Purchase in Thailand?
 

I've been travelling for some time and have just arrived in Asia and learned of the change in Indian law of last June making it illegal for any foreign national to obtain a carnet for removal of an Indian motorbike or car.
My plan was to travel back over land (to England) on a motorcycle purchased in India... I now obviously have to change that plan.
Does anyone have any helpful advice or information to offer regarding the purchase of a motorcycle in Thailand or nearby countries?

I dont really have any experience of bying a bike in thailand but i do know there are big import taxes on all foreign vehicles going into thailand, bar pick ups and commercial vehicles.... this means they tend to be expensive or illegally imported in bits.... also, thais are notorious for not carrying out regular maintenace on there bikes and so finding a good one may be difficult. However, there are a fair few proper bikes in the country and there is a good bike shop in Chang Mai run by a german guy who may be able to assist, details already posted in "Repair shop" section.

I would have thought it may be best to try and find a fellow traveller who wants to sell his bike in that region??

hope it helps, best of luck.

Will

Will,

Thanks for your reply.
I've been looking into it and although there seem to be many people who have purchased bikes to ride in Thailand (most of which they don't bother registering) I cannot find anyone who has taken one out the country. I've posted another message looking for a UK registered bike as you suggested but won't be holding my breath! At present I will probably purchase something when I arrive in Nepal. I now have a contact there, I can buy new, register in my own name and get a carnet, the only problem is that prices for Enfields are about 40% higher than in India (which I'll be returning home through!!) due to import duty to Nepal. Still, better than flying home eh?

Gavin.