I've just purchased a new motorcycle in Bangkok and have heard a rumour that motorcycles are not authorised to travel on the express ways???

Is this true?

ITs true they cant go on there.

Unfortunately it's true, authorities don't make any difference between a bicycle and a big bike, they have outdated stupid laws like, two wheels have to stick on the left lane and use frontage road, can't use tunnels or overpass... When it will change!!?? Quite a few years I'm waiting now but no progress. The only hope that slowly but surely the big bikes market is growing in Thailand, one day they will have to adapt.

There are many different ways that the roads are classified here but on an "Expressway" and a "Tollway" they both have signs with a very noticible picture of a motorbike with a big (/) through it that say "NO MOTORBIKES" so yes sorry to say but it's true. The Hiways and motorways are different and you can. When in doubt just look for the signs that say no bikes with the icon on any entrence way. I was caught on the expressway years ago when I first had a bike here and was looking at the kazzillion cars around me an not paying attention to the signs and was soon honked at from every car on the expressway and eventually escorted off by a motorcycle police who was pretty kind.

Unfortunately it's true, authorities don't make any difference between a bicycle and a big bike, they have outdated stupid laws like, two wheels have to stick on the left lane and use frontage road, can't use tunnels or overpass... When it will change!!?? Quite a few years I'm waiting now but no progress. The only hope that slowly but surely the big bikes market is growing in Thailand, one day they will have to adapt.

Foolish .... how would then the Boys get their monthly bonus? Thai Laws are written in such way, that there is always room for an envelope under table ...

Considering the way most drivers drive their vehicles, would you want to take a chance of driving on the expressways?

You might end up like the the guy hanging from the pedestrian bridge on Vibhawadi less then two weeks ago.

I had a big bike before with plenty of power and I honestly see why the police ride slowly when they are using the expressways. Even they are in hazard as a lot of drivers use the left emergency lane as another passing lane. Even on the main roads, motorcycles are a target, not a vehicle. It is not only the way the people drive but some of the roads are not maintained as well as they should and if you hit one of the holes or asphalt ripped up, you will have maybe 5 seconds to realize that you screwed up.

Yes, it is a pain not to use the expressways with a big bike but until the majority of the drivers drive sensibly, than maybe it might come to pass. By then, you will believe in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy.

Considering the way most drivers drive their vehicles, would you want to take a chance of driving on the expressways?

You might end up like the the guy hanging from the pedestrian bridge on Vibhawadi less then two weeks ago.

I had a big bike before with plenty of power and I honestly see why the police ride slowly when they are using the expressways. Even they are in hazard as a lot of drivers use the left emergency lane as another passing lane. Even on the main roads, motorcycles are a target, not a vehicle. It is not only the way the people drive but some of the roads are not maintained as well as they should and if you hit one of the holes or asphalt ripped up, you will have maybe 5 seconds to realize that you screwed up.

Yes, it is a pain not to use the expressways with a big bike but until the majority of the drivers drive sensibly, than maybe it might come to pass. By then, you will believe in Santa Claus and the Tooth Fairy.

Unfortunately just too dangerous to take bikes on upstairs roads etc. A bike in Thailand is small with a few exceptions. Bikes don't obey road rules and as a consequence don't have many rights. Drivers will not consider them vehicles.

Ps. If you don't believe in Santa and the Tooth Fairy don't try to shatter my faith in their existence. And glad you left the Easter Bunny out of it.