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First time abroad by bike

Daniel

Registered User
Hi

I'm going to take my blackbird over the water hopefully to Germany via other places.

Is there anything I MUST have with me and anything I should have with me ?
If someone could provide a list that would be most helpful.

Also any tips ?
Thanks
 

Malone

Been there, and had one
Club Sponsor
Credit card
Passport
Toothbrush
Breakdown cover
Everything else you can buy
 

Daniel

Registered User
Ok

I thought you were supposed to have a breathalyser and spare bulbs etc

If I go i was looking at Paris, Switzerland, Germany, Belgium, home
 

andyBeaker

Moderator
Staff member
Moderator
Club Sponsor
In terms of the bike personally I would take a spare reg/rec and generator. If anything is going to give up on the Bird it is likely to be the charging system. Can imagine it would be a pain in the neck sourcing those parts quickly abroad. Battery will be readily available.
 

johnboy

rather fond of a cream bun
Club Sponsor
Hi

I'm going to take my blackbird over the water hopefully to Germany via other places.

Is there anything I MUST have with me and anything I should have with me ?
If someone could provide a list that would be most helpful.

Also any tips ?
Thanks
Check the RAC or AA websites. On a practical note, moving off from a petrol station or other pit stop double check you're on the correct side of the road might sound obvious but easily done wrong.
 

Malone

Been there, and had one
Club Sponsor
Oh don’t plan it, just do it. Europe is far friendlier than the UK towards bikers. Just have an idea in your head where you want to go, have a look online at those areas and go for it. With my Garmin all fired up I’ve been all over without the need of a map, I’ve never been lost, just been to lots of lovely places I hadn’t intended to go to.
 

noobie

Clueless in most things
Eu multi charger, take a picture of your licence on your phone in case you lose your licence, same for the passport,insurance certificate. You can of course scan these, send them to yourself as an email then you will have access to them as long as you have a internet device of some kind.

Call your insurance company and check what, if any limitations you have on your policy for eu travel and breakdown recovery.

Ideally a puncture repair kit and spare bulb kit?
 

Daniel

Registered User
Malone

I have a rough idea but reading peoples responses I'm having second thoughts .
Take spare parts, travel ins which I'd not thought about admittedly.

I was just going to get on and go ha ha silly me !!
 

Malone

Been there, and had one
Club Sponsor
Well I suppose I’ve always travelled on new-ish bikes when over there, I guess if you’re going by ‘bird it’ll be a fair bit older. But life is for living if you put off doing something you may look back and regret not just ‘doing’

My new Blackbird in 99 had a duff battery, but soon learned to bumpstart it 2 up with luggage. we were at the Bol D’or in the south of France in 40 degree heat.

My Busa broke up a rear wheel bearing in Germany on my way back from Poland, it was 4/5 years old then. The AA got me sorted and I wasn’t unduly inconvenienced, it just extended my trip by an extra day.

I cut open my left ankle badly in a swimming pool in Andorra and rode home after treatment, that was fun (not), but the hospital was very quick and efficient.

I dropped my ZZR1400 in Sardinia on gravel and tore a hamstring, but although painful I rode home OK.

None of that put me off going.

I think something has happened on every trip I’ve been on, but mostly stuff tolook back on and laugh about, but mostly nothing nasty and I’ve been amazed at the friendliness of most of the people, from strangers stopping alongside when we looked lost, we weren’t we were waiting for someone to turn around, who enquired if we needed directions. Can you imagine that happening over here? Then the time we were looking for an overnight stopover, walking up the main street in Andermatt CH, as we approached a hotel the lady owner greeted us with “if you want rooms do you want to see the garage first for the bikes to be safe?” I’ve been back there nearly 15 times. Several hotels took their cars out of their personal garage so we could park our bikes safely. And the cafe that opened on a Sunday night in France specially for 5 bikers to make us food.

I could go on. But honestly, if I had the opportunity to go off a short notice I’d grab the stuff I’ve mentioned first and GO.

Make sure your tyres will last the trip, it was awkward finding 2 tyres for one muppet in Budapest one year.
 

Daniel

Registered User
Sounds good.
I guess the major difference is that I'll be travelling alone and never done it before !
Yea tyres could be an issue I'm aware that I've only 1mm left.
Maybe if you have the time during this week we could have a chat ?
Not sure how to send numbers privately on here though !
 

noobie

Clueless in most things
Be realistic.

There are some people who can ride alone and day to day never know where they will end up but will always find a place to doss, a friendly place and deal with any situation thrown at them

There are other who without meticulous planning, can end up an emotional wreck and it can hit them quite hard

Most I suspect are in the middle with an occasional journey into both extremes

So be realistic about what you want from that break away, allow time into it for occasional occurences and only do what you feel you can comfortably personally manage

I'd try some track events like bsb and not the closest ones or a long weekend break to get in the seat experience
 

Daniel

Registered User
I've been riding for years just not on something suitable for touring !
I've no problem going it alone but any help always appreciated
 

noobie

Clueless in most things
In that case make sure you replace the standard seat for one that has been made for comfort and also take a few pairs of cycling wicking shorts with gel inserts.
 
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