Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Europe
Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 13 Aug 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 67
Minsk to Damascus on a.. Minsk?

I've been studying in Minsk, Belarus, for a number of months and now I'm moving on. I'd like to go to Damascus, Syria. I'm shopping around for a used bike for $100 to $300 (Possibly a Minsk, a Jawa, Planeta or Jupiter.. russian bikes are cheaper than foreign bikes. I made a seperate thread to discuss their relative merits..)

My question is, what route would you recommend? Go west around the black sea via Istanbul? This would mean taking the bike into to EU, is this going to be expensive/difficult? This route is about 4000km, according to google maps.

Or else, go east of the black sea, via southern russia / georgia? What problems can I expect when I attempt to bring a belarus registered bike into Turkey/Syria/Lebanon/Isreal etc.? I am a UK Citizen. I'm trying to keep this trip fairly cheap. My Russian is not too bad.

Anything that I definately should not miss?

Thanks for your responses.

David
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 14 Aug 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 67
No one knows what happens if I take a bike registered in Belarus into the EU? In a couple of weeks I'll be at the border with Romania, I hope I won't have problems..
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 14 Aug 2010
Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: London
Posts: 18
minsk to damascus via kiev

Hi Dave,
You'll have no problem with bike registration if you have original docs with you. They all like to see international vehicle registration docs but it's the original they want. As you are English they may want an international driving licence - see the AA

I just rode London, Bratislava, Lviv to Kiev, then down through Romania and Bulgarian coast roads to Istanbul, Izmir and back to Kiev.
Central and western Ukraine roads are terrible right now - lots of repairs going on and the corrupt traffic cops at every bend.
From Minsk the road from Kiev to Odessa is fine and pretty quick.
The final stretch of Ukrainian road to the border to Galati is terrible - about 10 kilometres of ripped up ashphalt.
The border crosssing at Galati is fine but a bit complicated; you have Ukraine, Moldova and Romanian borders linked up over 1 km. Before your enter the Moldovan section buy green card insurance. It only costs 25 hryvna , - they will accept euros. If you don't get it the Moldovans will send you back to buy it ... it will cost you another hour. BTW ride to the front of the queue - ignore trucks and cars. There are no bribes or dodgy payments - I can't recall if you have to pay an entry visa. You DO have to pay for one to get in to Turkey (about £30) and you have to buy green card insurance if you're insurance doesn't extend to Turkey.
BTW The bigger petrol stations will accept credit cards. OMV is good - they do food as well as petrol - and they have air at each pump too Going to somewhere like OMV saves yiou time as you get petrol food and air in one stop.
If you time it properly you can leave Romania and clear Bulgaria in a day.
The coast roads through Romania and Bulgaria are mainly ok - I went Constanta, Varna, Burgas, Kirklarelli. (On my return from Izmir I went north through Bucharest - bad decision. All the interior roads in Bulgaria and Romania are in bad condition)
Bulgarian mountains are amazing but there is only one petrol station between the last town and Turkish border - about 100 miles - so make sure you keep your tank full.
Accomodation in border towns is expensive, there is some camping on the coast.
Turkish roads are made in heaven but Istanbul is terrifying - stay well clear of buses.
Going through Russia into Georgia is not on - see other posts about the border on HU - and the ferry route to Istanbul is haphazard - according to friends in Istanbul it operates when it feels like it. Also, you'll need a visa to get into Russial for a Brit in Belarus that will be a tad complicated and expensive.
I'll be in Kiev in Mid september preparing to return to UK via Italy. Call me if you are around.
Enjoy your journey
Jake
__________________
Cordially,

Derek aka Jake.

Don't take life too seriously, you'll never get out alive
.

Last edited by Just Jake; 14 Aug 2010 at 20:35.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 14 Aug 2010
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Posts: 67
Awesome. Thanks for the info. I think I've settled on going west around the black sea, as I don't have a lot of time left to get a Russian visa. I can always take a look a Georgia coming from the south.

Probably I'll be on a Izh Jupiter (2 stroke 350cc twin.) I'm going to see it tomorrow, the price is $300. I've heard parts are available in Turkey as they were produced under licence for a long time.

Fuel here is $1/litre. I guess prices are similar in Ukraine/Romania/Turkey?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 14 Aug 2010
Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: London
Posts: 18
Yep, fuel costs are similar on the whole route.

One thing David, on a small bike with Belarus plates the dirivers will think you are a local.

So keep on the right of the slow lane all the time - expect every cage driver to completely ignore your presence and just let them pass; they really do not have any understanding of motorcycles or the difficulties you are having.

I was riding a big (1500 cc) Victory Vegas with Brit plates and they tailgated within a few metres even at 90 mph. And not many roads will allow safe riding at that speed.

Out of their cages they are all really friendly people - but on the road and driving? Like they're from a different planet.

Best,

Jake
__________________
Cordially,

Derek aka Jake.

Don't take life too seriously, you'll never get out alive
.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 5 Sep 2010
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Romania
Posts: 7
Any news?

How is your trip coming along?

I'm very interested in hearing about how it goes. I'm Canadian but I spend a lot of time in Romania. I'm also thinking of riding down to Syria one summer on a cheap east European bike. The two big concerns that I had were:
1) Could I get parts once I got beyond Bulgaria? Bulgarian friends have told me that there are plenty of old Soviet bikes still on the road there, so I wasn't too concerned about Bulgaria, but beyond... So, I'm glad to hear that you can get parts for a Jawa in Turkey. I'd be interested in hearing about the situation in Syria.
2) Would there be any problems at border crossings since I'm Canadian but the bike is registered in Romania? I've driven a Romanian car (an old Dacia) across the border into Hungary before. The border control guys looked at me kind of odd like I was crazy to be driving the car that far, but never objected. But I only ever crossed in and out of Romania. I never went beyond Hungary, and I have no idea what the border guards would have said if I'd driven further, for example to Austria. So, I'm curious if there are ever problems at a border because the bike was bought and registered in a country other than where the owner is from - especially with a relatively low quality bike.

So, I'm very interested in how your trip goes.

I'm also interested in how you find the Minsk travels long distances. I was thinking that if I do the trip with a soviet bike, I'd use a Jawa or maybe an MZ-250. They have a better reputation (at least in Romania they do) and I figured that the larger engine would make it easier to travel a larger distance without putting too much stress on the engine or making too many frequent rest stops. Is the Minsk 2007 that you got also a 125cc or is it larger?
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Minsk pete123 Other Bikes Tech 5 31 Oct 2009 13:51
To Minsk or not to Minsk jojojoj Which Bike? 5 7 Dec 2006 16:38
MINSK motorcycle Pierk Trip Paperwork 0 10 Nov 2005 01:37
MINSK Motorcycle Pierk Europe 0 10 Nov 2005 01:33
Vietnam on a Minsk ? brclarke Route Planning 2 14 Jul 2000 22:07

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 14:51.