Hi all, the OP was worried about being stopped by officials looking for a handout. This happens all over, as one said, it's a part of independant travel. There has been some good advice, and no situation is going to be the same, so you have to read the circumstances.

I think there are four catagories.

First is the random stop, because they see you and try their luck. They don't like timewasters, if you are friendly you can usually be on your way without too much hassle.

Second is "breaking the law", pulling you over for a minor traffic violation. If you did it or not is hardly relevant, but then this may be is a good time to negotiate, or you can insist on driving to a policestation with all the hassle you will get there.

Third I think would be the spurious fees at a border, this is usually well organised, and "they" hold the high cards. They can just refuse to let you in, or out, and you are stuck.

Fourth would be the checkpoint. Driving to the front of the queue on a bike is normal, but they are really on the lookout for "weasels" who try to sneak through. Not seeing the soldiers/police or pretending you have been checked can have serious consequences. They carry guns, and are allowed to use them. This is definatly not a good idea. Locals often have to pay for not having their stuff searched and thrown about. I have met overlanders in cars and trucks who had all their gear searched and stuff stolen, but on a bike I have been lucky.

I suppose the best advice is to keep a low profile and use your finely honed human relations skills to ascess the situation. Some you win, and some you loose.

Safe travel

Peter, in Oslo