Hey everyone,
I'm John from Baltimore, MD USA. Long time rider and solo traveler planning the first part of my Around the World Trip. First I just want to say how incredible this forum is and thank you for the wealth of knowledge that you all have provided. I have been reading through pages of threads as well as other internet resources trying to find a suitable answer. It seems like all the countries have different variables to consider when purchasing a bike (Vietnam being a PITA) and just need to know if there is an easy answer. I'll try to be simple:
If you could buy a bike anywhere in SE Asia for a 5+ month long trip through most of the surrounding countries, which one would be the most hassle free regarding paperwork and boarder crossing. I would rather spend a few more $$ and have everything legal for a relatively smooth ride. I love my independence and hate idea of renting a bike or buying multiple bikes in the region. But if that's what it takes to accomplish the trip by motorcycle then so be it.
As far as bike choice goes, I'm used to riding 125-200cc Honda's and Suzuki's in developing countries so that's what I was thinking. Cheap, I'm familiar with basic repairs, somewhat reliable and repairable anywhere. I'd like to keep the cost under $1000 so worst case scenario it gets stolen, confiscated, wrecked, etc, it won't bother me too much. Please feel free to chime in with any thoughts on bike choice.
My basic plan is to fly into Bangkok via LA. The countries I would like to visit are Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Nepal, Myanmar, Malaysia and Singapore with the possibility of China and/or Philippines. Nepal and Myanmar I will fly in and out of. I would like to make the "loop" by bike then travel south eventually selling or leaving the bike in Singapore before heading into Indonesia. After that off to Aus and NZ where I will buy other bikes. I am aware of all visa requirements. Thanks in advance for any advice.
I'm John from Baltimore, MD USA. Long time rider and solo traveler planning the first part of my Around the World Trip. First I just want to say how incredible this forum is and thank you for the wealth of knowledge that you all have provided. I have been reading through pages of threads as well as other internet resources trying to find a suitable answer. It seems like all the countries have different variables to consider when purchasing a bike (Vietnam being a PITA) and just need to know if there is an easy answer. I'll try to be simple:
If you could buy a bike anywhere in SE Asia for a 5+ month long trip through most of the surrounding countries, which one would be the most hassle free regarding paperwork and boarder crossing. I would rather spend a few more $$ and have everything legal for a relatively smooth ride. I love my independence and hate idea of renting a bike or buying multiple bikes in the region. But if that's what it takes to accomplish the trip by motorcycle then so be it.
As far as bike choice goes, I'm used to riding 125-200cc Honda's and Suzuki's in developing countries so that's what I was thinking. Cheap, I'm familiar with basic repairs, somewhat reliable and repairable anywhere. I'd like to keep the cost under $1000 so worst case scenario it gets stolen, confiscated, wrecked, etc, it won't bother me too much. Please feel free to chime in with any thoughts on bike choice.
My basic plan is to fly into Bangkok via LA. The countries I would like to visit are Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Nepal, Myanmar, Malaysia and Singapore with the possibility of China and/or Philippines. Nepal and Myanmar I will fly in and out of. I would like to make the "loop" by bike then travel south eventually selling or leaving the bike in Singapore before heading into Indonesia. After that off to Aus and NZ where I will buy other bikes. I am aware of all visa requirements. Thanks in advance for any advice.