Hi Baron: I live in Ulaanbaatar, so if you have Mongolia-specific questions please let me know. I will be here until July, 2006.
Bigger dual-sport bikes are definitely better for the long rides. As Alex says, they will be tough in mud and sand, but for 95% of the riding the Africa Twin will serve you better than a 250 or 400. More comfort, longer fuel range, higher cruising speeds, etc. I ride a BMW R100GS here and it's a great bike for Mongolia. I also have an XR400 that I use for playing in the hills outside the city, but it is uncomfortable to ride for more than 3-4 hours. If I'm still here when you arrive you are welcome to borrow it.
Do not get a pure road bike if you want to ride much in Mongolia, because 98% of the riding here is off-road.
The best single page resource for info on Russia/Mongolia traveling is Geoff Kingsmill's page: http://dreamers1.com/russia/Practica...ticalities.htm
He packed a LOT of detail into it.
Regards,
Scott
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