On Russian Bikes from Mongolia to France

[lionbreeeze]

Well,
This is all in the pipeline at present but.. We are looking at buying new russian bikes here in Ulaanbataar then riding to France. (Leaving at the end of August) The route is: crossing into Russia in far west Mongolia, down into Kazakstan, Russia agian, Ukraine, Poland, Czech, etc... (We both have British passports)
Some problems/questions:
We can ride but don't have current bike licences
No idea about visas.. yet. The Russian one looks like a real pain
Can you get decent helmets, leathers etc.. here in UB?
Any ideas if it's easier to ride across that way with a bike registered in Mongolia or Russia?
Any ideas on a time frame? I know of someone who drove this route in 3 months, i'm not sure if thats reasonable on bikes or not?
I know, I know, it seems like madness, but worth trying right!
Thank you so much for any help at all

[jkrijt]

If you want to ride a bike in the EU you need a valid drivers license.
It will be inpossible to get insurance (mandatory in most EU countries) without a valid license.

[mika]

priviet,

yes you can do it.

get bike papers in Mongolia and a number plate.

try to get a Mongolian driving license, maybe you can buy it. Or try again in Russia. If this doesnt work out, make your own on the computer. But be carefull with this in the EU, better tell a EU policeman that your papers were stolen in Russia ...

get a visa for Russia, Kazachstan and Ukraine, if possible in Ulan Batar.

I got a one month tourist visa (single entry) for Russia in Ulan Batar, in the year 2000, over an agency called Lovely Tours - I cant recommend it, they put in the wrong dates, charged too much and made me wait too long. Maybe try to arrange the invitation over the internet, should be no problem.

Go to all the three embassies and see what visas you can get and how long it will take.

Make sure that the border in the west is open for tourists, if not, take the border at Suhbator/Naushki.

Take jerry cans for spare fuel for the West of Mongolia. Buy spare parts if you can in Mongolia, the dealer (or seller) will know what you should take.

Maybe visit the Ural factory in Irbit, if it is still open.

Three months sounds resonable, but it will get cold late October.

Enjoy

Mika

[flashy_cj]

My wife and I will ride our BMW powered Chang Jiang from northeast China to UB, then on to Russia as a part of our RTW trip starting in two weeks. I just got the Russian visa and here are a couple of hints:
1. you can get the Letter of Invitation over the Internet from any of several registered travel agents. Make sure they send you originals via express mail/courier. Do NOT rely on a faxed copy. The Russian Consulate here does not accept them and I would be surprised if the Embassy in UB will accept them.
2. Other than the regular paperwork hassles in the visa office, we had no problem. Plan to pay in local currency.

You will absolutely need a valid driver's license. My advice is to bite the bullet and go through the process (legal or otherwise) to get a real one. If you try to make one yourself and are caught, you could have your bike confiscated -- bummer!

Once you have your license and registration, make copies but have the real ones as a backup.

We will be in UB on or about July 27. Look for two black sidecar rigs that look like something out of a Mad Max movie. We will be happy to help with any questions you might have.

[PeterL]

That's a great idea! How much would a half decent bike cost that could get you back to Europe?

[Mingh]

2 years ago, a shining new Ish Planeta 350cc 2 stroke set you back about 900 usd.
With some spares (check with the salesguys) loads of tru loving care and a bit of luck you can make it all the way.
Last year we did 10.000k in a 125cc minsk, 2up, and it was still running fine after having completed our loop. Hear round but an Ish should make it with a little luck