Parking the Bus, I mean Van

Davey B said:

Which port...to leave the van at or near? Plymouth or Santander ?

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47steve said:

Hi All,

I have booked ferry for September next year Plymouth - Santander. I am taken a van with my bikes in the back. Does anyone know of any areas where I could leave my van when I take my bike out for a few days.
It does not have to be near the port as I could drive to where ever.

TA Steve

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BobT said:

You should get one of those go anywhere, off road and touring bikes like a GS, you could then leave the van behind and ride off the ferry.

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crumbles said:

Or a hotel and ask if u can park there...

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47steve said:

Hi All,

I have booked ferry for September next year Plymouth - Santander. I am taken a van with my bikes in the back. Does anyone know of any areas where I could leave my van when I take my bike out for a few days.
It does not have to be near the port as I could drive to where ever.

TA Steve

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Arsey said:

But if it’s a modern GS , might be better to use a van rather than have an SOS fault immobilise the bike and cause havoc on the lower deck of the Pont Aven ….

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Enginerelight said:

I would check, but my understanding is that it is no longer as simple as throwing your bikes in the back of a van after Brexit. They will now be asking for things like carnets etc just as if you were crossing any other country's borders. The only marked difference is that if you are atop the bike, you will not be asked for carnets and other documents, but you will if they are being transported, even if you can prove they are yours.

I may be wrong but I seem to remember reading about problems that bike transport companies are having since Jan 1st.

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Enginerelight said:

The first half of 2021 has witnessed a significant number of motorcycle safety recalls with Honda and KTM the most prolific.

In the first quarter of 2021, there were 13 recalls, but the rate accelerated in May with 10 recalls and two in June, bringing the first half total to 25.

Perhaps as riders are coming out of lockdown around the world and riding again, they are discovering issues with their bikes which result in official recall notices.

KTM Australia has issued nine recalls, although some have been for the same issues across all the brands they import which also includes GasGas and Husqvarna.

Honda follows with nine recall notices. Its most recent affects 2981 motorcycles and covers an extensive range from the Grom to the 650 models.

Ducati and Yamaha had three recalls in the first half of the year, BMW, Kawasaki and Suzuki had two each and Triumph had one.

Or you could buy a Triumph

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shaunandco said:

Me and a mate did the portsmouth santander crossing in july with 2 bikes on the back of the van. Explained to spanish customs that they were our own bikes, showed the v5's and were let through with no carnets needed.
Hope this helps

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Timolgra said:

I know a beautiful Spanish woman who lives in a stunning house and grounds an hour or so from Santander.... but it's probably for the best I don't ask her iykwim

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Wapping said:

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