I thought the A1, A2 etc categories were perfectly valid full licences as long as you were using them within their limitations i.e. not riding a Fireblade on an A2. As such I wouldn't have though there would be a problem going outside the EU on an A2.

Unless I've got it wrong of course but that's how the regs read to me.

I am not sure either but suggest checking as certainly UK insurance companies will use any excuse not to pay including requiring you to have a full motorcycle licence to ride any powered two wheeler including mopeds before they will payout.

Of course they are - as you say as long as you stick to the limitations on the license.
As long as you drive a normal car on a normal car license insurance will be valid. If you drive a huge truck on a normal car license insurance will not be valid. If our man out for an adventure have an A2 license it will be valid if he ride a bike within that license limitations.

I would say that any bike of any type would benefit very much with some "personalisation". No need for upgrades if you really dont benefit from them. Lets say your a tall guy, that will often make the seating/riding position a bit uncomfortable and you could benefit from adding bar risers to the bikes handlebars. It will rise the handlebars with a few centimeters and your riding position will change - to the better hopefully. Similar with footpegs, the original might not be wide or grippy enough for your boots, thus some wider and more sturdy footpegs will benefit you. Also in Kazakhstan it can be very long between gas stations, thus an aftermarket bigger gas tank that extend your potential range can come in very handy in such a place. You can of course carry fuel in jerrycans and bottles but that are in my experience a real PITA.

When you testrided a few bikes and found one you like and bought it - take it out for a real testtrip. Load it up with the gear you would use on your main tour, camping gear, cooking gear and food, clothes, personal items, spare parts and tools, first aid kit etc etc. Since your from Danmark may I suggest going up to Notway, Sweden or Finland for a real shakedown of 2-3 weeks. You can test what works and what not works, what needs upgrading etc.

Kawasaki Versys 300 review and a bit of a Honda Crf 250L too :mchappy:

https://youtu.be/XYYf7iG1ih4

Only 20?

Yeah, I just watched it before you linked that:thumbup1:

What about registering the bike in a friend's name in Spain and then riding the bike from there - Will I have any trouble riding "someone else's" bike?

I have read up on moving my address to Spain and then buying the bike. This is a bit of trouble since I have to be living in Spain for three months before I get a Spanish ID card etc. which I need for registering the bike.

Hey Mate

Just another opinion! but I am in a similar boat - I don't know too much about bikes but I'm about to ride from Australia to England over 12 months.

I ended up buying a versys 300 - its fairly light, can go 400kms on a tank, relatively cheap and can handle some dirt roads. I'm thinking I'll be doing about 80/20 road/dirt so it seemed to be the right kinda bike.

Plus One on versys 300. But being such a new model, will be more expensive than older models.

Another bike I would look seriously into would be the Suzuki DL650 V-Strom.
It's a GREAT beginners bike, will run forever, easy to work on and never breaks down! Not ideal is you're planning serious off road in deep mud, but none you've listed are really ideal for that either. Go with the Vstrom. :thumbup1:

Fact is, the Vstrom will fit you well being tall and will be THE MosT comfortable, allow you to pack TON of luggage and can easily do 600km /day. Fuel economy is good but not as good as the Versys or other 250's.

I would avoid both KLR and DR650, both great bikes but illegal in EU and most you will find will be old, worn out beaters. Where would you get parts?
Answer: NO WHERE.

I own a Suzuki DR650 and love it, but i live in California where KLR and DR650 are still sold, parts everywhere.

... but for your ride (MOSTLY tarmac - 80%) nothing comes close to the Vstrom for the price and incredible versatility it offers. Buy a nice used one. I owned TWO ... GREAT bikes.

(Read the old Motorad bike tests (from 10 years ago or so), they put 20 bikes in competition riding all around the Alps. The V-Strom 650 won this competition TWO YEARS running. Great report. See links below:

http://www.stromtrooper.com/dl650-dl...rs-2006-a.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Suzuki_V-Strom_650
https://www.revolvy.com/topic/Suzuki...tem_type=topic

bier

When are you going?