Thats what I mean about planning. It is pretty stupid to have Bike Week at Songkran. Its not so much the getting wet we dislike, it's more the risk of dropping the bike on the slippery roads. Getting hit with water or powder at 60km+ hurts a lot.
Stuart, you are right on all counts. The rental bikes here are just damn dangerous. That is particularly true of sport bikes, but applies also to the 125 Honda Dreams. Combine poor tyres, worn suspension, slippery roads with unskilled riders and the results are obvious. It's been a bumber season for accidents this year. The roads are just covered in white paint where the police outline the accident scene to determine blame.
And yes, the insurance scams happen. Basically, you cant get insurance. So if you do drop a bike they will charge you absolute top dollar to repair it - and make a nice profit. They actually like accidents as it keeps the bikes looking new. I have heard of the rental guys stealing the bike and charging you for it, but I think its mostly urban myth.
Personally, I'd rent the Steeds or similar. You dont ride as fast, they are in better condition and during bike week, you kind of fit in.
Later.