witold

The OP wrote

"As a remark, I have almost never riden a motorbike so ......."

Is everyone overlooking this little remark? I think the rent-or-buy question is minor compared to other wisdom that could be posted by some experienced CM riders. I did it. I learned to ride here in CM and I feel very lucky to still be alive and in one piece. Maybe it's because I walked and observed the chaos for months before I got on a bike.

SinghaLover, if your handle describes you accurately, song taws and walking shoes would be a better choice.

And the wet streets are a bitch, especially because many riders are not willing to miss a phone call just because they are holding the throttle in one hand and an umbrella in the other. Watch out for metal plates, the white plastic/paint lines, etc. etc. etc.

Welcome. Have fun but take care of your only body.

I have many years of riding experience in USA, including urban commuting and race track racing. I would like to think I am a decent rider. When I came to CM I decided to rent a big bike and it was definitely an adjustment. There is a ton of traffic that creates unusual and possibly dangerous situations. As a new rider you will not know how to react or when not to react. Since you will be here 5 months, take it very easy on roads with little traffic. Otherwise, I wouldn't recommend riding at all. Really, you should get a bicycle to get around town and use sidewalks and less crowded streets. You state that you don't plan to take it much outside the city so a bicycle might be cheaper and safer option for you.

If the fairing really offers that much wind buffer - think about this - it will also feel a lot hotter when you ride because you don't have the wind cooling you down.

I have not tried the fairing version, but I've been riding the naked version quite a bit all around Thailand. Personally, I like small twisty roads and find that going above 110-120 is not the greatest idea here in Thailand because of 3rd world driving conditions. So my point is... most of the time you are likely to have slower speeds and the naked bike will be much better most of the time.

Also, if they offer the bike without ABS, get it. ABS is junk on this bike. Much worse braking than on my R6/Gsxr600/KTM SMC. I would rather have steel lines+HH pads. Likewise, suspension is pretty crappy, but you probably won't notice as a new rider... Otherwise, good value bike.

I put my helmet in the helmet cloth bag and put my gloves and camera in there as well. I took it on the plane as carry on in addition to my regular carry on bag with no problems and I would recommend doing the same.

In terms of buying stuff when you come here, you will find it to be an annoyance and time-waster. Do you really want to spend your time in LOS shopping around all day looking for something decent? Even if it takes you 1/2 day, is it worth spending your time this way?

There is some decent stuff here that meets Western expectations, but the selection is almost always Mediocre and the prices are Horrible - at least compared to USA.

I live in the US but I'm originally from Poland... Currently traveling Thailand via motorcycle, posting this from Khon Kaen... Good luck with your trip...

Oops, I really should've searched before asking.  Too bad I will not be here for Pirelli day.  That seems like a really nice event.  

I also find it surprising that the prices are - again - more expensive than in the US.  I would think that track days would be cheaper.  (cheaper land, cheaper insurance, etc)  

Thank you guys for the responses.  This is the sort of info that is invaluable to me.  

Are there any specific routes or things I should not miss as I start moving south towards Mae Sot?  

p.s nice bike collection in the US there! shame you cant rent them here in chiang mai

Kawi Er6 is a pretty darn good bike.  The only thing that sucks on it is suspension, can only adjust preload on the shock. I wish I could play around to set it up better for these bumpy turns, but otherwise it is a great bike.  I presume it is a big success in Thailand.  Good value for money and capable enough.  

Is there such a thing as motorcycle trackdays in Thailand?  Where you can go on a racetrack and go as fast as you want on the circuit?  

 Can't go wrong with the CM-Pai-Mae Hong Son-Mae Sariang-CM loop. Just allow some time, there are many curves 

This was indeed a very legit loop.  I am glad I survived it.  I left CM after noon, because when I glanced at the GTrider map I thought I could cut it short at Khun Yuam (and start heading to CM at that point.)  As you know this isn't the case and the sun was about to set when I got to that area.  I followed the rest of the loop in the dark, unfortunately.  Almost run out of gas.  Got pretty lucky in that respect.  But yes, a great loop indeed.  

I will give CM-Phayao route a shot... Any others?

I do know about gt-rider.  It was one of the selling points for me coming here.  

I will look for and check out your ride reports, guys.

Trying to escape USA cold weather, I came here, rented Kawi ER6 from Mr Mechanic and I'm exploring the area a little bit.  Nice twisty roads and interesting for me.  

Back in the USA, I have 2 sportbikes and 1 supermoto. (Yamaha R6, Gsxr 600, and KTM 690 SMC)  I like to ride. 

Are there any motorcycle specific "must do" things in this region?  Mae Sa Valley Samoeng loop is very nice.  Are there any biker hang outs, etc?  

Vito

Thank you for posting. I will definitely attend this event. My first HU event but I heard they are a good group of riders.

I am very new to CM. I came here, rented Kawi ER6 from Mr Mechanic and I'm exploring the area. Plant to do trips to Chiang Rai, etc.