Mali-Niger road conditions / Niger-Visa at the border ?

[mikeb]

Hello forum,
I plan to ride next February by motorcycle (Africa Twin) from Bamako to Bilma. I still have some open questions:

1) Is it possible to get the visa for the Niger (coming from Mali) at the border?

2) For the moment it is probably not advisable to go via Burkina to the Niger, therefore the question: as for the condition of the piste between Gao and Niamey: is it just rough, or sandy as well (I dont want to put on my fresh pneus)

3) to Bikers with bigger bikes: whats the piste like from Agadez on to Bilma riding a rather heavy bike ? Or rather only to be approached with lightweight Enduros?

4) Can anybody tell me by pm a safe address in Niamey, where I can store my bike off surely for a half year?

Thanks Michael