There are many ways to travel around Europe and that's what makes each trip so great. For some it's the train, for others the car or the van. And then there are the two-wheeled enthusiasts: the motorcycle travellers! From Germany to Italy, through the south of France, Romania or even further north in England and Norway, there are many routes to choose from and motorcyclists are spoilt for choice to create an itinerary full of surprises. If a motorcycle road trip is an excellent opportunity to feel free and enjoy the environment around us, it is also a way to travel that requires to be well prepared and organized. Here are some valuable tips for a successful European motorcycle road trip.
Prepare your route well
Riding for hours through fields, stopping in a big city or in a small historical village, crossing mountain roads with breathtaking panoramas and riding along a sea coast under a radiant sun, these are all experiences that you can have during a road trip in Europe by motorbike. However, it is advisable to study your itinerary carefully before leaving. It is clear that if you plan to take the motorcycle code and then the motorcycle license to have the chance to live this intense trip, many elements must be considered before taking the road.
First of all, select the countries you wish to travel through during the road trip. It is possible to cross several countries only by road, but those who plan to go to England, Scotland or even Finland and Norway will also have to take the boat. And for this, it is necessary to be informed about the conditions of crossing. It is also advisable to find out about the state of the roads, the number of tolls, the presence of petrol stations and possible dangers in each country. To do this, don't hesitate to take a map and plan your route in advance, noting all the information you need to drive safely. Preparing your itinerary in advance is also the best way to define the budget you need for a peaceful stay.
Travel light and with the right equipment
Going on a road trip in Europe by motorbike, car or van is different. You can obviously take less stuff with you on a motorbike, and you have to make sure you only take the essentials. This does not mean being satisfied with little, as there are nowadays many top cases and side cases that are very practical and that allow you to take everything you may need for a road trip of several days, or even weeks! The important thing is to distribute the weight of the luggage well in order to ride comfortably.
The minimum for the driver is to be equipped with a jacket, gloves, boots and a helmet. It is also important to remember to pack waterproof clothing and light, ventilated motorcycle gear if you decide to travel to hot climates. It is important to know that motorcycle clothing is not only there to protect you from the cold or heat, it is also protective equipment in case of a fall. Of course, you should also take along the spare clothes you need, including your swimsuit! The important thing is not to overload yourself.
Finally, you should also know that there are many small and very practical accessories that facilitate the road trip in Europe by motorcycle, such as a support for the smartphone or GPS, a hydration bag, an intercom to communicate with other bikers or a cleaning product for the helmet when insects come to obstruct the view.
Do the necessary checks on the motorcycle
Checking the bike before you leave is a fundamental step. As soon as you are about to ride for hours and days on end, you need to make sure that your vehicle is in perfect working order. The basics are to check the tire pressure, the oil level, make sure the chain is tight and greased and clean the battery terminals. For those who don't have any particular mechanical skills, perhaps the European motorcycle road trip is also the perfect time to have a complete technical revision of the machine by a professional.
Once you are ready, all you have to do is to leave and ride while keeping your cool, especially when you are a beginner. Of course, you must respect the speed limits and stop as often as necessary to rest and regain your strength.
