Motorcycles in Thailand
Many people, especially men, are interested in motorcycles. And we are not talking about motorbikes, but about real motorbikes.
Beautiful machines are set up at a number of places on Pattaya/Jomtien. There are big differences between light engines, medium and the “Big Boys”. On the Sukhumvit Road towards Sattahip, past the Floating Market, there is a large shop for Harley-Davidsons on the left. Recently in the news due to President Trump's import and export measures. Buying a Harley would cost the European enthusiast 2500 Euro more. The manufacturer therefore wants to move its production line to Europe, much to the dismay of President Trump, because this goes against his "policy". A factory would be started in Rayong in 2017, but I don't know what the prices will do.
If we were to drive in the opposite direction to Sri Racha, a Honda Motors dealership is located on Sukhumvit Road. The eye-catcher there is the Honda Cruiser 6 cylinder, a machine that you say "U" to. Not only because of the impressive appearance, but also because of the price tag. For that price range, I'd rather drive an air-conditioned car than sit on a motorcycle. Moreover, it would not be easy to handle for me, given my weight of over 80 kilograms and an engine of 270 kilograms or more. This could cause problems, especially when standing still!
Fast Ducati machines are set up on the Pattaya Klang near the Big C extra, often sprayed in a blood-curdling red color! There is also a certain audience for that. In the vicinity, enthusiasts can find Royal Enfields engines. An almost nostalgic-looking concept that deserves some attention. A Triumph dealer is located on the left side of the Sukhumvit near the Thepprasit. In short, something for everyone who stays here longer and wants to buy something.
For people who also want to “try out” this, there is the possibility to rent a real motorcycle. In Soi 13 ll on the Beach Road or at dp-harley-rent-pattaya.com (Huay Yai), Soi 27. If people have no experience riding heavy motorcycles, the advice is not to start. The striking thing is that with a "Motorcycle Driving License" intended for a motorbike, you can also use it for heavier motorcycles, which is absolutely not allowed in the Netherlands. Moreover, inexperienced with such a heavy engine in Thai traffic, irresponsible!
Sorry, Soi 27 should be Soi 17. (HuayYai, Tesabal Road1 Soi 17 at the sports field, town hall)
I like a Duc Panigale. Prices in Thailand compared to the Netherlands are not really crazy either.
By the way, there is a nice sales manager at the Ducatishop 🙂
Oh they also sell gadgets there. Clothing etc.
Here in Chiangmai there are often big bike events, the biggest is usually in December.
Go google it.
I highly doubt that they will make or rather assemble all Harley models in Rajong.
I think it only concerns the Sportster models.
And as far as prices in Thailand are concerned, they have been around 40% more expensive than in the USA for years, thanks to the import tax.
The real Harley fans like me are not happy with bikes that are assembled somewhere else than in the USA, it's the Milwaukee sound and not the Rajong sound.
Take as an example the Harley model Street 750 and StreetRod 750 is made in India and is not seen as a Harley by many Harley riders but as a kind of Japanese rice burner.
Jan Beute.
Hi Jan,
I had to laugh at that “Japanese rice burner”.
Sincerely,
Lodewijk