Discussion
The other half and I are going touring for the first time at the end month on my gsx1250.
A family member is doing an event in Austria that we could go and support and saw the opportunity for an excuse to have a big run out on the bike.
We are planning to go for 7 nights, I've decided that time on the road is firm limit of 6 hours a day but will probably average around 5. I've based it off hours not distance as where possible we want to stay away from motorways.
The route so far is ferry to France (we live near the port uk side) and then:
Day 1 Calais to Nancy (France) via Belgium and Luxembourg
Day 2 Nancy to Freudenstadt (germany)via b500 black forest
Day 3 Freudenstadt to Fieberbrunn (Austria)
Day 4 stay in Austria for family event
Day 5 Fieberbrunn to Lake Davos (Switzerland)
Day 6 Lake Davos to Bern (Switzerland)
Day 7 Bern to Troyes (France)
Day 8 Troyes to Calais and then home
So I'm looking for advice from those of you that have toured before.
Can anyone recommend a decent travel insurance for bikers? The small print on my current policy through my bank only covers upto riding a 125cc!
What do you do about bike maintenance? The bikes just had a major service so I'm thinking chain lube, tyre pressures possible chain adjustment. I'm anticipating about 1500 miles and would normally lube the chain and check the tyres every 200ish or every couple of weeks.
Also does anyone have any hints or tips that you'd give a touring newbie that might be over looked?
A family member is doing an event in Austria that we could go and support and saw the opportunity for an excuse to have a big run out on the bike.
We are planning to go for 7 nights, I've decided that time on the road is firm limit of 6 hours a day but will probably average around 5. I've based it off hours not distance as where possible we want to stay away from motorways.
The route so far is ferry to France (we live near the port uk side) and then:
Day 1 Calais to Nancy (France) via Belgium and Luxembourg
Day 2 Nancy to Freudenstadt (germany)via b500 black forest
Day 3 Freudenstadt to Fieberbrunn (Austria)
Day 4 stay in Austria for family event
Day 5 Fieberbrunn to Lake Davos (Switzerland)
Day 6 Lake Davos to Bern (Switzerland)
Day 7 Bern to Troyes (France)
Day 8 Troyes to Calais and then home
So I'm looking for advice from those of you that have toured before.
Can anyone recommend a decent travel insurance for bikers? The small print on my current policy through my bank only covers upto riding a 125cc!
What do you do about bike maintenance? The bikes just had a major service so I'm thinking chain lube, tyre pressures possible chain adjustment. I'm anticipating about 1500 miles and would normally lube the chain and check the tyres every 200ish or every couple of weeks.
Also does anyone have any hints or tips that you'd give a touring newbie that might be over looked?
Plenty of others with far more experience than me will no doubt have lots to say.
Bike insurance: I used Carole Nash earlier this year.
Maintenance: think about the jobs you're likely to do and take the tools for that. Lube the chain at the end of the night (if needed) and have the tools for adjustment. I wouldn't worry about cleaning it, can save that until you're home.
I like filling the tank up at the end of the day, gets you on the road quicker in the morning when the brain might still be in faff mode. Have GPS routes pre-planned, including likely stops, but be prepared to change them. Not sure what you're planning on accommodation, but having the option to cancel upto the last minute is useful in case circumstances or desires push you to change.
Take only the clothes you need, plus a spare top and undies, just incase. Get something like these, makes a big difference to the space required. The wife and I packed into two modest panniers for a week away, including a fairly comprehensive tool kit and two compact umbrellas. With our 47l top box we can now pack for a fortnight.
Bike insurance: I used Carole Nash earlier this year.
Maintenance: think about the jobs you're likely to do and take the tools for that. Lube the chain at the end of the night (if needed) and have the tools for adjustment. I wouldn't worry about cleaning it, can save that until you're home.
I like filling the tank up at the end of the day, gets you on the road quicker in the morning when the brain might still be in faff mode. Have GPS routes pre-planned, including likely stops, but be prepared to change them. Not sure what you're planning on accommodation, but having the option to cancel upto the last minute is useful in case circumstances or desires push you to change.
Take only the clothes you need, plus a spare top and undies, just incase. Get something like these, makes a big difference to the space required. The wife and I packed into two modest panniers for a week away, including a fairly comprehensive tool kit and two compact umbrellas. With our 47l top box we can now pack for a fortnight.
You may find our packing list useful - https://www.old-gits.org/checklist.htm - You definitely don't have to pack everything on the list but it helps you to think about what you might want to pack. You may also find our hints and tips https://www.old-gits.org/hints&.htm useful.
As for travel insurance, I have an annual policy from Coverwise. https://www.coverwise.co.uk/travel-insurance/annua... Like all insurance, you don't know how good/bad it is until you claim and, so far, I've not had to claim.
Don't overthink the bikes requirements. It's only 1500 miles and if the bike is well serviced then there should be a minimal requirement for work during the trip. Beyond a check of fluid levels and squirt of chain lube in Austria, there isn't anything else that should need doing. If you've not got TPMS on your bike then buy a cheap kit from eBay to fit before you go.
Make sure your tyres have plenty of life in them and add a couple of extra psi to compensate for the extra load. Likewise, crank the preload up on the suspension.
Panniers and a tank bag are a much better option than a top box. They put the extra weight in a better place on the bike thus having a lesser effect on the bikes handling. Think about the order you going to need to unpack, and pack in reverse order. For example, I can pack two nights in my tank bag when touring solo. I find it so much easier to just unclip my tank bag at overnight hotels when others are emptying panniers, tail packs, and every other container holding luggage.
Don't be put off at the thought of using European motorways. While a motorway can never be thought of as fun, they can be way better than the alternative . This is especially true in the North of France and in the centre of Switzerland. In the north of France it's very easy to end up on a road which is flat, arrow straight and runs right alongside the motorway. That road has a 90kmh limit, speed cameras, 50kmh "nothing to see" towns every 5 miles or so, and lots of local traffic while the Autoroute avoids all of that at 130kmh. Likewise across the centre of Switzerland. It's flat, boring, seriously speed restricted and roundabouts every half mile. The motorway is a much better option.
Personally, I'd avoid any overnight stops in Switzerland. It's hugely expensive and offers nothing that isn't available in the surrounding countries. From Austria I'd come down to Italy then back up through France. There are bits of Switzerland that you'll clip on such a route and most of those are great, but I'd avoid an overnight.
Use the likes of MyRouteApp to plan a route and the follow that. It's too easy to simply head for a list of place names only to discover you missed a superb road literally half a mile off your route. Remember, road signs and point to point routing will want to take you the easiest route, not the best, the most fun, the scenic or the nicest.
Most importantly, relax and enjoy the trip.
As for travel insurance, I have an annual policy from Coverwise. https://www.coverwise.co.uk/travel-insurance/annua... Like all insurance, you don't know how good/bad it is until you claim and, so far, I've not had to claim.
Don't overthink the bikes requirements. It's only 1500 miles and if the bike is well serviced then there should be a minimal requirement for work during the trip. Beyond a check of fluid levels and squirt of chain lube in Austria, there isn't anything else that should need doing. If you've not got TPMS on your bike then buy a cheap kit from eBay to fit before you go.
Make sure your tyres have plenty of life in them and add a couple of extra psi to compensate for the extra load. Likewise, crank the preload up on the suspension.
Panniers and a tank bag are a much better option than a top box. They put the extra weight in a better place on the bike thus having a lesser effect on the bikes handling. Think about the order you going to need to unpack, and pack in reverse order. For example, I can pack two nights in my tank bag when touring solo. I find it so much easier to just unclip my tank bag at overnight hotels when others are emptying panniers, tail packs, and every other container holding luggage.
Don't be put off at the thought of using European motorways. While a motorway can never be thought of as fun, they can be way better than the alternative . This is especially true in the North of France and in the centre of Switzerland. In the north of France it's very easy to end up on a road which is flat, arrow straight and runs right alongside the motorway. That road has a 90kmh limit, speed cameras, 50kmh "nothing to see" towns every 5 miles or so, and lots of local traffic while the Autoroute avoids all of that at 130kmh. Likewise across the centre of Switzerland. It's flat, boring, seriously speed restricted and roundabouts every half mile. The motorway is a much better option.
Personally, I'd avoid any overnight stops in Switzerland. It's hugely expensive and offers nothing that isn't available in the surrounding countries. From Austria I'd come down to Italy then back up through France. There are bits of Switzerland that you'll clip on such a route and most of those are great, but I'd avoid an overnight.
Use the likes of MyRouteApp to plan a route and the follow that. It's too easy to simply head for a list of place names only to discover you missed a superb road literally half a mile off your route. Remember, road signs and point to point routing will want to take you the easiest route, not the best, the most fun, the scenic or the nicest.
Most importantly, relax and enjoy the trip.
Edited by black-k1 on Sunday 21st July 13:54
Nationwide flex plus account for travel and European breakdown.
Get new tyres before you go. It'll ruin the trip on old ones.
I planned in literally EVERY trip and stop. All numbered on tom tom go. Might be anal but then I didn't have to even think about it. I could just enjoy it.
Be VERY wary of speed cameras. They're not obvious like over here.
Put the original exhaust back on or make sure it has a baffle and e mark on it. Not worth the hassle
Get new tyres before you go. It'll ruin the trip on old ones.
I planned in literally EVERY trip and stop. All numbered on tom tom go. Might be anal but then I didn't have to even think about it. I could just enjoy it.
Be VERY wary of speed cameras. They're not obvious like over here.
Put the original exhaust back on or make sure it has a baffle and e mark on it. Not worth the hassle
don't get hung up on cameras they do not have access to the data base (yet)
if you have time to get one, and the right bank account and you use the mways, think about a toll tag a lot less hassle than faffin for the ticket and finding a card to pay with
some people do put a marker on their bike or sleeve to remember which side of the road to drive on - not sure it is really necessary but each to their own
if you have time to get one, and the right bank account and you use the mways, think about a toll tag a lot less hassle than faffin for the ticket and finding a card to pay with
some people do put a marker on their bike or sleeve to remember which side of the road to drive on - not sure it is really necessary but each to their own
Biker9090 said:
...
Put the original exhaust back on or make sure it has a baffle and e mark on it. Not worth the hassle
Good point. Put the original exhaust back on or make sure it has a baffle and e mark on it. Not worth the hassle
Our last thrip through Austria had is pulled over for a noise check GSA_fattie said:
don't get hung up on cameras they do not have access to the data base (yet)
...
Sorry, but they do have access and will forward fines to your address in the UK. It's up to you whether you pay them or not but if you enjoyed your touring trip and want to go again, then it may be a good idea to pay up. What they can't do is put points on your license though they do have the ability, for serious infringements, to ban you in that country....
GSA_fattie said:
don't get hung up on cameras they do not have access to the data base (yet)
if you have time to get one, and the right bank account and you use the mways, think about a toll tag a lot less hassle than faffin for the ticket and finding a card to pay with
some people do put a marker on their bike or sleeve to remember which side of the road to drive on - not sure it is really necessary but each to their own
They may not have direct access but they sure as sif you have time to get one, and the right bank account and you use the mways, think about a toll tag a lot less hassle than faffin for the ticket and finding a card to pay with
some people do put a marker on their bike or sleeve to remember which side of the road to drive on - not sure it is really necessary but each to their own
t can get your details and come after you! If you ever want to go back again you should be paying.
What black-k1 said. Also shops in eu are same as here, you can buy anything you find you need or forgot.
Need original v5 plus insurance plus licence and passport. That’s all the police will be interested in. Sensible to get a crit air sticker.
Have a location to put toll road ticket which isn’t next to a phone or anything with a magnet or it gets corrupted. Have credit card easy to reach for tolls.
You can buy tyres in eu but pita to have to stop, also two up plus luggage, best tyres and brakes are fresh if not new.
It’s wonderful riding down through France ! Have fun !
Edit to add I have LV annual travel insurance.
Need original v5 plus insurance plus licence and passport. That’s all the police will be interested in. Sensible to get a crit air sticker.
Have a location to put toll road ticket which isn’t next to a phone or anything with a magnet or it gets corrupted. Have credit card easy to reach for tolls.
You can buy tyres in eu but pita to have to stop, also two up plus luggage, best tyres and brakes are fresh if not new.
It’s wonderful riding down through France ! Have fun !
Edit to add I have LV annual travel insurance.
Thanks for the advice guys.
Tyres are road 6 with about 1500 miles on so still pretty fresh, and just had new brake pads too so bikes in a good position for the trip.
Unfortunately we've booked all the hotels already so avoiding Switzerland is not an option.
Interesting about the advice re top box, we'd already decided to leave it behind because it means the Mrs has to sit further forwards and we both feel abit cramped so glad that was a sensible decision.
We've ordered a crit air just to be safe, I was going to get the Swiss and Austrian vignette too as a precaution but I've left it a touch late now so will likely just sort at the border.
To the poster that said about flex plus travel insurance, read your small print before traveling as I'm with nationwide and it only covers upto a 125cc which is easily overlooked but if the worst was to happen I don't want to be worrying about the bike size.
Tyres are road 6 with about 1500 miles on so still pretty fresh, and just had new brake pads too so bikes in a good position for the trip.
Unfortunately we've booked all the hotels already so avoiding Switzerland is not an option.
Interesting about the advice re top box, we'd already decided to leave it behind because it means the Mrs has to sit further forwards and we both feel abit cramped so glad that was a sensible decision.
We've ordered a crit air just to be safe, I was going to get the Swiss and Austrian vignette too as a precaution but I've left it a touch late now so will likely just sort at the border.
To the poster that said about flex plus travel insurance, read your small print before traveling as I'm with nationwide and it only covers upto a 125cc which is easily overlooked but if the worst was to happen I don't want to be worrying about the bike size.
From experience I would add to above;
1. A puncture kit that you know how to use (a can of squirty foam is the simplest). It's just to keep you going rather than been sat at the roadside awaiting recovery.
2. Don't get hung up on tools, cable ties, gaffa tape, adjustable spanner and a multitool along with the standard tool kit that should cover the simple roadside things.
3. A topbox is a good idea for the pillion to lean against, it makes a huge difference on long rides. ignore the BS about handling, you're on tour not a trackday.
4. Suicide clothes, wear once and ditch.
5. Spare gloves for when it rains, or use some latex / garage under gloves.
6. Adjust the rear preload or the bike will handle like st loaded up.
7. Avoid backpacks like the plague.
If you have never toured before pack the bike and have a long test ride first to make sure you're both comfortable.
1. A puncture kit that you know how to use (a can of squirty foam is the simplest). It's just to keep you going rather than been sat at the roadside awaiting recovery.
2. Don't get hung up on tools, cable ties, gaffa tape, adjustable spanner and a multitool along with the standard tool kit that should cover the simple roadside things.
3. A topbox is a good idea for the pillion to lean against, it makes a huge difference on long rides. ignore the BS about handling, you're on tour not a trackday.
4. Suicide clothes, wear once and ditch.
5. Spare gloves for when it rains, or use some latex / garage under gloves.
6. Adjust the rear preload or the bike will handle like s
t loaded up.7. Avoid backpacks like the plague.
If you have never toured before pack the bike and have a long test ride first to make sure you're both comfortable.
If you're going to use the Swiss motorways a vignette - 40 Euros - is a good idea as if they stop you on a motorway without one the fine is steep. You can pick up the Swiss vignette at most German petrol stations which are near the border. This means you don´t run the risk of crossing at an unmanned border crossing and then wanting to get on a Swiss motorway.
As for Austria you can buy a 5 day pass for a modest sum.
As for Austria you can buy a 5 day pass for a modest sum.
An interesting "real world" tale of travel insurance and 125cc limits here https://eurokclub.bike/index.php?topic=5433.0
I'd be cautious of any policy that mentions any form of capacity limit. You won't know the exact circumstances of any potential claim until it happens, thus you can't be sure all the wriggle out holes are filled until the money is, or imore likely sn't, in your hands.
I'd be cautious of any policy that mentions any form of capacity limit. You won't know the exact circumstances of any potential claim until it happens, thus you can't be sure all the wriggle out holes are filled until the money is, or imore likely sn't, in your hands.
andymach23 said:
I have the Nationwide FlexPlus travel insurance and used it for a bike trip to France last year. I called and checked and you are covered for over 125cc if you ride your own bike from home. I think the 125cc thing is for hiring when you are away.
What this guy said. I did the same and called them
To confirm what others have said, you will get tracked down if caught speeding (2 x €50 fines from Spain for 8 & 10 kmh over the limit last year in a hire car...)
We'll be touring with a top box, my Mrs much prefers it & she often nods off on the back. We also need the capacity for the puncture kit, gaffa tape & cable ties mentioned above. I also have a ring battery tyre inflator.
I don't like the idea of a big tank bag, but have a small 5l Givi one & find it brilliant, phone, wallet, sunglasses, documents & visor cleaner in it, no faffing with trying to open packed panniers to get at stuff & it's small so easy to get out of the way when filling up.
Enjoy the tour!
We'll be touring with a top box, my Mrs much prefers it & she often nods off on the back. We also need the capacity for the puncture kit, gaffa tape & cable ties mentioned above. I also have a ring battery tyre inflator.
I don't like the idea of a big tank bag, but have a small 5l Givi one & find it brilliant, phone, wallet, sunglasses, documents & visor cleaner in it, no faffing with trying to open packed panniers to get at stuff & it's small so easy to get out of the way when filling up.
Enjoy the tour!
Kurviger.de is a very good app for planning the journey if you want to avoid just doing motorways. However, to do the distances you plan, to only do five hours a day riding you're going to be on the motorway if you only want to do five hours a day riding, or basically spending all day on the bike. If you're doing it all on motorways, I wouldn't bother taking the bike, but I'd also fly and hire something nearer the destination.
I'm another one in the pro-top-box camp. Gives the pillion a chance to move around and secure storage for your stuff. Also they are waterproof, in the mountains the weather can be very different. Tank bags are OK for wallets, phones etc but I wouldn't be putting shoes and clothes in them, as it restricts your ability to move.
I'd avoid the B500 and do the Route des Cretes through the Vosges instead.
Navigator Travel Insurance are superb - cover you for big bikes, multiple pre-existing conditions, war zones, risky sports - I use them for my cover.
I'm another one in the pro-top-box camp. Gives the pillion a chance to move around and secure storage for your stuff. Also they are waterproof, in the mountains the weather can be very different. Tank bags are OK for wallets, phones etc but I wouldn't be putting shoes and clothes in them, as it restricts your ability to move.
I'd avoid the B500 and do the Route des Cretes through the Vosges instead.
Navigator Travel Insurance are superb - cover you for big bikes, multiple pre-existing conditions, war zones, risky sports - I use them for my cover.
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