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  #1  
Old 5 Jun 2012
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Location: Perth West Australia
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just go ... you can buy any spares on the road
Quote:
Originally Posted by jak750 View Post
hi all!
Im aware that this question will have already been posted but after trawling through threads i can't seem to find any answers.
Im finally going to get out there and do a small trip to Germany to attend an engagement party.
Id like to know what i need to get for the bike or do to the bike? Do i need extra bulbs etc and I've heard about adjusting headlights? Im a UK rider if that helps.

Thanks in advance guys
Germany is not far away from UK and you can get to other side in a day. If you're so inclined. I didnt do anything with my lights or anything else for that matter and I get across there every year when Im back in UK.

I'd just go - Easy.
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  #2  
Old 5 Jun 2012
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Jak,

I am in Denmark and ride in Germany on a regular basis.

I am not sure what the legal requirements are but the sensible requirements as far as I am concerned are taking a spare set of bulbs on all long journeys.

Take a vis vest for both rider and passenger. There is no legal requirement to wear one but I am pretty sure you have to have them with the bike. There is no way I would like to be anywhere near the autobahn if i broke down. But if I have to be there I would want a vis vest on. Vis vests appear to be a lot more common on mainland europe than they do in the UK.

You don`t say how you are getting to Germany. In France there is a new ruling where you must carry an alcho test kit. The new ruling is either in or it is on its way.

If you are going to Northern Germany have a look at Regina Ferries. It is a new ferry company which is supposed to start running in the summer from Harwich to Esjberg in Denmark. It is hugely cheaper than DFDS. Rider and bike about £100 return.
The Regina Ferry website is only in Danish at the moment but they are going to release an English site shortly.

Steve
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  #3  
Old 5 Jun 2012
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Location: Leicestershire/Warwickshire border.
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Jak,

Same as everyone has said here. If taking a small spare bulb and first aid kit makes you feel happier, then do it.
Its Europe and you can get most spares as quick if not quicker (and cheaper) than in UK.
Enjoying the journey is the main thing.

Craig.
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  #4  
Old 5 Jun 2012
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These days, with the £ / € exchange rate, it will definitely be cheaper!
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  #5  
Old 6 Jun 2012
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I would definately stick a bit of tape on your headlight. Even if you only ride during the day you will risk dazzling people in tunnels. It takes 30 seconds with a bit of sparkies tape.

Other than that you might want to think about whether your bike needs an oil change before all those miles, check your tyre pressures are right for a loaded bike and that your chain tension is correct. Check you have european breakdown cover and go.

The above is a belt and braces approach and you may not wish to bother but all of the above should take you no longer than an hour or two, even if you do need to adjust your chain tension and do an oil change.

Germany is great. Nothing like a schnitzel and a pint of german ...

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*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!
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  #6  
Old 6 Jun 2012
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Thanks for the input guys Im getting the ferry from Hull to Rotterdam then heading on to Jena!
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  #7  
Old 6 Jun 2012
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Location: Germany (near Hamburg)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by steveindenmark View Post
Jak,

I am in Denmark and ride in Germany on a regular basis.

If you are going to Northern Germany have a look at Regina Ferries. It is a new ferry company which is supposed to start running in the summer from Harwich to Esjberg in Denmark. It is hugely cheaper than DFDS. Rider and bike about £100 return.
The Regina Ferry website is only in Danish at the moment but they are going to release an English site shortly.

Steve
Thanks for that info on ferries. That may be of interest to me travelling from Germany to Scotland. Wonder how long before DFDS throw a spanner in the works to stop that new ferry company offering prices like that! Looks like these may be special start up offers, which had to be booked in April 2012. A phone call is in order methinks.

DFDS are good, but their prices are pretty high, most of the charges seem to be the cabin booking and meals.

Grey Beard
Last edited by Grey Beard; 7 Jun 2012 at 00:10.
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  #8  
Old 7 Jun 2012
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I would take clutch and throttle cables. Because they are probably specific to your bike. Fit the new ones before you leave and carry the old ones as spares.
I do an annual service at the beginning of the riding season and that is usually enough for my trips.
If your bike has a rear chain you might want to make sure it has plenty of life left in it.
I carry a spare, but it only takes a couple of minutes to change on my bike. Most modern bikes take longer and use the much better x or o ring chains.
Also take a look at your tyres, not only tread depth but check for sidewall damage.

Germany is a good place to ride, the roadside hotels are often not overly priced and food is better value than UK. I usually as for whatever is a local speciality.

make sue you have all your paper work handy in a waterproof bag including credit cards and you will be fine. Generally though I pay cash for everything and use cash machines.

enjoy your trip.
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