Thanks thaieagle67,
I've been itching to ride the Chiang Rai-Chiang Mai-Chiang Rai road on a big bike for years. I just sold my Middle East 2004 R1 (bought new) and ready for fulltime riding in Thailand. So looking forward to the twisties up there. Even my wife is happy I'm buying it. With Ducati hopefuly opening up a branch in Chiang Mai in the first quarter of next year, I have even more excuses to ride down from Chiang Rai.
Cheers
Garry

Garry,

I am looking forwarded to getting up that way as well. My wife comes from Phrae and they have some great roads up to Nan, Lampang, CR, CM, etc. The road across the top between CM & CR is fun in the car, so it will be great on a bike. There is also a great back road (the 1023) from the North West side of Phrae provincial town across the mountains and then meeting with the road up to Chiang Mai.

The problem i have is getting there from Chonburi. With no access to the toll ways it will be a long journey and will deffinately have a case of sore rear end once i get to Phrae (even with the comfy Monster seat). A few Chang's and a good nights kip should sort that out though!

I can't wait to get back to LOS, get back on the bike and start to really explore the roads.

This post has been edited by thaieagle67: 2009-11-10 20:17:22

Rustic,

Just wanted to know what was the best route to take from Chonburi to Hua Hin, cos if i can't ride down with you i may try and catch you up later! Your in BKK right?

Yep, I'm in Bangkok, just out past the Prapadang area across the river. See below!

Okay. Best route!
Unfortunately, you have to pass through Bangkok.
This is what I recommend if taking the BangNa-Trat highway from Chonburi.
At the end of the highway in Bangkok, you'll see signs BITEC/Samut Prakan/Prapadang (left) and Prakhanong (right).
Take the left turn off the highway and onto the Frontage Rd, pass BITEC and then turn left onto Sukhumvit Road.
You'll now be heading towards the Samorng/Samut Prakan area. This is where you'll face the heaviest traffic but it's usually not too bad.

Carry on for a few klms until the right turn toward Prapadang. Take this and you're now on Pu Chao Saming Rd going towards the river.
Carry on down nearly to the end. If you carry on down to the end, you'll have an option of crossing the river by taking the ferry over to Prapadang (the long way) or just before the end, take a left to get on the Southern Ring Road Bridge, (Saphan Wong Wan, the short way).

I'd recommend taking the bridge. Technically bikes aren't allowed on there but there are no toll booths and many bikes, both large and small, use it.
Once on the bridge take the left turnoff to Suksawat Rd. At the end, stay right to Dao Khanong (not left to Prapadang) and this will bring you out to Suksawat Rd.
Carry on along Suksawat a few klms and you'll see the sign for Rama II Rd on your left. Take this straight to Petchaburi/Cha-Am/Hua Hin.

Beware of the BIB stopping you if not riding on the Frontage Rd as bikes aren't allowed on the Rama II highway until reaching outer Bangkok. This part of the highway can be heavily policed at times but I've had only one attempted stop so far. The Frontage Rd is horribly potholed though so I say take your chances and stay in the fast lane on the highway.

I'd recommend finding the route on Google Earth/Maps to get an idea of the way. The only other way I know takes you through central Bangkok and you don't want that.

Cheers.

This post has been edited by RusticCharm: 2009-11-11 18:35:01

Thanks for the info. I'll take your advice and try google just to take it all in. I have decided not to go up to Chiang Mai until next year, or when the kids are next off school

Is there any info available on the HH bike week schedule, as trying a google search only seems to come up with dates 4th to 5th and photos from last year?

Rustic,

another question for you! Have you ever had problems with the BiB using the section of the 7 highway from the current Pattaya entry/exit (near the Regents school) off up to where the elevated Toll section starts(which we can't bloody use!) North of Chonburi. I have taken this route many times in the car but rarely seen bikes use it

I think that's the Chonburi Bypass Highway if I'm not mistaken. Apparently bikes aren't allowed to use that either but I've used it numerous times without any sign of the BIB. A lot faster obviously than going through Sri Racha and Chonburi but I hate the concrete slabbed surface.

Never seen any info on the HH Bike Week. For any year. But it's a good place for a bike week.

This post has been edited by RusticCharm: 2009-11-12 18:11:27

Sorry slightly but I thought I'd just mention Window7 has got a nice Ducati theme-pack in it (Free).

Dave

another question for you! Have you ever had problems with the BiB using the section of the 7 highway from the current Pattaya entry/exit (near the Regents school) off up to where the elevated Toll section starts(which we can't bloody use!) North of Chonburi. I have taken this route many times in the car but rarely seen bikes use it
[/quote]


Last year I used that road every day commuting to work Joining in from the bypass 36 from Rayong. Several times I passed thru BiB road blocks with immunity, So I dont think there is anything to worry about.

Often passed old bikes with sidecars etc. Took a m/bike taxi from Pattaya once also. Other than the guy petrified at driving in the fast moving traffic.... and scared he couldnt find his way back again?? He was quite willing to take me.
The concrete surface is hel_l to drive on tho!!

Have Fun...Always.

Thanks guys,

I'll give the highway a go but will be wearing some passion killer pants underneath to try and soften the pain going across that concrete At least the Monster seat and ride helps a bit.

Rustic do you know where the main events are being held as i have booked a hotel at the south end of Hua Hin for my family, so may they can meet up with me later?

Last year, it was at an area across the railroad tracks behind sois 60/62. I'll contact the Blue Dragon MC guys closer to the date to confirm.

I'm thinking about changing my ER6n and buying a monster 696 next year. I like the looks and I fancy something a bit more exclusive and special. Am I likley to notice much of a difference between the two bikes? Its between a monster and street triple and I'm worried that the Triumph might have a too much power around town and I prefer the looks of the Ducati.

Cheers

Monster versus the ER6N you will notice the difference. Pricewise!

Street Triple too much power??
I riding one now! And boy what a hoot it is!
Such an easy tool for Bkk traffic! Low end torque, zippy in & out. Very light. Narrow enough to squeeze between vehicles.
So much fun to hoon around on Bangkok streets.
I am considering buying one just for this purpose!

Both the Street Triple and the Monster are great bikes for around town and the open road. One thing you should do if your thinking about a Monster 696 is go to the Ducati dealer in Bangkok and try one for size, as i was advised by the guys on this forum. I am just under 6 ft and it was way to small for me, so i chose the 1100 model which is perfect. What Travelmate says about the Triumph also goes for the Monster, as its the lightest bike in its class and very easy and comfortable to ride. The 1100 is powerful but the power is easily managed being a twin and worth the extra baht if your pockets are deep enough. My mate at work has a Street Triple and loves it, so again if your looking for something different and you are willing to part with extra cash your options are open. Maybe if you visit the Ducati dealer you will also find the Hypermotard, Multistrada or even the Streetfighter to your liking. All gorgeous looking bikes but like the Monster, heavy on the wallet!

I'm like an expectant father. Chum and Ducati BKK will let me know as soon as the new model is available. My wife knows how long I have been looking forward to riding up here. I have a British mate in BKK who owns a black Duati 1098S. Or the more fun.

 Is that Derek?

Sorry Rustic, yes that's Derek....he had a good uneventful ride on his 1098S to Chiang Mai (for the bike week) and back (2,000 odd kms without a glitch). Who says Ducati's have problems all the time.

Talked to Chum on the 03 Dec at the Thonglor showroom.The Hyper 1100 EVO is being produced already (as it really is no different to past models) but he suspects that Ducati will not start producing the 1100 EVO SP (which is a wee bit different to the base EVO-can one call it a base?, they are nice as well) until around January and probably landing in Thailand around March. He doesn't need any deposit or holding fee but I will be the first to know when it lands on Thai soil.

yeah baby......

2010 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO



2010 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP



2010 Ducati Hypermotard 1100 EVO SP with extra DP Accessories as presented at EICMA



2010 Ducati Hypermotard 796

Word to the wise.
How big are you?
Big fella or wee fella?

Hypermotard is a small bike. Seen someone riding one and was shocked at how small / short it was.
Find one and check it out for size.

The Streetfighters look small also, but on the same note look like a whole bunch of fun as well

would take the Street Fighter over the motard any day..
It must be the Ducati as your next choice of street weapon?

I'm looking at cost in and around the baht 1,000,000 mark and apart from wanting to go back to an air cooled engine.

The 2010 Hyper EVO SP (approx: baht 930,000), current 2009 Streetfighter Base & S (baht 940,000 & 1,150,000 respectively).

Don't get me wrong, I'm used to big horspower bikes and am sorely tempted by the Streetfighter S with its high enough horsepower, V-Twin torque and DTC. Especially after seeing one in the flesh on the 3rd of Dec at BKK Ducati. There was an S there that had just had a bunch of Rizoma goodies fitted to it and running Ternmi's, very tastey indeed.

Pai Bike Week 2009

Streetfighter rocks!
155BHP!

I buy the "S" today!