Tips to enjoy your motorcycle tour in Europe

For many Brits there is nothing better than taking their motorbike abroad and taking the time to tour a European country. This gives them the time and the freedom to explore a country in depth finding many hidden gems in terms of breath-taking countryside and interesting culture.

However, it is wise to plan your trip and make sure you are aware of the local rules so that you can enjoy your well-earned break as much as possible.

We’ve put together a list of tips for your trip to Europe to help it go as smoothly as possible while touring:

1. It may sound obvious, but make sure you ride on the right. If it helps you might like to put an arrow on the windscreen to help remind you.
2. Make sure you know the equivalent Highway Code for the countries you are visiting before departing. Examples where the rules differ from the UK include it being illegal to filter in Switzerland and that in France some roundabouts give priority to traffic joining rather than those already on it.
3. It is the law in most European countries for motorbikes to have a set of spare bulbs and also that you carry originals of the following documents: your licence, V5C (log book), MOT and Tax if applicable.
4. In Europe other vehicles will tend to move to the right in order to allow a motorcycle to pass. If someone lets you pass, you should be courteous and acknowledge this. In Europe it is customary to thank other road users by sticking your right leg out when you’ve passed.
5. Breaking down anywhere is annoying. The stress is increased if you don’t speak the local language and are trying to arrange recovery of your motorbike. This is where Voyager’s European Breakdown Cover could be invaluable: with assistance by Green Flag you can have peace of mind that you will be able to arrange recovery to a local garage in order for you to get your bike fixed so that you can continue with your tour.

We hope these tips help you have a safe and enjoyable trip whilst touring around Europe.

Click here for more information about Voyager’s European Breakdown cover and to buy your policy online.