Iron Butt Ride

[Bard]

<br />Hey dave mines 'only' an r not rr, more classic than yours (i hope you get it)<br /> <img src="style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="biggrin.gif" /><br />

You're lucky to have the R thaicbr since the RR is limited in horsepower compared to the older R model which is unrestricted. This is also the reason why the 250 4 cylinders died from production, the horsepower became limited in Japan, and EU followed up with the limitation on medium bikes, so there is no point to make the 4 cylinder 250's anymore unfortunately... So of new bikes the currently best of the bikes are Kawa and Hyiosung (think name is) the rest of them are single cylinder with even more restriction in hp (around 20 odd hp) due to the inherent engine design limitation. The old 4 cylinder 250's are great bikes but they have been out of production for a good while unfortunately, so unless you have a good source of spare parts you can get into problems, or extremely expensive repairs... So my advice is to make sure the bike is in a very good condition and get a good source of spare parts before you buy it Dave, else I whish you best of luck getting one of them, and a happy ride.

[thaicbr]

bard mine's now an r.......rr as it has an rr engine, r exhaust and r air filter box.

lol

[dave_boo]

<br />Hey dave mines 'only' an r not rr, more classic than yours (i hope you get it)<br /> <img src="style_emoticons/default/biggrin.gif" style="vertical-align:middle" emoid="" border="0" alt="biggrin.gif" /><br />

You're lucky to have the R thaicbr since the RR is limited in horsepower compared to the older R model which is unrestricted. This is also the reason why the 250 4 cylinders died from production, the horsepower became limited in Japan, and EU followed up with the limitation on medium bikes, so there is no point to make the 4 cylinder 250's anymore unfortunately... So of new bikes the currently best of the bikes are Kawa and Hyiosung (think name is) the rest of them are single cylinder with even more restriction in hp (around 20 odd hp) due to the inherent engine design limitation. The old 4 cylinder 250's are great bikes but they have been out of production for a good while unfortunately, so unless you have a good source of spare parts you can get into problems, or extremely expensive repairs... So my advice is to make sure the bike is in a very good condition and get a good source of spare parts before you buy it Dave, else I whish you best of luck getting one of them, and a happy ride.

Actually the "L" and "N" models were RR and they were not restricted. However after 1994 the "R" model was introduced. Inlet ports were reduced from ~30mm to ~25 mm. Coupled with some other changes you lost approximately 5 BHP taking you down to 40. Of course the CBR 250RR® was sold in Australia up until 1999.

[Bard]

Hey dave mines 'only' an r not rr, more classic than yours (i hope you get it

You're lucky to have the R thaicbr since the RR is limited in horsepower compared to the older R model which is unrestricted. This is also the reason why the 250 4 cylinders died from production, the horsepower became limited in Japan, and EU followed up with the limitation on medium bikes, so there is no point to make the 4 cylinder 250's anymore unfortunately... So of new bikes the currently best of the bikes are Kawa and Hyiosung (think name is) the rest of them are single cylinder with even more restriction in hp (around 20 odd hp) due to the inherent engine design limitation. The old 4 cylinder 250's are great bikes but they have been out of production for a good while unfortunately, so unless you have a good source of spare parts you can get into problems, or extremely expensive repairs... So my advice is to make sure the bike is in a very good condition and get a good source of spare parts before you buy it Dave, else I whish you best of luck getting one of them, and a happy ride.

Actually the models were RR and they were not restricted. However after 1994 the "R" model was introduced. Inlet ports were reduced from ~30mm to ~25 mm. Coupled with some other changes you lost approximately 5 BHP taking you down to 40. Of course the CBR 250RR® was sold in Australia up until 1999.

You are correct Dave, they limited it to 40 bhp with a new cylinder head, the fully unrestricted was the 1986 - 1988 models type R, then they were limited in top speed from 1989 - 1993 and in 1990 the engine was redesigned and became RR, then 1994 - 1999 they were limited to 40 bhp, and as you say the bike was sold until 1999 and it was never sold in any big numbers which is what I tried to bring over as a message. The bike was discontinued 9 years ago and was newer sold new in Europe or US so the sale and aftermarket was very limited hence problems getting manuals and spare parts. Here is a quote from a website designated the baby blade, "This can mean that prices are abnormally high compared to the aftermarket companies, but in most cases, is the only way you can get the part you require." So I would ensure the bike was in mint condition and found a supplier of spare parts before I bought it to ensure I would not run into problems later on. The only countries they were ever sold officially was in Japan and Australia and the newest bikes are 9 years old now, so spare parts might be hard to get by for a good price. Other 4 cylinder high output bikes from that time was Kawa ZXR 250, Suzuki GSX-R 250 and Yamaha FZR 250 which also are old, low numbers and hard to get parts for. Don't get me wrong these bikes was great and I would like they still sold them, so I whish you best of luck with the purchase.

[dave_boo]

Hey dave mines 'only' an r not rr, more classic than yours (i hope you get it

You're lucky to have the R thaicbr since the RR is limited in horsepower compared to the older R model which is unrestricted. This is also the reason why the 250 4 cylinders died from production, the horsepower became limited in Japan, and EU followed up with the limitation on medium bikes, so there is no point to make the 4 cylinder 250's anymore unfortunately... So of new bikes the currently best of the bikes are Kawa and Hyiosung (think name is) the rest of them are single cylinder with even more restriction in hp (around 20 odd hp) due to the inherent engine design limitation. The old 4 cylinder 250's are great bikes but they have been out of production for a good while unfortunately, so unless you have a good source of spare parts you can get into problems, or extremely expensive repairs... So my advice is to make sure the bike is in a very good condition and get a good source of spare parts before you buy it Dave, else I whish you best of luck getting one of them, and a happy ride.

Actually the models were RR and they were not restricted. However after 1994 the "R" model was introduced. Inlet ports were reduced from ~30mm to ~25 mm. Coupled with some other changes you lost approximately 5 BHP taking you down to 40. Of course the CBR 250RR® was sold in Australia up until 1999.

You are correct Dave, they limited it to 40 bhp with a new cylinder head, the fully unrestricted was the 1986 - 1988 models type R, then they were limited in top speed from 1989 - 1993 and in 1990 the engine was redesigned and became RR, then 1994 - 1999 they were limited to 40 bhp, and as you say the bike was sold until 1999 and it was never sold in any big numbers which is what I tried to bring over as a message. The bike was discontinued 9 years ago and was newer sold new in Europe or US so the sale and aftermarket was very limited hence problems getting manuals and spare parts. Here is a quote from a website designated the baby blade, "This can mean that prices are abnormally high compared to the aftermarket companies, but in most cases, is the only way you can get the part you require." So I would ensure the bike was in mint condition and found a supplier of spare parts before I bought it to ensure I would not run into problems later on. The only countries they were ever sold officially was in Japan and Australia and the newest bikes are 9 years old now, so spare parts might be hard to get by for a good price. Other 4 cylinder high output bikes from that time was Kawa ZXR 250, Suzuki GSX-R 250 and Yamaha FZR 250 which also are old, low numbers and hard to get parts for. Don't get me wrong these bikes was great and I would like they still sold them, so I whish you best of luck with the purchase.

This is the information I have discovered:

Max Power : (BHP = PS * 0.986) (kW = BHP * 0.7457)

CBR250(F) : 45PS at 14,500rpm

<H3 style="MARGIN: 0pt 0pt 0pt 72pt"> CBR250R(H+J+K) : 45PS at 15,000rpm</H3> CBR250RR(L+N) : 45PS at 15,000rpm

CBR250RR® : 40PS at 14,500rpm

Max Torque : (Lb/ft = kg/m * 7.233) (Nm = kg/m * 9.804)

CBR250(F) : 2.5kg/m at 10,500rpm

CBR250R(H+J+K) : 2.6kg/m at 10,500rpm

CBR250RR(L+N) : 2.5kg/m at 12,000rpm

CBR250RR® : 2.4kg/m at 11,500rpm

Well, for only having to plunk down 45 000 THB for the bike, I could spend ~100 000THB to make sure that it was road worthy and stayed that way and break even with the price of a new Ninja 250. Add in the uniqueness of the CBR 250R, and I don't really see where I can lose out! Granted I wouldn't have the warranty, but I'm going to let nostalgia win out in this instance. Much the same way you can still find those old Nortons, BSA and Triumphs chugging away when there are perfectly good new bikes that would probably make better economical sense.

I understand that some people probably don't understand; but ever since these suckers came out I wanted one. I've always believed in buying a small bike that you could ride to its limit rather than a big bike that you're never able to ride to its potential. Add in that it has that beautiful sound, much like a mini-F1 car, the really good power(the CBR 600 has only recently reached the HP/Litre size that the baby CBR had so many years ago) and I was sold.

As always, we have to blame the Europeans for messing things up! There really is no demand for sub-600cc bikes in the States, even though most of those 600cc bikes are rated around the same power. It just the stigma of driving a 'little' bike that keeps them from being sold. Had the EU not had the power restrictions on the learner's bike then I believe that the CBR250 would still be being sold. It's my understanding that the Ninja just falls under the limit; and to be honest it's a fairly simple bike, especially compared to even the ZX-2R or the CBR250RR.

[Bard]

Well, for only having to plunk down 45 000 THB for the bike, I could spend ~100 000THB to make sure that it was road worthy and stayed that way and break even with the price of a new Ninja 250. Add in the uniqueness of the CBR 250R, and I don't really see where I can lose out! Granted I wouldn't have the warranty, but I'm going to let nostalgia win out in this instance. Much the same way you can still find those old Nortons, BSA and Triumphs chugging away when there are perfectly good new bikes that would probably make better economical sense.

I understand that some people probably don't understand; but ever since these suckers came out I wanted one. I've always believed in buying a small bike that you could ride to its limit rather than a big bike that you're never able to ride to its potential. Add in that it has that beautiful sound, much like a mini-F1 car, the really good power(the CBR 600 has only recently reached the HP/Litre size that the baby CBR had so many years ago) and I was sold.

As always, we have to blame the Europeans for messing things up! There really is no demand for sub-600cc bikes in the States, even though most of those 600cc bikes are rated around the same power. It just the stigma of driving a 'little' bike that keeps them from being sold. Had the EU not had the power restrictions on the learner's bike then I believe that the CBR250 would still be being sold. It's my understanding that the Ninja just falls under the limit; and to be honest it's a fairly simple bike, especially compared to even the ZX-2R or the CBR250RR.

Like I stated, I hope you get a good bike and lots of enjoyment to go with it, your reason to have a smaller bike to push to the limit is the very same reason I bought my Ninja, so I completely agree with you there. If you want it, go for it and buy it Dave don't need to justify it for anyone here.

Europeans to mess things up? The bike was never sold in Europe because nobody bought small bikes until the power limit ever came up. The law which killed these bikes originated in Japan and not Europe, so that was a bit off. Actually thanks to Europe the 250 is coming back again. And I also do not agree with you that there is no demand for sub 600's in US, in that case why is the Ninja 250 R Kawasaki's most sold bike ever in US? Actually the 250's are the perfect learner bikes, and great for weekend warriors who like to max the bikes potentials, which is lethal with a new 600.

I also find the statement that the Ninja is a simple bike a bit strange, compared to the CBR250RR the Ninja has an engine which is designed to fall within new limits, besides that it is pretty much in front of the old CBR250RR in any other way, so I am unsure where that came from. I have driven the babyblade more than once and it is a great bike, and I hope you will enjoy it fully.

Happy riding everyone

[dave_boo]

Well, for only having to plunk down 45 000 THB for the bike, I could spend ~100 000THB to make sure that it was road worthy and stayed that way and break even with the price of a new Ninja 250. Add in the uniqueness of the CBR 250R, and I don't really see where I can lose out! Granted I wouldn't have the warranty, but I'm going to let nostalgia win out in this instance. Much the same way you can still find those old Nortons, BSA and Triumphs chugging away when there are perfectly good new bikes that would probably make better economical sense.

I understand that some people probably don't understand; but ever since these suckers came out I wanted one. I've always believed in buying a small bike that you could ride to its limit rather than a big bike that you're never able to ride to its potential. Add in that it has that beautiful sound, much like a mini-F1 car, the really good power(the CBR 600 has only recently reached the HP/Litre size that the baby CBR had so many years ago) and I was sold.

As always, we have to blame the Europeans for messing things up! There really is no demand for sub-600cc bikes in the States, even though most of those 600cc bikes are rated around the same power. It just the stigma of driving a 'little' bike that keeps them from being sold. Had the EU not had the power restrictions on the learner's bike then I believe that the CBR250 would still be being sold. It's my understanding that the Ninja just falls under the limit; and to be honest it's a fairly simple bike, especially compared to even the ZX-2R or the CBR250RR.

Like I stated, I hope you get a good bike and lots of enjoyment to go with it, your reason to have a smaller bike to push to the limit is the very same reason I bought my Ninja, so I completely agree with you there. If you want it, go for it and buy it Dave don't need to justify it for anyone here.

Europeans to mess things up? The bike was never sold in Europe because nobody bought small bikes until the power limit ever came up. The law which killed these bikes originated in Japan and not Europe, so that was a bit off. Actually thanks to Europe the 250 is coming back again. And I also do not agree with you that there is no demand for sub 600's in US, in that case why is the Ninja 250 R Kawasaki's most sold bike ever in US? Actually the 250's are the perfect learner bikes, and great for weekend warriors who like to max the bikes potentials, which is lethal with a new 600.

Well, in Britian at least, since 1960 learners were restricted to >250cc. In 1996 it passed the EU 2 year 33 BHP restriction(can't find out when that first came into affect). None the less, it was said tongue in cheek.

It may be Kawasaki's best seller, but only because there's no competition. Kawasaki's reputation in the States is only slightly better than it is in Thailand. I agree with you that the 250's are a great learners bike(why I'm so upset they don't sell the CBR 250RR anymore!); hence Kawasaki being able to sell a metric shitload of their Ninjas; however, compare that to all the other big bikes that are sold and you'll see that the Ninja 250 is a drop in the ocean that is US motorcycle sales.

I also find the statement that the Ninja is a simple bike a bit strange, compared to the CBR250RR the Ninja has an engine which is designed to fall within new limits, besides that it is pretty much in front of the old CBR250RR in any other way, so I am unsure where that came from. I have driven the babyblade more than once and it is a great bike, and I hope you will enjoy it fully.

Twin front disks 275 mm(single 260mm), gull wing swing arm (straight swing arm), aluminium frame (steel frame), 4 cylinder engine (twin cylinder), aluminium/magnesium engine (unknown-steel assumed), 176 BHP power to litre (132 BHP/L), and really the only thing it gives up is fuel injection. There's nothing inherently wrong with the Ninja 250's engine which still has 30% the same as the '86 model, simple has worked for Harley Davidson for all these years!

Happy riding everyone

[Meridian007]

Definitely going:

• BigBikeBKK {Kawaski Ninja 250}
  
• Bard {Kawasaki Ninja 250}
  
• Meridian007 {Honda Steed 600}
  
• thaicbr {Honda CBR 250RR}
  
• prestburypark {Honda CBR 150R}
  
• dave_boo {Honda CBR 150R or CBR 250RR}

Wow, so I'm the only non-sportbike then? Even though I've got twice the cc I know you guys can leave me in the dust!

Hmm well, as long as we set the locations of our stop points beforehand so that I don't slow you guys down, we should be good! We should all (or most) meet up somewhere in the next month to hammer out everything, shall we do the Tuesday night ThaiSuperBike get-together? I usually show up for it, but I've missed it the past few weeks.

[Bard]

Well, in Britian at least, since 1960 learners were restricted to >250cc. In 1996 it passed the EU 2 year 33 BHP restriction(can't find out when that first came into affect). None the less, it was said tongue in cheek.

Britain is a part of Europe, not Europe and learners from 16 - 18 was restricted to <125cc definately not>250cc for my home country the 33hp limit came in 2002 for 18 - 21 year olds, plus 2 first years of driving big bike and to be honest I think it is a smart thing. If you put a newbie on a litrebike which in Europe has around 200hp you are asking for accidents.

It may be Kawasaki's best seller, but only because there's no competition. Kawasaki's reputation in the States is only slightly better than it is in Thailand. I agree with you that the 250's are a great learners bike(why I'm so upset they don't sell the CBR 250RR anymore!); hence Kawasaki being able to sell a metric shitload of their Ninjas; however, compare that to all the other big bikes that are sold and you'll see that the Ninja 250 is a drop in the ocean that is US motorcycle sales.

So It appears that there are a 250 market anyways in US as well, it might be a drop in total but there is still a market, however the 4 cylinder 250's was never sold there. The actual reason they stopped the 4 cylinder 250's was they were known as suicide bikes, with to much power in to light package and prone to severe accidents. The Kawa 250 had a top speed of 219 km/h which on such a light bike is pretty irresponsible.

Twin front disks 275 mm(single 260mm), gull wing swing arm (straight swing arm), aluminium frame (steel frame), 4 cylinder engine (twin cylinder), aluminium/magnesium engine (unknown-steel assumed), 176 BHP power to litre (132 BHP/L), and really the only thing it gives up is fuel injection. There's nothing inherently wrong with the Ninja 250's engine which still has 30% the same as the '86 model, simple has worked for Harley Davidson for all these years!

I am glad to see your Ninja trashing finally seems to pay out for you, good for you, I will not go into a pissing match over the bikes as I never intended to do so, even though there are lot's to bring up and errors in your above statement.

All I tried to tell you was the bike is old and out of production for 9 years including the engine, so the spare parts are expensive and hard to get by. So my tip was to ensure the bike was in good condition and figure out a supplier of parts.

I do hope the bike will give you as much pleasure as my Ninja does for me, beyond your self satisfaction of bringing negative feedback to proud new owners of Ninjas. Personnaly I enjoy my bike every minute of driving it and I love that there are trained mechanics for it, cheap spare parts close by, full warranty, fully legal on the road, and luckily I am not in the economic situation I have to worrie about the price to have this.

Happy riding everyone

[Bard]

Definitely going:

• BigBikeBKK {Kawaski Ninja 250}
  
• Bard {Kawasaki Ninja 250}
  
• Meridian007 {Honda Steed 600}
  
• thaicbr {Honda CBR 250RR}
  
• prestburypark {Honda CBR 150R}
  
• dave_boo {Honda CBR 150R or CBR 250RR}

Wow, so I'm the only non-sportbike then? Even though I've got twice the cc I know you guys can leave me in the dust!

Hmm well, as long as we set the locations of our stop points beforehand so that I don't slow you guys down, we should be good! We should all (or most) meet up somewhere in the next month to hammer out everything, shall we do the Tuesday night ThaiSuperBike get-together? I usually show up for it, but I've missed it the past few weeks.

Don't worry Meridian007 we will drive in a positive speed to ensure all is in the group. Great idea about meeting up, where is the get-together, I could try to meet up on first coming Tuesday that would be brilliant.

[dave_boo]

Definitely going:

• BigBikeBKK {Kawaski Ninja 250}
  
• Bard {Kawasaki Ninja 250}
  
• Meridian007 {Honda Steed 600}
  
• thaicbr {Honda CBR 250RR}
  
• prestburypark {Honda CBR 150R}
  
• dave_boo {Honda CBR 150R or CBR 250RR}

Wow, so I'm the only non-sportbike then? Even though I've got twice the cc I know you guys can leave me in the dust!

Hmm well, as long as we set the locations of our stop points beforehand so that I don't slow you guys down, we should be good! We should all (or most) meet up somewhere in the next month to hammer out everything, shall we do the Tuesday night ThaiSuperBike get-together? I usually show up for it, but I've missed it the past few weeks.

I shan't be in LOS for the pre-meetup, sorry. I'm sure that someone will appraise me though.

And like monsiuer Bard said, don't worry. I don't plan on hauling ass (and I know the wife isn't up for it), and wouldn't like it if others did. IF that CBR 250 is a wash, I'll still be on my 150, which I doubt is any faster than your bike! Since we're traveling where it appears that few of us have gone before, and there's so much time in the tenative itinerary that I posted above, why don't we just see where we're going? Of course the run from the Burmese border to Chiang Mai we might pick up the pace.....

And for Bard, I wasn't trying to take the piss on the Ninja. There was a lot more engineering that went into all those 4 cylinder, and I'll stand by that statement. The dates about British laws came from this link. I couldn't find a link listing the EU rules in relationship to date introduced. However, the EU comment was, as said before, tongue in cheek. I applaud the rules none the less and believe that they make better drivers than the American 'keep it upright between the cones' and here's your license.

I was simply replying to your extended post about an innocous line in a post of mine. As I don't want this thread to denigrate into that, I'm just going to leave it alone with the exception of saying that no offense was intended, no matter how many subtle digs are taken at anything by anyone.

[Bard]

And for Bard, I wasn't trying to take the piss on the Ninja. There was a lot more engineering that went into all those 4 cylinder, and I'll stand by that statement. The dates about British laws came from this link. I couldn't find a link listing the EU rules in relationship to date introduced. However, the EU comment was, as said before, tongue in cheek. I applaud the rules none the less and believe that they make better drivers than the American 'keep it upright between the cones' and here's your license.

How much engineering can only the engineers making them tell us. My experience as an engineer is it is much more engineering in new models and components compared to older models, due to much more rules and lessons learned to comply with, even though they might appear as simpler to engineer.

You did not pick it up, I wrote it was definitely not >250cc, (it was actually <250cc), and I do agree with you regarding the way they do it in Europe, it is a great way of learning to control and drive correct before you get something as a beginner have no chance to control properly.

I was simply replying to your extended post about an innocous line in a post of mine. As I don't want this thread to denigrate into that, I'm just going to leave it alone with the exception of saying that no offense was intended, no matter how many subtle digs are taken at anything by anyone.

I am very happy you went for the CBR 250 RR, brilliant then we can try each others rides and share experiences plus friendly races. I was not upset but "assumed steel engine" was really silly Dave, when was there ever a Japanese motorbike with a steel engine? There is a lot of newcomers and new owners of the Ninja, and they are proud owners, so I believe they would appreciate a "good for you" "best of luck" instead of pages up and down of scrutiny from non-owners/buyers of there bike comparing it to what have we. Let's be honest it must be the bike on this forum which has taken the most flak ever, and I cannot comprehend why, and why people don't give a thumb up to the new owners instead.

All ever mentioned was "good for you great bike, be careful it is in good condition, figure out where to get spare parts" as a friendly advice. Anyway I am glad it's a buried thing now... Have a great day Dave, again best of luck with your new bike

[BigBikeBKK]

Hi All!

Getting back on topic- have you guys heard about a big bike rally that takes place in Bangkok on December 5th for the King's Birthday and then heads up to Chiang Mai for the Bike Week?

It was mentioned in this thread: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=2247359

Here's a pic:

Looks cool, huh? Ride On!

[Bard]

Hi All!

Getting back on topic- have you guys heard about a big bike rally that takes place in Bangkok on December 5th for the King's Birthday and then heads up to Chiang Mai for the Bike Week?

It was mentioned in this thread: http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/index.php?s=...t&p=2247359

Here's a pic:

Looks cool, huh? Ride On!

Absolutely however after my schedule I am working then, I do 28/28 so that one seems to crash unfortunately. I would like to extend the Iron Butt for anyone who is in to do Thailand's most curvy road to Mae Hong Son and then continue the road south and go back to Bangkok from there. It is just an idea, but I did the road in a car once and it was really a nice trip with hot springs at the road, deep jungle, hills, curves and a fantastic trip. I don't want to do it alone on a bike but if anyone on the trip would join I am definitely in.

[BigBikeBKK]

Absolutely however after my schedule I am working then, I do 28/28 so that one seems to crash unfortunately. I would like to extend the Iron Butt for anyone who is in to do Thailand's most curvy road to Mae Hong Son and then continue the road south and go back to Bangkok from there. It is just an idea, but I did the road in a car once and it was really a nice trip with hot springs at the road, deep jungle, hills, curves and a fantastic trip. I don't want to do it alone on a bike but if anyone on the trip would join I am definitely in.

I did that ride MANY years ago on an old rental dirt bikes with a good college buddy- what a blast! Muddy wipeouts, broken clutch cable, bad gas, rebuilding a carb all in the middle of nowhere- man it was fun!

I hear the roads are much improved now. I'm taking the family to Europe for Christmas / New Years, so after the Chaing Mai Bike Week it'll be time to pack and catch the flight to Amsterdam, so regret I won't be able to do an extended trip this time.

[dave_boo]

It's my understanding that you can't get from Mae Hong Son to BKK except via going north on 1098.

We could leave out and haul ass on the 21st, arrive to Mae Sai and do the Umphang run early the next morning while waiting for the missues to wake up. The problem with that is the expected cattle being driven to pasture.....

[Thumchok]

I am going to have to bail on this trip .

Will start heading up about a week earlier .

Would be still nice to meet up with you all up there though .

I plan on about a 3-400klm/Day trip . Pattaya/BKK/Kanchanaburi/Utaradit/Chang Mai . Then off to Udon Thani and Down to Roi Et where the bike will be staying .

Enjoy your ride and stay upright .

Cheers ,

Jim .

[dave_boo]

Definitely going:

• BigBikeBKK {Kawaski Ninja 250}
  
• Bard {Kawasaki Ninja 250}
  
• Meridian007 {Honda Steed 600}
  
• thaicbr {Honda CBR 250RR}
  
• prestburypark {Honda CBR 150R}
  
• dave_boo {Honda CBR 150R or CBR 250RR}
  

Possibly going (and possible conflicts):

• RusticCharm (sounded like a definitely though) {Ducati Monster?}
  
• LivinLOS (family in town) {Bandit 4 or Honda Fireblade 900}
  
• Crow Boy (schedule) {unknown?}
  

[Bard]

It's my understanding that you can't get from Mae Hong Son to BKK except via going north on 1098.

We could leave out and haul ass on the 21st, arrive to Mae Sai and do the Umphang run early the next morning while waiting for the missues to wake up. The problem with that is the expected cattle being driven to pasture.....

Hi Dave,

What I was thinking was to maybe do the Mae Hong Son after arrival to CM, go up there and down back towards BKK. I am unsure if anyone else want to join, but it would be a nice extension of the trip.

[dave_boo]

It's my understanding that you can't get from Mae Hong Son to BKK except via going north on 1098.

We could leave out and haul ass on the 21st, arrive to Mae Sai and do the Umphang run early the next morning while waiting for the missues to wake up. The problem with that is the expected cattle being driven to pasture.....

Hi Dave,

What I was thinking was to maybe do the Mae Hong Son after arrival to CM, go up there and down back towards BKK. I am unsure if anyone else want to join, but it would be a nice extension of the trip.

Perhaps we're talking about about two different runs. I was thinking of the 1090 that runs from Mae Sot to Umphang (1 219 curves in a span of 164 km!). What were you talking about?

Definitely going:

• BigBikeBKK {Kawaski Ninja 250}
  
• Bard {Kawasaki Ninja 250}
  
• Meridian007 {Honda Steed 600}
  
• thaicbr {Honda CBR 250RR}
  
• prestburypark {Honda CBR 150R}
  
• dave_boo {Kawasaki Ninja 250}
  

Possibly going (and possible conflicts):

• RusticCharm (sounded like a definitely though) {Ducati Monster?}
  
• LivinLOS (family in town) {Bandit 4 or Honda Fireblade 900}
  
• Crow Boy (schedule) {unknown?}
  

[Bard]

It's my understanding that you can't get from Mae Hong Son to BKK except via going north on 1098.

We could leave out and haul ass on the 21st, arrive to Mae Sai and do the Umphang run early the next morning while waiting for the missues to wake up. The problem with that is the expected cattle being driven to pasture.....

Hi Dave,

What I was thinking was to maybe do the Mae Hong Son after arrival to CM, go up there and down back towards BKK. I am unsure if anyone else want to join, but it would be a nice extension of the trip.

Perhaps we're talking about about two different runs. I was thinking of the 1090 that runs from Mae Sot to Umphang (1 219 curves in a span of 164 km!). What were you talking about?

Definitely going:

• BigBikeBKK {Kawaski Ninja 250}
  
• Bard {Kawasaki Ninja 250}
  
• Meridian007 {Honda Steed 600}
  
• thaicbr {Honda CBR 250RR}
  
• prestburypark {Honda CBR 150R}
  
• dave_boo {Kawasaki Ninja 250}
  

Possibly going (and possible conflicts):

• RusticCharm (sounded like a definitely though) {Ducati Monster?}
  
• LivinLOS (family in town) {Bandit 4 or Honda Fireblade 900}
  
• Crow Boy (schedule) {unknown?}
  

You gave me something to consider, that was a good idea Dave.

Actually I thought about driving from CM to Mae Ping then taking the 1095 from Mae Ping to Mae Hong Son and drive 108 back to Bangkok, or turn back to CM via 108 - 1265

[Bard]

Sorry for that map and misinformation, I thought about the 1195 from CM to Mae Hong Son then the 108 back again, I did it once before with a sleepover in Mae Hong Son but in a car which was awesome. Had a dip in a hot spring and the road is fantastic for bikes.

[dave_boo]

You gave me something to consider, that was a good idea Dave.

Actually I thought about driving from CM to Mae Ping then taking the 1095 from Mae Ping to Mae Hong Son and drive 108 back to Bangkok, or turn back to CM via 108 - 1265

Well, we could definitely go north on 108 instead of heading east until we get to 1095 on the way up to Chiang Mai. Follow that around till 107 which we can ride into Chiang Mai. I haven't heard anybody else make suggestions; so I can only assume they don't care.

Or, depending on when everyone else was planning on leaving, we could do it on the return trip.

Also, does anyone having someone else who's interested in going up to Chiang Mai but doesn't want to ride a motorcycle up there? The wife isn't too keen about having to drive by herself, so I would like some competent person to drive my truck; my wife could relieve them.

[Bard]

You gave me something to consider, that was a good idea Dave.

Actually I thought about driving from CM to Mae Ping then taking the 1095 from Mae Ping to Mae Hong Son and drive 108 back to Bangkok, or turn back to CM via 108 - 1265

Well, we could definitely go north on 108 instead of heading east until we get to 1095 on the way up to Chiang Mai. Follow that around till 107 which we can ride into Chiang Mai. I haven't heard anybody else make suggestions; so I can only assume they don't care.

Or, depending on when everyone else was planning on leaving, we could do it on the return trip.

Also, does anyone having someone else who's interested in going up to Chiang Mai but doesn't want to ride a motorcycle up there? The wife isn't too keen about having to drive by herself, so I would like some competent person to drive my truck; my wife could relieve them.

Sounds like a plan with the 108 to Chiang Mai, or return whatever fits the plan. I tried to convince my better half to drive up, but she's not very keen even with my extorsions she just shrugged and said she know me. But hey if she can drive with someone and talk about food she would probably be much more interested, I am a bit scared of her seing a baby with the possible nagging of another one coming up, but I'll risk it...

[Rhodiebkk]

Alan has asked me to post so forgive this if you have covered this ground already.

You CANNOT get from Sangkhla Buri through to Umphang.

Some intrepid dare devils [aka The Muppets vide GT-Rider] are considering forcing a way through the jungle on

stepthroughs or 250s with machetes, but this is the last great M/C challenge left in Thailand

and not for normal humans.

So if you want to include K'buri you need to head North East via Suphan Buriand,

either take the back roads to Nakhon Sawan

[you can search for Captain Slash's off-motorway routes on www.gt-rider.com]

and then on to Tak - a long boring hawl.

But the magic starts from Tak to Mae Sot.

http://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-motorcycle-forum/mae-sot-loop--und-amp-on-to-umphang-t3762.html

If you have the time then you can head down to Umphang which you have already noted - this is truly one of the great rides in Thailand as it is different both ways.

Also the waterfall Ti Lo Su [sp?] is tremendous.

Accomodation in Umphang is pretty poor but the ride and scenery make up for it.

Your joys are only begining as you then follow the Burmese border north to Mae Sariang past the the Karen refugee Camps.

Depending on time of year you can make a wonderful sidetrip to see the sunflowers just off the 1263 [turn right @ Khun Yuam].

http://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-motorcycl...ason-t3139.html

[Note this was November]

After that get back on to the 108 to Mae Hong Song and stay the night at the Apya GH overlooking the lake.

http://www.triumphrat.net/ride-trip-reports/73589-tri-nation-scrambler-shakedown-ride.html

The next day you could head due north to the old KMT village with lake high up on the Bur ma border and then stop @ the Riverside GH in Soppong - nicer than Pai and the food is great.

http://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-motorcycle-forum/lahu-new-year-mae-hong-son--und-amp-back-via-soppong-river-inn-t3754.html

Then rattle in to Chiang Mai the next day.

Not so much iron as squidgy butt - but you would have covered some of the greatest riding roads in the country.

Sorry if this has covered ground or decisions that you may have made.

Enjoy yourselves and maybe see you up in CNX.

Edited October 7, 2008 by Rhodiebkk

[Bard]

Enjoy yourselves and maybe see you up in CNX.

Wow great info, looked throught the links and are really pumped on this trip now. Hope to crash into you up there in far North

Have to get by the GT-Rider hangout in Chiang Mai while there for sure, think my butt will be iron after the drive from Rayong, then back on a Ninja Will take loads of pics and post here and on my logon in GT-Rider as well.

Hey Dave have you announced this trip in GT-Rider yet? Could very well be we could get more to join from there also... It's your baby so I will let you run with the ball.

Again thanks for great info, and very interesting links

[thaicbr]

i had been on the phone to rhodie tnite and mentioned the trip. and thats when he told me about not being able to get over from kanchinaburi. he's been up to Chiang Mai loads so i thought his input would be good.

Rhodie thanks for adding something so quick.

Allan

[JimsKnight]

Sounds interesting but my Bike is in Chiang Mai and I'll be going in the opposite direction lads.

Might see you coming past the opposite way though

[Bard]

Sounds interesting but my Bike is in Chiang Mai and I'll be going in the opposite direction lads.

Might see you coming past the opposite way though

Maybe you could join the return trip? I'm going back again pretty quick so you would be more than welcome.

[dave_boo]

Alan has asked me to post so forgive this if you have covered this ground already.

You CANNOT get from Sangkhla Buri through to Umphang.

Some intrepid dare devils [aka The Muppets vide GT-Rider] are considering forcing a way through the jungle on

stepthroughs or 250s with machetes, but this is the last great M/C challenge left in Thailand

and not for normal humans.

I haven't heard of anyone asking to include Sangkhla; if someone does, we can hash out a plan. I threw out Umphang, pending responses.

So if you want to include K'buri you need to head North East via Suphan Buriand,

either take the back roads to Nakhon Sawan

[you can search for Captain Slash's off-motorway routes on www.gt-rider.com]

and then on to Tak - a long boring hawl.

The plan was Bangkok to Kanchanburi; Kanchanburi to Wang Yao; Wang Yao to Ban Rai then up through those "boring" backroads (I live in those parts!) to Kampheng Phet and onto Mae Sot.

But the magic starts from Tak to Mae Sot.

http://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-motorcycle-forum/mae-sot-loop--und-amp-on-to-umphang-t3762.html

If you have the time then you can head down to Umphang which you have already noted - this is truly one of the great rides in Thailand as it is different both ways.

Road 1090 was the one I was proposing to take, which is the Mae Sot to Umphang.

Also the waterfall Ti Lo Su [sp?] is tremendous.

Accomodation in Umphang is pretty poor but the ride and scenery make up for it.

Your joys are only begining as you then follow the Burmese border north to Mae Sariang past the the Karen refugee Camps.

Thi Lo Su is beautiful, but according to Wikipedia, at the time of the year when the ride is planned, you need to trek to the falls. If people are interested in waterfalls, there's plenty in that area, while not as spectacular, will still not require a trek to see them.

Depending on time of year you can make a wonderful sidetrip to see the sunflowers just off the 1263 [turn right @ Khun Yuam].

http://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-motorcycl...ason-t3139.html

[Note this was November]

After that get back on to the 108 to Mae Hong Song and stay the night at the Apya GH overlooking the lake.

http://www.triumphrat.net/ride-trip-reports/73589-tri-nation-scrambler-shakedown-ride.html

The next day you could head due north to the old KMT village with lake high up on the Bur ma border and then stop @ the Riverside GH in Soppong - nicer than Pai and the food is great.

http://www.gt-rider.com/thailand-motorcycle-forum/lahu-new-year-mae-hong-son--und-amp-back-via-soppong-river-inn-t3754.html

Then rattle in to Chiang Mai the next day.

Not so much iron as squidgy butt - but you would have covered some of the greatest riding roads in the country.

Sorry if this has covered ground or decisions that you may have made.

Some covered, but you also brought a lot to the table that I want to thank you for! Plus, it seems that many want to stretch the ride out, I don't know the patience level that my wife will exhibit driving the truck, so I don't want to push it too much.

Enjoy yourselves and maybe see you up in CNX.