Stolen bike in UAE, my trip is over!
 

I am in Dubai and have been for 3 days, I have just riden from london to here via cape town through 32 African countries and now of all places, I am very defeated, degected, very sad and at a loss to what the hell to do, my web site below says it all, the hard way home, my dream was to ride from London to Oz, I worked so hard for this and have put so much effoert into it and now, well I dont know.

Its a black Africa Twin, 98 model with a balded rear tire one headlight and the rear left blinker is blown, the clock says 75 000 miles and there is a sticker of a bull on the front wind sheild, this info is for anybody who may be out here and to keep there eyes open.

Right now I hate some people in this world, I am so so annoyed, what do I do now, hope on a plane and go home, the easy way home!!! I really hate these people that thieve and thats a bad word.

Fck, man!

I'm so very sorry for you.

Maybe try and get some local bike people to help in a search...

Nothing can be said...totally sucks....

Stolen africa twin
 

Thats crap Rob, there are deffinatly some grubs around!! Where did it go from?

It's hard to believe that they would have taken it, there are wreckers there in Sharjar maybe go up there for a look about? I really don't know what to do to try and help, were you able to contact that guy I told you about? He may have some ideas?

I know how your feeling now mate especially after riding through all these countries in Africa and now to have this happen in a developed country, it's the pits!!

Let me know if I can help in any way.

Cheers

Definitely sux BIG time - a bloody heartbreaking thing to happen. We feel for ya bro.

:(

A bike abandoned for quite some time was just found in S. America. Don't give up hope yet, amazing things can happen. Network, network, network...
Lorraine

Hi Robbo,

Don't throw the towel in just yet.

I know it may look bleak but dood some searching around and talk to the locals, bike clubs news papers give people a telephone number where you can be contacted or they can leave a message.

Check out this thread for ideas to follow up.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...s-stolen-29952

I might see what the cost of a private detective might be, a reward might bring results.

Steve

media
 

Hey man that sucks and i feel for you. why not go to local tv or radio station tell them about your journey and it may spark interest.Im sure you will get some leads that way.once they here about your incredible journey i'm confident youll find your bike after all there people were once nomads and travelers and understand your passion,give it a try. good luck.

Hard luck mate.
I am in Saudi so I will look out for it as there are a lot of bikes and cars coming from Dubai. One of my trainees has an uncle high up in the police here so I will give him a description.
Cheers
Ian:thumbup1:

Ratshit mate! a right blow to the guts.
There's some bastards out there for sure!

It may very well turn up, we'll be keeping our fingers crossed!

Any chance of finding another bike to finish the trip? Ok it won't be the "mothership" but anything with two wheels will get you home! (albiet with a revised route) Would beat heading home with the mass of drones on a plane...
Even if it means finding work in Dubai to help fund a replacement stead. Don't throw it in just yet, You may regret it. Try and relax and find a way..... It arn't over yet bro!

All our hearts go out to you mate, keep yer head up.

hi mate,

i am really really sorry for you. there are a..holes all around the world. i hope you can get your bike back soon. same happened to a couple about a month ago in Brazil and they got their bike in a couple of week. it is somewhere in forum.

what i want to say is.. i have heard that, the a..holes who steal bikes over there mostly send the bikes to india or iran somewhere after they break it up... so it might be good idea to have a local contact (may be a bit bribe) and look for the workshops...

hope you find it, i am gonna pry for you!

awwwwww Dude, that Sux!
 

Robbo....... That Sux.:( Bike Thieves are a waste of skin.

Hope fully someone, somewhere will find your bike, and re-unite you with it.

Hope things go well for ya feller.....

Martyn

think positive
 

That is really a bummer, all is good does have an end. Try not to be too emotional about it, it will make you do something silly like be racist. It's not worth it. I understand that it was everything, but you've still got you're physical and mental power. That is more important than any material thing.

The words of advise above do ring true. You should report it stolen. Be very informative about where, when, description. You've probably done that already, but you have to put yourself in the role of someone who's trying to get his bike back, not a bummed out biker with no bike. Get some printouts of the bike and put them up where it was stolen with a contact number. Good luck old chap.
May your decisions be wise and benificial to your safe return.
:stormy::Beach: Old Aikido expression : After the storm, comes the sun

Cheers everyone
 

Thank you all so so much, its a day on and I have emailed some papers, had an interview for nearly 2 hours with Gulf News and went to the cops again, today it was all the little things that are nothing but mean alot to me, like my GPS that has got every Kilometer on it all 65 023 since leaving London, the GPS locable mount, the cigarette lighter plug I had on it, the special box I had built for the tools on the back, all my tools in my tool roll gone, the tank bag I have here but not the base mat that it zips onto, the pannier racks that are on it and the panniers I now have sitting next to me, at least I have them, the engine bars, the head light protector, the engine I just had out 5 months ago and replaced a few things, the new forks I got and of course my bike. Just expressing my thoughts, I realize I aint the first and sadly will not be the last.

I will take the advice given and get up to the area for a look about the wreckers, I aint going to give up but I must say its hard to go on from here, to spend the money to set up again is going to be something.

Thanks again for all your imput, reminds me there are great people about and not focus on the scum of the earth.

Degected

Robbo

Don´t give up!!!
 

Rob, don´t give up. My bike was stolen in Brazil last october, but the police finally arrested the guy who did it and found my bike last October.
Don´t forget to contact the local communities and ask them to send your email around all Motorcycle clubs to help you. That´s what I did. MC clubs members will help you, eyes everywhere looking for your bike. It was of great help for me.
You contacted the news, that´s good. I did that, and one paper did a feature on us. They were more interested about what we thought of Brazil and the police than about my bike, but it is great publicity!
It seems your doing all the right moves.

I wish you the best of luck! I truely hope it will be found! When my bike went missing I was in pieces! I know what you are going through!
Feel free to email me if you have questions or need to talk!
Cheers,

Robbo,
check the thread and drop Stephano a PM.

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...igh-risk-19483

The warning is a bit late but he may be able to give to some pointers.

Steve

Robbo
I've just got back from the UK and heard your bad news from Paul, Ivan and others. Really sorry, let's hope you get a break soon.

Meanwhile, if I can help in any way (accommodation?) you can get in touch with me through Paul or send a PM.
Stephan

Robbo,
What got you this far...65023kms...has been a bit of luck, creativity and a lot of determination.

Dig deep and go after it with every bit of your wit...or else you may never forgive yourself for not making a valiant effort!!!!

Our thoughts are with you!

Don't give up yet!
 

Spread the word as you never know, we are determined to do anything to find it

Gulfnews: Stolen bike brings world tour to a stop

Cheers, Amy

Even better in publicity terms, it's on the front page of the printed version with a fuller inside story. Let's hope this publicity helps in one way or another.
Stephan

Hey, dont give up just yet! I shall post this story on a few of the dubai motorcycle sites so people can keep an eye out for you. If there is anything I can do just PM me! There are alot of people in dubai like stephan who are always a great help.

The latest
 

Today was another long day, emails, bike shops, getting my story known to the people of UAE, I still hold hope but too many people have said its probably on its way to Iran or another foreign country. I spoke with honda today and they are going to talk with the marketing department, I dont expect anything from anybody but boy it sure would help. What all you girls/guys think about riding a CRF450 X, its no Africa Twin but I am trying to look at all my possibilites with whats available here in the UAE, I will crawl home if I have to, I want to finish what I started, to many people have told me that I have inspired them to follow their own dreams because of me, I cant give up and I wont give up.

I still hope ultimately it turns up and then if it does not I will rob a bank buy another bike and keep going, I will find a way.

Thanks again for all your support, it keeps me going just.

Cheers

Robbo

Yes!
 

Good ol’ fighting talk Robbo – that’s the spirit mate! …
.. WOOHOOO! ..:clap:
Now get on that CRF450 X – or summin’ - any darn thing with two wheels – and go ride home! .. :thumbup1:

God speed

KEITH

----------------
http://www.smugmug.com/photos/252924117_gU5SA-S.jpg
Honda CRF450 X

well done mate.. get something with 2 wheels and an engine then carry on to ride for your dream!!

Rather than go around asking for your bike, which might tip off the culprits, why not try to find a replacement engine for your bike? Somebody might come out of the woodwork and offer to seel you yours and bingo, you have a lead.

Good luck and don't give up. At least you can buy another bike in the UAE to continue your trip.

Cheers,
Peter.

Bikes are certainly available but buying one here raises all sorts of red tape regarding registration. Specifically, only someone with a residency visa can register a vehicle. No doubt there are ways around everything if the right people take an interest but for now he should be focusing on publicizing the theft and his plight.

Speaking to Honda/Trading Enterprises marketing dept was a smart move. I would also suggest even trying to get an audience at the Ajman 'Majlis' to raise the issue at a much higher level. After all, Robbo was a guest of that Emirate who has been cruelly treated and that is not in this region's tradition of hospitality to travelers.
Stephan

Robbo.
 

A biker mate of mine from the UK lives in Dubai
Contact me at djorob@aol.com and I'll put you in touch with him if you need a bit of help.
Dave,

africa twin
 

hello,

dont give up, you will continue. Dont forget what Ted Simon says: the interuptions are the journey. So this is a part of your trip. It would be nice if you could continue on your bike ... but if not ... there is an Africa Twin in my friends garage in Germany and it belongs to me ... I wont need it for a year or so ... you pick it up ... arrange the carnet etc. ... and in four weeks you are at the border of Iran and Turkey ... or you find a way to get it to you ... what I want to say: there are many ways to continue your dream, and I know you will find help from many people, just dont give up.

greetings

mika from bulgaria

the show will go on, the show must go on!
 

Thank you everybody from UAE to Europe to Australia to where ever all these comments come from, The show must go on and you are all right, its just another obsticle for me to get over and slowly but surely I will, at this stage there are people here in Dubai helping out immensly and I will know more in a few days or by the end of the week, also other people like the above comment from Mika, what an amazing gesture, if all else fails a buisness man here in Dubai has offered to give me his 20 year old Africa Twin 650, but it needs some work but again what an amazing gesture. He did say he understands if I want to see what pans out first as it is quite old.

Geckos here in Dubai are doing alot of effort also, time will tell. I want to thank everyone for their great support thus far and I will once I am back on the road, there aint room to fit everyones name here, the list is long.

Thanks everyone, djorob I will get in touch.

The very reason I love my motorbike adventure is you never know whats around the next corner and tomorrow is another day, I cant wait.

Cheers

Robbo

This is why they call it the HU "Community"
 

What a truly great offer, Mika, in the very best spirit of the HU community. My wife could only say "Wow" when I read your post to her. Pay forward, or pay back, but isn't this travel game fun!?

Kind regards

Nigel in NZ :thumbup1:

Meeting with Majlis excellent idea
 

Unfortunately, I suspect the bike is on its way to west Africa where the Sharjah bike shops say Africa Twins are in big demand.

Stephan's idea of going to the Ajman Govt is an excellent one. If you have trouble getting to see someone important enough it might be worthwhile getting a local journo to help. Don't be afraid boldly to ask for assistance when you get inside - officials in the majlis will be used to this. Emiratis like endurance stories and a happy ending for you will make a popular story for the locals (as opposed to the expats).

good luck,
Brett

In the Aussie papers too
 

Help appreciated
 

If anyone does want to Help Rob get back on a bike and ride the rest of the way home to Australia!!! visit his website. The support from strangers is amazing compelling, what a great bunch of people to be involved with.

THE HARD WAY HOME!!

Cheers Amy

Rob,
As you know there is not much of a bike culture in that part of the world and a battle-scarred Africa Twin will stick out like dog's balls to anyone who is interested in bikes.
I'll keep an eye out in Saudi, but i'm stuck in the desert mostly so it's unlikely i'll spot it.
Let me know how it goes. I don't know what i'd do if El Burroquito was stolen, i don't want to contemplate it.
Good luck, I'll still ride along for your triumphant return home, whatever it is you're riding.
Sean

Will keep an eye out!
 

Rob,

The mining community is very large but small really as we all seem to know someone who knows someone. Some people I work with here in TZ are from Ghana, Mali, Zim etc. I have asked some friends to keep an eye out over that way to see what turns up. Maybe nothing will but it's a start in West Africa.

Good luck again mate.

Cheers

Looking at Robbo's blog, it seems Honda has offered him a replacement Africa Twin.

yes, they has. i am quite happy for robbo. there are still good people somewhere in this earth.

Wow! That would not happen with BMW! They even refused to replace my faulty leaking "gore-tex" boots! More browny points to Honda!
Well done and hope the bike id delivered soon!

So far
 

Ok just to update, I received the Bike yesterday and wow its a great bike, its the same as my old one, just green instead of black, thats the only difference. I still cant beleive it. So from here I need to kit it out of course, buy a few things and also I will be doing some charity work for Dubai center for special needs, hopefully try and raise some support for them to try and show my appreciation of all the help people have given me.

I simply cant thank people enough for their support, weather it was an email, a post on here or a bike from Honda UAE, THANK YOU EVERYONE. I will update again when I am hitting the road again.

Cheers

Robbo

It's great to hear of the help and support that you have received, and also to hear of your appreciation of the help, especially the work with 'special needs'.....good on yer mate, and all the very best!

I do so like a happy ending.
Excellent news indeed, well done and bon voyage.

Alhamdullillah!
 

Good to hear that mate....

CONGRATULATIONS!!:thumbup1:

Sad story, great ending - good on Honda. Keep going Robboxrv!

Ch

('Robboxrf' still for sale - contact admin).

Not only good bikes....
 

Three cheers for HONDA.:clap::clap::clap:
Dan:tongue_smilie:

My bike has returned!!!
 

Thanks everyone again for the quick replies and messages, it is great.

Yes my bike has been found, great news but no so great, it is destroyed, obviously it was stolen by joy riders as it is a mess, un rideable. I cant believe the state it is in, my latest update on my blog below has some pics, which dont really show the extent of it but the best way to describe it would be to say it was thrown from the back of a semi at 120 k's an hour.

Quite sad to see my pride and joy in such a state, half feel it would be better if some guy was riding it around in a foreign land showing it off to his mates, oh well at least I know where it is hey.

Thanks again every one for your comments, also I have another twist unfolding, the new bike I have since I have not owned it for one year Australia, my own country will not allow me to bring it in, bloody crazy!!!

Again just another hurdle hey, this is what Adventurer motocycling is all about, boy I look foraward to hitting the road again.

Cheers

Robbo

Good to hear things are on the up for you. Dont let the bastards get you down where theres a will theres a way. Use the News paper eports to convince the Ausies to let you and the New bike in. After all youve been through they have to help you out.

I don't think you'd WANT to ride from the ME to Oz in under a year, so no problem. But, if you are in a rush you could always swap the frames and continue riding with your existing paperwork on a brand-new bike.