Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > Northern and Central Asia
UK - Russia 2WD UK - Russia 2WD
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Northern and Central Asia Topics specific to Russia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Georgia, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia, China, Japan and Korea
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 13 May 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Hereford, UK
Posts: 73
UK - Russia 2WD
Hi all,

Just looking for some sensible advice - my other half and I are have the inkling of an idea to drive from the UK to the east coast of Russia. We'd prefer to do it on an old 2WD (not a complete banger but not far off) although a 4WD is an option, especially considering how cheap they are at the moment.

So, anyone ever done a trip like this? Is selling the car in Russia possible (with or without a little bribery)? I heard green cards now cover Russia - true?

We've both done a few banger rallies before and currently live in Africa so have experience of dodgy roads and dodgier officials.

Thanks,

Rich
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 13 May 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
haven't ever tried to sell a foreign vehicle in Russia, but from what I've read it will be difficult, especially on the Far East, where many used cars are brought in in good condition from Japan.

Also, as far as I know green card insurance does not cover Russia (just tried to do this in the past couple of weeks). But you can get third party liability insurance for Russia just before/after crossing into Russia.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 13 May 2009
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
2wd is fine. Russians do it all the time. Over 90% of the cars crossing siberia on the main road over are 2wd. Mostly japanese imports heading west

Selling it there? I guess everything is possible, but remember you will have a car on your customs form when you enter, and if you dont have it when you exit, they will want to know why.

Green cards now cover Russia, and seem to be accepted there. I was asked for a green card 3 weeks ago when I entered near Krasnodar. I had to buy insurance because I didnt have one. Its relatively new (2008), but technically yes, Russia now takes green cards. Just a question of whether or not the border official wherever you enter is up to date or not.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 May 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Washington, DC
Posts: 1,377
Quote:
Originally Posted by colebatch View Post
...technically yes, Russia now takes green cards. Just a question of whether or not the border official wherever you enter is up to date or not.
maybe I'm confused, but I thought the main issue was which green card issuers would cover Russia? I got a green card a few weeks ago in Europe, and it did not cover Ukraine or Russia (even though I asked if it was possible to do so). Maybe I'm talking to the wrong green card issuer?
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 May 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: London
Posts: 621
If this guy can do it, so can you

Dad Dwight Wood drives family from UK to Singapore and back in a £300 car | The Sun |News
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13 May 2009
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
Quote:
Originally Posted by motoreiter View Post
maybe I'm confused, but I thought the main issue was which green card issuers would cover Russia? I got a green card a few weeks ago in Europe, and it did not cover Ukraine or Russia (even though I asked if it was possible to do so). Maybe I'm talking to the wrong green card issuer?
maybe that issuer is not up to date

I also noted on Safran's green card (Safran rode with me from Montenegro to Romania) that his green card had Ukraine and Russian named on it. He got the green card in March
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 13 May 2009
Matt Cartney's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Edinburgh, Lothian, Scotland
Posts: 1,350
Quote:
Originally Posted by ilesmark View Post

What a dude!
__________________
http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 13 May 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2007
Location: London
Posts: 621
Actually, how could I forget? I drove from Vladivostok to Europe. If you want to see what Russian road conditions look like, have a look at the Eastern Russia section of my website.

overlandcruiser.net

Also see this

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...cription-20878

But it is also true that most of the cars on the Trans-Siberian Highway are 2WD and they manage just fine. Bear in mind, however, that 90% of the traffic on the TSH is heading west.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 14 May 2009
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Brisbane
Posts: 277
I have managed to sell my motorbike in Moscow, I have been meaning to post a step by step process... ill try and remember to do it shortly.

2WD are crossing the country all the time. You will end up meeting the people who transport them from Vlad to through out Russia.

I got pulled over a few times by the police who wanted money, I always managed to talk them out of it. You really only have to be concerned in western Russia. As soon as you pass the Ural Mountains they stop being greedy.
__________________
For more information on my adventures, please visit either of the following:
w.http://www.motomonkeyadventures.com/
fb. facebook.com/motomonkeyadventures
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 18 May 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Hereford, UK
Posts: 73
Quote:
Originally Posted by maximondo View Post
I have managed to sell my motorbike in Moscow, I have been meaning to post a step by step process... ill try and remember to do it shortly.

2WD are crossing the country all the time. You will end up meeting the people who transport them from Vlad to through out Russia.

I got pulled over a few times by the police who wanted money, I always managed to talk them out of it. You really only have to be concerned in western Russia. As soon as you pass the Ural Mountains they stop being greedy.


That would be great if you could let us have that information. Thanks!

Any idea whether selling a RHD car will be a problem? We're not looking to make money but just want to be able to leave the country without the car.

We're hoping to carry on with the road trip in the US (buying another car there and driving it around for a while before finishing up in NYC). Any ideas for getting from Vladivostock to the US?
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 18 May 2009
colebatch's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
Quote:
Originally Posted by straggler View Post

Any idea whether selling a RHD car will be a problem?
After Irkutsk I would think no ... all the second hand Japanese cars that come in are RHD. Half the cars in Khabarovsk and Vladivostok are RHD
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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

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
Russia-Iran-UAE-Oman-Yemen-Saudia-Jordan-Syria-Turkey-Russia mosq Middle East 9 23 May 2009 19:46
Russia insureguy Route Planning 2 31 Mar 2007 22:54
Russia Bert 4 wheel Overland Travel 4 15 Jun 2005 02:57
GPS in Russia? dragbjorn Navigation - Maps, Compass, GPS 4 10 May 2004 12:04

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 12:59.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top