Hello from Usak, Turkey.

[Aussie-in-Usak]

Hi everyone,
I'm an Aussie based in Usak, Turkey. I'm on a work contract for the next 2 years and would like to meet up with locals or travellers.
My GS is still on it's way from Australia, but with very strict "import" conditions, it may have to stay outside the country.
Any thoughts or ideas would be appreciated.

Cheers n s,

Roachy

[olionel]

Hi mate;

We're currently in Izmir on our way to Oz. We'll be passing through Usak on our way to Cappadocia in a few weeks time. Usak is a really random place to end up Might see you if you're not at work.

I'm not sure how long you can keep your bike in the country (usually 90 days) unless you apply for some temp import or what not (not sure if that even exists). Whenever I bring my bike over from the UK they always stamp it in for 90 days + 3rd party insurance (cheap).

Might be cheaper to buy a run around bike (some cheap Transalps available, check http://www.sahibinden.com/motosiklet) and sell it when you leave. GS's and stuff will be expensive but you should be able to sell it for a similiar price. Whatever OK bike you buy 2nd hand stuff holds its value well in Turkey.

All the best anyways
Oli

[Mehmet Zeki Avar]

Selam to Uşak.

When your bike is at the port, you just need to apply to the port customs mngr. with a Turkish application letter together with copies of the documents and Turkish road insurance (Trafik Sigortası not a kasko).

Your bike will be stamped on your passport page with a permission of 90 days to stay..
Then you can extend the period with a blue number plate..(1 year)
For this purpose permission of residence and work permit needed..
Formalities are easy but takes time as need some checkings and signatures.
(never think about giving a bribe)

Good news, still some festivals available close to you..Dont miss the one in Sakarya..


Agustos..august
Eylül....... september

Hope helps.

[Aussie-in-Usak]

Thanks for the info guys...and sorry about being slow to reply.
I had a unplanned trip back to Oz to sort out visa problems.

Mehmet Zeki Avar, the authorities require a financial "bond" (10 000tl) to be paid so I can keep the bike in country. I am sceptical about getting the full amount back when I eventually leave, plus the broker fee of 2000tl is a bit over the top. The registration fee's and insurance were all extra's that I couldn't get a set price for...
.
And I've missed the festivals it seems....next year..... Is there a good web page that lists these events?

olionel,
mate, I've probably missed you, but PM me if you havn't gone thru Usak yet... I think your advice is good about getting a 2nd hand transalp or something similar

[Mehmet Zeki Avar]

Thats why my Aussie friend living and working in İstanbul made the official buying of his Kawasaki on a Turkish friends name and riding it just with Power of Attorney..(In Turkish and English)
This way also more easy and fast to sell when you decide to do so.

Now he is riding in Balkan countries..When you are in İstanbul, give me a shout a few days before, lets visit him together for a chat..

Festival dates are clear about february each year and all has own facebook or web pages generally in Turkish..Inform every year in HUB and my facebook page when dates are clear.

All the best..

[Aussie-in-Usak]

Mehmet,
Thanks for that idea...and I will definelty contact you when I next go to Istanbul....most likely early September.
Cheers,
Alan.