Need your help planning my RTW-trip

[Meneermetdeblokjestrui]

Hi,

About Myself
My name is Naveen. I’m 28 years old and currently living in the Netherlands. I’m planning a round-the-world trip on my 1990 Honda Africa Twin, i've set myself a deadline for March 2026. This timeline gives me the opportunity to budget for the bike’s overhaul and the trip itself. I would greatly appreciate your help with preparations, border crossings, and other related aspects.

About My Bike
My Africa Twin is a barn find with only 12,000 km on the clock. This season, I’ve added 4,000 km, both on and off-road. You should see the grin she puts on my face. Although it looks well-preserved, 30 years in a barn hasn't done her any good. I plan to disassemble the bike, address necessary repairs, and make some modifications to make my journey more comfortable. There’s nearly 30 years' worth of information on the XRV forum, so I’ll be focusing on common issues with the Africa Twin. Given the advancements in modern adventure bike technology, I’ll keep most components OEM to retain the bike’s character. The major modification will be upgrading the suspension with a USD front fork conversion and a matching rear shock. I’ll start this project on November 1st.

About the Journey
With over a year to prepare, I’ll have time to dive into the specifics of the route and other details. Although information is constantly changing, I would appreciate any insights you can provide. I’m breaking this extensive trip into smaller segments. My first goal is to return the Africa Twin to Mr.Honda. My plan is to leave Europe through Turkey and Iran, then travel to Russia via Kazakhstan. The ultimate aim is to reach Japan via Mongolia and Russia. Having visited Japan before, I consider it the most beautiful country I’ve ever been to and plan to use the full extent of my 90-day visa to explore it. I’ll plan the next leg of the journey from there.

I’m open to any suggestions or information, but I do have a few specific questions:

Larger Fuel Tank
As part of the rebuild, I’m considering installing a larger fuel tank, increasing capacity from 23 liters to 40 liters. This would extend my range from approximately 300 km to 600 km. While some forums suggest that it’s rare to find yourself in a situation without a petrol station (except in places like the Sahara), I’m concerned about areas like the Mongolian desert, where fuel stations are sparse to. I’ve also looked into carrying two 8-liter fuel bladders, which would extend my range to 550 km while maintaining better handling (Bladders not filled). Has anyone experienced running out of fuel due to a lack of stations? What would you recommend?

Russia to Japan
I’ve contacted Yuri from LTD-links about shipping to Japan. He mentioned that Japan bans imports from Russia via ferry, though he could assist with transport from Vladivostok if I obtain the necessary permits. Another option is taking a ferry from Vladivostok to South Korea and then to Japan, though this is more expensive. Has anyone navigated this route recently? I understand the situation may change in a year, but any information would be reassuring.

Crossing Countries
I’ll be traveling through Turkey, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Mongolia, and Japan. I’m aware of the carnet de passage requirement for Iran, but are there other important considerations for crossing these countries? Any useful tips would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you for any assistance or advice you can offer!

Best regards,

Naveen

[markharf]

Unless I missed it, you didn't mention your nationality--"currently living in the Netherlands" suggests a passport from elsewhere. That may change the answers to some of your questions, now or in the future. Some of us, for example, are less than welcome in Iran at the moment.

That aside, I'll suggest you narrow your focus when asking questions. "Any useful tips" covers a lot of ground when applied to 8 or more countries spread across half the globe. Because I'm not prepared to write you a (long-ish) book, I took note of just two potential issues: the current difficulty of getting visas for Turkmenistan, and your expectation that a 23 liter tank will yield only 300km. That seems remarkably low unless you're really hammering on your bike--and even then.

Hoping that's helpful, and looking forward to hearing more.

[*Touring Ted*]

I've been travelling (along with many others) on the XRV750 for many years.

You don't need the big tank. I get 400+ KM range on mine. More if I go easy.

There is nowhere in the world where you need more on a regular basis. Its just not worth the cost and the weight.

Front suspension upgrade is a nice idea. Not sure it's worth the cost either though. I settled for stiffer progressive springs and a new rear shock instead.

A FACET fuel pump is a must too. And I would carry a spare.

FIt a GENUINE Shingenden MOSFET reg/rect too. Great upgrade.

The XRV750 is not a powerful bike. My best advice is to keep your luggage light and small. Forget heavy aluminium boxes and heavy frames. The bike is not powerful enough.


Good luck with you trip. It sounds awesome

[markharf]

I'd like to acknowledge that Ted makes a valid point about governments in general, and I'd like to also acknowledge that this probably looks quite different from Estonia, a small ex-Soviet republic which shares a fragile border with Russia, than it does from Wirral, England.

Let's try to resist the undeniable temptation to delve into political commentary.

[Turbofurball]

All good points, maybe here's a good place to get back on track?

Regarding the forks, if it was me I'd get the originals rebuilt with the progressive springs in them over USD forks, simply because they only need gators over them rather than more fancy guards for . New bearings and rubber bits throughout the bike are worth it (I just got back from Aragón and got new wheel bearings on my little bike, it feels like it's gained 1HP from that change alone, lol). There's also a good thread on here about going over to tubeless tyres that's well worth considering too (I don't currently own a bike that doesn't need tubes, but then I'm not off to the Stans)

Most of the super experienced RTW riders these days appear to go for soft luggage, especially since it's now possible to get lockable bags. There's a lot of information on how to deal with luggage security and how to best stash your cash on here.

For a general guide on trip planning and prepping it's worth reading Scott's ADV handbook

[Jay_Benson]

One thing that hasn't been mentioned is to go along to a Horizons Unlimited traveller meeting. Loads of information, people there that have been there done that and people part way through.

[Grant Johnson]

Also check out the Horizons Unlimited Achievable Dream Video series on Vimeo:
https://vimeo.com/horizonsunlimited/vod_pages
There is a HUGE amount of information and tips distilled in there, and it's very inspiring too!

[Alanymarce]

Looks great!

I thought it might help to offer how we plan big trips; there's a lot to consider, and as markharf notes, a book is needed...

1) Where to go - identify places based on interested (art galleries, birdwatching, climbing, diving...) - these are then the dots on the map. Estimate times to spend in each place.

2) Climate - when to be where - easy in Australia (Tasmania in summer, central deserts in winter... etc.), less easy in South Asia (Monsoon timing, road closures, high summer temperatures in Rajasthan, cold winter temperatures in the Himalaya...). This insight allows the overall route to be thought out.

3) Entry requirements/visas/time limits - when and how to get visas, if required, what visa is needed to enter which country, for how long, and how many times. For example, India permits a maximum of 180 days per calendar year, with each entry no longer than 90 days, so travel has to be planned to comply with these limits. Don't assume that the visa, time allowed, and number of entries are a right - on our last trip to Africa the Botswana Immigration Authorities gave us only 30 days and not 90 which meant some significant juggling of the trip.

4) "Join the dots" - estimate times between places on the planned route. Use insight from others, blogs, fora, 'bus timetables, and your own experience in terms of average travel times, to build a base case, This needs to be checked against climate and entry requirements and adjusted as required.

Now you have a plan - to be followed, adjusted, and ignored as you travel. It's not to restrict you but to guide you.

This is just to create a travel plan, bike needs, how to manage money, photos, clothing, etc., etc., are all to be managed as well.

I hope this helps.

[VicDavion]

Japan still not accepting from Russia. Same issue for Ben & Jennifer (AwayWeRide) in 2024. They made it to South Korea from Vladivostok and then to Japan.

Kazakhstan is a nice country to visit. Before we create a separate Destination Place, you can PM me for useful information

[Homers GSA]

Russia to Japan
I’ve contacted Yuri from LTD-links about shipping to Japan. He mentioned that Japan bans imports from Russia via ferry, though he could assist with transport from Vladivostok if I obtain the necessary permits. Another option is taking a ferry from Vladivostok to South Korea and then to Japan, though this is more expensive. Has anyone navigated this route recently? I understand the situation may change in a year, but any information would be reassuring.

I understand ferry from Vlad to Sth Korea (Busan) and then ferry across to Japan. No need for Carnet if you ferry it I believe.

For your Australian leg, if you want to service your bike and chill for a few days I have a rural property with shed etc just west of brisbane.

Just one negative, I have in laws in Iran. They have begged me not to travel there atm due to security concerns, which they say will only get worse. Of course they could be wrong, but maybe build in a contingency plan.