Embark on a Motorcycle Adventure in Mongolia: The Ultimate Guide to Renting Motorcycles

Exploring Mongolia by motorcycle offers an extraordinary experience through vast open plains, stunning mountain ranges, and serene lakes. To help you plan your adventure, we’ve compiled a comprehensive guide covering everything from choosing the right bike to top rental companies, essential riding tips, and route recommendations.

Choosing the Right Motorcycle for Mongolia’s Terrain

Selecting the right motorcycle is critical for ensuring a safe and enjoyable trip across Mongolia's diverse landscapes. Here are the best types of motorcycles for your journey:

• BETA Motorcycles: Known for their rugged build and excellent off-road performance, these motorcycles are perfect for Mongolia's challenging terrain. The Beta Alp 4.0 is ideal for long trips across Mongolia, while the Beta Xtrainer 2T 300 and Beta 4T 390 are better suited for shorter trips under 1,000 km.
• KTM 690 Enduro: A favorite among experienced riders, the KTM 690 offers a blend of power, comfort, and durability, ideal for long-distance adventures.
  Husqvarna 701 Enduro: Another excellent choice for off-road enthusiasts, the Husqvarna 701 provides impressive power, agility, and reliability, making it perfect for Mongolia’s demanding routes. However, it can be difficult to ride on softer off-road terrain like sand.
  BMW
• GS Series: The BMW GS models provide superior comfort and stability on both highways and rugged trails. However, they can be very difficult to ride on softer off-road terrain, such as sand, due to their weight and handling characteristics.

Avoid cheaper Chinese models like the Shineray Mustang, often referred to as "herder bikes." While they are affordable, they lack the reliability needed for Mongolia's demanding conditions.

Top Motorcycle Rental Companies in Ulaanbaatar

Avis Mongolia – The Best Choice for BETA Motorcycles

Avis Mongolia stands out as the premier motorcycle rental company in Mongolia, offering a new fleet of high-performance BETA motorcycles, including:

Beta Alp 4.0: A versatile bike perfect for both on-road and off-road adventures.

Beta Xtrainer 2T 300: Ideal for enduro enthusiasts seeking a lightweight, high-performance 2-stroke motorcycle.

Beta 4T 390: A powerful 4-stroke bike designed for long-distance and rugged terrain.

Why Choose Avis Mongolia?

• New BETA Motorcycles: Perfect for tackling Mongolia’s varied terrain with ease.
• Exceptional Customer Support: English-speaking staff ready to assist with route planning, safety advice, and maintenance tips.
• Flexible Rental Options: Daily, weekly, and long-term rentals tailored to your itinerary.
• Convenient Location: Centrally located in Ulaanbaatar in the Shangri-La Hotel and Mall Complex for easy pick-up and drop-off.
• 24/7 Emergency Assistance: Access to Road Side Assistance is crucial and a big lack of most providers in Mongolia. Avis has its own maintenance and road side assistance as well as 24/7 phone support.

Whether you're a seasoned rider or a first-time visitor, Avis Mongolia provides top-notch service and high-quality bikes for an unforgettable journey.

Top Motorcycle Tour Companies in Mongolia

LIQUI MOLY Extreme

LIQUI MOLY Extreme offers guided off-road enduro motorcycle tours, providing riders with well-maintained bikes, experienced guides, and carefully planned routes that showcase Mongolia’s breathtaking landscapes. This is an excellent option for those seeking a hassle-free, expertly guided adventure. The highly skilled guides can assist you in improving your riding techniques and teach you riding on challenging terrain. Evenings around camp fires with tasty steaks ensure you recover well after a fun day. The Fast Tracks 5 day Mongolia motorcycle tour is an intense short tour with a perfect length and very scenic offroad route.

Nomadic Offroad

Nomadic Offroad is another trusted name among motorbike enthusiasts exploring Mongolia. Known for their well-organized tours, they offer a range of off-road adventures that take riders through some of the most scenic and challenging terrains in the country. With experienced local guides, top-notch bikes, and comprehensive support, Nomadic Offroad ensures an unforgettable journey also for inexperienced riders. To book one of their tours you need to register for a tour usually about a year in advance.

Licensing and Insurance Requirements

While an international motorcycle license is not strictly required, it is highly recommended to avoid potential issues with rental agencies or law enforcement. Additionally, securing comprehensive travel insurance that includes accident coverage is crucial. Reputable providers like World Nomads and Travel Guard offer suitable policies for motorcycle travelers.

Essential Riding Tips for Mongolia

Riding in Mongolia can be challenging, so follow these essential tips to stay safe and make the most of your adventure:

• Start Early: Leave Ulaanbaatar by 7:00 AM on weekdays to avoid heavy traffic.
• Be Vigilant: Road conditions vary, with potholes and aggressive drivers being common. Always stay alert.
• Avoid Night Riding: Poor visibility and the risk of encountering stray animals make night riding hazardous.
• Plan Realistically: Expect to encounter difficult terrain and double your estimated travel time.
• Prepare for Weather Changes: Mongolia’s weather can be unpredictable, so carry quality rain gear.
• Carry Emergency Equipment: A satellite GPS device, such as a Garmin InReach, can be a lifesaver in remote areas.

Recommended Motorcycle Routes in Mongolia

Mongolia offers a variety of breathtaking routes, from smooth highways to rugged trails. Here are some of the best:

• Ulaanbaatar to Khuvsgul Lake: This newly paved route provides a smooth ride. From Darkhan, continue to Lake Khuvsgul via Murun for a scenic experience.
• Off-road Adventure: For those seeking a true off-road challenge, the path from Kharkhorin through the Orkhon Valley to the Orkhon Waterfall offers a mix of tough terrain and beautiful scenery.
• Intense offroad: There are many routes that are mostly offroad and fun to ride but it is recommended to do this with a support crew or a support vehicle. Travel with reputable tour operators like LIQUI MOLY Extreme and enjoy intense offroading while having all the support you might need.

Bikes Not Recommended for Mongolia

While selecting a high-quality motorcycle is essential for a successful adventure, it’s equally important to know which bikes to avoid. Here are some motorcycles that are not recommended for Mongolia:

• Cheap Herder Bikes: Often Chinese-made models like the Shineray Mustang, these bikes are affordable but prone to frequent breakdowns. Their lack of reliability can leave you stranded in remote areas.
• Ural with Sidecar: While iconic and fun for short rides, the Ural is heavy and challenging to maneuver on Mongolia’s rough off-road terrain.
• Heavy BMW GS Models: Although BMW GS bikes offer comfort and stability on paved roads, their weight makes them difficult to handle on soft terrain, such as sand or loose gravel.

Most Important Things to Consider for Your Motorbike Trip Around Mongolia

Planning a successful motorbike trip across Mongolia requires careful preparation. Here are the most important factors to keep in mind:

• Motorcycle Selection: Choose a reliable, off-road-capable bike like the Beta Alp 4.0 or Husqvarna 701 Enduro. Avoid heavy bikes and unreliable models.
• Route Planning: Research the roads and trails you’ll be taking. Mongolia has a mix of paved highways and rough, remote tracks. Don’t plan too much riding for a day, always make sure you arrive before 3pm at your destination. You can still ride in a loop around your destination to explore the area but avoid situations where you still need to get to your destination close to sunset.
• Weather Preparedness: The weather in Mongolia can change quickly. Always pack proper rain gear and warm clothing.
• Fuel Strategy: Fuel stations can be sparse in remote regions. Carry extra fuel in a jerry can or fuel bladder. Plan your fuel stops carefully, as gas stations in remote areas may run out of fuel. While 92-octane fuel is widely available, 95-octane fuel is not. Most modern enduros require 95-octane fuel. To prevent engine problems, carry octane booster additives to upgrade 92-octane fuel to 95. Also, remember that fuel consumption can spike during intense off-roading or riding on soft terrain like sand dunes. Keep this in mind, as your fuel supply may deplete quickly under such conditions.
• Communication: Mobile coverage is limited in many parts of the country. Download maps on your phone ahead of the trip. A satellite GPS device or tracker is essential for emergencies if you travel alone.
• Health and Safety: Bring a well-stocked first aid kit and familiarize yourself with medical facilities along your route. Book a reputable international health insurance ahead of the trip that covers helicopter evacuation in case of bigger accidents.
• Spare Parts and Tools: Carry engine oil like 2 Takt Oil or 4 Takt Oil as well as oil filter with you and plan your maintenance interval in advance. Items like a suitable engine oil for motorbikes are not available on the countryside and should be bought from specialty stores like LIQUI MOLY in Ulaanbaatar. Essential spare parts and tools for basic repairs. Breakdowns in remote areas can be challenging without proper preparation. Tires with mousse are highly recommended to reduce the risk of a flat tire.
• Local Knowledge: Learn about Mongolian customs and etiquette. Respect for local traditions can enrich your experience and foster goodwill with locals. Avoid riding close to yurts with dogs and try to ride calmly when a dog might run after you.
• Local Etiquette: Mongolians are known for their hospitality. Respect their customs and traditions, and you might be invited to share a meal or stay in a ger (yurt).

Luggage Planning

Packing smart can significantly enhance your riding experience in Mongolia. Here are some key tips:

• Travel Light: Avoid carrying unnecessary camping gear if possible. Planning your trip from ger camp to ger camp can save you from lugging around heavy items like a tent, cooking gear, and food. Make sure your backpack is not too heavy as you will want to ride in a standing position from time to time.
• Riding Light: A lighter bike is much easier to handle on Mongolia’s dirt roads and uneven terrain, making your ride more enjoyable.
• Support Vehicle: If you’re traveling in a group, consider having one support car to carry the bulk of the luggage. This allows riders to travel light and focus on the adventure. Items like food and spare tires are easy to carry.

Conclusion

Embarking on a motorcycle journey across Mongolia is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. By choosing the right bike, partnering with a reliable rental company like Avis Mongolia or joining a guided Motorcycle tour with a popular operator like LIQUI MOLY Extreme, and following essential safety tips, you’ll be well-prepared to explore the country’s stunning landscapes. Whether you’re riding through lush valleys, arid deserts, or bustling cities, Mongolia promises an unforgettable experience for every rider.

Happy riding and safe travels!