 1Likes
-
1
Post By Zainal Abd Halim
 |
23 Jun 2013
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 2
|
|
|
South East Asia- help getting started
Hello there. I am planning to buy a 125/250 motorbike and travel as much of South East Asia as possible over a 6-8 week period. I was ignorant enough to think it would be as easy as landing in Thailand, finding a bike and setting off. I am now learning that you have to register your bike to an address and there are import export fees when crossing borders?
Basically any tips would be good i.e
1. Which country (on mainland) would be the easiest to buy and register a bike, and how to go about it? only have UK car licence at the moment, but not thinking it will be a problem surely?
2. Which bikes are recommended (basic is best so locals can fix)?
3. Can I obtain short term visa on entering all countries (Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia and possibly Burma)?
4. How much money to put aside for fuel (i know this one is a bit hazy)?
5. Thanks
|
23 Jun 2013
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 10
|
|
|
South East Asia
Based on limited time you have in Thailand or South East Asia best option for you is to rent. Chiang Mai has many bike rental shops so that should be your first stop and stop over at Rider’s Corner for additional information’s on do’s and don’t in Thailand and South East Asia. Rider's Corner Bar & Restaurant - Chiang Mai Bikers Hotel Thailand they also have pretty good food.
Two bikes that are very popular in Thailand is Kawasaki KLX250 and Honda CRF250L and you can rent it for 650 – 800 Baht per day.
Getting visa is very easy; you can do in Thailand or at the airport of the country you are visiting.
In Thailand price of fuel range from 31 – 46 Baht per liter and you can pretty much get fuel anywhere.
If you have never ride or drive in Thailand take your time go slow and watch the locals. Bike accidents are very common so ride safe.
Thai cops like to stop tourist so keep your helmet on and always stay in left lane.
Hope this information help and have safe ride and enjoy your ride.
Here is web site might be useful.
RideAsia Motorcycle Community
|
23 Jun 2013
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by johnny10fingers
only have UK car licence at the moment, but not thinking it will be a problem
|
I don't think this will be a problem as far as renting or buying is concerned but if you try claiming on your medical insurance for a motorcycle related accident it will be invalid, they all state that you must have a full motorcycle licence to ride any powered two wheeler. Even with a full licence you need to check that you are covered for bikes over 125cc, some do some don't.
|
23 Jun 2013
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 2
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by kc275a
Based on limited time you have in Thailand or South East Asia best option for you is to rent. Chiang Mai has many bike rental shops so that should be your first stop and stop over at Rider’s Corner for additional information’s on do’s and don’t in Thailand and South East Asia. Rider's Corner Bar & Restaurant - Chiang Mai Bikers Hotel Thailand they also have pretty good food.
Two bikes that are very popular in Thailand is Kawasaki KLX250 and Honda CRF250L and you can rent it for 650 – 800 Baht per day.
Getting visa is very easy; you can do in Thailand or at the airport of the country you are visiting.
In Thailand price of fuel range from 31 – 46 Baht per liter and you can pretty much get fuel anywhere.
If you have never ride or drive in Thailand take your time go slow and watch the locals. Bike accidents are very common so ride safe.
Thai cops like to stop tourist so keep your helmet on and always stay in left lane.
Hope this information help and have safe ride and enjoy your ride.
Here is web site might be useful.
RideAsia Motorcycle Community |
Thanks for your reply. I actually don't have a time limit but just put that down as a rough guide, which is one reason why i'm keen on buying my own bike. Does this cause more hassle when crossing borders rather than having a rental?
I visited Chiang Mai last year and hired a bike from an English guy in city centre to tour the surrounding areas; this inspired me to make this trip. However, I think hiring will be too expensive over this amount of time. My basic concern is as above; buying, and is it necessary to register to cross borders, and will you get charged for every day you take the bike out of the country? This sounds daft to me but I read that if you leave Thailand on thai plates, you get charged for every day you had that bike out of the country (if you return i suppose). Thanks
|
24 Jun 2013
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 266
|
|
|
If you rent a bike you have to leave your passport with the rental company so you will most likely not be able to cross borders.
If you buy in Thailand its complicated with all the paperwork. Sounds like a PITA to do unless you know a local.
Malaysia is a popular place to buy and you have no worries going anywhere pretty much. Vietnam is an option to buy as well (just know the paperwork will not be in your name) There is a company in Ho Chi Minh that sell reconditioned bikes and they have a buy back policy after your trip.
As for bikes as long as your not in a rush or want to do serious off road stuff then IMHO its a no-brainer. Buy a Honda wave. Can go just about anywhere, its cheap even new and absolutely any mechanic can work on it all through SE asia. Its a little workhorse.
I recently did 2 weeks in Laos on an XR 250 and had quite a bit of trouble with it. Mechanics there pretty much work only on scooters. They were no help whatsoever. Even in the remotest of places you can find somebody to fix a wave.
|
24 Jun 2013
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,679
|
|
|
This is something that also interests me !
So you have to leave your passport with a bike rental company ??
Buying a cheap bike there is too much of a headache ???
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
24 Jun 2013
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2013
Posts: 10
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by johnny10fingers
Thanks for your reply. I actually don't have a time limit but just put that down as a rough guide, which is one reason why i'm keen on buying my own bike. Does this cause more hassle when crossing borders rather than having a rental?
I visited Chiang Mai last year and hired a bike from an English guy in city centre to tour the surrounding areas; this inspired me to make this trip. However, I think hiring will be too expensive over this amount of time. My basic concern is as above; buying, and is it necessary to register to cross borders, and will you get charged for every day you take the bike out of the country? This sounds daft to me but I read that if you leave Thailand on thai plates, you get charged for every day you had that bike out of the country (if you return i suppose). Thanks
|
I would recommend checking out following two locations if you want to buy.
Big Honda Thailand / Honda Worldwide | Thailand
Kawasaki Thailand Rama 9 / Kawasaki Thailand
Both bikes are 249CC, but I think Honda is about $600 or 17000 Baht less
Both locations have English speaking sales person so you should good and dealer should take care all the paper work, insurance and getting your green book for you. Kawasaki did for me. They only take cash!!!
They don’t care who you are long as you have the money. Make sure you have address in Thailand you can use.
I don’t think you can cross the border with a rental bike without a guide but personnel bike is very easy all you need is following documents to cross border.
• Bike registration
• Bike insurance
• Bike title (green book)
• Passport
• Bike Visa
• Two passport photo if you don’t have visa
• Cash. I can’t speak for other countries but Cambodia only take US$
You should really go visit this web site for additional information’s.
RideAsia Motorcycle Community
|
24 Jun 2013
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 266
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*
This is something that also interests me !
So you have to leave your passport with a bike rental company ??
Buying a cheap bike there is too much of a headache ???
|
Yes you have to leave it and you just travel with a photocopy. I didn't have any probs in Laos showing the photocopy. Maybe half the hotels, guest houses asked for your passport.
I have heard Malaysia is easier than Thailand to register. Malaysia is also a good point to start your trip heading up north to Thailand.
Finding a decent 250 to buy which has not been flogged might be hard and then I would only do it if you were mechanically inclined. The locals pretty much only ride scooters.
I broke down twice in front of a bike mechanic. Neither had any clue about the XR. Would not even look at it. If I hadn't had some phone support on one occasion and a mechanical frenchman go past on another (he was like"man why are you riding a bike like this in Asia? lol) I would have been in some trouble.
|
24 Jun 2013
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Kuala Lumpur
Posts: 18
|
|
|
My suggestion is, just get into Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and buy whatever bike you want. Dont think there will be any problem and you can find all kind of bike in Kuala Lumpur.
Then get your visa to wherever you want to go in Kuala Lumpur and just ride where you want to go. Guess with Malaysian register bike, there will be no problem of going into Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.
I am more than happy to take you round looking for the bike you want in Kuala Lumpur if time is right. Cheers
|
26 Jun 2013
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,679
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zainal Abd Halim
My suggestion is, just get into Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and buy whatever bike you want. Dont think there will be any problem and you can find all kind of bike in Kuala Lumpur.
Then get your visa to wherever you want to go in Kuala Lumpur and just ride where you want to go. Guess with Malaysian register bike, there will be no problem of going into Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.
I am more than happy to take you round looking for the bike you want in Kuala Lumpur if time is right. Cheers
|
Thanks... That's a good idea.
Maybe I can buy a bike in Malaysia and ride it to Vietnam and hopefully sell it there.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
27 Jun 2013
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Kuala Lumpur
Posts: 18
|
|
|
Hi Ted,
To buy is not a problem, but to sell it in Vietnam, am not to sure if that is possible or not. Maybe take it back to Malaysia and sell it after your tour.
Cheers
__________________
______________________________________
R1200GS rallye, Versys 650, KLX250, KLX150
|
27 Jun 2013
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,679
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Zainal Abd Halim
Hi Ted,
To buy is not a problem, but to sell it in Vietnam, am not to sure if that is possible or not. Maybe take it back to Malaysia and sell it after your tour.
Cheers
|
Yeah.... Maybe I'll have to do a little lap of S.E Asia.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
27 Jun 2013
|
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Kuala Lumpur
Posts: 18
|
|
|
That would be cool.....maybe can do it together, if the time is right.
__________________
______________________________________
R1200GS rallye, Versys 650, KLX250, KLX150
|
27 Jun 2013
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,679
|
|
You never know 
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes.
(ONLY US RESIDENTS and currently has a limit of 60 days.)
Ripcord Evacuation Insurance is available for ALL nationalities.
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
