Rural Thailand NEW Bike Shopping may Have Benefits

I visit several new motorbike dealers around my new home in Thailand to test the waters and see what may be available. To my surprise, I discover there may actually be benefits to buying in a more rural area and I find a new model that may be ideal for day rides down the coast here.
#Pattaya #PattayaThailand #Rides4Kickz
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[@joergthalmann1458]

Hi! Bought my RE SM650 in March this year! Drove 2000km up to now and I am happy! 650cc and 47hp are enough for cruising, handling is easy, breaks are OK! I like the styling (upright sitting position) and the good quality of the bike! The weight of 241kg is high, but there is no plastic! All in all a good bike!

[@Rides4Kickz]

Very good 👍

[@REALPERSON-mv9mp]

Good point no plastic!!

[@GeorgeLaird]

I remember when your friend was shopping for a bike, and had a go on a Green Royal Enfield, it really opened my eyes to that bike range and its affordibility

[@marcp108]

I remember that too

[@GeorgeLaird]

@@marcp108 good episode, very enjoyable

[@timdingleakajacksparrow2748]

I bought the Honda Rebel 500 a couple of years ago, and it’s an excellent bike 🏍️ great cruiser , comfy and lightweight with plenty of power ! Unfortunately I live in Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺, so the opportunity to ride doesn’t come easily with winter weather at the moment , But I do recommend this to anyone who is interested in one ✅✅✅

[@franksaunders6534]

Thanks for the bike tour. I know this is something you love, Loucous, and it shines through in your vlogs on that subject.

[@Dutch-Buddha]

thanks for creating and sharing your vlogs

[@Rides4Kickz]

My pleasure!

[@robertkelly1569]

Went back & watched your "Road to Koh Samui" video...(I love revisiting those older ones) Cried for 10 minutes remembering Vee...😢...sorry...I know her spirit goes ON!...BYE...😊❤

[@varietasVeritas]

If you love the Royal Enfield look, I would get the 350. 80 -100 mpg and spare parts forever. I went with a Honda xr150l. Same mileage but better suspension and seat big enough for three.❤❤❤

[@MikeK6046]

RE SM650 (IMO, great value/ cool motorcycle)... I've seen various videos from owners who love it and ride the heck out of it. Also, not much competition at this price, the next step up is something like the more expensive Triumph T-100, which may/ may not be that much better for the real roads of life?

[@user-tz6xf9mz4w]

Great show Lucas. Awesome looking bikes. 😊 Take care and as alway's stay cool 😎 kind and generous.

[@georgeoshust793]

That food looked excellent! And a great price!

[@genokemp2433]

Liked ..no idea what you was saying Lucas. But i did ride a chopper bike (When my Brother was asleep ) 😁

[@robertkelly1569]

Another interesting, informative great video! Love these videos...😊

[@REALPERSON-mv9mp]

Ultimately it's the bike that test rides the best. The sound of the Enfield is definitely attractive!! If you cant afford something else dont test ride it you'll never know the difference

[@jpdurr]

Hard Pass on that RE Super Meteor. I have a rule on Big Bikes in SE Asia, must be fully liquid cooled and Fuel Injected. While it does have the EFI, it is only an Air-Oil Cooled engine. Also, looks like it doesn't have a Hydraulic Clutch. Even more a reason to stay away from it. When you are paying the premium price for a Big Bike in Thailand, make sure it is fully Liquid Cooled. I like the looks and it is probably priced reasonably, but it's missing some key features, that are especially needed in a very Hot and Humid Climate.

[@jgb4unme1]

the cafe looked good, as usual! I don't know anything about bikes, but i always like the looks of the Royal Enfield the most whenever you do these bike videos. Hope you have a great rest of your week!

[@cryptorocketeer]

I've always thought black and pink are cool together 😊

[@ACWerling]

Korean K-Pop fans would agree with you.

[@stephenday-dh6zd]

I have the super meteor 650 in celestial blue, and it's fantastic. Take it out and ride it, and you will be sold, especially on Thai roads

[@Rides4Kickz]

Nice 👍👍

[@SunnynPhilly]

Good Lookin bike, especially in that blue. Saw the Royal Enfield dealer near me in the US has one listed for 7774 USD

[@neildutton8077]

Just bought a 24 RE Hunter 350 from Pattaya...really nice bike, quality and fit and finish are way better than a few years ago. Almost half the price of the 650 meteor as well. Get a lot of compliments at the lights, gas station etc.

[@MarkEvans22]

Wait till the 450 Himalayan and Guerilla get out there almost double the power of the 400 Himalayan and 350 Hunter

[@bobbyzipp9947]

I saw that RE when we bought our Zontes. I liked it as well, but no clutch in Pattaya for me. Maybe in the future if we move out by you. Good looking cruiser for the price.

[@mauihowey]

When I bought mine last year I opted for the Meteor 350…..the 650 was about 100k baht more, very happy with it for my day trip travels from Hua Hin🏍️

[@Rides4Kickz]

Very nice!

[@oldthaiexpat]

Have you looked at the Triumph speed 400? Only 162,000 baht, seems to have very good fit and finish, has 40hp and a top speed of 160km/hr

[@coleythailand999]

Had an interceptor for a while. RE 650 is a good engine. If the super meteor fits your size and taste you'll be fine 😊

[@andytillman7739]

I like the 650. I just wished it had 10 HP more

[@Thaigary]

The problem with buying a Zontes over a Honda is obtaining spares and warranty repairs when there are So few dealerships.

[@MrDobberdude]

My concern as well. And also isn't this a Chinese manufacturer?

[@tonyh6846]

Cheers mate, 🙂

[@steveone]

The 650s are air cooled so theyre going to be down on power compared with the Japanese twins . It might also get a bit warm sitting in traffic in Thailand . Stylewise theyre a winner no problem .

[@Rides4Kickz]

Good point 👍

[@Walt-ck5qn]

Hey Lucas & Lan! Yummy looking food; enjoyable video. Be happy & healthy!

[@timothyrill3825]

The bikes were very interesting. I liked your choice ! The little restuarant looked a diamond in the rough. Never a shortage of good food.😊

[@SurinLeiningen]

I have had the RE Classic 350 for about a year and a half now. No problems. Kind of have my eye on a bigger bike now, maybe that new Himalayan. A lot more power than the old one. Enjoy.

[@MisterMitchMM]

Very nice. Lots of options. Thanks Loucous.👍🙏

[@Rides4Kickz]

No problem 👍

[@grahamjohnson4702]

If I was a motorcycle enthusiast I would have been a little disappointed with the speed you showed those bikes at, but being as I am not, great video Loucous.

[@mikediffley2042]

Hi Lou, I enjoyed the episode today, thanks for showing me the video. Bye for now.

[@Rides4Kickz]

My pleasure Mike 👍

[@chasinpaper8223]

Oh yeah You've got the buy a new Bike bug.the R.E are Great looking rides Not too sure about the reliability Can't wait to see what you get

[@joeramsey3865]

The eliminator and Vulcan s are 2 different bikes. The eliminator is only a 450cc bike while the Vulcan s is a 650cc

[@Rides4Kickz]

👍👍👍

[@Mrhappy555]

Thank you for your videos, keep up the good work

[@Rides4Kickz]

Thanks, will do!

[@robertkelly1569]

I forget which of your bikes is your 'go to' touring one. I believe its the white 'big bike' you overhauled last year. Let me know...yes, the Royal Enfield 650 looks awesome! 😊😅

[@EarthCamper]

RE royal Enfield Himalayan I like. Light n agile n has power

[@karltraveldude7817]

Thank you for sharing guys , meal looks great ! I have reservations about Enfields , I am sure you know better than I on that subject ... Enjoy

[@Rides4Kickz]

Our pleasure!

[@freejay3]

The Royal Enfield is a beautifully finished cruiser SOunds great too!

[@Rides4Kickz]

It appears they keep getting better.

[@morningfam]

That KLR looked good.

[@Rides4Kickz]

I had a 92 model, was my primary transportation for over a year. Rain, snow, sleet or shine 🤣👍

[@captainpaddy1524]

I would worry about the quality and durability of Zontes (made in China) and Royal Enfield (made in India) as opposed to the Japanese brands that are either made in Japan or made overseas under Japanese supervision.

[@marcp108]

I must admit, for the older gentleman, I do like the classic styling of the Royal Enfield. Harleys are lovely (I have one) but they are so expensive.

[@bobbyzipp9947]

I bought a Zontes 350D for my wife. We love it. They’re giving 8,000 off for the D and 10,000 for the E. I have the ADV 350 and put many upgrades. I love it too.

[@michaelthegreat44]

usually I find I am paying more to give the women the D...

[@geoffgill3240]

I've got the NT1100 DCT Voyager here in the UK and an NC750 DCT in Thailand, both are great.

[@chrisminter271]

Hi, I am a big RE enthusiast, and I have to admit that the new Super Meteor 650 and the Shotgun 650 are a big step forward. Very popular in the UK.

[@Rides4Kickz]

Yes, I think that's the point, they seem to be on a great trajectory improving quality. 👍

[@andersbergman7241]

Always fun with mc Lucas👍

[@Steve-xf4uv]

Some really nice looking bikes there, Lucas. I like the RE myself but I agree they could have given the 650 a bit more horsepower. Great looking and riding bike but won't win any races. Do you care ? Most don't.

[@johnodonnell3208]

Have a look at the new offering from Royal Enfield, the guirrila 450.

[@Rides4Kickz]

👍👍👍

[@andrewmack2161]

Whilst I really like the RE Super Meteor 650, IMO it's suspension travel is too small for Thai roads. I'd think longer about the Interceptor but would probably hold off on that one as well. There was (Maybe still is) rumour of a 650 Himalayan which would really interest me in TH. At the moment IMO the Versys, Tracer, Strom, Tiger and Transalp would be top 5 that would interest me, assuming touring was on the agenda. Odd that Triumph doesn't have an outlet there despite their factory being somewhere in Rayong.... I'd avoid any Chinese Bike including the Zontes. They sound like great deals until it goes wrong....

[@Rides4Kickz]

👍👍👍

[@davidbunch1080]

I've had street bikes, dirt bikes, small Honda bikes. If I were to get another, it'd be the vespa 300 with light on the front fender (sei giorni?). But when older, motorbikes offer no protection, and you heal much slower if at all. I keep my 2 wheel enthusiasm focused on hiso bicycles.

[@jameslamouria8923]

Cant go wrong with the triumph scrambler 400x.

[@kbarnbrook4993]

Teacher T Thailand owns a Super meteor 650, he changed the rear suspension and put a belt drive on, removing the chain sprocket.

[@Rides4Kickz]

Interesting, didn't know he had one, he lives not far from me.

[@tomofnorthcal]

My Thai lady and I traveled to Rayong in Jan 2024.

[@newtondelmar4416]

Hey Buddy, what music is that starting at 4:46 ??? Good song IMO :)

[@onedirection3510]

Honda Gold Wing I always thought that was the benchmark for big cruisers. 🤷‍♂️ Are you a fan?

[@senianns9522]

I like the Royal Enfield's but cannot live with the 'welded seams' around the gas tank. The older bikes had rounded tanks!

[@vithayachaipanya561]

If I was at your age I would get the Honda Gold Wing, it’s kind of cool. Good luck big Lucas.

[@morningfam]

The BMW F900 R or GS, just ride one. I saw a used one in Rayong a couple weeks ago for 200k with 1000 kms on it. They have dual discs on the front which is a must for me. When you get on the BMW you know the quality immediately. There are a bunch of videos of Royal Enfield with snapped frames. The newer ones might be fixed I don't know but dual discs have saved me a couple timed 94 HP can also get you out of a pinch but if you are set on a cruiser, the enfield looks good to me.

[@Rides4Kickz]

Yeah nice bikes, might have to ride one soon 😉

[@joeuwest489]

Good info Lucas

[@CamboFord]

Yeah the Zontes look like a decent bike from the reviews. I'd consider looking at that next time I'm in Thailand to replace the NMAX 155 rather than the extra cost of the Forza or XMAX.

[@dennyzeecko5183]

What a cute cafe, Looks very good, I just hope the food taste good.

[@Rides4Kickz]

Thanks Denny

[@dougtexas9075]

I think the Royal Enfield has an oil cooler. The water cooled is better but........... costs more.

[@michaelkay3451]

That’s got to be the earliest Christmas tree ever, even for Thailand 😂

[@Rides4Kickz]

Right 🤣👍

[@bigdavoc1]

Some spots in Thailand never take them down

[@pete8222]

Lucas maybe take a look at stuart fillingham a uk motorcycle reviewer! Gives an honest take on the meteor 650!! Very informative!!

[@steveh7823]

RE SM650 has been out for years and due for refresh, agree it's an interesting bike. Don't know if you have CFMoto there, they have great range and very high quality, they just launched a 450 cruiser (in Uk) better than Rebel 500 IMO. Honda has ADV160 scooter which would be ideal for running around town. Good to see motor cycling is thriving in Thailand unlike in Europe.

[@joemann2178]

I am thinking of gettting a Honda Transalp 750 for touring, the engine is very nice.

[@gizmoinasia6080]

Yeah nice video I'm looking to re locate Rayong could you do a video on properties to rent ? Or give me any good agents, cheers enjoy food looks great, I have the ADV 350 really pleased with that put a lot of extras on thats what I like about the bike accessories are easy to get, keep dry 😆 🤣 racing here jomtien I think rainy season has begun 😔 😟

[@guzziman]

I would take the yamaha you have in the garage over the Royal Enfield, You do not cruise long distance anyway, and the yamaha while maybe not most comfortable, it is the coolest and give you the feeling you are riding a motorcycle, you likely know what i mean.... My Guzzi dealer sells Royal Enfield, they are cute, but plan to spend time at the dealer with warranty claims

[@nyciron]

My buddy is a international trader of motorcycle Indians , Royal Enfield ect he’s got showrooms all over main one in Bangkok think it would be a good video.

[@Rides4Kickz]

Interesting 👍

[@SunnynPhilly]

Hey Lucas, That Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 is a nice lookin bike, I’d go for one of the blues or dark green myself. If it was your only bike a liquid cooled Honda Rebel or Kawasaki eliminator / Z650rs might be a better idea for riding around in traffic. But considering ya also have the Honda CRF300, the Yamaha, The Honda scooter w/sidecar and the Truck, that RE Super Meteor could be perfect for riding around exploring the area near your new house. I bet you could sell the old bike the same way ya rented out your old house, with a video mentioning it’s available.

[@joeuwest489]

Good info lucas

[@suphadee]

Thanks for this video looking to get another bike I have 500 Honda CBX just something new

[@Rides4Kickz]

Good luck!

[@handhold1415]

Triumph t120!

[@thinkof100]

zontes, sym and kymco still not the best build quality and over here in the UK, they are not much cheaper.

[@hitekhillbilly531]

I just traded in my road king last month on a HD 2024 Road Glide 117.

[@Rides4Kickz]

Nice 👍

[@uweyaa]

Hello,if you want to change from chain to belt,he offer Teacher T Thailand.

[@TrailRider650]

I bought the white Tenere 700 in Phuket, I love it!

[@Rides4Kickz]

Nice 👍

[@charlesscinta7377]

Royal is a beauty. Good looking bike. Or Honda.

[@jonh901271]

That's a fairly pricy Royal Enfield compared to older models.

[@chrisphillips835]

Hey Lucas , gotta 13:35 your deserve free time Buddy love ya and bikes

[@Rides4Kickz]

👍👍👍

[@RUSTY-A-L]

Cool video I understand those Royal-Enfield's open up with an aftermarket exhaust & adjusted fuel injection. What do you think of the new Digital Worker's Visa?

[@jeffbluejets2626]

Royal Enfield, made in India I imagine, still looks good. Is that pricing yet to include taxes....on-road costs a plus I would expect. Used to be anything over 200 or 250cc in Thailand cost an arm and a leg for on-road costs....what's it like these days?

[@billsimpson2392]

I do like your Versys Lou! Dont do something you might regret mate.. Hahahahahah 👍

[@craigdawson7632]

What about go fast bikes like Aprilia, Ducati, Hayabusa. Haven't been on a Hayabusa but I'm sure they all go good. Very heavy for me but the power to weight is stupid for me. 300km is very achievable. Or just get a 2nd hand pimped out bike they do some good work in some of there tuner shops. Or get a nice multi use bike for those roads.

[@conancol7556]

The RE let down was the quality , but I agree with you

[@specialized500]

I think the eliminator is about 450cc with about 45 hp

[@bigdavoc1]

Rayong seems like a smaller Pattaya …. Never felt like a Royal Enfield to me seem like owning a VW bug and bringing it to a Porsche club meet-up…. But for the money seems good value to me. I have seen a few riding around the Darkside and in Pattaya

[@cuppacoffee8961]

KZbin channel Freddie Dobbs, did a good review over 2 or 3 episodes of RE SuperMeteor650. Definitely worth watching. He liked it. His motorcycling channel is good easy watching

[@Rides4Kickz]

👍👍👍

[@GordonVansey]

Look at the triumph 400X brilliant for where you are rubber down Lucas

[@richardtaylor2361]

the Honda has reliability only rivaled by Yamaha. I've had both that I could not believe how long they lasted.

[@Joe-mz6dc]

This. Honda and Yamaha will be my first choices. They are quality and they are dependable.

[@Rides4Kickz]

Yes, can't go wrong with Honda quality, I never got a bad one yet.

[@carleto9597]

Both alright bikes, take both for a test ride Loucous and then choose.

[@mariospenard5125]

I can see you on the Royal!😊

[@MrDobberdude]

You think the Pattaya shops would be able to work on the zontes? (Parts etc)

[@steverushaw8761]

Those Royal Enfield prices may be competitive to the Japanese in Thailand but they are more than double the price that they are available in India inclusive of insurance…those taxes certainly add up

[@Rides4Kickz]

Interesting, thanks

[@buzzy1011]

I wanted to buy a RE super meteor last year.. I told the dealer in pattaya.. he didn’t have.. I know they were building them.. I waited and waited….2-3 months… still no have.. I said I will order one he said can not…so I was invited to the bikers cafe to test ride a bunch of bikes….and test rode a triumph speed master 1200….and that was it… he said he could have in 3 days….now you could buy 2 of the RE’s for the price of the triumph….but it’s worth it.. plenty of power can ride all over Thailand no problem.. put removable saddle bags on it…the only thing is you can’t get a center stand with it..but I have one of those manual stands for it here at home for lifting the back tire up….if you want to test ride a bunch of bikes get in touch with one of the dealers and ask when they will be at the bikers cafe….. all of the dealers go there and they have an event… you have to sign up to test ride….

[@buzzy1011]

Bikers cafe … a small place between sattahip and Rayong… they have a bunch of vintage and custom bikes there.. a lot of good food to… especially during the test rides event…

[@Rides4Kickz]

Yeah, I like both the street 9 and 12, good bikes.

[@molonlabe9602]

RE are overweight and underpowered. If you aren't interested in performance, like retro styling and want to save money, then RE is your bike.

[@junkie1128]

Feel very industrial as well I have rode a few and not overly impressed with them and build quality isn’t the best

[@lesres3726]

Hi, do you know of any used motorbike showrooms in Rayong? Thanks

[@Jon.......]

Didn't realize that you moved so far away from Pattaya (recent video said 62 kilometers as the crow flies!). Hope it works out for you and Lan. Seems that it is already. I would think that you'll be visiting or passing thru Pattaya several times a month still. Drive safe!

[@Rides4Kickz]

Yeah, we still have occasion to go to Pattaya

[@user-up9iq7ic8z]

What is the most popular Bike in Thailand ? Being Older I would want the larger Screen .hahah..Good to hear Your moved in now just Un-Pack the boxes ..

[@andymoto5785]

Not too sure i would like an air cooled motor in the heat of Thailand?