Buying A (real) Scooter

[Chalky]

Looking for reputable, reliable scooter dealer/importer with good English language skills - my technical Thai not hot and my missus fed up (not interested in) trying to translate (or get involved in traditional, endless, what passes for "customer service").

Live on Samui, travel frequently to Nakhornsrithammarat, occasionally to Phuket and interested in long haul(s) to Bkk so known/recommended mechanics/garages also appreciated please.

Makes/models considering: Honda Silver Wing ABS (400 or 600), Suzuki Burgmann 400 ABS or 650 Executive, Yamaha Majesty 400 or TMax 500.

Thanks in anticipation (and apologies for swearing!).

[Pdaz]

When you said 'real' scooter I thought you meant a Lambretta.. Oh well

Don't know where you'd get a maxi scooter though.. only seen a couple in Pattaya they seem quite rare..

[LivinLOS]

Yamaha is a fully legal option.. Bet its highly expensive one tho..

Anything else will be the usual run around of bent books and grey import bikes.

[BigBikeBKK]

Yamaha is a fully legal option.. Bet its highly expensive one tho..

Anything else will be the usual run around of bent books and grey import bikes.

Sorry- while Yamaha does display a Tmax in their booth at most bike weeks, they're not actually importing and selling it in Thailand at this time... Best bet for a legal import would probably be Red Baron.

Happy Trails!

Tony

[Zzinged]

Yamaha is a fully legal option.. Bet its highly expensive one tho..

Anything else will be the usual run around of bent books and grey import bikes.

Sorry- while Yamaha does display a Tmax in their booth at most bike weeks, they're not actually importing and selling it in Thailand at this time... Best bet for a legal import would probably be Red Baron.

Happy Trails!

Tony

Yam at Ratchada had 2 TMaxes for sale. I think they're around the 400k ballpark. One is sold already.

[LivinLOS]

Theres a couple out front of the Phuket main dealer and even one inside of the tiny little patong branch (just a scooter shop normally)..

I have to admit I dont know if its a T Max or a majesty but 100% for sure they are selling some type of maxi scooter.

[thaicbr]

Wait until the BKK motorshow. I think a few suprises may show up. I know Suzuki are looking at what gaps they can fill. there is actually a big market for maxi scooters in Thailand and lots of Thai clubs already.

[BigBikeBKK]

Yamaha is a fully legal option.. Bet its highly expensive one tho..

Anything else will be the usual run around of bent books and grey import bikes.

Sorry- while Yamaha does display a Tmax in their booth at most bike weeks, they're not actually importing and selling it in Thailand at this time... Best bet for a legal import would probably be Red Baron.

Happy Trails!

Tony

Yam at Ratchada had 2 TMaxes for sale. I think they're around the 400k ballpark. One is sold already.

Apologies- I guess I was misinformed. Happy to hear they are now available. Cheers! Tony

[Zzinged]

I don't know when they became available though. I just saw them there today =P

[Chalky]

Wait until the BKK motorshow. I think a few suprises may show up. I know Suzuki are looking at what gaps they can fill. there is actually a big market for maxi scooters in Thailand and lots of Thai clubs already.

Excellent advice, VMT

"Chalky"

[Chalky]

Yamaha is a fully legal option.. Bet its highly expensive one tho..

Anything else will be the usual run around of bent books and grey import bikes.

Sorry- while Yamaha does display a Tmax in their booth at most bike weeks, they're not actually importing and selling it in Thailand at this time... Best bet for a legal import would probably be Red Baron.

Happy Trails!

Tony

Many thanks, have e-mailed them.

"Chalky"

[neverdie]

I hadnt noticed anybody riding around on fake scooters

[Richard-BKK]

Yamaha sells the Tmax from about the last motorshow last year when my wife came home with one. Other then that one of my good friends bought a Suzuki Burgman 400 and is a happy traveler. And, I need to say that sometimes I secret look into that direction.

Guess what, it seems that Honda thinks the same... as I can confirm that Honda has imported 2 DN-01's and plans to setup direct sales by selected dealers....

[VocalNeal]

Lots of Skywaves on Mocy.com

and some Silverwings

[mickba]

My own craving is for the Tmax and no other. It would have to be the 2009 model as they've uprated it a lot.

The problem is that it's not cheap in the first place and the import duty pushes it to about 400k I believe.

Beautiful machine though and I'd love one here (I have had Vmax, XTZ750 and ZZR1100 so I know it's not a "proper" bike but....) .

Keep us posted whether you have any luck.

Oh and just for the guy above Pdaz, here was my brand new 1965 Lambretta - a long long time ago.

GT/TV 200

Edited March 20, 2009 by mickba

[Zzinged]

Yamaha is a fully legal option.. Bet its highly expensive one tho..

Anything else will be the usual run around of bent books and grey import bikes.

Sorry- while Yamaha does display a Tmax in their booth at most bike weeks, they're not actually importing and selling it in Thailand at this time... Best bet for a legal import would probably be Red Baron.

Happy Trails!

Tony

Many thanks, have e-mailed them.

"Chalky"

Did you see my post? Yamaha have them for sale @ 555,000 baht. There's 1 left in the showroom, with another shipment coming in later.

[mickba]

Did you see my post? Yamaha have them for sale @ 555,000 baht. There's 1 left in the showroom, with another shipment coming in later.

I really would love one, but I don't think what's left of my brain would let me pay £11k for one.

How much are they in UK - about £6k?

Someone said they're phasing out the import duty, so maybe later - when I'm about 70

[Zzinged]

Did you see my post? Yamaha have them for sale @ 555,000 baht. There's 1 left in the showroom, with another shipment coming in later.

I really would love one, but I don't think what's left of my brain would let me pay £11k for one.

How much are they in UK - about £6k?

Someone said they're phasing out the import duty, so maybe later - when I'm about 70

You said it.

Subaru WRX STi:

Thailand - 3,950,000 Baht

UK - £26,000 or about 1,325,000 Baht

[Chalky]

Yamaha is a fully legal option.. Bet its highly expensive one tho..

Anything else will be the usual run around of bent books and grey import bikes.

Sorry- while Yamaha does display a Tmax in their booth at most bike weeks, they're not actually importing and selling it in Thailand at this time... Best bet for a legal import would probably be Red Baron.

Happy Trails!

Tony

Many thanks, have e-mailed them.

"Chalky"

Did you see my post? Yamaha have them for sale @ 555,000 baht. There's 1 left in the showroom, with another shipment coming in later.

Yes and thanks Zzinged, I did see your post and I'd love an X-Max 500 but have had to change my plans from maxi to midi so I can make the most of the new sub 250cc registration rules.

No answers to any of my e-mails to all the "big 3" in Thailand, or Japan for that matter, and the Thai dealerships all hung up on the 'phone!

I want to spend about 5k (Sterling) on a 250 scoot on my next jaunt home from Afghanistan but my Thai mrs and family can't seem to get answers in person either, even when they go and ask!

Models in the frame are Honda's Forza/Helix/Reflex, Suzuki's Gemma or the 2008 Yamaha X-Max 250, hope you like the hyperlinks!

http://www.thescooterreview.com/component/...-review?start=3

http://www.scootercommunity.com.au/forums/t/6883.aspx

http://www.phmotorcycles.co.uk/bikes/yamaha-x-max-250.html

I suppose I'll have to wait until I'm back in Bangers again, go to showrooms flashing some cash and have brochures in hand.

Happy Trails!

[katabeachbum]

Yamaha Tmax 500. The best bike I have ever had. handles and brakes like a sports bike. Automatic.

Officially sold now by Yamaha Thailand at 555.000 baht.

When I recieved the book for my 2006, the book was 16 years old. So I had the seller take the bike back and refund.

[LivinLOS]

Yamaha Tmax 500. The best bike I have ever had. handles and brakes like a sports bike.

he he.. OK you keep telling yourself that !!

They are kinda cool for round the island tho.. I wouldnt mind one but not at 500+k

[Chalky]

Yamaha sells the Tmax from about the last motorshow last year when my wife came home with one. Other then that one of my good friends bought a Suzuki Burgman 400 and is a happy traveler. And, I need to say that sometimes I secret look into that direction.

Guess what, it seems that Honda thinks the same... as I can confirm that Honda has imported 2 DN-01's and plans to setup direct sales by selected dealers....

Hmm, nice!

http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle-news/honda-dn-01.htm

[katabeachbum]

Yamaha sells the Tmax from about the last motorshow last year when my wife came home with one. Other then that one of my good friends bought a Suzuki Burgman 400 and is a happy traveler. And, I need to say that sometimes I secret look into that direction.

Guess what, it seems that Honda thinks the same... as I can confirm that Honda has imported 2 DN-01's and plans to setup direct sales by selected dealers....

Hmm, nice!

http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle-news/honda-dn-01.htm

Yamaha T max is old.

I want a white one, made in LOS sponsored by BOI at 350k ok Im dreaming

[micksterbs]

When you said 'real' scooter I thought you meant a Lambretta.. Oh well

Don't know where you'd get a maxi scooter though.. only seen a couple in Pattaya they seem quite rare..

Yeah, quite. I'd love to track down a reasonable Lambretta here, Series 3 preferably. I see plenty of Vespas around but...