Road Conditions
 

Hi all,

My wife and I are planning to ride from London to Australia through Turkey, Iran, Pakistan, India then through SE Asia to Singapore for onward transport to Cairns in Oz.

We are thinking of riding Honda Pan Europeans or similar (Yamaha FJR1300, or BMW tourer such as the K1200GT??)

What I am curious about is the condition of the roads between Turkey and say Malaysia as this will obviously dictate the type of bike, tyres and the exact route.

Has anybody done this route on a simmilar bike or would the recommendation be for a different type such as the BMW R1200GS Adventurer or such?

We will be each riding our own bikes.

Most of the other bits of info we need have been found on this site already, but I could not find any advice on the road types and conditions in these countries.

Any assistance very much appreciated.

Steve and Liz

The roads through to Turkey and Iran will be fine. Beyond that, in Pakistan and India, the main roads will generally be ok,(with the exception of poor states like Bihar) but getting off onto smaller roads will be touch and go with some sections good and some terrible. If you want to take a road bike, maybe choose something that can handle potholes and the occasional speed bump in the middle of the highway. I almost ripped the sump out of my R65 numerous times on these speed bumps in India.
Sean

Cheers for that Sean.

We test rode a Pan European on the weekend, and have talked quite a bit to a few people who own them, and have decided that we'll be using the Pans for this trip.

Steve

I wouldn't: too big and heavy and too hot behind the fairing. In many places traffic is dead slow and it's stinking hot. I recommend something smaller without fairing.

My 2c worth...

too big
 

I agree about the last post. Having done the same route i would say too big and dont use the fairing type bike. Way too hot. The temp in Iran got to 53C.
Roads are all fine if you stay on the main roads.
Good luck.