Honda Big Wing, Ladprao

Rhodie

0
Mar 5, 2006
842
5
18
279065=10618-Honda-Big-Wing-LR-1-L.jpg

Set back from Praditmanutham Road in Ladprao, the entrance can easily be
missed.

279065=10619-Honda-Big-Wing-Map-L.jpg

GPS Coordinates: N13.80602 E100.61698
Phone: 02-790-3999 website: http://www.aphonda.co.th/hondabigwing/

279065=10620-Honda-Big-Wing-LR-6-L.jpg


If anything is a barometer to the way Thai motorcycling is trending then Honda Thailand’s remarkable flagship bike store is the nexus where boutique meets biking.
Design is to the fore where one would almost expect Armani clothing to be on sale rather than motorcycles.

But the placement of their iconic oval pistoned NR shows that Honda is not doing this on a whim.

279065=10621-Honda-NR-1-L.jpg

I remember riding up to the NEC in blizzard to see this when it was launched in 1992.

279065=10622-Honda-NR-2-L.jpg


279065=10623-Honda-Big-Wing-LR-5-L.jpg


Inside there is certainly space for adding further models to Honda’s rather limited big bike offering.

279065=10624-VFR-2-L.jpg

VFR1200F (DCT) – 899,000

279065=10625-VFR-1-L.jpg


Lurking at the back is Moby the big white Goldwing

279065=10626-Goldwing-1-L.jpg

GL1800 – 1,539,000THB *
with more cockpit buttons than an Airbus

279065=10627-Goldwing-Cockpit-1-L.jpg

*Note: Red Baron are selling 2012 Glodwings [sic] for 1,280,000THB
http://www.redbaronbkk.com/products/?cat=10

CBR1000RR – 799,000THB

279065=10628-CBR-1-L.jpg


In a corner hidden from sight is the CRF250R – 310,000THB

279065=10629-CRF-2-L.jpg

In addition to HJC helmets Honda Clothing Accessories have not been overlooked

279065=10630-Honda-Clothing-2-L.jpg

But the sizes are definitely for the svelte Thai market.

279065=10629-CRF-2-L.jpg


SWMBO was definitely attracted to X-Tourer

279065=10631-XTourer-1-L.jpg

the NC700X 451,000THB in black with boxes and bars looked the business,
but at 230kgs weighs almost as much as my Bavarian barge.

It’s b’stard scooter brother the Integra – 487,000THB

279065=10632-Scooter-2-L.jpg

weighs in at 238kgs

279065=10646-Scooter-1-L.jpg


Almost making a mockery with Honda’s origins, this mint Model A

279065=10633-Honda-Model-A-L.jpg

and venerable Cub

279065=10634-Honda-Cub-L.jpg


The beast , CX650 Turbo

279065=10635-Honda-CX650-L.jpg

the back office business department

279065=10636-Honda-CX650-2-L.jpg


Downstairs a good coffee shop,

279065=10647-Honda-Big-Wing-LR-4-L.jpg

Gloria Jean’s, awaits those in need of refreshment even for Ducati piloti

279065=10637-Honda-Big-Wing-LR-2-L.jpg

but with what some may consider a modest biker breakfast on offer

279065=10638-Gloria-Jeans-Breakfast-L.jpg

This will be a great venue for Honda to start and finish rides from but the solitary [one!] loo,
will mean delayed or anguished departures for many…

Signage promising of services to come

279065=10639-Honda-Big-Wing-LR-3-L.jpg

We were told the test fleet was already out at another location in Bangkok.
Allegedly the full range was available to test ride – but would suggest you call to confirm.

Honda’s Pricing & Payment plans.

279065=10640-Honda-Big-Wing-Pricing-L.jpg


Those with an interest in this extraordinary building's architecture can read more here.
http://www.archdaily.com/146543/honda-big-wing-vaslab-architecture/


A 100 metres or so before Honda along Praditmanutham Road is a collection of three shops.

279065=10641-Dianese-LR-3-S.jpg

279065=10642-Dianese-LR-1-S.jpg

Dianese ph: 02 539 4102
http://www.facebook.com/dnsethailand

279065=10643-Dianese-LR-2-L.jpg


Stadium Accessories ph: 02-539-4011
i finally found this one from Biologic.

279065=10644-Stadium-3-L.jpg

with a neighbouring Nankai & Arai helmet shop – no details yet

279065=10645-Stadium-2-L.jpg

There is limited parking so you can always park at Honda and walk back.
 

DavidFL

0
Staff member
Subscribed
Jan 16, 2003
14,455
5,287
113
70
Chiang Khong
www.thegtrider.com
Rhodie
Thanks for the excellent photos & info.

Indeed it is exciting to finally see the big guys in town with imported bikes. The dynamics of the Thai motorcycle scene are changing at an incredible pace now & it is all for the good IMHO.
The new biking shops: Arai & Dainese & Nankai confirm that things are definitely on the right track.
Who would have thought this 10 years ago? Not many.

Being a life long Honda rider I'm certainly interested in a new Honda to replace my slowly fading AT, sad to say.
Ideally it would preferably be a Transalp 700 for the type of riding I have been doing over the years & continue to do; with the CRF250L a back-up machine for riding dirt & exploring.
As there is no Transalp available the NC700X looks to be the next best bet for me in the Honda range, but the price is an absolute killer for me.
It is heavier than AT, but I'm sure the weight is a lot lower down & so much more manageable. The trick gearbox & throttle control also sounds a brilliant asset for easier riding, although I'm not sure how it would really go in the tight twisty bumpy stuff in the mountains. I would like to test ride one in Cnx when the bike pops up here.

Now I wonder how Honda Big Wing are going to supply & service their customers up-country- will they open up regional branches of the same standard with properly trained staff? Time will tell I guess.
 
Oct 17, 2006
1,824
38
48
the bikes are not competitvly priced , Honda need to build bikes in thailand to be reasonable

NCX 700 is 250,000 in europe