In a recent visit into the bowels of upcountry isarn to the wifes tiny village, I had the chance to use 2 of the small c.c. motorbikes that the locals get around on every day. One was a Honda Wave step through ( scrub cutter ) and the other was a Kawasaki Serpico 2 stroke with a real tank, they said it was a mans bike.

In the area that I rode these things the road was allways changing. Tar/bitumen then fine stones then some sort of sand and a plenty of pot holes. Through small nieghbouring villages and around and across ( it was the dry season ) a few rice rields.

The land was flat as a pancake and I enjoyed riding a gret deal and I would have liked to do more.

What I cant understand is; why didnt I see a single dirt bike as these would just be ideal for these conditions. Does anybody know why???

The locals do not go great distances on these bikes so open road speed does not even enter into it.

In the wet season a dirt bike would be easy to use.

Why??

I agree that a decent dirt bike ought to be available in the range of any major manufacturer.Yamaha seem to have sold The DT100 here at some time in the past.There are many about in certain areas,but thats about it.Tiger have a offroad 125 step thru,not bad for what it is but not a serious offering.Kawasaki have a few but are expensive.

I don't agree that the locals don't go far on their little bikes.I know many who have driven several hundred kilos on them.There are a few motorcycle shops who will convert a Honda sonic or similar into a offroader for an extra 12,000b or so which stops many being built.

Thanks for your reply.

I know that a lot of people travel big distances on these bikes my wifes son is one of them, Ubon to Mahasarakham no problem. But from my limited experience they are used every day for just getting around the local area.

I have had quite a few motorbikes over the years. One or two dirt bikes and the rest road bikes ( I started on a Vespa - please keep it to yourself ) and am of the firm opinion the a petrol tank between your legs just gives you so much more control, especially when things arent going quite according to plan like taking evasive action for some reason.

Trail/dirt bikes are so easy to ride almost anywhere and I looked at them in a different way after visiting upcountry Thailand.

All the best.

I have a Honda TLR200 trials in Thailand,unfortunately it doesn't get used too much.Also a Yamaha Fresh 2.The girlfriends family have another 2 fresh 2's, plus 2 Nouvo's customed.Her dad enjoys having older m/cs restored he has a early Honda 50 and a Suzuki A100.One of his other daughters boyfriends has a 250/4 Honda which sounds wonderfull!!

Must get something larger for long distant cruising.My girlfriend is realy good on a bike she has owned a Honda steed 400cc in the past.First time I've ever felt comfortable with a girl doing the driving car or motorcycle.