Hi Guys, Thanks for responding so quickly.


Regarding the bike being looked at bmw g 650 very little difference in spec or price between model sold abroad or in UK ( excluding thailand where cost is prohibitative) I met someone this morning who has already done similar with virtually no problems registering his vehicle back in blighty. Vosa and bmw confirm that this wont be difficult. He did not require carnet due to his route being different but did end up paying a small amount of import tax which his accountant believes he should not have been charged and is trying to get back for him.
Registering a bike on initial purchase may be interesting as I am a UK resident but I am sure someone else will have previously found a loophole that I can exploit.
My route home is not planned as being the direct one and will definitely ( I believe) require a carnet or some silly bribes as it will take in 8-10 African countries including Egypt and Kenya which from previous trips I recall being sticklers for paperwork, so if it is to be possible some paperwork will be necessary.
I am intentionally trying to avoid the cost of shipping a bike out to Asia it would account for a substantial portion of my money that I don't want to spend it on shipping I would rather spend it on time away/bike/ fuel ect. Out of a tightish budget I don't want to spend 10-15% on shipping before doing anything. Riding bike both ways is impractical due to time and budget constraints unfortunately.
I spoke to the rac the other day and spoke to a very pleasant but unfortunately clueless young lady who suggested I call back next week and spoke to someone else as she had no idea if it was possible. I will try the Germans if no joy with the RAC on Monday.
There are problems with my plan I know but there are always ways round problems and this site tends to have a few people with ideas as mad as mine, and some of them have even made these crazy plans work!!! Any ideas much appreciated.

Here's an idea madder than yours maybe.... Well, someone may be interested.
Twelve years ago I went abroad, bought a bike and luggage, rode it all over the place for 4 months. Wonderful time, great people, everything from mountain glaciers to desert and hot sun, bears to snakes, and a few borders to cross. A shade under 4000 miles. People would say, "You're seeing more of our country than we do!"
No carnet or import paperwork. Nothing to pay at borders. Had tax refunded when I left the country of purchase.

Flew home at the end of the trip, rode the bike home from the airport (Gatwick). No registration, no type approval. No paperwork needed anywhere at any time.
Nothing but grand memories.
Athabasca Glacier in the north to Sonora and Chihuahua Deserts in Mexico in the south.
Bike is still going strong - nary an MOT, Road Tax, oil change or a fill of petrol.

Ooops - did I mention? The bike has no engine....



No need to be an Olympian for this. I was only an un-fit, very occasional, short-local-ride-on-an-old-bike, cyclist before setting off on this. And never imagined I'd reach Mexico from Canada in the 4 months.

Definitely worth a try!

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TTR250 - London to Cape Town

Lol a bit keen for me, exercise is a very dirty word! but FairPlay sounds like a cracking trip!!!!

Um....... your Jesus you can do anything!!!