having lived and riden a motorbike in vietnam for the last 9 months i have my eyes set on a motorbike ride for around 6 months around europe next year when the weather gets better.
i have only just started thinking about this so i have literally zero schedule yet but looking for some chat/advice to help me on my way to planning this. i have been about europe a few times before and am looking to make this trip an epic one.
looking for links to bloggers that have done this or something similar:
advice on what kind of bike to buy/insurance/licensing for europe etc
suggestions on places to go; looking for scenery, parties, amazing road journies, off beaten track, places to do some extreme activities (loved slovenia for this so may visit the again)
what to pack; i will pack light though i will need my laptop so i can make money while i am away, i will probably take a tent and a small stove as well. clothing will be limited as i can always pick up more things on the way
where to stay and secure my bike at time; i will do a mixture of camping, couch surfing, hostels and the occasional hotel for a bit of comfort after long rides. i have read about staying in farmhouse barns in romania that appeals to me
what type of bike to get. i am going to get my license as soon as possible when i return home though i do have 9 months experience of riding and will have another 7 odd months before i set off after i pass my test and buy a bike. i dont want to pay a ridiculous amount but dont want something that will break down often so a happy medium would be good.
thats about all. in the absolute preliminary stages of planning but looking to get the ball rolling. as for route i will get a rough idea of where i want to go but will not be putting a timescale on places and will not be making a definitive plan as everything always changes and the best plan is no plan to an extent.
thanks in advance for all suggestions/advice etc
Reply to this Hi Scott, good luck with the planning and preparation for your bike trip through Europe. I am sure it will be great fun! I'm not an expert on bike travels, but have been following on occasion 'Long Way Round Journey' done by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman. You may pick up a few tips there. As for the rest, I will leave it up to the experts to give you the correct advice. However, the planning can add to the fun of the journey, so enjoy!
Reply to this Hi Scott,
Sounds like you are in for a ball.
You should check out these websites.. Lots of great info on overland motorcycle travel:
Www.horizonsunlimited.com
Www.advrider.com
Especially worth contacting some of the communities on Horizons Unlimited. We are currently travelling RTW by motorbike and have made great friends and stayed with quite a few people we have met through these communities. Best bit of advice anyone ever gave me was "just f@ck!ng do it!" life is too short not to...
As for licensing, a normal UK bike license is fine all across Europe. Outside Europe you will also need to apply for an International Drivers Permit, but that is easy if you already have your license... Most post offices can sort that for you.
Most UK motorcycle insurance policies will include European cover as standard.. Although normally it is up to 90 days max. Read the small print first and call to arrange something else if you are not covered, it really doesn't cost that much.
Motorbikes... You don't need to do it on a big BMW GS like Ewan and Charlie did. Lots of people have travelled the world on Honda Cub 90 scooters! They are cheap to buy, easy to maintain and you can get 90+ mpg from them.
Try not to blast out too many miles at once, take your time and enjoy the sites!
Feel free to message me if you have anymore questions I can help with.
All the best,
Byron
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