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EDITOR'S PICK

Leaders of the pack

By Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul

The Nation on Sunday

Published on October 11, 2009

Harley-Davidsons old and new fly the flag at the first Siam International Bike Week

Bike events are not new to Thailand - indeed the Phuket and Chiang Mai Bike Shows have been drawing vast numbers of motorbike enthusiasts for years, as have smaller events in other cities all over the country.

Now downtown Bangkok gets to host an event, with Siam International Bike Week 2009 all set to rev its Harley-Davidson engines on November 28 in Siam Square.

"Motorcycle events have been organised for more than 10 years but they tend to be domestic affairs and sponsored by one or more motorcycle brands. This is the first time an entire event is being devoted to Harley-Davidson and its international image," says Chaiyaphat "Aor" Chanvilai, founder and managing director of architectural company Jomsubhan and organiser of the Bike Week.

"If our event were to be included on the annual World Calendar of Motorcycle events, Harley-Davidson bikers from all over the world would automatically come along.

"Last year's Phuket Bike Week drew foreign enthusiasts from Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, the Philippines and Brunei. We even had bikers from Saudi Arabia who deplaned in Singapore and rode up to Phuket. I'm really hoping they'll come to Bangkok. I'd also like to see bikers from Japan participating in our event."

The Harley Owners Group says its global membership currently stands at 1.3 million. Established by Harley-Davidson in 1983, the group kicked off with a few thousand customers keen to share their passion and show off their precious motorcycles. By 1985, membership had increased to more than 60,000 and in 2006, it passed the one million mark.

Chaiyaphat, who won Bt1 million on Channel 3's reality quiz show "Atchariya Kham Khuen" ("One Night Genius") three years ago, says there are about 10,000 Harley-Davidson owners in the Kingdom alone and that he's expecting more than 3,000 local and international bikers to turn out for this first event.

"I think Siam Square is an ideal venue," he says. "It's accessible by Skytrain and near major shopping centres Siam Paragon, Mah Boonkrong and Central World, so we'll draw the crowds. Most importantly, it's suitable for the bikers.

"I initially intended to block off several sois in Siam Square but in the end, settled for just sois 2 and 3 because of budget limitations,"

Chaiyaphat, who is spending Bt6 million on his dream, says visitors and participants will be able to enjoy a wealth of activities on the day. These include the "Ride for the King", an "Asawin" (Knight of the King) exhibition with speeches by the honorary bikers, several Harley-Davidson booths, a concert, a Miss Siam International Bike Week contest and a Mr Young At Heart competition. There'll also be Harley-Davidson contests for "Best of Classic Bike", "Best of Custom Bike", "Best of Stock Bike" and "Best of Character", plus a Hall of Fame Award.

"The exhibition should feature eight 'Asawin' motorcycles, among them the Shovelhead 1973, and the Electra Glide Police 1200cc, which was named by His Majesty the King. The Hall of Fame award will go to a Harley Davidson rider who has brought honour and fame to his country."

Those who are planning on spending the day at the event might want to snap up one of the 5,000 tickets for the lucky draw. While pricey at Bt883 a pop, the winner does take home a Harley-Davidson Sportster Iron 883cc worth Bt658,000.

"It is the new and smallest Harley-Davidson bike from America," explains Chaiyaphat, who's been riding a Harley-Davidson for 15 years and currently owns a Screamin' Eagle Ultra Classic, priced at Bt1.8 million.

"I used to own a Softtail Sportster but these days a Touring class bike better suits my needs.

"Our country has some of the best motorcycle routes in the world and the roads are good in several provinces. I especially enjoy riding from Chokchai Farm to Lamtakong in Nakhon Ratchasima; the scenery is incredibly picturesque," concludes Chaiyaphat, who's a member of the Immortals Thailand Motorcycle Club.

-- The Nation 2009/10/11

[luangtom]

Good luck with this endeavor. It is a worthwhile affair. I certainly hope it is a success and that you, indeed, get riders from all over the world. I rode with a national club in the USA and rode solo there and all over Europe and find international events a great gathering of the motorcycle sub-culture. Chok dee from this "Old Scooter Trash"......Ride free, ride hard......