How can I gain confidence riding a motorcycle or scooter in Pattaya after 35 years away from riding?

May 17, 2024
6 months ago
Barry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Hello, looking to get a few hours paid experience of riding a m/c or scooter in Pattaya. Haven’t ridden in 35 years and don’t just want to hire a bike and get on these crazy roads, without getting my confidence first. Any recommendations would be welcome. Thanks
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TLDR : Answer Summary
The user seeks recommendations to gain confidence riding a motorcycle or scooter in Pattaya after 35 years without riding. Several comments suggest local driving schools such as Advance Driving School and Honda classes for safe riding practice. Additionally, advice on getting good accident insurance and considering the use of motorbike taxis for safety is highlighted. Participants share their personal experiences, emphasizing the importance of practicing in less busy areas and the need for proper motorcycle licenses and insurance.
Pete ********
Don't do it.
Tohksic ******
Just play GTA for a few hours and then ask yourself if you can handle it in real life. If the answer is "no" then pat yourself on the back fir not being retarded.
Barry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
And you lived to tell the tale well done you
Tony *************
It's easy but at first I was a bit afraid so I used my mountain bike and after riding that as far as to Rayon, 100 km go and back I can tell you motorcycle is much safer.😁 That was a suicide mission
Henrik *****
You may be needing this on the back of your shirt.
Michael ********
Every man for his self is the only rule you need to know, and get good insurance.
Barry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Thanks Chuck it's that initial getting on and keeping the balance thing for me. I pedal a push bike no problem but the weight of a scooter/ m/c is different. Just a question of confidence and getting this old grey matter to remember what to do 555
Henrik *****
Forget about the word scooter, it confuses a lot of prople.

In Thailand it is all motorcycles, and for that a motorcycle drivers license is needed, also for insurance purposes.
Chuck *********
Same boat as you. It has been about 35 years for me also. I would take bike out at 6am in Pattaya to get practice. Now Living in Nong Bua Lamphu, not much traffic so easier for this old fart to get around. Wife still refuses to ride with me though πŸ˜€
Simon *******
It's not unusual to see a motorbike coming at you on the wrong side of the road sometimes it could be a car or pickup
Barry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Simon ******
and that's just on the walkways
Simon *******
@Barry *******
and the roads
John ****
Do not brake on sand .after rains it’s on most roads
Barry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@John ***
top tip πŸ‘ thanks
Frank **********
Make sure your life insurance is up to date.
Barry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Frank *********
only here for a visit
Terary **********
I live in Wongamat, about 1km north of the dolphin fountain (Naklua Soi 16, Soi 18). Here you can rent motorcycles like everywhere else but it's not as busy. You could rent a motorcycle here and practice driving around the roads near by. Thai people are too polite to laugh at you in front of you, and anybody else is a tourist so screw them :)
Barry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Terary *********
great advice πŸ‘ thanks so much πŸ™
Michael ********
Honda
KO ********
@Barry *******
agree Honda will give you what you want. Practice riding in a safe environment, the opportunity to get back on a bike and the potential to get your license as part of the 3 or so day course….and it’s a lot of fun too.
Barry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@KO *******
cheers KO sounds just what I need
Kool *******
If you don't have a motorcycle license/endorsement from your home country just remember that if you get in any accident your insurance will not cover you.
Barry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kool ******
good tip I intend getting a thai m/c license after I see if I'm going to drive, I already have Thai car driving license
Kool *******
@Barry *******
driving a motorbike instead of a car is the way to go getting around town, but unlike your car, it will give you a new understanding of what "close" means in Thailand. The best way to describe it is "I didn't hit you did I?"...lolol. Took me a lot of years to get used to that, and I still haven't fully adapted.
Barry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kool ******
well you're here to tell the tale that's a result πŸ‘ 555
Kool *******
@Barry *******
just hit 50,000km driving just in Bangkok...lolol.
Barry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kool ******
man that's a whole bunch of stress 😩
Kool *******
@Barry *******
it is fun. At 72 I did slow down a bit...lolol, but I did you up from a 125 to a 160...hehe
Barry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Kool ******
hell why not you should enjoy πŸ˜‰ what you do 555 stay safe
Bob **********
@Barry *******
there’s a driving school next to Bangkok Hospital Pattaya on it’s south side
Barry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Kool *******
@Barry *******
you to, have fun
Justin *********
Yes use a motorbike taxi safer for you
Barry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Bob **********
I recommend good accident insurance
Barry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob *********
555 or better still a good undertaker
Bob **********
@Barry *******
over here it’s when you get into an accident not IF you get in an accident
Barry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Bob *********
yeah I see on the news everyday thanks 😊
Rich ****
See if there is a Honda driving class near you. Many people recommend their training.
Michael *******
@Rich ***
just had 4 monthes riding a bike in phuket. Not a pleasant experience to be honest , but due to traffic being horrendous. I really did not want sit in the long traffic queue’s. I am 67. Been riding a bike since 16 years old.

Its a crazy place. You need to be so so aware of whats around you. Esp the bikes under taking you on the inside. You need to constantly be using mirrors. Get yourself a good helmet. And check your travel insurance. As most only covers up to 125cc. Makesure you have international drivers license. And makesure its stamped up. I got stopped few times in road blocks. The police specifically check for this. Best of luck. Ride safe!πŸ‘
Barry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Michael ******
thanks for the tips, I probably shouldn't be riding again at my age and I'm happy using taxis etc but I just want to get around a bit more and explore. If you think the Thai's are bad wait till I get amongst them πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚
Barry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Rich ***
thanks just looking for bike training/experience
Brook ********
@Barry *******
Honda Safety Riding School courses is where you get good training and lots of experience on a safe, closed course with lots of soft traffic cones simulating different environments you are likely to encounter on the road.

It’s not expensive either.
Vinny **************
They drive or ride same side as uk

But they disregard any rule and do as they seem fit .
Dirk **************
@Vinny *************
what rules? πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚
Barry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dirk *************
ha ha yeah but ..... its raining right ?
Dirk **************
@Barry *******
on and off. Hard to predict. Sometimes it only rains in part of Bangkok and the rest is dry. Hit and miss πŸ™‚ but I feel safer driving here (and in the rain) than in Europe or the U.S. Maybe it is just my imagination but I feel drivers are more polite and respectful here, in particular towards scooters and motorcycles.
Barry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Dirk *************
what hit and miss the motorbike 🏍 you mean 555
Dirk **************
@Barry *******
well, sometimes the side view mirrors of cars are a little obstacle πŸ˜‚πŸ˜‚
Barry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
@Vinny *************
thanks, I just want to get experience before I go Buddha 555
Barry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
Yes very cunning 🀣🀣🀣
Vinny **************
@Barry *******
100 % check your mirrors all the time .They sneak up you and undertake πŸ™ˆπŸ€£πŸ€£πŸ€£
Carsten ************
Advance Driving School, Sukhumvit/Photisarn, close to BPH.
Barry ********
ORIGINAL POSTER
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