French requirements

[Nixy]

Where can I find a list of things you need for riding in France


ie .. Headlamp anti dazzle measures & spare bulbs,are a couple of things I've been told about.

 

[richard]

HI Jaws http://www.jaws-motorcycles.co.uk/ has most things you will need as for the headlamp think the Bird has a generally good straight beam, i have never bothered with the headlight beam diverters.



R

 

[ericonblackbird]

Where can I find a list of things you need for riding in France


ie .. Headlamp anti dazzle measures & spare bulbs,are a couple of things I've been told about.

Not that you need much (cash for speeding fines?) but have a look here http://http://www.rac.co.uk/web/knowhow/going_on_a_journey/driving_abroad/european_motoring_advisor/countrylookup

oh and the originals of your docs the gendarmes don't like phototcopies!

 

[Pugwash]

You need to learn how to say "Good moaning".

 

[lee j]

sorry ericonblackbird, link does not work.

leej

 

[iceni]

i think you will find you should take,

driving licence
vehicle insurance
m.o.t
green card [ europan health insurance card ]
and a GB sticker
spare bulbs

 

[iceni]

oh ,, and your bike !!!

 

[Dave.ett]

I've been loads of times on the FJ, and never had a problem with beam pattern. I always painted it yelow to help blend in (from the front at least). No idea if it made any difference...Best thing I ever bought was European Breakdown cover. Almost needed it once, but the peace of mind was worth the money.

 

[ericonblackbird]

sorry ericonblackbird, link does not work.

leej

Whoops too many http's!
http://www.rac.co.uk/web/knowhow/going_on_a_journey/driving_abroad/european_motoring_advisor/

Whilst thinking of what I do (I go to France often) I pack a puncture kit and remember to fill up by Saturday early pm's since lots of petrol stations close on Sundays!
I've never had a problem with lights (I do nothing!) although that might be different now I have fitted HID............and hide/remove any radar detectors they are very illegal over there!

 

[Lebowski]

As others have said, breakdown insurance is well worth it.

Shop around for the best deal but if you're going over a few times it might be worth getting a years cover. Went over four times last year and had to use it twice.

If you're away for any length of time it might be worth getting travel insurance, be careful though not many places cover you if you're riding a bike above 125cc. Do a search on here, there's a company recommended somewhere that's very cheap. Other than that make sure you take your EHIC card (replaced the E111)

If you're going Dover-Calais it might be worth becoming a sponsor on here as you can get deals on the Tunnel.

As for what to carry, documents and a GB sticker are about the only compulsory things, but a set of bulbs and a puncture kit don't take up much room and could get you out of a fix.

I think I'm right in saying you don't have to convert your headlight (as it isn't directional) :dunno:

Be wary of getting fuel on a Sunday or after 8pm any other day, you're ok on the motorway but in towns and villages you'll need a french credit card or chat up a local into exchanging your cash for them filing up on their card.

One of the best bits of advice I've ever had on France though is, get off the motorways! Their A roads are usually empty, nearly as quick and you get to see the country.

 

[struv]

and dont bother trying to get a room at the hotel de villec7u8

 

[Steve66]

No, I recommend the "Hotel de Police" chain. Most towns have them, smartly uniformed staff, very secure rooms brok3

 

[DuncanR]

Also don't forget

As per what everyone else has said, also don't forget

• The V5 (logbook)
• E111 replacement health card
• Personal health insurance
• Inform your vehicle insurers (not strictly necessary but they like it)
• Cash for tolls (small denomination bills) plus a few hundred Euros in case of speeding fines.
• Puncture repair kit - Jaws sells them
• Sufficient tools to do the basics, zip-ties, and some chemical metal (just in case).

I love riding in France - great roads, scenery, food, etc - have fun!:yo:

 

[Steve398]

Take service book if under warrenty..

Hi,
Went away for a tour a few years back with some friends, one of whom had dropped his bike (a Pan) days before boarding the ferry. Halfway through the hols we noticed it dropping oil from the head and so he called the AA, spoke to one of 2 English bikers employed in France by the AA and described the problem. What happened then became farcical..
The English AA bloke didn't speak French (WTF?) so chatted in pidgin 'franglaise' to another AA bloke (French) who in turn contacted a Honda garage.
The breakdown arrived and hauled the bike off with my mate accompanying him to a town nearby, where he hired a car. Garage then b*ggered about for over 2 weeks stripping bike before deciding that the valve cover gasket had been disturbed and replaced it. The rest of us had gone home by this stage as holiday had ended.
Mate eventually collected bike but then had to pay even though it was under warrenty (accident not mentioned) as he didn't have his service book with him to prove servicing was up to date and valid. On his return to UK he contacted Honda who refunded cash.

Moral? Include service book amongst the other docs if still under warrenty.

Steve

 

[geordie]

Hi vis vest
B-A

 

[TANK0700]

Whoops too many http's!
http://www.rac.co.uk/web/knowhow/going_on_a_journey/driving_abroad/european_motoring_advisor/

Whilst thinking of what I do (I go to France often) I pack a puncture kit and remember to fill up by Saturday early pm's since lots of petrol stations close on Sundays!
!

and the self service ones wont take your english credit card or debit cards either so be careful if your riding on a sunday,