Turkey motorbiking !

[mjohnston]

Going to Icemeler for 2 weeks in May - Cant wait !
Fancy hiring a motorbike for a few days - Believe the Turks are a bit of a nightmare on the roads
Still fancy big time though in some nice sunny weather
Anybody hired there or any other sunny experiences in warmer climes !  :lol 

[BBROWN1664]

Rather you than me.

Been to turkey a few times and considered hiring a bike but gave up on the idea every time. Tarmac isn't always great and not enough protective equipment provided by rental shops.

[red98]

dont like the idea of a rented helmet  :eek .....could always take your own 

[BBROWN1664]

The helmet is one thing but the main thing for me was the lack of jacket and gloves.

Whilst the tarmac may be nice and warm, it is also very differrnt to the tarmac we get here. It is almost slippery because of the mix it has to not melt in the heat. Far too easy to slide off on a bend especially with the pot holes they have.

Turkish drivers are not particularly good either. It is not uncommon to see a bus overtaking an overladern car and being overtaken by a car all on the same hairpin bend causing oncoming traffic to have to stop. imagine that when you are leant over preparing to go round the bend!!!!

[fazed600]

I'm with BBROWN on this one. Fancied it but the poor condition of the road and driving puts me off.

Last time I was there, near Ephesus, I saw a Yamaha XT660 on UK plates, so he must have been having quite a good adventure.

[fazed600]

If you do try it make sure your travel insurance covers you in full i.e. for bikes and not just scooters.

[mjohnston]

Thanks for your replies - Will probably just bide my time and suss it out when i get there ? 
I can always just content myself on the beach looking at some bikini clad beauties sipping a pint ! :rollin :rollin

[Tori]

Don't do it. When I was there, some years ago, a lady came off a bike and crashed through a shop front. Not a soul would help her as she was bleeding profusely. They just stood watching, no one even called an ambulance. I did try to help her. The shop would not even bring clean water to her. It's horrible.

[mjohnston]

Ok Tori thats done it
Looks like I will be sticking with  my two legs rather two wheels!

[Tori]

It's sad but true I think onlookers just didn't want to get involved Hire a car with air con for a couple of days

[Lambo]

Hi, don't miss the opportunity, relax, enjoy motorcycling in Turkey, just take responsibility for your own safety!
Sure the roads are slippery, drivers a bit wild, but in the right area, it's truly stunning, Lambo.

[mjohnston]

did u hire a bike and if you did how much did it cost and what did u get ?

[Lambo]

Hi, I rode my own bike there, ferry from Ancona in Italy to Cesme in Turkey, Lambo.

[alan sherman]

That's the way to do it! Ride there. Sounds cool, an alternative to Morocco with better roads on the way!

[ChristoT]

Riding in Turkey? No thanks, I value my life!!

The roads in the West of Turkey (the tourist end, and therefore richer / better infrastructure) are horrendous. Apparently, it's worse in the East. The Dolmus busses are maniacs, as are all the drivers. The roads have very crumbly edges, the consensus is drive in the middle and play chicken. The fact that half the busses have signs at the back saying "Allah korusun" (Allah Saves) and "InshAllah" (If Allah is willing) gives a fair idea of what it's like.

Get a car. Have a lovely time. Come home alive. 

(And don't get me wrong. I love Turkey, it's a brilliant country. I've spent 2 / 3 years out there, had the time of my life. Recommended sites: Fethiye and Ephesus)

[mjohnston]

Thanks for the replies, since im a bit of a chicken I may just hire a car or jeep or maybe just a river taxi !!
Cheers