Bangkok Scooter Retailer - Recommendation

[canerandagio]

Hi,

 

I stay in On Nut and want to purchase a scooter, recommendation for a retailer somewhere in this part of town?

Since I am quite a newbie here is string of questions:

- Retailers cover different brands? I am after a Yamaha Grand Filano but may also want to check other models.

- From experience what documentation will I be required to provide (am on tourist visa but will have a 6 month contract)

- How is servicing and maintenance in Thailand and Bangkok in particular? If it's not terrible and not expensive I may decide to buy a second hand one instead.

- Tips on a helmets? Half-face with visor is my preference (tips on where to buy?)

- Theft is a problem everywhere I know, but is BKK worse than Europe or better?

- Will the retailer give me the scooter ready to drive with roadtax? Any other taxes to worry about?

- Do I need to get insurance myself or will the retailer provide it? If I have to do it, where and what should I be looking for?

- Is there such a thing as MOT? how does it work?

 

Thanks for the patience, please don't insult me for the number of questions :) I just ask questions because I don't know (yet).

Straydog

 

 

 

[papa al]

usually.

good.

helmets everywhere.

theft not huge issue, use norma precautions.

retailer will handle tax & ins

Dept Land Transport for drivers' licence...is a bureaucracy, good luck, see other threads

[VocalNeal]

Honda dealer on Soi 71 (Pridi) about 500m down, very near Jusco Supermarket and KFC.  

 

Yamaha is down near the Bang Na -Trat Junction (walk from Udomsuk BTS or Bang Na BTS) 

 

If you want more than 1 type in one store then down Rama 4 before Tesco lotus on the left.

[canerandagio]

Thanks guys, very helpful info all round. Can I drop in another question.

Are prices fixed across models between retailers or they vary?

And is a negotiation for a discount within the norm or would it be wrongly perceived?

Finally, how long from the time I agree to buy to the time I can actually drive (I'll have an international driving permit with me).

 

Thanks,

straygod

[papa al]

Straydog/straygod,

Not much variation among dealers.

Never hurts to ask "can discount?", but maybe get helmet / jacket / logo thing.

Not long.

Pay, paperwork, go.

It's great.

;-)

 

[canerandagio]

thanks Papa. You mean pay and go on the same day?

 

It's straydog but for some reasons fingers always type straygod... subconsciously I may have an unusually high self-esteem :) 

 

[papa al]

Ya.

Short-time to buy,

& luv looong-time,

not cost too mut.

/////

... dyslexia?

[canerandagio]

Thanks. Went to the Honda dealer in Soi 71 Sukhumvit but the waiting list for a PCX was so long that I had to go elsewhere.

Useful info though, thanks all.

[CMKiwi]

Check out the website bahtsold. Lots of second hand bike in BKK and even some from foreigners.  Those ones seem to be better maintained.

 

I'd stick with Honda if you want to accessorise your ride. Very easy to get aftermarket parts and original parts are also very cheap.

 

PCX are getting a bit dated now...although they now come with LED lighting. Forza is a pig (Or a pregnant PCX!) 300cc is good but the bike is just too cumbersome.

 

Hopefully Honda will come up with a good replacement soon.

 

I believe the Yamaha NX155 is quite good. But then they are looking at releasing a new MX300 soon.

 

It's a buyers market...shop around if in the 2nd hand market. Dealers of new bikes don't give much discount unfortunately. 

[canerandagio]

Thanks, all sorted. Ban Khae Honda dealer, paid 92,500 THB for a PCX, now waiting...