Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Trip Paperwork
Planning RTW on an old bike Planning RTW on an old bike
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Trip Paperwork Covers all documentation, carnets, customs and country requirements, how to deal with insurance etc.
Photo by Giovanni Lamonica, Aralsk, Kazakhstan.

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


Photo by Giovanni Lamonica,
Aralsk, Kazakhstan.



Like Tree1Likes
  • 1 Post By Grant Johnson

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 23 Jan 2020
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 2
Question Planning RTW on an old bike
Good mornin fellow travelers,

I'm planning an RTW in 2021 or 2. I'll probably be on the road for two years. I'd like to take my old trusty 1990 Yamaha XT600E as I know it very well and can fix it with cans and chewing gum. However, last year I changed out it's complete, worn-out engine for a 1993 3TB engine with 7000 miles on it.

My question is, am I going to have problems now that the frame doesn't match the engine VIN during shipping, border crossings, ect? Or is the frame VIN the only one that matters?

Alternatively I'll just get a newer DR650 and call it a day.

Thanks for the help!

Best,
Micah
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Jan 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
Hi Micah and welcome,
You don't say where you are from and whether or not there is a problem getting the registration document changed, you just fill in the relevant section and send it off to the DVLA in the UK. It is important that numbers match the registration document, some places just check the vin, some don't look at all but a few check engine number as well and if it is wrong can cause a big issue.
I like the idea of travelling on a bike that you know and like, I still use a couple of old BMW airheads with nearly 400,000 miles between them so would say if you are happy with the bike and confident in being able to repair it that's the one to take.
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 23 Jan 2020
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jan 2020
Posts: 2
Good info.

I live in California and I'll be going to Prudhoe Bay, Alaska, down to Ushuaia, shipping the bike to Africa, up to Scandinavia, and across Eurasia to Mongolia, SE Asia, Australia and back to America. At least that's the abbreviated version.

Given the scope it could really wrench my plans if certain border crossings are prone to check. Say if Egypt were to check on exit and presume I left half my bike in their country.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 23 Jan 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
Egypt is one of the places that is more likely to check on entry, they did mine and would make it an issue. If you can get the registration document changed I would, as long as your replacement engine is from a US registered bike it should be on the DMV database and I would guess that they have a process for doing that.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 23 Jan 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: hants uk
Posts: 183
Two things from my limited experience :

1. You can bypass Egypt and go Saudi to Sudan.

2. In my circuit of Africa below, I don't recall any check on engine number (except when applying to central Customs to import it to Namibia, which would only apply if you were going to leave it for more than 6 months)




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 23 Jan 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: hants uk
Posts: 183
I was warned Iran would check engine numbers - but they didn't! (And if you are a US citizen I doubt you will be able to go there anyway...).

Good luck with your planning


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 23 Jan 2020
Grant Johnson's Avatar
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,232
The aggro of changing it is sure to be faaaaaaaarrrrr less than if someone does check.
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 24 Jan 2020
HU Sponsor
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Yellowtail, Montana USA
Posts: 291
VIN Checks into Colombia, South America - older motorcycle
I agree with Grant, PITA up front but better than door being closed when exiting USA or entering Colombia, SA.

FWIW, twice into Bogota, Colombia from USA (by air cargo out of Miami), both times using 1983 Honda GL650s, and both times VINs were checked by Colombia Customs official while with an air cargo airline representative. Last time, December 2016, VINs (engine and frame) were also checked against the USA title by USA Customs officials before they would allow the motorcycle to move from the Customs warehouse to the air cargo carrier.
__________________
Sun Chaser, or 'Dr.G', Professor of Motorcycle Adventure at SOUND RIDER magazine. Professional Motorcycle Adventurer/Indian Motorcycle Racer/journalist/author/global economist/World's # 1 Motorcycle Adventure Sleeper & Wastrel
Soul Sensual Survivor: www.greataroundtheworldmotorcycleadventurerally.co m
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 24 Jan 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 272
Quote:
Originally Posted by Yeet the Norm View Post
Good mornin fellow travelers,



I'm planning an RTW in 2021 or 2. I'll probably be on the road for two years. I'd like to take my old trusty 1990 Yamaha XT600E as I know it very well and can fix it with cans and chewing gum. However, last year I changed out it's complete, worn-out engine for a 1993 3TB engine with 7000 miles on it.



My question is, am I going to have problems now that the frame doesn't match the engine VIN during shipping, border crossings, ect? Or is the frame VIN the only one that matters?



Alternatively I'll just get a newer DR650 and call it a day.



Thanks for the help!



Best,

Micah
Define the problem. I have crossed 15 borders with misprinted VIN/no issues.

Most likely noone will bother to even look at the VIN and if they do they would look at frame number. It would take a very determined and very pissed agent to catch something like that and considering that not every mfg even puts VIN # on engine it is not likely. In worse case they will turn you back and you would have to use alternative crossing.

Disclaimer: at your own risk.
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 24 Jan 2020
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Devon, UK
Posts: 794
Definitely make sure your documentation is perfect. One less thing to worry about at borders. You know what they say, better to have it and not need it then need it and not have it...
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Ask a motorcycle thief bodii88 Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road 37 9 Oct 2020 11:25
Planning a bike trip from Southern California to Alaska, what should I get? YouShallKnow Which Bike? 2 1 Dec 2017 23:23
Planning a Bike Trip for South East Asia, Require Assistance Dostev Trip Paperwork 10 16 Apr 2014 06:43
RTW trip - route planning advice needed electro Route Planning 3 26 Sep 2012 13:13

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 23:57.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top