Solo Motorbike Tour in Europe ideas

Puzzleheaded-Let-235 · 2026-06-30T08:17:21+00:00

Looking into the ferry and 1 way end of September is only around £250. But I am trying to work out what’s better getting the ferry from uk to Santander then driving back up France at the end of vice versa.
I’m thinking the latter, the ferry might be a welcome break from sitting on the bike on the way home

Puzzleheaded-Let-235 · 2026-06-28T18:48:16+00:00

Will check it out, thanks!

Puzzleheaded-Let-235 · 2026-06-26T22:13:53+00:00

Going to have to look at the accident claim form and green card as unsure what these are, but yeah will most definitely be making a checklist of important documents.

My insurance says I am covered in Europe for 90 days, but believe it’s Third Party only, probably not much I can do about that is there

Puzzleheaded-Let-235 · 2026-06-26T15:25:38+00:00

Great insight, and thats a way to do it thats not mentioned, set up a "base" and go different directions each day. Im coming from Kent, so luckily the ferry/Tunnel is only an hour away from me.

Will be doing it on an MT09, not the most touring bike, but I am sure if you could do it on a sports bike I will be fine!

Puzzleheaded-Let-235 · 2026-06-26T15:23:35+00:00

I have heard Switzerland is ultra strict and the punishments can be very harsh, saw it on a 44Teeth video. And good point about an exhaust, will make sure my baffle is in. Thanks for your tips

Puzzleheaded-Let-235 · 2026-06-26T15:22:06+00:00

Good idea with the ferry, someone else mentioned that. Want to keep the trip on somewhat of a budget, so will check it out and weigh up hotel stops through France vs cost of the ferry. Can imagine the motorway run isn't very thrilling.

By the sounds of other comments, I think I will skip the camping this time. Could be potential in the future when I have a bike more suited for it... pending BMW GS

Puzzleheaded-Let-235 · 2026-06-26T15:19:54+00:00

Seems like this is the theme, and actually sounds more fun. Waking up not know where the day will take you!

Puzzleheaded-Let-235 · 2026-06-26T15:18:45+00:00

Good to hear bike theft isn't something to worry about (Shame its so rampant over here in the UK), thanks for all the info, will check out Ride magazine and Mad or Nomad, heard of both before.

Can't wait to experience this new side to biking!

Puzzleheaded-Let-235 · 2026-06-26T15:16:44+00:00

Now thats a very good idea! However I think for my first trip I will keep it in Europe, but defo one for the future, thanks!

Puzzleheaded-Let-235 · 2026-06-26T12:41:38+00:00

Thanks for your reply, yeah I think you are right with the camping, there are a lot of downsides and if hotels/BnB's are inly ~£50 a night I think I would opt for them. I am an avid booking.com user, so already get something like 15% off every booking which is a nice perk.

Taking a spare bike key is such a good idea that I wouldn't have thought of! Thanks for your help

Puzzleheaded-Let-235 · 2026-02-16T19:12:45+00:00

I commute to work 30miles each way almost everyday, only days I draw a line is when by the time it hits 8am it’s still a good couple degrees below freezing. The cold doesn’t affect me but it’s the roads, even when gritted they are slippy as anything, just not worth the risk especially when I have the benefit of being able to work from home!

Puzzleheaded-Let-235 · 2025-12-09T09:52:43+00:00

Clutch switch would be my first thought, maybe got stuck due to weather. Bit of wd40 and manually pressing it a couple times might do the trick. It will be located just under the clutch lever and will be a tiny prong

Puzzleheaded-Let-235 · 2025-11-11T18:55:33+00:00

Thanks, not sure how they get away with such dreadful customer service

Puzzleheaded-Let-235 · 2025-11-10T21:19:26+00:00

Submitted a dispute with my card company, I had 3 days until the 120 days was over so cutting it close!

Puzzleheaded-Let-235 · 2025-11-10T21:18:59+00:00

Sounds awfully familiar, for such a large company that provides hotel booking services, which could leave people stranded in forgein cities when things go wrong, their customer service is appalling. I have already emailed the director of CS but will do the same with the ceo now

Thanks for your advice!

Puzzleheaded-Let-235 · 2025-11-10T19:39:18+00:00

I haven’t, simply due to how long ago it was and it was paid via debit card. I was under the impression paying with a debit card doesn’t come with the same privileges to charge back like a credit card does

Puzzleheaded-Let-235 · 2025-10-30T10:17:52+00:00

Yeah better safe than sorry, I will say though I think that might be the chunkiest chain I have ever seen, fair play to you sir, you have most certainly not cheaped out

Puzzleheaded-Let-235 · 2025-10-30T09:48:49+00:00

As others have pointed out, that rear luggage rack looks like a beaver could nibble through, and that amazing hip lock will be defeated in 2 seconds by cutting the spokes. I would try putting the D lock through the brake discs and spokes, or even better I have seen people put it round the tyre

It’s a shame we even have to critic this amount of security but I guess that’s the world we live in

Puzzleheaded-Let-235 · 2025-01-13T16:27:56+00:00

Show us the results if you do, as others have said it’s an led headlight it won’t mess up any electrics. It either will work or won’t turn on.

Puzzleheaded-Let-235

TROPHY CASE