Thread: Construction and Motorcycles

I watched the videos posted by Panamax and wondered about two things.

First, is construction on the numerous skyscrapers shown in the video still in process? My perception was that PC was pretty well built out for tall buildings, but that video showed mucho construction in process. Maybe the video is old. What is the current status of construction in PC? Seems like a R/E bubble might on the near horizon.

Second, I saw several motorcycles/scooters in traffic and/or parked in the videos. Do any of you who live there ride a motorcycle/scooter? I ride often here in the US and would like to ride there when I move, but do not have a deathwish. Any riding experience stories would help.

Thanks, Gatorman

The last time we visited, we saw a lot of scooters in PC. I never saw many motorcyles anywhere (when we lived there or when visiting), either in PC or the interior.

I am not brave enough to want to ride a motorcycle anywhere in Panama (on the roads anyway).

With the amount of life insurance I have, my wife might want me to buy one when we return, though!

construction in panama is still going full force , and yes i also believe the chit is going to hit the fan with all the condos and hotels . and too add just a few more prolbems in traffic they are starting on the subway system . i have rode for 40 yrs in canada and even owned a couple down here , riding in the city is a good way to beat traffic but you want to have 40 eyes in your head , as these people are not that good at driving , to say the least . in the interior , no prolbem , as far as roads , well it is easy to miss most potholes on a bike if you are watching . i have seen some club riders in the interior that i believe came out of the city for the weekends . i am sure you will find others to ride with .

Road congestion will be crazy for the next few years as the metro / subway gets installed and as well many new interchanges and such. And it was busy already. Oh yea, don't forget about when the students / pensioners / or whoever block a road for a couple hour protest...

I have a Yamaha 125 scooter and it saves me lots of time in moving around. A one hour car trip in rush hour can take 10 minutes on a scooter. I have ridden in Canada for 30 years and you need to be super defensive and alert, but in general drivers (including taxis) are surprisingly courteous to motor bikes if they see you.

I agree - no problem in rural areas (just watch for pot holes), but I won't ride in PC or any of the larger towns.

Originally Posted by jonr

I agree - no problem in rural areas (just watch for pot holes), but I won't ride in PC or any of the larger towns.

oh come on , no guts - no glory jajajaj if you ride like everyone is blind , then no prolbem , on a bike you have to think for the person driving the car , because god knows they are not , jajaja

Panama city is booming. If I didn't know any better I would have no idea we are entering a global depression. Lot's of motorcycles in Panama city. Lot's. I don't have the nerve to try it myself but lot's of others do it. Out in the country side scooters are safer.

As a follow-up, are there several motorcycle/scooter dealers in PC representing all the major brands? Are prices cheaper than in the US and Canada? Are there dealers in other cities ilke David?

Sounds like a scooter in PC and a dual sport in rural areas would be best.

Originally Posted by gsfromc

if they see you.

The key word being IF

Originally Posted by Sir Stressalot

The key word being IF

hey, if you are not living life on the edge , then you are taking up too much space jajaja

Are there several motorcyles dealerships in PC and other cities? Do they carry all the major brands? Are prices more or less than in the US?

i ride everyday, feel a lot safer than riding in the states.. it's just a diff mindset the way traffic runs down here.

one key i think is important is to have a motorcycle like the locals, a small engine = less chances of doing something stupid that doesn't fit into what people expect of motorcycles here. the traffic is more fluid and there's much more personal decisions made.. in the states everything is regulated and people automatically get super pissed off at anything out of the rules.. here's it's more like you are actually in the street with other people, sharing the street.

as for constuctions, theres a million new skyscrapers coming up right now. one right outside my window.