Advice please about motorbike

BS and I have been discussing getting a motorbike. Could be very useful, but would appreciate advice on a couple of points from those in the know.

BS tells me he has license to drive motorbike, but how do i check? What does a Thai motorbike driving license look like?

Where do I get insurance, and how much is it likely to cost?

Any helpful advice much appreciated.

[bigben]

Not sure about your relationship with BS, but if you are new to this country and the "scene" why not rent a motorbike for him for a few months first. :cheers:

The bike would be his responsibility. Just don't sign any contracts yourself and if all works out well between you both, you could buy a bike later.

Prices vary, but if you shop around you should be able to rent one for between 2,000 and 3.000 baht per month. :geek:

Good Luck...

Thanks BB.
Yes, have thought about renting, that's not a problem, but the 2 questions are 1) how do i know if he has a driving license for motorbikes, and 2) where do i get insurance and how much is it likely to be?

[bigben]

I guess I assume to much. As far as seeing his license, you could ask to see it? It won't be the greenish card with the black strip on the back that he carries, it will be another business sized card with his picture. I know I know, it is all in Thai.

That is why I suggested going to a rental place. They would ask to see his license (and you could see it too) and they would provide the insurance.

If you buy from a dealer, they will provide the insurance.

3th party insurance for a motorcycle is cheap, maybe 1000 baht a year. But I would opt to upgrade so that medical expenses are covered.

I hope this helps....... a little.

DELETED

[Boxer]

Agree with John. As a long term bike rider in Pattaya 7 years now I seem to have done it all on a bike.
First rent one for BS at rates quoted as a trial 2-3 mths. no insurance on hire you pay for everything and others claims in full. Dont leave Passport or ID cards with hirer copy only. Lock bike up at all times!!
Ask to see his License. If not satisfied make him go to Chonburi/Pattaya office and get one like we all do, on motorway to Chonburi rear of/near Regents School is the office.
As for Insurance (dont think comprehensive like westerners do at home not possible here) new bikes costing 30-45000 baht each will come with Insurance IF YOU ASK FOR IT 2500 BAHT for 2 years usually, pay out 80% if stolen in first year 60% in second year well worth it in Pattaya - not accident insurance.
Accidents you pay for and include others costs as well no blame to be apportioned IT IS YOUR FAULT FOR BEING THERE so you pay as a Falang! Third Party claims against named rider only and Bail Bonds can be insured for 1200 baht per year. As long as you have NO alcohol or drugs in you!!
Take out seperate cover for Gen. Medical Insurance which must include accidents on Bikes or its not worth paper, BUPA or AIA Thailand do it. Again NO alcohol or you pay.
Tax on bikes is 100 baht and Govt. Insurance (worthless) is 380baht get at office where bike is taxed or agents.
THEN YOU HAVE THE MAIN BATTLE will he or you wear a crash hat all the time!!! If not pay Police fines 200-1000 baht each and be a death waiting to happen. Drive slowly be aware!
Then enjoy the freedom of the road even if every trip is a challenge and a dice with death at times easy in traffic get about quickly and no parking problems. Go out of Pattaya explore its wonderful out there.

If you, or anyone else, is planning on renting a motorbike then I would srongly advise you to go for one with insurance, at least for theft and preferably for accident damage as well. This will cost up to an extra 1,000 per month, which seems expensive but is much less than the 40,000 baht plus you could well end up paying for a new bike if (when?!) your rental is stolen. These are available from a number of hirers, including Mai Pang motorcycles (near Big C North Pattaya) and Street Machine (junction of Third Road and Soi Sophon cable).

Heed the advice on locking the bike, and use your own padlock (not one given you by the rentals) as some have been known to "steal" their own bikes! Motorbike theft, particularly of Waves and Mios, is now almost routine in Pattaya.

Can't imagine why they would steal the Yamaha Mios.. it's the smallest, most underpowered model on the road..
Maybe they steal them to give to their girlfriends? LOL

[Smiles]

Nice gently erotic avatar by Gone Fishing.

Something about it . . .


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v18/sawatdeephotos/Images/thaiguy.jpg


Cheers ...

I fear this is going to turn into a bit of a saga. Thanks to everyone who helped so far, could i ask for more help please.

The story so far:
Having used the information given here I have established that BS does not have licence. When i put my foot down and said "no licence, no bike" he told me he had to go home to N. Thailand for licence. Challenged this, and it turned out he wanted to go home to buy licence, not take test. Again, foot firmly down, and insisting that he take test.
He laso dragged me along to shop to look at motorbikes, and proudly produced salesman who said "If have id card, no need licence to drive motorbike, so you can buy here" I strongly suspect this was not true, but just a ploy to make a sale.

So, help please with the following questions.
1) Is the salesman right or wrong, does he need a licence for any bike?
2) If he can get the licence at Chonburi, does it involve taking a practical driving test? If it does, how does he get motorbike from Pattaya to Chonburi without breaking law on needing licence?

[bigben]

Dear GWM,

I really hate to take a negitive side to this and I hope I am wrong, but your BS is pulling your XXXX a little.

Every Thai boy knows he must have a license to legally operate a motorsai.

Every Thai boy is born with the knowledge to operate a motorsai.

I believe the salesman and your BS are most likely friends or associates..(not total strangers)

As far as a license is concerned, send his narrow ass home and let him buy a license or let him take the 15 question test at the License center near Regent college outside of Pattaya a few kilometers. I forget the name of the place, but all vehicle transactions take place there.

Once he has a D/L, RENT DO NOT BUY a motorsai.

If he turns out to be a good guy after all his BullSHIT, you can always buy a motorsai later

You other guys out there, please tell me if I am off base here, but it sounds like a typical con (Thai boy Vrs. Farang) starting to happen.

Seriously GWM, I hope and wish you well with your relationship. I hope I am wrong about the con situation.

Best Regards,

Thanks for the info and warning.
I indeed am wary of it being a bit of a scam, and do not intend to be taken for a ride (at least not until he has licence, if you pardon the pun!)

You say take the 15 question test - is that all it is? No practical driving involved?

Cheers

DELETED

If I were a romantic gwm4asian, I'd say that one day he will really appreciate that you cared enough not to let him risk the dangers of the highway without getting the proper training preceding the license. OTOH...

[catawampuscat]

Having bought several motorbikes for different boys and rented several for them as well, I have some experience ..
Sometimes, the boy's main goal is to get a motorbike from his farang..When he gets it, assuming it is paid in full, the boy
can get very independent and just take off and leave town..He can sell the bike or take it with him ..I have found buying a bike to be the kissoff twice already...It is something like staying on a job you don't like until you get your yearly bonus and then jump ship.. I would definitely rent first if I were in your position...Let us know what happens...
I am renting one now and I did not sign any guarantees or documents and have no legal responsibility if there is an accident or damage to other people or their property....

[Smiles]

A Thai can "buy" a drivers licence ... no test, no practical. It's simply the 'easy' way to get a licence. It costs more than going through the proper way, but takes less time (i.e. you get it now!)
All Thais know how to do this ... they understand ... they do it all the time.
The roads are full of Thai people who have never taken a written or practical road test.

Cheers ...

I agree with the rent first approach. Thai guys love getting presents, for varying reasons, face being one of them. Taking care of those presents is a different manner. They may have little idea of how to take care of a motorbike. Be prepared for mechanical repairs, accidents, and theft.
Rent first. You have already been lied to regarding the licence.