Hi. I'm planning a trip to the crimea in August 2008 and I need a lot of advise.
I've spent a fair bit of time reading other posts and picked up a lot there.

We plan to go via France, Germany, Austria, Hungary and then into Ukraine, about 2.500 miles. Will we need visas or a carnet or other documentation in addition to what you would need for western Europe?

As money is an issue (as always!) we intend using our present bikes: a Blackbird and a VFR750. Do you think they will make it? I have no idea what the roads will be like.

it may not be as 'hardcore' as most of the trips feastured on this brilliant site, but it's a start at least.

Cheers.

No visas required and if you get a "real" green card instead of that thing the UK insurance companies tend to give out, you should also be covered in the Ukraine. Check that the UA initials are listed in the green card countries.

Also be aware that most green cards only afford you the minimum requirements for the countries listed unless you get specific quotes for places other than your home country.

My French green card gives me recovery breakdown in the countries listed but the insurance is 3rd party. No big deal.

Money is no big deal. Take Euros and change them at the borders. Rates are usually good.

Some roads are full of pot-holes so keep yer eyes skinned.

Make sure you visit the SW coast for the mountains.

John


bikerbytes.com/txp

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Nostradamus Ate My Hamster

Thanks for the info John. You have already taken several weights of my mind. The ultimate destination is Sevastopol etc. but plans change in the making and as it's all new territory to me, any pointers/recomendations will be welcome.

Cheers, Tony

Hi there

I traveled accross to hungary back in July and roads were fine. No problems at all.

Ed

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Those two Hondas will go around the world if you want: I can't understand why you wonder if they can - both are reknown for achieving very high mileages on their engines before needing any work to be carried out.

When I owned a Blackbird, the only thing I added were bar raisers - the bars from a VFR fit, and they are higher, I am told.

ps I used Ventura luggage for the ballistic speeds that the B/bird "encourages" - excellent and very stable in the slipsteam!

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Dave

For all countries you listed except Ukraine (ie. EU member states, see European countries ) the minimum documentation UK citizens need on a UK registered vehicle is -

- full UK Driving Licence. Presumably both parts (still running on a green paper one myself)
- V5 registration Document
- letter of Authority from person/Company named on V5 if not travelling
- UK Insurance Certificate
- Passport

Insurance - UK Insurers include cover to all other EU states (+ Norway, Switzerland and little bits in between like Andorra, Monaco, Lichenstein, St Marino, etc) for up to a certain number of days a year, and you don't need tell them. But they only cover you for the absolute minimum legal requirement in each country, irrespectinve of the level of cover in UK. More costs more, but that is between you and them, not the authorities along the way.

Ukraine. Same as above except they do not accept the Certificate of Insurance. I asked my Brokers to cover me earlier this year for Russia and Ukraine and they said Norwich Union do not do it. I bought Russian insurance at the Estonia/Russia border (722EEKs = GBP33 for 2 months - motorcycle), and avoided Ukraine although I was told it could be bought at the Russia/Ukraine border when I was considering returning that way.

No Visas or Carnet required anywhere listed. Even Bail Bonds for Spain are virtually a thing of the past.

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Vitim Bridge Clubwww.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=533442
www.sibirskyextreme.com

Thank sfor all the advise guys. it's exactly what I was looking for.

Walkabout, mechanically I'd trust my VFR with anything. She's never missed a beat. My real concern was the condition of the roads we may encounter.

Thanks again.

T.

Ukraine does however accept a green card as long as it has UA as a listed country.

You lot in the UK really should insist on a green card for European travel.

J

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Nostradamus Ate My Hamster

A green card is not the same as a UK Certificate of Insurance, within the EU. It offers more and therefore costs more.

A UK Certificate of Insurance only provides proof of the MINIMUM legally required level of cover in each EU State even though the policy might include greater cover within UK, such as TPFT or Fully Comprehensive. The underlying policy only covers these minimums outside of UK despite whatever level exists within the UK.

A Green Card extends the full policy cover level within the UK to whatever other countries the insurers accept, and you pay for, for the duration of its issue period.

Also, outside of your home country, Green Cards were the only accepted document of proof of minimum insurance many years ago. Since EU became more integrated, the UK Certificate of Insurance became accepted as such proof for Police purposes across the EU.

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www.sibirskyextreme.com

Redboots is right - we in the UK are catching grief because we dont have a green card which will satisfy poorly educated border guards who stick to their rules like sh** to a blanket. If its not green, they cant handle it. Carole Nash doesnt fully appreciate the problem this causes , tho' Ive phoned and told them so.


All info above on this trip is good stuff IMO. Dont forget that the Northern Eoripean countries are now in the EU which is a big help.

Down with the dopes who want the UK out of the EU. And the Euro is lovely.

I famncy that trip to the Crimea and wanted to do it this year, but went to the Baltic States instead - which was great anyway.

Ah Tony... there's the rub. The Green Card is issued in Europe without incurring
extra cost.
Rip-off Britain again?

Cheers,
John

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Nostradamus Ate My Hamster

I have no confirmed knowledge of Green Cards issued outside the UK. I was, however, answering the original question and supplying requested info from a UK perspective - the country of the questioner.

I do agree about rip-off Britain - or Treasure Island as some multi-nationals informally call it.
At present I am in Russia again, and cannot see any reason why goods shipped across Western Europe and even the rest of the world to Russia cost considerably less here than in the Uk(*see edit below). Foods in particular - and there is no VAT on food in UK. Eg Carribean or South American bananas are far far cheaper here than in UK.

But Western Europe is not above being unreasonable in pricing. Why does Italy, Spain and Poland (possibly more) charge a motorcycle the same toll on motorways as for cars?

We occupy less space, cause considerably less wear on the road due to 50% fewer wheels and far less weight on them, do not add to congestion (other than at toll booths where it takes us longer - thats why they now exempt bikes on main toll bridges in UK), use less fuel and pollute less.
Our vehicles remain roadworthy for far longer, using less resources.
Our vehicles always have at least 50% occupancy - what % of cars do the same? Far fewer!

Hats off to the French who charge us about 55% the car rate. How did this come about? Protest?

Maybe we should start an International Co-ordinated Protest and effect go slows at toll booths by taking the precaution of approaching carefully (ie slowly) switching off our bikes (for safety and fume reduction, of course), putting it on its centre stand (safety) to get our money from 'dry' pockets within our inner clothing. Replacing change inside, doing everything up, put on gloves, take bike off stand, start up and carefully (ie slowly) pull forward.
If we all did it I feel the authorities might well react to the protests of the delayed cars, buses and lorries and listen to reasoned argments put forward by Motorbike Action Groups.

Thats my rant over - for now! I might start a thread on it when I get back to UK.

* Edit. What I meant to say is I cannot see why they cost more in UK. I think it reads that but the wrong way round.

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www.sibirskyextreme.com

I wasn't questioning your reply
Just wondering what makes the UK insures so special that they wont issue green cards as a matter of course and at no, apparent, charge like European insurers.

Don't get me started on UK prices! I have worn Daytona boots for the last 15 years for road riding. Have a little search on the German sites and the uk sites for Daytona Winners and Evo's Staggering.

John

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Nostradamus Ate My Hamster

Intersting read of your posting today. Are you still doing the trip? How's the planning going? I'm touching Western Ukraine and Romania, so not going as far south as you. Most of my info matches with that already posted. If I pick up any other info, I will pass it on if you are still going. I believe it can get very hot in August. Gill