Harleys And Scooters

[bkkbound04]

hi all

i'm looking for some advice on buying a harley or scooter in los

i know cars hold their value in los better than they do in the uk

how does this hold up for harleys/scooters?

i have a uk driving license for a car/small van(just took your joe bloggs test)

if i passed a cbt in the uk would i then be legal to drive a bike in los?

are you better buying a second hand or new harley/scooter??

if you are a bike enthusiast please dont take offence to the harley/scooter thing...

i would feel more secure on a harley but i'm more concernerd on the future value/resale value on the bike and outlay and maintenance

i.e (for the sake of argument) if a harley loses only 25% over 4 years compared to 25% each year on a scooter i'd think the harley was thes best bet....

..however if a harley cost me 10,000 and a scooter cost me 2000, in 4 years the harley would have lost 2-3000 but may need a lot of expensive maintenance...

..were as the scooter cost 2,000- if u sold it in 4 years u get what u get,

but... u have no more expense and the warranty may cover any work that had been done in that period

i know it's like comparing a porsche to a metro but i'd appreciate some advice/info on the above

thanks in advance

atb

[Neeranam]

if i passed a cbt in the uk would i then be legal to drive a bike in los?

I think that you are only legal to ride a bike in Th. if you have a Thai Bike License.

This is not the same as a car one. You can't get one for a car and bike here.

Easy to get if you have a UK license. There are many threads on this.

[smacko]

where is LOS are you going to be?

if its anywhere that has a lot of traffic i'd suggest getting a scooter first and getting useto the traffic, then get a harley....

because a newbie rider on a harley and heavy traffic don't mix.

[Petesear]

If you have never ridden a bike in the west I'd strongly advise against becoming a born again biker here.. Do it back in the UK where the odds against b-a-bikers are still high but you'd get better medical treatment..

[cdnvic]

I definitly concur regarding trying a scooter first, or maybe a 150/175cc. The big bikes are a pain to manouver in traffic. I'd only go for the larger bike if you planned on doing road trips.

cv

[bkkbound04]

i appreciate the posts peeps

i'm not an experienced biker...i used to mess about on a pals 50cc in my teens

last time in los i went for a drive on a geared scooter...nearly crashed hitting sand then as i slowed down passing through a village i was chased/attacked by dogs

i'm mostly in pattaya which is a magnet for scooter accidents

i would feel a lot safer in a car/pick up but if i could take my time getting used to a bike i think that'd be more enjoyable/fun/practicle

i always though that a bigger bike was better...if u get in trouble u can get out of it easier????

[bkkbound04]

cdnvic,

the bigger bikes do look like they'd take some time getting used to the handling

i started to get the knack for the scooter in los(maybe 125/150??)

[Gazza]

Resale value on a Harley would depend on how often you plan to use it.

I bought a '98 Harley for 700k in 2000 figuring that I could sell it again privately for the same amount (or very near) a few years later.

I'd be lucky to get 350k for it now.

Why? Because I've put on 120k worth of kms on the clock. I've seen other bikes just as old as mine with only 4-5 thousand on the clock going for 500 - 600k looking like they've just come out of the crate.

Then you've got to think about maintenance costs if you do plan to use often. Parts you can get over the counter but they're expensive.

Ideally, you should look around for a bike being sold privately. A good low price with low mileage and then when it's still low on mileage after a year of use, sell it and get another.

[Boh Bpen Yang]

I have a friend with a Harley and he thoroughly loves it. Certainly much better for the road trips.

I have been stopped for checks on my bike 200cc with a US license for cars and light vehicles not MC. Didn't have a problem (luckily?). I think there would be problem if you were involved in a collision because of the insurance issue. I would suggest a Thai license. There is a different license for MC and light vehicle. You have to test seperately for each. You will need both if you intend to drive both. I don't know if it is a provencial regulation or National but you need an approval from Immigration, a doctors certificate and 2 non glossy photos (specify for DL) before you go for the test here in Suratthani.

[bkkbound04]

thanks gazza

some good info :tup:

whre's the best places for used bikes in los?

do u get a lot in baht and sold etc?

i never payed much attention to the bike section when i was out

[bkkbound04]

thanks bby

i was hoping the uk license would suffice...dunno how i'll pass my test again...especially in pattaya :shocked:

how does the bike test work in los?

do u go out with an instructor as in the uk?

...or do u just get a couple of laps round the car park then your license :angel:

[Captain Chaos]

If you have only a UK car license you'll need to take the Thai M/C test (hardly onerous, there are lots of other threads on how to do this).

I had full UK car + bike license and the test centre near On Nut gave me both without having to do anything bar the colour vision test.

I actually rode a Harley (someone else's) here before I drove a car (from BKK to Pattaya and back) and it was OK. I had ridden big bikes in the UK for about 7 years before I came here though.

I'll not argue with Gazza about resale values. People do say that you can 'always' sell a Hog on though. Not necessarily the case with big Jap tackle which may not attract as much public recognition / attention here and hence be more for the enthusiast. That said, I had a Buell Cyclone for a while, which ain't exactly mainstream, and sold it on without too much difficulty for a 14% loss, maybe a bit more when you chuck in tyres & other consumable expenditure.

If you're not that experienced on bikes in the UK (I didn't catch if you drive a car here or not - sorry) then I'd maybe suggest buying something like a grey import Honda CB400 to start with. Much more like a 'proper' bike feel than a local market CBR150 or the like, but shouldn't break the bank to get one (if you can afford a Hog that is). Get a good one from a specialist shop for between Bt 150 - 200k in my observation. Learn your local 'roadcraft' on that, then move onto a Hog / other big bike etc after that.

Hope this helps - happy biking!

[bkkbound04]

thanks cc

it does help mate

i drive a car in the uk, i was on a scooter in sep04(los)- first time in years

another question;

what's peeps views on buying rather than renting a bike??

pros/cons

better option in members opinion

thanks to every1 for the response already

[Captain Chaos]

Personally, I'd buy rather than rent (this is on the assumption you're sure that you want a bike here of course!)

Rental bikes might not be properly maintained or insured. Only so much you can tell from a visual inspection of bike & documents (can you read Thai?). There are the occasional stories of scams (bikes being lifted in the night so you can have to cough up the excess etc).

With your own bike, if you can find a shop / individual that you're comfortable dealing with (not always that easy here it has to be said) then you can make sure you're fully legal & properly maintained.

As I posted before, it desn't have to cost the earth to get you on the road, but obviously the draw back is that you're 'in' for whatever you spend.

'Up to you'

[Dr. Burrito]

Personally, I'd buy rather than rent (this is on the assumption you're sure that you want a bike here of course!)

Rental bikes might not be properly maintained or insured. Only so much you can tell from a visual inspection of bike & documents (can you read Thai?). There are the occasional stories of scams (bikes being lifted in the night so you can have to cough up the excess etc).

'Up to you' 

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Spot on there regards their upkeep. Few times I've rented bikes here, everything from the steering to gear shift has been suspect. Maybe a rental for a day or two like I do when at the beach, but were I too really want a bike, I'd purchase instead.

Places to consider in Bangkok

Red Baron's and Siam Superbike are a few. I think they're both way overpriced, but they probably sell you a more reliable bike as well. I'm sure others here know far more.

[davethailand]

Buy a Honda Wave or similar, 45000bht for the top spec one.

We bought one 18 months ago and its a great little bike, i've got a 1400 also but don't really ride it anymore, i'm gonna flog it and stick to the little bike.

If you want to try big bikes after a while then rent them for a day each, start on a phantom, then steed, then try a sportster and then finally rent a harley to see if you like them.

My mate runs the only rental company in pattaya and he's also the best custom builder in Thailand. He rents Fat boys, Dyna's, custom softails etc.

Don't just come here and buy one.

Licence is a piece of piss to get.

[Gazza]

thanks gazza

whre's the best places for used bikes in los?

do u get a lot in baht and sold etc?

I would agree with Captain Chaos and go for a 400cc or maybe even the small chopper type bikes like the Phantom or Boss (175cc). Parts and maintenance easily available and can be used to commute and a bit of touring too.

For Harleys and bikes mentioned above try some of these links.

This site is all in Thai but you can get some idea of 'sold privately' second hand prices. Some bargains can be found if you're patient enough.

http://www.mocyc.com/store/

For second hand Harleys I've found Siam Speedway to have a good turn around of used bikes. I've bought two from there in the past.

http://www.siamspeedways.com/service.html

For other shops in BKK check this out.

http://www.geocities.com/bkkriders/shops/index.html

Don't forget, you may have to put aside approx 10,000baht for a decent helmet and riding gear. Better and cheaper to buy a good helmet in UK and bring it over with you.

Ask all the questions you want as it makes a nice change from 'What is your GF's favourite flip-flop colour?' type of thread.

[Kringle]

Above all else, when buying a used bike, make sure ALL the numbers match the "green book". A lot of bikes sold here do not have the engine numbers and frame numbers matching the book and will be im-possible to register or change registration from one area to another. Be very careful in this side of it.

Edited February 3, 2005 by Kringle

[bkkbound04]

thanks everyone for all the replies and information/links

gonna go check them out now

[penzman]

If the wife doesn't insist on taking the car, I always opt for the scooter to go anywhere in town. I never get stuck in traffic. Driving the car on the same route is always a waste of time. I bought a Honda Wave 125 for about 38 000 baht, new. It has enough guts to get you out of trouble if you don't shift like a granny.

I often ride from Chonburi to Si Racha and Pattaya, some people are amazed that I ride it "so far away" I can do 120 K's per hour on that thing with the wind in my back, no vibrations, only good vibes

I plan on buying something like a Honda Steed 400 later on for longer trips.

[simba]

who made the recomendation to go for a cb 400? great bike not to heavy and many to be had in los, but i think you will find they are much faster than the average harley and he may scare the s**t out of himself if he grabs a handfull of throtle.

i would go for a honda wave or dream 125 for a good startig place.

if you want a motorcyle & car license in los you will have to hold a full uk bike license go the direct acess route.

good luck and enjoy your bikeing!!!!!!

[ajahnlau]

As mentioned by earlier posters rent a 150-400cc and try it for say a month. Riding a much larger bike say in BKK would be a it much for a newbie. Living out in the sticks not much of a problem. There are about 4 major shops for used Harleys in BKK. Siamspeedway,Jammer,Big-twin and Power Station. In Phuket Nicky's Handelbar and West Coast. In Pattaya there's a couple more,same as Chiang Mai. Udon Big Bike in Udon Thani. Not much if any under 500,000. I think Gazza has under valued his bike. Hard to find a 1998 under 500k. This could vary a little on condition and model. Come to Pattaya Feb 11-13 for their bike week or Phuket Apr. 10-12.

[smacko]

anyone know if you can rent/buy highpowered sports bikes in bangkok..

eg

Suzuki GSX-R

Yamaha R1

etc

[Captain Chaos]

No idea about renting.

Reasonably well known shops for buying sports bikes are Siam Superbike (www.siamsuperbike.com) in Ekkamai, Red Baron in Minburi and a few others.

Note: I have not bought a bike from either of these so make no first hand claim as to whether they know what they're doing!

For a full list check out out the Bangkok Riders website (there's a link in Gazza's post earlier)

I have heard a few people warn off buying European bikes, especially Triumphs, on the basis that they tend to overheat. On the other hand I've seen plenty of BMW's about so it could be tosh.

[ray23]

As mentioned by earlier posters rent a 150-400cc and try it for say a month. Riding a much larger bike say in BKK would be a it much for a newbie. Living out in the sticks not much of a problem. There are about 4 major shops for used Harleys in BKK. Siamspeedway,Jammer,Big-twin and Power Station. In Phuket Nicky's Handelbar and West Coast. In Pattaya there's a couple more,same as Chiang Mai. Udon Big Bike in Udon Thani. Not much if any under 500,000. I think Gazza has under valued his bike. Hard to find a 1998 under 500k. This could vary a little on condition and model. Come to Pattaya Feb 11-13 for their bike week or Phuket Apr. 10-12.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I would concur with what I have seen here, I have phantom 150 which I started with and now also have a Yamaha 750, the wife has a 125 honda. I ride all the them from time to time. Each one is very different in handling characteristics. The easist to ride is the 125, the 750 took some real rode time before I felt comfortable on it.

To go from a 50CC experience, to a harley is probably asking for trouble. Teh maintance on the the 150 and the 125 is nothing anything on the 750 is expensive and finding a mechanic in Issan who isn't a fraid to work on it is unusual, four cylinders four carbs. Cruising is wonderful on it, has a drive shaft, very smooth and very comfortable.

Driving here is much more then getting the drivers license it is learning how to survive the way the drivers really do drive here. It reall has very little to do with traffic laws, but thier convience of travel. It is going to be a lot easier toget out of the way on a small bike then a harley. It is a great hobby here, but it does take sometime learning so that you can do it as safely as possible.

The bog bike shop in Udon has several big bikes for under 500K, one that I'm just in love with but don't have the money for a 1400CC Yamaha, drive train the whole nine I believe three years old very clean, as I recall around 470K with the book. He also has harley's but your looking at more like 700 K and up. He does have one jewel sitting there and it will probably be there for a long time. A one year old full dress Honda Goldwing, you name it ha it, 1.1 mil.

When your ready for a big bike your much better off fiding a private seller. Yuo mentioned costs of upkeep. If that is a concern don't but a big bike, it is very expensive.

Thai drivers license are not difficult to get, but keep in mind the written rules of the road are very seldom followed here. Good luck hope you have fun with a hobby a lot of us have gotten into here.

[bkkbound04]

thanks for the replies peeps

i thought a harley would feel more car "ish" as it seems so well built and looks like a smooth ride....

you are all right though, i'd probably last a day on a big bike

i guess i'll start small and build up

the traffic laws in thailand seem made up i'd plan on following the crowd at lights etc or just taking it easy

the thing i love about thailand is the relaxed feel about everything...no need to rush etc

i'd just plod along on a bike in thailand, i wouldn't drink and drive and would keep a good distance from cars and baht busses in front, i guess there's always a chance of some ejit coming from behind or the other side of the road but if i'm taking it easy i hope i'd have my wits about me

the 125-150's sound pretty cool

i like the sound of dave and a few others bikes

thanks again peeps

[sendbaht]

yep, start small and work your way up.

I ride a bike (BMW) everyday to work rain or shine.

Love motorcycles.

[PeaceBlondie]

thanks for the replies peeps

i thought a harley would feel more car "ish" as it seems so well built and looks like a smooth ride....

you are all right though, i'd probably last a day on a big bike

i guess i'll start small and build up

the traffic laws in thailand seem made up i'd plan on following the crowd at lights etc or just taking it easy

the thing i love about thailand is the relaxed feel about everything...no need to rush etc

i'd just plod along on a bike in thailand, i wouldn't drink and drive and would keep a good distance from cars and baht busses in front, i guess there's always a chance of some ejit coming from behind or the other side of the road but if i'm taking it easy i hope i'd have my wits about me

the 125-150's sound pretty cool

i like the sound of dave and a few others bikes

thanks again peeps

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm on my eleventh two-wheeler now, a CBR150 that's probably my favorite of all. The biggest I had was Suzuki GS850G; I drove it and some other mid-range Jap. bikes about 40,000 MILES each. I know have 25,000 Thai kilometers on the CBR150 without a scratch (all this in 19 months) and love it because it's faster than most of the BMW cars are driven on the road, and I can squeeze through bad traffic.

No Harley rides like a car. Except for Buells, they're not intended to handle or corner, just cruise and look good. They're not as dependable as Japanese bikes, other things being equal. Harley is a cult; nothing about practicality. If you like 'em, it's a religion.

Big bikes weigh between 500 and 900 pounds, and they are often slow and cumbersome. You can't get them through traffic, and God or a crane will have to help you if you drop it. No, you can't control a heavy, poorly designed bike. You don't throw them down; they throw you down.

Definitely bring a good 150-quid new helmet from home, that you know fits you comfortably, and is well made (the ones made here are like tissue paper).

Don't start on a big bike (I did, at age 21 when I drank, and was lucky to survive). In Thailand, a 200 Phantom is great bike, costs about 88,000 new, available at larger Honda dealers everywhere, parts and service no problem. And either a new Phantom or CBBR150 will impress the Thais, bigtime. Unless you're trying to impress the fat expat males in Pattaya. Parts can still be a problem for domestic bikes:, it's taking over ten days just to get a front tire for a CBR150 from a big dealership, so how long does it take to get the RIGHT part for a Harley, esp. if it's cobbled up from various models? I don't think Harleys have warranties in Thailand.

I'm prejudiced. If you had to have a Harley, you wouldn't have posted what you did.

[Kringle]

I now own 2 bikes here in Thailand, one a 1994 Honda 150 RR 2 stroke and the other a 1986 Kawasaki 900 Eliminator which I'm restoring. I ride the 150 everyday but you wouldn't catch me on the bugger on a long haul, too dammm slow to do anything in a hurry. Ridden many bikes in my time and if you haven't ridden a bike (any size) before, stay small and then ride bigger. Riding bikes is a totally different story than driving a car or truck and you MUST look out for the other guy (especially here). In the US, guys use small bikes to get their license because they are easier to shove around. Do yourself and everyone else a favor and learn on a small bike, you'll live longer.

[bkkbound04]

thanks pb and kringle

some good info and food for thought

i meant for cruising when i said more car"ish"

but in hindsight cruising would be few and far between in pattaya

thanks again for the info and concern