TOURING HINTS & TIPS

While working on tours I often wonder how much research & planning goes into a tour that individuals or smaller groups organise. With this in mind here are some tips that I have picked up over my years of arranging quality tours for bikers.

  • Familiarise yourself with the driving laws of the country/countries you are visiting – including local speed limits and on which side of the road they drive on! RAC research has revealed that 21% of us have ridden on the wrong side of the road & 33% admit they usually look the wrong way when approaching a junction!
  • Check with your insurance company that you’re fully covered to ride abroad including breakdown and accident, recovery and any medical expenses resulting from illness or accident.
  • Check whether you need a Green Card for the country/countries you are visiting – this provides minimum insurance.
  • Check you can comply with the vehicle requirements of the country/countries you are visiting.

Make sure your bike is fully serviced and ready for the trip
  • Given the mileage that you expect to cover on the tour and the miles you’ll do before you go, will it be well past its next service interval before you get back?
  • It’s good idea to get a good check over before you go.
  • Is there enough tread on your tyres? Remember from almost bald to canvas can happen in less than a hundred miles and once your tread has gone the wear is much quicker.
  • Then it’s just the simple things we all over look from time to time - Check brake pads and discs front and rear; check all control cables for smooth operation; check oil level and top up to ‘Max’ if necessary; make sure that all fasteners are secure and all lights are working.

Documentation.  If you intend to ride abroad check your documentation, most are legal requirements:
  • Current Passport (for each person).
  • Full Driving Licence (Provisional Licences are not allowed).
  • GHIC or current EHIC - As with any holiday you should have accident and sickness travel insurance and obtain a GHIC or current EHIC card.  This covers you for emergency medical treatment in any EU country but does NOT cover you for repatriation back to the UK.
  • A current Certificate of Motor Insurance to cover the whole period away – always check with your broker that you are covered for riding overseas and ALWAYS inform them before your trip that you are leaving the country and the duration of the trip. There could be a problem if you do not keep them informed. In some countries you may be asked for an International Motor Insurance Card (Green Card), but this is usually now covered by the Certificate of Motor Insurance issued by your Insurers (see reverse of your certificate. If not it is obtainable from your Insurers).
  • V5 Vehicle Registration Document or a good photocopy of it to prove you are the registered keeper. In many countries it is a legal requirement to carry this at all times when riding.
  • If your bike is over three years old you should take the MoT certificate.
  • UK Sticker of the correct size. This must be fixed to the rear of the motorcycle and can be obtained from the Ferry Company or the AA/RAC.
  • Every year thousands of us fail to check that our breakdown cover extends to the EU. Is your bike covered for breakdowns and accidents and does your cover include getting your bike back to the UK? Not all recovery services offer this so never assume and always check with them before you leave.

Don’t go without taking

You should have with you the following. (Police may check to see if you are carrying them)
  • A spare set of keys
  • A warning triangle
  • A high-viz jacket
  • Small medical kit
  • Replacement light bulb kit
  • From July 1st 2012, a breathaliser kit for riding in France

For a country by country guide to local rules visit the AA website here

If you or your group are unsure of all European traffic regulations & are unaware of the best roads to ride or it all seems too much to think about then maybe it’s time to try an organised tour run by an authorised operator!