Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Route Planning
Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
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 2 Dec 2010
robopie's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: San Diego
Posts: 74
Best way to get to the other side......

Howdy all,

After completing my first ADV ride, a short one by some standard, San Diego- Bocas, Pan, I'm joansing for another!

What is the best way to get across the pond and what is the best way to have a scooter ready over there?

I have visions of wandering the continents over there, europe, asia, russia and maybe the middle east, africa. ??

I was thinking it would be cheaper to buy a ride in europe. Can a US dude buy a scoot in say Germany, Spain.... ??

I know the aussie mate I rode with had no problem buying a bike here!

Where could I buy? I ride a Vstrom DL and like the bigger bike. Thinking 850 GS?? My strom kinda sucks on dirt, hopeful for better suspension / handling w/ gear. I was thinking shipping might be more expensive than buying over there.??

Would there be any complications carrying foreign docs ( title - reg. ) through the mid - far east ??

Say I did Europe and headed south east. What is the best way to get down India way and into the far east? I'd love to see Iran but I think my chances of getting a visa would be slim - nill ( 50yo white american).

What kinda dough ($$) could we be talking about? For sure camping and Hostels, street food.

Kinda foot loose and fancy free, underemployed contractor w/ a little $$ in the bank. This trip I'm hopeful my rotor doesn't loose a magnet like the panama trip, major downtime!

Allot to ponder AND research. Thanks in advance!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 Dec 2010
robopie's Avatar
Contributing Member
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: San Diego
Posts: 74
Or...... maybe Japan and headed west ?? To buy the bike that is.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 3 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
I am not sure of the price of shipping your own bike, but if you do it might be easier to ship to the UK simply because of language, I am asuming you only speak English. It should be possible to buy and register in the UK, you will need an accommodation address to have the docs sent to.
If you want to ride to India do you know about things like a carnet de passage?
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...eed-know-39204
I think these are cheaper in Germany than the UK so might be something to think about if buying in Europe.
Petrol is nearly $2 a litre, $8 US gallon in Europe, if you do get to Iran it is only about 5 cents a litre, campsites and backpackers hostels are $10-20 a night in western Europe, food is best bought in supermarkets, the cheapest meal which in the UK would actually be in a supermarket restaurant will set you back $8 upwards, not sure about other countries.
You could head off across central Asia to Vladivostok and get the ferry to Japan, thus avoiding Iran, or ship/fly your bike across if you particularly want to get to India.
There should be accounts of trips in all these directions somewhere on this site, alternatively here is a friend's central Asia trip, amongst other destinations.
Mongolian Mayhem | Tiffany Coates Travels the World

This should give you an idea of what a bike will cost in the UK.
Used Motorbikes & Motorcycles For Sale | MCN

Bon voyage
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 11 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: New Hampshire, USA
Posts: 107
I wish I had some advice for you, but alas, I don't. Just wanted to chime in and say "good on ya!" Have a great ride!
__________________
Motorcycle Mexico - The easiest way to prepare for your first ride south of the border.
USA to TDF Blog
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 12 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: King's Lynn UK
Posts: 424
Have a look at this. By the way I posted it. The problem is I have a trip this year on the book's.

One crazey idea ... - ADVrider

John933
__________________
To buy petrol in Europe. Pull up at station. Wait. Get out a 20 Euro note, then ask someone to fill up the bike. Give person money. Ride away. Simple.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 14 Dec 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 1,731
Quote:
Originally Posted by robopie View Post
What is the best way to get across the pond and what is the best way to have a scooter ready over there?

There´s no one definite answer for that, as it´ll depend on a long list of things. Like how much time you´ve got, and where do you plan to start, and then go where.

Sure it´s possible to ship your bike from the US to Europe and back. Across the Atlantic by sea (Eastern US to Europe West coast), I´d budget somewhere around 500-700 euros (for a mid-sized bike - and that´ll also be a factor). But remember, that the pick-up costs at the receiving end can be substantial, and they might not get mentioned at all, when you´re sending the thing. By air, I´d roughly double that figure, but then the costs at the other end tend to be lower, and processing in general is faster&smoother. And then there are some ´readymade´ packages for sending both by air and by sea, which would be easier, as the companies will handle the paperwork, but they´ll cost you more.

Then there is the possibility of renting a bike, or buying one, and possibly even selling after the trip. Once again, the selection, prices & paperwork will depend totally on where you plan to do this. In Europe both would be quite easy, but not necessarily cheap (especially renting will be expensive, and with a rental bike, you´d probably have to stay inside the EU).

I went the other way in 2009 (Western US) and in the end, decided I´m not gonna ship my own bike over, but the main reason was that my trip was only 6 weeks. Had it been around 10 weeks or more, then surely I´d have done that. If you plan to make a long overland-trip, like several months, and also many countries, then having your own bike does have certain benefits, even if shipping it is always a bit of a pain!
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
Side to Side Windows Dave The Hat Overland Vehicles and Equipment for Sale / Wanted 4 11 Apr 2010 20:44
about a side car Ruioliveira Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 40 21 Nov 2009 00:01
1vj side panels wrussell Yamaha Tech 2 13 Oct 2008 00:24
Side Stand 640 davidlomax KTM Tech 9 19 May 2005 19:15
side-car motorcycle? holsinger Route Planning 1 14 Mar 2003 17:07

 
 

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 11:11.