Kunming to Amsterdam on a unregistered bike

[Graham]

I started a thread when we were looking for a motorbike in Kunming. Eventually after meeting up with andre555 we decided to go for the YBR250 at the yamaha dealer in Kunming. After all it was there in stock waiting for us to be driven back to the other side of the world. Because we were only on tourist visas we knew it was going to be 'a bit' trouble to get it registered.

.
.
Hi Bartez,

So did your bike not have plate on the bike ?

Gra.

[bartez88]

.
.
Hi Bartez,

So did your bike not have plate on the bike ?

Gra.

Nope, and it still doesnt. Getting a license plate in Europe means paying taxes and other bull* = +-1500 euro. Might as well buy another bike...

[bartez88]

Hi Bartez88,
i think EU customs is very easy. i have past several EU external border post. They just check your ID card or passport. Then let you pass. Never bother to check your vehicle except they smell something suspicious. Also don't forget in EU, there is no license plate in front. They don't know which country you registered in.
Russian visa is much more easier than before. There is a new agreement between EU and Russian to facilitate the visa. So you better get it @home before you hit the road.
Only big problem is the time, can not leave too long. 4 weeks. maybe 1-2 weeks more for reserve.

Like I said, when your bike is registered you will have alot less problems in your trip. As our bike wasnt registered, (and we were too good to declare the bike at the border) you can only get a bit time to drive around. Registering it on a EU plate, thats when the euros start to roll.
Getting the russian visa at home was impossible, as we left home years ago. The only options for us, was try in Astana or fly back home. The transit visa is quicker to get in Astana as the tourist visa takes up to a week(after applying!).