Yearly Spendings For A Bike In Thailand

[HamSabai]

Hi everybody,

I'm seriously thinking about buying a big bike, (probably Ducati) they are very expensive, but since I saved a lot of money for the past 3 years, I can now afford it

My question is to all of you big bike owners in Thailand, how much do you spend yearly on your bikes? (I mean insurances, taxes, services, repair, etc...)

Not including gasoline of course.

I wouldn't want to buy a bike and then realize that I have to spend 200'000 baht/year to maintain it...

Cheers

[CroBiker]

Hi HamSabai,

since you buying Ducati, maintenance fees might be bit higher then for some other bikes. There is no way these would cost you 200k, don't worry about it. Regular servicing, oil and filter change are usual tasks. Make sure to get reusable K&N filters, they cost bit extra but in long term save you load of money. One of our forum members (Rustic Charm) owns Ducati and probably can give you few extra tips.

[LivinLOS]

Also you need to factor in IF you can get reliable service for more exotic machine, fine if your in BKK or close but personally I wouldnt / couldnt buy a Ducati (as much as I find them very desirable) as I am currently living down south and the lack of access to parts and dealer service would put me off.. That is unless I had a full garage, tools, and the inclination to do everything myself, which after some of the work I have had done is peace of mind in some ways.

I know down here theres a badly running exotic (Brutalle) with some electronic ignition problems thats no one seems able to fix.. That would be an annoying expensive position to be in.

Cost to maintain will depend on too many factors, parts availability, distances run per annum, etc etc..

[HamSabai]

Also you need to factor in IF you can get reliable service for more exotic machine, fine if your in BKK or close but personally I wouldnt / couldnt buy a Ducati (as much as I find them very desirable) as I am currently living down south and the lack of access to parts and dealer service would put me off.. That is unless I had a full garage, tools, and the inclination to do everything myself, which after some of the work I have had done is peace of mind in some ways.

I know down here theres a badly running exotic (Brutalle) with some electronic ignition problems thats no one seems able to fix.. That would be an annoying expensive position to be in.

Cost to maintain will depend on too many factors, parts availability, distances run per annum, etc etc..

Yeah, there's always problems with electronic parts on Italian bikes, I thought it might be better than Europe in Thailand because of the weather though.

The problem is that this Ducati hypermotard 1100 struck me completely

[PeaceBlondie]

I have never owned a big bike here, but I owned an 850 and several 400-550 bikes in the states. Before I flunked cost accounting twice, I knew there are two types of costs: fixed and variable. The fixed costs for a bike are annual: mostly registration and insurance. Variable costs include factors based on use: fuel, repairs, servicing, tires, etc. One cost is mixed: the capital cost of purchase, or the depreciation. That depends on both age and mileage.

[LivinLOS]

The problem is that this Ducati hypermotard 1100 struck me completely

Would have to be a cold hearted bastrad not to !!!

[HamSabai]

I have never owned a big bike here, but I owned an 850 and several 400-550 bikes in the states. Before I flunked cost accounting twice, I knew there are two types of costs: fixed and variable. The fixed costs for a bike are annual: mostly registration and insurance. Variable costs include factors based on use: fuel, repairs, servicing, tires, etc. One cost is mixed: the capital cost of purchase, or the depreciation. That depends on both age and mileage.

That was precisely my question...about how much is the registration in Thailand? any special taxes for big bikes? how many % of the bike's value do you have to pay for insurance every year? are repairs and services more expensive here than europe?

[H2oDunc]

Hi The cost of fully comprehensive insurance for my Triumph Rocket 3 which cost 1.2 millions around the 25,000 baht a year. I change the oil for fully synthetic every 5000km. I do the brake pads and general bits and pieces myself and as no chain save on that cost. I take the bike to BKK for its servicing but I like the break of having a weekend there then back home. Registration and 3rd party insurance are next to nothing. Depending on the mileage you are doing costs are negligible, especially compared to the UK where I'm from.This is a beautiful country to ride round once you get used to the Thai driving habits. The one thing I stick to is I'm never in a rush to get anywhere. Stick to that and the roads here are fine, for Brits especially as they drive on the right side of the road here if you know what I mean. Ive ridden all over Thailand on bikes from 115cc to my baby of 2,300cc and met some wonderful people. Whatever you choose just enjoy the riding.

[Netfan]

HamSabaii- i own a Ducati- '07 GT 1000cc, bought brand new from the dealer on Thong Lor. I have only the best to say about them. They took care of registration, included in cost of bike- had my plate within 3 weeks. Renewal of registration was 400 or 600 baht. They arranged 1st class insurance, cost me about 17,000 baht the first year, dropped to 16,000 this year. Labor in their shop is about 500 baht per hour and well worth it, the mechanic there is great. My 1,000km service, oil change, filter, tighten bolts, installed new exhaust system and ecu, was 2500 baht. the 12000km service was about the same. The only problem i have had with the bike is a battery that died after one year. The shop shipped me a new battery the day i called and told them about it, covered under warranty. Oh, i did get a flat rear tire in Hua Hin, they offered to come down in a van, instead i had them talk a local mechanic through rear wheel removal over the phone. There's a couple of other guys here who have bought bikes there, I'm sure they feel the same way. I've owned a couple of Hondas, a Suzuki and last a Yamaha FZ1- all nice bikes, but a Ducati is a Ducati. I know there are some nice used Monsters, Sportclassics and a Multistrada there now, and a nice new 1098r for 2.4million.

Just noticed you mentioned the Hypermotard- nice, I think it would be a great bike for Thailand. Or you could wait for the new "Streetfighter" - due here next summer- 1198 engine, 155hp

Edited December 13, 2008 by Netfan

[HamSabai]

Well from what you guys say, it seems that the costs are very acceptable.

Just noticed you mentioned the Hypermotard- nice, I think it would be a great bike for Thailand. Or you could wait for the new "Streetfighter" - due here next summer- 1198 engine, 155hp

I also think it would be perfect for where I live in Thailand. I find the design of that bike great. "155hp" that's way more than what I need the 90hp of that Hypermotard will be more than enough

[RusticCharm]

I also think it would be perfect for where I live in Thailand. I find the design of that bike great. "155hp" that's way more than what I need the 90hp of that Hypermotard will be more than enough

Just wait till you get out on the open road.

As netfan said, the 1k klm service is around 2.5k Baht (just had mine done today!). The mechanic Jay, is first class. Took in in Fri afternoon, picked it up Sat evening.

My insurance- first class comprehensive (Muang Thai) for the 898k Baht 848 Superbike was around 25k.

The biggest expense you'll face is when you decide to customize. I just ordered slip-on Termis for the 848. 68k! Ouch!

[Richard-BKK]

One thing I would like to add, Ducati service in Thailand is one of the best I ever experienced in the world. And me and my bikes moved a lot... And I can say... Thai Thailand, and the official Ducati center in Thailand take the candy...

Once I went in for a oi filter replacement, talked on the phone and I did not cost that much more to let is do at the service center.... Coming back from a noodle meal on Sukhumvit Road I found a large amount of people around my bike... While I stepped up my speed to walk to them I was wondering what could be wrong...

I found that they had just 5 service managers, with everybody in charge of a different item, with its own service mechanics responsible to a different procedure. Was pretty cool...

@HamSabai

155 horses for the new 1198, because the 1098S already give 160 horses at the rear wheel...???

Edited December 13, 2008 by Richard-BKK

[RusticCharm]

Also you need to factor in IF you can get reliable service for more exotic machine, fine if your in BKK or close but personally I wouldnt / couldnt buy a Ducati (as much as I find them very desirable) as I am currently living down south and the lack of access to parts and dealer service would put me off

Ducati have informed me that they'll soon be opening a dealership in Phuket.

[LivinLOS]

Also you need to factor in IF you can get reliable service for more exotic machine, fine if your in BKK or close but personally I wouldnt / couldnt buy a Ducati (as much as I find them very desirable) as I am currently living down south and the lack of access to parts and dealer service would put me off

Ducati have informed me that they'll soon be opening a dealership in Phuket.

Not even NYE and there goes next years budget !!!

[Netfan]

Yeah, the mods to a Ducati are what costs, I've probably got 50,000 baht in mods on my GT, not including 50+ for the Termi exhaust option.

Here's the Ducati Streetfighter.

Get rid of the mirrors, chop the tail, put the exhaust under the seat.....

[BigBikeBKK]

Oooh! That's SEXY!

[thaicbr]

oooohhhhh they pinched my idea the bastards. thats a Sonic headlight that is just like mine:cheesy:

SAME, SAME BUT OH SO DIFFERENT

Allan

[Netfan]

oooohhhhh they pinched my idea the bastards. thats a Sonic headlight that is just like mine:cheesy:

SAME, SAME BUT OH SO DIFFERENT

Allan

LOL! you're right- that is a Sonic headlight!

[HAWKHILL]

Hi everybody,

I'm seriously thinking about buying a big bike, (probably Ducati) they are very expensive, but since I saved a lot of money for the past 3 years, I can now afford it

My question is to all of you big bike owners in Thailand, how much do you spend yearly on your bikes? (I mean insurances, taxes, services, repair, etc...)

Not including gasoline of course.

I wouldn't want to buy a bike and then realize that I have to spend 200'000 baht/year to maintain it...

Cheers

Ducati's are expensive here twice what you would pay in UK USA insurance will cost about 20-40,000 depending on the value, if you buy the Ducati from the only dealer here service costs will be higher than for a normal bike being that it is a Ducati but not too much, if you don't buy from the dealer they will not service it unless you pay a joiners fee which will be 10% of the value of the bike thier valuation not yours, there are other service options you will have to find them by yourself. The figure of 200,000 per year to maintain it is way off far too high. I ahve a 1098S and its not too bad for service this past year i spent about 5000 baht for oil changes and filters the major service not due until 12000KM I am on 5500k now.

Hope this helps

Regards

HH

[Pdaz]

HamSabaii- i own a Ducati- '07 GT 1000cc, bought brand new from the dealer on Thong Lor. I have only the best to say about them. They took care of registration, included in cost of bike- had my plate within 3 weeks. Renewal of registration was 400 or 600 baht. They arranged 1st class insurance, cost me about 17,000 baht the first year, dropped to 16,000 this year. Labor in their shop is about 500 baht per hour and well worth it, the mechanic there is great. My 1,000km service, oil change, filter, tighten bolts, installed new exhaust system and ecu, was 2500 baht. the 12000km service was about the same. The only problem i have had with the bike is a battery that died after one year. The shop shipped me a new battery the day i called and told them about it, covered under warranty. Oh, i did get a flat rear tire in Hua Hin, they offered to come down in a van, instead i had them talk a local mechanic through rear wheel removal over the phone. There's a couple of other guys here who have bought bikes there, I'm sure they feel the same way. I've owned a couple of Hondas, a Suzuki and last a Yamaha FZ1- all nice bikes, but a Ducati is a Ducati. I know there are some nice used Monsters, Sportclassics and a Multistrada there now, and a nice new 1098r for 2.4million.

Just noticed you mentioned the Hypermotard- nice, I think it would be a great bike for Thailand. Or you could wait for the new "Streetfighter" - due here next summer- 1198 engine, 155hp

I can only echo what Netfan has posted.. I also bought a Duc from the Thonglor dealer.. Excelent service before and after sale. Can't recomend them enough.. Yes bikes cost more here than in Europe.. But most other things are cheaper.. You either want a bike or you don't .. Worrying about the difference in cost is pointless.. Depreciation is also much less here too.. Was out yesterday with over 25 other Ducati owners on a ride out to Chantaburi (Rustic was there too) Great day had by all..

[LivinLOS]

While I agree with most of what your saying.. But

Depreciation is also much less here too..

I think it is safer to say depreciation WAS much less here.. I mean with a legit 600 legally plated brand new for 225k whats that going to do to many normal market prices ?? People are aksing high 200's and low 300's for 4 and 5 year old bikes of a similar pedigree, who will buy them now, anyone sitting on a 600 sport or sport tourer they thought was worth maybe a 300 resale is going to find he needs to be sub 200 in a month or two to be in any way appealing.

As the market opens up, expect a lot of those high value older bikes to crash in value.

You either want a bike or you don't .. Worrying about the difference in cost is pointless..

Agree totally.. Tho there is that nasty old factor of being able to buy it (or justify it) even if the want is there.

To the OP. It will depend heavily on where your looking to be located, what kind of machine, etc etc.. No way you would fine me spending money on any kind of exotic out here (theres a hardly running Brutale down this way, no one can fix its dodgy ignition) if your around BKK or close then option open up a lot.. If you have a good mechanic, who does good work, life becomes a lot easier.. Etc etc etc.

Staying with very 'common' machines, ones that have a large parts market, is probably more important than in other parts of the world.