Impending European trip - any advice!
Discussion
I am soon to go for a blast down to the south of spain on the bike (Honda Blackbird) but dont want to leave any essentials behind - more in the way of repairs / etc ( not a fit blonde - sure they'd moan about going too fast and their arses aching! )
The bike is fuly serviced and sat waiting with some new shoes, accomodation is sorted as is the route so need to pull my finger out and get some bits and pieces together!
The bike is fuly serviced and sat waiting with some new shoes, accomodation is sorted as is the route so need to pull my finger out and get some bits and pieces together!
I'm insured with them as well but I asked when I took out the recovery policy and they said you don't need to have a policy with them to get the breakdown cover. Thier number's 0845 0131632 if you want to give them a try. Think the RAC wanted best part of £100 on top of my current membership fee!
Oh and have your basic tool kit to do simple jobs like adjusting the chain tension.
Oh and have your basic tool kit to do simple jobs like adjusting the chain tension.
Edited by RizzoTheRat on Monday 16th June 18:55
Here's my list from my recent Germany visit it it's of any use.
I also found that American Express do travel insurance that will cover you on a motorcycle. (Most don't!)
Hope that helps.
Have a great trip.
| Compulsory | Documents | Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Passport | GB Sticker | |
| Driving License (Both Parts) | Waterproofs | |
| Health Card (Old E111) | Mobile Phone (Europe Enabled) | |
| Credit Card(s) | Mobile Phone Charger | |
| Motorcycle Insurance Certificate | Ear Plugs | |
| MoT (if applicable) | Spare Glasses (if used) | |
| Registration Document V5 | UK/Euro Plug Converter | |
| Ferry Tickets/Booking Confirmation | Required Medication | |
| Hotel Booking Confirmation | Spare Keys |
| Optional | Documents | Equipment |
|---|---|---|
| Breakdown Cover | First Aid Kit | |
| Cash (£ and €) | Puncture Repair Kit | |
| Maps | Tool Kit | |
| Route Plan | Spare Bungees/Cargo Net | |
| Travellers Cheques | Spare Fuses | |
| Hand Book/Manual | GPS + Mounting Kit | |
| Language Dictionaries/Guides | Top Up Oils/Fluids | |
| Tourist Guides | Chain Oil | |
| Sun Glasses | ||
| Small Torch | ||
| Alternative Motorcycle Clothing | ||
| (oversuit, gloves, jacket, trousers etc.) | ||
| Chain(s)/Lock(s) | ||
| AirHawk Seat Cushion | ||
| MP3 Player | ||
| Camera (stills/video) | ||
| Electric Chargers (camera/video/GPS etc.) | ||
| Tie Downs for Ferry/Tunnel | ||
| Fluorescent Jacket/Waist Coat | ||
| Sun Cream | ||
| Spare Fuses |
I also found that American Express do travel insurance that will cover you on a motorcycle. (Most don't!)
Hope that helps.
Have a great trip.
In some european countries you're supposed to carry a spare set of bulbs too.
I carry the cables to be able to charge my ipod and phone on the bike, much less hassle than needing to find a mains socket if you're camping or staying in hostels, unfortunatly I don't have a 12v charger for my camera.
I carry the cables to be able to charge my ipod and phone on the bike, much less hassle than needing to find a mains socket if you're camping or staying in hostels, unfortunatly I don't have a 12v charger for my camera.
Baby wipes.
Ideal for a quick clean up in the sweaty crotch area.
Excellent for taking the grime off hands when you've just stopped for a quick bite or lubed your chain.
Good for de-sweating the forehead.
Fine for de-flying visors and headlights.
Much more gentle on the ringpiece than foreign paper if you get a runny bot.
If you're a member of Costco, their own brand (Kirkland signature) wipes are brilliant; really thick and substantial and a good box closing mechanism so they stay damp.
Ideal for a quick clean up in the sweaty crotch area.
Excellent for taking the grime off hands when you've just stopped for a quick bite or lubed your chain.
Good for de-sweating the forehead.
Fine for de-flying visors and headlights.
Much more gentle on the ringpiece than foreign paper if you get a runny bot.
If you're a member of Costco, their own brand (Kirkland signature) wipes are brilliant; really thick and substantial and a good box closing mechanism so they stay damp.
Agree with all of the above but would highlight the following.
Take the correct maps with you even if you have sat nav (I use the Michelin ones). Sat Navs do not cope with detours very well even if the have a function for detours.
Good tyre repair kit.
Also I would not be too ambitious with the daily mileage unless you stick to motorways only your average speed can drop quite significantly on minor roads (albeit far more enjoyable). Nothing worse than realising that you have another 150 miles to go at 5.00pm when all you want is a large beer or several.
Take the correct maps with you even if you have sat nav (I use the Michelin ones). Sat Navs do not cope with detours very well even if the have a function for detours.
Good tyre repair kit.
Also I would not be too ambitious with the daily mileage unless you stick to motorways only your average speed can drop quite significantly on minor roads (albeit far more enjoyable). Nothing worse than realising that you have another 150 miles to go at 5.00pm when all you want is a large beer or several.
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