Russia: Siberia Tips
 

Listed below are my top ten suggestions I have compiled for anyone traveling through Russia by motorcycle. These are lessons learned before, during, or after my trip. During July 2010, I traveled from Vladivostok to Moscow, and beyond, completing a round-the-world trip from my home in San Diego, California. I would never be able to properly thank all of the people who befriended and helped me on my trip – but a small thank you to everyone who helped in any way to make this a success! If you are interested in learning more about my travels, visit my website for pictures and my blog for day-by-day comments: www.planetearthquest.com. Know that this top ten list is made up of my ideas and you do not have to agree…but I hope at least a few of the suggestions will help you! I will respond to all emails – but give me a few days as I am still traveling.

Chris Foster
chris@planetearthquest.com


1. Stay Out of the Large Cities for a Hotel: I love to ride, but I did not like the large cities. Most of the larger cites are between 200,000 and 1.5 million people. They are very difficult to navigate and find a hotel. It was not only difficult to find the hotel, but leaving the next morning is equally challenging as the road in is not the same one out as your approach is east and you leave going west. I would encourage you to visit one of the cities if there is something of interest for you – otherwise, ride through and stop at the roadside.

2. Sleep at the Roadside Motels/Cafes: The local motel/hotels are located alongside the road and they always seem to have room. In Far East Russia, they are not as common, but as you move west, their frequency increases. There are many different options: shared room with shared bathroom (you are bunking with strangers); private room without a bathroom or toilet; and private room with toilet and bathroom. All three are not always available, but some combination of the above seems to be available.

3. Learn the Language: This was my biggest challenge of the trip. I can speak passable Spanish, a bit of German, I can order from a menu in French, and know many words in Polish (a Slavic language), but I was greatly challenged by the language. Know most people you will encounter (on the street, in a café, at the hotel) do not speak a language other than Russian. Also know that the Cyrillic language looks very different on maps with city names. Here are my sub-suggestions for this area.

a. Spend at least 10 – 20 hours studying the common phrases before you start. Your attempt will be well appreciated and respected!
b. Learn the Cyrillic alphabet.
c. Learn the bukfas – the phonetic translation of the Cyrillic characters.
d. Translate all major city names into Cyrillic and backwards again – so you will have both. Know how to pronounce all city names as you will need this when asking for directions.

4. Travel Light: If I did the trip again (which I may), I would not take any camping equipment. Not that I do not like camping – I love it, but it takes up a lot of room and weight. Two of my heroes of the trip were two young men from Ukraine who each rode a Yamaha 125 all the way from Ukraine to Vladivostok and back. They traveled light and passed the KTMs and BMWs in the hard parts of the trip, including some BMW owners who got off and walked – they rode right past due to being so nimble!

5. Take Clothes That Can Be Laundered in One Night: Because of limited laundering facilities, I would suggest to take all high-tech fabrics that can be washed in the sink in your room and dried out overnight. A cotton t-shirt, albeit comfortable, does not fit this requirement. I have read about summer temperatures ranging near freezing at night and I incurred temperatures in excess of 35 degrees Celsius (90+ Fahrenheit). Because of the consistent rain and heat, your clothes underneath your riding suit may undergo some pretty serious need of cleaning. Be prepared to do all your laundry on your own and you will be happy you prepared for this.

6. Take a Few Spare Parts: You cannot bring everything! My starter went out and shorted out my battery – the score was two things down and very challenging to get parts. When talking with a friend, he asked why I didn’t have a spare alternator, wheel, frame, etc. – you cannot bring everything that can go wrong. Know that using an express service like FedEx or DHL still requires customs clearance in Moscow and the entire process from outside the country can take two to three additional weeks added to the airtime. My rear brakes went out do to riding through days of mud – and I had a spare set! I also took things I thought I could not get on the road or have repaired, including: tire-patching kit; an electric air pump; spark plugs; universal cable repair kit; clutch lever; fuses; duct tape; electrical tape, hose clamps; fuel line; nuts and bolts for your racks, etc. You may have other things on your list, but this is a beginning – but keep it light and know you wont have everything. I saw almost everyone with spare tires, but I started with a brand new Tourance set and they worked fine. I would have rather had knobbies, but I didn’t want to use two sets and add the extra wait and clutter of having an extra set.

7. Prepare Your Motorcycle in Advance: Make certain you go through all the regularly scheduled maintenance in advance. You may want to add a new battery as they are very hard to acquire on the road due to the specialized size. Get the best one money can buy. I know the Hawker/Odyssey batteries seem to be up there on the list. If you have never ridden in the mud, sand, or dirt – do this ahead of time – with your bike fully loaded. I ride motocross in the desert of California, so this was not a problem, but add all my gear on bike that is at least two times as heavy and the situation changes dramatically. There were times that the experience came in handy – especially in mud and very deep gravel. Know how to pick up your bike if it is dropped when it is fully loaded as, if traveling alone, you may need to do this.

8. Take Souvenirs to Share: I had some cards with my name and email, but I think having stickers or a souvenir from your home city (refrigerator magnets, a pin with city name, postcard, etc.) would be a nice touch. I met so many nice people who gave everything from time, to money (one man thought I got the wrong change at a fuel station and handed me 500 rubles, despite my instance that it was me who miscalculated), to food – that having something to give back, albeit small, would be quite nice.

9. Prepare Documents for Easy Sharing: I laminated my title for my motorcycle and had it at the ready for ease in showing the police (many USA registrations are only paper and not very official looking). The California registration looks like a joke, so I only had my title with me, as it was color and more official looking. I had a place to easily show this to police, along with my driver’s license, and it made the stop a quick and efficient event. By the way, I encountered nothing but friendly and respectful police, even when I was in the wrong – like speeding. I never argued and always was pleasant and smiled – and never paid any fines. I would NOT turn over any permanent documents (title, driver’s license, passport) unless it was in a police station. All of these documents were colored photocopies and shared – but the official ones were safely stored. I learned this a few years back while traveling through Ukraine and the police thought that having my license (a copy) he had me for good and could extort money from me – until I started my engine and then he threw it in the dirt.

10. Relax and Enjoy: I met so many wonderful people on the trip and hope that I will have a chance to meet them again – either in Russia or the USA. Do not believe all the horrible stories of crime, violence, and theft – I think Russia is like any other country where all of these things do exist – but not on a common occurrence. Regardless, be smart and be safe and do take precautions – but do not allow the rumors to get in your way of having fun! I left my tank bag on my motorcycle at every roadside café (with passport, camera, money, etc. inside) and kept a watchful eye from the window – but allowed myself peace and relaxation while eating – with the alarm on. Relax and enjoy the small and wonderful events of each and everyday. Enough said!

Fantastic write up :clap:. This is a VERY good summery. Thanx for sharing. It helps to put things in perspective.

Chris, sounds like you made it to Stefan's? That's great news!:clap:

I pretty much agree with your suggestions, although I personally prefer to stay in the cities, at least on weekends, because there is a pretty lively night life in most of these cities.
:cool4:

Still on the road...
 

In Southern Poland right now and taking the long way to Stefan's. Thank you for your help!!

Hi Chris

I couldn't beg a little info? Myself and a mate are planning a trip to Stalingrad (Volgograd) next year.

The theory is that we will both purchase an Pan European for the trip (we both have big trailies but mine's a Cagiva, and there were remarks like 'your not going to use that Italian thing are you?', at which I was obviously outraged. However on mature reflection of the number of times it had returned on the back of a rescue truck, I decided discretion was the better part of valour.) However, I digress. We can find info on the state of roads in Ukraine and Poland, (big ones, excellent). However given the 400lb weight of a Pan even without luggage, the key question is:

What are main roads like in Western Russia? Could you assist?

Cheers Andy Cadney

Hard to answer the question "how are the roads"? What are your standards? Roads are fine--they are paved, with occasional large potholes, and generally lots of construction. Not as good as Poland, generally as good as Ukraine.

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.

Thanks..
 

Thanks for the replies, that's the info we needed. All sounds no problem on a big tourer.

Garry, I take your point, and I know Burgmans are great. However I've heard varying reports on Pans, some people love them (the Feds for a start), some people hate them, I think we'll suck it and see.

3 years of despatching on everything from an XL250RC, to a GT550 (of course) taught me that you can do distance on anything as long you can take the pain.

Anyway, if we went for 650s we might as well use Transalps as we have one of those already!

Cheers Andy C

Thanks for the write up. :clap:

If memory serves me right it was the 2009 pan that had the weave? mostly on plod bikes as unstable the old st 1100 where ok, you could look on line for a ex plod Pan.
This supposed to be enjoyable ride so hope no pain

Russia is in my mind. I enjoyed your write-up. Thanks for your time!

It was the 1300 pan that the feds got rid as unstable at speed 1100 OK HTSH

The Ukraine and Russian main roads are pretty good. After that, I would say "poor" at best. Many roads in villages will most likely be dirt or mud etc. A "large pothole" can be big enough to swallow a bike. An open hole or no-grate drain may or may not be marked. By marked, how about an old tire right next to it? Construction at night is not lit up. Ride at night at your own risk. Any road that may seem to be only 2 lanes in opposite directions(the painted lines) actually has as many as 4-5 lanes. The sidewalk (dirtwalk?) on either side is also fair game for a "lane". Drivers obey rules at random. Some rules are completely optional.
My observations. YMMV

Camping
 

With regard to your statement about not bringing camping gear, i take it this means that you would not camp on your next trip?

Would that be feasible? And i thought camping was half the fun and experience?

Will

This states that one will not go anywhere near small roads or more adventurous locations and stays on the main road... like Moscow-Vlad. Then you don't need camping gear as truckers and car drivers also need to sleep.

rough camping in eastern Europe can be quite dangerous. I would do it only in emergencies. I would definitely agree that learning the Cyrillic alphabet and the respective phonetics is very very useful!! made this mistake on my first trip to Russia and got very very lost, most of the place names are unrecognisable from their Roman equivalent unless you are familiar with the alphabet.

I only used maps and first made the mistake of buying a map in English so when i was lost or asking for directions the locals could not understand the map.

Using a map in Cyrillic is very easy just stop at the road signs and match up the Cyrillic letters on the map to the sign and you are away:scooter:

I don't think you need to be able to fully understand the Cyrillic alphabet as it is pretty straight forward however i would learn some Russian words and you really only need to know about 50 words to get by, when i enter a new country i usually stop just pass the border as people there selling insurance/changing money mostly speak English so i stop there and ask them words/phrases and write them in my note book how i hear/understand them and never have any issues.

Locals really like it when you try (even a few words) speak there language and i think it makes for a better trip.

I totally disagree.
What is dangerous about it?
Did it on the last two trips, no problems at all.
Even the cops came to say hi, as we were in plain sight (no other option).

I have to admit that I'd never done it, but know lots of people doing it without any issues. Only one rule is that one needs to have a bit of situation awareness, and if it does not feel right don't camp there.

I've been traveling in Eastern Europe for the last 3 years and have never had any issues (except for mad drivers), and found that you're less likely to lose things there than anywhere in Western Europe. There are exceptions....


Casper

Great tips and ever up to date - thanks.

Not been to Siberia yet! but my tips for Russia

Never refuse a drink bier

Actually probably my tip for life in general :innocent:

Chris, although dated, I enjoyed reading of your travel through Russia. My brother and I are planning a similar trip to yours (east to west through Russia) ending in Paris and back to the states. I do have a question you may be able to steer me to an answer on. I share the title of my bike with the bank (not paid off yet). Can this be a problem with entry and exit through Russia, South Korea, eastern Europe?

Probably since that Japanese rider was murdered Camping by the side of the road in Russia.

I think there is a recent ride report where the travellers were advised by local Russian bike clubs not to camp rough. Too.

The problem is, unless you can camp rough you can't enjoy some of the more famous routes like the BAM road and Road of Bones.

By many accounts the Trans-siberian highway has been described as dull and boring, but is the fastest way east.

Great tips for me here, thanks for sharing. I am planning on rough camping. The advice I got was to go up one if the side roads that have a Red Cross and if no rubbish camp


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk 2

I have a tip... don't go to Yakutia in winter :)

But if you do... eat lots of salo (pure pork fat), drink chai with lots of sugar in, vodka won't go amiss either. Cognac freezes at a much lower temp than water. Probably best not to switch off the engine either (if your bike has one)!

For the rest of the year, the above advice I concur with (language/camping/never turning down a drink etc).

I very much admire westerners who managed the necessary communication travelling through Russia. Russian is extremely difficult for foreigners (as are other Slavic languages - but at least Polish is written in Latin). I am Polish and I speak Russian fluently, however even I, travelling through Russia, have moments that somebody speaking fast, using strange accent, gives me hard time to understand him. Also reading in Cyrylic, especially any official documents with bureaucratic language, is not easy. But, at least in Russia everybody speaks Russian. Situation however is worsening in countries being former Soviet Republics, especially in those, which are currently rather Russia-unfriendly. (E.g. Georgia). In those countries the knowledge of Russian is decreasing. Still, anybody at the age of 45+ speaks Russian quite good, but amongst young people the knowledge of Russian dissappears. The goverments do some effort in teaching English, so you can expect that well educated young man speaks quite good English, but it is definitely not common phenomenon yet. For example, if you encounter a young saleswoman in rural Georgian shop, she rather certainly will not know any other language than Georgian. And who knows Georgian? And if Cyrylic alphabet is difficult, then Georgian is much more. To varying degrees, this phenomenon affects the other post-Soviet countries.
JO

I think is very cold in Siberia at night. Should I find some warm clothes special for such a low temperature? http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberia

I`m really interested in the Yamaha YBR 125 for serious over landing, such lightweight bikes and 50k per liter gives an amazing tank range. I know Nick from TalesfromtheSaddle took one down to Africa and said it held up great. Super cheap on Ebay too! :scooter:

Wouldn't trust that guy :smile2:

That is consistent with my experiences in Russia. I have never ridden a motorcycle in Russia, but I have transited eastern Russia (Anadyr - Petropavlovsk - Magadan - Khabarovsk - Vladivostok) many times during the past 3 years during my "day job", which is delivering new aircraft from the factory to customers in various parts of the world.

My experience with Russian officials is that they are scrupulously honest, but that it is essential that all the paperwork be in order, as they will check it very carefully. They don't cut any slack whatsoever on the rules, but as long as you have followed all the rules, they are professional and friendly, all in all pretty easy to get along with.

You must be talking about a Pan with a terminal case of anorexia. Heck, my ST1100 weighs 633 pounds (290 kg) without any fluids in it. Add a full tank of gas, coolant, and engine oil, and the darn thing is close to 700 pounds.

Eh, not so sure I would agree with that. I've been all over Europe with my ST1100, 160,000 km from Bodo Norway to Gibraltar, the west coast of Ireland to the Syrian border, including all of the Balkans.

A Pan is a great long-distance bike provided you can stick to paved roads. It can cope with gravel or dirt roads for limited distances, but that's not a pleasant experience, nor is it what the bike was designed for.

But, it copes well with poor quality paved roads. I have had no problems in the past month going through all of the former Yugoslavian countries and Albania... and I mostly stuck to secondary roads, not the motorways.

Having said all that, I don't think it would be an appropriate choice for a trip from Europe to the east coast of Russia.

You are kidding us, right? The temperatures in Siberia regularly hit -40°C in the winter. That's not just cold, it is unbelievably fuggin' cold. In January and February, it was not uncommon for me to have to pre-heat the aircraft engines (using a kerosene-powered heater) in order to bring the oil temperature up above -30°C, which is the minimum oil temperature permitted for engine start. I would often take the aircraft battery into the hotel with me at night, to keep it warm and thus keep the cranking power up.

If you are asking that question seriously (meaning, innocently), I honestly don't recommend you go to Siberia in the winter without doing a heck of a lot more research on the subject.

Michael

One useful tip that maybe is just common knowledge is a great app called WordLens, you basically just point the camera at whatever Russian (Or German, Spanish, Italian for that matter) you want translated and without the need for internet connection it reads the word and translates it into your language without you having to input anything.

Works well on road signs and even menus. Doesn't too too well with hand writing.