Road conditions Russia/Kazakhstan M9 M5 M32
 

M-9. Latvia border to Moscow

Completed this route on 5 July 2014.

Road condition was on the whole good with only moderate length sections heavily patched closer to the Latvian border end. Significant resurfacing has been undertaken and some sections are completely new. No major delays at roadworks and traffic light to reasonable. (Bike: BMW F700GS.) (Weather: Sunny, approx 16 to 20 celsius)

M-5. Moscow to Samara

Completed this route between 7 & 9 July 2014

Heavy traffic on Moscow ring roads, major roadwork at turnoff from Moscow ring road onto M-5. Road works in a number of locations but otherwise ok for us. (Bike: BMW F700GS.) (Weather: Sunny, approx. 20 to 24 celsius)

M32. Samara (Russia) to Shymkent (Kazakhstan)

Completed this route between 11 & 17 July 2014

Various reports from previous years had indicated a significant amount of road works and associated diversions. We have found that the M32 is now in good condition from Samara to Baikoniur, with only a couple of short sections under construction, which I expect to be finished this summer. Baikoniur to Kyzylorda has many bridge & culvert replacements underway, with appropriate dirt and dusty detours. Last 30 km to Kyzylorda has new road being built, with longer diversions, should be completed by end of this summer. Note that not all petrol stations may be open en-route although we had no problems and never went below 1/3 of a tank of petrol as we refuelled at every opportunity. Kyzylorda to Shymkent mostly dual highway in very good condition but, one section towards Shymkent reduces to two way dirt on one side with limited warning, arrived just after a head on collision, luckily only minor injuries. New bypass of Shymkent for those heading to Almaty/Bishkek, but major road works and diversions on that section for about 30km. (BMW F700GS.) (Weather: Sunny, approx. 30 to 39 celsius)

"M-9. Latvia border to Moscow

Completed this route on 5 July 2014.

Road condition was on the whole good with only moderate length sections heavily patched closer to the Latvian border end. Significant resurfacing has been undertaken and some sections are completely new. No major delays at roadworks and traffic light to reasonable. (Bike: BMW F700GS.) (Weather: Sunny, approx 16 to 20 celsius)"

Did you drove this stretch in 1 day ?
I'm planning a trip to Moscow in July of this year.
I've planned to use the M9 ( riding a KTM 990 SM )

you can get from the latvian border in less than a day, i've done it several times in about six hours. road is fine, on whatever kind of bike.

thanks for the information !
perhaps I'll stay for the night in Velikije Luki.
but there's not to much going on there I think...

We will be doing this route in a couple of weeks. What are the accommodation options (cheap and cheerful) as we approach Moscow?

We don't want to go to Moscow, just skirt around and head to Samara.

"We " is my wife and I on two Aprilia Regards.

We will be looking for somewhere suitable for a not so young couple :-).

Any pointers gratefully accepted.

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The M32 is now quite good until Aral but it deteriorates gradually as we move on towards Aktöbe and then Oral. From Oral I drove to Saratow and I wish I didn't, this road is in so bad shape that the cars don't used it, they drive on the fields near the road. If you do plan to this roads, take enough spares with you