If you are renting a motorcycle, be sure to inspect it with a fine-tooth comb. Registration and dents or scratches or the rental company will try to blame you and charge you a ridiculous repair fee.
Most motorcycle rentals are small bikes in the 125cc range. You can find bigger bikes, but they are not the norm.
Do not give your passport to the rental company. A copy of your passport will be fine. Never, never give your passport to anyone except the police.
If you have your own helmet, wear it. Thai law requires the driver to wear a helmet at all times, although most people ignore the law. The rental company will provide a helmet, but it will be little more than a plastic container with straps.
You will see Thai motorcycle riders without helmets and you may be tempted to ride that way too. Remember that the Thai police are more likely to fine foreigners than locals.
Thailand drives on the left side of the road, but Thai motorcyclists travel anywhere when they feel like it. Do not do this. Drive with traffic and obey the laws.
If you are at a red light, you will notice your fellow motorcyclists sway and move through stopped traffic to get to the front of the group. Once the light turns green, it will be like the start of the Indianapolis 500.
Thais use their motorcycles as family vehicles and as beasts of burden. It is common to see four or five people on a motorcycle. It is also common to see motorcycles hauling what would normally be a full truck.
You will need to check the current rules and regulations to determine if you will need an international license or if they will accept your home country. Do not trust the rental agent and their interpretation of the law.
Be especially careful if you are in Thailand during the Thai New Year, you may witness your fellow motorcyclists navigating wet roads drunk and the entire population throwing water at them. Your bike survival skills will definitely be challenged.
Don’t expect any motorcycle you rent in Thailand to be quality. It will be old, ramshackle garbage that will add toxic emissions to the already polluted air.
So if you are looking for a real adventure in the Land of Smiles, try riding a motorcycle and make sure you follow the Thai rules and regulations, ride safely, and wear a quality helmet.