To Mongolia and back on two CRF250L

A 5 month trip to Mongolia from Israel, starting from Greece and passing through Turkey, the Caucasus (Georgia, Armenia), Central Asia (the stans: Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan) and Russia. 30000 km, on two CRF250Ls.
A google map of the route: tinyurl.com/yb...
FAQ and other info:
visas, border crossings, customs, bureaucracy?
depends on your passport - www.caravanistan.com has the best info for that. for most passports - you'll have to arrange visas for some countries.
bike mods for CRF250L?
larger fuel tank, sock fuel filter, reusable air filter, custom luggage rack for soft luggage and an external fuel canister (rotopax), spring preload mode (involves welding two spots on the shock), protection mods (hangguards, bashplates, radiator)
how was the CRF250L?
pros: super reliable, friendly, economic on fuel and tires, suitable for short riders.
cons: weak, esp. at altitude.
garages and spare parts resources on the way?
tires - Denis ([e-mail]) - can ship to most cities in Russia
garage and tires - Patrik from MuzToo in Osh Kyrgizstan (www.muztoo.ch/en/)
tires?
Any 50/50 tire would be ok. You take what's available when you need it. We used Continental tkc80 90-90-21 for the fronts, and various different ones for the rears. Mitas e7 are good value and last long.
luggage?
soft luggage by nelson-rigg + straps
some photos of the custom luggage rack: photos.app.goo...
gps and navigation?
garmin 60csx (maps: garmin.openstre...) + phones with offline maps for backup (oruxmaps + lonely planet guides) + plastic-paper maps by Reise Know-How (Turkey, Caucasus, Mongolia, Central Asia)
route preparation?
talking to other travelers and asking them about their route, reading about the countries in lonely planet and internet
check our route map (link above)
scary water crossings?
in Mongolia should be prepared for more difficult ones, otherwise mostly easy (or optional)
trains with bikes in Russia?
can be arranged at the stations, cost around 100$ per bike from Irkutsk to Yekaterinburg. shipped with luggage on them. bikes go by one train, you go by another and meet them a couple of days after your arrival. everything was fine for us YMMV
costs?
around 20-30$ per night for motels/guesthouses, can camp anywhere, food is cheap and tasty where it can be found (bring enough of your own for Mongolia from Russia), fuel is cheap (except Turkey), ATMs can be found everywhere except in Uzbekistan (where you have to bring enough cash).
how much fuel range?
we had 300KM(12L) in tank + 200KM(8L) in external fuel canisters, the extra fuel is mostly needed when going from Kazakhstan to Uzbekistan in the west (500km stretch without stations), and is good to have in Pamir. Probably possible to be ok with 300-350K range and a little hussle (buying fuel from locals/drivers at those two-three problematic spots / carrying in bottles..). All other places have enough stations.
favorite places on the way?
Mongolia, Pamir (Tadjikistan), Georgia, Turkey (eastern + Cappadocia), Song-Kul (Kyrgistan), Altai (Russia)
safety?
road safety: Russia has actually the safest drivers on the route (but lots of single lane roads with heavy truck traffic), Turkey has great infrastructure so is pretty safe, Georgian drivers are crazy and love overtaking just for sport (and roads are narrow). In Mongolia not much roads so no problems 🙂 Kyrgyz drivers are the most dangerous by far from all drivers I have experienced anywhere (and I have ridden in many places) - some are just trying to scare or bully you, don't know why.
people: we didn't have any problems camping, but we always made efforts to camp in unseen places. locals were super friendly in Turkey, Geogria and Uzbekistan, in the Stans things vary, in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan we met some jerks, and there locals don't give you much space, but it might be just bad luck. Mongols don't care about you and you can camp within sight of their gers with no worries, Russia is generally very civilized so people are much more law abiding and customs are generally western. Drunks in any country should be avoided as quickly and as friendly as possible.
officials: corrupt police are to be expected in Stans and Russia (don't worry, if you don't pay and act respectful, within half an hour tops you'll be on your way). Corrupt border officials are to be expected in the Stans - know exactly what to do and expect at each border crossing (caravanistan.com & forums).
-insurance: we only had proper road insurance for Europe (mandatory), which we got by mail from Bulgaria, and regular travel insurance (non bike related) for the rest of it.
-camera: Canon SX700

[@BOSS-ml9in]

Wow guys, this was awesome. Came for the CRF250's but enjoyed every bit of your amazing journey. Inspiring!

[@ArthurDgn]

Thanks!

[@mart7404]

Great video. thanks for letting me come along on your trip. I really enjoyed the soundtrack which seems perfect for each location you visited. Just another reason to get out there and see the world. Thanks-a big plus during a Covid lock down

[@ArthurDgn]

thanks!

[@mikealex99]

Incredible journey, thanks for documenting and sharing with us. I bought a CRF250L last year and your video has given me the inspiration to start planning my own journey...thank you!!

[@ArthurDgn]

Thanks! Super happy to hear that :)

[@wave6413]

This deserves way more views. I saw it about 2 years ago and finally got the 250 rally (waiting for delivery). Thank you for the upload. 1 year ago I posted, I have had the rally for the year, it is a great machine, CV19 has put the brakes on a lot small bikes doing big adventures, watching again as this a great video.

[@rikherlaar]

Some riding skills required , hats off ...You guys kept a logbook of what broke down and what spare-parts are hard to find outside the western hemisphere etc. Always very interested in the logistics around such an epic project.

[@ArthurDgn]

Thanks! I mentioned the reliability and bike garages and spares in the FAQ in the video description.

[@VPB1970]

This is the way to go. I have both, a Yamaha SuperTenere 1200 and a Honda CRF250 Rally, and my choice to go on trips like this would be the Honda, no doubt whatsoever. Small trails are much lighter, manageable, less tiring and easy to fix on the side of the road (or at any small village mechanic) - not to mention lift off the ground - . If I travel with my wife two up (and luggage) I will go on the SuperTenere (a kind of "tractor" also 100% reliable and capable of caring all) but if I go alone on the bike and mainly off-road I will take the 250 absolutely no doubt about it. The big trails are fantastic to travel long distances two up and on 90%gravel and 10% the "big fire roads" kind of "off-road", in the other hand the small trails are a "do it all" and can cross a continent off road (and on road also) one up. This is what I´v learned in my experiences travelling in Africa. Love both the big trail (for her purpose) and my "real" trail but there's no pretending anybody can do this kind of trip on a monstrous 300 Kgs big trial, no matter what the brand. Gs, KTM etc (non withstanding the fact that they are very competente machines and that some owners still use them properly) became more off a "aventure - style" "show-off " bike. Real adventure are like this, in "real" adventure bikes, for the experience, and not for the sticker or the "show-off"! Congrats, loved the video!

[@Truthwelltoldtr]

Bravo. Yassu! If you come to Turkey again I live in Eskisehir and have a CRF 250 Rally. We can ride together to Midas city and the surroundings. Friendly greetings to you. Keep up with the good travelling 👍😀

[@priem2156]

Congrats on your breath taking journey. Small bike which took your so far. No big bikes necessary to have time of your life. I'm really impressed by your idea of trip, courage and skills, especially for the woman.

[@ArthurDgn]

People will go out of their way to help both girls and guys. And it's much harder for girls. Go out and meet the world, it's much nicer than it seems.

[@josefpelc2073]

Amen to that. I'm over the hill, but still hoping to do just tip fracture of what you did. Trully amazing!

[@josefpelc2073]

Amen referring to Arthur Dgn reply...

[@josefpelc2073]

What year is your Honda?

[@starlordstarlordman8489]

One of the most engaging videos I have seen. Lovely ride. Thanks for sharing.

[@daviddiluvicusor]

I took my CRF250L in 2015, Your video is fantastic.

[@FloPayer]

great bike for this kind of adventure! love to see some small bikes on the roads, so much more fun!

[@merrickmarcel4508]

you all probably dont give a damn but does anyone know a method to get back into an Instagram account? I was stupid forgot the account password. I would appreciate any assistance you can give me.

[@omarijohnathan3777]

@Merrick Marcel Instablaster =)

[@merrickmarcel4508]

@Omari Johnathan I really appreciate your reply. I found the site thru google and Im in the hacking process now. Looks like it's gonna take a while so I will reply here later with my results.

[@merrickmarcel4508]

@Omari Johnathan it worked and I finally got access to my account again. I am so happy:D Thank you so much, you saved my ass !

[@omarijohnathan3777]

@Merrick Marcel No problem :D

[@daul72]

hello from America! what an epic journey to share with someone you are so close to. many happy travels to you and god speed. great photos and cinematography

[@cesarsainz7714]

Hermoso video! Cada vez me sorprende más la Crf250l yo tengo una del 2015 y la uso en el desierto del sur de Lima en Perú. Los felicito! Muchas vibras para uds.

[@balkan22222222]

well done guys! soo inspiring that could not help but kept smiling all the way to the end of the video!! thumbs up, a big one

[@nick4uBB]

Epic. Thank you very much for sharing part of this incredible journey. Good luck on next trip 🖖

[@הודנגבאליעז]

וואו!! מדהים. זוג גיבורים. הגשמתם חלום יפהפה ומורכב מאוד שעבור רבים נותר חלום :) תודה רבה לשיתוף ולפירוט

[@ArthurDgn]

תודה!

[@stevenatleven]

Have to agree with Victor, lovely video with professional editing and soundtrack. A pleasure to watch, thanks

[@SCCIT-jq6jh]

I just bought one due to your recommendations. Thankyou.

[@frankmorris2603]

Sure sells the world motorbike trip concept. Nice work. And intelligent choice of bikes.

[@cheeta8928]

Mighty JAPANESE Machine Tough n Strong n Smart with light weight. Very Immpressive AVENTURE Trip of No mans land on Earth Central Asia and Northern Asia the wildest land on Earth. Respect from PAKISTAN.

[@yannikoloff7659]

Я в 2015 прокатился от Магадана до Кейптауна за 4 месяца на таком-же. Классная машина...

[@mike600f1]

OUTSTANDING !!! well done excellent video even better adventure.

[@joseerasmo6070]

Congratulations for both of you! Greetings from Brazil!

[@asiaasia2157]

A W E S O M E, this video is TOO SHORT!!! I want more!

[@ArthurDgn]

thanks! me too :)

[@osimnod]

Very impressive compilation of your tag-team journey. Looks like the Hondas handled everything your trip could throw at them - snow, mud, water crossings, sand and pot holes - with aplomb. Bet Charlie and Ewen wished they had those rigs on LWR. Thanks for sharing the epic trip with such wonderful editing. Cheers!

[@ArthurDgn]

thanks!

[@nolinovio6748]

what a beautiful vibrant videos and pics. Thank you for sharing. I really enjoyed your trip and I think I've found my new Adventure bike....cheers!

[@TonyLiu-q2j]

An amazing journey! Thank you for sharing! Great video!

[@sing759]

thanks for sharing your adventure bike touring and information related to your whole trip which is very helpful and useful. Thank you.

[@РоманЗабайкальский-е2ь]

Счастья Вам ребята!!!Вы лучшие!!!

[@christhespark]

excellent ..you showed the bike manufacturers you dont need to spent £20,000 on a bike and kit to have an adventure and fun...been contemplating buying one and you have made my mind, thanks.

[@DazmatronMotorcycleTrips]

Stunning...absolutely stunning & admirable!

[@KostinAndreyVladimirovich]

Молодцы! Спасибо за фильм.Посмотрел и Купил CRF250L, еду летом на Памир!

[@ВладимирКурилов-х7у]

Братиш,а где новую црф-ку можно купить в России?

[@KostinAndreyVladimirovich]

@@ВладимирКурилов-х7у Новые только crf250rally. Я нашел crf250l 2013г. с пробегом 1300км ( видео есть на канале). Жаль на Памир в этом году не получится

[@ВладимирКурилов-х7у]

@@KostinAndreyVladimirovich Спасибо за ответ)!Бу видел...но там наверное ещё и пробег скручен((!!!А црф ралли немного тяжелее,пластика больше((...Тоже мечтаю объехать на лёгком эндурике Казахстан, Узбекистан,Таджикистан))))!!!Тоже на следующий год планирую....

[@KostinAndreyVladimirovich]

@@ВладимирКурилов-х7у Я хотел в Японии брать, с аукциона, но подвернулся в Череповце. И состояние ,как новый. Поворотник был расплавлен возле глушителя ( вытащили флейту) и царапка на пластике. Успел подготовить к поездке, а тут коровавирус. Надеюсь в следующем году получится.

[@ВладимирКурилов-х7у]

@@KostinAndreyVladimirovichНу чтобы всё сложилось))!!!Здоровья и удачи!!!

[@moosey62]

That was the right bike! Amazing scenes, thank you.

[@ArthurDgn]

Thank you too!

[@ferkuzuel]

Amazing journey, thanks for sharing, safe travels 🏍️🏍️

[@ianmcgivern6525]

I take my hat off to you guys, awesome ride, well documented, i could feel that cold water round my legs! Lifes about living and you took it to the edge, relying on your own skills in some extremely remote places, and all with a smile .... Bravo, your a great encouragement to get out and about ! Beautiful wee movie.Can I be a pest and ask if you could send me a plan of your pannier racks too , its the only thing I can't work out. Such a perfect bike for an adventure trip....with panniers, .... In any case, thank you for sharing your trip, a pleasure to watch.😀

[@ArthurDgn]

Thanks! I can send you various pics of the racks, and you can make something similar. Message me your email and I'll send them there.

[@ianmcgivern6525]

Hi Arthur, thanks for the reply, really appreciate it....... I have put my plans on ice, I don't want to take up any of your time, emailing the plans at the moment. Good luck with any further adventures to you both. Cheers.

[@IDontWantAHandle101]

Perfect bike for the trip. None of this 300+ kilo BMW rubbish. Honda much better quality than any BMW.

[@brusig9397]

you are so right, thanks!!!

[@poqjaq]

Don't forget to mention bout the reliability of the Honda. This thing run forever.

[@UhYeahWhateverDude]

The primary reason I use a Honda to travel Asia is the availability of parts and Honda “mechanics”. Every village has a shop and a guy that can work on a Honda. Can’t get that with a KTM, BMW, etc. even Kawasaki, Suzuki, and other common brands can be scarce to get help with. I have a 250 Rally, and I take that thing everywhere. Sure, I would love to be riding a 690 Enduro R or something like that, but it is simply not practical. Plus, I can pick this thing up all day long without pulling my back out, lol.

[@arvedludwig3584]

@@UhYeahWhateverDude not even Yamaha?

[@UhYeahWhateverDude]

Arved Ludwig Depends on where you are. But no brands even come close to the coverage of Honda. In Asia, you will only get Yamaha parts in cities. But Honda dealers are in every small village - and usually more than one.

[@JimThomasOutdoors]

An amazing epic journey... and we got to go along for the ride ! Now I REALLY want a pair of Honda CRF250L for my wife and I to explore Colorado and Idaho.

[@grahamambridge8370]

Jim Thomas get the 250l rally version!

[@wallacerobertsconsulting2894]

Note what the authors wrote: "- cons: weak, esp. at altitude." That has also been my experience. Much over 6000' elevation, the CRF250L runs out of breath and becomes a real slug. I'd recommend something with more power.

[@klauston100]

Cool, I have been in Mongolia 4 times with my bike. I know most of what you have driven ! Respekt !

[@azrydr1723]

Really, really enjoyable. Outstanding trip. Something I will watch several times.

[@josemiguelfreirerios8891]

Amazing trip, amazing pilots, amazing bikes, beautiful far places Thanks to share, Best Regards.

[@ArthurDgn]

Many thanks!

[@davidgiffordsr.930]

Thank you. Great work!i Beautiful scenery, beautiful Lady, Great footage. I could go on. Have safe journeys.

[@josesantiago863]

AMAZING, Thank you.

[@ArthurDgn]

Thank you too!

[@seisamigos397]

Unbelievable water crossings!! Georgeous video.

[@ago5362]

Bravi !!!Bravi !!! Bravi !!! ed ancora BRAVI !!!!🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟🤟

[@fredrit323]

I used to own a crf 250 l l got rid of it because of the ridiculously small fuel tank , apart from that I would have traveled to the end of the world with it... wonderful adventure , breathtaking images , inspiring stuff indeed , well done !!

[@jcsully24]

Epic trip. Well done.

[@zoranspi1]

Despite the amazing tour ride I admire the photo shots. Bravo for both of you.

[@moonman357]

Fabuleux voyage, avec des panoramas incroyable, ça donne vraiment envie de franchir le cap.

[@anastasiosmarkou5839]

Very nice!!! ... from Greece!

[@mohdsyahar3351]

BRAVO...AN EPIC RIDE EVER...I JUST LOVE IT...SO ENJOY WITH CRF 250...

[@snegostup69]

Какие ахуительно монументальные кадры .Завидую..И девченка просто огонь )

[@jf7243]

Wow, what a Fabulous trip and thanks for sharing your excellent visual narrative! Inspirational indeed!

[@amatoly]

ребят, вы отмороженные! Но счастливые! )) И я вами восхищаюсь!

[@ridhadababi5858]

Thank you for this amazing and beautiful movie.Good continuation

[@ArthurDgn]

Thank you too!

[@Otto-Peter]

Amazing !!! Great 👍🏼 video, excellent bike / Honda engines are great 👍🏼!

[@luisjesuscastillovera5413]

What a beautiful trip, congratulations!!!!

[@Fabzil]

Love is action, not a feeling. Love is built

[@jaisabai4155]

Brilliant. Well done. Great little bikes too. 👏👍

[@fredysanscarre6574]

Amazing trip!!! Congratulations

[@lord.onk99]

Fantastic trip, thank you for sharing. And those bikes are just terrific.

[@another6223]

Thanks for all your information - very useful.

[@larryambrose5078]

Wow! Great Adventure. That Girl can ride!

[@avihairapoport9521]

וואו ארתור! איזה מסע מטורף! מקווה שיהיו לך עוד תכנים. אני עוד זוכר את הערוץ של אנדורו ישראל ;)

[@davidsmolsky957]

Great video, the editing is perfect. It made the content that much more impactful

[@carsalams.m567]

Hermosos paisajes, excelentes motocicletas, Aventureros excepcionales, así vale la pena la vida...cogratulaciones

[@ibrahimyazc7964]

This is the greatest video on KZbin ı have seen ever

[@chineseboxer108]

This is great but you need to see more.

[@ErosSirianni]

great places, great pics, great video, great bikes!

[@zombiewoof5257]

Great video of an amazing trip, and some useful info in the description, thanks.

[@MB-hc2xw]

This is an amazing trip!!

[@sitkiguven]

Harikasınız. Paylaşım için teşekkürler...

[@ta1hrast]

World is a beautiful place

[@MrFASFRANK]

Wow simply beautiful. Well done, images are astonishing .

[@woodly1069]

WOW!!! FANTASTIC

[@ArthurDgn]

Glad you like it!

[@ximin2244]

What a great adventure and big balls :) I truly envy you this, and hopfeully at some point of my life i will be able to afford it on my own.

[@beedubs100]

Absolutely amazing.

[@Travelingman-1980]

Nice pictures, I (Australian) married a Mongolian lady 18 years ago in UB, alot has changed in Mongolia since then.

[@ArthurDgn]

I bet. We saw great differences between the remote and central parts, and were sad to see and imagine how the country will lose its character :(

[@Travelingman-1980]

Arthur Dgn , in my book the character went when they started mining 2004. UB has become a huge unplanned shithole. I use to like the idea you could point yourself in any direction in UB and just go, not anymore.

[@bunnydaduk]

Fantastic thanks for sharing

[@ArthurDgn]

Thanks!

[@hankwojo]

One of the best videos ever made!

[@ArthurDgn]

Thanks!

[@marciorobertodna2rodas893]

Great video, thanks for sharing!

[@СашаБелый-ы9ч]

Мне кажется такое путешествие захочется повторить ещё не один раз)))

[@goranromersombor5923]

💯% hrabrost, ludost, ljubav Bravo

[@dapmaritz1646]

fantastic adventure. True adventures and exellent video. a man if after watching this vieo and you are not going on a adventure trip then its not mend for you. FANTASTIC

[@yusufdjafar3760]

Nice video bro. I like your pictures and the music is good.

[@ArthurDgn]

thanks!

[@andrewthacker114]

Good clip thanks

[@peterpyke1213]

a wonderful film.one of the best.cheers

[@TIERl]

beautiful

[@enduroforever4878]

You did an awesome adventurous travel,well done Congrats !!!

[@matthewskea6715]

Great achievement:) great pictures and video. Looking forward to your next adventure.

[@markozer0]

great adventure, amazing places!

[@OrcsKaptain]

guys beautiful tour , love your video , great adventure

[@alexalex-gt8uv]

the best video in KZbin, I love it thank you for you impression

[@papaya_virus]

Love your video! Many Thanks!

[@MehmetORHAN_ELT]

Thank you for this inspiring video. Great tour and great scenes. This is my dream route also. I wish I can take this route one day with my crf. Take care friends. Hi from Turkey.

[@t.vermassen8706]

Sehr schöne kurze und knappe Bilderfolge einer fantastischen Reise - wow!

[@MaorManevich]

טיול חלום! כל הכבוד!

[@rogerioabreu1077]

Viagem MARAVILHOSA !!!

[@HerMotoTrek]

Glad I found your marvelous movie of your adventures! I really enjoyed viewing it, and sometimes felt like a part of your party. ;-)

[@kusumawardhana4253]

Great pictures..!

[@ArthurDgn]

thanks!

[@saulocpp]

Magnificent trip and footage.

[@Capsula1978]

simply.. amazing!