Newbie needs advice

[ranarider]

Hey Guys,

First time posting here, just signed up. I live in Australia and I am heading over to Europe in January 2015 for a semester abroad. I will be based in Netherlands but I'm looking to travel everywhere and anywhere I can go! I've got until the end of July to do as much as I can.

Ideally, I would love to do this on two wheels, I have done a bit of mototouring here in Australia. Nothing crazy, just strapping a tent to the back and going for a 3-4 day ride. I'm imagining something like buying a bike when I get there, use it for the duration of my exchange and then sell it on at the end.

What bikes would you recommend and what sites in addition to HUBB could I start trawling? Being on a student budget, I'd prefer a bike that was on the cheaper side, ~1500 euros if that's not being too ambitious :confused1:

Also, i'd appreciate some info on insurance. I'm 22 years old and I have an unrestricted Australian licence which I believe is internationally valid. I'm foreseeing insurance to be crazy expensive due to my age so perhaps I could get just third party insurance (or the equivalent of that in Europe).

Thanks in advance!

Mihir

[timpel]

Check this site out

≥ Marktplaats - De plek om nieuwe en tweedehands spullen te kopen en verkopen

it's the dutch equivalent of Gumtree.



For green card insurance you can try and send KNMV a email, otherwise Knopf tours in Germany can arrange this for you.

https://www.knmv.nl

Where in Holland will you be based?

Groetjes,
Tim

[ranarider]

Hi Tim,

Thanks for the links, I will check them out.

I will be based in Tilburg, near the Belgian border.

Cheers,

Mihir

[pecha72]

Check out this thread on another site:
Buying and storing a motorcycle in Europe - ADVrider

I´ve done a fair bit of touring around Europe in the past, but it´s just too big of a subject, don´t know where to start! Do you have any idea about where you would like to head to on a bike??

BTW, it will vary from year to year but January (and probably February and March as well) will be quite cold in most parts of Europe, especially the North.

[ranarider]

Originally Posted by pecha72

Do you have any idea about where you would like to head to on a bike??

BTW, it will vary from year to year but January (and probably February and March as well) will be quite cold in most parts of Europe, especially the North.

I've got a few destinations in mind that I know I would love, mainly, would like to head down to Italy and take a crack at Stelvio Pass. South of France would be on the list as well as Germany and Switzerland. Again these are just ideas that I've had, yet to do any research into the destinations. Still trying to see if I can afford having a bike while I'm there. If I do end up getting a bike though I'm definitely making a trip to the Isle of Man.

[timpel]

Originally Posted by ranarider

Hi Tim,

Thanks for the links, I will check them out.

I will be based in Tilburg, near the Belgian border.

Cheers,

Mihir

When I return from my trip I will live in Breda, pretty close. I you like please stay in touch!

[backofbeyond]

Originally Posted by ranarider

I've got a few destinations in mind that I know I would love, mainly, would like to head down to Italy and take a crack at Stelvio Pass. South of France would be on the list as well as Germany and Switzerland.

For the next six months you might be better off with a snowmobile or a set of skis than a bike if you're heading for the Stelvio. Have a look at this site -

AlpineRoads: Pass Conditions

and it'll give you some idea of what roads are open in the south of Germany / Switzerland


South of France though, that's a much better idea - after Easter when it starts to warm up and before the crowds arrive in the main part of summer.

I can't really help much with suggesting which bike to buy but if you're coming from an Aussie summer, winter in The Netherlands might convince you to take your time over looking.

[timpel]

I would be a good idea to buy your bike in the winter, since prices drop during that season, and then you can take some time to do some maintenance or whatever before the spring starts.

[Selous]

I have freinds there & was over in Nethrerlands last year, as he works for the gov we got to go to places where the roads are sut at certain times of the year.
I pers would sugest south of France, as a lot warmer compaired to other parts of EU, there is a new page on here (HU) under weather go have a look will give you an idea then can plan route accordingly.
would suggest the Michelin maps for europe

[Toyark]

Originally Posted by backofbeyond

Have a look at this site -
AlpineRoads: Pass Conditions

This site has been U/S for quite awhile
"Due to technical problems I have had to close the pass status service below. I will get it back as soon as possible. [Tim 22.06.2011] "

http://www.myswissalps.com/car/trafficinfo
http://www.alpentourer.com/alpine_weather/
http://www.motorbikeeurope.com/en/routes/passes
http://www.tcs.ch/fr/auto-mobilite/i...n-actuelle.php

Useful apps for Android:
Swiss Traffic Road free
LiveSwis Alpine Passes Status (£2.03)
Michelin Navigation and Traffic free
Swiss Snow free
Rei Snow report free
and others

[ranarider]

Thanks for the tips everyone! Sorry for the late replies, I've had no internet access for almost a month, it's been a peaceful hell

Settled in Southern Holland now so starting to do some research on what bike to get and where to go.