Germany to Iran
 

I've begun the planning stages for a trip into Iran for the fall of 2007. My plan (half-baked at the moment) is simple - ship my motorcycle from Canada into Germany. Ride to Iran. I'm currently waiting for my Iraninan visa. I don't yet have the bike (well, I have a bike... just not the proper one for a trip like that. Anyone want to buy a 2006 DL1000 V-Strom?) I'll keep you posted with trip details from time to time, and I'm looking for suggestions from anyone who's done a similar trip in the past. For instance, there are advantages to shipping a bike over seas for the trip (familiarity with the machine, luggage etc. already registered, carnet easy to get), but is it better (read: easier) than buying abroad? Many people have suggested that I buy a bike in Germany, but I'll wager they've never done it. Anyway, I'll post more when I get underway, or you can check out my website for further details.

I would keep the V-Strom and use it for the trip, unless you seriously want to go offroad. Iranian roads are excellent, by and large.

There are plenty of topics and opinions here for and against buying in Germany v shipping. Read them and make up your own mind.

Go for it!

V-Strom
 

Thanks for the reply. I'm not selling the Strom because I think I'll encounter rough roads. I'm selling it because I'm on a tight budget. If I sell it and get a cheaper machine, I can use the difference to help fund the trip. And, if I don't sell the Strom, the Carnet will be too expensive. Also, the bike just weighs too much for me to pick up by myself when it's fully loaded. (Yeah. I crash a lot. Just kidding.) Anyway, it's all a moot point unless I get my visa. I'm still waiting on the embassy.