Bike SE Asia
 

Hi
Anybody know where to get/rent etc. a bike (preferably a offroad) in SE Asia (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Malysia or Singapore). I'm going in feb,mar,apr and may 2004.

Mike

just about every 200 yards you can hire one, best is to rent in the place you are, i.e go somewhere rent a bike, give it back then go somewhere else then rent again and so forth.

Unless your looking for a tour on a bike which then I'd rent in BKK as I guess you would leave from there if you entered thailand from BKK airport.
Siam superbike Ive heard about but there are loads and all the same, just haggle a price as the first will be way out especially if you are as white as the driven snow indcating youve just arrived and thus a walking ATM machine.

The renting problem in thailand is the fact if you crash you pay and a lot more than the bike is probably worth, infact the lack of upkeep of the bike probably made you crash in the first place.
Any insurance you buy is a waste of time regarding the bike. If you do crash don't take the first price as most of them are there to rip you off this is where they earn ££ not from renting.

If you do happen to bend one and can't afford to pay up say your getting money sent through which will take a few days and give the guy your flight ticket. Go buy another one in another town to leave that night and your away, it's not great but if the guy is trying it on what can you do! this is all on the bad side, Ive not had a problem but have seen it happen to some sorry soles all bust up in hospital being threatened with there life.

Hi Mike, There are lots of places that you can rent bikes from in Thailand, and a few in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. There is very good information on riding in South east Asia on the golden triangle rider website, gt-rider.com
If you plan on taking a bike across borders, it must be registered and will need all the proper documents. A lot of the rental bikes are unregistered, plus you have to leave your passport as collateral... The best bet is to rent in each country.


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[This message has been edited by Cameron (edited 10 January 2004).]

Hello Slim. When i was in Thailand in 2000, i purchased an XLR250 from a guy named Ed,an American who lives in Chaing Mai. He rides a lot and also knows where to get good bikes. I bought mine and sold it again before i left, even got my money back! I would rather not post his e-mail on the forum without permission, send me a letter if your interested.

Sorry Slim! Ed just returned my letter, he's not available. Good luck!