Tour Of Europe, 11 countries.

[Kaben]

Basically i have decided, that having left uni i want to go travelling. I had thought about going around the world,i have done some of the middle east stuff (Vietnam mainly) and loved every second. Bird flu on the otherhand doesnt really get me off.

So i have decided that instead im am going to explore the wonders of europe.By motorbike
Im planning to make the trip next year (probably may-ish) as i need to earn the cash+get my liscence lol (thats being done july/august this year)

My rough route so far is going to be

uk
France
Spain (barcelona)
S.france (provence,marseille,monaco/monte-carlo)
Italy (all)
Greece (athens,thesalonica etc)
Back to italy
Austria (vienna)
Czech republic (prague)
Poland (warsaw)
Germany (berlin)
Netherlands (amsterdamn)
Belgium
france
Home

The point of this thread is that i was wondering if anyone woyuld be interested in coming along? I have no real biker mates,so may be doing this haul on my own. I know this is early doors, but its gonna take me time to save and i assume it the same for others too.

If you are interested let me know. If you know anywhere else i could advertise for a riding buddy let me know also .
Of course i will be very accomodating in changing the route/destinations to include others interests. Hope for it to be a couple of months trip including camping hosteling and hotels dependant upon costs etc.
May have access to a villa in northern Italy for a chillout period on the way through italy (both ways )

[i am also getting in contact with some motorbike magazines and some travel ones also to see if they would be interested in an article about the trip/sponsorship]

Let me know..
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Its Not a Melon, Its Clearly a Lime!!
Yamaha Fazer 600Now dead, MZ 125 SM
My Deviant Art homepage https://robabloke.deviantart.com/

[Synnister1]

Thats quite a tour!

I'm interested but, would not want to go any where dodgey, I was once robbed on a holiday in Jamaica, dont want that sort of thing again

Do you have an estimate of cost and milage ect and maybe even a rough idea of the route and dates?
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Neal B
https://www.nealsbikepage.pwp.blueyonder.co.uk/

[JonB]

hmmmm seems interesting,but May is coming up to A2 exams, I probably won't have the money and that is a fucking long journey!
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Be careful whose advice you buy, but, be patient with those who supply it. Advice is a form of nostalgia, dispensing it is a way of fishing the past from the disposal, wiping it off, painting over the ugly parts and recycling it for more than it?s worth.

[ProXimaCore]

I would say if you visit Germany, then the south of Germany (Bavaria) is far nicer than the north.

When you're in Italy try and get a visit to Verona. It's up the north. It's quite a nice place. Venice wasn't really worth it though.

In Austria, Salzburg is way nicer than Wein (Vienna). Salzburg is one of my favourite places actually. It's really nice there.

Can't really offer any advice on the other places, as that's all I've been to so far.

Hope that's somewhat helpful.
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Honda NSR125R -> Suzuki GSXR400R GK76a -> Kawasaki ZX636 B1H -> Honda CBR400RR NC29 -> Nothing

[Kaben]

Well, i havent really looked into exact routes yet, this is still very drawing table stuff. But as the crow flies this trip as it stands is 7000km. I can probably expect to almost double that when you take into account that roads are not straight.

I dont think any of the countries listed are dodgey mate,all are common holiday destinations really. As you say about particular destinations in austria and germany etc, im still on the drawing board for this also. I would be more than happy to alter cities and places visited for peoples reccomendations and a riding buddies preferences. May knock out poland all together and go through germany to the netherlands. Dont know yet. (This is the kind of stuff you meet up for a day in the pub to discuss with a map,a chinchila,a pint and a lonely planet guide book) Chinchila not really absolutely necessary

Im only posting this so early as i know i will have to work alot to save up the money,and i expect others will too. Its going to be an expensive trip, but it will be worth it in my opinion.Lots to see,lots to do, and can ride at our own pace (no flight deadlines etc for round the world tickets)

If,lets say its 14,000Km round trip (i expect less), then thats 8699 miles. On a bike with a say 120 mile range thats 70 fuel stops.I estimate 20-25 pounds per fill up (on british petrol prices) thats £1400. Thats the expensive bit. Another £1000 for food and board, and between 500-800 for road tolls,tourist attractions and souvenirs
About £3200 +-

This is obviously all very rough estimation.Fuel prices are cheaper abroad, once the route is finalised i will investigate true milage, camping spots,hostels and hotels along the way for prices etc.

Im super keen to organise this, i hope someone else is interested by it too
____________________
Its Not a Melon, Its Clearly a Lime!!
Yamaha Fazer 600Now dead, MZ 125 SM
My Deviant Art homepage https://robabloke.deviantart.com/

[ProXimaCore]

As far as road tolls go, I can tell you that to use the Autobahn in Austria you first have to buy a pass to use it. It's a little sticker that usually goes in the window of a car. Cost's 10 euros from a petrol station. Can get them in Germany before crossing the border. May be cheaper for bikes though. Nobody actually checks it anywhere mind you. But it's better to be safe if you get pulled by the police and get fined.

In Italy you have to pay per mile you do on the motorway. When you enter the motorway you go through a gate and collect a ticket. When you exit you go through another gate and pay the guy the money. There's a sign indicating the amount, so don't worry if you can't speak Italian. And whatever you do, don't drive into a 'Telepass' tollbooth on the exit of the motorway.
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Honda NSR125R -> Suzuki GSXR400R GK76a -> Kawasaki ZX636 B1H -> Honda CBR400RR NC29 -> Nothing

[EuropeanNC30R...]

£20-£25 for a fill up sounds a bit high! I've never put anything near that amount in a bike.

Average tank size on a bike is about 17 litres, including reserve I think. 80p a litre x 17 litres is £13.60. Remember you're not going to be using your reserve all the time either.

£13.60 x 70 fuel stops.... £952.

Don't you just love it when costs come down

[Kaben]

weeel, thats a bright note
I was taking it at worst case scenario of full top ups from fuel light on type scenarios. Less than a grand would be superb! plus fuel should be a bit cheaper abroad
____________________
Its Not a Melon, Its Clearly a Lime!!
Yamaha Fazer 600Now dead, MZ 125 SM
My Deviant Art homepage https://robabloke.deviantart.com/

[RooRoo]

Can I come on my speedfight 50?

[RooRoo]

Hmm, in all seriousness though, I'd LOVE to come, and if I can get the time off from the army I will..Seriously doubt I can get that kind of time off though.

[TOM M]

id be well interested mate
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Now owner of a 1200 Bandit

[Nath]

I'd consider factoring in the cost of a bike as well.

You're pushing for 10k miles, which is a hell of alot and if you're riding a fairly low mileage machine then you're going devaluate your bike's worth. Also consider servicing costs. You're going to want to do a full service before you set off, and at least 2 oil changes whilst you're out there. You're going to eat through a chain, and perhaps tyres as well? Your bike will want a full service when you get back. The chances of things failing whilst you're out are high(deffinately minor things like throttle/clutch cables etc), which gives you the choice of:
a) Replacing all these parts before you go(more expense)
b) Taking with you loads of bits to deal with as many problems as possible(impractical)
c) Fixing things as they go wrong, with parts bought on the spot, and possibly taking the bike to garages if you don't have the knowhow or even just tools to do it yourself(probably expensive, probably impractical, and deffinately a headache).

I'm sure there are better people to get advice from(bound to be someone here who's done a similarly bonkers high mileage trip), but I would have thought it would make more sense to buy a bike specifically for this adventure. Something with a sound engine, as little as possible to go wrong on, easy parts availability, comfy for big miles, decent power to keep you interested, and also prefferably cheap incase you bin it and end up coming home minus the bike(not unlikely).


Interesting idea and one I would admire anybody who went and did. However, you'd need to either plan it really well and be prepared for anything, or just be a total nutter. Being both would be preferable.

[tatters]

l,ve always wanted to travel Europe by bike but wouldn’t get away with a few months of no work. Might do something similar when l finish my electrical apprenticeship next year. Idea bike for me would be a old GT550 rat bike and run it till it dies.
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Past:NRG50,AF1125(x2),NSR125RR,ZZR250,CX500,VFR400,KR1S,ZZR600(x2),CB400N,YZF1000(x2),KH125,Z200,FX400R,CBR954RR(x2)GPZ500S,GT550,VFR750F(x2),RD350N,XR650R,CBR600F,CB250,KDX250,YZF750R,CRM250,400EXC,KLR650,TTR600RE,DR350S,R100GSPD,RGV250,VMAX1200,DL650,KZ750 Present:G650XC,C12,CRF450X,1190ADV

[Kaben]

Nath, i see what your saying. I already knew i would have to have the Fazer serviced REALLY well before i left.
I'd love to exchange my Fazer 600 '98 for a BMW 1200GS or something similar,but with no NCB on insurance etc, will be unlikely!

Tatters,it wont be untill next year anyhow. Probably this time next year no doubt. Gonna spend a long time planning this, plus save up the cash for it.
Mechanical servicing is going to be an issue i know, but it will just be part of the adventure.


Im glad im not the only one interested! I know its a bit of an "out there" idea but i think it will be an amazing adventure/holiday/experience.

I will add extra info for this as i continue to work it out (i.e route, places of interest,milage etc).Keep any traveling tips coming. Anyone interested in coming along say so, or PM me! More than happy to meet up with people for a chat/pint even if your not 100% certain about it.

Rob
____________________
Its Not a Melon, Its Clearly a Lime!!
Yamaha Fazer 600Now dead, MZ 125 SM
My Deviant Art homepage https://robabloke.deviantart.com/

[ProXimaCore]

Might also be worth it if you go on a little test run, say over to france for a few days and back again. It'll let you know what sort of things you'll need and what you can live without for when you make the big journey.
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Honda NSR125R -> Suzuki GSXR400R GK76a -> Kawasaki ZX636 B1H -> Honda CBR400RR NC29 -> Nothing

[Kaben]

That definitely makes sense.
____________________
Its Not a Melon, Its Clearly a Lime!!
Yamaha Fazer 600Now dead, MZ 125 SM
My Deviant Art homepage https://robabloke.deviantart.com/

[Mik_RX125]

I've been to the Czech Republic several times, to the independent Four Stroke Rally and camping, and you probably find that Prague will be a nightmare, as its full of pick-pockets and other thiefs as its a popular tourist destination.

Ceske Budejovice is much nicer, and is also the home of Budweiser. And if you feel athletic you could climb the Black Tower, and if I remember properly, only costs about 40p to do so.

Other good places to visit in the Czech Republic are Zlin, Olomouc and Mohelnice which are all on the eastern side of the country where very you will find next to no Tourists, but plenty of friendly Czechs.
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Yamaha FZ6 Fazer S2 owner
See all my Bikes

[Kaben]

cheers for that mate! Ive heard Prague is a beutiful place so thats why i put it on the list, but im always keen to look into more obscure places, less ruined by tourists.
My only problem for this whole trip is my lack of language skills. Im going to try and learn Italian, as i think a largeish chunk of the trip will be in italy. The benefits of the popular touristy towns is the lack of language barrier, but you dont get to experience "real communites", so thats the trade off. Would be more fun in unknown areas i guess!
Home of budweiser seems a worthy addition to the trip indeed.....i take it that its the Budvar czech beer you can buy over here?
____________________
Its Not a Melon, Its Clearly a Lime!!
Yamaha Fazer 600Now dead, MZ 125 SM
My Deviant Art homepage https://robabloke.deviantart.com/

[Mik_RX125]

You'll probably find that people all over the Czech Republic speak English, and they seem to like English people.

My step-dad has many friends over there, as we go there almost every other year. You will probably be best off talking to him, but even I know that everything is very cheap over there, like Pilsner lager is around 20p-40p a pint, and 3 course meals rarely cost more than £5. Also hotels and campsites are very cheap, but by no means nasty.

If you need any more info like hotels, campsites or anything else about Czech Republic just PM me, and I'll forward it to him.

Mik
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Yamaha FZ6 Fazer S2 owner
See all my Bikes

[Kaben]

cheers buddy, will keep that in mind for my planning stages over the summer. Definitely nice to get first hand info/recomendations
____________________
Its Not a Melon, Its Clearly a Lime!!
Yamaha Fazer 600Now dead, MZ 125 SM
My Deviant Art homepage https://robabloke.deviantart.com/

[Kaben]

Ok, well my bro (Dam_Buster) is keen to come on this now, so thats means i'll no longer be traveling on my own. Others are still welcome to come though! A group of 3-4 would be ideal for this trip i think.
____________________
Its Not a Melon, Its Clearly a Lime!!
Yamaha Fazer 600Now dead, MZ 125 SM
My Deviant Art homepage https://robabloke.deviantart.com/

[Dam_buster]

ill get my test out of the way after ive passed my cage test, and then think about gettin a cheapo bike to ride over the track, (field bike) , save up moneys and get a touring bike

should be a great experience

Dammy
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Yamaha R6 5EB, BMW 328i Touring, BMW 328i Coupe

[Irezumi aka Reuben]

Brilliant idea, but its very costly. Consider what bike your going to do it on as well. Something like a Dominator is ideal due to ease of obtaining parts, easy maintanence and they go on forever anyway. Good comfort and carrying capability, plus gravel trails are easier to use. Having said that Ive read about people going from Australia to London on Harley's and two Dutch blokes going all over Africa on C90's.

Why not just save up, take a year off and ride wherever you can. Do bar work or courier stuff in the middle. Read Ted Simon's Jupiters Travels to get even more enticed by it.

https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ That is THE site to visit for world travelling by motorcycle (or other vehicles for that matter). Good forum from what ive read too
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Pictorgraphicalfantastical

[Kaben]

Mate, that website is brilliant. So so so much useful information. Im blown away. Thakyou SO much for that one!
I had thought about just getting odd jobs on the way round to keep me going, but i think it would be best to have a set route for this first undertaking.....May end up getting back,saving up a bit and going out again, who knows!?
Jupiters travels is already in the post,ordered it a couple of days ago, along with a couple of others.
Seriously thinking of getting new (ish) bikes for the trip though. The F650GS seem to stand out to me as being pretty indestructable with a decent tank range etc. Comfort looks good too,only reservation is the lack of fuel guage really.

Anyway,cheers for the help on this guys, i really apprciate it!
____________________
Its Not a Melon, Its Clearly a Lime!!
Yamaha Fazer 600Now dead, MZ 125 SM
My Deviant Art homepage https://robabloke.deviantart.com/

[Dom]

Might be interested, it would depend on how much I'm earning/my general situation next year. Tbh I think it would be best to do at least a week of riding abroad to get used to it all beforehand. I have fuck all experience.