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Published on July 18, 2007

The old saying, "Familiarity breeds contempt," is perhaps a little strong in the case of Manoo Korkiatcharoen, but it comes close. Manoo has been involved in the mag-wheel business for more than 30 years as an heir to mag-wheel distributorship Kor Charoenyont. But his long association with cars leaves him cold. His real love is motorcycles.

"I think it's weird that I like motorcycles more than cars. When I was younger, my friends would always ask me why, and I'd tell them it wasn't necessary to love something that we're familiar with. Although I've been in this business for decades, it's not made me feel that I love automobiles," he says.

Manoo's affection for motorcycles became a craze about five or six years ago.

"I use cars sometimes, but they're not what I love. When I ride my motorbike upcountry, it makes me feel relaxed. Harley-Davidson is the brand I use, and I chose it because it's the best. The engine makes a whining noise.

"I am not a guy who likes fast riding. I just ride to relax after work. It's a good solution, and the Harley-Davidson functions well," he says.

"On the first Sunday of each month, my friends and I take a trip on our Harley-Davidsons. It might not happen in the rainy season, because it's not worth riding in this season. The motorcycles might wipe out on the slippery roads, and more importantly they might rust. We need to take care using this kind of motorcycle in our country, because of the exorbitant cost of maintenance and repairs," he says.

Although Harley-Davidson maintenance is not complicated, the price tag for spare parts is high, due to taxes in Thailand.

"In the US, which is the home of Harley-Davidson, the tax is waived. Even waiters can buy the bikes there. But I think we buy them for happiness, because I feel very happy when I ride mine. My business cannot give me relief from stress like riding a Harley-Davidson can," Manoo says.

Thanadol Rila

The Nation

Ultimate in Luxury

The Luxury LS 460 is a wonderfully comfaortable car fitted with all mod cons, althoough not necessarily the most fun vehicle to drive.