Hi guys,

I just bought a one-way ticket to Tokyo to travel through Japan, buy a bike there and ride back to Europe across Asia. To most people, this sounds insane, but I hope on this forum this is just one other bike trip.

I have been trying unsuccesfully to find answers to these questions both on embasssies and online. Then I asked the Japanese community on this forum, and got some helpful advice - but if have any knowledge, tips or hints about following, I would very much appreciate that:

1) - Is it possible for me to buy and register a motorbike in Japan? I intend to come as a traveler (no visa needed for EU citizens), do I need some other status (e.g. permanent resident)?

Robin from the Japanese Community wrote that it is not possible, unless you have a temporary residence visa. With tourist visa (EU citizens don't need any to visit) I cannot take a vehicle out of the country. Can you confirm this?

2) If yes, what are the conditions? My embassy gave me a brief answer stating that I will need an adress in Japan and a proof of "parking spot" - is that correct? If so, what is the easiest way to get it?

The embassy got a slightly different answer, they said I needed a residence address and a "parking spot."

3) Will I be able to ship the bike (along with myself) to Russia, Vladivostok or Sakhalin? Do I need to pay any export taxes?

I noticed that most of you here traveled via Hokkaido-Sakhalin ferry, I expect once I get a bike with proper paperwork, I can use that connection, right?

4) Is it possible for me to get a Carnet de Passages en Douane (CPD) in Japan?

I expect not. At the moment, I have no idea if I can travel through Russia, Mongolia and the Stans without it. I have been without CDP to Iran though, so from there, I know my way

5) I fell in love with Honda CX500 recently. Can you give me any advice, where to look for a youngtimer bike like this it except for autos.goo.ne.jp - only site I know? This type was mainly for export, so there aren't many of those in Japan.

Thanks a lot in advance for any answers, further tips or comments, Matej