Motorbike hire & Insurance - Chiang Mai / LOS

[Mad Hatter]

I'll be up in Chiang Mai at the back end of October this year and later on down in Hua Hin. To get around locally I thought about hiring a small motorbike such as a Honda Click / Wave. I initially thought something nifty like this might be a good idea:



but what I've read about LOS traffic maybe this sort of transport is more appropriate:



I am not an experienced bike rider and I've read really bad reports if a falang is involved in an accident whilst riding a hired motorbike. Such as, any insurance cover you thought you may have had when you hired the bike immediately evaporates. Similarly if the bike gets stolen the hirer has to pay the full cost of its replacement.

So what is the score here? Trust to luck and pray, use shank's pony or as a last resort motorbike taxi. All feedback welcome even that of WNS and especially that of STS of Khorat City.

Toodlepip and many thanks for the anticipated deluge of advice.

[khmen]

Go for it but be careful if youre not that experienced. If you have a prang, pay off whoever you crash into straight away before police arrive and repair any damage to your bike at an independent garage BEFORE returning, preferably as far away from where you rented the bike as possible. If stopped by police, find out what fee you are being charged, pay and drive off as soon as possible. Always carry emergency money when on your bike.

Dont worry about all that too much though, just be really aware and careful at all times and enjoy finding places you never would by taxi's or tours. I rent bikes pretty much everywhere I can and have found some great places through it. Take a ride up Doi Suthep/Doi Pui, fantastic little ride.

[khmen]

^I must add that I've had a few scrapes myself, so I may not be the best person to be giving advice!:
https://teakdoor.com/the-teakdoor-lou...dventures.html (Motorbike Misadventures.)

[Mad Hatter]

Dont worry about all that too much though, just be really aware and careful at all times

One of my friends who is a very experienced bike rider nearly got 'taken out' a couple of months ago by some lunatic Thai driver. Another four inches and he would have been without his right leg - AND please believe me when I say he is a very experienced and careful rider.

[khmen]

Dont worry about all that too much though, just be really aware and careful at all times

One of my friends who is a very experienced bike rider nearly got 'taken out' a couple of months ago by some lunatic Thai driver. Another four inches and he would have been without his right leg - AND please believe me when I say he is a very experienced and careful rider.

In truth, riding any bike is a risk. Experience and skill counts for nothing if someone else does something stupid and unpredictable.

An experienced, skilled rider will adjust their speed and riding style to the conditions better than an inexperienced one so is less likely to crash.

If you want to ride you can't spend the whole time worrying. Either get on and accept the inherent risks and enjoy it or don't and get the bus-up to you.

[nedwalk]

don,t forget to check your travel insurence as well, some policies don,t cover motorcycle injuries, or up to certain cc,s

ride safe and stay alert mate..always use your mirrors

[CB79]

I rented a few from Buddy Bike Rental on Huay Kaew Road over the road from Central Shopping Centre.

Reasonably priced and new and in good condition.

As someone else has said definitely worth riding up to Doi Suthep and also taking in the zoo on the way back.

If you make it up to Pai then Aya Services rent loads of bikes and even lend you one for an hour for free when you first get their to find accommodation which I thought was a nice touch.

[Marmite the Dog]

I initially thought something nifty like this might be a good idea:

If you're into picking up young men it would probably be OK.

[Mad Hatter]

I initially thought something nifty like this might be a good idea:

If you're into picking up young men it would probably be OK.

I thought they might go more for the Scammell actually, it's a lot more masculine you know.

[Mad Hatter]

I rented a few from Buddy Bike Rental on Huay Kaew Road over the road from Central Shopping Centre.

Reasonably priced and new and in good condition.

Many thanks CB79, that's handy to know since I'll initially be staying at the Queen Vic, near the top end of Prapokkloa Road.