How do you guys tour?

Alpine45 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 06 Jul 2015 Karma :

Just wanted to do some research before I prepare to tour, specifically going across to the continent, I'm not sure what bike I'm going to do it on yet or how far I'm going to go, but it'd be good to hear some related experiences of using EU breakdown cover

how does it work? or are most problems you've encountered a roadside fix, has anyone toured on a 125 and is it advisable? maybe a bike you're prepared to ditch if something goes completely wrong, or has it always been easy enough to find a garage?
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Honda XR 125 03
Yamaha XJ600N 99

Howling TerrorOutOfOffice · Super Spammer Joined: 05 Dec 2008 Karma :

Hi, you may not breakdown..Now that's a thought. Wink

Read the FAQ in this section, and The Useful links section has some..... links. Thumbs Up

\thinly-veiled sarcasm but still wanting to help.
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Itchy · Super Spammer Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Karma :

It's Europe not the 3rd world. Except there are mechanics in the 3rd world too.

Simply don't ride to your absolute limits and be wary.
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Spain 2008France 2007Big one 2009 We all die. The goal isn't to live forever, the goal is to create something that will. In the end, your life will flash before your eyes. Make sure it is worth watching.

Alpine45 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 06 Jul 2015 Karma :

Yeah thats true, as long as you take an emergency 500 euros for repairs I'd imagine you'd be okay and at least in 3rd world countries repairs will be less costly
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Honda XR 125 03
Yamaha XJ600N 99

james1988 · World Chat Champion Joined: 06 May 2010 Karma :

Why not pay for breakdown cover that will recover you back to the UK in the event that you breakdown abroad?

James
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Honda XL1000VA '07

Itchy · Super Spammer Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Karma :

Alpine45 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 06 Jul 2015 Karma :

Sounds pretty cheap for full recovery, I'm assuming the price goes up quite substantially if you add the Vladivostok option to the premium
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Honda XR 125 03
Yamaha XJ600N 99

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

I would probably look to ADAC.

When I did go I still had KTM cover.

They paid for a (cheap) flight home for me and for the bike to get back separately. Worked out ok, though didn't get quite the trip I originally wanted.

Itchy · Super Spammer Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Karma :

Alpine45 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 06 Jul 2015 Karma :

Wow that sounds like an incredible journey, I think I'm going to stick to riding around France and Germany a few times before I tackle the Siberian wilderness.
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Honda XR 125 03
Yamaha XJ600N 99

pepperami · Super Spammer Joined: 17 Jan 2010 Karma :

Alpine45 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 06 Jul 2015 Karma :

Yeah as long as you take the scenic country road route with the 125 its pretty good, I just don't like being stuck on a dual carriageway at high revs barely making the speed limit.

Another reason I mentioned using a 125 is that the fuel economy is great and also the engines are comparatively more simple, usually single cylinder as opposed to twins and inline fours. I'm not an expert in bike mechanics but I think this is definitely an added bonus despite the obvious drawbacks. Easier to fix, less oil topping up etc
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Honda XR 125 03
Yamaha XJ600N 99

Fowlersrs · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Mar 2012 Karma :

Brave on a 125 but not entirely out the question. It would be the inevitable motorway stints u have to do that would piss me off.

My best advice would be to not go alone, it's more of an adventure then and uve got company if the shit hits the fan.

Alpine45 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 06 Jul 2015 Karma :

Ultimately I'd rather do it on a bigger bike, but I wouldn't want to be stuck on a motorway either way, I'm from the south west and would much rather ride the A303 or A35 to London than take the M5/M4, just to give you an example.
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Honda XR 125 03
Yamaha XJ600N 99

pepperami · Super Spammer Joined: 17 Jan 2010 Karma :

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

Also smaller bikes, push bikes, running and walking - so whatever you want.

Personally, if choosing a bike I'd want the riding to be a part of it, so wouldn't be choosing something too slow.

If I didn't care about the riding, I'd go for a cheap to run hatchback and have a bed set up in there. At 56mph behind trucks I've got triple figure economy. Less hassle with more stuff easily accessible.

Itchy · Super Spammer Joined: 07 Apr 2005 Karma :

Alpine45 · Derestricted Danger Joined: 06 Jul 2015 Karma :

My 3 route options for a first European motorcycle trip would be,

Plymouth-Roscoff-Calais-Dover

Plymouth-Roscoff-Santander-Plymouth

Or I may go to Amsterdam or Berlin, familiar places that I've been to before but I would probably ride to Dover as the P and O ferry is cheaper than the Brittany ferry.

San Antonio Mike · L Plate Warrior Joined: 16 Jul 2015 Karma :

TaffyTDM · Spanner Monkey Joined: 15 Jul 2015 Karma :

Enduro Numpty · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 31 Oct 2012 Karma :

Been taking bikes to Europe since the seventies and the worst that has happened is a blown fuse. Modern bikes are very reliable and if you make sure all is in order before you go then the chances are you'll have a trouble free trip. Assuming your using tubeless tyres then maybe take a plug kit and small compressor should you get a puncture. Given a choice I would rather go on a larger capacity bike than a tiddler - a lot less stress on the bike and a lot more options on routes. Motorways aren't the best way to see anything but there's been many times where I've just wanted to cover miles quickly and a big bike on unlimited Autobahns does just that.

Enjoy however you choose to do it Wink