It's starting to come together...
You've all been really helpful, thanks!
Route
I recognize that my proposed routes might be too ambitious. I'm leaning toward something smaller, like the most recent one I added, and plan on just winging it and watching the calendar and the map. I know that I'll be "hurrying"; I'd love to have a decade to spend on a route in this region, but life is short, so I will take what I can get! I'll get a dose of ~3 countries, and that will satisfy the appetite for a bit.
Bike
timae says I can find a Wave in Hanoi. That's good news. I'd rather have a proper motorcycle (even if a small one) but I toured Indo on a Wave and it has its advantages too. With a proper bike, I wouldn't be taking it for the speed, but for the torque if I decide to wander on mountain trails. - Is there any greater likelihood of finding a bike in Hanoi vs Saigon? Pricing differences between the two?
- Is finding a shop going to be a simple proposition? E.g. just asking moto taxis or something? Or should I arrange something in advance?
- Same with the time it takes to make the transaction. Can it be done in a day, or should I try to get things going online before I get there to save time?
As an alternative: I have read posts supporting and detracting from Minsk bikes. What's the consensus around here? - Are Minsks worth getting into rather than a Wave?
- Are they more available in Hanoi vs Saigon?
- What are the specs and prices I should expect on those?
For both bikes, are there specific shops or contacts that anyone recommends?
And just a random question: I rode China on a Qingqi 200GY and loved it. Are there Qingqi dealers in Vietnam? I'd ride that bike again.
Thanks!!
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