Do you ride Motobike in Pattaya?

[gaijin 146]

My perception of riding a motobike when I first came to Pattaya was #4, then after a day of riding it was #1. I couldn't imagine having to take multiple baht buses to get somewhere and also sit in the horrendous traffic and heat. Also, I rented a motobike for 150 baht/day my first trip, and 130 baht/day 2nd trip. That's $5 or less per day. That's pocket change for me. I may be the only person here that has not even ridden a baht bus yet.

 

Now, before anyone thinks I ride like a Evil Knievel, here's my background. I ride a super fast Honda Fireblade 954RR at home sometimes. I've taken multiple lessons from really skilled riders and have ridden at 'You wouldn't believe riding this fast was possible' speeds, kneedragging, 130 mph with the flick of a wrist. I know how to shift my weight on a bike, I understand countersteering. Now I don't really need to apply these advanced principles while riding a scooter in Thailand, but I definitely am just as aware. I find riding in the USA, is more dangerous than riding in Thailand. Sure it looks loony with all the motobikes zooming in and out between cars and even against traffic when there's gridlock traffic, but that's part of the riding culture and the riders are actually take more precaution than what it looks like. Sure I know many people crash burn and die a horrible death on motobikes, but when you consider just how many motobikes there are on the road, there's bound to be accidents. I'm not saying I'll never get into an accident riding in Thailand, but there are many ways to give yourself an exit strategy in case something does happen, such as if a car cuts you off be ready to slam on the brakes if there's enough distance, watch for cars that are looking to zoom out, give yourself room either side to swerve when that car does come zoomin out in front of you. In the USA we're taught to ride like we are invisible and drivers will never see us and will always cut off out paths, or sideswipe us, and I've had many more 'Oh Shit' moments in USA than Pattaya.

 

So for those of you who are on the fence about riding in Pattaya, I'd say go for it. It's pretty fun and you get places other tourists can't and much quicker. Just take it easy at first, and remember to go balls out when a stoplight turns green because if you don't others will get mad at you. Those little bikes don't go very fast at all and it's almost like riding a bicycle.

[dontcha 53]

it is fucking madness to ride a motorbike on holiday in pattaya, i doubt you are covered by your travel insurance in the case of an accident.

[CheshireTom 1,377]

it is fucking madness to ride a motorbike on holiday in pattaya, i doubt you are covered by your travel insurance in the case of an accident.

 

I agree. Probably the worst advice ever posted on this forum.

[vegasdave 0]

I think it is a risk benefit situation. There is certainly a risk when riding in LOS. But there is also a very large benefit. I would never consider riding in BKK, but in places like Pattaya, and Chang Mai or other smaller places it is really the way to get around. I wear a real helmet, and never ever get near it if I intend to drink. But the ability and freedom to go where you want when you want is without a doubt a huge advantage. Not to mention that you can get off the beaten path, and explore areas you simply couldn't without personal transportation.

[bouncer 2]

I crashed 1 and i survived,, wont try it again.

[GlynRhedyn 32]

I crashed 1 and i survived,, wont try it again.

I think "I have done but never again" would be a good 5th choice. Gaijin can you pm me if you want it added.

Glyn.

[teelack 9,297]

When hell freezes over comes to mind.

 

I have been carted about by BG's and the odd taxi bike in Patts and Cambodia and that all I need for a good clean out of the digestive tract.

[davebowk 13]

i'v been riding bikes for 25 years and was thinking of getting a scooter to get around patts but after reading how many people get killed on them in patts both locals and tourists i'm not going to get one.

It's my first time to patts next week and i don't want it to be my last.

[jjs928 2]

Riding a motorbike is dangerous no matter where you are in the world. When riding in Thailand, you need to have the right attitude and keep your head out of your ass.

[Big_Brian 179]

Rent one every trip. Haven't crashed yet. You do have to keep your wits about you though, no rubbernecking while riding, that way lies problems - especially if your GF is on the back.

[villayouth 37]

i get on the back of em pissed out my head but il never fuckin drive one

[BigusDicus 9,829]

Now, before anyone thinks I ride like a Evil Knievel, here's my background. I ride a super fast Honda Fireblade 954RR at home sometimes. I've taken multiple lessons from really skilled riders and have ridden at 'You wouldn't believe riding this fast was possible' speeds, kneedragging, 130 mph with the flick of a wrist. I know how to shift my weight on a bike, I understand countersteering.

 

 

Yes but can you understand a sick, demented Thai bus driver who seems to get a thrill from running over a bike rider when making a sharp turn in Pattaya?

[ZARIS 20]

hired one on my first trip.Would NEVER do it again.

Don't ride a bike at home so far from an expert, get full of beer so impaired abilities , couple that with having a BG on the back multiplied by 100's of madmen on other bikes/vehicles- no friggin thanks!

[MM 6,562]

FWIW I've been riding a scooter daily for the last six years. It's just so convenient compared to other alternatives.

On the other hand I'm generally very nervous about motorbike taxi drivers.

[villayouth 37]

FWIW I've been riding a scooter daily for the last six years. It's just so convenient compared to other alternatives.

On the other hand I'm generally very nervous about motorbike taxi drivers.

great buzz if you ask me , cant beat sitting on the back of that bike not knowing if youl make it or not

[jaxxon55 252]

An absolute thrill and keeps you alert and adrenaline flowing. Not a good idea if you are a drunk or not experienced or both. There is risk involved like everything in life. If you had rather die in a nursing home wallowing in your own shit and piss don't do it.

Jack

[jacko 8,766]

My perception of riding a motobike when I first came to Pattaya was #4, then after a day of riding it was #1. I couldn't imagine having to take multiple baht buses to get somewhere and also sit in the horrendous traffic and heat. Also, I rented a motobike for 150 baht/day my first trip, and 130 baht/day 2nd trip. That's $5 or less per day. That's pocket change for me. I may be the only person here that has not even ridden a baht bus yet.

 

Now, before anyone thinks I ride like a Evil Knievel, here's my background. I ride a super fast Honda Fireblade 954RR at home sometimes. I've taken multiple lessons from really skilled riders and have ridden at 'You wouldn't believe riding this fast was possible' speeds, kneedragging, 130 mph with the flick of a wrist. I know how to shift my weight on a bike, I understand countersteering. Now I don't really need to apply these advanced principles while riding a scooter in Thailand, but I definitely am just as aware. I find riding in the USA, is more dangerous than riding in Thailand. Sure it looks loony with all the motobikes zooming in and out between cars and even against traffic when there's gridlock traffic, but that's part of the riding culture and the riders are actually take more precaution than what it looks like. Sure I know many people crash burn and die a horrible death on motobikes, but when you consider just how many motobikes there are on the road, there's bound to be accidents. I'm not saying I'll never get into an accident riding in Thailand, but there are many ways to give yourself an exit strategy in case something does happen, such as if a car cuts you off be ready to slam on the brakes if there's enough distance, watch for cars that are looking to zoom out, give yourself room either side to swerve when that car does come zoomin out in front of you. In the USA we're taught to ride like we are invisible and drivers will never see us and will always cut off out paths, or sideswipe us, and I've had many more 'Oh Shit' moments in USA than Pattaya.

 

So for those of you who are on the fence about riding in Pattaya, I'd say go for it. It's pretty fun and you get places other tourists can't and much quicker. Just take it easy at first, and remember to go balls out when a stoplight turns green because if you don't others will get mad at you. Those little bikes don't go very fast at all and it's almost like riding a bicycle.

That is the WORST most dangerour advice I have read in a long time. Thais are pretty dopey about getting moving after the lights have turned green. Mainly because the guys coming the other way are still accelerating to jump the recently turned red.

Lights change to green..... count to 5...look.

Edited October 14, 2010 by jacko

[Stlakid 18]

This is pretty much me as well! I stayed in a couple of condos near Jomtien and I got tired of the Bhat busses ripping me off and trying to get me to pay stupid fares to get home. I don't get drunk (for the most part) anyway. Drink a lot of fruit juice and colas mixed up with the few beers I may have. I actually find riding a scooter (gutless piles that they are) is less stressful than riding my motorcycle in California. The reason is simple they are accustomed to seeing scooters between traffic lanes and generally anyplace they fit. They are aware they are there and accommodate them. They 'expect' you to split lanes or generally ride anyplace you fit. In America you are lucky if they see you when you are directly in front of them! They simply do not look for motorcycles here! I also got my lesson in crashing a scooter in Pattaya! It was a beautiful day (thankfully I was alone!) and I took a sweeping decreasing radius turn (which I took every trip to and from condo) to fast and found out quickly these things drag side stands and undercarriage parts very quickly and are "NOT MOTORCYCLES" in the handling department either! Surprisingly only a few scrapes and a torn shoe but I learned to ride a scooter 'Like a scooter'!

My perception of riding a motorbike when I first came to Pattaya was #4, then after a day of riding it was #1. I couldn't imagine having to take multiple baht buses to get somewhere and also sit in the horrendous traffic and heat. Also, I rented a motorbike for 150 baht/day my first trip, and 130 baht/day 2nd trip. That's $5 or less per day. That's pocket change for me. I may be the only person here that has not even ridden a baht bus yet.

 

Now, before anyone thinks I ride like a Evil Knievel, here's my background. I ride a super fast Honda Fireblade 954RR at home sometimes. I've taken multiple lessons from really skilled riders and have ridden at 'You wouldn't believe riding this fast was possible' speeds, kneedragging, 130 mph with the flick of a wrist. I know how to shift my weight on a bike, I understand countersteering. Now I don't really need to apply these advanced principles while riding a scooter in Thailand, but I definitely am just as aware. I find riding in the USA, is more dangerous than riding in Thailand. Sure it looks loony with all the motobikes zooming in and out between cars and even against traffic when there's gridlock traffic, but that's part of the riding culture and the riders are actually take more precaution than what it looks like. Sure I know many people crash burn and die a horrible death on motobikes, but when you consider just how many motobikes there are on the road, there's bound to be accidents. I'm not saying I'll never get into an accident riding in Thailand, but there are many ways to give yourself an exit strategy in case something does happen, such as if a car cuts you off be ready to slam on the brakes if there's enough distance, watch for cars that are looking to zoom out, give yourself room either side to swerve when that car does come zoomin out in front of you. In the USA we're taught to ride like we are invisible and drivers will never see us and will always cut off out paths, or sideswipe us, and I've had many more 'Oh Shit' moments in USA than Pattaya.

 

So for those of you who are on the fence about riding in Pattaya, I'd say go for it. It's pretty fun and you get places other tourists can't and much quicker. Just take it easy at first, and remember to go balls out when a stoplight turns green because if you don't others will get mad at you. Those little bikes don't go very fast at all and it's almost like riding a bicycle.

Edited October 14, 2010 by Stlakid

[Lantern 193]

Yes, every day I'm there.

 

Very, very, carefully.

 

Rode daily in UK and then Australia from 1971 till 2000.

[Stinky 12]

I do not ride a motorbike when in Pattaya. I do however, ride my scooter around Chonburi City on a regular basis. The driving is a little more "civilized" outside of Pattaya IMHO. Most likely due to the pissed up tourists racing around on rented crotch rockets, and pissed off Songtaew drivers just itching to make road kill of anything white on a motorbike.

[jacko 8,766]

I do not ride a motorbike when in Pattaya. I do however, ride my scooter around Chonburi City on a regular basis. The driving is a little more "civilized" outside of Pattaya IMHO. Most likely due to the pissed up tourists racing around on rented crotch rockets, and pissed off Songtaew drivers just itching to make road kill of anything white on a motorbike.

Shit, the chief is back.........

To be honest, I feel far more at risk on Sukhumvit and other major roads on the scooter.

Night riding is to be avoided.

Edited October 14, 2010 by jacko

[Stinky 12]

Shit, the chief is back.........

To be honest, I feel far more at risk on Sukhumvit and other major roads on the scooter.

Night riding is to be avoided.

 

Nup, I avoid Sukky Road like the plague when on me scoot. Night riding on the scoot around my little village is okay, but not on the busy roads. It's a good thing I got everything I need within a 5 minutes ride, and I do not have to cross any major roads.

[Larryst 7]

Cheap transportation if using a motorbike. A few points don't drink and then get on one. Drive slow, watch all corners other drivers come out in front of you and don't look and expect the worst when driving one.

[bratpack 91]

Drove a motorbike here,7 years ago, for the first time since i was 17.Normaly drive during the daytime and easy to get around quickly.Only had 1 small prang cos a mate was 135 kilo on the back

[Stinky 12]

Drove a motorbike here,7 years ago, for the first time since i was 17.Normaly drive during the daytime and easy to get around quickly.Only had 1 small prang cos a mate was 135 kilo on the back

 

 

That's what tow trucks are for.