You will find a way... That is certain. Whatever happens. You won't spend the rest of your life next to a broken down motorcycle on the side of a road.

There are things you can do to make this situation easier...

1) Have a bike which is well maintained and reliable in the first place. With a little knowledge you will probably get yourself going again. PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE. If you think something is going to break, it probably will. Don't wait until you're in the middle of nowhere.

2) Only travel in the daytime and get on the road early. A Sunday evening is not the time to be looking for a shop with spare parts or a hotel (I know this through experience)

3)Have all your 'can not live without' valuables packed into one bag like a tank bag that you can walk away with. Or a 49L Ortlieb with a shoulder strap that you can get 100% of your important stuff into. Then you can hide your bike somewhere. (A lightweight rattle proof lock and a bike cover will make you sleep better) This is where having a £2000 dirt bike is better than having a £15,000 BMW. One is easier to write off and walk away from in the worst case scenario.

4) Always have emergency food and water for the area your're travelling. Don't ride into the desert with 1L of water and a mars bar. In western Europe, this isn't so important. In remote regions, it is more so..

5) Keep a DECENT stash of emergency cash. You will need it. Local currency is best. Dollars will do.

6) Don't travel solo into places that you can't walk out of....


Scenario.... Your bike dies on a road in Mongolia. You're miles from a town.

Get comfortable... Compose yourself and think things through. Make a brew.. Try and fix your bike. Wiggle this, kick that, check connections and switches etc.

If it's beyond your skills, spares and tools then you need to get yourself and your bike to a town or village. Collect your valuables together and flag down a vehicle.. Best case scenario you flag a truck for you and your bike.. You will probably get a free ride. Flashing some cash will definitely get you some help.

Find somewhere to sleep.... You need a base-camp to solve your problem from. Once secure, ask around for someone with a trailer, truck, van etc to get your bike back to the place you are sleeping if you couldn't do this to start with.. This is actually WAY easier in small remote places. People WANT to help you. You will probably be saved by a do-gooder before you even realise you have a problem. It sounds like a nightmare but it will just happen. You won't have a choice anyway. It will be the natural 'thing to do'.

Then it's just a case of putting your feet up. Ask around for transport to a mechanic etc... Try and enjoy the mini adventure... You didn't think you'd be doing THIS when you got up this morning.

If it's late and no cars have passed, put your tent up, make a cup of tea and think things through. Sleep on it. Unless you're REALLY remote, you will get help.. Eventually. Even if it costs you $$$$$$

You will find it's just a minor inconvenience. It will be memorable. You will make new friends and have great stories..

__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.