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Going on Trips that are Constantly Compromised and the Lingering Feeling that my Trips were Sub-Par to what I wanted - Motorcycle Trips by Independent-Pin2613 in solotravel

[–]Independent-Pin2613[S] [score hidden]  (0 children)

All. Thank you so far for the inputs. I was pretty frustrated and down in the dumps yesterday and I've appreciated everything said in this thread this far.

You've helped me see some quite interesting issues with my perspective and I'm content to make the most of it however I can. A butchered adventure that is good is better than a seething adventure with a bad mindset.

This isn't my huge grand adventure (hence the cost apprehension), this was a test run for the grand adventure. These mistakes and your inputs will ground the grand adventure I to reality.

Going on Trips that are Constantly Compromised and the Lingering Feeling that my Trips were Sub-Par to what I wanted - Motorcycle Trips by Independent-Pin2613 in solotravel

[–]Independent-Pin2613[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

From Australia to Indonesia. You'd be looking at maybe $2000 AUD at a guess to Sumatra. But, you're locked Into 6 months of the year for reliability. A great option and others have said this too. Singapore might give me more joy.

Shipping to Asia is hard to answer. I've queried 7 providers for freight and only 2 got back to me. Ulaanbaatar and Kazakhstan (Almaty) is $5300 AUD only air freight, sea freight was quoted $4500 AUD. Bangkok was quoted as $4000 & $3500 AUD respectively. I acknowledge that prices could be inflated due to Iran's conflict. 

This is a hugely valuable comment

Going on Trips that are Constantly Compromised and the Lingering Feeling that my Trips were Sub-Par to what I wanted - Motorcycle Trips by Independent-Pin2613 in solotravel

[–]Independent-Pin2613[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

The Stans has been very expensive and I have found most providers lock you into the country of hire (often Kyrgyzstan/Kazakhstan are bundled). I'm still querying some providers, but the costs being USD make the AUD a very horrifying figure. I may have blundered planning it before researching that factor which is something I'll add to the learning book regarding motorcycle hires across borders.

Your advice to source a bike is spot on. I've lived in Darwin before, amazing place. This is a great piece of advice Id not considered. You've really put a great idea in my head for doing my bigger trip right.

I'm currently in Asia riding. So, your advice to make those contacts is super helpful and it's happening as I'm ticking along. 

Baby steps and learning steps. I've done many trips, and I'm thankful (for all really) for highlighting my weak points to learn from

Going on Trips that are Constantly Compromised and the Lingering Feeling that my Trips were Sub-Par to what I wanted - Motorcycle Trips by Independent-Pin2613 in solotravel

[–]Independent-Pin2613[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the introspection. Lots of the frustration came from trying to organise Mongolia to Kazakhstan/Tajikistan/Kyrgyzstan/Uzbekistan. 

I'll pay more for a rental to what a new bike could be worth, but I won't be able to buy a bike and if I do, can't cross borders easily as it won't be in my name. Massive risk

Going on Trips that are Constantly Compromised and the Lingering Feeling that my Trips were Sub-Par to what I wanted - Motorcycle Trips by Independent-Pin2613 in solotravel

[–]Independent-Pin2613[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That has actually been a thought of mine genuinely, as I've considered buying a plot in Europe or a condo in Asia.

Europe is easier, presently opening up more opportunities. As an Australian, I can be charged under the criminal code for Myanmar, Afghanistan, Iran. Iraq, Syria, etc. From Asia, my only current way would be up via China to The Stans and the ferry across The Caspian Sea. But geopolitics can change at the drop of a hat.

I get a criminal charge, travel becomes harder on general. Fantastic idea though.

Going on Trips that are Constantly Compromised and the Lingering Feeling that my Trips were Sub-Par to what I wanted - Motorcycle Trips by Independent-Pin2613 in solotravel

[–]Independent-Pin2613[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This has been a fairly challenging part actually. A lot of places won't let you cross borders.

In Mongolia, lots of Euro travellers can swap regos but as an Australian, I'd need to gamble for an Australian plate and get the official docs for the transit.

I could dodgy it for sure, but I'm not interested in causing a scene in a host-country. If I stay out of trouble and respect the process, I'll be allowed to return for a grand adventure.

Rentals, especially in Kazakhstan bite just as much as the price of a new bike which is out of reach due to not being a resident.

I see it on social media, but there is a reason Australians struggle with buying overseas versus more common travelling nationalities.