Practical guides – Practical guide to motorcycle trips in Europe – The basic rules

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Practical guide to motorcycle travel in Europe

Practical guides - Practical guide to motorcycle trips in Europe - The basic rules

With the opening of its borders, Europe offers a wide variety of landscapes to French bikers. However, if entering another country is easy, the rules of the road and driving may vary. To guide you, Site takes stock.

The basic rules

Above all, as with any significant journey, a departure outside France must be prepared with care: everyone has their habits and the biker-backpacker who points to a destination on the map and lives his epic day by day to the princes of the organization who divide the route into well-identified sectors, with viewpoints, images of the world and hotels reserved at each stage, there is something for everyone !

However, some basic principles are worth remembering, especially those concerning the condition of the frame: perfect operation and the different levels (oil, coolant and brake fluid) must be conscientiously checked and a container must be carried. a liter of oil and liquid cooled is highly recommended, regardless of the age of the motorcycle. Regular lubrication is also welcome, as well as checking tire pressure and wear..

If the trip is made in a duo with weapons and luggage, the hardening of the suspensions is a good idea and it is always constructive to carry out tests before departure to familiarize yourself with the new reactions of the bike and check whether the general balance and comfort are preserved. Let us also recall the interest of rain gear and a safety vest in the package (compulsory in Italy and Spain), as well as those of a flashlight and a quick repair kit for punctures ( prefer kits with wicks to bombs with random efficiency).

What you must remember

  • Leave with a machine in good condition (overhaul recommended if necessary)

  • Balance the loads on the machine

    Plan your route and not rely on GPS alone

  • Provide electrical outlet adapters depending on the country

  • Bring complete equipment (including fluorescent vest for Italy and Spain)

  • Ask your insurer for guarantees outside France and the terms of repatriation of people and motorcycles

  • The famous European Report is, as its name suggests, valid everywhere in Europe including Switzerland, Norway and Iceland.

    • Finally, plan your itinerary as little as possible despite the generalization of GPS: a battery failure of the precious satellite guide quickly happened, just like the pernicious deviation! In addition, check that your navigation tool is compatible with the country in question: the cheapest models only serve France, while some only take into account border countries. !

    In any case, providing a set of good old sufficiently precise road maps in the tank bag is not superfluous. !

    Planning realistic stages can also be beneficial: do not expect to make the same averages as in France between stroll stops, the state of the roads and misunderstandings due to the language! In this regard, the translation – via the Internet – of the most useful and common phrases in the language of the country in question and in English can get out of many delicate situations. As traffic is free in Europe, only an identity document may be required, but do not forget your registration card and your insurance certificate. have a nice trip !

    Alexandre BARDIN – Photos DR

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