Looking for a bike. Options?

**dirk diggler** · 04-09-2013, 01:00 PM

With my Magna destined for a slow rebuild operation I'm finding extreme difficulty in achieving any sort of cool points buzzing around on my MSX 125. The sooner I get a new bike and finally pawn this one off on the gf the better. It's a great wee round the town bike but 2 up is a bit of a squeeze. 230 kms to 180 bht fuel though.

I'm not particularly fussy, I prefer cruisers but I also liked my Ducati Monster. So I'd consider naked upright bikes.

I'm struggling to find a Harley I would part with the cash for right now (cant afford one), maybe in a few years time. A green book has never bothered me in the past but now I'm looking for a book and reliability.

I'd be willing to put down a deposit on a new buy and pay it off pretty quick.

First up we have the new Kawasaki Vulcan 900 Custom:

IT looks great and has a complete lack of chrome. Right up my street. The reviews are good as is the quality (apparently) and can be on the road in thailand for less than 500k. It has been awarded best in it's class, which includes the 883 Sportster. But we all know the 883 sportster is for girls and faggots. I have also been told the police are using them now in Pattaya. Maybe someone can tell me how it sounds?

Next up we have the Triumph Street Triple R:

It comes in at a hefty 750k new and although it is pricey by UK standards, this is Thailand! But look at it. Just look at it! It might not be the Speed Triple but I reckon it's enough. To own one for a while would certainly give the chance to save for the upgrade.

This '09 model has a rather enticing price tag of 450k. No mention of green book but I can't imagine it being without one. I think it's an old advert but it gives an idea of price.

Up next is the Ducati Hypermotard:

I'm not sure why, it just looks like a whole lot of fun. Maybe not too practical for longer rides.

And last for today is the Honda CB750:

I like them, they are rapid, reliable, customisable, easy maintenance and there seems to be quite a few around. I could probably snap up a good one for 120-150k.

If paying cash for a 2nd hand bike I'd probably be on a budget around 250k (in a month's time) which increases every month during my search.

I live in Songkhla and would rather buy a bike from Southern Thailand. Or Bangkok with shipping assistance.

Finance may be the way to go. I can get the Street Triple for 14,750 pm for 2 years with a 150k depostit. I could probably double the deposit and monthly payment for 1 year. That should work out half the interest, approx 50k instead of 100k.

However, if I'm gonna go down that road, so many more options become available:

Night-Rod...

1200 Nightster...

Speed Triple R...

**david44** · 04-09-2013, 01:48 PM

Thermae keen bargains,many reprobates like Baldrick but all ass no rebates

**Marmite the Dog** · 04-09-2013, 02:13 PM

The Triumphs are by far the best bikes on your list, but if you just want a stop-gap, why not the Er6N? Personally, I wouldn't touch a Kawa with a shitty stick, but until the Honda 650 comes out at the end of the year it's about your only realistic choice.

Yamaha have some overpriced bikes here too

Yamaha Riders' Club

And there's also the new and super ugly Kawa Z800.

**Bettyboo** · 04-09-2013, 02:18 PM

They all seem like nice bikes to me; the Triumphs, expecially so.

**Satonic** · 04-09-2013, 02:23 PM

Not considering the new Kwaka Z800 at an attractive 375k new?

**FailSafe** · 04-09-2013, 02:37 PM

Originally Posted by Satonic

Not considering the new Kwaka Z800 at an attractive 375k new?

I agree.

I would much prefer buying new over used unless I knew the person selling the bike quite well- dealer service in Thailand mostly sucks (a first oil change where the filter isn't replaced is common, ie), and plenty of cheap bastards are happy to let their bikes go way past the suggested service intervals- the last thing you want is to buy someone else's problem.

Of your choices, I like the Speed Triple- it's overpriced at 1.1mil, but pretty much everything (aside from a small group of bikes) is overpriced here- the Ducati Streetfighter S (with the 1099cc engine) is also a pretty cool bike.

**dirk diggler** · 04-09-2013, 03:14 PM

I'm not into the Kwakers to be honest, although I did consider a almost new Er5-n with a unbelievable price tag to find out there was still finance to pay. but not interested really. There's too many of them, and the z800 will follow suit.

I would be interested to hear from anyone who has drove the new Vulcan Custon though. I've drove an old one (800cc) and it had less power than my Virago 400! The reviews are good though.

FailSafe - How did I miss the Ducati Streetfighter S? Good shout, but I cant find a price on the 1100, though the 848 is 868k.

**dirk diggler** · 04-09-2013, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by david44

Thermae keen bargains,many reprobates like Baldrick but all ass no rebates

WTF is that supposed to mean?

**FailSafe** · 04-09-2013, 03:21 PM

I saw a used Streetfighter S on BahtSold.com for 1.2m (the ad is probably expired but still visible), but even by LOS standards that was high (though it might have been heavily accessorized)- it's 19K in the States, so a brand-new one should be in line with the Speed Triple (I'm guessing).

**dirk diggler** · 04-09-2013, 03:26 PM

If I went down either road it would be the Street Triple or Streetfighter 848 for a start, and an upgrade if I felt the need later.

They both have plenty power in my opinion. You know, for a start...

If I get good enough feedback on the Vulcan I'll probably go for that.

If the price creeps up too high I'd be as well get a harley and be done with it!

**FailSafe** · 04-09-2013, 03:42 PM

Another bike you might like is the VMax- as power-cruisers go, it's pretty awesome- it shouldn't be too hard to find one through an importer like Red Baron- I'd guess it would be in the 800-900K range (not over a mil)- it's a real monster, though quite heavy at nearly 700lbs, but at nearly 200 ponies at the crank (probably 165-170hp at the wheel), it's worth a look.

There are loads of choices at the price point you're considering- take your time sorting through them all.

**Marmite the Dog** · 04-09-2013, 05:24 PM

Originally Posted by dirk diggler

If the price creeps up too high I'd be as well get a harley and be done with it!

Good God man! Really?

**The Big Fella** · 04-09-2013, 05:44 PM

Dirk, if money isn't the main consideration in your bike equation then go and have a test ride on a Triumph Rocket three mate. Two thousand three hundred cc's of British motorcycle excellence. I know 1.2 Million is a lot of money in anyone's book but you you do get a lot of bike for your money. I have had every genre of bike there is at one time or another and I can honestly say that this bike gave me more smiles per mile than any other. An outright torque monster yet still quick and agile for its size.
The other thing I loved about it was that wherever I went it attracted people like no other bike. I took it to many a bike meet around Thailand and can honestly say I never saw another. It is also for me the perfect thailand cruising bike. Comfortable and economical and with a huge tank good range as well. At my cruising speed of 100 / 110 KPH it was barely over tickover yet if you needed to pass something or speed up to get out of trouble there was no to start tap dancing on the gear lever like Fred Astaire changing down you just opened the throttle and she just took off.
As said it is a lot of money to justify spending on a bike but as the old saying goes
" I'm worth it "

**Rigger** · 04-09-2013, 06:06 PM

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Originally Posted by dirk diggler

If the price creeps up too high I'd be as well get a harley and be done with it!

Good God man! Really?

Just buy the Harley saves having to sell to upgrade at a later date.
You know that's the one you want

**dirk diggler** · 04-09-2013, 08:45 PM

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Originally Posted by dirk diggler

If the price creeps up too high I'd be as well get a harley and be done with it!

Good God man! Really?

Really.

**dirk diggler** · 04-09-2013, 08:55 PM

Originally Posted by The Big Fella

Dirk, if money isn't the main consideration in your bike equation then go and have a test ride on a Triumph Rocket three mate. Two thousand three hundred cc's of British motorcycle excellence. I know 1.2 Million is a lot of money in anyone's book but you you do get a lot of bike for your money. I have had every genre of bike there is at one time or another and I can honestly say that this bike gave me more smiles per mile than any other. An outright torque monster yet still quick and agile for its size.
The other thing I loved about it was that wherever I went it attracted people like no other bike. I took it to many a bike meet around Thailand and can honestly say I never saw another. It is also for me the perfect thailand cruising bike. Comfortable and economical and with a huge tank good range as well. At my cruising speed of 100 / 110 KPH it was barely over tickover yet if you needed to pass something or speed up to get out of trouble there was no to start tap dancing on the gear lever like Fred Astaire changing down you just opened the throttle and she just took off.
As said it is a lot of money to justify spending on a bike but as the old saying goes
" I'm worth it "

It is exactly what it says on the tin. A fucking rocket. Somebody in my Club has one.

Put it this way, I weigh 82kg and my arms weren't blessed with their fair share. If I stopped that thing at a red light after a few beers it would probably fall down on me and burn my leg off at the knee and leave me to bleed out on the road. Too big for me. Hat's off to you Lads though, I cant recall ever driving a car with an engine that big. Not a petrol one anyway.

**dirk diggler** · 04-09-2013, 09:01 PM

Originally Posted by FailSafe

Another bike you might like is the VMax- ...

I've always liked the V-Max. Never rode one but I know they're full of beans. Designed for the straight Canadian roads I believe and not so great for cornering. Maybe a bit top-heavy but I have no doubt I could handle it.

First I've heard of Red Baron, will check them out, ta.

**Jesus Jones** · 04-09-2013, 09:04 PM

The triple R is a waste of money unless you're a damn good track rider and appreciate the milliseconds. The triple speed is the better choice but not available here if i am not mistaken. This might be my next purchase if i don't opt for the 800xc. It's a very slim might.

**dirk diggler** · 04-09-2013, 09:08 PM

Originally Posted by Rigger

Originally Posted by Marmite the Dog

Originally Posted by dirk diggler

If the price creeps up too high I'd be as well get a harley and be done with it!

Good God man! Really?

Just buy the Harley saves having to sell to upgrade at a later date.
You know that's the one you want

Yes you know the score.

I'll be looking to have a cruiser and an upright naked number eventually. We have a mixture in the Club so depends who's riding on the day along with distance etc.

Would be nice to have a bike she wouldn't dare ride bitch on, and another that is comfortable for her.

**dirk diggler** · 04-09-2013, 09:11 PM

Originally Posted by Jesus Jones

The triple R is a waste of money unless you're a damn good track rider and appreciate the milliseconds. The triple speed is the better choice but not available here if i am not mistaken. This might be my next purchase if i don't opt for the 800xc. It's a very slim might.

Both available in Thailand.

Triumph Motorcycles Thailand Price List ENGLISH

**Jesus Jones** · 04-09-2013, 09:26 PM

https://www.google.co.th/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=triumph%20triple%20speed&source=w eb&cd=7&ved=0CEQQtwIwBg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtu be.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DsLD13MewHHU&ei=MD4nUtiVEIm4rg fu34H4Cg&usg=AFQjCNGwoYrOpHLGfh23FMkoXE9o7FTYcg&si g2=N8gLZOzhy82hYISVCWJN1g&bvm=bv.51495398,d.bmk^oh , the one at 750k seems to divert to the 1mill plus option.

I meant the non R version.

**Jesus Jones** · 04-09-2013, 09:32 PM

Feck this galaxy tab. There is a good review by The Bike Show on youtube.

I meant the non R version.

**Marmite the Dog** · 04-09-2013, 09:49 PM

A Street Triple is more than anyone could possibly need for a road bike.

**dirk diggler** · 04-09-2013, 10:05 PM

Originally Posted by Jesus Jones

the one at 750k seems to divert to the 1mill plus option.

I meant the non R version.

Yeah I noticed that too.

You may find the non R version on the message board, but I doubt it.

**FailSafe** · 05-09-2013, 05:34 AM

Originally Posted by dirk diggler

Originally Posted by FailSafe

Another bike you might like is the VMax- ...

I've always liked the V-Max. Never rode one but I know they're full of beans. Designed for the straight Canadian roads I believe and not so great for cornering. Maybe a bit top-heavy but I have no doubt I could handle it.

First I've heard of Red Baron, will check them out, ta.

It weighs about the same as the Night Rod. It's actually quite well-balanced, but any cruiser (Big-Four, HD or otherwise) is going to be on the heavy side- it might as well be combined with ridiculous power.

.

This the the Red Baron website- they import bikes, and can probably get you what you want in about two months- I will say they couldn't get me a ZX-14R in the color I wanted, and I ended up going through Kawi Thailand, but I would still give them a call- RED BARON BANGKOK : PRODUCTS / MOTORCYCLES- ask for Khun Vikram.

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