eeeya

I haven't seen many Thai guys on big bikes in the peak hr rush. Well, I did see an ER6N today, and a Hayabusa yesterday. But mostly I'm under the impression the big bikes are for the weekend Starbucks hangout.

So.. I bought myself a CB300F a month ago for the Bangkok commute / something to toy around with

The reason I chose this bike is:

A: Small enough for a first bike with a clutch

B: Small enough for wrestling bangkok traffic

C: Pretty cheap.

So in the last couple of days I've been running errands between Thonburi and Sukhumvit in the peak hour traffic and returning after lunch. Clutch, break, clutch, break over and over. Weaving in and out between cars.

Originally I planned to get my legs on this bike then once I felt comfortable with riding a bike I'd buy a big bike.

However, I'm starting to think a big bike is gonna be a pain in the ass doing this on regularly. There's a reason scooters are so popular.. Its because they're small, automatic and a hell of a lot easier to hit the traffic on.

My question is.. Is there many out there who commutes regularly on a big bike in bangkok or is it just too much of a pain in the backside???

I'm starting to think in the future maybe buy a big bike for the weekend toy and swap the CB300F for a twist and go.

Thoughts?

They really hate us here you know! Just more proof.

Lock your doors folks!

Initially he was, but he had some problem and continued on with a ruski bike. He was carving it through the mud and sand while the big bikes kept falling over

It was ironic that the camera man on his cheap and small Russian bike made a better job of it than the two on the BMW's.

Went through the ordeal about 6 weeks ago at taling Chan, Bangkok. Waited outside building before it opened. The que started to form about 30 minutes before opening. I think there was a maximum of 85 per day. I already had a Thai car license. So don't know if this sped up the process at all. But definitely being a foreigner was a plus. I felt like I was getting pushed through the system by the staff. It took two days.

Day 1 was reaction test and computer text. No stupid safety movie because I already had car licence.

Day 2 back at 7 am and wait in the que to do the practical.

The balancing beam was a bit hairy and the crap scooter with engine problems didn't help either.

Pretty easy though. Just make sure you stop at the stop signs and use the indicators when turning.

OK OK.. Understand now. I didn't get that, just the crap 250฿ helmets. Damn it

Call me stupid but what's a naked gym

<script type='text/javascript'>window.mod_pagespeed_start = Number(new Date());</script>

@eeeya if you're interested in android platform, look at the Locus app on Google play. They have a free version as well as payed (I paid for it as its worth it). After installing Locus maps tweak app, it will allow you to use goggle maps and with Locus you can download any areas of any zoom for offline use. My offline Google maps take over 1 GB of data. I'm on one of my trips right now and I'm using my android device (tablet under the waterproof clear cover in my tank bag) for GPS, used it many times before and is tell you I'd never waste my money on standalone GPS unit. Giggle maps by far the best maps in the market with more details than any other maps.

Thanks, I downloaded Locus and had a quick look. Your suggestion of being able to save google apps is great. Google map has good detail in BKK especially which the others were lacking.

Ill tack that to my things to do list

Im looking at using my S5 Samsung. Got a mount for it (ebay) on my MTB which I plan on stealing and putting on the moto

I've been researching this extensively while bludging on the internet during night shift for the last couple of weeks. Im hoping when I get back to civilization with a decent internet connection I can play around with open street maps.

My plan is to go the android route rather than the Garmin but basically its coming from the same source anyway.

My question is. Has anyone managed to load the map for Bangkok which highlights the non motorcycle routes available here

http://www.nightrider.info/map/

looks interesting

Cant put exact number but expect 20K+ for yearly and 1500+ for single trip

God, imagine being a kid in that family.. everyone wearing helmets inside a car.

i guess those kids wear their helmets on the school bus too.

what a life

George Carlin noted that now-a-days kids have to wear a helmet for everything except jerking off.

yes in this instance a pair of safety glasses will suffice

4500baht for 1st class insurance for CB300F

http://www.treehugger.com/bikes/more-why-we-shouldnt-have-mandatory-helmet-laws.html

Just for the debate

and last this one looks interesting:

http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/motorcycles/news/coming-this-fall-the-augmented-reality-motorcycle-helmet-16836594

God, imagine being a kid in that family.. everyone wearing helmets inside a car.

i guess those kids wear their helmets on the school bus too.

what a life

who would eat that street food anyway.. Cooked with rats running around and full of msg..

and i cant stand spicy.. it makes me all farty and bloated

Much safer to eat at 7.

I know this problem and I cant believe the developers havent fixed it yet. It was made when phones used to have a physical "back" button. Shows how long its been due for an update .. last updated 3rd July 2013.

At the help home page 30 second tour, scroll down till you see:

"Choose Thai Script to find a Thai word using Thai Script, as in สวัสดีครับ"

the thai script is in blue.. click on it...press "Go" ...now you are in the dictionary.

I have a love/ hate relationship with this.. Its a brilliant dictionary which I use nearly every day. But the copy protection on it (google DRM) is absolutely hopeless and requires an internet connection every couple of days, so they recon to do an authenticity check... Mine asks for it daily because im in a remote location in Thailand with poor internet.

I really hope they get their act together one day

The headline incorrectly called it a cement truck. The photograph shows a concrete truck. Cement is the gray powder that's used to make concrete.

Do you have a copy of the load note? or were you at the scene taking samples?

I could go a 7 Eleven toastie right now

Theres a thai brand in TOPS making plain greek yoghurt, I think its called Yolida brand

Around 50baht for 1kg (from memory)

Half the price of the imported one from Australia called Farmers Union.

Tastes good.

With so much delicious food in Thailand I

Have often wondered why anyone would buy any of that crap.

Usually out of necessity. Driving on a long trip, fuel car, get some quick snacks and get going again.

or

Stuck in Hotel work has supplied in the middle of some industrial estate with not much else easily accessible.

Its not often mind you but its a bit of a treat for me at least

Nope not tried it yet.

CP pepper chicken burgers go alright in an emergency.

I miss the southern style chicken sticky rice burger at 7.. Just got pork only now..stinks

I'm just waiting for the news to come out in about 6 months that each of these bikes cost 3 million.

And that won't include the shiny crash bars.

those crash bars are made out of thaitanium.. I heard its very expensive for the Govt to buy

Its an option, as whats his options on the Mainland, or even in ''Bangkok'' ???? limited to say the least..

even with his Good Comand of English, that wont open any doors.... which actually it should, as Thais struggle to speak English..

even working in the Catering Department is a start, and who knows where that could lead him,

worth a try in my books..

On the English aspect and Thai's you don't work some of the Thai lads I do, I can assure you English is no barrier

I prefer to work with the guys with poor english because im forced to practice thai..