Learning to Ride a Motorbike Safely

[Cochrane]

I recently passed my thai motorbike test in April at an Issan Test Centre but am now in Pattaya.

 

Despite having a licence however, I realise that I do not have enough skills in controlling the bike, road awareness or maneuvering procedures to even attempt to ride a bike safely in Pattaya.

 

I am also aware that the safest way to drive in Pattaya is in a car, however I want to learn how to ride a motorbike properly and then take my chances.

 

The motorbike I am using is a small Yamaha 125cc Semi Automatic.

 

It would be very helpful if any of you could point me in the right direction of any driving schools or safety courses that may be available locally. I have looked on the internet and have found absolutely nothing, which in itself is amazing.

 

Thank you for your help.

[ezzra]

Your best school will be to get out on the road, be mindful of your surroundings, as well as what is going on behind you by using your mirrors, take it easy at first and don't speed, stick to the left, good driving manners goes along way, wear your helmet even for a short ride, and you be ok, no school can teach you how to be a good rider...

[maximillian]

https://global.yamaha-motor.com/news/2008/0806/yra.html

 

Unless you feel very confident, don't ride in Pattaya. Don't ride in Thailand when you're old or feel old, never ride without best of insurance you can get.

Invest in your safety. Safety gear, safety training.

 

 

 

[maximillian]

6 minutes ago, ezzra said:

and you be ok, no school can teach you how to be a good rider...

 

Irresponsible advise (from a cynical me)

[KhunBENQ]

The best driving school can't learn you how to survive Pattaya traffic.

Try to cross Soi Buakhao at Soi Diana following the books/rules

Edited May 29, 2018 by KhunBENQ

[Kohsamida]

This bit of advice might not help you in Pattaya but may be of use to others in Chang Mai or Phuket with a similar concern.  Then again, there might be a similar school in your area. 

 

Honda runs a safety school that provides very well conducted courses in everything from basic riding safety right up to competitive riding and is highly rated and fairly priced.

 

Considering how people handle themselves on the roads here, I think that learning on your own out on the roads here in Thailand is not the smartest move a person could make, especially considering that there are more road fatalities in Thailand than in any other country in the world!  Learning from an experienced and qualified instructor, and under controlled conditions of a riding park makes far more sense to me.

 

https://hondasafetyridingpark.aphonda.co.th/course

[Airalee]

I used to ride a motorbike in Chiang Mai about 6 years ago before the traffic got to be overwhelming.  Now, I wouldn’t even chance it and there is no way that you would catch me on a motorbike in Pattaya or any other major cities/tourist centers.  It’s not so much my own skills and awareness that concerns me but the lack of awareness in the other riders/drivers.

[Kohsamida]

8 minutes ago, Airalee said:

I used to ride a motorbike in Chiang Mai about 6 years ago before the traffic got to be overwhelming.  Now, I wouldn’t even chance it and there is no way that you would catch me on a motorbike in Pattaya or any other major cities/tourist centers.  It’s not so much my own skills and awareness that concerns me but the lack of awareness in the other riders/drivers.

Exactly right!  I rode a motorcycle for years in the States and was ALWAYS very careful.  Irregardless, I was involved in 3 accidents (none serious), and all of them were due to the other driver just doing something incredibly stupid.  I live in Chaing Mai and only ride a bicycle now which can be pretty unnerving at times.  From time to time I think of getting a motorbike until I see someone do something stupid and/or dangerous in a car or motorbike.  At least on a bicycle, other drivers are a little more careful not to hit you (not much, but a little ? )

 

Edited May 29, 2018 by Kohsamida

[Airalee]

6 minutes ago, Kohsamida said:

Exactly right!  I rode a motorcycle for years in the States and was ALWAYS very careful.  Irregardless, I was involved in 3 accidents (none serious), and all of them were due to the other driver just doing something incredibly stupid.  I live in Chaing Mai and only ride a bicycle now which can be pretty unnerving at times.  From time to time I think of getting a motorbike until I see someone do something stupid and/or dangerous in a car or motorbike.  At least on a bicycle, other drivers are a little more careful not to hit you (not much, but a little ? )

 

Not only that, but also, the OP is talking about Pattaya (party central). Although he is attempting to do the responsible thing, how many foreigners are going to be out there recklessly driving drunk at all hours of the day.  Just that scenario is one that would keep me resigned to baht busses and walking wherever I need to go.

[Kohsamida]

9 minutes ago, Airalee said:

Not only that, but also, the OP is talking about Pattaya (party central). Although he is attempting to do the responsible thing, how many foreigners are going to be out there recklessly driving drunk at all hours of the day.  Just that scenario is one that would keep me resigned to baht busses and walking wherever I need to go.

Drunk drivers are the scariest thought for sure.  One of my accidents was the result of a drunk driver pulling out of a bar parking lot at night and running me off the road into a ditch.  There was nothing I could do to avoid it.  He didn't even stop to see if I was hurt.  A week later I put my bike up for sale and haven't ridden a motorbike since.

[Kohsamida]

52 minutes ago, Airalee said:

I used to ride a motorbike in Chiang Mai about 6 years ago before the traffic got to be overwhelming.  Now, I wouldn’t even chance it and there is no way that you would catch me on a motorbike in Pattaya or any other major cities/tourist centers.  It’s not so much my own skills and awareness that concerns me but the lack of awareness in the other riders/drivers.

Funny thing. with all the heavy traffic and constant traffic jams here in Chiang Mai, I find that I seem to get around much quicker on a bicycle!  Not only that, but I feel MUCH safer since my speed over ground is slower giving me more time to react, and I have more maneuverability.  Plus, other drivers do seem to show more courtesy and caution around a cyclist than they do among themselves!

Edited May 29, 2018 by Kohsamida

[impulse]

8 minutes ago, Kohsamida said:

Drunk drivers are the scariest thought for sure.  One of my accidents was the result of a drunk driver pulling out of a bar parking lot at night and running me off the road into a ditch.  There was nothing I could do to avoid it.  He didn't even stop to see if I was hurt.  A week later I put my bike up for sale and haven't ridden a motorbike since.

 

I bought a 2nd hand scooter in BKK, rode it around my Asoke neighborhood for half an hour, and it scared the crap out of me.  It's been under tarp for 5 years now...  And I feel no sense of embarrassment to admit it. 

 

According to studies done in Aus and the USA, scooters are 20-40 times as dangerous per km driven as a 4 wheel vehicle.  Wear the helmet, sure.  Get the training, absolutely.  But you cross the safety Rubicon when you climb on a scooter instead of into a 4 wheeled vehicle. 

 

I do it every day using motosai taxis, because the time they save me balances out with the statistical odds of getting killed in the 1 km to my local BTS stop.  But that Fino is going to stay under the tarp until I break down and sell it.  I'd give it to friends, but couldn't live with the consequences if they killed themselves on it.

[jenny2017]

Take the bike to a road with NO traffic and get familiar with the brakes, switching gears, etc...but always wear a full face helmet. A leather jacket, gloves, jeans/leather pants, and boots are helpful as well.

 

  Make brake tests and see what happens when you pull both brakes doing 30 km/h.

 

 Try to understand that a front disc brake has got more power than the rear brake shoes. Never pull the front brake alone with full power, it will kick you off, especially when it rains.

 

   Try some slalom exercises, easy to do with plastic bottles, then please try to drive around without crashing, then set the bottles closer and try it again.

 

   Never drive with a pillow driver, in the beginning, understand that not all people know that their weight is very important when driving into a curve. The wrong action of a pillow driver can kill you.

 

 Once you can handle all situations, including night rides, try your skills on a road with not too much traffic. Get used to thousand bikes at a traffic light and all wanna be first right before the light turns green. 

 

  Have always safe trips!!!

 

http://yohoyoho.club/en/motoschool/

 

Don't Be an Idiot With Your Own Safety

 

  

 

  

Edited May 29, 2018 by jenny2017

[Kohsamida]

2 minutes ago, impulse said:

 

I bought a 2nd hand scooter in BKK, rode it around my Asoke neighborhood for half an hour, and it scared the crap out of me.  It's been under tarp for 5 years now...  And I feel no sense of embarrassment to admit it. 

 

According to studies done in Aus and the USA, scooters are 20-40 times as dangerous per km driven as a 4 wheel vehicle.  Wear the helmet, sure.  Get the training, absolutely.  But you cross the safety Rubicon when you climb on a scooter instead of into a 4 wheeled vehicle. 

 

I do it every day using motosai taxis, because the time they save me balances out with the statistical odds of getting killed in the 1 km to my local BTS stop.  But that Fino is going to stay under the tarp until I break down and sell it.  I'd give it to friends, but couldn't live with the consequences if they killed themselves on it.

LOL...I am constantly looking at motor scooters zip by and thinking how nice it would be to have one.  Some of them are really quite nice looking, and it honestly does look like fun to ride one around here in Chiang Mai, zip up Doi Suthep whenever you felt the urge, or just explore the countryside on one.  Then, I see someone do something really stupid on one in traffic, or see someone almost hit an unsuspecting bike rider, and I come to my senses!

[jenny2017]

3 minutes ago, Kohsamida said:

LOL...I am constantly looking at motor scooters zip by and thinking how nice it would be to have one.  Some of them are really quite nice looking, and it honestly does look like fun to ride one around here in Chiang Mai, zip up Doi Suthep whenever you felt the urge, or just explore the countryside on one.  Then, I see someone do something really stupid on one in traffic, or see someone almost hit an unsuspecting bike rider, and I come to my senses!

If you are scared of driving, you'll have problems. 

[Cochrane]

Thanks for all your replies. I will have another look a the Honda and Yamaha Safety Courses. I have never been to Chang Mai so a break up there to do the Honda Course might be a good option ...

 

But still no local choices in or around Pattaya with regard to a recommended Driving School?

[Kohsamida]

5 minutes ago, jenny2017 said:

If you are scared of driving, you'll have problems. 

I rode big bikes in the States for ten years.  I'm not scared of driving; I'm scared of OTHER drivers on the road and their complete unpredictability (and often their incredible stupidity and lack of concern for others).  I'm also a licensed pilot.  When flying I have very little fear about air traffic because I know that everyone else up there is practicing the same due diligence for safety that I am.  That's not the case at all when it comes to drivers on the ground.

Edited May 29, 2018 by Kohsamida

[sotsira]

Cochrane, there is this driving school in Pattaya that i've put a 

link here for you:

http://www.absdrivingchonburi.com/

They may be worth checking out for what you require, although they

are a school for new drivers, maybe they can offer additional training

or private lessons.

[jenny2017]

8 minutes ago, Kohsamida said:

I rode big bikes in the States for ten years.  I'm not scared of driving; I'm scared of OTHER drivers on the road and their complete unpredictability (and often their incredible stupidity and lack of concern for others).  I'm also a licensed pilot.  When flying I have very little fear about air traffic because I know that everyone else up there is practicing the same due diligence for safety that I am.  That's not the case at all when it comes to drivers on the ground.

I totally agree with you. Most drivers here do not have any sort of training whatsoever. It's more like an instinct, but not a good one. ?

[maximillian]

https://catmotors.net/tips-for-riders/

 

This is the website of a very responsible motorbike rental company.

Worthwhile to have a look at it wether experienced rider or newbie.

[jenny2017]

How about some lessons with Noi? But you'll have to sit right behind her for a few hours. I hope that it/she doesn't irritate you.....

[Kohsamida]

3 minutes ago, jenny2017 said:

How about some lessons with Noi? But you'll have to sit right behind her for a few hours. I hope that it/she doesn't irritate you.....

Well, I have to say that sure is one nice, ummm... bike.

Edited May 29, 2018 by Kohsamida

[Cochrane]

to be fair, I wouldn't need a bike to ride with Noi and even if I couldn't afford it I would simply lie ... lol

 

[impulse]

23 minutes ago, Kohsamida said:

LOL...I am constantly looking at motor scooters zip by and thinking how nice it would be to have one.  Some of them are really quite nice looking, and it honestly does look like fun to ride one around here in Chiang Mai, zip up Doi Suthep whenever you felt the urge, or just explore the countryside on one.  Then, I see someone do something really stupid on one in traffic, or see someone almost hit an unsuspecting bike rider, and I come to my senses!

 

I'm not anti-scooter, just like I'm not anti zip lining, or rock climbing, or scuba diving, or general aviation, or any of the activities that require riders on a life insurance policy.   Some of the fun things in life carry increased risk.   In my mind, exploring the countryside on a scooter would be worth the added risk.  If only I lived near a countryside.

 

It's still a lot less than one in 10 million odds of getting creamed per km driven.  But, over the years, the odds accumulate and I'm not willing to adopt a scooter as my primary mode of transport while I'm living in town.  (On an aside, I even hate driving a 4 wheeler from my home in Asoke, because I know the first 30 minutes and last 30 minutes -or more- of every trip are going to be through a soul crushing traffic jam.)  If I lived in the boondocks, the calculation changes.  It may well be worth the risk for the added mobility, the adventure and the wind whistling through my bald head.

 

[Kohsamida]

4 minutes ago, impulse said:

 

I'm not anti-scooter, just like I'm not anti zip lining, or rock climbing, or scuba diving, or general aviation, or any of the activities that require riders on a life insurance policy.   Some of the fun things in life carry increased risk.   In my mind, exploring the countryside on a scooter would be worth the added risk.  If only I lived near a countryside.

 

It's still a lot less than one in 10 million odds of getting creamed per km driven.  But, over the years, the odds accumulate and I'm not willing to adopt a scooter as my primary mode of transport while I'm living in town.  (On an aside, I even hate driving a 4 wheeler from my home in Asoke, because I know the first 30 minutes and last 30 minutes -or more- of every trip are going to be through a soul crushing traffic jam.)  If I lived in the boondocks, the calculation changes.  It may well be worth the risk for the added mobility, the adventure and the wind whistling through my bald head.

 

I would tend to agree except all three of my accidents occurred out on country roads ? Unfortunately it only takes ONE bad driver to do you in, and they are everywhere.  I have no problem at all with high-risk adventuring.  I love the rush of high speed!  It's just that if I'm gonna end up on the wrong side of things, I'd prefer that I was in control of the situation. and not someone else.

[Cochrane]

I have contacted the ABS and Yohoyoho Driving Schools and await their reply.

 

Also checking out the Bike Hire link.

 

Thanks everyone, all other ideas welcome :-)

[ChidlomDweller]

There are some good books on safety riding.  Other than practicing in quiet areas to learn to handle the bike, that's the absolute top priority.  They really help you become more aware of potentially dangerous situations that you might otherwise learn the hard way.  Things like the kind of maneuvers other drivers might pull on you, recognizing hazardous road conditions, etc.  

 

If you insist on riding in Thailand (I wouldn't), go for a big bike.  You'll be more visible, get more respect, and the right ones are also much more stable (much longer wheel base, bigger wheels, fatter tyres, lower center of gravity if you pick the right one).  Also, on a big bike you can get ABS, which I'm not sure is available on smaller bikes.  

 

I never had an accident in about 8 years of daily riding in Singapore, but something I learned the hard way quickly is how slippery wet roads can be, especially (but not exclusively) on painted street signs.  After that, I always avoided riding on wet roads, inconvenient or not.  When I see idiots racing on wet roads at high speed I just shake my head.  When they get into a bad crash and they survive, they'll blame it on "fate" I'm sure.

 

Anyway, in Thailand, just not worth it.  With a motorcycle you have no margin of error, roads are bad, and the roads are full of selfish jerks and idiots.   

Edited May 29, 2018 by ChidlomDweller

[Kohsamida]

11 minutes ago, Cochrane said:

I have contacted the ABS and Yohoyoho Driving Schools and await their reply.

 

Also checking out the Bike Hire link.

 

Thanks everyone, all other ideas welcome :-)

I really admire your determination to find a school and wish you luck.  To just go out and start riding a motorbike in Pattaya would be the very definition of "trial by fire" LOL!  When I was visiting there I actually brought my bicycle to ride.  Rode it into Pattaya from Jomtien once, and the rest of my stay the bike stayed in my hotel room except for trips to the countryside!  The Baht Bus was just as exciting but a lot safer (I think)...hahaha!

 

Just a thought, but have you looked for a school or riding park specifically in Jomtien or another outlying area to Pattaya?  At least the traffic would be a lot calmer there.  Good Luck. 

Edited May 29, 2018 by Kohsamida

[ChidlomDweller]

In Singapore there are two (IIRC) government-licensed riding schools.  You need 20+ 90-minute lessons of circuit training.  (I forgot, but it's about 8 levels each of which takes 2-3 tries to pass.)  Even though I was able to convert a license from my home country, I went and it was not only fun but also incredibly useful.  Anyway, try to get a good program here with circuit training if it exists at all.  I believe in the US there are also short, intense training camps for safe riding, so maybe during a visit to your home country you may find one.

 

one last bit of advice: always wear gloves and a biker (mesh) jacket for when that accident inevitably comes, and buy a quality FULL face helmet like from Shoei or Arai.  Google some pics of people who didn't and landed on their chin. 

Edited May 29, 2018 by ChidlomDweller

[Cochrane]

my determination is simply based on the will to live ... and not to embellish the hospital funds unnecessarily.

 

yes, I am quite often in Jomtien so I shall look around next time, thanks.