Thanks Davey... I agree.. using my current ride makes the most sense... I have spent 4 years and 70,000 kilometres sorting out how to make it fit best... I also have heard back from Rekluse, and they said that they have no plans as yet to develope the clutch kit for the PanAmerican... I have also "ridden" some of the roads in Google roads in Mongolia, and there is nothing there that I cannot make happen on the chosen route... dirt roads don't scare me, and I know how to fix a flat on a bike tire.

I have also heard back from the Shipping Agent in Vladivostok... and it has made me rethink the travel directions... I will seriously consider shipping the bike to Vlad and starting from there and heading west... that means I would start later in the year, as I would target the Naadam festival in Mongolia in July, and then work my way West.

This would put me in Western Europe in October... the issue with doing it that way is that Air Canada has a drop dead date for shipping motorcycles in October sometime...

Also... I would consider leaving my bike in Europe over the winter, and heading back the following summer to do the Nordic leg... then shipping it home after... I don't know what is involved with that, and if there is a better county than another to do it in... I have a friend in Holland where I can store it for the winter, if that is possible to do.

The flex time is important... as I want to be able to do things as they present themselves... staying open to all suggestions from everyone is key to a better trip.

__________________
The Journeys of Darla & Right back to the beginning

It's entirely legitimate to drop off your bike (have someone pick it up in Canada) and continue your journey in Europe using public transport/rental cars/even rental bikes... or scooters! They have auto-clutches.

Here in Estonia it's possible to leave a non-EU bike in the country for a year (and it resets with a quick trip across the Russian border). Motorcycle hotels are plentiful, as most of us live in apartment buildings and store our bikes for the winter.

"I have also "ridden" some of the roads in Google roads in Mongolia, and there is nothing there that I cannot make happen on the chosen route... dirt roads don't scare me"

mmmmm....depending which way you go, you may be in for a surprise...
Calling Walter

__________________
I do not list my vehicles or the places I have travelled to nor do I live my life seeking validation from others.

... and that is what makes it an adventure... I love a surprise.

__________________
The Journeys of Darla & Right back to the beginning