Buying A Motorbike Blog

[Lancelot]

Well, I've been in Thailand for five years and I'll probably start traveling outside the country more, so its time to buy a bike, LOL! I always do things the hard way

My first four years were in BKK, so I really didn't need a bike, with the excellent public transportation there. But after living in Pattaya for one year and renting a bike for several months, I've decided to take the plunge and buy a Honda Wave or Suzuki Viva (the 110 cc standard shift bike.) Any thoughts and/or feedback, pro or con, about the Honda or Suzuki is greatly appreciated. I especially like the new Honda Wave CZi 110cc. Dealer recommendations are also appreciated.

Well the first step is to get the paper work in order so today I went to Pattaya Immigration to get the "Residence Certificate." I'll have to say that I was impressed with Pattaya Immigration- they had examples of different Visa and or other documents and the required supporting information.

For the Residence Certificate I needed:

1 Copy of first page of passport, Visa page and Departure Card

2 Two photographs

3 Copy of room rental agreement

I had forgotten my photos and photo copies, so I went next door and had the copies made for 5 baht each and two color photos for 100 baht. Total damage 115 baht.

I filled out the Residence form and pressed #9 on the que machine and and my number popped out. While waiting, I talked with a friendly guy from Canada who explained the procedure to me- you present your documents, then return the next day for the finished form.

When my number was called, the Immigration officer politely asked how she could help me and I told her I was buying a motorbike. She asked if it was new or used (new); asked for a copy of my rental agreement but kindly accepted an original rent receipt (I neglected to make a copy and the Canadian guy told me that six months ago they processed his form with out any residency information other than simply filling his residence in the form. I guess it just depends on how the Immigration Officer feels at that moment in time )

Anyway, it only took a few moments, I paid 200 baht (a bargain compared with the US Embassy charging $30), collected my receipt and was told that I could pick up my new form after 2 pm the following day.

By tomorrow afternoon I can begin shopping

To be continued

PS-Do you get to test drive a new bike, or you just buy it undriven? What is the custom in Thailand?

[dotcom]

You buy a pig in a poke.

[Meridian007]

I think most places will let you test ride, I was surprised that the Triumph dealer in RCA was willing to let me take a spin on their Bonneville! Good Luck!

[H2oDunc]

Meridian like you I was surprised when the guys at Britbike let me take a spin on a Rocket 3. Mind saying that I ended up buying one so I suppose it made sense. As for buying a small one like a click , wave etc if thsy didnt let me take it for a spin I would walk away and find a dealer that would.

[Lancelot]

Thanks for the replies. Yeah, I would only go about 1 km, its not like I am going to run the odometer up

[Lancelot]

I went down to Immigration the next day and picked up my "Residence Certificate" and raided the ATM for a couple of days to raise some cash (I'm limited to $500 USD daily withdrawls.)

On Sep 23 I went down to the Mityon Honda dealer on 3rd Rd, not too far from Excite Disco. I had a Thai lady with me and we were waited in immediately. I told the salws lady that I was inteerested in a Honda Wave 100 the also the new CZi. Checked both bikes out and she quoted us B34,500 for the wave, including a front basket, step through cargo tie down wire mesh (for lack of a better name) , two helmets and two jackets. She quoted the CZI at 36,000 including two helmets and two jackets. Prices for both bikes included 3rd party insurance, B400, and registration, B600.

I decided on the CZi and asked for the test drivebut "mai dai." I was ready to walk, but asked to see a black CZi before I left (only red and blue in stock at this branch.

"Dai ka" and in 15 minutes there was a new back CZi parked in the service bay. Again I asked for a test drive and this time she said ok. I only went 500 feet and turned around. The bike was nible, responsive and I was sold.

I wanted this bike

Back in side I gave them the nod, we did the paperwork, I paid up, collected my goodies and I was on my way.

I was told I could pick up the Insurance policy in one week; the green book and tag in 2 months.

I filled up with 91 gasohol. The fuel gage was below empty but it would only take 2.9 liters. The book says the tank capacity is 3.7 liters. Cost me B80 to fill up

Until then

Lance