Posted 2011-12-15 13:01:29
 TongueThaied, on 2011-12-05 07:10:41, said:
I'm reading all these posts about a "big" 650 cc being too much for the twisties and a 125 being more suitable. I seem to see this sort of thing often. Have the people that are saying this stuff ever even ridden a bigger bike??? The thing that stabilizes a motorcycle is a function of "trail" and the gyroscopic effect of the spinning wheels. The physics is actually quite complicated, but one could say, with gross over-simplification, the bigger the wheels, the more stable with the perfect balance being where the best stability merges with not too much weight and the proper wheelbase. Sport bikes nail this formula perfectly. This is why they do not put the Dream's bicycle wheel on the only slightly larger CBR150. Anybody who has ridden larger bikes, then gets on a Dream, can testify to the Dream's shaky instability. It's because of the "bicycle wheels" (in part) that they put on the Dream; the wheels are not heavy enough to generate much stability. And they also use tubed tires which are much less reliable, from a safety point of view, than tubeless tires at higher speeds.
I ride a 650, which is actually considered a small or entry level motorcycle anywhere else in the world. It handles great on ALL the twisties. I can't even imagine riding one of these 125 toys any distance. Fine around the moobahn at 25-30 kph, but Chiangmai to Mae Hong Son? If you eventually want to go anywhere out of town, get a decent bike and learn how to ride it. At least get a model with tubeless tires; that would be a start. If you just want transportation around town, get a Dream or equivalent.
Tonguethaied, couldnt in my limited experience agree more... came back from 4 days riding a yamaha FZ1 in Chaingmai and got on a cbr250 and felt really unstable and jerky. Its also got to do with momentum which is a function of weight and velocity.. at any given velocity a larger bike will have more momentum which is to say forward force which will of course mean more stopping power needed ( which they generally tend to have) but also means bike is more stable at that velocity.
Posted 2011-12-15 20:15:26
I too am surprised at all the recommendations here for using a little scooter for touring out of town. Those things are good only for zipping around town and maybe the odd afternoon excursion up to Samoeng or something similar. Do yourself a favour and find a way to get a real motorbike for trips more than just a day trip. You'll get much more enjoyment and satisfaction riding a machine that was designed for the activity your are undertaking. You'll be riding real gyroscopes from a stable platform that's planted on the road and responds elegantly to your inputs, instead of sitting on a little chair zipping around on wobbly wheels (this a slight exaggeration, but essentially correct).
Do you never want to take a passenger, or go on multi-day trips? How will you carry the duffle bag? Really, how much joy will you find buzzing along on a small 125 on day 5 of a trip down to Krabi? You'll enjoy touring the countryside on an appropriate bike for long-distances and highway speeds. That would be a big bike, not a scooter.
Get proper gear including a quality helment (not a plastic bucket), an armored jacket (the vented ones don't really add much heat when you're in motion), and some secure over-the-ankle foot wear that will stay on in the event of a rough get-off.
Practice push-steering only, right from the beginning, and use it always, even when putting around on a small scooter that can be steered by body leans. Push steering is the only way a big bike at speed can be turned and you really want to have the practice embedded in your muscle memory when some sort of pucker situation suddenly appears. Learn about late-apex cornering, and practice it. It will keep you out of a lot of trouble when winding your way through the twisties. Find a copy of Proficient Motorcycling by David L Hough. There is no doubt at all that you will be a better and safer rider after absorbing that book.
Enjoyable and safe touring requires a proper motorcycle intended for that use; a bike that can accept a passenger and luggage without flaming out; a bike that won't bounce and wobble and possibly wipe out when hitting a small pot-hole or sandy patch at highway speeds. The little urban scooters simply don't cut it for touring, and they're not nearly as much fun.
Posted 2011-12-15 21:09:51
zziffle, on 2011-12-15 20:15:26, said:
I too am surprised at all the recommendations here for using a little scooter for touring out of town. Those things are good only for zipping around town and maybe the odd afternoon excursion up to Samoeng or something similar. Do yourself a favour and find a way to get a real motorbike for trips more than just a day trip. You'll get much more enjoyment and satisfaction riding a machine that was designed for the activity your are undertaking. You'll be riding real gyroscopes from a stable platform that's planted on the road and responds elegantly to your inputs, instead of sitting on a little chair zipping around on wobbly wheels (this a slight exaggeration, but essentially correct).
Do you never want to take a passenger, or go on multi-day trips? How will you carry the duffle bag? Really, how much joy will you find buzzing along on a small 125 on day 5 of a trip down to Krabi? You'll enjoy touring the countryside on an appropriate bike for long-distances and highway speeds. That would be a big bike, not a scooter.
Get proper gear including a quality helment (not a plastic bucket), an armored jacket (the vented ones don't really add much heat when you're in motion), and some secure over-the-ankle foot wear that will stay on in the event of a rough get-off.
Practice push-steering only, right from the beginning, and use it always, even when putting around on a small scooter that can be steered by body leans. Push steering is the only way a big bike at speed can be turned and you really want to have the practice embedded in your muscle memory when some sort of pucker situation suddenly appears. Learn about late-apex cornering, and practice it. It will keep you out of a lot of trouble when winding your way through the twisties. Find a copy of Proficient Motorcycling by David L Hough. There is no doubt at all that you will be a better and safer rider after absorbing that book.
Enjoyable and safe touring requires a proper motorcycle intended for that use; a bike that can accept a passenger and luggage without flaming out; a bike that won't bounce and wobble and possibly wipe out when hitting a small pot-hole or sandy patch at highway speeds. The little urban scooters simply don't cut it for touring, and they're not nearly as much fun.
Good post...but it sure will be difficult to get the book here,so maybe you could expand on the "push steering" and "late-apex cornering" terms for example....I did get your point at the end thou about the scooters "...and they're not nearly as much fun."... 
Posted 2011-12-15 21:38:35
zziffle, on 2011-12-15 20:15:26, said:
I too am surprised at all the recommendations here for using a little scooter for touring out of town. Those things are good only for zipping around town and maybe the odd afternoon excursion up to Samoeng or something similar. Do yourself a favour and find a way to get a real motorbike for trips more than just a day trip. You'll get much more enjoyment and satisfaction riding a machine that was designed for the activity your are undertaking. You'll be riding real gyroscopes from a stable platform that's planted on the road and responds elegantly to your inputs, instead of sitting on a little chair zipping around on wobbly wheels (this a slight exaggeration, but essentially correct).
Do you never want to take a passenger, or go on multi-day trips? How will you carry the duffle bag? Really, how much joy will you find buzzing along on a small 125 on day 5 of a trip down to Krabi? You'll enjoy touring the countryside on an appropriate bike for long-distances and highway speeds. That would be a big bike, not a scooter.
Get proper gear including a quality helment (not a plastic bucket), an armored jacket (the vented ones don't really add much heat when you're in motion), and some secure over-the-ankle foot wear that will stay on in the event of a rough get-off.
Practice push-steering only, right from the beginning, and use it always, even when putting around on a small scooter that can be steered by body leans. Push steering is the only way a big bike at speed can be turned and you really want to have the practice embedded in your muscle memory when some sort of pucker situation suddenly appears. Learn about late-apex cornering, and practice it. It will keep you out of a lot of trouble when winding your way through the twisties. Find a copy of Proficient Motorcycling by David L Hough. There is no doubt at all that you will be a better and safer rider after absorbing that book.
Enjoyable and safe touring requires a proper motorcycle intended for that use; a bike that can accept a passenger and luggage without flaming out; a bike that won't bounce and wobble and possibly wipe out when hitting a small pot-hole or sandy patch at highway speeds. The little urban scooters simply don't cut it for touring, and they're not nearly as much fun.
I agree with Funcat that this is a good post. Muchagro is looking for a bike under a 100K so that makes it a bit tougher to find a bike that handles well.
Posted 2011-12-15 22:23:38
zziffle, on 2011-12-15 20:15:26, said:
<rant deleted>..... The little urban scooters simply don't cut it for touring, and they're not nearly as much fun.
Balderdash! I have traveled around the north on both scooters as well as 250 dual sports, both solo and two-up. But then I like to go slow so that I can admire the views and read the signs and smile and talk to the people. I can have just as much fun on the scooters as on the larger bikes. Heck, my son's friends rode down to Phuket from Chiang Mai on their little Vespas and had a blast. In Thailand I can go for a road trip with everything I need for a few days stuffed into one small backpack. As we speak I am planning with some friends to go on an extended scooter trip next year. Sure every bike has some limitations and it would be great if I could afford to bring my WeeStrom over to Thailand. But give me a 125 Dream scooter and some time up north and my fun never ends.
Posted 2011-12-15 22:58:59
Johpa, on 2011-12-15 22:23:38, said:
zziffle, on 2011-12-15 20:15:26, said:
<rant deleted>..... The little urban scooters simply don't cut it for touring, and they're not nearly as much fun.
Balderdash! I have traveled around the north on both scooters as well as 250 dual sports, both solo and two-up. But then I like to go slow so that I can admire the views and read the signs and smile and talk to the people. I can have just as much fun on the scooters as on the larger bikes. Heck, my son's friends rode down to Phuket from Chiang Mai on their little Vespas and had a blast. In Thailand I can go for a road trip with everything I need for a few days stuffed into one small backpack. As we speak I am planning with some friends to go on an extended scooter trip next year. Sure every bike has some limitations and it would be great if I could afford to bring my WeeStrom over to Thailand. But give me a 125 Dream scooter and some time up north and my fun never ends.
OK...I think we are mixing "transportation" and "fun" here...the bigger the bike...the bigger the FUN !!! :DI have a friend who use to have Panthom and Dream as well...he was using Phantom for the road trips and Dream in the city...since he sold the Phantom,no more traveling for him... 
Posted 2011-12-16 08:35:28
Johpa, on 2011-12-15 22:23:38, said:
Balderdash! I have traveled around the north on both scooters as well as 250 dual sports, both solo and two-up. But then I like to go slow so that I can admire the views and read the signs and smile and talk to the people. I can have just as much fun on the scooters as on the larger bikes. Heck, my son's friends rode down to Phuket from Chiang Mai on their little Vespas and had a blast. In Thailand I can go for a road trip with everything I need for a few days stuffed into one small backpack. As we speak I am planning with some friends to go on an extended scooter trip next year. Sure every bike has some limitations and it would be great if I could afford to bring my WeeStrom over to Thailand. But give me a 125 Dream scooter and some time up north and my fun never ends.
So.. I guess that can be summed up as: "It's not the size that matters, it's what you do with it!" 
funcat, on 2011-12-15 21:09:51, said:
Good post...but it sure will be difficult to get the book here,so maybe you could expand on the "push steering" and "late-apex cornering" terms for example....I did get your point at the end thou about the scooters "...and they're not nearly as much fun."...
I learned how to ride big bikes on the Internet, and push-steering means that when you want to go right, instead of leaning into the corner you just push your _right_ hand away from you, which initially (for an unobservable moment) begins to point the wheel to the left, which causes the whole bike to lean right, which gets you through a right hand corner.
Google taught me everything I know.
Edited by CheGuava, 2011-12-16 08:37:54.
Posted 2011-12-16 09:32:45
I guess like all things in life, it's different strokes for different folks. There is no doubt that big fun and adventure can be had around these parts on any style of bike. But I'll stick with my contention that the proper (bigger) bikes are safer due to their better stability and tracking. There's a rough broken-up downhill corner on the way into Pai that regularly sees farang picking themselves and their scooters up off the pavement with varying degrees of bangs and road rash. Big bikes don't care - they just track right through it.
Push steering is referred to as counter-steering in some jurisdictions. It's important to know that it is the only way a big bike under way can be turned. You can get a big bike to diverge from a straight line just a little bit by leaning weight, but you can't corner a big one that way. I think the majority of motorcyclists don't know how they are turning their bikes and think it's a kind of magic. Some even think they are doing it by pushing their knees on the gas tank. Many have never really thought about it. But in all cases, they are counter-steering - often subconsciously. A biker can get much more precise, deliberate, quicker and safer turns by moving the practice into the conscious, intentional realm. Anyone not familiar with and practicing conscious counter-steering is urged to try this experiment: On a clear stretch of road, let go with the left hand and just hold very lightly with the right. Sit still on the bike and gently push and pull on the right grip. The light will go on, especially with the light pull on the right grip which will immediately and decisively send the bike into a left turn. The harder the pull, the tighter the turn. Precise intentional counter-steering is one of things that makes riding a bigger bike safer and, imho, much more fun. The physics of why and how a bike turns is fascinating. Perhaps one lazy day I'll put a topic up in the motorbike forum on this and see how much of it I get right. :-)
As for sourcing a copy of Proficient Motorcycling, does Amazon deliver to Thailand? I see there's a kindle edition but I wouldn't recommend that as the book has a ton of very helpful diagrams and pictures.
I'm pulling this off-topic somewhat. As a precise answer to the OP, seriously look at finding a good Phantom. They're within the 100k budget - 50k to 75k second hand, and 85 or 90 new I think. At 200cc, you can't really call them a big bike, but they've got sufficient weight and large enough wheels to give them stability and proper motorcycle handling. Get a back-rest for the passenger and she'll love it. Put a rack behind that for strapping the overnight bag to, and Bob's yer uncle. The 200cc engine actually drives them quite well, although you'll be wishing for more juice going uphill with two on board. One of the great things about these bikes is the low seat height. It's really easy to plant both feet firmly on the ground when paddling the bike around parking areas or slow rough ground. That makes a huge difference to someone without a lot of saddle-time. The tall bikes where you can't plant both heels on the ground can suck the confidence right out of an inexperienced rider.
Posted 2011-12-16 20:46:37
It's certainly fun and educational reading the various accounts by different small to big riders. I envy you guys skill, experience, and freedom - none of which I have at present. I envision myself not doing any long distance riding nor frequenting busy downtown. I intend riding for a couple of hours a few times per week near my house - the sort of activities as described by fellow poster, Joshpa.
My current ambition is just to be able to ride a CBR150 with ease after finish practicing a rented semi-automatic Wave. Perhaps, one of these days, when my skill improves and get to know more rider friends, I will buy a big touring sports bike. But the likelihood that my wife will let me go on a bike tour for a few days is next to nil (pussy whipped?  ) . She herself will not have anything to do with a bike. For 2 years that I owned and rode my 550cc, 4-cyl chopper in the States, she had never sat on it. For now I know my head is just not big enough to wear that hat. Thanks and cheers everyone!
ChrisBeard
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Posted 2011-12-23 23:12:35
I would love to have your opinions on my next bike. I am an experienced rider, of course not professional. I currently have a 110 Honda cz1 and it is great. But not, IMHO, suitable for extended highway use. I do not want two motorcycles. My needs are these:
1. I spend 3 days in Phayao. Commute 20 km to work and home 20 km on superhighway. Parking at work is tight. Use the MC for shopping around town in between.
2. Spend 4 days in CM. Would love to be able to ride my MC back and forth, that is a twisty mountain road frequented by tour buses.
So: 20 kn commute to and from work 3 days - superhighway
159 km commute to CM once a week - mountain road
90 km run to CR or Lampang on occasion - superhighway
shopping in town, CM and Phayao
parking is an issue
I am torn between the Boxer 250rs which everyone seems to love, probably better in town bike and commuter and the new Honda cbr 250r which might be better is some ways, not sure which. And of course throw in an older honda 400 but they are really heavy and probably cannot compare to the newer bikes.
Boxer is less expensive. I have ridden both and like them both. What do you guys think (And I am not trying to open a can of worms, honda vs tiger, more upright vs sport bike!)
Thanks for any input
Posted 2012-02-04 08:37:10
Cheers Muchogra.
Did you purchase a bike?
#62
IanForbes
Posted 2012-02-04 10:33:11
zziffle, on 2011-12-16 09:32:45, said:
I guess like all things in life, it's different strokes for different folks. There is no doubt that big fun and adventure can be had around these parts on any style of bike. But I'll stick with my contention that the proper (bigger) bikes are safer due to their better stability and tracking. There's a rough broken-up downhill corner on the way into Pai that regularly sees farang picking themselves and their scooters up off the pavement with varying degrees of bangs and road rash. Big bikes don't care - they just track right through it.
Push steering is referred to as counter-steering in some jurisdictions. It's important to know that it is the only way a big bike under way can be turned. You can get a big bike to diverge from a straight line just a little bit by leaning weight, but you can't corner a big one that way. I think the majority of motorcyclists don't know how they are turning their bikes and think it's a kind of magic. Some even think they are doing it by pushing their knees on the gas tank. Many have never really thought about it. But in all cases, they are counter-steering - often subconsciously. A biker can get much more precise, deliberate, quicker and safer turns by moving the practice into the conscious, intentional realm. Anyone not familiar with and practicing conscious counter-steering is urged to try this experiment: On a clear stretch of road, let go with the left hand and just hold very lightly with the right. Sit still on the bike and gently push and pull on the right grip. The light will go on, especially with the light pull on the right grip which will immediately and decisively send the bike into a left turn. The harder the pull, the tighter the turn. Precise intentional counter-steering is one of things that makes riding a bigger bike safer and, imho, much more fun. The physics of why and how a bike turns is fascinating. Perhaps one lazy day I'll put a topic up in the motorbike forum on this and see how much of it I get right. :-)
As for sourcing a copy of Proficient Motorcycling, does Amazon deliver to Thailand? I see there's a kindle edition but I wouldn't recommend that as the book has a ton of very helpful diagrams and pictures.
I'm pulling this off-topic somewhat. As a precise answer to the OP, seriously look at finding a good Phantom. They're within the 100k budget - 50k to 75k second hand, and 85 or 90 new I think. At 200cc, you can't really call them a big bike, but they've got sufficient weight and large enough wheels to give them stability and proper motorcycle handling. Get a back-rest for the passenger and she'll love it. Put a rack behind that for strapping the overnight bag to, and Bob's yer uncle. The 200cc engine actually drives them quite well, although you'll be wishing for more juice going uphill with two on board. One of the great things about these bikes is the low seat height. It's really easy to plant both feet firmly on the ground when paddling the bike around parking areas or slow rough ground. That makes a huge difference to someone without a lot of saddle-time. The tall bikes where you can't plant both heels on the ground can suck the confidence right out of an inexperienced rider.
Thank you for that lesson. I'll try to conciously put it to practise. I have been riding bikes for years, but never really thought about the mechanics of turning.
I recently purchased a Kawasaki 250 D-tracker in the motard version and took it on some extensive runs. I LOVE the bike and sold my Honda 125 dream shortly thereafter. For me, the 250 D-tracker motard is the ideal bike for Thailand. It's nimble like a scooter and goes through narrow gaps in traffic like a scooter, but has MUCH more rubber on the road. It has a nice suspension that smooths out bumps and potholes that jar a scooter into a wobble. It has enough zip to pass trucks and slow moving vehicles on the highway without feeling unstable, and it's still light enough to take off-road. For most of us we don't NEED the knobby tires for 95% of our riding, and I don't want to be on dirt trails in the rain in any case. Top speed is a little lacking on the superhighway, but anything over 100 km per hour is not safe in thailand anyway. There are just WAY too many hazards and unexpected crazy stuff by other vehicles on the road to even THINK of speeding.
Edited by IanForbes, 2012-02-04 10:57:24.
Posted 2012-02-05 08:15:43
IanForbes, on 2012-02-04 10:33:11, said:
I recently purchased a Kawasaki 250 D-tracker in the motard version and took it on some extensive runs. I LOVE the bike and sold my Honda 125 dream shortly thereafter. For me, the 250 D-tracker motard is the ideal bike for Thailand. It's nimble like a scooter and goes through narrow gaps in traffic like a scooter, but has MUCH more rubber on the road. It has a nice suspension that smooths out bumps and potholes that jar a scooter into a wobble. It has enough zip to pass trucks and slow moving vehicles on the highway without feeling unstable, and it's still light enough to take off-road. For most of us we don't NEED the knobby tires for 95% of our riding, and I don't want to be on dirt trails in the rain in any case. Top speed is a little lacking on the superhighway, but anything over 100 km per hour is not safe in thailand anyway. There are just WAY too many hazards and unexpected crazy stuff by other vehicles on the road to even THINK of speeding.
Glad to hear you're enjoying your D-Tracker. I can't remember reading or hearing any significant negative comments from actual D-Tracker owners (except those relating to the seat!). I recently put Pirelli Sport Demons on mine & that simple change has made a great bike even better. Handling, acceleration and braking are noticeably improved. I can't recommend these tires enough. My new Sargent seat is another good addition. It took some getting used to but I'm very happy with it now.
Posted 2012-02-05 09:01:11
cm das, on 2012-02-05 08:15:43, said:
IanForbes, on 2012-02-04 10:33:11, said:
I recently purchased a Kawasaki 250 D-tracker in the motard version and took it on some extensive runs. I LOVE the bike and sold my Honda 125 dream shortly thereafter. For me, the 250 D-tracker motard is the ideal bike for Thailand. It's nimble like a scooter and goes through narrow gaps in traffic like a scooter, but has MUCH more rubber on the road. It has a nice suspension that smooths out bumps and potholes that jar a scooter into a wobble. It has enough zip to pass trucks and slow moving vehicles on the highway without feeling unstable, and it's still light enough to take off-road. For most of us we don't NEED the knobby tires for 95% of our riding, and I don't want to be on dirt trails in the rain in any case. Top speed is a little lacking on the superhighway, but anything over 100 km per hour is not safe in thailand anyway. There are just WAY too many hazards and unexpected crazy stuff by other vehicles on the road to even THINK of speeding.
Glad to hear you're enjoying your D-Tracker. I can't remember reading or hearing any significant negative comments from actual D-Tracker owners (except those relating to the seat!). I recently put Pirelli Sport Demons on mine & that simple change has made a great bike even better. Handling, acceleration and braking are noticeably improved. I can't recommend these tires enough. My new Sargent seat is another good addition. It took some getting used to but I'm very happy with it now.
...any photos ?
Posted 2012-02-05 10:43:23
cm das, on 2012-02-05 08:15:43, said:
Glad to hear you're enjoying your D-Tracker. I can't remember reading or hearing any significant negative comments from actual D-Tracker owners (except those relating to the seat!). I recently put Pirelli Sport Demons on mine & that simple change has made a great bike even better. Handling, acceleration and braking are noticeably improved. I can't recommend these tires enough. My new Sargent seat is another good addition. It took some getting used to but I'm very happy with it now.
Sport Demons from Cockpit tires on Hang Dong Road? They provide great customer service, and will be installing a set Sport Demons on my bike tomorrow. Surprisingly even took off a couple of hundred baht off there quoted price when I put down a deposit.
This will be the fifth set of rubber for my D-Tracker. Found the original IRC's on just arrived in Thailand Kawaker 250's vastly better then than replacement IRC's, in terms of wet weather traction, quality, and wear durability. I have tried the Michelin sports, which wore faster and didn't seem any better in good conditions then the IRC, though they rode smoother. The Michelin's were better in the wet but funny enough noticeably worse on the dirt; and I like riding offroad. My rear tires are center bald, well the front will look great. All because the IRC's allow you to spin the rear wheel, on wet roads and slippery intersections, through 1st and 2nd. Honestly that is something that shouldn't happen on pavement, with a bike off this power output. With 20 years of dirt riding I enjoy power sliding, but if I can't with the pirelli's that's a good thing, braking ability keeps you alive.
What do you want photo's of Funcat?
Posted 2012-02-05 13:50:35
zziffle, on 2011-12-16 09:32:45, said:
I guess like all things in life, it's different strokes for different folks. There is no doubt that big fun and adventure can be had around these parts on any style of bike. But I'll stick with my contention that the proper (bigger) bikes are safer due to their better stability and tracking. There's a rough broken-up downhill corner on the way into Pai that regularly sees farang picking themselves and their scooters up off the pavement with varying degrees of bangs and road rash. Big bikes don't care - they just track right through it.
Push steering is referred to as counter-steering in some jurisdictions. It's important to know that it is the only way a big bike under way can be turned. You can get a big bike to diverge from a straight line just a little bit by leaning weight, but you can't corner a big one that way. I think the majority of motorcyclists don't know how they are turning their bikes and think it's a kind of magic. Some even think they are doing it by pushing their knees on the gas tank. Many have never really thought about it. But in all cases, they are counter-steering - often subconsciously. A biker can get much more precise, deliberate, quicker and safer turns by moving the practice into the conscious, intentional realm. Anyone not familiar with and practicing conscious counter-steering is urged to try this experiment: On a clear stretch of road, let go with the left hand and just hold very lightly with the right. Sit still on the bike and gently push and pull on the right grip. The light will go on, especially with the light pull on the right grip which will immediately and decisively send the bike into a left turn. The harder the pull, the tighter the turn. Precise intentional counter-steering is one of things that makes riding a bigger bike safer and, imho, much more fun. The physics of why and how a bike turns is fascinating. Perhaps one lazy day I'll put a topic up in the motorbike forum on this and see how much of it I get right. :-)
As for sourcing a copy of Proficient Motorcycling, does Amazon deliver to Thailand? I see there's a kindle edition but I wouldn't recommend that as the book has a ton of very helpful diagrams and pictures.
I'm pulling this off-topic somewhat. As a precise answer to the OP, seriously look at finding a good Phantom. They're within the 100k budget - 50k to 75k second hand, and 85 or 90 new I think. At 200cc, you can't really call them a big bike, but they've got sufficient weight and large enough wheels to give them stability and proper motorcycle handling. Get a back-rest for the passenger and she'll love it. Put a rack behind that for strapping the overnight bag to, and Bob's yer uncle. The 200cc engine actually drives them quite well, although you'll be wishing for more juice going uphill with two on board. One of the great things about these bikes is the low seat height. It's really easy to plant both feet firmly on the ground when paddling the bike around parking areas or slow rough ground. That makes a huge difference to someone without a lot of saddle-time. The tall bikes where you can't plant both heels on the ground can suck the confidence right out of an inexperienced rider.
While visiting in the US, an old friend explained this to me. As somebody who'd ridden motorcycles a lot as a teen I just couldn't accept this counter-intuitive info. It took me going out on his bike and consciously trying to steer the wheel the direction I wanted to go and having the bike snap back to let me know all my assumptions were wrong.
Posted 2012-02-05 14:03:59
zziffle, on 2011-12-16 09:32:45, said:
Push steering is referred to as counter-steering in some jurisdictions. It's important to know that it is the only way a big bike under way can be turned. You can get a big bike to diverge from a straight line just a little bit by leaning weight, but you can't corner a big one that way. I think the majority of motorcyclists don't know how they are turning their bikes and think it's a kind of magic. Some even think they are doing it by pushing their knees on the gas tank. Many have never really thought about it. But in all cases, they are counter-steering - often subconsciously. A biker can get much more precise, deliberate, quicker and safer turns by moving the practice into the conscious, intentional realm.
 I have told that same thing to both cyclist & bicyclist for decades
Perhaps you were also a student of Keith Code back in the late seventies early eighties ? 
Posted 2012-02-05 16:34:52
honda have a xr 250 coming out soon,also a kawa er 650 for long trips.good bikes for long trips and driving
Edited by bristolgeoff, 2012-02-05 16:35:41.
Posted 2012-02-05 17:27:41
Quote from Ziffle:
"Do you never want to take a passenger, or go on multi-day trips? How will you carry the duffle bag? Really, how much joy will you find buzzing along on a small 125 on day 5 of a trip down to Krabi? You'll enjoy touring the countryside on an appropriate bike for long-distances and highway speeds. That would be a big bike, not a scooter."
Paniers.jpg 499.01K
18 downloads
Thats how you carry luggage & someone can sit back there if reqd.
About 600 to 800 B
How much for panniers on a "real" bike ?
Posted 2012-02-05 19:09:31
Fishenough, on 2012-02-05 10:43:23, said:
cm das, on 2012-02-05 08:15:43, said:
Glad to hear you're enjoying your D-Tracker. I can't remember reading or hearing any significant negative comments from actual D-Tracker owners (except those relating to the seat!). I recently put Pirelli Sport Demons on mine & that simple change has made a great bike even better. Handling, acceleration and braking are noticeably improved. I can't recommend these tires enough. My new Sargent seat is another good addition. It took some getting used to but I'm very happy with it now.
Sport Demons from Cockpit tires on Hang Dong Road? They provide great customer service, and will be installing a set Sport Demons on my bike tomorrow. Surprisingly even took off a couple of hundred baht off there quoted price when I put down a deposit.
This will be the fifth set of rubber for my D-Tracker. Found the original IRC's on just arrived in Thailand Kawaker 250's vastly better then than replacement IRC's, in terms of wet weather traction, quality, and wear durability. I have tried the Michelin sports, which wore faster and didn't seem any better in good conditions then the IRC, though they rode smoother. The Michelin's were better in the wet but funny enough noticeably worse on the dirt; and I like riding offroad. My rear tires are center bald, well the front will look great. All because the IRC's allow you to spin the rear wheel, on wet roads and slippery intersections, through 1st and 2nd. Honestly that is something that shouldn't happen on pavement, with a bike off this power output. With 20 years of dirt riding I enjoy power sliding, but if I can't with the pirelli's that's a good thing, braking ability keeps you alive.
What do you want photo's of Funcat?
I was thinking about showing difference in the tread design(if any) of the Sport Demons v. stock... and the Sargent seat..what's that?? Thanks...
Posted 2012-02-05 22:34:31
funcat, on 2011-12-15 12:49:46, said:
T_Dog, on 2011-12-15 08:06:50, said:
funcat, on 2011-12-14 20:30:45, said:
Now there are much more options for all around motorbike,but some years back,if you wanted a Thai made bike,there was ether Phantom,Boss,or CBR.Neither of those was "all-around",so one had to do some modification...How about this CBR 150,that I've modified for a "dual-purpose" bike ?
Many times I've wanted tires like that! What brand are they and where did you get them?
It was 4-5 years ago and I've sold the bike since,so I can't tell the brand....I got the rear one from Joe's shop,so he may help you there...the front one was from the Tiger(the shop next to train station).
nice exhaust modification and skidplate you got there ! Was thinking of tarding out my bike too if i keep it.
#72
gravion
Posted 2012-02-05 22:41:35
Pond Life, on 2012-02-05 17:27:41, said:
Quote from Ziffle:
"Do you never want to take a passenger, or go on multi-day trips? How will you carry the duffle bag? Really, how much joy will you find buzzing along on a small 125 on day 5 of a trip down to Krabi? You'll enjoy touring the countryside on an appropriate bike for long-distances and highway speeds. That would be a big bike, not a scooter."
 Paniers.jpg
Thats how you carry luggage & someone can sit back there if reqd.
About 600 to 800 B
How much for panniers on a "real" bike ?
gangsta.... yo G hear me out cuz... mah bra feel yo bike for only one yo, aint got no room for female, ya feel me?
aint go cruzing gangasta stylez dawg,
yo today i wuz cuzzin with me er6n yo at 80-100km G, ya keep the rhythm with them cars but yo seriously really scrarey when u turning or going through the traffic yo,... also braking aint hard brah, i ya use engine brakin, but yo i cant pack them takeaway foods bruh... seriously problem brah, G.
im out, peace bro
Posted 2012-02-06 07:43:00
KRS1, on 2012-02-05 22:34:31, said:
funcat, on 2011-12-15 12:49:46, said:
T_Dog, on 2011-12-15 08:06:50, said:
funcat, on 2011-12-14 20:30:45, said:
Now there are much more options for all around motorbike,but some years back,if you wanted a Thai made bike,there was ether Phantom,Boss,or CBR.Neither of those was "all-around",so one had to do some modification...How about this CBR 150,that I've modified for a "dual-purpose" bike ?
Many times I've wanted tires like that! What brand are they and where did you get them?
It was 4-5 years ago and I've sold the bike since,so I can't tell the brand....I got the rear one from Joe's shop,so he may help you there...the front one was from the Tiger(the shop next to train station).
nice exhaust modification and skidplate you got there ! Was thinking of tarding out my bike too if i keep it.
That was before the D-Tracker came....but also for the half price.Now you got much more options for the old CBR and as long as the engine is strong,I would do it again...
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