Phuket Bike Week 2011 - short version

[Sin_Tiger]

Been so busy with work but I refused to miss this trip even though it meant 5 days riding for only two nights in Phuket. The Steamer wasn't really ready and I wanted to give her a good shakedown before such a long trip, so it was the Striple to the rescue  :? I was a bit apprehensive riding a naked street fighter, the screen is really only for show, for such long distances and loaded with panniers

I had volunteered to be part of a three bike escort team for what was intended to be a group of 6 visiting Belgian HD's. Only 4 HD's made it and one novice GS 650 joined in later. First main petrol stop in Malyasia and my mate's F 800 R failed to restart and had to be shipped back to Singapore  :(

That left the lead on a 1200 RT and me on the Striple sweeping to sheepdog the group  :shock:  bit of an eyeopener since I've never done that on my own before, thankfully what I've learned watching some more experienced marshals paid off but I still have a lot to learn. It was actually more tiring riding sweeper slower than it was kicking down the highway at 150 kph solo.

After the BMW breakdown I had to catch up and the Striple excelled even in the monsoon rains, I ended up passing them when they took shelter from the lightning. I think they regretted the T shirt & shorts attire but weren't to be dissuaded at the start.

Nearing Phuket Island I rode ahead as a couple of GS members had joined and taken over duties. I missed a turn and ended up on a road that I soon realised was the wrong one, since there was no way the HD's would have made it round half the bends at anything more than walking pace. It was a beautiful road over the mountain of mostly linked tight bends which were heavily cambered but just newly resurfaced. The Striple was in it's 2nd gear element, absolute joy, had to stop near the top just to catch my breath because I was laughing so much :lol:  When I figure out where I went wrong/right I will be posting that road up as a must do for anyone traveling in the area.

Shortly after crossing over onto Phuket Island I was waved over at the check point by some very animated bikers, thinking they were trying to get me to rejoin my group or needed help I pulled into a parking area behind the Police post to find the area set up with seats, water, food and drinks and music, this was just part of the local welcome regardless of whether you had paid for a package or not, how refreshing literally   8)

On the trip I only saw one 1050 Roadie (Singapore bike) at the Sadao Border, a couple of Bonnies and a Scrambler going in the opposite direction and 3 Rocket III riders on the way home. I must say the Thai bikers were the very helpful and friendly. Not a lot of pics being in a group most of the time and the main affair was a bit of a HOG Fest so I didn't take that many.

I will say that the Striple has new found respect and that is saying something as I think it's really a great bike and it handled every hamfisted move I made, left me laughing at almost every turn and many riders on bigger bikes commented just how good it went and looked (without the Knobber on it anyway  :lol: ) even though it was carrying way more than I needed and I loaded it up with even more pressies on the way back. I never really felt cramped and could manage the 250km tank range before the warning light without feeling like I had been raped. Still won't swap the Steamer for it though .

 

[John Stenhouse]

Nice report mate, glad the trip went well. I do love Striples