I just entered Russia with my United States registered VStrom 650 yesterday. At the border they wanted my motorcycle passport {whatever that is} and it was quite a hassle getting the motorcycle in without one. I could show them my Illinois Registration with next year's sticker still attached. They had never seen such a thing and did not really want it. I also had a copy of my vehicle title which I needed when I brought the machine into Germany four summers ago. This seemed to be a document that would work at the Russian border, but they wanted the original title which I did not have because we keep the original safely stored away in the United States. So, I got the motorcycle in finally, but now I am worried that I might not be able to enter Mongolia when I get there, or go back into Russia as I leave Mongolia, or take the bike to South Korea from Vladivostok where I plan to ship back to the US.

So, any help or advice would be greatly appreciated. I have checked on getting a Carnet du Passages but Russia is on the list of countries not needing one. Besides, how do I get one now that I am in Russia.

Iam going to St. Petersburg for a few days, and then on to Moscow from where I will start my ride to Vladivostok.

Any advice or hints?

Do yo blame them??? you are trying to enter other countries you need the "PINK SLIP" I think it's called in the USA.
You are not in the USA you are in Russia?
Sorry mate for being to the point but I wish you well and hope all things can be worked out.

Get the correct Motorbike document sent over by DHL is the first step IMO

I agree with Nuff Said customs have the right to expect original documents not copies.

The copy should be fine to show to any police in a traffic stop but yes, for customs you will need the original. The "vehicle passport" is the original registration document.

I agree with what others answered.
Anyway, can you report us how long your temporary import papers for custom union are valid?
thanks!

You know what guys, I was asking a serious question and I didn't really expect sarcasm or supercillious comments. Of course the border officials have the right to demand whatever they want to demand---that has nothing to do with the situation. What I need is a response from Americans who, like me, do not have pink cards because we don't use them there -- it is a European thing. Also, Russia does not require a carnet. Furthermore, losing an original title would be a terrible thing in the US. We don't travel with such things. However, we do have certificates of registration which we have to show police if requested to do so. When I imported the bike into Europe four years ago, it was a copy of the title that I needed to produce, not an original title.

Americans, if you have taken your motorcycle into Russia, I would appreciate hearing from you regarding documents you had to produce. I am in Russia, and so is my bike, so my border crossing is solved. My concern is going into Mongolia and then back into Russia as I ride to Vladivostok. Any suggestions of things I should try to get sent from home?

Europeans, I love you all, but I need only helpful suggestions please. Thanks for your aid and undrstanding.