The Idea
At the beginning, I thought two university degrees enough education to justify having a holiday before starting regular work. That decision was made in June 2002. Until September 2003 I rode about 30,000 km in 18 countries. With my Suzuki DR 350. Some people say it's not sexy. Others say it shows personality. Anyway, it is reliable (and that is important in life!)
The Route
The Bike
I'm
travelling on a Suzuki DR 350 SHC, made in ' 94 (see the image on the right side).
- Changes: I lowered it and bought a bigger tank with 14 litres.
- Carrier: 5-Star carrier system, which stayed alive up to Greece. In Pacistan I have finally realized my own ideas resp. the recommendations of Luc (Belgian, BMW GS 80). Since then there are no more problems. Propably next time again, when I'm back in Germany at the "Technical Supervisory Association". Additionally I have Därr aluminum boxes.
- Tires: First I had Dunlop Trailmax (17,000 km), next Dunlop D 606 (10,000 km) and now I have Michelin Sirac and Metzler Enduro 3.
- What else: I have travelled about 30,000 km, am on the 3rd chain, the 2nd cable for the clutch, and the compression, I have a new speedo, and a new battery. Only once have I had a flat tire. That’s all!
The Mails
The emails which I wrote to my friends in the last year will give a good summary about trip, countries, peoples, and their culture. (Sorry, it's in German only.)
- From Germany to Greece (Ioanina, June 20, 2002)
- From Greece to Turkey (Istanbul, July 16, 2002)
- Inside Turkey (Van, August 5, 2002)
- Through the Wild Kurdistan (Dogubeyazit, September 1, 2002)
- Out of Turkey into the Iran (Esfahan, September 16, 2002)
- Through Pakistan to India (McLeod Ganj, October 19, 2002)
- Along the Himalaya to Nepal (Kathmandu, November 22, 2003)
- On the Road in Nepal (Kathmandu, December 24, 2002)
- Across India back to Nepal (Kathmandu, February 21, 2003)
- Through Thailand on the Way to Cambodia (Bangkok, March 28, 2003)
- From Cambodja to Laos (Laos, May 16, 2003)
- From Laos to Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur, July 21, 2003)
- On the Road in Japan (Tokyo, August 26, 2003)
The Images
On my trip I took a lot of photos. Here you can find a small collection.
The Favourite-FAQs
- How you can ride a motorbike?
- How you can come overland? (driving, driving, driving…)
- Are you not afraid traveling alone on a bike as a woman? – I always ask why I should be afraid, because I traveling on a bike, because I am alone or because I am a woman? If they don’t know what to say their conclusion is: … but it is unusual! Well, and therefore I should be afraid?
- Is this a Indian bike? – No, it’s an Japanese. – Are you Japanese?
- Do you ride your bike by yourself?
The Contact
The XYZ
I'm often asked for the daily costs in the respective countries.
| Greece: 21.25 € |
Turkey: 16.50 € |
Iran: 11.50 € |
Pakistan: 15.30 € |
India: 16.00 € |
| Nepal: 11.00 € |
Cambodia: 14.40 € |
Laos: 9.90 € |
Thailand: 15.75 € |
Malaysia: 18.64 € |
Japan: 16.00 € |
Last but not least I can recommmend the ultimate internet portal for bikers Horizons Unlimited for all those, who are travelling by motorbike around the world.
2003 © Wolkenschaf.de