let me first say hi. i have been lurking and reading and learning on here. thank you so much for the info i have gotten from this site.
okay now, here's the plan:
i was going to ship my BMW F650 over to europe and ride to mongolia and back next year. well instead, how about i fly over to moscow, buy a ural there, (i have checked and brand new they are 5 grand) and drive it back and have it shipped here.
now, what kind of trouble am i getting myself into? can i register a vehicle here from russia? can i drive a russia bike with a USA license? are any of yall world travelers that have some expeience in this type of trip?
thanks - Hobie
hobie, I recall reading about a ride in Mongolia in one of the MC mags within the past year. I'll try to find it. Maybe the author could give you some guidance. Oh .... maybe that article was what got you thinking about this adventure.
Sidecar Ron
hobie, do a google search "motorcycle in russia" It'll give you some good hits.
Here's just one: http://www.waytorussia.net/Transport/International/Car.html
Sidecar Ron
Hey, ya gotta take pics and keep a diary for us when you go.
Hobie, have you asked over on the Ural board? There have been similar discussions there in the past. And quite a few there have visited the plant in Irbit. Good luck!
so going over and doing this trip doesnt sound crazy? you should have seen me bounce the idea off people at work, lol. they thought that it was nuts.
They're probably envious and trying to justify their dull existances... Nuts would be not going then years from now sitting in your wheel chair in the nursing home regretting the fact you dreamed of going and didn't. That would be nuts. Good luck getting all the pieces to come together!
Here's another option for you. HTTP://welcome-ural.ru/tours/55/ But you have to send us daily reports. Mike
I don't know if you can purchase a DOT acceptable URAL in Russia. If not you may be relegated to having a machine that will not be licensable in California.
Non DOT or non CARB will leave you with a parts bike or perhaps an untitled off road rig at best.
Those off shore bargains aren't always what they seem.
Lonnie
Originally written by Hack'n on 7/31/2006 1:33 PM
I don't know if you can purchase a DOT acceptable URAL in Russia. If not you may be relegated to having a machine that will not be licensable in California.
Non DOT or non CARB will leave you with a parts bike or perhaps an untitled off road rig at best.
Those off shore bargains aren't always what they seem.Lonnie
I agree with Lonnie. My nephew spent last summer in France. He bought a small scooter for transport while he was there. When ready to leave, he wanted to bring it home with him, but he said the additional fees to get it up to U.S. specs for import would have cost him more than to simply buy a new one when he got home. He found that if he would have specified at time of purchase that he planned to ship it home, they would have sold him one that would have been compliant, but after shipping, it still would have been no bargain.
If you buy a vehicle overseas you need to specify that you need an import certified bike and what country you plan to ship to.
Better ship your BMW to Europe, you know this engine which is important making such a big trip.
A BMW is more reliable anyway.
In the past Urals, Dnjeprs or Cossacks made for the russian market where from less quality than those where made for export.
I don,t know if this policy has been chanced over the years.
Greetings from the Netherlands,
Ingmar
