[Info] Thailand : Betong

osxunix · October 14, 2012

No Bro,

How ar will get into trouble?

Got golden advise?

Bro, have you been to Thailand by bike before?

osxunix · October 14, 2012

Filter right immediately after the Malaysian Custom is that correct above the picture?

Will feel shy if saw big group staring at me

2nd Link less traffic and got 2x big petrol stations to gather.

Woodlands checkpoint have space problem for bikes with side boxes. Scratches and knocks to paint works and falls are common.
You can reach NSHW faster if you filter right immediately after the Malaysian Custom (before Shell Station) to join the shortcut link.
If you miss the link, then need to travel thru JB town of junctions, etc. Not time efficiency for some ppl.

Silent Hunter · October 15, 2012

Yes, keep right most lane!

Keep going towards Kuala Lumpur, go until you see KL airport, then go towards KL Airport to avoid KL City, which is jam like our CBD area.

Bro, our Phantom can go 300++km easily, before hitting reserve.

Fuel consumption is 35-40km/L

So refuel every 200-250km.

There was once I decided not to refuel knowing I got roughly another 1 L of fuel before I hit reserve, but my reserve is only 1.5 L not the 2.7 L of the stock Phantom. Siiiii Kaaaaa Leeee the next petrol station is 80 km away! And I had adjusted my carb's Air:Fuel to be thicker so that my engine will not overheat.

Along the way there were many rest stops, some with money changer even but no petrol stations!

I manage to go until 15 km of the petrol station before having to push bike. I pushed for about 1km, raining some more, then a Malay uncle stopped to give me 2 x 500ml bottle of petrol from his car. Heng Ah!!! If not got another 14km to go!

So refuel if in doubt.

About 100+ KM from KL, there is an overhead bridge with A&W, KFC,Mc Donalds opened 24hrs. So grab a bite there if you need. There is also a petrol station behind the carpark so I always stop there on the way up North.

After KL go for Ipoh, then Alor Star.Oh ya, just before KL and after the Kluang Valley there are some stretches of road below the mountain where it is very windy, so be careful, your bike may drift to the side if the wind is blowing.

You will need to refuel at least once as you near Genting. Roughly 100km after you pass Cameron Highland and Ipoh, you should look out for exit 147.

The rest I cannot help you, because I have never used the Betong checkpoint to go into Thailand.

The only checkpoint I used is the Saodao checkpoint, roughly another 100km farther North.

But as at any checkpoint, make sure you have

1)Your log card for the bike, if don't have go one motoring and print one.

2)Passport with at least another 6 months left.

3)Thai Baht $20 or Ringgit $2

They will chop your passport and issue you a pass for your bike which declares that it is NOT to be exported. Don't loose this IMPORTANT piece of paper, they will ask for it back when you exit from Thailand. If you lost it, the fine is I think $2,000.

From what I heard, people don't like to use the Betong checkpoint because it is not a drive through checkpoint like our woodlands and Tuas checkpoint. At Betong you have to park your bike in the carpark and go into the immigration office, so bring along locks lots of it.

I bring along

1 x Disc brake lock (Back wheel)

1 x Pad lock (Front wheel)

1 x Bicycle lock (Front wheel to pole)

1 x handle bar lock

Before you go, a few things to do.

1) Change engine oil.

To and fro is about 1,500 km, and we normally change the engine oil after 2,000km.

2) Check Tire condition and tire pressure, it affects handling and braking.

3) Oil your chains. Last thing you want is a snapped chain.

Things to bring in case 'sh it' happens.

1. Tire repair kit. Go Mustafa buy one only $2.50 last time I bought.

2. Bicycle pump. Get the smallest one you can get, mine is the hand pump. Foot pumps are big and heavy.

3. Extra head lights and signal lights. I rode in the dark on the way back when my headlight blew and it was storming. I don't ever want to do that again. >_

4. Tool kit, with spanner and spare bolts and nuts. Bolts and nuts tend to loosen on long journeys due to the vibration.

5. Chain lube and Engine oil if your engine "eats oil".

6. GPS with Thai map. http://www.singaporebikes.com/forums/showthread.php/345872-Thailand-GPS-Maps

7. Credit card if you have.

8. Camera, so that you can tell stories like me.

And go easy on the NSHW it's tempting to Full Throttle all the way since the speed limit is 110km/hr.

Our meter is not accurate, so don't go at 110km/hr on the right lane, you WILL get high beamed if you do. To keep at 110 km/hr, go at 120-125km/hr on our Phantom meter.

Last of all, bring HP and tell your family and buddies where you are going.

Edited October 15, 2012 by Silent Hunter

osxunix · October 15, 2012

Bro thks for all the advise.

I was worry about the fuel as I do no want to stop at every petrol station when I see one.

As my experience from KL I found out in FC is so difference traveling 120km speed at NSHW and SG.

I wanted to bring extra fuel as I have side box but now searching use what to hold the fuel safely.

Yes, keep right most lane!

Keep going towards Kuala Lumpur, go until you see KL airport, then go towards KL Airport to avoid KL City, which is jam like our CBD area.

Bro, our Phantom can go 300++km easily, before hitting reserve.
Fuel consumption is 35-40km/L
So refuel every 200-250km.

There was once I decided not to refuel knowing I got roughly another 1 L of fuel before I hit reserve, but my reserve is only 1.5 L not the 2.7 L of the stock Phantom. Siiiii Kaaaaa Leeee the next petrol station is 80 km away! And I had adjusted my carb's Air:Fuel to be thicker so that my engine will not overheat.

Along the way there were many rest stops, some with money changer even but no petrol stations!

I manage to go until 15 km of the petrol station before having to push bike. I pushed for about 1km, raining some more, then a Malay uncle stopped to give me 2 x 500ml bottle of petrol from his car. Heng Ah!!! If not got another 14km to go!

So refuel if in doubt.

About 100+ KM from KL, there is an overhead bridge with A&W, KFC,Mc Donalds opened 24hrs. So grab a bite there if you need. There is also a petrol station behind the carpark so I always stop there on the way up North.

After KL go for Ipoh, then Alor Star.Oh ya, just before KL and after the Kluang Valley there are some stretches of road below the mountain where it is very windy, so be careful, your bike may drift to the side if the wind is blowing.

You will need to refuel at least once as you near Genting. Roughly 100km after you pass Cameron Highland and Ipoh, you should look out for exit 147.

The rest I cannot help you, because I have never used the Betong checkpoint to go into Thailand.

The only checkpoint I used is the Saodao checkpoint, roughly another 100km farther North.

But as at any checkpoint, make sure you have
1)Your log card for the bike, if don't have go one motoring and print one.
2)Passport with at least another 6 months left.
3)Thai Baht $20 or Ringgit $2

They will chop your passport and issue you a pass for your bike which declares that it is NOT to be exported. Don't loose this IMPORTANT piece of paper, they will ask for it back when you exit from Thailand. If you lost it, the fine is I think $2,000.

From what I heard, people don't like to use the Betong checkpoint because it is not a drive through checkpoint like our woodlands and Tuas checkpoint. At Betong you have to park your bike in the carpark and go into the immigration office, so bring along locks lots of it.

I bring along
1 x Disc brake lock (Back wheel)
1 x Pad lock (Front wheel)
1 x Bicycle lock (Front wheel to pole)
1 x handle bar lock

Before you go, a few things to do.

1) Change engine oil.
To and fro is about 1,500 km, and we normally change the engine oil after 2,000km.

2) Check Tire condition and tire pressure, it affects handling and braking.

3) Oil your chains. Last thing you want is a snapped chain.

Things to bring in case 'sh it' happens.
1. Tire repair kit. Go Mustafa buy one only $2.50 last time I bought.
2. Bicycle pump. Get the smallest one you can get, mine is the hand pump. Foot pumps are big and heavy.
3. Extra head lights and signal lights. I rode in the dark on the way back when my headlight blew and it was storming. I don't ever want to do that again. >_
4. Tool kit, with spanner and spare bolts and nuts. Bolts and nuts tend to loosen on long journeys due to the vibration.
5. Chain lube and Engine oil if your engine "eats oil".
6. GPS with Thai map. http://www.singaporebikes.com/forums/showthread.php/345872-Thailand-GPS-Maps
7. Credit card if you have.
8. Camera, so that you can tell stories like me.

And go easy on the NSHW it's tempting to Full Throttle all the way since the speed limit is 110km/hr.
Our meter is not accurate, so don't go at 110km/hr on the right lane, you WILL get high beamed if you do. To keep at 110 km/hr, go at 120-125km/hr on our Phantom meter.

Last of all, bring HP and tell your family and buddies where you are going.

SW9000 · October 15, 2012

No need bring extra fuel lah.

Understand your bike better.

Since your bike range so good, try stop at Ayer Keroh R & R first, which is about 210km from 2nd link or JB.

Then check how many litres you pump traveling at constant 120km/h or your preference. From there, you can calculate your bike range at tour speed with a full tank.

Can plan your next stop from there.

For Betong, you may need 7 ringgit when going in; rm2 for people to help you fill up Thai white card, rm2 for the Thai counter staff and rm3 for the bike log card processing.

Coming back just rm2 enough... for the counter staff.

And... SG handphone got no signal over there. You'll be 'missing' for the entire stay there. Hmm... that's why many people go there start families... hehehe.

Either buy a Thai pre-paid card or just switch off your phone (battery flat within a day if don't off becos of constant failed network searching).

Best to log facebook or email.

Edited October 15, 2012 by SW9000

osxunix · October 15, 2012

Bro,

Due to my heavy weight my FC in SG is around 28-32km/L when I was travel at KL is drop to 18-22km/L

If I'm not wrong it was due to full throttle open all the way but this time I got a go cruise throttle control and I have drop my rear tooth to 37 hopefully it will improve.

Is okay to use ringgit to pay at Thai counter?

People go there by bike to start family?

No need bring extra fuel lah.
Understand your bike better.
Since your bike range so good, try stop at Ayer Keroh R & R first, which is about 210km from 2nd link or JB.
Then check how many litres you pump traveling at constant 120km/h or your preference. From there, you can calculate your bike range at tour speed with a full tank.
Can plan your next stop from there.

For Betong, you may need 7 ringgit when going in; rm2 for people to help you fill up Thai white card, rm2 for the Thai counter staff and rm3 for the bike log card processing.
Coming back just rm2 enough... for the counter staff.

And... SG handphone got no signal over there. You'll be 'missing' for the entire stay there. Hmm... that's why many people go there start families... hehehe.
Either buy a Thai pre-paid card or just switch off your phone (battery flat within a day if don't off becos of constant failed network searching).
Best to log facebook or email.

Silent Hunter · October 16, 2012

It's ok at SaoDao border. Not sure if they will accept Ringgit at Betong border.

If scared, just change some Thai baht before going.

The card no need to pay people to fill in, you can just fill in yourself one lah.

And forgot to tell you one more thing.... Bring rain coat, for 10 hour ride during year end monsoon season, it's unlikely NOT to encounter riding in the rain. I was luckily to avoid it only once in my life.

No need to bring extra fuel, but if you die die want to try, use a "Yeos" Lemon Barley 500ml bottle. Tested and proven can keep petrol overnight and not melt.

18-22km/L is horrible!!!! You sure you riding a TA200 4-stroke and not a TA150 2-stroke?

Go check your spark plug and air filter.

I got FC of 30km once because my air filter was very very very dirty. Never change for 10 months.

Go change it if it is dirty.

If filter dirty less air will get to the air box, resulting in a mix with more fuel and less air in the engine. ie; inefficient combustion. It cools the engine, but is heavy on the wallet.

If spark plug is still very black, after changing spark plug and air filter, that means your Fuel : Air ratio is too thick.

Tune the carb to thin the petrol-air mixture, but don't overdo it. Too thin means 100% burn and it will overheat the engine. No good for 10 hour rides. Piston overheat too fierce might become piston jam!!!

osxunix · October 16, 2012

Bro,

Rain coat check, air filter and spark plug checked.

Okay will try the "Yeos" Lemon Barley 500ml bottle for fuel but will the big 1L work too?

I never use 2T for my bike so very sure is TA200

The 18-22km/L poor FC only happen when I travel at NSHW back in Singapore is okay.

It's ok at SaoDao border. Not sure if they will accept Ringgit at Betong border.
If scared, just change some Thai baht before going.
The card no need to pay people to fill in, you can just fill in yourself one lah.

And forgot to tell you one more thing.... Bring rain coat, for 10 hour ride during year end monsoon season, it's unlikely NOT to encounter riding in the rain. I was luckily to avoid it only once in my life.

No need to bring extra fuel, but if you die die want to try, use a "Yeos" Lemon Barley 500ml bottle. Tested and proven can keep petrol overnight and not melt.

18-22km/L is horrible!!!! You sure you riding a TA200 4-stroke and not a TA150 2-stroke?

Go check your spark plug and air filter.
I got FC of 30km once because my air filter was very very very dirty. Never change for 10 months.
Go change it if it is dirty.
If filter dirty less air will get to the air box, resulting in a mix with more fuel and less air in the engine. ie; inefficient combustion. It cools the engine, but is heavy on the wallet.

If spark plug is still very black, after changing spark plug and air filter, that means your Fuel : Air ratio is too thick.
Tune the carb to thin the petrol-air mixture, but don't overdo it. Too thin means 100% burn and it will overheat the engine. No good for 10 hour rides. Piston overheat too fierce might become piston jam!!!

alvinyansg · October 17, 2012

hmm...

looking to head up north maybe into thailand either with some friends or solo this coming Nov...

looking at 27 Nov to 1/2 Dec...

looking at avg speed of 100km/h...

any suggestion if i head into thailand if betong better or up to sadao up to hatyai better...

SW9000 · October 17, 2012

Haha. Depends on objectives:

Hatyai = eat, sleep, pub, SIGHTSEEING, SHOPPING, eat, sleep...

Sadao = eat, sleep, pub, eat, sleep, eat, sleep...

Betong = eat, sleep, pub, sightseeing, eat sleep...

hmm... edited due to good friend's request. : )

Edited October 17, 2012 by SW9000

Scarab · October 17, 2012

Haha. Depends on objectives:

Hatyai = eat, sleep, disco, SIGHTSEEING, SHOPPING, eat, sleep ...

Sadao = eat, sleep, disco, eat, sleep, eat, sleep ...

Betong = eat, sleep, disco, sightseeing, eat sleep ...

Why you didn't teach me all this when we were there? Next year hatyai must bring me see see hor...

Edited October 17, 2012 by Scarab

SW9000 · October 17, 2012

Why you didn't teach me all this when we were there? Next year hatyai must bring me see see hor...

I go only those in BLOCK letters.

Btw, edit your post too pls. thx Mr HOM.

alvinyansg · October 18, 2012

Haha. Depends on objectives:

Hatyai = eat, sleep, pub, SIGHTSEEING, SHOPPING, eat, sleep...

Sadao = eat, sleep, pub, eat, sleep, eat, sleep...

Betong = eat, sleep, pub, sightseeing, eat sleep...

hmm... edited due to good friend's request. : )

well i don't club or drink...

sightseeing and shopping(maybe just some small gifts) likely...

Silent Hunter · October 19, 2012

Go Hatyai, things to do is go shopping, both night market and bike accessories.

Night market can ask "Tuk Tuk" Driver bring you, night street vendor is just outside the street of Lee Gardens.

Massage also can go Lee Gardens 6th floor.

Sakura one slightly more expensive, same price 15 mins lesser.

If want to have a good view of Hatyai, can go Roof Top resturant. It's expensive for the quality of the buffet they offer.

It's more like our "Zhup Cai Peng" (Economic vege rice)

Then can go shooting, got 2 places, 1 is the Naval police one, the other one is near the Saodao border, but the funny thing is we didn't see the usual banner that advertise the shooting range when we went last year, so we didn't go in that year.

While there, go eat and eat and eat. Things to eat Fish maw soup (Fish swimming bladder soup) Bak Kut Teh, baked cuttle fish at night along Lee Gardens and mango rice.

osxunix · October 19, 2012

I miss those BLOCK letters isn't PUB?

I go only those in BLOCK letters.

Btw, edit your post too pls. thx Mr HOM.

SW9000 · October 20, 2012

I miss those BLOCK letters isn't PUB?

There are a few good Pubs in Hatyai.

More popular with our riders are Post Laser Disc Pub and Restaurant or The Pub, quite near Lee Garden Plaza Hotel.

Nice music and friendly staff.

I haven't been to any Disco... yet.

Probably will visit 1 in Betong for eye opener. Should be similar setup as Hatyai.

Anyway, like what Silent Hunter described, Hatyai is a place for foodies.

You'll gain a few kg if stay there a bit longer.

osxunix · October 23, 2012

Forget to ask which hotel to stay with wifi services?

Any promo price now?

SW9000 · October 23, 2012

Normally I book this hotel. Parking right outside the lobby.

Standard prices are: 590thb, 790thb and 1390thb. Same price even during holidays.

http://www.facebook.com/Modernthaihotel?sk=app_168151469879028

Other Hotels like:

Sri Betong (free 'sports' channel)... must call them.

Mandarin = Biggest hotel with swimming pool, and Merlin (with disco). http://www.mandarinbetong.co.th/

osxunix · October 24, 2012

Normally I book this hotel. Parking right outside the lobby.
Standard prices are: 590thb, 790thb and 1390thb. Same price even during holidays.
http://www.facebook.com/Modernthaihotel?sk=app_168151469879028

Other Hotels like:
Sri Betong (free 'sports' channel)... must call them.
Mandarin = Biggest hotel with swimming pool, and Merlin (with disco). http://www.mandarinbetong.co.th/

Thank You

osxunix · October 25, 2012

ModernThai fully booked

osxunix · October 27, 2012

Normally I book this hotel. Parking right outside the lobby.
Standard prices are: 590thb, 790thb and 1390thb. Same price even during holidays.
http://www.facebook.com/Modernthaihotel?sk=app_168151469879028

Other Hotels like:
Sri Betong (free 'sports' channel)... must call them.
Mandarin = Biggest hotel with swimming pool, and Merlin (with disco). http://www.mandarinbetong.co.th/

I saw a sliver wind FBC 9XXX park outside lobby with a Kawa and CBR is you?

I arrive yesterday

SW9000 · October 29, 2012

I saw a sliver wind FBC 9XXX park outside lobby with a Kawa and CBR is you?
I arrive yesterday

Wah, u managed to track us over there?

U mean that phantom at modern thai was yours? Didn'T expect u to be going at the same time.

osxunix · October 29, 2012

Wah, u managed to track us over there?

U mean that phantom at modern thai was yours? Didn'T expect u to be going at the same time.

Yes I came 1 day before you and your friends u come on Sat evening right and Sunday I didn't see you bike I move off at 4pm. I try my luck at Modern Thai as the email reply full when I reach there and they ask me want $59 or $79 room

Are u the guy who use tablet in the lobby that evening?

SW9000 · October 30, 2012

We left GP Esso on Friday at 6.45am and actually reached at 4pm (SG time) but Modern Thai some how got mixed up with my friend's booking.

No room so they arranged us at another hotel nearer to the discos for 1 night.

We moved back to Modern Thai on Sat morning 11am then go riding sightseeing.

Left for SG on Sunday 10.20am.

Tablet? I use it only in my room.

But was using my phone to surf web at the lobby.

osxunix · October 30, 2012

We left GP Esso on Friday at 6.45am and actually reached at 4pm (SG time) but Modern Thai some how got mixed up with my friend's booking.
No room so they arranged us at another hotel nearer to the discos for 1 night.
We moved back to Modern Thai on Sat morning 11am then go riding sightseeing.
Left for SG on Sunday 10.20am.

Tablet? I use it only in my room.
But was using my phone to surf web at the lobby.

I left JB 1:30am that day reach 1:30pm have long Q at Thai custom reach hotel at 3:30pm.

I also left Thai on Sunday @ 4:30pm and have massive jam after gerik...

I saw 1 guy siting on lobby using tablet thought it was you.

Hopefully 1 day when I upgrade my bike we can go touring

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[Info] Thailand : Betong

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