Mortor Cycles?

[bernie66]

I had a sweet 96 softail that I loved in the USA. But in always went through my mind that i was riding on one hel_l of a down payment on a house. Now I want one in Thailand and they want 3X as much. I could get one if I wanted it bad enough but I don't think so . Especially living in BKK.I would just choke on exhaust not being able to fit between traffic. 4 years ago i was riding a Harley and raising Pit Bulls. Now im driving a moped staring at my wife's poodles.

Oh my buddha, I would have never guessed that would be in my future. If it were possible to ride a bike on the toll roads and highways in Thailand I might think about buying a big bike again but im more worried about retirement these days. Besides, anyone out there on an Aprila or Ducati that thinks they get from Bangkapi to Sukumviet faster than me on this 14,000 baht piece of crap. Bring it on! The loser picks up the bar tab

sorry if im off topic..

[Kf6vci]

as a biker for 20 years, I would think the Harley won't be a new one. No way! The Electra Glide is more than twice as heavy, this is a bike for certain people, so you are likely to get it horribly w r o n g.

At present, I ride a BMW R 100 R. Comfortable, good handling, not too heavy. but it uses 7 liters per 100 km because of WW II technology. I would tell anyone liking those old BMW boxers to get a R-80 with a smoother engine and 1.5 liters less fuel consumption. Sure, there are faster, more powerful bikes out there, but it is at least ergonomically excellent.

Does you bf need the bike to comunte to work, to go shopping, or strictly to tour overland? How old is he, how tall is he? How heavy is he?

Which lind of bikes does he like? some like singles, some twins, others fours...

I rode a ducati Monster and it was the most memorable ride. But the Monster would not be the one for everyday use.

To be honest, do not go out and buy such a specialist bike. Get an all rounder. If you want a Harley, get the 883 and he ca upgrade it to a 1200 when the engine needs some work in future. The Sportster is lighter, cheaper and it might be a new one. A BMW 650 type of all purpose bike might be fun, too. Ask him how heavy a bike can be!

even many Harley fans would not want this model - think twice!

[mikethevigoman]

I had a sweet 96 softail that I loved in the USA. But in always went through my mind that i was riding on one hel_l of a down payment on a house. Now I want one in Thailand and they want 3X as much. I could get one if I wanted it bad enough but I don't think so . Especially living in BKK.I would just choke on exhaust not being able to fit between traffic. 4 years ago i was riding a Harley and raising Pit Bulls. Now im driving a moped staring at my wife's poodles.

Oh my buddha, I would have never guessed that would be in my future. If it were possible to ride a bike on the toll roads and highways in Thailand I might think about buying a big bike again but im more worried about retirement these days. Besides, anyone out there on an Aprila or Ducati that thinks they get from Bangkapi to Sukumviet faster than me on this 14,000 baht piece of crap. Bring it on! The loser picks up the bar tab

sorry if im off topic..

Pitbulls and poodles ! love it, we lead a strange life sometimes dont we, not off topic as im sure the op would agree, boys and their toys ,and look at his Buicks, he has some proper toys !

[dave_boo]

I have to admit the responses after my tirade did illict a chuckle.

Buell's motorcycles are really nice, but the XB models were really bad at idle with cooking the rider and having excessive vibration. Those of course melted away at speed, just leaving the operator and the bike. Apparently the new motor from Rotax is supposed to be more civilised, and we'll see how everything works.

Thanh-BKK, I think you missed the point I was making. To do a safe passing move (not suicidal Thai style!) at freeway speeds, you're going to be able to complete it much more quickly with the Harley, even leaving it in top gear. If you don't think so, find someone with a new/modern Harley and attempt it.

[mezcal]

Although I'm not a big Harley (or chopper) fan I must admit they have something special. And the sound is good to. I don't know about the rest as I've never driven one. The sitting position is just not for me. I've seen many of them yesterday at the Bike Week in Bang Saen. cool

On a previous post somebody said the Harley had the best sound. I'm afraid I have to disagree.

IMHO the bike with the best sound is a Ducati, which (like the Harley) has that special something, has a respectable tradition and always keeps an eye on innovation (unlike HD), it has a racing spirit and sooooo much italian style.

Yeah, if I could afford one, a Ducati would be the only choice....(dreaming away...)

But, phom falang jon, I got the second choice (Suzuki Bandit), with which I'm quite happy with....but still miss that sound and torque...

Another favourite of mine is the Yamaha SR400, which has so many things I love in a bike: character, no superflous plasic stuff all over it, extremely customizable, bad ass sound and one massice cylinder that works for 4...well...almost.

AND it is affordable, at least if u get it without the green book. I start saving now....

Coming back to the topic. Jap or USA or Italy or Germany...pro and contra...in the end it all comes down to the FEELING. You need to feel a connection to your bike, you gotta love it baby!

[cm-happy]

as a biker for 20 years, I would think the Harley won't be a new one. No way! The Electra Glide is more than twice as heavy, this is a bike for certain people, so you are likely to get it horribly w r o n g.

At present, I ride a BMW R 100 R. Comfortable, good handling, not too heavy. but it uses 7 liters per 100 km because of WW II technology. I would tell anyone liking those old BMW boxers to get a R-80 with a smoother engine and 1.5 liters less fuel consumption. Sure, there are faster, more powerful bikes out there, but it is at least ergonomically excellent.

Does you bf need the bike to comunte to work, to go shopping, or strictly to tour overland? How old is he, how tall is he? How heavy is he?

Which lind of bikes does he like? some like singles, some twins, others fours...

I rode a ducati Monster and it was the most memorable ride. But the Monster would not be the one for everyday use.

To be honest, do not go out and buy such a specialist bike. Get an all rounder. If you want a

Harley, get the 883 and he ca upgrade it to a 1200 when the engine needs some work in future. The Sportster is lighter, cheaper and it might be a new one. A BMW 650 type of all purpose bike might be fun, too. Ask him how heavy a bike can be!

even many Harley fans would not want this model - think twice!

Thanks for the advice KF6VCI and also especially to THANH-BKK AND XBUSMAN.

To answere your question the b/f is 36 yo Thai guy, 5'9" tall and weight 75 K soaking wet.

His use of the bike is everyday practical usage, shopping, running errands, commuting.

Last night having dinner & a nice bottle of wine HE decided that the Harley simply is not practical for him & potentially dangerous & would constantly worry about theft to use everyday, and for the money would much prefer a pickup truck, which he can use in ALL kinds of weather (rain or shine), air cond & comfortable & can run on inexpensive deisel fuel. Admitted that initially was motivated by the show-off factor (yup, ego) as many have mentioned. He'll keep the Phantom for fun and show-off enough for him, but would like the image costume. Boots, chaps, jacket, gloves, helmet (which he has, but wants new one) etc.

Its been interesting thread and did not think it would be so popular, and along the way even I've come to learn much more about motor cycles. THANKS EVERYONE for the input!!

[Hog Head]

His use of the bike is everyday practical usage, shopping, running errands, commuting.

Last night having dinner & a nice bottle of wine HE decided that the Harley simply is not practical for him & potentially dangerous & would constantly worry about theft to use everyday, and for the money would much prefer a pickup truck, which he can use in ALL kinds of weather (rain or shine), air cond & comfortable & can run on inexpensive deisel fuel. Admitted that initially was motivated by the show-off factor (yup, ego) as many have mentioned. He'll keep the Phantom for fun and show-off enough for him, but would like the image costume. Boots, chaps, jacket, gloves, helmet (which he has, but wants new one) etc.

Buy a used pickup for rainy day use and a Harley too. You will not regret owning a Harley, and as others have pointed out they hold their value. Modern Harleys are as practical as any bike, no more dangerous, and it could be argued that the size, presence, and noise gains cage drivers attention. If fuel use is the issue buy a Wave.

I have owned HD's for 35 years, along with a host of other bikes and currently own a Dyna Sport and BWW R-1150-RT. Harleys are special and if you can afford it, go for it while you still can. You only live once and may as well live large.

Forget the image outfit on the Phantom as nothing looks sillier than a poser dressed in all the biker kit on a silly little jap bike.

[Thanh-BKK]

Forget the image outfit on the Phantom as nothing looks sillier than a poser dressed in all the biker kit on a silly little jap bike.

I have to add something here:

Nothing looks sillier than a poser dressed in all the biker kit on ANY KIND OF BIKE. Harley, Ducati, Phantom, Wave or RXZ. Be it a style or not - oftejni see really beautiful Harleys with more chrome than a '59 Chevy and all blinking and gleaming - and than the driver looking like he slept in a garbage truck for a fortnight. Outlaw-look? Maybe..... but matches to the bike a lemon to a grammophone.

Best regards....

Thanh

[englishoak]

Ok back the the original question.

Phantom is absolutely my bike of choice when in BKK. Its a great bike and you can have serious fun on it too. Cheap to run and v cheap service. Thats if anything goes wrong at all, in 4 years of owning mine it has had 0 problems. When it finally claps out i'll be getting another for sure. ( unless I can pick up a Virago 535 ) slim chance.

The only complaint I have is the lack of power 2 up and long rides out upcountry. It does become tireing and has difficulty keeping up with the bigger machines.

Now that said, in the UK I have a few bikes and among them is a 91 Harley sportser 1200 it's a great cruiser and does the job just fine. No shiny bits is fine with me and cost no more than double the price of the Phantom. Would I have it in Thailand ? absolutely. Although not in Bangers as a daily use but definately for long runs.

Ive owned about 25 bikes over the years and HD do have a special "feel" about them, when it comes to cruising for me HD do it best.

My other bikes are a Triton cafe racer. A Kwak GPZ 900 and a Triumph speed triple.

[VocalNeal]

The poster who said HD riders are the motorcycle equivalent of the Mac users of the computer world is on the right track.

The HD is an image vehicle. ....so many are more concerned with the image they project than the machine they are riding...

And here in Thailand, unlike N.America, where many H.O.G. owners are professionals, most of the Farang owners have opted for the "outlaw" image. If the Thai people were aware of the negative connotations associated with color's wearing riders, I doubt they would be happy to see so many of them here..

Stick with the Honda, You get just as dead if you are hit while riding a bike that would pay for a house in this country as you would if riding a Honda Phantom.

HarleyDavidson = over-kill...over-priced.

Seen recently :

What is the difference between a Harley and a Hoover?

The location of the dirt bag

OR

The difference between a Harley and an old cattle dog

The dog can get in the back of a pickup on his own.

Edited October 31, 2007 by VocalNeal

[VocalNeal]

A few years ago bought my b/f ............Am thinking of upgrading him to a Harley Davidson model FLHTC Electra Glide classic (as a birthday present) cost about 627,000 B according to Harley dealership in Bangkok.

Is the Harley worth it??

Harley is bigger so gently discuss bigger/heavier bikes to see what he says about them. Otherwise I am sure he will love it as it is a gift from you. I think Harley has an outlet in Chiang Mai.

[Kimera]

Ok back the the original question.

Phantom is absolutely my bike of choice when in BKK. Its a great bike and you can have serious fun on it too. Cheap to run and v cheap service. Thats if anything goes wrong at all, in 4 years of owning mine it has had 0 problems. When it finally claps out i'll be getting another for sure. ( unless I can pick up a Virago 535 ) slim chance.

The only complaint I have is the lack of power 2 up and long rides out upcountry. It does become tireing and has difficulty keeping up with the bigger machines.

Now that said, in the UK I have a few bikes and among them is a 91 Harley sportser 1200 it's a great cruiser and does the job just fine. No shiny bits is fine with me and cost no more than double the price of the Phantom. Would I have it in Thailand ? absolutely. Although not in Bangers as a daily use but definately for long runs.

Ive owned about 25 bikes over the years and HD do have a special "feel" about them, when it comes to cruising for me HD do it best.

My other bikes are a Triton cafe racer. A Kwak GPZ 900 and a Triumph speed triple.

Yesterday I bought a new Phantom, Ive rode them in Thailand before, mind some time ago. I drove away from the agents and within a kilometer I had a big smile on my face, It felt light, pointable and easy to use and I felt safe. Thats Not taking the Thai traffic into account of course !!!!!!!! Rode it for 100 k today still feel the same. Ok only 200cc smallest BIG bike ive ever owned but I feel its just the thing for the Thailand. Downside... Its noisey,, engine and transmission and my bum hurt after 20k. But so it all did on a harley I owned. And before you comment I have owned all kinds of bikes from Harleys to 1200 Suzuki sports bikes, Mind I am getting older

[Captain Chaos]

I have to admit the responses after my tirade did illict a chuckle.

Buell's motorcycles are really nice, but the XB models were really bad at idle with cooking the rider and having excessive vibration. Those of course melted away at speed, just leaving the operator and the bike. Apparently the new motor from Rotax is supposed to be more civilised, and we'll see how everything works.

Thanh-BKK, I think you missed the point I was making. To do a safe passing move (not suicidal Thai style!) at freeway speeds, you're going to be able to complete it much more quickly with the Harley, even leaving it in top gear. If you don't think so, find someone with a new/modern Harley and attempt it.

Ran an old Buell M2 Cyclone in BKK a few years ago - nice handling, great torque, only a few minor oil seeps, but it always felt like it was about to go bang somehow. New ones are supposed to be better built but I've never owned one so can't say. Bought it from Siam Speedways on Petchburi Rd - K Panee always seemed to have a good selection of stock (nearly bought a Honda Valkyrie but spotted the Buell just in time ) and the Green Books etc seemed to be in order.

Harleys are undeniably fun, so long as you're not shy & retiring, but I find the performance and handling just too frustrating to really enjoy the ride unless it's on a straight, well paved road... Don't like the low riding position either.

My vote would be to get neither the Phantom or the Hog ... I'd get something like a Honda CB400 ... better performance but enough engine and shiny bits on show ...

[HARLEY]

I have to admit the responses after my tirade did illict a chuckle.

Buell's motorcycles are really nice, but the XB models were really bad at idle with cooking the rider and having excessive vibration. Those of course melted away at speed, just leaving the operator and the bike. Apparently the new motor from Rotax is supposed to be more civilised, and we'll see how everything works.

I went by Richco Motor Sports in Chiang Mai. He has a 2000 Buell x1 looks good! He wonts 370,000tb Good price!!

Thanh-BKK, I think you missed the point I was making. To do a safe passing move (not suicidal Thai style!) at freeway speeds, you're going to be able to complete it much more quickly with the Harley, even leaving it in top gear. If you don't think so, find someone with a new/modern Harley and attempt it.

Nice to hear some one knows what they are talking about. All this talk about Honda Phantom vs Harley Davdson is CRAZRY!

Ran an old Buell M2 Cyclone in BKK a few years ago - nice handling, great torque, only a few minor oil seeps, but it always felt like it was about to go bang somehow. New ones are supposed to be better built but I've never owned one so can't say. Bought it from Siam Speedways on Petchburi Rd - K Panee always seemed to have a good selection of stock (nearly bought a Honda Valkyrie but spotted the Buell just in time ) and the Green Books etc seemed to be in order.

Harleys are undeniably fun, so long as you're not shy & retiring, but I find the performance and handling just too frustrating to really enjoy the ride unless it's on a straight, well paved road... Don't like the low riding position either.

My vote would be to get neither the Phantom or the Hog ... I'd get something like a Honda CB400 ... better performance but enough engine and shiny bits on show ...

[elkangorito]

An old friend once told me something about Harleys;

"If you're gunna own a Harley, make sure you buy the shop from which you bought it, cos you're gunna need a constant & steady stream of parts for all the breakdowns."

Is this true about the workhorse that was slapped together to make a bike suitable for fighting a war? How has it changed?

[HDRIDER]

Hi

It will take to long time to explain to you, it must be a very OLD friend, from before WW2?

[highonthai]

Some posters that explain Harley Davidson's

Edited November 1, 2007 by highonthai

[elkangorito]

Hi

It will take to long time to explain to you, it must be a very OLD friend, from before WW2?

Sorry, I made a slight error. The "old" friend was not in fact, old. He was, however, someone whom I had known for a long time. When I first met him, he swore by Harleys. He even had a pony tail & a well worn bike jacket...he has always been a "road" biker. After a few years & after "creating" his own Harley (he told me that Harleys were all about recreating oneself in the bike), he then told me of his "realisation". That is, even though one may be able to "recreate" their own image through the Harley, the ongoing costs of such are too much to bear. Actually, I've been told the same story by many people. I, myself, am not unfamiliar with motorbikes or riding them but I'm more of a motocross/trail/trial rider.

In my own words, I will summarise what "previous" Harley riders have told me;

"If you're rich, you can own & keep a Harley. If you're not, forget about it."

[Biker]

You should visit the only authorized Harley Dealer in Thailand, Harley-Davidson of Bangkok. located near All Start Driving Range on "Soi Laos Embassy" they have demos you can try and the can fill you in on everything about Harleys.

[HARLEY]

An old friend once told me something about Harleys;

"If you're gunna own a Harley, make sure you buy the shop from which you bought it, cos you're gunna need a constant & steady stream of parts for all the breakdowns."

I guess your friend never owned a harlry..

Is this true about the workhorse that was slapped together to make a bike suitable for fighting a war? How has it changed?

[soihok]

I thought that Harleys and Phantoms were the same.

And they are ,,,only the riders differ.

Unfortunately I have found out that Harley riders wear rubber underpants .

Phantom riders dont wear any underwear pants.

So I guess that Phantom riders are cooler

[ajahnlau]

I thought that Harleys and Phantoms were the same.

And they are ,,,only the riders differ.

Unfortunately I have found out that Harley riders wear rubber underpants .

Phantom riders dont wear any underwear pants.

So I guess that Phantom riders are cooler

If that's the summary of what you know about bikes I'd keep it to yourself as it makes you look like you know nada. Just because you don't like HD's don't try to slam the riders.