Northern Thailand - Bike Paradise in Nan

Last month we took a much needed break from the daily grind, so we joined up with our good friend Frederic and headed up north for 6 marvelous days.

Our trip took us from Bangkok to Petchabun, Nan Noi, Doi Phu Kha National Park, Prae and Nan City, Lam Nam Nan National Park, riding on some of the best roads Thailand has to offer.

The pictures and the video speak for themselves.

https://vimeo.com/250013907

Sirikit Dam

Military Museum

A bulldozer used for mine clearing

hmmm

Touch screen enabled gloves

Crossing the dam

The look of my bike the morning after the coldest night I've ever experienced in Thailand. 6 degrees!!!

Beautiful morning in Prae

A small mountain village famous for its salt production

Temple in Nan

Another temple

and another one

30km of dirt riding through the jungle was a very interesting experience

Checkpoint on top of the mountain

Bike testing at Motor Sport Park Suvarnabhumi

Today was "Children's Day" here in Thailand, and since we motorcycle enthusiasts are eternal kids, we found the best way to spend this day: testing over 30 bikes by 7 different manufacturers.

All this happened at the Motor Sport Park Suvarnabuhmi on the outskirts of Bangkok.

Present were:
Kawasaki
Triumph
Yamaha
Harley Davidson
Ducati
Royal Enfield
Husqvarna

I won't get into too much detail about every single bike I test rode. Suffice to say, I was well impressed with all the Triumph line-up, especially the Street Triple and the Thruxton R. Lovely lovely bikes. Also high up in my memories is the Kawa Z900RS with its easy handling and oh so gorgeous looks.

The new Ducati SuperSport is also a very worthy bike, but desperately needs a new set of mufflers. There's something terribly wrong with a quiet Ducati. The Scrambler in cafe racer outfit however was a bit of a letdown. I expected more to be honest.

Royal Enfield...I didn't expect much from the start but I have to admit I had a lot of fun trashing the Bullet around the track and I have to say, it had the best sound of the lot!

The Yamaha XSR had a nice engine and good handling, but didn't impress me much.
Now, most of you know how I feel about Harley Davidsons. I've been quite critical of their machines in the past, but I will now come clear with you guys...
I never tried one before today!
Well, what can I say...whatever bad things I ever said about HD....was COMPLETELY SPOT ON!!
First I tested the new 750 Street Rod. Oh Lord...heavy, stiff like a tree trunk, bad brakes, a lame engine, you don't even get the characteristic HD sound, which is probably the most redeeming feature on a Harley (some say it's obnoxious, but there you go). Next was the Sportster, which was only slightly better.
Honestly, I don't get it. Yes, Royal Enfields are rubbish too, but at least they don't pretend to be a gift from God to make you feel like a chosen one.

Another first in my motorcycling career was going off-road with a proper motocross bike, kindly donated by Husqvarna. I prefer not to talk about my performance....

Anyway, thanks to the organizers of the track and the dealers who were so generous and trusting to let us ride their bikes. Thank you for letting us play with your toys!