Riding to Russia on Lambrettas
 

Myself and my boyfriend are hoping to ride to Russia next year (2015) on Lambrettas, from the Uk though Germany, Poland, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia to Moscow and then up to St Petersberg. What are the roads like in Russia for riding a scooter? Is there much scenery:scooter or vast miles of nothing and are the roads full of trucks?

I've owned a fair few Lambretta's over the years from Series 1 TV175 to AF Rayspeed TS1225 with Mark Broadhurst engine so I'll give you my opinion.

I'm not saying your trip can't be done but it will be hard on you and the Lambretta. The roads in eastern Europe have huge potholes and are nothing short of appalling in some areas. The further east you go Lambretta spares will be in very short supply (if any) I'm guessing.

Should anything serious happen to the engine such as crank, cracked engine block etc.. you could be in real trouble.

As a Lambretta owner you'll be used to carrying spares but on a trip like this you'll need a lot.

I'd like to know more though. What Lambretta models are you planning to use? What time are you allowing for the trip?

Hi Dean,

We done some riding through Eastern Europe this year and coped ok with the road conditions. We will be taking lots of spares and will have to work out a solution if one of us breaks down i.e. putting the bikes on a train etc. Have you done much riding through Russia and is there much scenery & petrol stations etc?

I've ridden in eastern Europe but not Russia. Plenty of people on here have though. From what I can tell many struggle with the language. I speak Russian so have no trouble reading road signs or ordering food etc.. So I'd certainly try to learn some phrases etc.. A phrase book will be essential.

There's plenty of petrol stations over there although obviously take precaution in the more remote areas.

To Moscow and to St Petersburg the roads are good. You shall not have any problems of the roads though they are just good. Ordering food is quite a task as the local dialects change from area to area quite quickly. The higways are not interesting. I made alot of motorbike friends in Moscow. Night riding with them till 4 am, was an experience I shall never forget. In Moscow and St Petersburg one can find many English speaking people.