Riding in Europe

[Joe Rocket]

alan29. That is an Arc de Triomphe myth. It has 10 lanes and 12 exits, hence a lot more complicated to drive around but insurance companies have agreed to treat all accidents around the monument on a knock for knock basis. 

[StromGeeza]

Years ago, we visited friends in Paris during the summer when Parisiennes were en vacances elsewhere. We therefore had parking, so took the car. I was tempted to do a lap of Place Etoile (as it was still being called), but bottled out approaching on Ave Kleber as said car was a (new to me) Beemer that I was still precious about. Wish I'd done it now... 

[Oop North John]

Instead of the flat straight roads I'd head for the Ardennes and any road that goes along the Meuse / Mosel. Trier, near to Luxembourg and on the river is great if you like to see plenty of Roman history / drink white wine / German beer. Not far away is Verdun etc. The Alps while stunning are effectively another day away from the port

[Youngman]

Thumbs up for Verdun. Forts and Museum worth a sad visit.

[grumps]

Instead of the flat straight roads I'd head for the Ardennes and any road that goes along the Meuse / Mosel. Trier, near to Luxembourg and on the river is great if you like to see plenty of Roman history / drink white wine / German beer. Not far away is Verdun etc. The Alps while stunning are effectively another day away from the port

Totally agree. Fabulous area to visit.

[Joe Rocket]

Important! As has been mentioned there is some strange behaviour in France but not seen in the UK. Here are a couple more.

If you're in a stopped queue, like at traffic lights, the French stop on foot brake not hand brake as they aren't taught hill starts in their test. Beware the vehicle in front may roll back towards you when the lights change if you're on an incline!!!!

French learners are taught to use the outside of the roundabouts, not just for 1st or 2nd exits but maybe all the way round to the last exit so be careful when using 'English' lane techniques on French roundabouts. They continue this habit all through their driving life too!!!!

[Flanners]

Instead of the flat straight roads I'd head for the Ardennes and any road that goes along the Meuse / Mosel. Trier, near to Luxembourg and on the river is great if you like to see plenty of Roman history / drink white wine / German beer. Not far away is Verdun etc. The Alps while stunning are effectively another day away from the port

Did 6 days in and around the Ardennes in June, absolutely fantastic riding, off road/RUPPs, farm tracks, D roads etc some of the best riding I have ever experienced (TomTom 550), I am going back in August!! I don't actually tour/ride my bike in the UK anymore, just not worth the hassle and financial pain (rip off).

Used the Halifax Clarity CC for years but just got the Barclaycard Rewards one as they do not charge interest on cash withdrawal.

[mallywoods]

hi men just thinking what a fantastic thing to do travelling around Europe and into Spain on your v stroms , tell me did you do this on 650 or 1000cc ??

[Barbel Mick]

We've (wife & me) done a few 3/4k mile tours on our 650.
Portugal, Spain, Pyrenees, French Alps plus all over the UK. It's more than capable of big miles on Motorways, A roads or B roads. One of our members on here has been round the world 2 up on his 650!!   

[Chrisjames]

After months of planning (trying to haha) we are finally setting off today!! Haha thanks for all the help/advice blokes

[crump]

As well as the areas already mentioned, I'd give a big thumbs up for the Vosges and the Auvergne

[grumps]

Hello men just thinking what a fantastic thing to do travelling around Europe and into Spain on your v stroms , tell me did you do this on 650 or 1000cc ??

I have toured one-up on a 650. Quite capable. Even two- up should be OK. Very able machines are the Stroms, which is why I have bought my second one.

[Upt North]

Enjoy it Chris.
Upt'North.
 

[crump]

Mallywoods.....we just got back from 2 weeks touring Central France on our 650, no issues at all...2 up (and skinny we ain't) plus top box, panniers and tank bag.

[Flanners]

As well as the areas already mentioned, I'd give a big thumbs up for the Vosges and the Auvergne

Just got back from 8 superb days riding in the Voges, downloaded the 'Ride' routes in the Voges so rode about 200miles odd a day while I was there, just riding with a stop for the odd view and lunch/coffee and the Strutof Concentration Camp. Came through the Vosges on the way back from the Black Forest a few years back and said I would return the roads are sublime especially the Routes des Cretes; there was mininal traffic unlike the Alps. Will be going down to the Jura mountains next Summer. In the meantime maybe a trip over to the Ardennes and Northern France before the Winter sets in.

[Chrisjames]

Hi All, back after 9 days, 5 countries and 1,698 miles - what an great experience for a first tour abroad.
Can honestly say that my 2014 V-Strom 650 didn't miss a beat and was a dream to ride, I was riding 1 up with Suzuki back box and Kappa K Force aluminium panniers that were holding all my kit, and yet she was faultless. Thanks again for all the advice it's been a pleasure.

I'll get some pictures up soon

Is anyone out and about in south Wales over the bank holiday weekend? maybe up Brecon way?

[Rusty Nuts]

They'd better all be in West Wales, not South, that particular weekend.

[Chrisjames]

hi blokes, been out all over the place over bank hols and not had chance to get some pictures up.

however in the meantime, if any of you have instagram you can take a look at some on there as I set up one just for traveling, take a look and give me a like if you would like to.

My instagram is @My_AdventurePics

for those that don't have instagram I will get some uploaded asap

thanks