Kyrgyzstan

XTR: A screw on the break saddle got lost, 1x flat tyre in the front

XTZ: 11x flat tyres in the rear, because we over did the tyre (over 23’000km). It was only one real puncture…the rest was a mess with stitching involved.

Gear: Lucy, our solar lamp stopped working. We got a new one by mail on warranty.

Martin: He lost his camera

Xenia: Lens of the Sony a6000 got damaged

Visa: Many countries get a visa on arrival for two month. Just make sure when you enter the country how many days it is valid.

Carnet de Passage: No need for a carnet

Insurance: We did not get one and did not hear that there is one available

So far this is our favourite country and it will be very hard to top. It is perfect for gravel/dirt lovers, has beautiful landscapes, perfect camp spots, nice people, interesting culture and is not very touristy. Therefore it is still pretty cheap (not the accommodations though but the beer and food). We will be back :)

Here some very country specific information:

• There is an Eco-Tax when you enter the country with your own motorbike/car. The paper is valid for Kyrgyzstan, Kasachstan and Russia, therefore keep it!
• Be awere of the police! They try to give you fines for nothing. They tried it with us a couple times and we never payed. It is good to have a helmet camera (even if you are not recording) and never give your original papers! Be friendly but best is to play stupid and bring enogh time, then you don’t have to pay
• Wild camping is the best in Kyrgyzstan, as it is a nomads country and they understand what you are doing

XTR: fork service (new oil and seals), oil change, tyre change (front and rear), replacement of front tube, new chain and front sprocket, new rear wheel hub cushions, new break pads in the rear, new tensioner, side stand adjustment (welded a piece on it to make it longer)

XTZ: fork service (new oil and seals), oil change, tyre change (front and rear), replacement of rear tube, new chain and front sprocket, new rear wheel hub cushions, new break pads in the rear and front, side stand adjustment (welded a piece on it to make it longer), fixing the cockpit (welding)