We bought a motorbike today. Sort of.
It’s been a long process of deciding, partially because it’s a hard decision and partially because we’re pretty indecisive people. We had to consider whether to get a truck or motorbike first. Partners has trucks available for us to use when teams are here, so we didn’t think it was necessary for us to have the expense of a truck (both up front and in fuel). Motorbikes are also quite common around Mae Sot and really enough for just the two of us. We decided to go ahead and buy new so that we knew it would be reliable as our only form of transportation. That was difficult to decide, though: I love used, and I love cheap.
After taking lots of advice, Honda seemed like the most reliable brand over Suzuki and Yamaha. We also decided to go for 125cc (many are 110cc) so we have a little more power for “two farang”–so basically we’re two fatter white people. We were also told we should get disc brakes for more safety, particularly during rainy season. Anyway, we picked this: a Honda Wave 125, with disc brakes, new with warranty.
We went with Kristana, our translator (and lifesaver right now, finding us a house and motorbike), to the Honda dealership. It’s a nice dealership and really quite similar to what you’d expect in the states–just smaller, sells motorbikes instead of cars, and they aren’t as aggressive. Anyway, we found the motorbike we wanted and it happens to be the only one in town. There aren’t very many 125cc bikes in town anyway, and the Wave is the only 125cc that Honda makes. They’ve been sold out recently and just had this one delivered.
So we bought it. It was quite easy. We paid, signed off, and got our free helmet and blanket. Yes, blanket. Not sure why, but that’s what comes with a new motorbike: a helmet (makes sense), a blanket (not so much sense). They went to add our basket (!) to the front while I waited, and Stephen went to go return our rented motorbike. And then–wait.
They took it back: the bike, the helmet, the blanket. They returned it all, but not because we asked. Because we had to. Because of the big Bangkok boss.
Apparently the big Bangkok boss is coming. Maybe tomorrow, maybe next week, maybe…later. They’re not sure. But when he does come, they want to have a Wave on display, so they can’t sell the last one they have.
So they took it back, gave us back our money, and took back the contract. And we left on the same rented motorbike we came on. And supposedly they will call us after the big Bangkok boss comes…tomorrow, next week, or…later. And then we can come buy it, again.
And welcome to Thailand!
That wasn’t the highlight of the day. But, we do have good news: we decided on a house to rent! We’re working on it and will hopefully move in next Wednesday. Pictures and info to come, but we need to nail down all the details first. We’re just excited for the prospect of getting out of a guesthouse sometime soon!