Calling All Pattaya Motorcycle Experts!

[Mobi]

I haven't driven a bike in Thailand since around 1977 when I was hit by a bus in Bangkok and went flying through the air before landing some yards away in an unconscious state. But I've decided it's time to get back on and try again

So further to this decision, I'm thinking seriously about buying a 2nd hand motorcycle for short trips around town, as I have come to the conclusion it will be more convenient than taking the car every time I want to pop down to the Supermarket or wherever.

But being a bit of a tightfisted sod these days (yes, times have changed), I don't want to spend too much.

Could I expect to get something decent for around 20K (ish), or will I have to pay more than this for a bike a couple of years or so old?

I did check out a couple of places, but all they had was bikes around one year old for around 30K (ish), but these places were primarily sellling new machines, and they had a very limited choice of used models.

If I can get something half way decent for around 20k, could anyone kindly point me in the direction of a dealer that specialises in used bikes.

Thanks for any advice

Mobi

[anothertorres]

how big of a bike are you looking for?

[sotsira]

Go to the auction in Thepprasit Rd,

I think it's every Friday around 6pm.

You can get 1 or 2 year old models from 15000bt upwards.

[PeaceBlondie]

Friendly advice from an oldish man who's had 4 crashes, 2 surgeries and 2 strokes in Thailand: don''t ride unless you're in perfect health, and don't buy used.

[guzzi850m2]

Friendly advice from an oldish man who's had 4 crashes, 2 surgeries and 2 strokes in Thailand: don''t ride unless you're in perfect health, and don't buy used.

Why not, during my time here I bought 2 Waves second hand and never had a problem, as many already know the Wave is a very solid bike.

My Harley is second hand too but that is a completely different story (no problems), but that is more like a life style you are buying. Not good for city traffic and an expensive bike to keep because you just want to change this and then that and it never stops, he-he , but never mind I love that bike and only live once.

[stolidfeline]

Just 1 hour ago I watched a concrete truck drive over a guy on a motorbike. They've just finished shoveling his remains into some plastic bags.

Stick to the bus.

[jb4446]

I've a Kwaka 175 cc easy rider style,good bike,low mileage,was thinking of selling soon as I hardly use it,asking about 33. [email protected]

[Michaelaway]

Go to the auction in Thepprasit Rd,

I think it's every Friday around 6pm.

You can get 1 or 2 year old models from 15000bt upwards.

Go there earlier in the day on Friday, auction day. Ask for tonight's auction list and to preview the bikes... now. Sometimes, I've heard, they are willing to make a pre-auction sale on the spot (and just strike that number from the auction list). If not, you can get an idea of which bikes look good to you, and come back and bid. Especially good idea, if you don't know, to take someone who does know bikes (as close a pal as possible) to look over the mechanical aspects and advise you. Good luck!

[Mobi]

I just need something basic for short runs to the stores etc.

The Auction seems like a good idea. I'll check it out tomorrow.

Thanks

[guzzi850m2]

If possible bring a Thai who knows his ways around Thai bikes. He can quickly tell you if the bike is healthy and the price is right.

Good luck with the purchase.

[Rimmer]

I got a low mileage Yamaha Novou automatic sitting in the car port that we no longer use. Cheap lah, I think you know where.

[chickenslegs]

There's a used motorcycle shop in the row of newish shops on Sukhumvit Road at the crossroads with Soi Chayapruk (Na Jomtien).

Good variety of small bikes and scooters, automatics and semi autos.

Unusually for a used bike shop, they all have the price displayed (small sticker on the back) so you can browse and compare.

Last time I was in there they had bikes from about 15,000 to 40,000.

Probably wise to take someone with you who knows a bit about bikes as some are probably ex-rentals which are relatively new but have been thrashed or patched up.

Edited November 26, 2009 by chickenslegs

[William Osborne]

bike shop on both corners of the Soi Boukow entrance on S Pattaya road, same shop, new bikes on one side, second hand on the other... can't really go wrong with 125cc Honda Wave with under 30k on the clock..

[Graham101]

I bought a three year old Yamaha Spark for 22K. It had already had two owners but came with green book and all the signed papers from the expat I bought it from. He had only had it for a year and was moving to Vietnam. No problems with buying used if you know what you are looking at. The Spark is 135cc so a little more oomph than most of the others in it's class. Great bike too. Have noticed though that the speedo reads 20km/h more than what the real speed is when compared to what the GPS says. Don't know it that's deliberate or not.

As far as stolidfeline and >>Just 1 hour ago I watched a concrete truck drive over a guy on a motorbike. They've just finished shoveling his remains into some plastic bags.

Stick to the bus. <<

Like, that only happens in Thailand??

If you're an experienced bike rider then you are road aware and drive for everyone else on the road. Get a reasonable helmet though. SHould set you back about Bt600/800 and make sure the persons ID card that you are buying from matches the owner in the green book. For that last one you'll need a Thai if buying from a Thai to ensure the details are the same.

Was at the motor bike sales in Chiang Mai a year ago and watched the sellers beat someone up and hold him till the police arrived for trying to sell a stolen bike.

[yogi100]

I recently saw the video of the 2 UK lads killed in a crash on 2nd Road by Big C. If that does not put you off motor bikes for life nothing will. Stick to baht buses.

[CHdiver]

I recently saw the video of the 2 UK lads killed in a crash on 2nd Road by Big C. If that does not put you off motor bikes for life nothing will. Stick to baht buses.

No, it did not. However it will keep me safe from driving a motor bike pissed out of my head. That was what they did and the result was not nice.

However, the OP is asking for advice about second hand motorbikes, not if he should drive one or not. Probably a good Idea stay inside the topic then....

[BSJ]

I recently saw the video of the 2 UK lads killed in a crash on 2nd Road by Big C. If that does not put you off motor bikes for life nothing will. Stick to baht buses.

Have you ever seen what a baht bus looks like after being hit with a 10 wheel truck? I haven't.....but somehow I don't think it would be pretty!

[plasticpig]

Mobi

Dont be a fool in Pattaya.

Don't by at any auction in Thailand.

Go and buy New, they are CHEAP. Honda wave 125 0r 100cc

if you buy secondhand, your hospital bill we be a lot more than the cost

of a new motor cycle, if you end up with a lemon.

and don't listen to the knobs about auctions, on thai visa.

Have a nice day.

from the expert

[Mobi]

Thanks for all the advice.

I did go and see the bikes at the auction yesterday afternoon, and there was some good stuff there, but unfortunately I couldn't make the 5 p.m. auction, so I guessed I missed out.

I couldn't find the used shop at the corner of Sukhumvit and Chaiyapruk. What side is it on? The only place I could see near that intersection just had new bikes for sale.

I will check out the Soi Bukauw place today. Yesterday was market day, so it was impossible to park around there.

I do appreciate all those who have advised me to stick to buses due to the danger of riding bikes in Pattaya.

Most, but not all, accidents involving bikes usually happen when the farang is drunk and/or drives badly. Certainly for the two unfortunates that were killed near Big C, that was the case. I also know a number of other farangs who have been killed in motor cycle accidents, and every one of them was drunk at the time. One guy, who was a prominent forum member, drove straight into a telegraph pole, when pissed.

Of course you can be completely innocent, drive carefully, and be sober and still get hit by some mad, probably drunk vehicle. But that is the same for most places in the world, and I will reduce the risks, as I never drink, have some experience of riding bikes in Thailand, and most importantly IMHO, have been driving cars in Thailand for 35 years and as a car driver I know how bike riders should behave on the roads to stay safe. I see idiots every day who are putting their lives at risk, (especially farangs), and most of them never realise how much danger they are in.

Any more recommendations for used bike showrooms will be welcome.

Thanks

Mobi

[Mobi]

I went to Soi Bukaou and the showroom that was selling used bikes is now closed!

So that's the second one that was suggested to me that no longer exists.

Does that mean there is no market for used bikes?

Anyway, I drove down Nern Plub Wan and found a number of places that sold new and used machines, although even there I saw at least one place that had closed.

But that doesn't seem to have affected the prices!!

I saw a number of machines in my price range, but frankly wasn't very impressed. They were mainly a bit battered, high-ish mileage, and 3 years or older. After visisting a number of places it seemed to me that to get anything decent that should be OK, i.e. good condition, low mileage, 1- 2 years old, I would have to spend closer to 30K than 20K.

So to cut a long story short I bought a one year old Honda Click, 6k on the clock, (which I think is genuine as there is plenty of tread left on the tyres), VGC, for 28K and it seems to go very well. Time will tell.

Thanks for all the advice, it is appreciated.

[Chang_paarp]

Good luck Mobi.

Keep the radar in good working order.

[chickenslegs]

I couldn't find the used shop at the corner of Sukhumvit and Chaiyapruk. What side is it on? The only place I could see near that intersection just had new bikes for sale.

The shop is in a row with a Family Mart on the corner, then a window (stained glass type shop), then the bike shop, then a hairdresser, a baby shop and a latex shop.

There's only one bike shop in the area, they put the newest ones at the front.

Did you take a close look?

Reason for edit - just noticed you have already bought your Honda Click. Happy motoring!

Edited November 28, 2009 by chickenslegs

[dieter1]

Yes ,I had the same experience:

Not that many used motorbikes in the shops and the prices are way to expensive !

I was asking myself, where are all these used bike. I do not know.

I was looking in so many shops and no chance of finding a good occasion .

For example, you need to pay about 34 thousand baht for an 2 year old wave, and you never know what has happen to this machine before ! For 41 thousand you get a new one with 2 years insurance, if its get stolen and with a guaranty. Just for 140 Euro more !

(besides: a "click" is a very small bike for a "big" farlang", even more, if incl. his wife/girlfriend)

[plasticpig]

He new better.

Just hope his nice secondhand low mileage bike

was not In 500 bits, three weeks before at some Noi and Bua

chop shop in pattaya. you have know idea of the history of any secondhand bike in Pattaya.

unless you new the owner vey very well before.

Save a few hundred pounds, it makes perfect sense.

For me, would not let my wife or kids or myself, drive a used bike in pattaya.

They are worth a bit more than a few hundred pounds to me.

Happy riding.

Edited November 29, 2009 by plasticpig