[Koh Samet, Chonburi] 2 Days 1 Night: Listening to the Waves with the GPX 150GR

After numerous mountain runs, we decided to take a relaxing coastal drive to enjoy the sea breeze. Our destination: Koh Samet, a familiar name within close proximity to Bangkok. Perfect for a rejuvenating getaway, we indulged in the sound of waves, the ocean breeze, the beauty of the sky, and the crystal-clear water. Letting our minds wander with the wind...

We drove to the Ban Phe Municipal Pier, where the cost to transport a minibike across was 300 baht per bike. This is a reasonable price for those staying for multiple days (note that only small motorcycles can be transported; larger ones are too heavy to lift).

The journey across the island takes approximately 30 minutes and costs 20 baht per person. The majority of visitors are foreigners, mainly Westerners, Chinese, and Koreans. They all appear to be well-dressed.

Tonight, we're staying at the Twin House, a jellyfish-themed accommodation located in Ao Lung Dam Bay. The beachfront property boasts a balcony perfect for relaxation, offering immediate access to the sea just steps away.

The room is equipped with air conditioning, a TV, a refrigerator, and hot water. The cost is 1500 baht per night.

The sentence is already in English and does not require translation.

After settling into our accommodation, we set off to explore the island on our motorbikes.

Our first destination was Coral Bay, a hidden landmark located behind the office. We obtained permission from the staff to bring our car to this spot for photos and enjoyed the sunset until it disappeared from view.

After watching the sunset, we were hungry. We drove back to Haad Sai Kaew to find something to eat.

The food here is reasonably priced, ranging from 70 to 150 baht per dish. The taste is decent, but the portions are not particularly large.

Initially, I had planned to find a restaurant to enjoy a relaxing meal. However, considering my budget and the lingering effects of my upset stomach, I decided to return to my accommodation and rest instead. Hopefully, I will feel better by tomorrow morning.

Ten years ago, I visited this place about 3-4 times.
Back then, the roads were still dirt tracks, so it was quite an adventure to drive on them.
However, the roads have been completely rebuilt now, so it's much easier to get around.

The once-dark roads are now illuminated by streetlights, and many accommodations have undergone significant improvements.

Waking up to a pleasant morning, my upset stomach had also improved. The tide was high, reaching the doorstep of my accommodation. Feeling enticed, I decided to take a refreshing dip in the water.

The Aow Lung Dam Bridge is currently in a state of disrepair and is missing half of its structure. It is believed that the bridge was damaged by a storm, which is why it is in its current condition.

Despite its flaws, the beauty remains undiminished. The breathtaking morning views, the clear blue sky, and the refreshing dip in the crystal-clear water. Letting your mind wander with the azure sea helps to soothe many hearts.

After enjoying a refreshing swim, we ordered a hearty breakfast to replenish our energy. The special order of fermented pork sausage fried rice set us back 100 baht.

Satiated, we packed our belongings and prepared to depart. Though we longed to stay longer, numerous responsibilities awaited us. Until next time!

Having recounted our travel experiences, let's now turn our attention to the vehicle itself, the GPX 150GR.

The mini bike's sporty design is evident in its sharp lines and aggressive styling. It also features LED Daytime Running Lights.

Fuel tank with a capacity of 8 liters, 1.5 liters reserve. The fuel tank cap is attached to the vehicle as shown in the picture.

Digital speedometer with 3 color options: orange, red, and blue. It displays gear position and has a built-in USB charging port.

The left switch has a choke lever on top. Use the choke when starting the engine when it is cold. Once the engine is warm, close the choke.

The right side is normal.

The Pirelli Diablo Scooter tires (for the first 2,000 units) come with gold rims and disc brakes. Front: 120/70 - 14", Rear: 140/70 - 14".

Short exhaust pipe, positioned under the center of the car.

The driver's seat is comfortable and supportive, but the rear seat is narrow, making it difficult to accommodate passengers.

The seat height of 780 mm is suitable for most riders. However, riders taller than 170 cm may find it difficult to tuck in, and may need to slide back to the rear of the seat for comfort.

Equipped with a 1-cylinder, 150cc, 4-stroke engine from CR5 and 150GN.

Acceleration and Top Speed Analysis

The initial acceleration feels slightly sluggish, but it picks up significantly in the mid-range. The 6-speed gearbox contributes to better acceleration compared to the 150GN.

With a rider weight of 75 kg and approximately 5 kg of luggage, totaling around 80 kg, the top speed reached 134 km/h while tucked in. However, with headwinds, the speed dropped to around 125 km/h.

The gear lever is stiff and requires significant force to shift. Gear changes are smooth with minimal jerkiness, but individual adjustments may be necessary. The low RPM range between first and second gear makes hill climbing challenging and requires careful attention. Finding neutral gear while stationary can be difficult. It is easier to engage neutral while slowing down before coming to a complete stop.

The Pirelli Diablo Scooter tires provide excellent grip on straight roads, making the bike easy to control. However, on smooth corners, the tires tend to lose traction when braking hard, causing the rear end to slide. Additionally, the engine vibrations are quite noticeable on the fairing, creating a shaking sensation while riding. To mitigate this, riders may need to lean back slightly to avoid direct contact with the bodywork.

The fuel consumption rate for the journey from Bangkok to Ban Phe Pier, a distance of approximately 143 km, is calculated to be around 23 km/liter. The average speed maintained during the trip was between 110 and 120 km/hr.

Brief Summary of the 150GR Rod:

This is a 150cc mini sportbike with a stylish appearance that is sure to turn heads. Acceleration is decent, with some initial hesitation, but it picks up speed smoothly and steadily.

The gear changes felt somewhat stiff and could benefit from further tuning for smoother operation. Additionally, engine vibrations were noticeably transmitted to the fairings.

The shock absorbers are set up for a sporty style, providing moderate impact absorption. You may need to ease off the throttle slightly when encountering bumps or dips.

Based on my observations, there is still room for improvement in several areas of this model. However, it is important to note that this is just my opinion, and individual preferences may vary.