Buying a Bike in Kyrgyzstan or Tajikistan
 

In June my friend and I are doing a 6 week trip from Bishkek, over to Issy Kol, cut cross country to Osh, down the Pamir Highway, into the Wakhan valley, then across to Dushnabe. We are thinking about buying a bike in Bishkek, how difficult is this? I was thinking about just getting a Ural. Also, I have an IDL, will this be enough? Thanks, Jack

Bike options in Bishkek are extremely limited. There are some Urals available, but they are generally 1960s through 1990s and are in dubious condition. There are some Jap bikes available but it's really hit and miss. There is very little infrastructure for bikes here. For instance there are about 3 KLRs, 2 NX650s, and maybe about 4 Africa twins in the whole country. There's a guy named Patrik down in Osh that rents out some bikes (his website is Muztoo.com...I think). He's on the forum here as well. He's probably your best resource for this.

I've been riding for about 8 or 9 months on an IDL in Kyrgyzstan, not sure about the other countries, but it works here. Some traffic cops will be puzzled, but show them the Russian page and it usually fixes the problem. Try and make sure that you get the Russian language page stamped and that the stamps stick to your picture...rubber stamps are really important here.

bikes for sale
 

Here is a link that should open up to the bikes for sale here in Kyrgyzstan.
Diesel Forum -> Мотоциклы
If this don't work and you can read Russian just go to diesel.elcat.kg

Mac

Hi Arindia. Still doing your trip? Did you find bikes? CHeers. Patrik

Hey Patrik I am interested in purchasing a bike this spring in Kyrgyzstan, are there any options?

Selling a motorbike in Tadjikistan possible?
 

Hi dear forum members
I read in a travel blog that it is possible to sell cars in Tadjikistan.
Does anybody know if selling a motorbike is possible and if there is a proper market for it?
Any hints much appreciated, thanks!
Mark

Hi Mark.
There is a Market, but it depends on the bike and price. Travel bikes are not high valued as most bikers are russians and they are in to sports bikes…
The older the bike and the lower price the easier to sell.
Hope this helps.

Hi BMG.
There are some options. Do you want to tell me your idea and i can tell you my thoughts?

CHeers

I'll let Muztoo comment on selling in Tajikistan. But as far as buying and selling goes in Kyrgyzstan, here are the new tariffs. Should apply to both cars and motorcycles.

http://i1243.photobucket.com/albums/...ortTariffs.jpg

May be I can help you? I'm Farkhad, local from Dushanbe, Tajikistan, I'm the head of the motobikers in Dushanbe, and the focal point person for help all bike travelers here,

Hi, I've got similar ideas for this spring/summer and would like to buy a bike in Kyrgyzstan or any other country in the area. I was thinking of getting an Ural. How hard is it to get one and what would be a normal price?

Thanks
Dan

Fairly easy to do. You just need to get a full power of attorney on the bike and you can keep the local tags. Typical cost is around $1000. Such as this one. Probably better check about the Soviet era tags, but it's a decent examble.

Maybe it's easy to rent a bike? I can help you on this in Tajikistan, Dushanbe.

Thanks for the replies, it sounds promising. I do kinda prefer having my own ride rather than a rental... Already quite excited about this trip

Hi Dan.

I just got a offer from a local of a URAL, has all documents, needs big service and new tires, no sidecar. Interested?