Leaving th bike in Russia/ Mongolia for a week
 

Our travel plans have had a very pleasant spanner thrown into the works.

While we are planning to be in Mongolia/ Russia next year Mrs Fox's Brother will be getting married in New York. We would both like to attend the wedding however this does make things a little complicated.

If we keep to our expected time table we will have to leave our motorcycles in either Irkutsk or Ulan Battor while we fly to New York and Back, (hopefully Irkutsk as it appears flights are cheaper).

My first question is what hoops will we have to jump through with Russian customs to be able to leave them in Russia while we fly out for the wedding and then return a few days later (also Mongolian customs as we could be there).

We will also need a contact where we can safely leave the bikes while we are out of the country (but we can sort this out closer to the time).

Any help anyone can give on this matter will be much appreciated.

There is no problem exiting and re-entering RUS having left your foreign registered vehicle in Russia. Nothing to do or declare. Just catch your plane as normal.
But ensure your visa is valid for the number of entries you plan and the vehicle Customs permit is also valid throughout your absence - these are generally issued for the shorter period of your own visa validity or 90 days from the vehicle's latest entry to RUS.

There are secure, guarded vehicle compounds in all reasonable sized towns and all cities, although these are open air compounds. Costs vary but around 100руб ($3) for a night is usual for a moto.
Otherwise Irkutsk has a strong moto community and someone may come forward to help.

Try the Oasis Guest House in UB Mongolia. Many people are leaving bikes here for a quick trip home. They have secure parking, great atmoshere and many overland travellers here to help.

Callum

Well american immigration are messing things around a bit and have moved the date of my brother in law's wedding. It's now looking like it'd going to be a june wedding next year.

So we're now looking for contacts in Volgograd who may be able to look after our bikes and gear while we're away. If any body has any recomendations it would be great.

Mongolian immigration won't let you leave without your vehicle. So Russia is your best bet.

As an aside US immigration can be a right royal PITA. Canada to US border was longest time spent to date along with a huge third degree.

Nobody at UB airport in Mongolia checks anything. Your bike is a Customs issue. There is no Customs at the airport. Immigration just stamps your passport/visa. My bike is parked in Mongolia for a year. I "legally" imported it. If you were returning within the validity of your visa I can't forsee a problem and wouldn't bother farting around with any paperwork.

Flights out of Russia are likely to be cheaper. Mongolian flights are expensive.