DUCATI Thailand

I was just reading that Ducati opened a factory here in Thailand. This is very good news as that means Thai and expat riders can now buy a Monster 795 at a reasonable price of 399.000Baht (~12.500$ or 9500Euro) instead of paying 300% more in taxes for an imported bike. HAPPY DAYS!!

The official website is HERE




This same reason was one of the decisive factors for Kawasaki's huge success in 2009, when they started selling the ER6-n at 240.000Baht.

The new Kawasaki ER6-n 2012

Unfortunately they're both not quite in my budget, but if I wait, let's say 10 years, I might be able to afford a used one....sniff sniff

And just to do some more self-flagellation, I found this superb Ducati Sport 1000 (2008) for sale here in Thailand for a mere 1.340.000Baht. See the full ad here.


Now, didn't I have a rich uncle in America somewhere...?

The Truth Be Told!

Win a DUCATI....

If you enjoyed this, I'd like to take a few moments of your time to ask you to vote for my picture. It's a photography contest and the price is a Ducati Monster 795.
Go to this link--->http://www.monster.ducati.com/photocontest/profile.jsp?n=516 and vote for me! :-)


Don't forget to validate your vote by answering the confirmation email you'll get. 
I WANT TO WIN THE MONSTER!!!!


Thank you

Roland Sands Ducati Street Tracker

Famous bike builder Roland Sands came up with another great creation. This time it's a street tracker based on a Ducati Desmosedici and it KICKS ASS!

Mini Flood in Chachoengsao

While Bangkok has to deal with 50cm to 1.5m of water, we've been lucky (so far) and only saw ankle-deep water today in some parts of the city. I've been riding on my trusted flood-mobile taking some pictures...

DEUS EX SR

This evening I had a bit of time on my hands and started experimenting with my camera...

BIKE OF THE WEEK #14

R.I.P. Marco Simoncelli

Marco Simoncelli, 24, tragically lost his life on Sunday when he crashed while racing for fourth place on the second lap of the Malaysian Grand Prix and was hit by Colin Edwards. Valentino Rossi was also involved in the accident. The race was red-flagged and, eventually, cancelled.

Simoncelli, the 2008 250cc world champion and a 14-time Grand Prix winner, lost traction on his factory San Carlo Gresini Honda RC212V, fell and the tangled mess of bike and rider was projected directly into the path of Edwards. Simoncelli’s helmet came off in the crash, leaving him unprotected. Edwards suffered a dislocated shoulder. Rossi ran off the racing surface but managed to remain upright.

Simoncelli had qualified fifth for the penultimate race of the 18-round season. One week earlier at Phillip Island in Australia, the Italian had placed second behind newly crowned series champion Casey Stoner. It was Simoncelli’s second podium of the season and best finish to date in the premier MotoGP class.

Race director Paul Butler held a press conference shortly after the race was called. The press was told by MotoGP medical director Dr. Michele Macchiagodena that Simoncelli suffered trauma to the head, neck and chest. Simoncelli was unconscious when medical staff arrived, explained Macchiagodena, and attempts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful. “Unfortunately, it was not possible to help him, and at 16:56, we had to declare he was dead.”

You think you've seen it all?

Following are some pictures my dad sent me the other day, showing some fine examples of human ingenuity. Enjoy :-)

2 great bike videos

Here is a great video of Australian bike builder Matt at "Machines".






...and a beautiful Guzzi T3 850 by Officine Rossopuro in Italy

Kawasaki ER6-n 2012

There's only one other bike I considered getting besides the Yamaha SR, the Kawasaki ER6-n 650.
The big bike market in Thailand is being crippled by massive taxes and import duties, that's why there are so many unregistered big bikes in Thailand. The ER6n, along with it's bigger brother the Versys, are 2 exceptions because they're assembled in Thailand and come with a very reasonable price tag. This, and the fact that they're both excellent bikes for both beginners and veterans, are the roots cause for its success amongst Thais and expatriates in Thailand.

I love my SR, but there are times when I look at the ER6-n and dream....

Here are some pictures of the new version 2012. The frame and the swing arm are gorgeous in my opinion.

And here is a short review with video: http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/News/newsresults/New-bikes/2011/October/oct2111-fully-updated-kawasaki-er-6n-sets-new-standard/

Mammuth Trike

Americans need everything bigger, including bikes...or trikes in this case. This is truly a monster of a trike with over 1000hp, supercharged.
Now the only question is: What do I have to do to ride it!?

Thai Flood

I don't have much time to post anything these days. I spent the last 3 days getting sandbags for my house and my sister-in-law, moving stuff upstairs, getting emergency supplies and of course finding a way to keep my bike dry.

The flood is supposed to hit in the next week or so and is going to be between 1 and 2 meters high!

Trying to elevate my baby as much as possible...

My pets are all cared for already

The BangPrakong river is dangerously high

Some essential food supplies

Cool SR Video

I.D.W.P from Edwin Europe on Vimeo.

Fonzie's Bike For Sale

If you're about my age and have a spare 60.000Pound (almost 3 million Baht or 95.000$) you might consider getting an iconic motorcycle of your youth. Such as this one...



Fonzie's bike, a Triumph Trophy TR5, from the famous TV series Happy Days is being auctioned and up for grabs, ...if you have the cash.
A bit disappointing though is the fact that he never really used it himself, as he said that motorcycles scared the shit out of him. Not cool, Fonzie!!

Full article HERE

SR FOR SALE

Here is another stunning SR for sale in Saraburi. 90.000Baht

Follow this link...
http://www.srthailand.com/forums/index.php?topic=3410.0

Bike Of The Week #13

Beautiful Ducati Streetfighter NCR M4

Riding Through Europe in the 50's

There's a really cool bike trip through Europe in the 50's HERE. The pictures are of excellent quality and the bikes are stunning. There's even a Brough Superior SS100, one of the most expensive sport bikes at that time.



Austria...


...and then Italy, on the Passo Giovo! Not far from my home....


hmmmm, feeling homesick now :-(