorcyles by trade, and the inside track on technology....are you the helpful avatar of the (insert organization here - Thai government, royal family, Royal Thai Police, CIA)? Just kidding...I think.

I love the costume, it reflects a more modern Thailand. But, how will the conservative's here in Thailand respond? I remember last year when a famous Thai actress was scolded and gave a tearful public appology for wearing her hair in a "non-traditional" manner during university graduation where she received her diploma from a member of the royal family.

Anyway, this girl has some style.

There is a place: http://www.autobacs.co.th/

Definately worth a look see. Thanks.

Congrats to them! They are fearless!!!

If you're a Farang I feel you will get pulled over sooner or later in BKK for no reason.

I was stopped in the left lane just leaving an intersection, but after showing my papers and Thai license he let me go.

I asked why I was pulled over and he had nothing to say.

There are enough new Farangs that pay a bribe and so the cops have a good enough success rate to justify pulling people over.

So what events in BKK can I attend a Highway Police Volunteer class?

I have a friend in LA with a CHP Widows Foundation badge ($5000 donation) and it got him out of many speeding tickets.

Once he got out of a 155mph situation and should have been in jail for reckless driving, but that badge is gold.

Not only farangs. You see them stopping Thais also. In fact they stop 100 Thais for every farang. The Thais just don't normally complain on the TV board though.

Farangs are just too tempting to pass up. I get pulled over, and I am half Thai, whether I am in my car or on my bike. I am a much more tempting target on my bike, it is a heavily customized Steed. It is a police magnet.

BS,I don't know one biker who's never been stopped at some time.Save it for the good Samaritans.

Nope. Never been pulled over when not breaking a law - not driving in the left lane, without a helmet, doing an illegal u-turn, going on an overpass bridge I'm prohibited from going on.

Perhaps you should try driving within the local laws, and you might be pleasantly surprised at how many police checks you'll just breeze on through... 100% of them for me.

You are either a new driver in the LOS, don't drive much, drive the same route that happens to never have any "purges" on it, or you are lying.

A purge, for those unfamiliar, occurs when they stop everyone for spot inspections/searches. Since no warrant or cause of any kind is needed for the police to search you in the LOS, often they search until they find some obscure thing they can fine you for, or just make something up. This is very common. You are very lucky if you have not had this happen to you, even if you are law abiding. Purges cause massive back-ups as the dozen or so cops working try to stop every vehicle coming through.

Anyway, back on topic: What the OP is talking about has been around for some time already. http://www.trapster.com Just click on Thailand on the map. Each reported trap/speed camera etc. is given a rating based on who and how many report it. They also have live traffic updates. Works with PDA's.

Or, if you have a big bike, just go attend a 2 day civilian academy and become a Highway Police Volunteer. These are usually offered at major bike week events around the LOS. It gives you some nice protection from getting scammed when stopped. I have had to use it a couple times after my wallet along with both my 5 year Thai drivers licenses were stolen out of my house and I haven't been able to get to the LTD to replace them yet. The cops get a real kick out of the badge and actually apologize to me!! lol

And no, you don't get to pull people over or write tickets. There is no duties to perform. They just want you to be a good witness and report if you see something blatant. You can also help with traffic control when royalty visits and there are also some volunteering opportunities during the bike week events.

ScubbaBuddha, thank you very much. You answered my original one, and added some help to one I have been toying with. How to get a cop NOT to pull me over in the first place. My Uncle is a high ranking police officer here, and he has offered to let me have one of the metal badges that you see on personal vehicles of police and politicians, but I feel uncomfortable misrepresenting myself in that way. He also suggested that I wear a police helmet, but again, not only do I feel uncomfortable misrepresenting myself, but those helmets don't look to offer much protection.

Becoming a Volunteer seems interesting. Any more info on that? Is there a website or phone number to call?

After a while you learn where and when the police checks will usually be. It only takes a bit of common sense and memory.

This is quite some common sense. This is exactly what I was referring to when I started this thread. My memory is mine only, and yours is yours only. I wanted to facilitate a method to share our collective memories and experiences with anyone interested.

Sad and very common in Thailand, farangs jumping out of windows in hotel rooms

This wasn't Pattaya. It is not common outside of that little black hole. I agree, this was very wierd. I am interested in seeing more details.

After 7 years here the answer is nope find one, let me know too...

WarpSpeed, I think you and I might be the only TV members who tinker on their transportation.

I have lived in Bangkok for almost 2 years and have yet to see a large auto repair supply store. I see all the little stores, but nothing large like a Pep Boys, Autozone, Napa like in the U.S. These large stores have one stop shopping, tires, engine parts, engines, brakes, shocks, paint, customization products. I like to tinker with my cars and motorcycles, and hate having to go to multiple places for things. If I want to buy a starter for my car or a new set of forks for my motorcycle, I want to go to one place. Well maybe 2 places, one for the car and one for the bike.

I can get parts at one of hundreds of little shops around town, paint at HomePro, tires at their own shop, cleaning supplies at Tesco/Carrefour. It is a pain in the a$$! I also couldn't find a paint supply shop dedicated to automotive paints. I did go to the area around China town and they have a couple of dozen of small shops that sell individual products, but again, no large one stop shop.

Anyone seen anything like this?

I saw Police stopping all motorcycles on Petchburi using the flyover bridges this morning and thought it would be nice to have a live map, updated by TV members, showing police traps,

Perhaps TV members should just drive within the law and not worry about it.

You really want to set up a programme to help others break the law in Thailand?

Clever...

Whenever the police stop a farang it is a trap, scam, rip off etc. The fact they are usually breaking one or more law seems immaterial to them. I sat watching the BIB pull over and fine those not wearing a helmet here on Samui. Both Thai's and Farang, yet some Farang were winging and whining about getting pipped off. Not one of them was wearing a helmet or could produce a license, Go figure.

The advice said already is the best to date. don't break the law and ride at a speed where you can react to the unexpected. Easy really

So if I want to make a map of a city showing the banks, does that mean I want everyone to rob them? How about we use some common sense. Did I once mention that anyone should break the law? No. What I did say is that we could use it to route around any police traps. Police traps slow traffic down. If I can get around it, I will. Also, going around a police trap would imply not using that particular flyover/one way road/illegal turning point wouldn't it, which would then serve it's purpose by encouraging anyone looking at the map to NOT go that way and NOT break any laws?

Armchair generals...

Let's stay on topic, not one post has even addressed my question. If it was a stupid idea, just say that. I am of the mindset that if you want to innovate, you can't be afraid to try new things - simple isn't it?

@ InterestedObserver

Thanks for your all opinions.

Can your share a bit more information on how important is to have:

1."Junction View" in GPS for a beginner in Bangkok? Nuvi 200 and 205 don't support it.

(Junction view by TSM 10.1 currently covers only Bangkok)

2. Screen size to be 4.3" (Nuvi 205W) and not 3.5" (Nuvi 205)

(I guess screen size may not be that important if one generally follows voice instead of display view)

I am planning to buy 1 set from a supplier I contact at "Alibaba.com" and then I'll but TSM10.1.

The overall cost is coming considerably cheaper. (Perhaps after sales SVC may be an issue if I don't but whole set locally)

regards

W means Widescreen

I agree, tire shop, probably the valve is leaking. I don't know if they have tire sealing cans here, but I hear mixed opinions about them. I have used them in the past, and they are cheap, but if you don't follow the directions properly, you can cause a little wobble at high speed, and it really is a short term fix anyway.

My 2 cents, I have differing opinion according to WHAT I am driving. In my company truck (Toyota Hilux or Fortuner) the small motorbikes worry me, as I don't want to flatten a little bugger darting in front of me or riding beside me in my blind spot; driving the same vehicles, I am most concerned on being hit by a BKK city bus, they just merge right over and you have to dodge them.

When I am driving in a smaller car (Honda), everyone is equally worrisome.

When I am driving my motorcycle, the Mercs and Beemers worry me, as they just pull right in front of me, and I am on a bigger bike and am not as maneuverable as a scooter, so I can't always dodge. By the way, I still think of them as scooters, not motorbikes, when they are the step through type like the Wave and PCX etc.

Just last week, an arseh0le Thai driver in a Merc did the slow creeping right turn in front of me and I locked up the rear tire to dodge him. I ended up stopped directly in front of his car, so I reached over and gave the front of his car a little tap with my fist, just as his wife was doing the same to the back of his head. That made the whole incident worth it.

I saw Police stopping all motorcycles on Petchburi using the flyover bridges this morning and thought it would be nice to have a live map, updated by TV members, showing police traps, updated construction areas, good detour routes around traffic/construction/police/etc.

My thoughts were something similar to what Richard did with the live Google map during the protests in May. I don't know how to set it up, or if anyone would even be interested. I just thought having a map to refer to when people are headed somewhere to show different routes that worked for different people. There was a post last week where I gave a TV member lat/long coordinates to a frequent police trap in Chon Buri, and this would have been a great way to refer the OP to the map.

Is this even feasible, allowing members to edit such a map themselves?

1. Motorcycles are not permitted on the motorways/expressways.

2. On all other roads, motorcycles must use the nearside lane only.

3. When the road is congested, motorcycles are permitted to use the footpath.

4. The maximum permitted occupancy for a motorcycle is 2 persons.

5. All motorcycles must display a red light to the rear (during the hours of darkness)

6. Front lights must not be obscured by shopping bags (during the hours of darkness)

7. Helmets are compulsory on journeys over 1.5 km

8. Motorcycle/sidecar combos are permitted to straggle the white lines (but only if carrying dried squid or cuttlefish).

9. Only items 1 to 5 are true.

Chickenslegs, where can I read up more on the motorbike laws here in LOS? I seem to be a BIB target for pull over, but have talked my way out of most. I am looking for an official list, such as what kind of headlights are acceptable, where license plates must be displayed and how, so on. This has been a pet project of mine, using quotes from the law to annoy the BIB when they pull me over.

To the OP, there are seldom signs showing you restrictions, as a motorcyclist, you are supposed to know. But, for most flyover bridges in and around Bangkok, there is a white sign that shows a motorbike crossed out in red. This is true in most areas in Thailand, but are very inconsistent outside of Bangkok. Basically, stay off the tollways and elevated highways, and I only use a flyover if there are other motorbikes ahead of me. I figure, stay in groups and it is more likely that you will escape the Fine Boys.

Here's a link that you will find interesting Thailaws

Click on the tab 'Acts in English' then scroll down to 'Land Traffic Act'

Not all the things I've mentioned are covered by that Act.

For example - I found out about Motorbikes being allowed to use the footpath when it came up as a question on the motorcycle driving licence test

Thank you, you are a scholar and a gentleman

Thanks everyone for the info!

floridaguy could you give me a bit more info on where you saw the BiB? I'm of 2 minds when it comes to using the road under the tollway... sometimes the frontage road is just too crowded with songtaews stopping and buses and taxis and everything else, but on the other hand I wouldn't want to run into a proper police checkpoint under the tollway; any BiB there in a large group must surely be on a mission.

Zzinged, it is just where the elevated Bangna-Trat highway ends in Chonburi. The elevated highway comes down to meet the roadway underneath. You will see the large sign saying Welcome to Chonburi just ahead of where they usually are. Just past, there is a small complex with a Tesco, McDonald's, etc on the left. I THINK this is the coordinate location, but I may be wrong. 13.416859,100.99327

Yesterday, they were not there, but I have seen them there many times. Also, I saw them for the first time on the road in front of Pinthong Industrial Park. Never seen any BIB there in a year and a half.

I am going back next Tuesday or Wednesday, I will keep you posted.

OP, I just took the motorbike test 2 months ago. As stated, it is the same as for the car. But, here is a trick. Tell the person administering the test that you know that some of the questions are misleading (they truly are), and she will help you with your test. I can speak Thai, but can't read it. If you use the Thai mentality as stated earlier, you will be fine. I used a little more logic and had some problems. The admin lady told me that I missed the same questions that everyone misses, so she gave me another go and gave me the answers to ALL the questions! Mind you, I took the test having only ridden my first motorbike a week earlier, so I am not a motorcycling expert, nor have I ever ridden one before. I came up one question short. But passed the second go.

As for the driving portion, I had to ride a slalom with orange cones in addition to the common narrow strip that you must not fall off. What the instructor informed me that they really or looking for is the following:

1. Don't fall off the concrete strip, or put your foot down.

2. Use your turn signals if you must turn.

3. After completion, when you come to a stop, make sure that you park withing 1/2 a meter from the curb, or they will fail you.

The lady before me failed immediately because she didn't raise her kickstand. Nervousness makes carelessness.

Hope this helps, and happy motoring.

1. Motorcycles are not permitted on the motorways/expressways.

2. On all other roads, motorcycles must use the nearside lane only.

3. When the road is congested, motorcycles are permitted to use the footpath.

4. The maximum permitted occupancy for a motorcycle is 2 persons.

5. All motorcycles must display a red light to the rear (during the hours of darkness)

6. Front lights must not be obscured by shopping bags (during the hours of darkness)

7. Helmets are compulsory on journeys over 1.5 km

8. Motorcycle/sidecar combos are permitted to straggle the white lines (but only if carrying dried squid or cuttlefish).

9. Only items 1 to 5 are true.

Chickenslegs, where can I read up more on the motorbike laws here in LOS? I seem to be a BIB target for pull over, but have talked my way out of most. I am looking for an official list, such as what kind of headlights are acceptable, where license plates must be displayed and how, so on. This has been a pet project of mine, using quotes from the law to annoy the BIB when they pull me over.

To the OP, there are seldom signs showing you restrictions, as a motorcyclist, you are supposed to know. But, for most flyover bridges in and around Bangkok, there is a white sign that shows a motorbike crossed out in red. This is true in most areas in Thailand, but are very inconsistent outside of Bangkok. Basically, stay off the tollways and elevated highways, and I only use a flyover if there are other motorbikes ahead of me. I figure, stay in groups and it is more likely that you will escape the Fine Boys.

Sigh......!!!!!

I seem to remember my thread stating: 'Today's Fuel Price And Where To Get Your Premium Go Juice'

The latter part of the title is my main concern as I want premium mix, mogas if I can get it, in my bike. The Shell down the road from Big C is still pumping V-Power, so I have a very happy running Ducati as off about 2 hours ago.

Is it that gasohol shit? Last time I checked they changed all their V-power Benzyne 95 to Gasohol 95. That was like 5 months ago. That day I didn't fill up. The only place I am aware of that has Benzyne 95 is Caltex, but only the ones inside Bangkok. Ones on the outskirts don't even have it.

Another question. Shells V-power Gasohol 95. They always tell me it is like the same as Benzyne but I never really believed them. Is it really bad for ones vehicle?

It is definately not the same for bikes. Run it all day in your car or truck, but avoid it for motorcycles. My Honda Steed sputters and backfires and won't idle if I put Gasohol in it, regardless of the grade. Honda manual says it is ok under 10%, but my bike just won't do it. I learned my lesson. Now I found a place on Petchburi in BKK 2 minutes from my place that has real Benzyne. I fill it up whenever I am thinking about it, even if only half empty, just to make sure that I don't get stuck needing to refuel with Gasohol.