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Headlight beam converter stickers for Europe...?

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jverdoes
Derestricted Danger



Joined: 03 Aug 2005
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PostPosted: 11:17 - 12 Sep 2005    Post subject: Headlight beam converter stickers for Europe...? Reply with quote

Could anyone please tell me if I should fit headlight beam converter stickers for travelling through Europe? Thinking
Our trip starts from Calais then to the Nurburgring for a few laps of terror. Shocked
I was told that the French are full of shit and fine loads of vehicles without these stickers as they leave the ferry. Middle Finger
I definitely don’t want to spend my “Ring” lap money on silly fines. Tut Tut
I ride a ’04 R1 with clear lenses so I’m not sure if I should fit them or not. Don't even know where to buy them or even where on the lens to fit them.
Would appreciate if anyone could give me any advice on this…
Thanks… Thumbs Up
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Father Karras
L Plate Warrior



Joined: 11 Sep 2005
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PostPosted: 13:00 - 12 Sep 2005    Post subject: Reply with quote

You can find headlamps stickers at the port and even on the ferry
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Dotzler
Two Stroke Sniffer



Joined: 11 Aug 2005
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PostPosted: 13:22 - 12 Sep 2005    Post subject: Reply with quote

You shouldn't need the stickers, as bike headlights are not angled left or right. The point straight ahead.

I exported my UK bike and car to Finland a couple of years ago, and needed to get new lights on my car before it could be registered, but wasn't required to change the bike headlight. Maybe worth checking with the ferry company though.
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mylow
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Joined: 31 Jul 2005
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PostPosted: 13:41 - 12 Sep 2005    Post subject: Reply with quote

I work for the RAC in the travel dep, you will need a converter, a warning traingle, a GB sticker or GB plate

Halfords do it all, and if im correct in saying, they have a nice fold up warning t, to take up less space in your bag,

and dont forget to take your V5C, licence and insurance cert,

have a nice trip Thumbs Up
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jverdoes
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PostPosted: 13:47 - 12 Sep 2005    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for your replies.
I've seen them before on the ferry but thought they're only for cars.
As I understand it, and like Dotzler explained, with most new bikes they all have clear lenses, which does not bend or reflect the beam.
But a lot of people told that the French are very cocky at Calais and might fine you if you don’t have them fitted.
Worst case scenario, if I do need to fit them, can I use the stickers they sell on the ferry and whereabouts do I stick them on the R1’s lenses? Thinking
Cheers…
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jverdoes
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PostPosted: 13:55 - 12 Sep 2005    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks for your advice "mylow"
I'll pop into my local Halfords then and get the kit.
I'll rather pay a few quid for a couple of stickers than argue with Napoleon... Police
Cheers.
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EuropeanNC30R...
Gay Hairdresser



Joined: 20 Jun 2002
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PostPosted: 14:55 - 12 Sep 2005    Post subject: Reply with quote

I think I read somewhere only cars need warning triangles. You are supposed to have replacement bulbs though. I've never bothered with headlight deflectors, though I wasn't riding much at night anyway.

Father karras wrote:
You can find headlamps stickers at the port and even on the ferry


Have you actually seen the ports and ferries selling deflectors for bikes, I've only ever seen them for cars Confused

I thought UK bikes dip-beams are angled to the left, that's why European parallel imports often fail their first MOT because the dealer has neglected to convert the headlight.
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feef
Energiser Bunny



Joined: 11 Feb 2002
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PostPosted: 15:03 - 12 Sep 2005    Post subject: Reply with quote

you shoud have...

spare bulbs, and a first aid kit.

for a car you also need to add a warning trianlge and headlight redirectors.

I spent a week riding in france this year, and had nothing on the headlight.

Should also have a GB sticker, unless you've got an "eu" numberplate

a
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mylow
Borekit Bruiser



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PostPosted: 23:32 - 12 Sep 2005    Post subject: Reply with quote

you do need a warning triangle. bulbs and first aid kits are a good idea but you don’t have to, check out www.fco.gov.uk, foreign commonwealth of travel advice, that’s the only web site you need to look at, there is a number but its at work, The RAC AA all have to go by what they say.
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hugo-a-gogo
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Joined: 13 Feb 2004
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PostPosted: 23:35 - 12 Sep 2005    Post subject: Reply with quote

they do dip to the wrong side

when i rode to the uk i just put a little bit of duct tape over the bit of the light that shines over to the other side
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mylow
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PostPosted: 08:47 - 13 Sep 2005    Post subject: Reply with quote

the duck tape should work, the number for the fco is 08706060290, have nice trip
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jverdoes
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PostPosted: 13:11 - 13 Sep 2005    Post subject: Reply with quote

Thanks to all for there comments/advice.
Well, I phoned the FCO but they could not help me and said I must phone the RAC or the AA.
I went on the AA's website and found the following info:

https://www.theaa.com/staticdocs/pdf/allaboutcars/overseas/aa_compulsory_equipment.doc

The following sections are applicable for bikes:

(6) A warning triangle is not required for two-wheeled vehicles.

(11) It is a wise precaution to equip your vehicle with a first-aid kit/fire extinguisher, even when it is not a compulsory requirement. NOTE A fire extinguisher is not regarded as a practical item for two-wheeled vehicles.

(12) Regardless of local requirements it is always a wise precaution to carry a spare set of vehicle bulbs and adjust headlamp beams for driving on the right. A spare bulb kit will not prevent a fine if you are travelling with faulty lights, but it may avoid the cost and inconvenience of a garage call out. On some cars it is inadvisable or impossible for anyone other than a qualified technician to change a headlamp bulb or lamp unit e.g. high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and carrying spare bulbs is not an option. However, it is recommended that spare bulbs are carried for any lights which may be easily and/or safely replaced by the owner/driver.
Headlamp beam adjustment for older vehicles can be done using simple adhesive masks on the headlamp glass. For newer vehicles with HID, xenon or many halogen headlamps it is not so easy. Check out what you must do well before your departure by contacting a dealer for your make of vehicle. Without adjustment the dipped beam will dazzle oncoming drivers and this could result in a fine. In some countries it is compulsory to use dipped headlights at all times when driving during the day. NOTE This adjustment is not required for two-wheeled vehicles as the beam pattern is more symmetrical, but check that any extra loading has not affected the beam height. Thumbs Up Thumbs Up Thumbs Up

According to this AA report, you don't need the beam adjusters and warning triangle if travelling by bike.
I'll print a copy of this and carry it with my other documents in case I get pulled.
If I get fined, I'll just sue the AA... Mr. Green

Thanks...
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