Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Planning, Trip > Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road
Turning my Harley EU Friendly Turning my Harley EU Friendly
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Travellers' Advisories, Safety and Security on the Road Recent News, political or military events, which may affect trip plans or routes. Personal and vehicle security, tips and questions.
Photo by Stefan Thiel of Mark Hammond crossing a river in NW Mongolia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Stefan Thiel, of
Mark Hammond crossing
a river in NW Mongolia



Like Tree3Likes
  • 1 Post By mark manley
  • 1 Post By Tourider
  • 1 Post By reallybigtruck

Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 15 Feb 2017
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: New York
Posts: 2
Turning my Harley EU Friendly
Hello there,

I'm planning a tour ride across a few European countries with the purpose of tracing some of my heritage and family background. The preliminary route goes through the following countries: Spain, Andorra, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Denmark, and Sweden.

That said, I'm looking to ship my bike from NYC. It's a Harley Davidson FXDB Dyna Street Bob. This lady has a gnarly sound from her Vance & Hines Big Shots staggered pipes. And I've been told I need to make it comply to the European noise standards.

I've also read that some type of lights are not allowed.

I'm looking for some help here to see what are all the issues I should consider in order to ride there. Including the pipes and any other item I may need to change, adjust, etc.

I'd really appreciate any information, product suggestions, or pointers to what I need to do to make my bike ride legal in Europe.

Cheers!
Lobo
__________________
MOTORWOLF
Ridden: 13 Countries - All 50 US States - 10/13 Canadian Provinces.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Feb 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Wessex, UK
Posts: 2,136
The general rule is that it has to be legal in country of origin but that will not stop a German or other European police officer stopping you riding your loud Harley there.
I would suggest fitting a standard, quiet Harley exhaust to avoid hassle with police in most of these countries. Daytime headlights are compulsory in nearly all European countries but all you have to do is keep them on, in theory you should mask the right dipping light in the UK and Ireland but I doubt anyone will notice and you could stick kph speeds on the speedo lens.
Other might be along with more requirements particularly relating to enviromental certificates for older bikes, usually registered before 2000.
Last edited by mark manley; 15 Feb 2017 at 22:22. Reason: More info
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 Feb 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Walsall, UK
Posts: 251
I've owned Harleys for 20 years and most after-market products find their way from the USA onto European bikes with no issues even though the legality of them may be slightly dubious.
Exhausts - The approved stage one exhaust from most dealers is V&H, too loud for my liking (I'm using S&S on my Glide, a more refined noise) technically illegal but I've never met anyone who's been done for them by the law.
Headlights - Newer H-D lights have a flat pattern beam which is OK throughout Europe. Older headlights have a left or right bias dependent on which side of the road is used in that country, you can buy a stick-on cover to flatten the beam but if you're not intending to ride at night then don't bother.
Running Lights - Dual purpose indicator/running lights are technically illegal but the law would have to be having a really slow day for them to be interested.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 16 Feb 2017
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 135
Some European countries can be a pain when it comes to loud pipes and will pull you over for it. (Not in the Netherlands where the police will ask you to rev it for show) So it would be smart to fit legal pipes.

Lights are mostly not an issue; as long as the bike is legal in the country in which it is registered. Many bikes in Europe run 'alternative' lighting.

Currently running a Wide Glide with open Rhinehearts and definitely suspicious lighting. Never been stopped.
__________________
Our website: tenhoope.net
Not all those who wander are lost. Usually, however, I am...
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
TRANSAFRICA: "Milan - Cape Town" on a Harley: Mission accomplished bomboliere Route Planning 13 2 Nov 2019 20:23
Bike friendly Guesthouse Kolomyya - ukraine Blommetje Sleep and Eat, Europe 2 24 Jul 2015 11:17
Pakistan, bikers friendly accomodation martheijnens Sleep and Eat, West - South Asia 0 13 Sep 2013 15:54
Turning a DRZ400E into a DRZ400S joasphoto Suzuki Tech 4 15 Mar 2013 00:07

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

  • California: April 18-21
  • Virginia: April 25-28
  • Germany Summer: May 9-12
  • Québec: May 17-19
  • Bulgaria Mini: July 5-7
  • CanWest: July 11-14
  • Switzerland: August 15-18
  • Ecuador: August 23-25
  • Romania: August 30-Sept 1
  • Austria: September 12-15
  • France: September 20-22 SOLD OUT!
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 31-Nov 3

2025:

  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025!
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • France: September 19-21 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 08:03.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top