Quote:
Originally Posted by AndyCadney
I couldn't beg a little info? Myself and a mate are planning a trip to Stalingrad (Volgograd) next year.
What are main roads like in Western Russia? Could you assist?
|
Andy, two years back I rode Russia east to west on a Burgman 650. Out east there is still fair bit of gravel road but in the west the only gravel you should experience will be detours during road repairs. There are a few exceptions such as the road from Maykop to Tuapse if you are heading to the Black Sea.
I really found the roads to be no worse than other countries and in many cases much better - especially the freeway from Saratov to Tombov which is as smooth as an airport runway (hint: it doubled as an emergency / secret runaway during the cold war).
I sold my Pan European 6 months back - it is NOT the sort of bike I would take across Europe. My recommendation would be something with a more upright riding position, better wind protection, more flexible top gear, better seat and somewhere to move your feet around. The ST locked me into a single position on the bike which I found very wearying after an hour or so in the saddle. I did do one longish 500 mile same day ride on it and I vowed never again - by comparison I can put 750 mile days in on my Burgman day after day without complaint.
__________________
Garry from Oz - powered by Burgman
|