Tips for Switzerland to Mongolia in 2020
 

I'm planning a trip from Switzerland to Mongolia either with my current KTM 1290 SA or buying a KTM 790 R, taking the Southern route (Iran, Stan countries, Pamir Highway etc). I'm planning to make the trip in aprox three months. Looking for some suggestions re:

1) best travel time / season: Currently planning to leave beginning of May, knowing it will be hot, but the the mountains in the Stan countries should be snow free...

2) Way back: Either send the bike back (suggestions) or take the fast route driving through Russia, Ukraine...

3) Change of tires: Where do you suggest to change tyres on that route...

4) Bike. Doable with the KTM 1290 SA or should I go with the 790R?

5) If anybody wants to join, most welcomed

Feedback and suggestions highly appreciated

Mongolia
 

Hello Castlehe, very good idea to ride to Mongolia in summer.

I want to try to answer just two of your questions.

No. 3. There is a Swiss company in Osh/Kirgystan and I am sure he can get you a set of tyres. Muztoo is the name of the company, I think he also posts here on the Hubb sometimes. Osh is about half way for your way to Mongolia, so this should work.

No. 4. You can take any bike, also a Harley or a scooter. But riding a bike thats capable of doing off road sections will help you a lot. The bikes you mentioned are full of electronics, just be sure you know where the next computer for them is, or how to fix the without, incase one of the sensors fails.

Enjoy your ride.
mika

Hello

If you already owned both bikes I'd say take the 790.
But if you had to buy it extra for this trip, up to you.

Just ask yourself what your level of offroad riding is.
If you do the classics in the french/italien alps, ( col de sommeiller, assietta, LGKS, etc. ) with the 1290, fully loaded with the setup for mongolia, without problems just big smile, take the 1290.
If not, go with a lighter bike.

The roads are getting better every year, but bad weather and roadconstruction detours are always there.
Lots of youtube videos to see the roadconditions of your prefered route.

For tires and transport back, search a bit on the hubb, you'll find a lot.

have fun planning and travelling
sushi