First travel to europe.

[jimbo jones]

Warning! slightly longwinded

Hi all, this is my first post but it this looks like the best place to post it. I'm travelling to Europe at the end of this year and staying on for the majority of next year. This has been my goal for the last 9 months so I've been saving money etc in order to get over there. But lately I've been entertaining the idea of getting a bike when I'm over in france, and travelling on it to see as much as I can. A friend of mine had a van here in Australia when he visited it and it seemed invaluable as he was living here at the time. Many good times were had with the van and I think having my own mode of transport would be vital if I were to actually LIVE overseas. A bike seems like a perfect option.

I drive a lot here but that is because I have a great love for the cars I've grown up with. Starting learning in a 1988 pulsar and the car was the perfect teacher. There is more to cars than most people think and the attitude of this car was awesome. Just never said quit. The other car I drive is my dads old car, a 1995 honda civic which rips around corners with a bit of fun. I'm not really a car guy but I do love to drive. So my choice of a bike has a few underlying motives.

1. I think in a place like france, owning a bike would be a better option as opposed to if I owned one where I live.

2. I'm keen to have an experience with a good bike, and create lots of memories with it. Travel will be an integral part of my journey overseas and I think ripping off motorcycle diaries in my own way would be a terrific experience. (loved that movie saw it in the movies and bought it on DVD)

3. I'll be travelling on a budget and I would assume a bike would be cheaper and more cost effective on fuel.

So after that wall of text I have a question or two.

3 Important Facts
I have an Irish Passport
I don't have a bike license in Australia.
Am 21 years old

How hard is it/What hoops do I jump through to get a bike license in europe with these credentials?

How expensive would a bike be? I'd love old bike with a fierce spirit.

In your opinion, am I out of my depth. I have complete confidence in myself but am somewhat clueless.

thank you for answering these questions if someone does. It will be very much appreciated.