Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > West and South Asia
Any words of advise Any words of advise
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
West and South Asia From Turkey to Iran, Iraq, Pakistan, India, Nepal, Ladakh and Bangladesh
Photo by Helmut Koch, Vivid sky with Northern Lights, Yukon, Canada

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Helmut Koch,
Camping under Northern Lights,
Yukon, Canada



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 31 Aug 2015
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 1
Any words of advise
Hello,

I just purchased a Honda Wave 125 here in Kuala Lumpur and and am getting ready to head north through Thailand to Laos than Cambodia and finally back through Thailand and finish in Kuala Lumpur.

So seeing as this is the first time I have done anything of this nature I am hoping every one could share some words of wisdom or advise. Looking for any and all (helpful =D) advise.

Thanks in advance!

Nick G
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Sep 2015
Snakeboy's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,479
Just take it easy and ride slowly and keep left in the lane and you will hopefully be ok. Remember the traffic is not like where you come from.

But you have choosen a bad time to ride in this part of the world as september is the worst and wettest month of the rainy season. Something you will soon see... Anyhow it usually calms down in october and november and december are brilliant for bike riding in the area. Actually december and january can be quite cold in the northern areas of Thailand and especially Laos...
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Sep 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2014
Location: E Yorkshireman...in the Chum Phae area, Thailand
Posts: 1,273
I can only comment on Northern Thailand and Laos but they are fantastic places to ride. Have a look at my RR it might give you some places to visit. As Snakeboy said, its not really the best time to be riding at the moment. Be carefull of the oil, fuel spillage on the twisty hill routes and if you go off road, the mud cant get very slippery.
Enjoy it, its great

Wayne
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 Sep 2015
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
Quote:
Originally Posted by Snakeboy View Post
Just take it easy and ride slowly and keep left in the lane and you will hopefully be ok. Remember the traffic is not like where you come from.
Riding on the LH side of the road, right? While in malaysia or Thailand, yes... but the moment you cross Into Laos (or Cambodia), don´t bloody forget to switch to the right!!!!

Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2 Sep 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Hat Yai, S.Thailand
Posts: 60
I used to have a Honda Dream, same thing, older style, but slightly different.

One tip, I would invest in a simple tyre gauge from tesco lotus - your bound to get plenty of punctures, I put it down to the fact that a lot of local guys put too much air in the tyres.

If your out in the sticks, especially in Laos, and you get a puncture, just stop at any house - they will often have a puncture repair box as a way to make an extra $2-$3.

I would be interested to see some pictures of your loaded machine. If you are passing my neck of the woods, call in for a cup of tea.

I wouldn't worry too much about the rainy season, you get wet, you get muddy but sometimes your better off on a lighter bike.
I tried racing up this mountain last month to catch this view at sunrise. I had to leave the bike on the final stage, yet the locals were still hammering it up the slippery track to the summit on their waves.

Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 2 Sep 2015
Snakeboy's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,479
Quote:
Originally Posted by SonNC View Post
Make sure your bike is good enough to complete the whole trip
The Honda Waves and Dreams are the most BULLETPROOF bikes ever made. And virtually everywhere you go in the mentioned countries there will be a garage who kniws to fix them if something breaks down.

That said - TS should of course look over the bike before he sets off, check all wear parts and replace if nesecary and give the engine new oil and filter and spark plug.
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 3 Sep 2015
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: Hat Yai, S.Thailand
Posts: 60
Quote:
Originally Posted by Snakeboy View Post
The Honda Waves and Dreams are the most BULLETPROOF bikes ever made. And virtually everywhere you go in the mentioned countries there will be a garage who kniws to fix them if something breaks down.

That said - TS should of course look over the bike before he sets off, check all wear parts and replace if nesecary and give the engine new oil and filter and spark plug.
Yes .. I'm laughing here, because happened a fair few too many times.

It doesnt matter if your bike only makes it 10 km down the road, there will always be some local guy who

1) can try to do a repair.
2) if they don't have a part, will just send some passing youth off to collect the part from some mystery distributor.

The problem is often, to get them to just replace the part instead of trying to repair it.

I think you can buy a replacement engine for less 10,000 THB .. thats like 200 quid.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 3 Sep 2015
Snakeboy's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,479
Quote:
Originally Posted by pecha72 View Post
Riding on the LH side of the road, right? While in malaysia or Thailand, yes... but the moment you cross Into Laos (or Cambodia), don´t bloody forget to switch to the right!!!!

Oh come on! In that part of the world they will ride and drive on the left side, on the right side, in the middle, on the sidewalks, in the opposite direction, everywhere its physical possible and if it isnt physically possible they will sometimes still try to make it physical possible....

Hati hati, rawang rawang.....
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Advise on ways to pay in Canada PASSING PHASE North America 5 16 Jul 2014 20:49
Around Aus, can you advise on bike under $3000 please? WheelsOnFeet Australia / New Zealand 7 29 Jan 2014 06:34
Aus-Ind- Tropical heat n rain-can't decide on Jacket & Pants- need advise WheelsOnFeet Camping Equipment and all Clothing 2 21 Dec 2013 02:39
Hello everyone, I have just book DAS, any advise? Tazz-man The HUBB PUB 4 23 Jan 2012 19:53
Some words and photos, at last. danielsprague The HUBB PUB 1 29 Nov 2011 15:32

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 03:05.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top