Riding in Thailand

[DeeG]

Spent five days in Bangkok doing touristy things. Took the train to Chiang Mai yesterday and this afternoon, we picked up a pair of Hondas.  I got a Forza Scooter, spouse got an NC500X.

Holy smokes, Batman. For the last 6 days, I have been observing how traffic flows, how riders deal with cars, and generally, how things are done. I thought I was ready.  The first km was terrifying. Then it got better.  By the time we got back to our rented townhouse, I had the biggest s%# eating grin on my face.  I can finally do the things that I want to do when I get stuck in traffic.  wooo hooo!!!

I am amazed at the various side car creations out there.  Who says you can't put a hack on 100cc scooter.  hahaha
And families of 5 all riding together.  I think the biggest bike I've seen so far was a 500cc Ninja looking thing.  There were a couple of 1200GS's, a Triumph and two KTM's at Riders Corner, but those were exceptions, 96% have been sub 200cc scooters.  Probably what I would pick up, for every day commuting if I lived here.  No Guzzi's yet.

Going to get up early tomorrow and take our first ride out into the countryside.   I'm hoping I don't have a brain fart and think I'm back home and forget that I need to ride on the left.  eeek!!!

Black Forza, white 500X

[Dean Rose]

Was working in Indonesia and did the same thing back in '77. Flew into Bangkok then went up to Chang Mia. Spent a week up there riding, beautiful country. Traffic wasn't that bad back then.


Dean

[oldbike54]

 Looks like fun 

  Dusty

[Sasquatch Jim]

  That isn't what most people go to Thailand to ride.

[Arizona Wayne]

Yeah, traffic in the Orient is a whole different world than what we know as normal.     When you get back home check out Dr. Frazier articles in www.motousa.com.  He rides all over the world and spends a lot of time in the Orient countries, even though his origin is Montana. 

[Groover]

Have fun and ride safe! - or according to Google translate (English > Thai):  "มีความสนุกสนานและ ขี่ ปลอดภัย!"

[DeeG]

It's his fault that we're here.  Met him at a couple of Horizons Unlimited get togethers, he starting talking about riding here and all the neat things to see.  He lives here part time, mostly to escape the Montana winters. There is an HU gathering this weekend in Chiang Mai, I think he is supposed to be here. I heard he is preparing for another RTW trip.

Yeah, traffic in the Orient is a whole different world than what we know as normal.     When you get back home check out Dr. Frazier articles in www.motousa.com.  He rides all over the world and spends a lot of time in the Orient countries, even though his origin is Montana. 

[oldbike54]

It's his fault that we're here.  Met him at a couple of Horizons Unlimited get togethers, he starting talking about riding here and all the neat things to see.  He lives here part time, mostly to escape the Montana winters. There is an HU gathering this weekend in Chiang Mai, I think he is supposed to be here. I heard he is preparing for another RTW trip.

 Wonder if Frazier ever caught that wily trout ? 

  Dusty

[lucian]

Wow, some pretty cool contraptions. Especially like the guy riding the propane cruise missile. Try that in the states. Stay safe!

[Moto]

Wow, some pretty cool contraptions. Especially like the guy riding the propane cruise missile. Try that in the states. Stay safe!

Yes! I like the pusher cart thingy, third from the bottom. He's got the seat mounted on top of the original gas tank! My closest experience with that sort of thing is Taipei. I'd love to see more. Ride safe.

[DeeG]

That pusher cart was up near the Grand Palace.  So far, it is the coolest 'modded' bike I've seen. 

We took our first ride today.  Very short jaunt up to Mae Sa Waterfalls. We are getting more adept at lane splitting.  lol

I am in awe of how folks just seem to work together out on the roads.  What would have had me flipping someone off and contemplating homicide just rolls off the back now..... Oh OK, I suppose I could scoot over and let this guy squeeze in..... I see that if I slow down just a touch, you can make that right turn in front of me and you can be on your way instead of having to wait 5 minutes for another break in traffic.  Sure, Mr Toyota Hilux, there is more than enough room for the both of us in this lane, let me schooch over to the left just a bit....there we go, now you can safely get past me!!!

 

Amazing.  No stress.   

[Moto]

That pusher cart was up near the Grand Palace.  So far, it is the coolest 'modded' bike I've seen. 
...
Amazing.  No stress.   

It's amazing. I just noticed that the steering is done by hauling sideways on the handlebar to pivot the entire cart. There is no other steering mechanism. I wonder what that would be like above a walking pace!

Keep cool. It's interesting that your reaction is to calm down, rather than get upset. Good job.

[Gino]

My wife and I rented two er6 kawa from Chaing Mai for 3 weeks in Nov 2014, brilliant time, great roads, Mae Hong song loop and golden triangle are must do's , great roads and quiet mostly, locals are brilliant, town traffic is a challenge though. Enjoy

[jbell]

Wow, some pretty cool contraptions. Especially like the guy riding the propane cruise missile. Try that in the states. Stay safe!

Didja notice, everybody gives him a wide berth?  Maybe he's on to something.

Great post DeeG.  With a bit of luck I'll be going to Thailand next year.