Advice for first time newbie

[Sly]

Hello all!

I'm potentially looking at travelling into Europe towards end of July / beginning of August. The wife and kids are off to Switzerland with the mother in law for 8 days so I am off on the bike!

I'm looking at either going down through France to meet a family friend and ride onto the Pyrenees OR, ride into Switzerland and meet them for a day. My main concern is, what the heck do I take with me? I'll likely be airbnb it along the way but more from a (limited) mechanical point of view and from a legal perspective? Bike is on finance (through BMW) so will contact them and ask what I need, along with the insurance company.

Any tips for a newbie just wanting to go explore are welcome!

Thanks all

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Pack you card and toothbrush
Crack on

 

[wessie]

Is your bike under warranty with breakdown cover? If so, you do not need tools beyond what comes with the bike and maybe a roll of gaffer tape and some zip ties which are handy if you drop it and break something.

There are loads of post on here with touring advice. Search and read them. Insurance companies like Devitt and Bennetts have social channels with advice.

 

[leadfarmer]

License, passport and credit card, if the bike is under warranty you have European assistance

 

[siddo]

Hello all!

I'm potentially looking at travelling into Europe towards end of July / beginning of August. The wife and kids are off to Switzerland with the mother in law for 8 days so I am off on the bike!

I'm looking at either going down through France to meet a family friend and ride onto the Pyrenees OR, ride into Switzerland and meet them for a day. My main concern is, what the heck do I take with me? I'll likely be airbnb it along the way but more from a (limited) mechanical point of view and from a legal perspective? Bike is on finance (through BMW) so will contact them and ask what I need, along with the insurance company.

Any tips for a newbie just wanting to go explore are welcome!

Thanks all

Take as little as you need and no more. A few changes of clothes and shower kit. I do launderette and have a beer whilst waiting for it to wash and dry.

 

[Andy63]

Get a cheap waterproof roll bag from Lomo https://www.lomo.co.uk/products/30l-dry-bag-holdall-white/ , bungy it to the back of your bike. If its not big enough there are larger bags on the website 40 Litre would be the largest you would need. Assuming you are not camping.

Use packing cubes to pack your clothes https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stoviea-Or...YC5p2UvD&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&psc=1

Gat a toll pass from https://www.sanef.com/index-en.html not essential but very handy on the peage, but keep it safe I usually put it in a top chest pocket or my tankbag if i take one.

As said above take as little as you dare.

If you are not taking a GPS get a Quadlock for your phone for navigation.

July/August it's going to be hot get a good vented air jacket, kevlar jeans and waterproofs.

 

[Wapping]

The list of ‘Must have’ things is very short:

Suitable Travel insurance. Only a real mug would go without this.

Reciprocal Health Care Card https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/he...-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/ Again, only a mug would go without this.

Valid passport, check the dates:

1. 10-Year Rule (Issue Date): Your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before you enter the EU country.
2. 3-Month Rule (Expiry Date):It must remain valid for at least three months after the day you intend to leave the Schengen area

Valid driving licence

V5

Certificate of Motor insurance

Breakdown / recovery insurance. Again, only a mug would go without this. See other comments in this thread.

Any prescribed pills and potions and your glasses. All as applicable. If you don’t have prescribed pills and / or don’t wear glasses, delete this item.

A keen awareness that they drive on the right.

For France at least, a Hi-Viz vest or jacket, for use in emergencies. It does not have to be worn all the time.

That concludes the ‘Must have’ things.

=====

The ‘Nice to have’ list can be as long or as short as you like. For example there is no point in taking any tools or spares, if you have no idea how to use them. Likewise, having a puncture repair kit / compressor is equally useless, if you have no idea how they work. So let’s concentrate on the useful things.

Money, preferably in euro denominations and some Swiss Francs, if you go to Switzerland. You won’t need hundreds and hundreds of pounds worth. Why? Most places will be quite happy accepting a card payment. Just have enough small denomination notes / coins each day to buy a coffee and a bun. I also keep EUR 100 separately. Why? This is my fall back and I need to hire say, a taxi quickly. Touch wood, I have never had to use it.

A credit card. A cash point card. Don’t spend hours agonising over “Will my bank charge me a fortune?” You very probably won’t be spending a fortune. That said, there is a sticky here on UKGSer on what is ‘best’ at any one moment. I have two, which I keep separately and neither of which are anything to do with my main UK bank or credit card. Why? I separate them, in case I lose my wallet. They are separate from my UK affairs, which remain beyond the thief’s reach. The last thing I want to do when getting home, is to faff about getting new UK bank and credit cards or risk the thief getting into my main accounts.

Some idea of where you are going. So, either a map and / or some sort of navigation device and, preferably, half an idea of how to read / use them.

Waterproofs. Nobody knows what the weather will definitely be like. If you have got them and never use them, great. In short, expect the best, prepare for the worse. Any idiot can be cold and wet. The same can be applied to keeping your passport, V5, certificate of insurance dry, too.

Mobile phone. Mains charger (with Continental adaptor) and maybe a modest charging brick thing. Why the latter? If you have a problem, miles from anywhere, there is little more annoying than your phone’s battery dwindling away.

Motorway blipper thing.

Some form of security for your motorcycle. In other words, something at least sufficient to stop someone doing something as simple as pushing it away.

You’ll end up taking too much ‘stuff’, that’s for certain. The two Golden Rules:

1. Pack once. Unpack. Chuck half of it away. Repack. Unpack. Chuck half of it away. Repack….Repeat as necessary.

2. Halve your kit (see point 1) and double your money.

If nothing else, you are going to be entirely in Western Europe. The place is pretty much the same as it is here. They have shops, restaurants, police stations, banks, ATM machines, petrol stations, hotels, doctors, dentists, taxis, airports and hospitals, too. If you find you have forgotten something, they will sell it. If you need a doctor, they’ll have one. If you have a real emergency…. Your Travel / Breakdown insurance will sort it out and help you. Don’t go without it.

 

[Steve398]

All of the above of course, but also watch your speed and alcohol levels -

Speed limits in France: the ultimate guide

Are you looking at taking a road trip to France this year? Here at the RAC, we look at the recent changes to speed limits in the country. Learn more here!

www.rac.co.uk

Speed cameras -

What are the different types of speed cameras found in France? | Fulli

www.fulli.com

 

[Sly]

Pack you card and toothbrush
Crack on

If only it were that simple!

Is your bike under warranty with breakdown cover? If so, you do not need tools beyond what comes with the bike and maybe a roll of gaffer tape and some zip ties which are handy if you drop it and break something.

There are loads of post on here with touring advice. Search and read them. Insurance companies like Devitt and Bennetts have social channels with advice.

Yep, still got until May 2027 on BMW used warranty (if I keep this bike for this trip)

License, passport and credit card, if the bike is under warranty you have European assistance

Check, check and check!

Take as little as you need and no more. A few changes of clothes and shower kit. I do launderette and have a beer whilst waiting for it to wash and dry.

Will only have my Lone Rider 57L topbox and a bag. Not camping.

Get a cheap waterproof roll bag from Lomo https://www.lomo.co.uk/products/30l-dry-bag-holdall-white/ , bungy it to the back of your bike. If its not big enough there are larger bags on the website 40 Litre would be the largest you would need. Assuming you are not camping.

Use packing cubes to pack your clothes https://www.amazon.co.uk/Stoviea-Organiser-Suitcase-Dividers-Essentials/dp/B0G6FZY18D/ref=sr_1_13_sspa?crid=3V7AOG1BZNCEY&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.GKOSs7BdnjcZjGtQODq33nPvV5zr1qtmIEbXZKbLbaZdBYoV2wneTwEgIVmDd6fLP5GxxeYnW4xH1suJW55wamMmT5NKXmmMmA8p1twVswn4JaoUpfmfWZQ5rxcXzK7E7uL8mZptmyYqGKD5fhHEKU2hwxD5g5JRbUGmjSDZ_HSv-nnd2ORv2GunA3bK_PhppuagZs5pVCOrgTTQLk_EYBI_OCVi0V6VkPq16ERLdB6t344M75mlXl0ZBt7JsbXnc-bgyBl9jn_rgVTQcuaJz0r_XY3-xk-mZUh9WV_B2c0.OEISlkyCPjtD6fjJf8dLwHWJFweb8n1IVwi0_J__sxg&dib_tag=se&keywords=packing+cubes+for+travel&qid=1769538455&sprefix=packing+cubes,aps,95&sr=8-13-spons&aref=gBYC5p2UvD&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9tdGY&psc=1

Gat a toll pass from https://www.sanef.com/index-en.html not essential but very handy on the peage, but keep it safe I usually put it in a top chest pocket or my tankbag if i take one.

As said above take as little as you dare.

If you are not taking a GPS get a Quadlock for your phone for navigation.

July/August it's going to be hot get a good vented air jacket, kevlar jeans and waterproofs.

So the bag I'm taking is a waterproof one that will be strapped on the back seat infront of my top box. Packing cubes are lovely, will take mine with.

The toll pass, is it a pre-paid thing so you just drive straight through the toll roads? This one? https://www.bipandgo.com/abonnement-telepeage-particuliers/

The list of ‘Must have’ things is very short:

Suitable Travel insurance. Only a real mug would go without this.

Reciprocal Health Care Card https://www.nhs.uk/using-the-nhs/he...-a-free-uk-global-health-insurance-card-ghic/ Again, only a mug would go without this.

Valid passport, check the dates:



Valid driving licence

V5

Certificate of Motor insurance

Breakdown / recovery insurance. Again, only a mug would go without this. See other comments in this thread.

Any prescribed pills and potions and your glasses. All as applicable. If you don’t have prescribed pills and / or don’t wear glasses, delete this item,

A keen awareness that they drive on the right.

That concludes the ‘Must have’ things.

=====

The ‘Nice to have’ list can be as long or as short as you like. For example there is no point in taking any tools or spares, if you have no idea how to use them. Likewise, having a puncture repair kit / compressor is equally useless, if you have no idea how they work. So let’s concentrate on the useful things.

Money, preferably in euro denominations and some Swiss Francs, if you go to Switzerland. You won’t need hundreds and hundreds of pounds worth. Why? Most places will be quite happy accepting a card payment. Just have enough small denomination notes / coins each day to buy a coffee and a bun.

A credit card. A cash point card. Don’t spend hours agonising over “Will my bank charge me a fortune?” You very probably won’t be spending a fortune. That said, there is a sticky here on UKGSer on what is ‘best’ at any one moment.

Some idea of where you are going. So, either a map and / or some sort of navigation device and, preferably, half an idea of how to read / use them.

Waterproofs. Nobody knows what the weather will definitely be like. If you have got them and never use them, great. In short, expect the best, prepare for the worse. Any idiot can be cold and wet. The same can be applied to keeping your passport, V5, certificate of insurance dry, too.

Mobile phone. Mains charger (with Continental adaptor) and maybe a modest charging brick thing. Why the latter? If you have a problem, miles from anywhere, there is little more annoying than your phone’s battery dwindling away.

Motorway blipper thing.

You’ll end up taking too much ‘stuff’, that’s for certain. The two Golden Rules:

1. Pack once. Unpack. Chuck half of it away. Repack. Unpack. Chuck half of it away. Repack….Repeat as necessary.

2. Halve your kit (see point 1) and double your money.

If nothing else, you are going to be entirely in Western Europe. The place is pretty much the same as it is here. They have shops, restaurants, police stations, banks, ATM machines, petrol stations, hotels, doctors, dentists, taxis, airports and hospitals, too. If you find you have forgotten something, they will sell it. If you need a doctor, they’ll have one. If you have a real emergency…. Your Travel / Breakdown insurance will sort it out and help you. Don’t go without it.

Got all the must haves (and some common sense, I hope )

I have a compressor (with SAE plug and puncture repair kit so sorted there). Will stash some cash with me. I've got a few CC and my debit cards (which have never charged me before when we went to CH). I only really have one set of riding clothes (RST Pro Vulcan jacket + matching trousers and a pair of kevlar RST jeans (not waterproof)). Thinking of buying a riding jacket for hot days so will need to research those..

Always carry my 20 000 power bank but bike has a Quad lock mount with a charger mounted to it plus the 2 x USB charging points on the dashboard. Motor way blipper thing = the tool tag thing?

Good points on the packing. Literally want to take some shirts, underwar and shorts).

All of the above of course, but also watch your speed and alcohol levels -

Speed limits in France: the ultimate guide

Are you looking at taking a road trip to France this year? Here at the RAC, we look at the recent changes to speed limits in the country. Learn more here!

www.rac.co.uk

Speed cameras -

What are the different types of speed cameras found in France? | Fulli

www.fulli.com

Thanks - not much of a speeder or drinker so should be golden there!

Thanks all!

 

[Wapping]

Blipper thing is an automatic payage payment device. It saves faffing about paying at the French motorway barriers and / or being ‘flashed’ by the new ‘barrier free’ systems they are installing on some motorways.

See sticky.

 

[wessie]

Good points on the packing. Literally want to take some shirts, underwar and shorts).

for shirts, get some sports type ones that rinse out and dry overnight. They are good at wicking sweat if hot. I take 3x Mountain Warehouse Isocool ones for a fortnight away. About a tenner each or less in the sale if you can stomach the colour. 1 to wear, 1 rinsed out and drying and a spare. A wicking base layer that time of year is essential. Buy chilled water at fuel stations and pour it over the base layers. The evaporation will cool you.
Underwear: take the ones that are on their last legs and bin them after wearing.

 

[Sly]

Blipper thing is an automatic payage payment device. It saves faffing about paying at the French motorway barriers and / or being ‘flashed’ by the new ‘barrier free’ systems they are installing on some motorways.

See sticky.

Ah yes. Much easier. I'll try find one of those, will definitely pick one up!

for shirts, get some sports type ones that rinse out and dry overnight. They are good at wicking sweat if hot. I take 3x Mountain Warehouse Isocool ones for a fortnight away. About a tenner each or less in the sale if you can stomach the colour. 1 to wear, 1 rinsed out and drying and a spare. A wicking base layer that time of year is essential. Buy chilled water at fuel stations and pour it over the base layers. The evaporation will cool you.
Underwear: take the ones that are on their last legs and bin them after wearing.

Ha that's clever. On special too!

Endurance Mens IsoCool Active T-Shirt | Mountain Warehouse

Endurance Mens IsoCool Active T-Shirt | Mountain Warehouse GB - The UK's largest provider of quality outdoor clothing & equipment for Everyday Mountains. Find fantastic value instore and online with Mountain Warehouse.

www.mountainwarehouse.com

 

[Sly]

Blipper thing is an automatic payage payment device. It saves faffing about paying at the French motorway barriers and / or being ‘flashed’ by the new ‘barrier free’ systems they are installing on some motorways.

See sticky.

Seems your sticky post has a few different versions that direct from one site to the next

Les offres de badge télépéage sur autoroute à péage | Fulli

Pour vos trajets sur autoroute, réguliers ou occasionnels, pour le travail, les études ou les vacances, le badge télépéage Fulli est fait pour vous.

www.fulli.com

Looking at this one?

 

[Wapping]

To the ‘nice to have’ I should of course have added:

Some form of security for your motorcycle. In other words, something at least sufficient to stop someone doing something as simple as pushing it away. That and a pound of butter in the fridge.

 

[richardbd]

If you’ve got a 57 litre top box AND a roll bag of any size, you’re already well on the way to committing the first sin - taking far too much stuff.

60 litres of luggage is enough to travel for multiple months, across multiple climates.

Follow Wapping’s rule - pack, unpack, ditch 50%, repeat…

 

[richardbd]

To the ‘nice to have’ I should of course have added:

Some form of security for your motorcycle. In other words, something at least sufficient to stop someone doing something as simple as pushing it away. That and a pound of butter in the fridge.

Butter. Never fails…

 

[Sly]

To the ‘nice to have’ I should of course have added:

Some form of security for your motorcycle. In other words, something at least sufficient to stop someone doing something as simple as pushing it away. That and a pound of butter in the fridge.

I'll be taking my various Litelock's with

If you’ve got a 57 litre top box AND a roll bag of any size, you’re already well on the way to committing the first sin - taking far too much stuff.

60 litres of luggage is enough to travel for multiple months, across multiple climates.

Follow Wapping’s rule - pack, unpack, ditch 50%, repeat…

I never said they'd both be full The topbox is usually empty as I put my helmet in there when I stop and the roll bag has the stuff I take off the bike every night

 

[theoneandonly]

some very light weight waterproofs , 2 piece .
YES i know you think yours will work ....but after 8 hours in pouring rain ...they won't.

 

[richardbd]

I'll be taking my various Litelock's with

I never said they'd both be full The topbox is usually empty as I put my helmet in there when I stop and the roll bag has the stuff I take off the bike every night

must be a very big helmet

 

[Paul G (BHT)]

Print out a few important phone numbers on a small piece of paper and self laminate it with sellotape, then keep it in the back of your passport.
Just a few numbers, wife/partner, insurance company, breakdown number etc.

In the unlikely event you have an off and your phone gets smashed these will be your lifeline.

Alternatively carry a spare old phone with you with all these numbers in.