lizardo Posted July 3, 2007 Report Share Posted July 3, 2007 What is the best mid range motorbike for Bangkok and surrounding areas? I am looking at CBR400 ..... 1989... 55,000thb Advice and opinions on bikes 400cc to 750cc up to 90,000 thb. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
collbkk Posted July 3, 2007 Report Share Posted July 3, 2007 www.xtremebikesbkk.com ask for Alex or Kieron. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Punisher Posted July 3, 2007 Report Share Posted July 3, 2007 www.xtremebikesbkk.comask for Alex or Kieron. xtremebikes are good, but nothing in the price range of 90,000 Baht. I suggets you try Porn SUper Bikes on Srinakarin Road. 963 Srinakharin Road (400m south of Onnut/Srinakharin Junction, eastern side) Tel 081-6417691, 081-6463404. His bikes are well priced, and most importantly, he is honest. My friends and I have been using him for several years. You might want to check out http://www.mocyc.com/store/alltopic.php too. It is a Thai forum, but you can pretyt much find anything there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lizardo Posted July 3, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 3, 2007 yes i am an experienced rider, used to own and ride cbx550 and gpz1100 but admittedly haven't ridden a large bike for a number of years. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MisterMatlock Posted July 3, 2007 Report Share Posted July 3, 2007 Have you ever ridden in Bangkok, out side the city? Any bike?The smaller bikes are better, handle better and have less weight. If you look around, there is really no place in the city for a bigger bike. The 400's need air flow to stay cool, especially in the hot weather. They work ok but can overheat and not run well in the city driving. The engine heat over heats the carbs and can get vapor lock. I had an RVF 400 Honda and it was nice at night but sucked on the day in the traffic and heat. A Honda NSR 150 or Yamaha RZ 150 is a good bike for the city. Easy to take care of, fool proof, light, fast enough and cheep. If it breaks, fix it or dump it. Plus, they are made there so parts are real cheep. If you plan on touring the countryside an upright enduro 250 is a good mount. can go anyplace. You're recommending a pair of 2-stroke 150cc bikes for "city driving"? Huh? Why would somebody buy a 2-stroke which are notorious for having next to NO low-end torque...? I'm speaking from experience. I had an NSR150RR as my first bike. While it was a blast once you got to stretch its legs, it was a turd at lower speeds. While my new CBR150R isn't as much fun at higher speeds and doesn't have the same top-end, it kicks the crap out of a 2-stroke for low-end. The other problems you have with a 2-stroke are the lack of reliability, MUCH higher petrol consumption, and loads of exhaust smoke. (my NSR150 was excellent for exhaust, but still had some) If I HAD to recommend ANY 2-stroke, go for the Kawasaki ZX-150. Otherwise, stick with a 4-stroke for city driving. I agree with wildman as far as NOT recommending a 400cc. They're notoriously hard to service. 4 100cc cylinders packed in tight... They're also considerably heavier which is bad for new drivers. It's easy enough to get used to the weigh with some experience. The 4-cylinder bikes don't need to be revved like a m'f*cker to get power. My CBR needs to be taken up to 8000-9000rpm to get any power. 4-cylinder bikes are easy to keep at lower revs. (Except the VFR or RVF Honda. Why would anybody need a first gear good to 100KM/H??? Lots of oiled plugs) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MisterMatlock Posted July 3, 2007 Report Share Posted July 3, 2007 To be honest, I'd like to find a place that tricks out/mods CBR150Rs here in Bangkok. I've read about a Yoshimura package that effectively changes the CBR150 into a 250. The only problem is that the boys in brown see the Yoshimura can and will pull you over. If anybody knows about modding a CBR150R, PLEASE contact me. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CMG_UK Posted July 3, 2007 Report Share Posted July 3, 2007 My first bike in BKK was a CBR150, and it was great for the city, quick enough and so narrow. It's current owner has taken it to Phuket, but admittedly I think he is a bit crazy to do that. If you could trick out one, that would be a cool bike, but no good for touring. The roads outside BKK are often so good, that you want something you can comfortable cruise at 140 with. Superfour can do it, but if it's VTEC (not in your budget perhaps) it will drink petrol at that speed. Maybe something bigger and smoother. Superfours are cheap and easy to maintain as there are so many of them here and Porn always has a good choice of bikes in the sub 100k range at 400cc and above. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MisterMatlock Posted July 3, 2007 Report Share Posted July 3, 2007 My first bike in BKK was a CBR150, and it was great for the city, quick enough and so narrow. It's current owner has taken it to Phuket, but admittedly I think he is a bit crazy to do that. If you could trick out one, that would be a cool bike, but no good for touring. The roads outside BKK are often so good, that you want something you can comfortable cruise at 140 with. Superfour can do it, but if it's VTEC (not in your budget perhaps) it will drink petrol at that speed. Maybe something bigger and smoother. Superfours are cheap and easy to maintain as there are so many of them here and Porn always has a good choice of bikes in the sub 100k range at 400cc and above. Agreed. The CBR150R really is pants for touring. The limited top speed and one cylinder engine make it useless on the highway above 90-100KM/H. Adding a turbocharger and proper exhaust/engine package make it a formidable little "sleeper" though. If I ever trade my little bike in, I'd go for a Yamaha R6. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fat_Tony Posted July 3, 2007 Report Share Posted July 3, 2007 My wave 125R is a little flyer, get 120k's out of her flat out, and it was only 40k new all in, used f*** all petrol too. It?s also great through traffic as it has such a good steering lock. Was going to get the CRB150 but it has no room for carrying stuff, I?ve a basket on the front of my wave + a room under the seat that I constantly fill with stuff and saves me having to have a backpack on. Back in Ireland I had a tricked out Hornet 600 and a VTR SP-1 with a power commander and a set of two brothers cans for the better weather, so am used to the big bikes. Though would rather my wave any day here in Bkk. I rented one of the new CBR600RR's down in Pattaya but it was no fun in the traffic, also I kept burning my legs on the frame as it got so hot from sitting in traffic. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Punisher Posted July 3, 2007 Report Share Posted July 3, 2007 I ride a little Ducati 1000 around Bkk. Rarely can I not get through a tight space, usually I find I mow the 125/150cc bikes down. My custom made twin cans emit a noise which lets all other riders know that I have the larger penis. I've had 3 bikes in Bangkok (400, 750, and 1000cc), and other than a Kawasaki KSR, which looks like a hell of a lot of fun, have never seriously wished I had anything smaller. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IRISHCREAME Posted July 3, 2007 Report Share Posted July 3, 2007 Go with the CBR 150! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lizardo Posted July 3, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 3, 2007 to be honest i don't want a lil commuter....i get motorpsyche guys to and from work 40 baht a time....but want something for evening or weekend blatts... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Punisher Posted July 3, 2007 Report Share Posted July 3, 2007 Good inputs, yes the 4 stroke does have more torque. Neither are go on the freeway. The NSR has better top end but is tiring at speed, too busy. Good feedback. Lizardo, I think you are in for the bigger bike.............none of the smaller ones would give you the rush you are looking for. I like power and acceleration myself. Just ride mx now but plan on a new street bike soon. I can tell you one bike you may like and good for BKK, The new Suzuki super moto 400 but I am not sure if available there. They are gaining popularity as they are nimble, quick and have enough power for freeway commute. Several other mfgs make similar, KTM, Husky, The Suzuki sm 400 is $6.5k USD here in Cal. Good luck with what ever you get, keep us posted when you do get it....... I had a 2004 Suzuki SM for a short time here in Bangkok.... what a blast that was. The bad news is that new ones cost over 400,000 Baht in Thailand. Don't believe me? Just check out the extreme bikes bkk website, they have 3 in stock at the moment. :shock: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
condotown Posted July 3, 2007 Report Share Posted July 3, 2007 I ride a little Ducati 1000 around Bkk. Rarely can I not get through a tight space, usually I find I mow the 125/150cc bikes down. My custom made twin cans emit a noise which lets all other riders know that I have the VERY SMALLEST penis. If you are living in BKK and love to take long bike trips but also drive around the city, you should follow Tonythai's advice and get the 125 Honda and also get the big bike for touring. I have a car for my long trips, but I LOVE my 125 for the city. Just that simple. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IRISHCREAME Posted July 3, 2007 Report Share Posted July 3, 2007 Harley fatboy..can't go wrong! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Japhrodisiac Posted July 4, 2007 Report Share Posted July 4, 2007 If you look at the classifieds of mocyc.com you can find a lot of suitable stuff there. The site also acts as a good price checker for whatever you are looking for in the dealers' shops. Some bikes I would consider are: Honda XR250/400 (either supermoto version or standard) Suzuki DR-Z Supermoto The Superfour or it's Yamaha equiv., the XJR400 Kawasaki D-Tracker (250 supermoto) any 250cc and up big scooter Yamaha T-Max 500 scooter (lol, but cool anyway) and if you are really only doing city driving, get a bloody Honda Air Blade. These things are quick, automatic, good brakes (well, good enough) and look cool too. A top line air-blade is 55K baht all in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Japhrodisiac Posted July 4, 2007 Report Share Posted July 4, 2007 Harley fatboy..can't go wrong! If ever i'm looking for a farm implement i'll remember your advice But, err... the nimbleness and the light weight, ultra-modern engineeering of the Harley allow you to run circles around the smaller Japanese bikes, no? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MisterMatlock Posted July 4, 2007 Report Share Posted July 4, 2007 If I were you, I'd go one of two routes... I'm assuming cost isn't THAT big of an issue for you. So here are my suggestions: 1) Buy something like a Yamaha R6 (the bike I'm currently looking at) as well as a small commuter for traffic. A used R6 will run you a bit past 200,000 baht. A small commuter 40,000-65,000 baht. 2) Buy an Aprilia RS250. I know I advised against 2-strokes in a past post, but this is the Rolls Royce of 2-strokes. Italian designed hardware and body fitted with a Suzuki 250cc 2-stroke engine. Will kick the snot out of the Jap 400cc 4-stroke bikes in both a straight line AND on the bendies, but also comes in at a trim fighting weight. My old NSR150 would run like a scalded cat once the RC valve kicked open, so I can't even imagine what it would be like on a 250cc version. This bike could be bought for 150,000-200,000 baht. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Tattoodude Posted July 4, 2007 Report Share Posted July 4, 2007 I keep seeing older slab frame GSXR 400's knocking around, should be cheap, has one of the most solid bottom ends ever built, junk the plastic get a set of risers bang the renthals on it, two teeth up on the back and paint it black. Thats what I would do. No way would I pay 200k for a bike I could buy in the UK for 50k its the principle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MisterMatlock Posted July 4, 2007 Report Share Posted July 4, 2007 I keep seeing older slab frame GSXR 400's knocking around, should be cheap, has one of the most solid bottom ends ever built, junk the plastic get a set of risers bang the renthals on it, two teeth up on the back and paint it black.Thats what I would do. No way would I pay 200k for a bike I could buy in the UK for 50k its the principle. Agreed. Bike prices here are out of control. Have to laugh at the "Harley suggestion". Nothing better than paying a million or so baht to have a bike sitting on the side of the road. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lizardo Posted July 4, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 4, 2007 If I were you, I'd go one of two routes... I'm assuming cost isn't THAT big of an issue for you. So here are my suggestions:1) Buy something like a Yamaha R6 (the bike I'm currently looking at) as well as a small commuter for traffic. A used R6 will run you a bit past 200,000 baht. A small commuter 40,000-65,000 baht. 2) Buy an Aprilia RS250. I know I advised against 2-strokes in a past post, but this is the Rolls Royce of 2-strokes. Italian designed hardware and body fitted with a Suzuki 250cc 2-stroke engine. Will kick the snot out of the Jap 400cc 4-stroke bikes in both a straight line AND on the bendies, but also comes in at a trim fighting weight. My old NSR150 would run like a scalded cat once the RC valve kicked open, so I can't even imagine what it would be like on a 250cc version. This bike could be bought for 150,000-200,000 baht. how wrong....cost is an big issue...i just want something reliable but fast and ok for a tourer...100k absolute max Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Punisher Posted July 4, 2007 Report Share Posted July 4, 2007 Honda Super 4 with a fly-screen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MisterMatlock Posted July 4, 2007 Report Share Posted July 4, 2007 Honda Super 4 with a fly-screen. Agreed. This would probably be your best route. Easy to find and cheap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lizardo Posted July 4, 2007 Author Report Share Posted July 4, 2007 Thanks gentlemen and Giles for all your advice...... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hippysauce Posted July 7, 2007 Report Share Posted July 7, 2007 "My wave 125R is a little flyer, get 120k's out of her flat out" Problem solved? :shock: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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