Motorcycle Touring Destination Info

Thailand

Thailand flag

Capital City

Bangkok

Population

~ 69,650,000

Land Area

513,120 m2

Official Language(s)

Thai

Currency

Thai Baht (THB)

Driving Side

left

Climate

tropical; rainy, warm, cloudy southwest monsoon (mid May to September); dry, cool, notrtheast monsoon (November to mid-march); southern isthmus always hot and humid

Thailand Fact File

Thailand has been very popular as a tourist destination for several decades and is also a great palace for motorbike touring. The general hospitality of the Thais, tasty cuisine, well-maintained roads and general ease of travel make this an easy country to survive in.

Most riders will head to the northeast of the country where they can drive such routes as the Mae Hong Son Loop, which can be visited from the ancient imperial city of Chiang Mai and that run through the tiny towns of Pai, Mae Hong Son, Mae Sariang and others. Routes that take in Doi Suthep Mountain and Doi Inthanon are also extremely popular and visits to the Golden Triangle where 3 countries meet and the northeastern corners of the country are also popular. The roads are well maintained and free flowing and offer great opportunities for exhilarating riding through the mountains.

Thailand FAQ

Most travellers can get a visa on arrival or a visa exemption quite easily. This will allow a stay of between 30 to 45 days in the country. It is important to note that tourists are travellers who visit the country for leisure and they are not allowed to work in any way. If you wish to stay longer or engage in anything other than leisure travel you will need to look at other visa options.
Thailand has signed both the 1949 and 1968 Convention on International Driving Permits. Therefore, you can use either.
You do not need any proof of vaccination against COVID to enter Thailand. You should follow normal covid precautions and many people still wear masks in public, especially in confined spaces such as elevators.
If we are talking about the best time to tour, it is usually November to March in the North of the country. This is where you are most likely to be touring. Between these times, the weather will be cooler and drier which is much more bearable than the hot, wet months during the Summer.
Thailand is generally safe but you need to be careful of similar things to back home. Staying out late at night or leaving motorbikes unattended on the street can be dangerous. So, be aware that you are in a foreign country and pay attention.
Yes, there is a slight risk of Malaria in Thailand. This is much less in the major cities such as Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket and Chiang Mai and more in the forested and border areas. Most cases are found in areas that border with Myanmar and Cambodia. We would suggest only using preventative measures unless you know for sure that you will be in the forested areas close to the borders. This means wearing long sleeves and trousers and using a good quality mosquito repellent.
Yes, this is a far greater risk than that of Malaria. There are cases of Dengue year round but the peak is between May to October. Once again, the main preventative measure is to to avoid getting bitten by covering up and using a good repellent.
There is a generally relaxed style of riding in Thailand when it comes to follow the regulations. Thais will generally stop at traffic lights but they may meander a little when driving, cut corners, and pull out with out paying too much attention. However, the traffic in Thailand generally moves at a good pace and so people are quite used to being cautious. You will generally find drivers to be predictable in their actions and so long as you are alert, you should be fine.
Try to bring as much as possible. We will advise you on the weather conditions when you book your tour/rental and this will inform you as to what you should bring. Nearly all items are available here but the supply is sporadic and sizes tend to be more for the Asian market. Bring your helmet, jacket, riding pants, boots, gloves and waterproofs as these are essential and size dependant. We can provide a limited range of gear and sizes so it is best to discuss this with us in advance as we cannot guarantee to have what you need. There is NO NEED to bring bungees, waterproof bags, phone holders etc… unless you really wish to.
Yes, there are plenty of gas stations in the country and so long as you fill up every morning you are unlikely to run out of fuel. There is a good mix of motorbike and cars as well as lots of road users so you’ll find it easy to fill up.
Things get booked up in Thailand quite early and you should find that 6 months in advance will give you the full option. However, in some of the remote locations where there are very few guesthouses you have to be careful to make sure there is room for you. Tour operators also have this issue and, therefore, will ask you to pay deposits early. The earlier the better.
Not at all. Of course, tips are appreciated and much more common in tourist areas. However, you will never see a Thai waiting to receive a tip much less suggest you leave a tip. When eating a street stalls you will probably confuse the vendor if you try to tip. You could leave a few baht on the table but they may think you have forgotten it and tell you to take it. At larger restaurants, shops and for services you might leave a 10% tip for good service and it would be understood. However, there is not real obligation.

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R.E. Himalayan 400

Royal Enfield Himalayan 400 motorcycle rental
Royal Enfield’s first adventure bike: the Himalayan is a reliable, capable all-rounder.

Engine Type

air-cooled, single cylinder, SOHC, 4-stroke

Displacement

411 cc

Bore X Stroke

78 mm x 86 mm

Ignition

Digital Electronic Ignition

Fuel System

fuel injection

Compression Ratio

9.5:1

Starter

electric

Gearbox

5-speed

Front Suspension

telescopic, 41 mm forks, 200 mm travel

Rear Suspension

monoshock, 180 mm travel

Front Brakes

disc

Rear Brakes

disc

Front Tyres

90/90-21

Rear Tyres

120/90-17

Wheelbase

1465 mm

Seat Height

800 mm

Ground Clearance

220 mm

Kerb Weight

199 kg

Fuel Capacity

15 litres

Dimensions

2190 mm (L) x 840 mm (W) x 1370 mm (H)

Honda CRF 300

Honda CRF 300 motorcycle rental
The perfect balance between size, weight, power and handling.

Engine Type

single cylinder, DOHC, Liquid cooled

Displacement

286 cc

Bore X Stroke

76 mm x 63 mm

Ignition

Full Transistor Digital

Fuel System

PGM-FI electronic fuel injection

Compression Ratio

10.7:1

Starter

electric

Gearbox

5-speed

Front Suspension

43 mm Telescopic upside down

Rear Suspension

Prolink Mono with 5 stage pre load adjuster

Front Brakes

256 mm disc, 2 piston caliper

Rear Brakes

220 mm disc, single piston caliper

Front Tyres

80/100 21

Rear Tyres

120/80 18

Wheelbase

1455 mm

Seat Height

880 mm

Ground Clearance

285 mm

Kerb Weight

142 kg

Fuel Capacity

7.8 litres

Dimensions

2230 mm (L) x 820 mm (W) x 1200 mm (H)

Honda CRF 250

Honda CRF 250 motorcycle rental
Replaced in 2021 by the CRF 300, this bike remains a great choice for thrill seekers.

Engine Type

liquid cooled, single cylinder, 4-stroke

Displacement

249 cc

Bore X Stroke

79 mm x 50.9 mm

Ignition

computer-controlled digital transistorized with electronic advance

Fuel System

PGM-FI

Compression Ratio

13.9:1

Starter

electric

Gearbox

5-speed

Front Suspension

49 mm leading-axle inverted, 12.2-inch travel

Rear Suspension

single shock with spring preload; 12.3-inch travel

Front Brakes

single 260 mm disc

Rear Brakes

single 240 mm disc

Front Tyres

80/100 21

Rear Tyres

100 / 90 19

Wheelbase

1445 mm

Seat Height

875 mm

Ground Clearance

333 mm

Kerb Weight

145 kg

Fuel Capacity

7.7 litres

Dimensions

2,195 mm (L) x 815 mm (W) x 1,195 mm (H)

Honda XR 150

Honda XR 150 motorcycle rental
Inexpensive, comfortable and reliable, yet surprisingly capable off-road.

Engine Type

air cooled, OHC, single cylinder

Displacement

149 cc

Bore X Stroke

57.3 mm x 57.8 mm

Ignition

CDI

Fuel System

20 mm piston valve carburettor

Compression Ratio

9.5:1

Starter

electric with kick starter backup

Gearbox

5-speed

Front Suspension

telescopic fork, 180 mm axle travel

Rear Suspension

single shock swing arm, 150 mm axle travel

Front Brakes

dual piston caliper, 240 mm disc

Rear Brakes

mechanical drum

Front Tyres

90/90 19

Rear Tyres

110/90 17

Wheelbase

1362 mm

Seat Height

825 mm

Ground Clearance

243 mm

Kerb Weight

129 kg

Fuel Capacity

12 litres

Dimensions

2091 mm (L) x 811 mm (W) x 1125 mm (H)

R.E. Classic 350

Royal Enfield Classic 350 motorcycle rental
Wide handlebars and upright seating position, with classic styling.

Engine Type

4 stroke, air-cooled, single cylinder, SOHC

Displacement

349 cc

Bore X Stroke

72 mm x 85.8 mm

Ignition

Digital Electronic Ignition

Fuel System

fuel injection

Compression Ratio

9.5:1

Starter

electric

Gearbox

5-speed

Front Suspension

telescopic, 41 mm forks, 130 mm travel

Rear Suspension

twin tube emulsion shock, 6-step preload

Front Brakes

disc, 300 mm

Rear Brakes

disc, 270 mm

Front Tyres

100/90-19

Rear Tyres

120/80-18

Wheelbase

1465 mm

Seat Height

805 mm

Ground Clearance

170 mm

Kerb Weight

195 kg

Fuel Capacity

13 litres

Dimensions

2145 (L) x 785 (W) x 1090 (H)

Honda XR 250

Honda XR 250 motorcycle rental
One of Honda’s older dual sport offerings, replaced in 2004 by the CRF 250.

Engine Type

Four Stroke, air cooled, SOHC, single cylinder

Displacement

249 cc

Bore X Stroke

73 mm x 59 mm

Ignition

CDI

Fuel System

32 mm Keihin carburettor

Compression Ratio

10.2:1

Starter

electric with kick starter backup

Gearbox

6-speed

Front Suspension

41mm telescopic, air assisted fork

Rear Suspension

Pro Link adjustable

Front Brakes

dual piston caliper, 240 mm disc

Rear Brakes

single piston caliper, 220 mm disc

Front Tyres

80/100 21

Rear Tyres

100/100 18

Wheelbase

1400 mm

Seat Height

920 mm

Ground Clearance

315 mm

Kerb Weight

104 kg

Fuel Capacity

9 litres

Dimensions

2110 mm (L) x 830 mm (W) x 1215 mm (H)