Just passed all, kind advice sought

[dan_flash]

Hello guys & dolls!

New here, first post.

Long story short; been riding since June 2011, just passed mod 2 (Big Bike - er5 ) yesterday (tests kept getting canceled on account of shitty Merseyside climate). Got em all done first attempt, which adds to the satisfaction level.

Now, currently blipping around on a Piaggio Fly 125 scoot and I'll prob keep it that way for a while until 1) I'm a bit more experienced, and 2) my premium gets a chunk axed off it.
But - I'm kinda hoping to do a trip over some parts of EU in summer. I'm German and my girlfriend is Polish, so it makes sense to get a ferry over and just ride around both them fine lands for a couple weeks (visiting family, eating Wurst, drinking Zywiec, etc etc).

So what I'd like - if anyone here (experienced or otherwise) has any advice, stories, tips, experiences, etc etc to share then please do!
Main issues for me; will the Piaggio make it or should I get a different ride by then? In fact, is a motorcycle a better option than a scooter altogether (and let's be unbiased here, I'm a fan of both types ). What insurance and breakdown cover price can I expect? Is it even necessary?

Anyways, sorry long post, like I said: I'm new, dying to ride all the time now, and have about a million and one questions and plans now that I have a cat. A license

Thanks guys, this forum is boss
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Yamaha XJ600S, Volvo v40.

[Teflon-Mike]

Two Up Touring on a Twist & Go Scooter

This merely conforms my idea that ALL Germans are utterly Bonkers!

I mean; look at the iconic porshe 911... started out with old Ferdinant looking out the window at his grocer delivering the weekly provisions in a BWM R32 'outfit', after getting a letter from a decidedly madder than most, German.... thinking "Ah! I know; we had this gut idea; take ze Tommy Douglas, and turn the engine round zo both ze cylinders get equal air and ground on the road when you go round ze corners.... Ha! I shall uze zat engine for diz idiot's peoplez waggon, but it need more powa!"
So he strapped two of them together, and having decided to keep air cooling for 'simplicity' chucks it in the very BACK of the ruddy car where it wont get ANY ruddy air...
Then his sprog, proving madness is hereditory, decides THAT is a good basis for a high performance sports car!
After fifty ruddy years, I would have thought EVEN Teutonic Tenacity would have come to the conclusions that this was NOT the best way to build a sports-car!
But no!
"Ve vere NOT vrwong!
..Ve yust need to do a leedle beet more Dewelopment!"
Wasn't the type writer a German Invention, as well?

Given THAT kind of national attitude; the idea of Two Up Touring on a Twist & Go Scooter, is one of the more 'sensible' ideas...

Though invading Poland..... err..... actually, carry on.... we have another co-alitian government, even more wet than old Nevil.... and last time I think you did it on bicycle's didn't you?

Anyway; it's bonkers; but, what the heck! Why not!

A motorbike would almost certainly be more comfortable, but then I would think it pure luxury after Morris Dancing in Ladenhosen!

People have done dafter stuff, like round the world expeditions on a moped.
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My Webby'Tef's-tQ, loads of stuff about my bikes, my Land-Rovers, and the stuff I do with them!
Current Bikes:'Honda VF1000F' ;'CB750F2N' ;'CB125TD ( 6 3 of em!)'; 'Montesa Cota 248'. Learner FAQ's:= 'U want to Ride a Motorbike! Where Do U start?'

[Okeydokey]

Social stereotyping aside, welcome to BCF!
I alongside with many others (I am sure) don't go with the perception of the banal mainland European prejudice, now if you had posted a picture of yourself on a 125, a sleeping bag, had long hair and came from the same country, your karma would be phenomenal by now, as we have all recently witnessed. Unfortunately you are a man, and we dont want to bed you, welcome anyway, sorry I have travelled extensively but not on a scooter

Edit: Check this out to see how you get a positive European perspective https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=236350
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Knowledge is knowing a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is not putting it in a fruitsalad!
YB100 v. Ford Sierra (1982 I came 2nd place) Honda H100S (Currently 0 - 0) CX500 Cafe project (me 1 - wife 0.... maybe!)

[Beelzebob]

Well... you COULD do Germany/Poland on a 125 scoot. As long as you're not in a hurry...

I have gone from the south of England to Zwickau (Sachsen, East Germany) in a Trabant ( more than once ) - Autobahn all the way - probably about a full day's travelling. You'll probably have a similar top speed realistically (60-ish) two up and fully loaded.

I don't know how far into Poland you're going, but you've got to get all the way across Deutschland first - which (as I don't need to tell you) is pretty big.

In my opinion you'd be better off on a bigger bike, simply as it will be so much more comfortable at speed - and faster. Therefore more time with your families.

On the other hand, it does make the journey more interesting as you've got more time to sit and watch the world go by. The trips across to Germany in the Trabi were great fun, with friends. I've also driven a Barkas back from Prague (which I bought when visiting friends there) - which was an epic trip as well, and a similar speed to the Trabi.

Basically, yes, there's no reason you can't do it on your scoot. Would be an epic trip. However you'll probably be more comfortable on a bigger machine.

Good luck whatever you choose - pics are obligatory

Edit - forgot about your test pass - good on ya it's a great achievement.
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'09 YBR 125 -> '92 XJ600 S Diversion -> '99 Hornet 600

"Stronger than your average female lifeguard"

[dan_flash]

[Beelzebob]

I would get breakdown cover. For peace of mind if nothing else - knowing that if I broke down in the arse end of Brandenburg I could phone someone who would come and rescue me. Just check the terms and conditions carefully, know what you're covered for and what not, and make sure it covers all the countries you're going through

I have no idea how much it will be though.
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'09 YBR 125 -> '92 XJ600 S Diversion -> '99 Hornet 600

"Stronger than your average female lifeguard"