webfact Posted July 30, 2018 Share Posted July 30, 2018 Top Ten tips for riding a motorbike in Thailand By Tim Newton Motorbikes and scooters are the most popular mode of transport in Thailand, and most of south east asia. The 110cc step-thru is ubiquitous. Most just go and go and go – they’re astonishly reliable. Whilst you’re meant to change the oil once a month we suspect most don’t get their oil changed once a year, or ever. Getting around on a motorbike is easy enough and, especially in busy traffic, will get you to your destination faster whilst the cars and trucks are plodding along in the traffic. But riding a motorbike in Thailand can also be very dangerous but if you stick to the common sense basics – ride within the speed limits, wear a bike helmet, obey the traffic rules and don’t drink and drive – it remains a perfectly reliable way to get around. It will be cheaper and you’ll see more. But here’s our Top Ten tips to make your journey on the motorbike safer and more comfortable. 1. Wear appropriate clothes Whilst you’ll see idiot tourists riding around on their rented motorbikes in their swimming shorts, and that’s all, you’re going to be much safer with a few clothes on. Falling off a motorbike without anything covering your knees or elbows is going to be painful enough – having at least some fabric between you and the road is going to reduce the painful grazes a bit. Long pants and a long shirt are a good start. Always wear shoes for the same reason. And a motorbike helmet as well – it’s the law and it could save your life. The flimsy plastic ‘lid’ type helmets cost around 200 baht and will get you through the checkpoints but spending a bit more on a better helmet will provide additional protection in the unlikely situation your head comes in contact with the road. You’ll see the locals riding around with their jackets on the wrong way – they say it keep their clothes clean from the road muck and fumes. Full story: https://thethaiger.com/thai-life/top-ten-tips-for-riding-a-motorbike-in-thailand -- © Copyright The Thaiger 2018-07-30 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Vacuum Posted July 30, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 30, 2018 Don't do it is a good tip. 12 2 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
swerve Posted July 30, 2018 Share Posted July 30, 2018 There's others too: Drive slowly. Be aware of the other vehicles around you. Wear a good helmet. Don't drink and drive. 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kadilo Posted July 30, 2018 Share Posted July 30, 2018 Mostly common sense but a decent reminder for first timers especially re the license. Sent from my iPad using Thaivisa Connect Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Thakkar Posted July 30, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 30, 2018 1 Learn to control bike with one hand, leaving the other free to hold your phone. 2 Find at least two other people, and a poodle, to carry with you on your rides. 3 Remember to leave your helmet at home. 4 Flip flops only, not shoes. 5 At least one of the rear view mirrors reflecting your face so you can see how cool you look while weaving through traffic. 6 Cool RayBans are a must. 7 Ensure sufficient shopping bags in basket to cover headlights. 8 Don’t be modest now. Mufflers off—announce your presence! 9 If you’re not drunk, don’t drive. 10 “Wai” with both hands when passing an elder you know. Politesse matters. 7 19 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ezzra Posted July 30, 2018 Share Posted July 30, 2018 Riding a motorcycle in Thailand and anywhere in the world for that matter is akin to a crapshoot, you roll the dice every time you get on this thing, you can the best and the most astute rider in the world, than some absent minded <deleted> busy with his/her phone, drunk or just distruced will plow into you and the rest is up to your luck to die or come out it alive.... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post flyingtlger Posted July 30, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 30, 2018 Best tip....Don't buy or ride a motorbike in Thailand! It can save your life or limbs......... 2 1 2 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post taipan1949 Posted July 30, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 30, 2018 I lived the last ten years of my life in Thailand in Pattaya and was lucky to have the baht bus system in place. I lived in Bang Lamung within walking distance to a baht bus route to the beach and everywhere else. I never had any problem and then if needed I could rent one for the day for long trips and was inexpensive. I never needed to drive a mc although I did drive a truck when I worked in Map Ta Phut as it was given to me. I love Baht Buses. 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Seligne2 Posted July 30, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 30, 2018 Changing oil once a month? Not according to Honda's maintenance manual. 10 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post MekkOne Posted July 30, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 30, 2018 51 minutes ago, taipan1949 said: I lived the last ten years of my life in Thailand in Pattaya and was lucky to have the baht bus system in place. I lived in Bang Lamung within walking distance to a baht bus route to the beach and everywhere else. I never had any problem and then if needed I could rent one for the day for long trips and was inexpensive. I never needed to drive a mc although I did drive a truck when I worked in Map Ta Phut as it was given to me. I love Baht Buses. riding a Baht Bus is like having a vagina... Motorbike is indeed something for men with balls... No matter where you are, where you driving, what does it really matter is know the Newton's Laws of Dynamics and remember that the world is ruled by them, second use your eyes and be always aware of what the other people doing, when you're driving a bike you're not watching 5 meters in front of you, you MUST watch 80+ meters ahead and when you're in a corner you don't think about that corner but a the two that are coming after it. You need 150% of your senses while you driving a bike, that's it, NOT tired, NOT drunk, NOT stoned motorcycling is a serious thing a MB it's not a chair with a couple of wheels that takes you around, it's like a horse but your eyes are it's eyes... 3 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post robertson468 Posted July 30, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 30, 2018 1 hour ago, swerve said: There's others too: Drive slowly. Be aware of the other vehicles around you. Wear a good helmet. Don't drink and drive. Delete: Drive slowly as you become a danger to others who have to swerve around you because of your slow pace. Insert: Drive carefully and at a speed of the flow of the traffic and be alert to others who suddenly do unpredictable things. 5 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Blackheart1916 Posted July 30, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 30, 2018 If you don't ride at home,don't ride here. 4 4 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post robblok Posted July 30, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 30, 2018 (edited) 44 minutes ago, MekkOne said: riding a Baht Bus is like having a vagina... Motorbike is indeed something for men with balls... No matter where you are, where you driving, what does it really matter is know the Newton's Laws of Dynamics and remember that the world is ruled by them, second use your eyes and be always aware of what the other people doing, when you're driving a bike you're not watching 5 meters in front of you, you MUST watch 80+ meters ahead and when you're in a corner you don't think about that corner but a the two that are coming after it. You need 150% of your senses while you driving a bike, that's it, NOT tired, NOT drunk, NOT stoned motorcycling is a serious thing a MB it's not a chair with a couple of wheels that takes you around, it's like a horse but your eyes are it's eyes... I drove a big bike here, but as i used it less and less (not practical for shopping and I did not many big trips anymore) i sold it. Got myself a new aerox 155cc scooter. Even though I own a car i use the scooter a lot for shopping and short trips. The car is for shopping trips if i got a lot of stuff to buy. Thing is scooters beat cars in places like BKK and Pattaya (i mean speed and parking wise.. not in a collision) I save so much time on my scooter and it gives me a lot of freedom. In the sticks a car might be smarter safety wise and you don't have traffic and parking problems there. Edited July 30, 2018 by robblok 9 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post BoganInParasite Posted July 30, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 30, 2018 1. Don't. 2. Don't. 3. Don't. 4. Don't. 5. Don't. 6. Don't. 7. Don't. 8. Don't. 9. Don't. 10. Don't. 2 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dick dasterdly Posted July 30, 2018 Share Posted July 30, 2018 2 hours ago, MekkOne said: I've got 170.000Km on a bike in Thailand in the last 7 years, never been in a accident, but yeah, I know what I'm doing as I use to teach to people how to properly drive a bike. The first tip that this article should give is: If you know what are you doing always remind yourself that you're driving in a jungle of motorized monkeys while you driving in Thailand and SEA in general, if you don't know what are you doing learn somewhere else, monkey driving is not driving. I agree, but it's not always possible for various reasons. I say this as I was 'forced' to ride a scooter on a couple of holidays here - even though I'd never driven a 'bike before. I was terrified, and hated it. Moving here, it became obvious that a 'bike was the best way to get around - and so, I had to bite the bullet.... It took a while, but eventually I learned not only how to drive the thing ?, but also that it was mostly enjoyable - until negotiating traffic jams... Most of us eventually learn to look for EVERY possible scenario both in front of us and behind us - knowing that drivers (both car and 'bike) will do anything and everything that is outside the 'rule book'! I'd add that I give tourists on scooters the widest berth as for some obscure reason so many take ridiculous 'chances' ☹️ - presumably convinced that they're driving in the 'local' way.... 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scubascuba3 Posted July 30, 2018 Share Posted July 30, 2018 Impractical wearing too many clothes in Thailand. Even Thais wear little and they don't sweat 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dick dasterdly Posted July 30, 2018 Share Posted July 30, 2018 (edited) 2 hours ago, flyingtlger said: Best tip....Don't buy or ride a motorbike in Thailand! It can save your life or limbs......... It depends on the individual. Personally, I'd never forgive myself if I seriously injured or killed someone else, which is why I gave up driving a car. On a 'bike it's extremely unlikely that I can seriously hurt anyone else. But we're all different in our opinion about hurting others/getting hurt. Edited July 30, 2018 by dick dasterdly Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kadilo Posted July 30, 2018 Share Posted July 30, 2018 8 minutes ago, scubascuba3 said: Impractical wearing too many clothes in Thailand. Even Thais wear little and they don't sweat Yes we all know what is the safest attire but we are also all adults and make our choices. I ride in a way to try and minimize any injury to anyone else. If I hurt myself by what I choose not to wear that is my choice. You wont hear me whinging about it afterwards. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post zyphodb Posted July 30, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 30, 2018 1. Always assume that everyone else on the road are going to try to kill you... This makes you ride defensively... 6 2 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kinnock Posted July 30, 2018 Share Posted July 30, 2018 Some good basic advice, but changing oil every month?? And long sleeves/trousers offer no protection at all from road rash. Good helmet, gloves and shoes - as there are the likely landing points. And be aware of what's happening behind you as well as in front - even if indicating to turn left, a Food Panda bike will always pass you on the inside. And watch the motorcycle taxis - when they suddenly dart into the inside lane, there's a police checkpoint ahead. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hobobo Posted July 30, 2018 Share Posted July 30, 2018 2 hours ago, Seligne2 said: Changing oil once a month? Not according to Honda's maintenance manual. If you're doing 150 km a day in sh*t condition (not an impossibility) I'd be changing it after 3 weeks. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dick dasterdly Posted July 30, 2018 Share Posted July 30, 2018 5 minutes ago, Kinnock said: Some good basic advice, but changing oil every month?? And long sleeves/trousers offer no protection at all from road rash. Good helmet, gloves and shoes - as there are the likely landing points. And be aware of what's happening behind you as well as in front - even if indicating to turn left, a Food Panda bike will always pass you on the inside. And watch the motorcycle taxis - when they suddenly dart into the inside lane, there's a police checkpoint ahead. Gloves and shoes? Genuine question as I know a few people that have been hurt as a result of accidents. Neither their hands or feet were hurt! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scubascuba3 Posted July 30, 2018 Share Posted July 30, 2018 I often see farang going too fast, maybe they are tourists, its hard to tell, but if you go too fast you're just increasing your chances of an accident Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Enoon Posted July 30, 2018 Share Posted July 30, 2018 1 hour ago, MekkOne said: Motorbike is indeed something for men with balls... Mrs 1%: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gaff Posted July 30, 2018 Share Posted July 30, 2018 3 hours ago, Vacuum said: Don't do it is a good tip. The only smart one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MekkOne Posted July 30, 2018 Share Posted July 30, 2018 (edited) 5 minutes ago, Enoon said: Mrs 1%: This is not a motorbike, this is a vaginabike, it's also pink to show you that is made for pussies... you cannot use the tire of that bike like this, this is how a man use a tire... Under here is how a pussy use a tire... Edited July 30, 2018 by MekkOne edit Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Kadilo Posted July 30, 2018 Popular Post Share Posted July 30, 2018 Let’s hope this is not gonna turn into a “my bike is bigger than your bike” thread. 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Vacuum Posted July 30, 2018 Share Posted July 30, 2018 3 minutes ago, MekkOne said: you cannot use the tire of that bike like this Shure you can, just underinflate it. 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluejets Posted July 30, 2018 Share Posted July 30, 2018 Don't ride too close to the left side as others coming around an intersection without looking on your left will take you out. No mention of the right-of-way left-of-way...? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MekkOne Posted July 30, 2018 Share Posted July 30, 2018 2 minutes ago, Kadilo said: Let’s hope this is not gonna turn into a “my bike is bigger than your bike” thread. let us have so fun, we just commenting the 10 almost most stupid tips for driving a bike in thailand ??? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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