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Buying a bike in Central Asia, is it possible? Buying a bike in Central Asia, is it possible?
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Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Ulrike Hahnel, Rock Formations on the Lagune Route, Bolivia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ulrike Hahnel,
Rock Formations on the
Lagune Route, Bolivia



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  • 1 Post By WesleyDRZ400
  • 1 Post By Tomkat

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  #1  
Old 23 Jul 2023
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Buying a bike in Central Asia, is it possible?
I am considering flying out to Central Asia next year to travel around Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzistan either taking my own bicycle or if possible buying a small motorcycle such as a Honda CG125 out there, I hate renting and would not do that so is it possible to buy and register in your name in any of the above mentioned countries?
It would be a circular trip so I would hope to sell it again at the end of the trip, or ride it home.
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Old 24 Jul 2023
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hi mark, i met you in georgia in batumi in 2013 you was on your 125cc bike

iv got a friend in Almaty who could help you get a bike there and also a friend in bishkek. both good guys, im not 100% sure how it works but you buy the bike then you need paperwork ect ect then ready to cross borders ect ect

However another options is what i did was buy a chinese knock off c90 type engine bike which had documents saying it was 48cc (was more like a 125cc) as below 49cc dont need nothing no licence plate ect ect in almaty and rode it to kyrgyzstan. cost about $400 dollars new in 2015


The border guard said I couldn't enter when crossed as there were no papers but gave up after 20 minutes

The bike was so awful it was great, exhaust fell off, shocks snapped ect ect but parts for sale everywhere.

never had issues starting and had remote start and speakers

I gave it away to a local in photo sitting on it who used it for a few years
Buying a bike in Central Asia, is it possible?-screenshot_20230724-011104_instagram.jpg
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Old 24 Jul 2023
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Originally Posted by WesleyDRZ400 View Post
hi mark, i met you in georgia in batumi in 2013 you was on your 125cc bike

iv got a friend in Almaty who could help you get a bike there and also a friend in bishkek. both good guys, im not 100% sure how it works but you buy the bike then you need paperwork ect ect then ready to cross borders ect ect

However another options is what i did was buy a chinese knock off c90 type engine bike which had documents saying it was 48cc (was more like a 125cc) as below 49cc dont need nothing no licence plate ect ect in almaty and rode it to kyrgyzstan. cost about $400 dollars new in 2015


The border guard said I couldn't enter when crossed as there were no papers but gave up after 20 minutes

The bike was so awful it was great, exhaust fell off, shocks snapped ect ect but parts for sale everywhere.

never had issues starting and had remote start and speakers

I gave it away to a local in photo sitting on it who used it for a few years
Attachment 27330
I might take you up on your contacts if I do not find another solution, I would prefer a genuine Honda which it looks like are around $1,000 new there, built in Pakistan apparently but a cheapie Chinese knock off could be a plan B. I am waiting to find out if any friends are going to join me at some point which would require a motorcycle if not my bicycle would be easier logistically at least.
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Old 24 Jul 2023
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Having lived out in Almaty for a while I can confirm it is possible for a foreigner to buy a bike there, but you would need a permanent address. I didn't get round to looking into licence or insurance requirements. Foreigners and stateless persons get yellow numberplates which the local cops regard as an ATM. Personally, I'd ship mine out there and ride back.
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Old 29 Aug 2023
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Originally Posted by Tomkat View Post
Having lived out in Almaty for a while I can confirm it is possible for a foreigner to buy a bike there, but you would need a permanent address. I didn't get round to looking into licence or insurance requirements. Foreigners and stateless persons get yellow numberplates which the local cops regard as an ATM. Personally, I'd ship mine out there and ride back.
Thanks for that, I think shipping my £1,000 Honda 125 might cost more than the bike is worth so buying is the best option for me if possible especially as a friend has shown more interest in joining me now.
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