Preparations for a long trip!

[Andy Davies]

Off to Italy in a months time and it will be the longest trip on the 1200. Although I've searched for some ideas, to all those experienced european venturers, what mechanical preparation can I do on the bike?

Andy

 

[Sleepy]

I did a 3000+ mile trip to the Costa Blanca in May, all I did was change the oil and filter, didn't take any extra spares or tools except for a 'Plug and Go' puncture repair kit (not used)..

It's a BMW, spares (if needed) no problem (or so I believe)

Enjoy your trip Andy..

 

[Shep]

Spend 10 minites checking fasteners, check tyres and pressures & if a service is due get it done, other than that, just go and enjoy, maybe its just me, but I would boost the standard tool kit a little bit, just in case
Check your first aid kit is up to scratch, easily deteriorates kicking around in th panniers since your last trip, and if you carry one it may as well be good

 

[luckylucian]

Don't forget new plastic card E111, plus extra medical cover if you want it.

Breakdown/crash recovery, check its not just a take to local garage and you're expected to fly down and ride it back afterwards.

Maybe stick some tyre gunk in to seal punctures as they occur.

 

[nick]

My wife had to visit a Doctor in France last week.

His limited English, and my limited French made this entertaining, but producing the E111 card seemed not to impress him, we still had to pay the consultation fee and his receptionist handed me a receipt and kept saying 'Holiday Insurance', implying we should claim it back.

What does an E111 card provide you with ?

 

[STUBBS]

medical treatment in hospitals

 

[Andy Davies]

My wife had to visit a Doctor in France last week.

His limited English, and my limited French made this entertaining, but producing the E111 card seemed not to impress him, we still had to pay the consultation fee and his receptionist handed me a receipt and kept saying 'Holiday Insurance', implying we should claim it back.

What does an E111 card provide you with ?

Got that covered, I shall have a GP in transit with me, my wife!

Andy

 

[STUBBS]

breakdown recovery

 

[birdseye]

My wife had to visit a Doctor in France last week.

His limited English, and my limited French made this entertaining, but producing the E111 card seemed not to impress him, we still had to pay the consultation fee and his receptionist handed me a receipt and kept saying 'Holiday Insurance', implying we should claim it back.

What does an E111 card provide you with ?

I think it entitles you to the same medical treatment as a local. In France this means free doctors appointments, and part of the drug cost. The French then claim the balance of the drug cost back from the insurance that they all have. That way they all appreciate the cost of the drugs rather than get then prescribed and then dont take them as here.

You would then claim your drug cost back from travel insurance./

All as I remeber it from many years ago so traet with caution.

 

[ScottyKM]

Not mechanical but these may help

1. European phrase book -coverrs all the languages for the route to italy with a few others (Czech and norwegian anyone) from DK eyewitness travel guides £5.99 www.dk.com

2. Motrax waterproof european map, from most bike shops about £15

Enjoy!

 

[Dave Cr]

Did a similar trip to Italy in May, two up. All of the other advice is excellent but also check that you take a replacement bulb kit with you too. Try to avoid the tunnels and go over the Alps. Best wishes.

 

[LivNorway]

Got that covered, I shall have a GP in transit with me, my wife!

Andy

My GPS is the same type as yours; my boyfriend!

Maps, a Visa card, passport, spare keys for your bike in your wifes pocket, a list showing BMW dealers on your route, a fuse, two long strips, a small knife, and samples of Haggis for the natives in Italy. And some Marmite to keep the Vikings in a distance! (It works on me!)
And make sure you have some pizza and ice cream in Italy - it's the best!!!

In areas with many hairpins they have numbered the turns, like 2/44 = this is turn number 2, and there are 44 to go = 46 in total.

And make room in your lugage for a new dress for the lady; they know how to make clothes and how to dress in Italy!
And they are making Moto Guzzi up north! I think I can find the adress for a hotel where you can see the roof of the Moto Guzzi factory from your room!

Liv.

 

[GSmonkey]

1ltr of top up oil.