I didn't realise the 'carry a vest' rule applied to bikes as well as cars. Makes sense, though, and no hardship to carry a couple.

Supplementary question - how important is it to carry the V5? I have always done this in the past and never needed it. However, I seem to have lost the V5 for this bike. I have time to get a duplicate (25GBP)before I go - is it really essential, or just a 'nice to have'?

__________________
2006 XT660R daily ride, 1994 XT600E about to be reborn, Blog: http://goingfastgettingnowhere.blogspot.com/

I have not been asked for the V5c while travelling on the continent, but I suggest it would happen if you are involved in an accident or are stopped by the police for any other reason.

All the blue ones are being swopped for a new red one, at no charge to us, so if you lost a blue one then just wait for the new red version to arrive in the mail.

__________________
Dave

I would get one. I've had to show it twice in 20 years. Police check points in both cases, one looking for an escaped prisoner (which included a CRS machine gun nest set up at the roadside!) the other for no obvious reason I could detect. The plod was bored, so looking for anything that wasn't just a local ID card. Passport, license, V5, insurance and away in 10 minutes. The old UK driving license with no photo didn't impress.

Get done for speeding or pulled for a blown lamp without a full set of documents and they'll go to town.

Andy

OK, convinced!

I can't help having a paper licence (being an old git) and I am certainly not giving that up just for the convenience of a few forrin coppers. But I will get a new V5. I need it for June, so I can't wait for a new one to magically turn up.

As with umbrellas, carrying one means you probably won't need it

Thanks for your thoughts.

__________________
2006 XT660R daily ride, 1994 XT600E about to be reborn, Blog: http://goingfastgettingnowhere.blogspot.com/

personally i'd carry one....
only once been stopped here and my papers were in my campervan 20 miles away! he was'nt happy but let me go.

Don't think there is any of this nonsense about Hi-Viz being compulsory in Germany, but it may be sensible to carry a Hi-Viz waistcoat for each of you, in case you breakdown.

Likewise, set of spare bulbs would not be mandatory in Germany for a bike (I think) but I would carry a set on a longer trip, to save being pulled by plod and any further complications. You should be able to buy new bulbs at supermarkets, garages, etc. but if you get stopped by plod, they may stop you continuing your journey until you fix the problem.

Non 'E' Certified mods like Xenon Gas Discharge lamps are illegal in Germany and plod do stop and fine offenders.

I would consider some form of Breakdown Recovery Insurance for accidents, etc. Perhaps AA, etc. if your travel insurance/UK insurance doesn't cover this.

A Green Card I think is free and valid for 5 years and proves you have insurance.

Yes, carry the relevant documents V5, Driving Licence, Insurance. MOT is probably optional as I am not required to carry the MOT/TÜV document - all computerised I guess, plus in Germany, you get a sticker for the number plate to indicate you are in date with TÜV and Emissions Test.

Germany is a bit behind the times and Credit Cards are not so widely accepted in Germany, but EC Cards are OK.

Grey Beard

Now ordered. I can't believe how simple that was - a 2 minute phone call to DVLA and a payment of £25. Should be with me in 3-5 working days, in good time for departure.

That'll teach me to lose things

Thanks to everyone for the input.

__________________
2006 XT660R daily ride, 1994 XT600E about to be reborn, Blog: http://goingfastgettingnowhere.blogspot.com/

Thanks Grey beard - our posts crossed.

Good info for Germany, thanks - it looks as though the trip will be more Deutsch than Francais in the end. I will carry the hi-viz tabards anyway, very little room/weight and could be useful in a breakdown.

Breakdown insurance? Hmmm. I am in the RAC and can get insurance from them for about £50 for the trip, but it only covers actual breakdowns and not recovery after accidents, damage caused by theft/vandalism etc. That seems a lot of money for a lmited service. I'll check out my own insurers, otherwise I think I will take the chance.

__________________
2006 XT660R daily ride, 1994 XT600E about to be reborn, Blog: http://goingfastgettingnowhere.blogspot.com/