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!

 

Best US Roads for a Motorcycle trip

A bike trip through the US is on many biker's bucket list. It certainly is on mine.

Let's have a look at these amazing places to get our imagination rolling.

The wind rushing past your face, the fresh air around you, the winding roads, and of course the
adventure. These are the best parts of any good motorcycle trip, and any adventurous biker is dying
for the next big thrill. Any bike trip can turn into a great adventure, but the best ones need the best roads
-- amazing sites, twists and turns, and stunning views. We’ve compiled a list of just that.
Across the United States, there are roads just asking for you and your bike to come for a ride, so check
out our list of the best roads for a motorcycle trip.

1. Route 50 George Washington Highway, West Virginia

Imagine winding your way through the twists and turns of rural USA. That’s exactly what this road gives
you. This trip is best in the fall as the cool wind whips past you and the orange leaves fall from the trees
in rural West Virginia. The George Washington Highway goes past sites like Monongahela National
Forest, home to hiking trails, waterfalls, and lakes all atop the mountains, and the Cathedral State Park,
home to spooky tree-lined paths and more lakes. Make this a true adventure by continuing on to the
Blue Ridge Parkway to wind your way through the roads overlooking drop offs from the Great Smoky
Mountains.

2. Needles Highway, South Dakota

Another winding rural highway, this road takes you past some of the most stunning scenery the
continental United States has to offer. Lose yourself as you wind through the towering granite rock
towers and dark granite tunnels. Not to mention, of course, all the wildlife South Dakota is home to --
bison, mountain lions, and more. This road even brings you to the annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally,
which draws in over 700,000 bikers every August. This is a bike trip you really just can’t miss.

3. Beartooth Pass, Wyoming

Over the hills and through the woods on the motorcycle ride we go. This road takes you up and down
sloping mountains, past rushing rivers, through the forest, and into the wilderness of Wyoming.
Described as the biker’s version of a roller coaster ride, this journey is the extreme biker’s biggest
adventure yet. If you’re a national park or nature lover, this road gets even better -- it leads you right to
the entrance of Yellowstone National Park. Watch Old Faithful erupt in front of your very eyes, or watch
the colors of Grand Prismatic Springs.

4. Cherohala Skyway, Tennessee

This empty, isolated highway is every biker’s dream. For 40 miles, the only things you’ll see are the

winding roads, kayakers in the river below, and you and your hog. Literally, for 40 miles, the only signs

of outside civilization are the occasional bathroom.The Cherohala Skyway travels between the cities of

Knoxville and Chattanooga in Eastern Tennessee and during the winter months can become quite

dangerous, so be sure to plan your trip accordingly.

5. Pacific Coast Highway, California

What sounds more fun than riding past the California’s beaches with the wind whipping past you? The
PCH, as its also known, brings you over the famous Golden Gate Bridge, through Big Sur  over the
Bixby Bridge (one of the tallest single-span concrete bridges) and past the beaches of , Santa Cruz,
Santa Barbara, Malibu and Orange County. From San Francisco to Los Angeles to San Diego,
California is full of incredible sites and cities, begging you to take that bike trip along the West Coast.

A love letter to the SR - by Marlon Slack

A lovely article by Marlon Slack about the timeless Yamaha SR and its place in the motorcycle universe.

http://www.returnofthecaferacers.com/2017/12/yamaha-sr400-caferacer.html