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nomad
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| Joined: | Thu Oct 12th, 2006 |
| Location: | Treignac (19), France |
| Posts: | 1640 |
| Occupation: | Just Chillin | | My bikes: | Rocket 111 & FJR 1300 |
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Posted: Wed May 14th, 2008 01:35 pm |
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I think it would be a good article to do again as first timers won't have back issues they may be new to the scene completely... Touring is becomming such a big thing so any advice is always good advice. 
We often get old and new riders staying with us (well we would wouldn't we) and it is surprising how ill prepared some are but how well prepared others are - mostly I thnk most riders carry too much kit most unnessesary so what you pack to get by and what you pack for an extnded holiday.
Maybe do an article of the many Biker friendly B&B's out there in europe of which there are many and all geared to make the bikers touring holiday that much more enjoyable far better than they were 5 years ago and saves the need for carrying all that camping gear...
http://www.ridersrest.net of course we would be happy to be featured some advice for first timers can be got at http://www.ridersrest.net/tips.aspx
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karTER
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Posted: Wed May 14th, 2008 02:19 pm |
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nomad wrote: I think it would be a good article to do again as first timers won't have back issues they may be new to the scene completely... Touring is becomming such a big thing so any advice is always good advice.
We often get old and new riders staying with us (well we would wouldn't we) and it is surprising how ill prepared some are but how well prepared others are - mostly I thnk most riders carry too much kit most unnessesary so what you pack to get by and what you pack for an extnded holiday.
Maybe do an article of the many Biker friendly B&B's out there in europe of which there are many and all geared to make the bikers touring holiday that much more enjoyable far better than they were 5 years ago and saves the need for carrying all that camping gear...
http://www.ridersrest.net of course we would be happy to be featured some advice for first timers can be got at http://www.ridersrest.net/tips.aspx
If that isn't a super article handed on a plate, I don't know what is.
The feedback on the SEM has been nothing but positive, so why should others miss out?
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magpiemale
Forum Member
| Joined: | Sun Sep 3rd, 2006 |
| Location: | Wellingborough, United Kingdom |
| Posts: | 131 |
| Occupation: | machine op | | My bikes: | FZ1 Fazer ;) +NSR125 |
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Posted: Wed May 14th, 2008 02:23 pm |
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I have started to gather some stuff little by little every week as buying things in one go can be a drain on the expenses I looked at my insurance doc's and you don't need a green card any more,just carry the certificate of insurance with you.I have RAC cover in the uk so called them and they will do comp breakdown cover for £39 on-line for the 9 days with two people.checked my passport and my American wife's too plenty of life in them yet hehehe,one thing I will ask I was thinking about 7 changes of under wear socks etc is this too much (sorry to be getting low into the conversation) also what would you consider not necessary stuff to pack.will be buying ciggie plug socket for the mobile so I can power it on the go (which will have to go into a zip-lock bag and the tank bag to keep dry)
Do your headlights need to be altered at all ? or don't people bother any more I have seen car deflectors but not bike ones
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karTER
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Posted: Wed May 14th, 2008 02:26 pm |
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Best amount of clothes to travel with if space is a premium is three.
One to wear, one to wash and one to dry.
It never fails.
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I have learnt my best dance moves from this little fellah:----->>> And now the burds can't keep their hands off me...
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magpiemale
Forum Member
| Joined: | Sun Sep 3rd, 2006 |
| Location: | Wellingborough, United Kingdom |
| Posts: | 131 |
| Occupation: | machine op | | My bikes: | FZ1 Fazer ;) +NSR125 |
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Posted: Wed May 14th, 2008 02:28 pm |
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| carrying a givi large E52 top box oxford (65 litre) panniers and a medium 15 litre tank bag.OH yes and the missus too
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karTER
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Posted: Wed May 14th, 2008 02:38 pm |
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magpiemale wrote: carrying a givi large E52 top box oxford (65 litre) panniers and a medium 15 litre tank bag.OH yes and the missus too
Sure, but this is the thin end of the wedge. Just because you have the space does not mean you need to fill it. It's quite invigorating to see how little you can get by on.
Most important piece of kit is you credit card and also some cash- not everywhere takes plastic.
Also, open up a Nationwide account as you can withdraw cash in local currency from any Visa ATM for free and without charges or commission.
We save around £800+ annually with them on this feature alone and I believe they are the only UK bank/building society to offer this facility. Bloody marvellous.
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I have learnt my best dance moves from this little fellah:----->>> And now the burds can't keep their hands off me...
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mph999
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| Joined: | Wed Dec 12th, 2007 |
| Location: | KT17 1LP, United Kingdom |
| Posts: | 369 |
| Occupation: | lurking | | My bikes: | average > 40 mpg |
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Posted: Wed May 14th, 2008 02:41 pm |
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karTER wrote: magpiemale wrote: carrying a givi large E52 top box oxford (65 litre) panniers and a medium 15 litre tank bag.OH yes and the missus too
Sure, but this is the thin end of the wedge. Just because you have the space does not mean you need to fill it. It's quite invigorating to see how little you can get by on.
Most important piece of kit is you credit card and also some cash- not everywhere takes plastic.
Also, open up a Nationwide account as you can withdraw cash in local currency from any Visa ATM for free and without charges or commission.
We save around £800+ annually with them on this feature alone and I believe they are the only UK bank/building society to offer this facility. Bloody marvellous.
Nice tip.
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there are only three sports in life:
mountaineering, bullfighting and motorsport.
the rest are merely games.
attributed to Ernest Hemingway
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magpiemale
Forum Member
| Joined: | Sun Sep 3rd, 2006 |
| Location: | Wellingborough, United Kingdom |
| Posts: | 131 |
| Occupation: | machine op | | My bikes: | FZ1 Fazer ;) +NSR125 |
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Posted: Wed May 14th, 2008 02:45 pm |
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is that a visa card with nationwide ? I was with them for 15 years and gave me nowt like that went to barclays and gave me two  with in 6 months
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karTER
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Posted: Wed May 14th, 2008 02:50 pm |
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magpiemale wrote: is that a visa card with nationwide ? I was with them for 15 years and gave me nowt like that went to barclays and gave me two with in 6 months
Nope- it's a normal Flex Account debit card, which offers online access and a limit of £300 per day (in local currency) anywhere in the world. Tried and tested in 14 countries, so far.
You can also apply for their Visa credit card and that is again, the only charge free card available.
And no, I don't work for them but I am seriously impressed at their service whilst we have been on the road.
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Batfastard
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| Location: | Here & There |
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Posted: Wed May 14th, 2008 06:03 pm |
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Agreed - I use a Nationwide visa for any foreign transaction - it saves a fortune.
Most banks salt you for 3.5% typically for "foreign exchange" which is just a piss take. American Express charging for conversion of Euros or Dollars - WTF?
It's worth having if you order from European or US based online dealers, and a must for any foreign travel. Post Office also do similar deals.
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Batfastard
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| Joined: | Mon Aug 14th, 2006 |
| Location: | Here & There |
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Posted: Wed May 14th, 2008 06:11 pm |
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magpiemale wrote: carrying a givi large E52 top box oxford (65 litre) panniers and a medium 15 litre tank bag.OH yes and the missus too
Careful how you load it. First time I ever went across t'pond I had a similar set up, I had soooo much weight in the damn luggage I really fecked the bikes handling. After the first day I moved the heavy stuff - I had a muckle big chain with me  (muppet) into the tank bag and recovered some rideability.
KarTER is right, less is more. Wear wicking tee shirts and shreddies under you leathers, and alternate - they dry in no time at all. Ditto silk socks - get them from ski shops & hiking places. If it's warm where you are going, sod socks for the evening. Take a pair of hiking style sandals and let your feet breath for a bit. Try walking trousers rather than jeans, and get zip off legs - shorts and trousers in one go, dark colours and no-one will care regardless of where you want to go.
Some guys buy really cheap T shirts etc and simply throw them away at the end of the day.
oh god, it's turning into a serious thread, noooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
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karTER
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Posted: Wed May 14th, 2008 06:22 pm |
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Batfastard wrote: magpiemale wrote: carrying a givi large E52 top box oxford (65 litre) panniers and a medium 15 litre tank bag.OH yes and the missus too
Careful how you load it. First time I ever went across t'pond I had a similar set up, I had soooo much weight in the damn luggage I really fecked the bikes handling. After the first day I moved the heavy stuff - I had a muckle big chain with me (muppet) into the tank bag and recovered some rideability.
KarTER is right, less is more. Wear wicking tee shirts and shreddies under you leathers, and alternate - they dry in no time at all. Ditto silk socks - get them from ski shops & hiking places. If it's warm where you are going, sod socks for the evening. Take a pair of hiking style sandals and let your feet breath for a bit. Try walking trousers rather than jeans, and get zip off legs - shorts and trousers in one go, dark colours and no-one will care regardless of where you want to go.
Some guys buy really cheap T shirts etc and simply throw them away at the end of the day.
oh god, it's turning into a serious thread, noooooooooooooooooooooooooo.
Yip- another good trick to clear out your old wardrobe, plus no washing to do when you get back. Ditto socks.
____________________
I have learnt my best dance moves from this little fellah:----->>> And now the burds can't keep their hands off me...
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damien666
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Posted: Wed May 14th, 2008 08:27 pm |
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i know it's easy to say but you don't have to worry about anything. when you get off the boat just follow the traffic,roundabouts are ok cos you come at them in left hand lane so its natural to go left. some petrol station close quite early but most have credit card pumps.i've done france twice, usa once going to europe in june. 99% of people are very friendly and speak at least a bit of english. good luck have fun
ps did 8 days in the states just with standard harley saddle bags a and helmet bag on a rack had room to spare,
Last edited on Wed May 14th, 2008 08:34 pm by damien666
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Red Mick
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Posted: Wed May 14th, 2008 08:48 pm |
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damien666 wrote: ....,roundabouts are ok cos you come at them in left hand lane so its natural to go left. ..
????? Every time I've been to France, I've always driven on the right and gone right at roundabouts, is it just me?
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Batfastard
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Posted: Thu May 15th, 2008 07:17 am |
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Red Mick wrote: damien666 wrote: ....,roundabouts are ok cos you come at them in left hand lane so its natural to go left. ..
????? Every time I've been to France, I've always driven on the right and gone right at roundabouts, is it just me?
Kinda makes my point for me. The danger zones are leaving one way trafffic areas, puling out of roadside carparks etc. If traffic is about you get reminded, but on an empty road it's dead easy to set off on the wrong side. I have been to Europe more times than I can remember, I used to live and work in Belgium, and I still get caught out if I am distracted.
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PaulR
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Posted: Thu May 15th, 2008 09:28 am |
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magpiemale wrote: Do your headlights need to be altered at all ? or don't people bother any more I have seen car deflectors but not bike ones
Theoretically yes, they should be altered on bikes as well, but hardly anyone does it these days. Just me, I think.
By the way, the driving on the left by accident thing: coming off the ferry it's easy to follow the other traffic, and you'll be very aware that you've just entered a different country. The dangerous time is after the first break when you're more relaxed, and might be joining a deserted road so there's no other traffic to remind you. Until you've got your head round it, it's not a bad idea to prop a card on your bars when you stop, on which is written: "ON THE RIGHT!".
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magpiemale
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| Joined: | Sun Sep 3rd, 2006 |
| Location: | Wellingborough, United Kingdom |
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Posted: Thu May 15th, 2008 10:17 pm |
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well I have started to gather things together buying 2 cigar sockets for the i-pod and mobile to charge up while on the go (i-pod for the wife) for under the seat (so many to choose from) checked the dogs into a kennel (gulp £350) for oct next the tank bag http://www.hein-gericke.co.uk/shop/product_info.php/products_id/4563 and book ferry (£47)
I do find modern bikes do not have a lot of room on the battery terminal for putting extra things on like the old battery terminals used to do like ring contacts. FZ1 fazer
Last edited on Thu May 15th, 2008 10:19 pm by magpiemale
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karTER
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Posted: Fri May 16th, 2008 04:26 am |
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Not sure if you're camping, but I'd not bother with cigarette sockets; it's getting messy. Just charge them up over night- you're meant to be on holiday after all, so the phone should only be used in an emergency.
The main point of touring lightly is that less is more.
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I have learnt my best dance moves from this little fellah:----->>> And now the burds can't keep their hands off me...
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ExpatinIstanbul
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Posted: Fri May 16th, 2008 04:34 am |
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Cigarette sockets are brilliant on bikes, and well worth the investment. They're very easy to fit.
http://www.nippynormans.com/prodinfo
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karTER
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Posted: Fri May 16th, 2008 04:39 am |
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ExpatinIstanbul wrote: Cigarette sockets are brilliant on bikes, and well worth the investment. They're very easy to fit.
http://www.nippynormans.com/prodinfo
I'm sure they are, but for the case in point of charging a phone, to me unnecessary.
____________________
I have learnt my best dance moves from this little fellah:----->>> And now the burds can't keep their hands off me...
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