Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Like Tree2Likes
  • 1 Post By Tony P
  • 1 Post By Samy

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 31 Oct 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 59
Ukraine, Iran and Caucasus

Hello,

I am a newbie to this and will be travelling around the black sea minus the Western Europe and Russian sections (that is Ukraine, Iran and through the caucasus) and I was wondering what are the quality of the roads? Would a enduro be necessary of just a road bike with proper tires?

Thanks,
Kurt
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 2 Nov 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Sussex, UK
Posts: 80
Roads in Iran are fine (the jury is still out on the drivers... ), but like any country it would depend on what you want to do. If you just want to go to the developed parts of the country and/or get across it from east to west, then you could do that on anything.
__________________
brighton2expeditions
'02 Africa Twin (sold), GSX-R 1000 K5 (sold), '97 TL1000S, '08 DRZ400 SM/S, '92 CRM250
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 2 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
Russia sections, should you decide on them, are fine too. Good to fair tarmac or concrete slab roads.
At worst you might meet a bit of smooth graded gravel if riding through the inland Caucuses region.

Border possibilities and procedures with Georgia and Azerbaidjan need to be checked out though. Things change regularly!
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 5 Nov 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: I S T
Posts: 655
I have been travelling around between all these countries.

Enduro will be better, a road bike also works.

Main roads are mostly ok or not that bad generally. For countryside needed to be more careful. Some roads has potholes and not so well, especially in Ukraine.
__________________
"where the traveller goes, nobody knows ! "
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 Nov 2011
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2002
Location: Toronto, Canada
Posts: 2,123
I agree with Samy - there can be some bad stretches of road in the Ukraine.

I went through there a few years ago with a Honda ST1100 - I had to keep my eyes open, there were some potholes in the main roads (national roads) that would have busted a rim if I had hit them. Although, I suppose, they probably would have busted a rim on a dual-sport if the rider hit them at the same speed...

Street bike should be OK, just keep your eyes wide open in the Ukraine.

Michael
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 18 Nov 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2011
Posts: 59
Thanks guys. I never thought Ukraine would have the crappiest roads!
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


 
 

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 15:26.