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Transalp on the Pamir Hwy? Transalp on the Pamir Hwy?
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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
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Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



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  • 1 Post By zandesiro
  • 2 Post By Oo-SEB-oO
  • 1 Post By Snoah
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  #1  
Old 5 Nov 2013
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Transalp on the Pamir Hwy?
Anyone done the Pamir recently?

Would a transalp be suitable or should I got for something more like a dr650?

Keeping in mind I'll be doing 10000-12000 ks mainly on the bitumen.
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Old 5 Nov 2013
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A significant portion of the Pamir highway is paved so you could do it on a transalp. However, I think a DR is better suited. There are many places to explore along the pamir highway that take you of the main paved route. The southern route along the Wahkin corridor/Afghanistan/pamir river is a must see. This is more technical riding and you will be happy to be on a lighter bike.

I rode it on a KTM 690 and had a blast. But.. lighter is always better for adventure travel when the going gets tough. Don't let your bike limit your trip.

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Old 6 Nov 2013
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I think you can do it, I did it with a BMW R 100GS PD.
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Old 6 Nov 2013
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I made the same question with a different bike here....
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Old 8 Nov 2013
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It depends on the riding you want to do. If you want to explore, you will be limited by a heavy bike.

My philosophy (shared by many experienced travelers):

Start with a light bike, pack light, soft bags, and choose your adventure. Don't let the bike dictate where you can go.
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Old 11 Nov 2013
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You can do the M41 on a chopper...

However, if you venture off that road, which I encourage you to do, you'll be able to do it without too much problems on a transalp if you know how to ride it and if you have some experience in light off road.

But I share Noah's reply, the more 'adventure' you want, the lighter th bike needs to be. But your question was about the Pamir Highway, and that's absolutely not a problem. You'll only maybe struggle between KG and TJ border as the road there can be shitty.
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Old 12 Nov 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Oo-SEB-oO View Post
You can do the M41 on a chopper...

However, if you venture off that road, which I encourage you to do, you'll be able to do it without too much problems on a transalp if you know how to ride it and if you have some experience in light off road.

But I share Noah's reply, the more 'adventure' you want, the lighter th bike needs to be. But your question was about the Pamir Highway, and that's absolutely not a problem. You'll only maybe struggle between KG and TJ border as the road there can be shitty.
I agree. Between KG and TJ boarder can be bad (or good depending on your bike) But also between Kulub and Kalaikhum. There is ongoing construction with mud and some rocky river crossings. I went this way because I was told it is better then from Kalaikhum to Dushanbe on the 41.

On the 44 between Kulub and Kalaikhum in late May.
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Old 17 Nov 2013
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Snoah View Post
I agree. Between KG and TJ boarder can be bad (or good depending on your bike) But also between Kulub and Kalaikhum. There is ongoing construction with mud and some rocky river crossings. I went this way because I was told it is better then from Kalaikhum to Dushanbe on the 41.

On the 44 between Kulub and Kalaikhum in late May.
That looks cool! Not too worried if that's what it's like. Looks like fun! A decent rear tire will be all I need there.
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Old 19 Nov 2013
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Originally Posted by Daze55556 View Post
That looks cool! Not too worried if that's what it's like. Looks like fun! A decent rear tire will be all I need there.
It was clay crap. you will want a decent front also.
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Old 19 Nov 2013
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Some photos of a Transalp on the Pamir in 2012: Summer 2012 Central Asia and Mongolia All images Copyright C Bright
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Old 19 Nov 2013
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I found this photo.....


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