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Author Topic: Hello from Thailand -- the Land of Smiles!  (Read 4564 times)

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Ricohoc

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Hello from Thailand -- the Land of Smiles!
« on: July 09, 2015, 08:21:36 AM »

Born and raised in Texas. Lived in St. Louis, Denver and South Louisiana before retiring and moving to Thailand permanently in 2010.

First bike was a Suzuki something or other. It was so small in comparison to my last bike (Yamaha Road Star 1600), it's hardly worth discussing it.

Rode on and off for about 29 years before retiring from teaching and coaching. Not a lot of free time in that profession. But I have been riding just about every day for the past 5 to 6 years. It's a challenge in Thailand, especially with monkeys, water buffaloes and elephants, but after surviving the first year, I've learned to anticipate just about every idiotic cager move imaginable. Thailand is #2 in the world in traffic fatalities.

The best riding times here are between October and April, without much rain at all. I'd describe that time of year as being like beautiful California days. We have a Rainy Season from June through September, but it's not monsoonish -- just unexpected rain that can happen any time of any day. Sometimes, there's no rain for a week or so, but it can come in buckets when you least expect it.

The best part about living here is the food, the women and the currency exchange rate. For every $30,000 USDs you have, you're a millionaire in Thailand. The cost of living is next to nothing. One of the worst parts about living here is that a Harley costs almost double what it costs in the US due to import fees and taxes.

I am thankful to find this forum -- one that deals exclusively with CVOs.  I am currently looking at a 2013 Road King CVO, but want to add some things to it to tour.

I am looking for the best auxiliary lights for this bike.  Need all the visibility I can get over here.  Also a good luggage rack, sissy bar and saddlebag guards.  If anyone has any recommendations, fire away.  I'm all eyes and ears.

Glad to be a member here, and I look forward to learning as much as I can.




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Fired00d

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Re: Hello from Thailand -- the Land of Smiles!
« Reply #1 on: July 09, 2015, 08:44:09 AM »

Welcome to the site glad to have you join us. :2vrolijk_21:

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Chains

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Re: Hello from Thailand -- the Land of Smiles!
« Reply #2 on: July 09, 2015, 08:53:06 AM »

Welcome to the site from Alabama.

Check out these crash bar mounted led lights, look like they would help in the front, Chrome Glow sells them.

http://chromeglow.com/products/bulbs-and-clusters/
« Last Edit: July 09, 2015, 08:54:41 AM by Chains »
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Ricohoc

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Re: Hello from Thailand -- the Land of Smiles!
« Reply #3 on: July 09, 2015, 08:57:55 AM »

Thanks for the welcome, guys!

Chains, I had a headlight modulator in my other bike.  Saved my hide more than half a dozen times at all the highway U-turns we have here.  Not looking to put a modulator on the Road King (not even sure that light will take it), but I want to put auxiliary lights and leave the turn indicators high near the grips.

I saw pic of exactly what I want posted here welcoming me from Texas, but the post is gone now.  ???
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martys

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Re: Hello from Thailand -- the Land of Smiles!
« Reply #4 on: July 09, 2015, 09:19:35 AM »

Welcome to the site from Southern Ontario, Canada   :pepper: :pepper: :pepper:
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muddypaws

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Re: Hello from Thailand -- the Land of Smiles!
« Reply #5 on: July 09, 2015, 09:23:58 AM »

Welcome from Virginia USA...
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Re: Hello from Thailand -- the Land of Smiles!
« Reply #6 on: July 09, 2015, 09:40:51 AM »



Welcome to the site!   :2vrolijk_21:   Glad you have joined us...

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MIKEYTEE

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Re: Hello from Thailand -- the Land of Smiles!
« Reply #7 on: July 09, 2015, 11:10:33 AM »

Welcome to the site from The Lowcountry of South Carolina!
Mike
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RGlideKid

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Re: Hello from Thailand -- the Land of Smiles!
« Reply #8 on: July 09, 2015, 11:35:17 AM »

Hey Ricohoc!
Glad to have you with us and great intro also!
You make Thailand sound like a lot of fun.  Just curious, with so many accidents there, what are you paying for bike insurance, and where's the nearest dealer?
Hey, I grew up outside of St. Louis but have retired to the lakes of North Arkansas where the cost of living is...well...hey, it's cheaper than the big city (and a LOT safer, too!).
Hope to be hearing lots of tales from you soon.
Good lookin' scoot!
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Classic45

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Re: Hello from Thailand -- the Land of Smiles!
« Reply #9 on: July 09, 2015, 11:38:57 AM »

Welcome from - Moss - Norway!  :coolblue:
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Ricohoc

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Re: Hello from Thailand -- the Land of Smiles!
« Reply #10 on: July 09, 2015, 12:08:01 PM »

Thanks for the great welcome, guys!

Quote
You make Thailand sound like a lot of fun.  Just curious, with so many accidents there, what are you paying for bike insurance, and where's the nearest dealer?
Hey, I grew up outside of St. Louis but have retired to the lakes of North Arkansas where the cost of living is...well...hey, it's cheaper than the big city (and a LOT safer, too!).
Hope to be hearing lots of tales from you soon.

RGK, Thailand is my paradise on earth.  I know people who have come here on vacation with their wives, went home and got divorced and came back to live forever.  I know some other guys who came here alone on vacation and never left. Much of it has to do with "Adult Disneyland" in Pattaya (I just got back after a few days.  Can't stand more than that.) and Phuket.

Insurance is cheap. I pay less here for EVERYTHING except energy (electricity and fuel is about the same as the US) and motorcycles (import duties and taxes).

I lived in Creve Coeur -- west of StL city limits.  Loved the time I was there. Still a Cardinals fan.

As for tales, I'll post some videos of the bike parties.  I think the members will like them, but I'll have to check the forum rules about content before I do.  The women over here are pretty loose.

There are two certified dealers here.  One in Bangkok and another just opened in Chiang Mai in the northwest.  The newest Street Glide CVOs are selling for 2.6 million baht ($76,665.00). Import and Customs fees ...
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RGlideKid

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Re: Hello from Thailand -- the Land of Smiles!
« Reply #11 on: July 09, 2015, 01:00:35 PM »

Ricohoc,
Hard to believe insurance is inexpensive.  Wish I could say the same thing about being stateside.
You're really starting to make Thailand sound fun, now!  Doubt I'll ever make it over there, but would definitely love the food.
Yep, I know Creve Coeur.  Been thru there many times.  My high school band place the National Anthem on the field at the old Busch Stadium.  I remember the Bob Gibson days myself.  Since then, I've been a die-hard Blues fan, but they sucked this past spring in the playoffs after having one of their best years ever and ending up in first place in their division.  Just like the Blues, I guess!
Yeah, check the rules before posting or the posts might get deleted. 
$77k for a CVO.  Wow.  And here I thought $40k was highway robbery!
Take care, bro and welcome again to the forum.  Look forward to seeing you around.
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jamnflhxse2

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Re: Hello from Thailand -- the Land of Smiles!
« Reply #12 on: July 09, 2015, 01:53:23 PM »

Welcome from Illinois!
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akodust

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Re: Hello from Thailand -- the Land of Smiles!
« Reply #13 on: July 09, 2015, 01:54:59 PM »

welcome to the site from lancaster, texas...you can check out custom dynamics.com or jpcycle.com , they have alot of lites...i am looking for some myself...good luck...keep us posted about  thailand...sounds interesting :apple: :carrot: :drummer: :drink:
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Re: Hello from Thailand -- the Land of Smiles!
« Reply #14 on: July 09, 2015, 02:02:31 PM »

Welcome from GA.  I am on another forum for Yamaha Jet Boats and there is a guy there that is retired in Thailand. He is educating us on the land and as you mentioned the value.  Lots of value, lots of girls and great weather. He is from England and when goes back (last time three years ago) even though it was summer he was always cold. The markets provide for almost everything at little to no cost. He gets people to help him out for $12 a day.  His posts make me jealous as I am sure your will as well!  Great place but you have to be very careful driving. Ride safe!
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