Planning your own European Motorcycle tour

Gary France has devised about 50 motorcycle tours in Europe, meticulously planning the best routes on fabulous roads for riding motorcycles. In this presentation talk, he discusses the things you need to consider when devising your own motorcycle tour for yourself or your friends, where you could go, how to find the best routes, how many miles you might expect to cover each day, where to stay, what to pack and how to prepare for such a tour.

[@Ontheroadtourism]

Plan ? I decided on the Tuesday to ride to Cyprus on my Vespa , left on the Thursday and found myself in Istanbul 12 days later. A bit of a break and then in Cyprus a week later. The Balkans are a must visit,the roads and scenery were fabulous..

[@Denmark_1974]

That is how its done!

[@CosmicSeeker69]

Love it! Similar: I was working for Lord Match at Goodwood revival. Been thinking about Europe and the 'ring for sometime. Woke up Sunday morning, booked the ferry, left Moonday afternoon and spent 12 days winging it

[@CosmicSeeker69]

It's all in the mind ✌️

[@erikmoxnes4600]

About Norway: there is a new ferry line going from northern Netherland to southern Norway over night. Besides; if you don't mind driving the Autobahn, you can get from Calais or even better Hook van Holland to Kiel with one overnight stay. The Color Line then takes you to Oslo in just one more night. And it is a fantastic ferry; really gives you a top luxury feeling! So f you wish to see the most beutiful country in Europe;) you can get there as fast as many of the other of Gary's favourite routes. Or even much faster than some of them!

[@cliffg4975]

Hi Just to let you know that. Portugal and the transponder, we never had one. We just went to the post office in Portugal fill a form in telling them where you have been how long you are going to be there. You get a text message to clarify all is well then you buy credit that comes off everytime you go through a toll. Hope this helps.

[@FREE_PUREBLOOD333]

Just subscribed after watching this video. Has to be one of the most informative and helpful video on this subject out there. Thankyou. I'm 61, been riding since 11yrs of age, on the road at 14..oops. been touring all over UK since 1980 and Europe since 1987. I've still picked up some tips from your video and that just shows every day's still a school day. Thankyou again. 🇬🇧👍

[@GaryFrance_Tour1]

You are very welcome, its a very long video, but it contains a lot of information. I liked what you said about starting riding at 14... oops. 🙂 I agree, every day is a school day.

[@lowersaxon]

We in Germany normally try to never exceed speedlimit by more than 15 km/h because if caught it will cost neither a fortune nor your license. Beware of Switzerland, the country with the most punishing treatment of exceeding speedlimit. Dangerous!!

[@GaryFrance_Tour1]

That explains why in Germany people stay at around the speed limit. Thanks!

[@sasapusica]

thank you for complinment for my motherland ..Croatia :)

[@CosmicSeeker69]

I am on my way - late August 🛵

[@taffy2wheels577]

Thank you . Fantastic info and advice

[@perhennung]

Excellent, thank you very much!

[@thegearbabe]

Thank you. So helpful!!! What a beautifully detailed video.

[@1superdisco]

Great video ! Heading out for my first European trip in May so I really appreciate all of the useful information.

[@pnwgreg300]

excellent photos and advice

[@peterpark2617]

Thank you for sharing a lot of valuable info! I've learned good things!

[@GaryFrance_Tour1]

I am glad it was helpful. :-)

[@jimgerace1746]

Very informative and helpful information 👍. Much appreciated, I will be coming back to this website many times as I plan my next trip. I will also look up your guide and book.

[@TheMilkybarkid69]

Great video, thank you for sharing, made a list on my phone for my trip in 2021.

[@GaryFrance_Tour1]

I am glad you liked it. :-)

[@ferdaaydin7405]

Very informative video,thanks🎉

[@Duikboot953]

What struck me was the "Verdun" Gorge route. Verdun is a place in Northern France famous for its role in WorldWar 1. The VERDON Gorge is a famous Gorge in Southern France. So I think you mean VERDON.

[@GaryFrance_Tour1]

Yes, you are absolutely right. Thank you. :-)

[@JaySalvoUK]

A huge thanks for this we are planning a trip next summer for a month and this has been invaluable 👍

[@GaryFrance_Tour1]

You are very welcome Jay. It's a bit long, but full of information!

[@philipTOMPSETT]

What a fantastic video. Thanks

[@GaryFrance_Tour1]

You are very welcome! I am glad you liked it.

[@stantoncree8830]

Good tips.👍 But, it's strange to hear you complain on the "Diamond" sign. I mean, you drive on the left side. 😆

[@directorstu]

Thanks for this. Useful info. No waffle or ego. Much appreciated 👍👍

[@GaryFrance_Tour1]

You are very welcome. 🙂

[@Tarabass]

Thanks for your great video. I'm a beginner tourer and learned a lot. I would like to point out that your knowledge about the traffic signs is incorrect though. The yellow square with the white border does mean that you are on a road where you don't have to give way to the right. It also means that you may not park along that road if you outside of town. The yellow square with the white border and the black line though says nothing about what's in front of you, it is only telling you that you are no longer on a road where you don't have to give way to the right. So it doesn't say that you have to give way to the right in the whole town. The red triangle with a cross means nothing more then "dangerous crossroad ahead", it says nothing about who has to give way to who. In this case you don't have to give way to the right, because the road from the right is unpaved. Without the cross, only a red triangle, but upside down means what you describe. Then you have to give way to the right. Although, with no traffic you don't have to stop, like with the stop sign.

[@neilcolley25]

good show

[@garycopson]

yep i use my route app,thanks for your video

[@GaryFrance_Tour1]

My Route App is now good mapping software. Glad you found the video useful.

[@gatojamc]

Que buen video! 👏

[@GaryFrance_Tour1]

Gracias, estoy contento de que lo hayas disfrutado.

[@cunningpunt]

The Ardennes was mental for me. Very, very little traffic, perfect tarmac, long open bends with visibility for miles. I was passing through on the way to Baden Baden but it was very fast and very fun. Thanks for the tips. My lad and I went to the swiss alps this summer Grimsel, Furka, Gottard etc, made it down to lake como (a bit shit tbh) over the Stelvio, the Timmesljoch haad a go round the 'ring on the way home. I'm in love with with the high passes. Also, it's pretty safe to put synth or semi synth oil into anything, just make sure it's moto oil (MA-2). Also 10W-40 is usual the euro zone.

[@GaryFrance_Tour1]

I agree with almost everything you have said, even Lake Como!

[@Tarabass]

My trip to the ardennes, with small tent, was a nightmare. Rain, rain, rain, wind and thunderstorms. I felt very, very small😢

[@CosmicSeeker69]

Comments like this are invaluable. Stelvio is still on- lake Como is now Off! Hoping to do a run down to Greece - maybe Armenia later this year. Possibly in an Alfa Romeo, possibly on THE best Adventure bike - 125 Innova/Wave

[@stephenalbert856]

Not a HD rider but thanks for this. Road signs a great help as have seen those signs and never known meaning and how lucky have I been. Also red border on Road Town name. Lots of great bits I have got from this so thank you very much.

[@GaryFrance_Tour1]

You are very welcome Stephan, I am glad it helped. Its a long video, but I thought it worthwhile because its got so much information in it.

[@stephenalbert856]

As I now live in Spain it is even more useful. I always wondered why they had the funny cross roads sign. Cheers mate big help.

[@rolandsmith2141]

Looks like I found an excellent information source 1st click ......after 20 yrs of beach holidays I've told the wife were not doing that anymore, (kids have grown up so I want to take the sort of holiday I've dreamed of) my wife's up for it so I'm determined to get this first one nailed or it will be 1st and last.... thanks.

[@GaryFrance_Tour1]

Glad you found it useful. 🙂

[@johnvaleriewelbers2995]

😎🏍💨💨💨💨💨👍🏻🇨🇦 thanks for all this great advice. Was planning to put my Harley on plane last year,but you know😳. Biggest problem for me would be insurance for bike over there. Hopefully maybe next year, this year not looking good🤨🥂from bc

[@GaryFrance_Tour1]

I would agree John, this year has too many uncertainties at present, so next year is looking better. :-)

[@douglaswilson5892]

Great video.. Very helpful and informative. Do you think I could ride a 250cc on some or any of these roads? Thanks Doug

[@GaryFrance_Tour1]

I would say you could on all of them, as the bike could definitely cope with the roads, so yes. It may not be the most comfortable bike to do it on, but the bike would be fine.

[@aps-pictures9335]

Lol nobody stealing a Harley, not a big fuss needing the VO5 as proof of ownership 😜 Absolutely gutted for you with that garage story, oof. Thanks for the info and learning!

[@rideoutslondon9422]

Hi. Really informative video thanks. Do you have any routes form uk to Pyrenees? We riding to Andora from uk and then ferry back from Santander

[@GaryFrance_Tour1]

I am glad you liked the video. Sorry but we don’t have a route like that. We use the ferry in both directions because the roads down the west side of France are not very interesting.

[@g.b.agricola7362]

In the Netherlands, right hand traffic has right of way, unless otherwise indicated, hence the orange diamond. At 37:20 you state that the triangle sign with a cross in essence means the same, but it's a sign indicating that the next crossing is a dangerous crossing. Might be because of buildings blocking a good view of the road, or trees or something.

[@GaryFrance_Tour1]

I agree that the cross sign is different, but you do have to give way to the right, so for most people, the sign results in the same action needed.

[@davidmatthews3093]

The orange diamond means you’re on a priority road and the X means it’s PaD. They are the opposite of each-other. The sign like a stumpy arrow with two short arms also show priority.

[@davidmatthews3093]

It’s not a crazy rule it’s just not one you use every day.

[@fuglbird]

@@davidmatthews3093 It's normal for most people. Only GB has some very odd rules.

[@Tarabass]

@@GaryFrance_Tour1 In the case from your photo you are wrong. You don't have to give way to the right because the road from the right is unpaved. It only tells you that the crossroad in front of you is dangerous/unclear. Nothing more. Imagine that if you are on a road with a orange/yellow diamond, the cross sign can occur just to tell you that people coming from the right may not see you that well..

[@davidmatthews3093]

If you are fined for speeding at 3kmh over the limit that’s 3kmh over the limit once the ‘allowance’ has been subtracted. The actual speed would have been at least 8kmh over the limit, that might be 38kmh in a 30 limit.

[@rraila9066]

Guys, when you travel in Europe, do you book your hotels or B&B's in advance or on the day? Thanks

[@GaryFrance_Tour1]

For our Tour1 group tours, we always book in advance. You can wing it if you are on your own, but if there are a few of you it's better to book in advance.

[@lowersaxon]

What is meant by „Filtering“ in Germany? A Filter is a Filter in German as well. What do you want to filter?

[@GaryFrance_Tour1]

Filtering is sometimes also called lane splitting. It is where a motorcycle passes between two lines of cars all travelling in the same direction.

[@erikmoxnes4600]

As Gary probably has stated; lane splitting or filtering is strictly forbidden in Germany, even in still standing ques ("Stau") Also forbidden to pass on both sides of the outer lanes, you have to wait till the traffic moves! Use a gps with realtime traffic warnings to avoid Stau, I once stood two hours in the tunnel under Hamburg! And riders have reported that if they do try to filter, cars with already bulky doors have opened them to make you crash when you pass. That goes on your insurance!

[@johnratcliffe2126]

✅👌🤘

[@GaryFrance_Tour1]

Cheers John.

[@davidmatthews3093]

Breathalysers are no longer required in France the law has been repealed.

[@GaryFrance_Tour1]

Yes, the law has changed since the video was made.

[@microadventures8671]

"Use your rear break when going round hairpins, it hunkers the bike down". Really? I was always taught the art of trail braking, applying a small amount of front break which increases the traction of the front wheel. Surely, applying rear will undermine this? Using rear break will encourage the bike to stand up.

[@GaryFrance_Tour1]

I always understood that trail braking using the front brake is generally done at higher speeds to compress the front forks and is primarily used for racing on a track. Try that on hairpins in the mountains and it is likely to end in a world of grief. No, at slower speeds on tight hairpins, using the rear brake in the bend itself is much better. At least it is for me and I have tried both many times. But hey, each to their own.

[@davidmatthews3093]

Helmet stickers in France… Your information is wrong. Riders with French registered bikes do have to have helmet stickers visitors from countries where they are not law do not.

[@Merc-Rover]

You lost me at Harley Davidson

[@CosmicSeeker69]

Ohh, I wanted to say that!!!

[@boxfullofneutral8514]

the thing I have learned from this webinar is that there are alot of stupid riders around.

[@booshallmighty]

Death by slide show. Skipped a few times but its basically like work. A guy talking one tone with lots of slides. Where is the fun at? Biking is meant to be fun. I don't want the fun rung out of the trip and replaced with meticulous planning. Well done though

[@humanedane]

Hello, I am an American looking to tour from Italy to france and Back on a motorcycle that I'm planning to purchase in Italy..... I'll be in Europe for about a month , part time in France part time in Italy. I do not have a residence in Italy or France , so how can i do this? It says I need green card insurance and an International drivers Permit... what else? and what other obstacles might i encounter? Thank you

[@thewoodster8607]

You can stay in the EU for up to 90 days without a Schengen visa. You will likely need to show evidence of your trip e.g. accommodation and motorcycle hire booking when you arrive in Italy. You should also get medical and travel insurance. Have a great time.