Tips and hints?

Barton316 · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 12 Feb 2014 Karma :

Hi guys,

I plan on going abroad with my dad (an experienced rider) and his friends (experience riders). We plan to go from Leicester, to Hull, ferry to the netherlands and then down to Switzerland and back. This isn't planned until July but I would like to plan for anything I may need to buy etc.

I'm currently riding an sv650s. Are there any general tips and hints you guys would give to someone touring abroad for the first time? I plan to do some runs around the UK when it gets spring time.

raesewell · Traffic Copper Joined: 22 Oct 2012 Karma :

An obvious source for information would be your Dad and his mates.
Dont forget to drive on the right, take your passport, EU medical card, Euros and make sure the bike is up to it. Pack half as much as you think you need.
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Yamaha FJR 1300 Normanton West Yorkshire

willis1337 · Brolly Dolly Joined: 06 May 2009 Karma :

https://www.old-gits.org/checklist.htm

The above should be useful.
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Current bike: KTM SD1290GT
Previous bike: BMW K1300S

sidewinder · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Aug 2011 Karma :

If your tyres are more than half worn change them Thumbs Up

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"Nitrous is like a cheap hooker, you want to hit it but are scared of the consequences

sidewinder · World Chat Champion Joined: 24 Aug 2011 Karma :

If your tyres are more than half worn change them Thumbs Up

____________________
"Nitrous is like a cheap hooker, you want to hit it but are scared of the consequences

Northern Monkey · World Chat Champion Joined: 17 Nov 2013 Karma :

Don't carry too much shit
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Fisty: after polishing the tank with the glistenng beads of sweat from my full hot scrotum, I filled the headrace bearings with 10cc of my manmilk

weasley · World Chat Champion Joined: 16 Oct 2010 Karma :

Take photocopies of all your documents and store them separately from the originals (which you have to take). Passport, V5, insurance docs etc. And/or scan/photograph them and save on your phone.

Don't forget your EHIC... you hopefully won't need it but worth having in case you do.

Let your credit/debit card issuers know you are going away. Nothing worse than having your card blocked as a fraud prevention measure when you most need it.

If you're doing it by the book you'll need a GB sticker on the bike and a headlight beam blocker. I got a new number plate made up with the GB on it but didn't bother with the headlight.

Spare bulbs can be useful. I had my dipped beam go in Germany... luckily a nearby fuel station had a replacement (and was open). In Germany (and likely other countries too, so check) you HAVE to have the headlight on all the time.

If you're not familiar with your luggage, have a go at attaching it and riding with it. You don't want the first time you find it flaps, wobbles or obscures your view to be the day you leave and need to keep up with your riding mates.
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~~Yamaha XJ600 | Yamaha YZF600R Thundercat | KTM 990 SMT~~ | BMW F900XR TE

pepperami · Super Spammer Joined: 17 Jan 2010 Karma :

andyff7329 · L Plate Warrior Joined: 02 Jan 2015 Karma :

I would say to pick the brains of your father and friends, however are you camping or staying in overnight accommodation? This will dictate how much stuff you need to take. If you are not camping then I would try to take as little as possible i.e. a tank bag for valuables and maps plus a 50 ltr rollbag or top box on the back for your clothes etc. If you are camping I can take all my camping stuff, clothes, cooking gear and valuables in a tank bag, roll bag and top box and thats enough for two weeks. Finally, have you considered going to Switzerland via the Vosges mountains in France? Brilliant roads and also a good warm up for the Alps.
My 21 year old son now has 3 trips up already to France/Belgium on his SV650S and finds it a very capable bike with excellent fuel consumption and reliability.
Have a great trip!