
27 Mar 2012
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Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: GOC
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Siberia/Mongolia Road conditions July/August, lighter v. heavy bike, Transalp v. DRZ?
Hi Guys
I posted this at http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...2012-a-59454-4
post #60, but possibly it’s slipped under the radar in such a long thread, so I’ll start a new one,
It seems that lots of people head for Siberia and Mongolia earlier in the year (May/June) because it tends to be dryer. I’m restricted to dates and will be heading that way (partly this year and also in 2013) in July/August. Here’s what I posted in the above mentioned thread:
My latest 2012 plan is as follows: Ship bike to Almaty/Kaz and ride 7 weeks in Central Asia and via Altai/Russia to Mongolia (16July to end August). Then in 2013 in the same timeframe ride more of Mongolia and a lot of Siberia.
My dilemma is as follows: originally I planned to take a lightweight DRZ (160kg incl luggage), but now I’m in 2 minds and need to make a decision between the DRZ and a 600cc Transalp (with stronger than stock suspension, big tank, soft luggage: maybe 220kg including luggage, but no fuel).
Central Asia in July/August should be hot and dry and I’ve been told most of the roads are paved/gravel, as is Altai apparently. So Trannie will be fine.
However, with regard to the following routes, I’m unsure if the Transalp will be too much of a shed to handle. FWIW, trail ride regularly in the UK on my DRZ.
Western Mongolia border to Ulan Bataar
It’ll be the wet season: Mates of mine have ridden it on big fat R-GSs with hard boxes and F800GSs. But it was dry...
Vilyuisky Trakt
No idea. But it’ll be the “wet” season, I think.
Western BAM
Stephen/Allchin gives a good description: Assuming the rivers/bridges are passable, how’s the road?
Old Summer Road
The New Federal Road should be passable, whatever rain there’s been. I’m imagining the OSR is a no go in/on whatever vehicle, just because the bridges are down.
The rest: Overall, the highways/ gravel will be a lot easier/less gruelling on the Trannie.
But, how hard are the "hard" bits? What do you think? DRZ or Transalp?
Thanks for any input,
Chris
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