Buying A Bike

[Rango]

Hi Gang.

I am looking to purchase a motor bike in Phuket for myself. What do i need to know about the process? Is insurance an issue? Does my type of visa matter (non-immigrant "B")? What about registration?

I aim to go to a Honda dealer and go buy something new. Can i pay with credit card? If i pay cash, can i negotiate with them?

Any pointers would be appreciated.

thx!

Edited April 17, 2008 by Rango

[jdinasia]

To buy the bike? all that matters is the $$.

You may be able to pay via CC but probably they will want cash. Prices are not very negotiable, though the freebies (helmet, jacket etc) are.

Look for the threads about what it takes to register a bike in Phuket (or make sure that the dealership handles it for you for the first year)

[Kerryd]

It's a fairly simple process, especially if you are buying from a dealer.

I bought my Honda Phantom in Sept 05 from a local dealer (in Pattaya). The most complex part of it was having to get a "Certificate of Residency" from the local immigration office (a couple of passport copies and 200 baht). (note I was on a 30 day Visa-On-Arrival at the time).

The dealer handled the rest of the paperwork. Took quite awhile to get the (white) licence plate, but that seems to be standard. Make sure you ask for Class 1 insurance. It may be advisable to get additional (3rd party) insurance as well for your own protection and well being (in the event of an accident).

I paid cash, which is often safer than using a credit card. Depending on the price of the bike, the size of the dealership, etc, you may be able to get some cheap "freebies" thrown in (i.e. a plastic piece of crap helmet) and so on.

I get my land-lady to handle the yearly insurance and registration renewals, mostly bcause I'm usually out of the country when it comes time for the renewals.

[dave_boo]

Hi Gang.

I am looking to purchase a motor bike in Phuket for myself. What do i need to know about the process? Is insurance an issue? Does my type of visa matter (non-immigrant "B")? What about registration?

I aim to go to a Honda dealer and go buy something new. Can i pay with credit card? If i pay cash, can i negotiate with them?

Any pointers would be appreciated.

thx!

FWIW, every time I've bought a moto-cyc (in my wife's name), I've paid with my credit card.

[HDRIDER]

Hi

If you buy a Yamaha in phuket, all you need is money and passport, they will do all the paperwork. think its more expensive if you buy with plastic.