|
24 Jul 2003
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
Posts: 9
|
|
Buying a bike in Japan and driving to England
Ok, I've been looking all over the site and still have some questions. I'm planning on buying a Dirtbike in Japan and travelling across Asia and Europe (China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Laos, Tibet, Nepal, China, shipping to Turkey, Greece, Italy, France, Spain, England). Here are my remaining areas of concern:
1) Buying a bike in a Japan and getting a Carnet: it seems like this is done in lots of countries and I assume Japan is no different; does anyone know about the plausibility of buying a bike in Japan and registering for a Carnet
2) Driving in China: is it possible to ferry a bike into China and be allowed to drive it?
3) Tibet: I've heard it's possible to drive into Tibet without dealing with the government paperwork hassles? Is this doable? If so what route would be good from China to Tibet to Nepal (sorry, I know this should be in the Routes forum)
4) Is a Carnet really needed for Nepal, India, Turkey, Greece and Italy?
5) Is getting foriegn damage and theft insurance for the bike worthwhile?
6) If shipping from India to Turkey is there any special paperwork needed?
This is my first Bike trip, and first trip to all of these countries, so any advice would be very much appreciated.
Thanks,
Tim
|
24 Jul 2003
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Genova, Italy - Kabul, Afghanistan
Posts: 201
|
|
Quote:
Originally posted by CaptainTim:
4) Is a Carnet really needed for Nepal, India, Turkey, Greece and Italy?
5) Is getting foriegn damage and theft insurance for the bike worthwhile?
This is my first Bike trip, and first trip to all of these countries, so any advice would be very much appreciated.
Thanks,
Tim
|
You definetely don't need a carnet for Italy and Greece, at least if you have a western nationality (maybe it's different if you come from a country which require a carnet for europeans).
Third parts damages insurance is obviously mandatory in Europe and Turkey. You can have a "green card" which cover all of these states.
You said this is your first bike trip: isn't it a little bit ambitious?
|
25 Jul 2003
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
Posts: 9
|
|
Yeah, it is a bit over the top, but I am going with 2 guys who have dirtbiked around Thailand before.
Thanks for the info on Europe.
Tim
|
25 Jul 2003
|
|
HU Founder
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 1997
Location: BC Canada
Posts: 7,313
|
|
Quote:
Originally posted by CaptainTim:
1) Buying a bike in a Japan and getting a Carnet: it seems like this is done in lots of countries and I assume Japan is no different; does anyone know about the plausibility of buying a bike in Japan and registering for a Carnet
|
In theory there should be no problem - the reality is often different - for instance it may not be possible for a foreigner to register a bike in Japan. Write the Japan Community and see what they have to say.
Quote:
2) Driving in China: is it possible to ferry a bike into China and be allowed to drive it?
|
T'ain't that simple. First you have to spend six months or so dealing with the bureaucracy and convincing them to let you in with a bike, and then arranging a driver / minder / guide to drive a 4wd along with you - and of course you have to pay his expenses and fees - minimum US$100/day. In practice almost no one does it.
Quote:
3) Tibet: I've heard it's possible to drive into Tibet without dealing with the government paperwork hassles? Is this doable? If so what route would be good from China to Tibet to Nepal (sorry, I know this should be in the Routes forum)
|
no.
Quote:
4) Is a Carnet really needed for Nepal, India, Turkey, Greece and Italy?
|
see Pietro's answer, plus you definitely need a carnet for India and Nepal. No there is NO way around it.
Quote:
5) Is getting foreign damage and theft insurance for the bike worthwhile?
|
IF you could get it at a reasonable price, sure - but you can't. Forget it. You're on your own.
Quote:
6) If shipping from India to Turkey is there any special paperwork needed?
|
no.
Quote:
This is my first Bike trip, and first trip to all of these countries, so any advice would be very much appreciated.
Thanks,
Tim
|
Tip: read this site a LOT! And have fun, we look forward to hearing your stories! I suspect you're Canadian (I have access to everything - being the admin helps! so you might want to come to the Revelstoke Travellers Meeting in September - details on the Meetings page. Note that it's a good idea to put in where you're from - helps others answer questions, as it often depends on nationality. Might even be someone in the same town you could get together with for a and a few answers. Also see if there is a Community in your town.
------------------
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
One world, Two wheels.
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
__________________
Grant Johnson
Seek, and ye shall find.
------------------------
Inspiring, Informing and Connecting travellers since 1997!
www.HorizonsUnlimited.com
|
21 Feb 2004
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Canada
Posts: 6
|
|
Hi Tim,
I'm also a Nova Scotian...but living in Korea. I am planning a very similar trip, slightly different itinerary but asia to europe anyway. There is a great Honda Trans Alp here in the town I'm working in and I'm considering buying it to make sure I really do go on this trip. I also am wondering about Carnet and registration issues not being a permanent resident or citizen of the country I'm planning on buying the bike in.
Have you gone through the process already? Did you buy a carnet from CAA in Canada or find some other option?
Let me know what happend with your situation. I am very curious.
Hope you have a great trip,
ride safe,
Jason
|
24 Jan 2007
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Fukuoka
Posts: 4
|
|
bumped because I'm currently in Japan and I'm trying to figure out what is needed for the treck home (California.) I've read all of tokyotolondon.com but they didn't give too many details on the paperwork involved and of course that was over 10 years ago. How has China changed?
|
31 Jan 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: London / Moscow
Posts: 1,913
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by DearScotty
I've read all of tokyotolondon.com but they didn't give too many details on the paperwork involved and of course that was over 10 years ago. How has China changed?
|
Hi (from www.TokyotoLondon.com)
Buying bikes in Japan is a bit tricky ... they dont really let you register the bikes in your name if you arent a resident ... so you have to beg and plead to get the dealer to let you keep the Japanese registration plates.... The Japanese residents here may be able to shed more light on this.
Technically our bikes were not registered as we rode through Tokyo to the ferry terminal in Yokohama.
As for China, I just got back from Shanghai where I had a good old chat with Butch. Dont believe all you read about China. The reality is its not simple, and it will be extremely unlikely to be able to do it legally. We had a load of support on our side, including big name sponsors and several Chinese cultural organisations. Further, as Butch points out often, any inter provincial motorcycle travel in China is banned at present. Even those with the legal paperwork are restricted to the province in which the bike is registered. So while there is a small chance you will be able to ride there, it will almost surely be illegal and with authorities on your back. I understand that even if you go with a guide, you have to change guides now at provincial borders and a new guide and guide organisation, from the new province have to escort you on. Its not a pretty picture. My advice is unless you are VERY well connected or prepared to pay a lot of money, or prepared to risk the wrath of the Chinese security services, forget it.
The paperwork when we went was pretty straight forward ... Chinese drivers licences and Chinese bike registrations ... occasionally when we rode through restricted areas we needed Alien Restricted Area Permits.
I have just updated the site extensively with about 3 times as much detail (after listening to our original daily dictaphone diaries for the first time in over 12 years), if that helps.
On a positive note, Chinese driving practices, though still abysmal, have improved out of sight in the past 13 years. The road surfacing too has improved out of sight. Food quality, fuel quality et al are also a world apart from what they were. Traffic in the towns however is now an utter bitch. It was already bad in 1994, now its horrible.
Last edited by colebatch; 31 Jan 2007 at 15:38.
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-15
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|