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23 Nov 2010
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OK, thanks....
Quandry and hmadams.....thanks for the reassurance. The trip is no. one on my bucket list (I'm 68)...figure I've got to get going if I'm going to do it. Any particular thoughts on pulling a trailer and camping out a bit?
Regards,
Herbert
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23 Nov 2010
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Herbert
Again, if you can pull a trailer in the US then Europe is no probs. Would be rather expensive (I would think) to get a Gold Wing and a trailer to Europe(?)
When I was last in Europe I was unfortunately on 4 wheels but was blown away with the number of bikes that would pass me on extremely!! good "back roads" making me so envyous.
My wife is Dutch and I know that in the Netherlands they have a thing called mini camping. I'm sure other counrtries would do the same but its where you camp in some farmers paddock and use there barn wash room as ammenities etc. very cheap, very nice. We did a bit of that in the Netherlands and stayed in F1 motels in France, Spain, Belgium etc. Google them, they're cheap but not nasty.
Hope some of this is of help.
Cheers
Marty (Quandary)
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24 Nov 2010
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Thanks again for quick reply. I am thinking of flying the Wing and trailer from Newfoundland to Scotland or Ireland. I project being in Europe for six months to one year and think I must spend a lot of time in campgrounds to make the budget work.
Regards,
Herbert
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24 Nov 2010
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Hi T3hrideye: I am in a similar situation (age 65). My wife and I went to South America (2009-2010). We are shipping our bike (GS 1150) with Stephan from Knopf out of Germany, in March from Florida. We start our European excursion in June 2011. During my planning process, I came across a number of Europeans, usually British, riding 1800s through Europe. One of them was pulling a trailer. In addition to Horizons Unlimited, I came across a British site, UKGSer.com, which has been helpful in the accommodations area. Also, there is an excellent book, just published, called Motorcycle Journeys through Western Europe by Toby Ballentine. It can be purchased through Amazon.com. He details great secondary road rides that emphasizes camping sites, the medieval period, and military history. Are you going 2 up and when do you anticipate leaving? PM me.
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24 Nov 2010
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I don't want to put you off, so please take the following only as some tips and suggestions:
I'd reconsider about landing in the UK (Ireland might be better, but very few big bikes there). You are going to need insurance on top of the import paperwork. In the UK, HM Customs and excise are very (stupidly) strict about such things and UK insurance companies are rip off merchants and idiots who won't insure you without a permanant UK address.
I'd aim for Germany first, they are much more efficient and flexible in such matters and there will be no real language barrier in any of the major cities. Once you are on the Autobahn you are free to go anywhere you like in the EU, including the UK.
If you do come to the UK first, get your insurance sorted before you land. If your US company will issue a green card that's the way to go.
The trailer BTW might cause you hassle in Spain and Italy. The locals aren't allowed to tow with anything smaller than a car. Telling Franco trained goons they can **** off as EU law supercedes Spanish law isn't fun.
Andy
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24 Nov 2010
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Why on earth would you need a trailer if you are travelling solo on a Goldwing!
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24 Nov 2010
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Riding a Goldwing in Europe is no problem at all. I used to own a GoldWing for a long time and realy like to ride around Europe on the GoldWing.
Look for some trip reports that may be usefull for you on my website www.xs4all.nl/~jkrijt/
For information about my area (in the Netherlands) look on the HU Communitypage I made on Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Community, Region Bergen op Zoom, Netherlands
__________________
Jan Krijtenburg
My bikes are a Honda GoldWing GL1200 and a Harley-Davidson FXD Dyna Super Glide
My personal homepage with trip reports: https://www.krijtenburg.nl/
YouTube channel (that I do together with one of my sons): motormobilist.nl
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24 Nov 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Threewheelbonnie
(Ireland might be better, but very few big bikes there)
Andy
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What?
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24 Nov 2010
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WOW.....lot's of posts....can't answer all, but most appreciate the kind comments and advice. Yeah, maybe bringing a trailer is not a good idea...that's the kind of thing I wanted to learn from all you experienced guys. Do other's agree that it's best to begin my journey in Germany?
Regards to all for your comments.
Herbert
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24 Nov 2010
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As a new member, am not allowed to PM until I have made at least five-posts. I will probably be going alone as my wife (great passenger that she is) will stay with the cats. I hope to start next summer. I will get the book. Regards,
Herbert
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25 Nov 2010
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Hi T3hrideye: I have PM'd you.
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14 Jan 2011
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Hi T3hrideye:
Like yourself I have set myself the goal of touring Europe this summer on my Goldwing and like you have found the HUBB and hope to learn more on how to efficiently get my bike to Europe. Reading some of the posts, I have some concerns about the insurance as a number of times it has been pointed out that there is a engine size restriction to obtaining a Green Card. Does this present a real obstacle to obtaining insurance for a 1800 Goldwing?
Thanks for any advice on this...much appreciated,
David
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27 Nov 2010
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Judgejoe......
just re-reading your posts again......am envious of your travels........tell me briefly about your trip to South America for this is another of my dream trips. You are from Colorado...i used to live in Denver; love the mountains. This past summer, I went back...tried to do the Iron Butt 1,500 in 24-hours (from Washington, D.C. to Limon, CO) but ran into traffic jams, fog and rain and completed the run in less than 36-hours. Coming back, I figured, "Hey, I can do this!" So........on the return, I got from Denver to St. Louis in 12-hours and 869- miles and had lost only 15-minutes of my 45-minute window when s c r e e c h, it all came to a halt when a semi overturned on the interstate in St. Louis and i had to abandon the effort. I lost 1 1/2 hours in the traffic jam. Oh well....I did have a chance to ride up to the peak of Mt. Evans, 14,000 feet high as you know. Good luck on your travels and if you have time, tell me your route through South America. I am receptive to your good advice.
Regards,
herbert
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24 Nov 2010
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Quote:
Originally Posted by T3hirdeye
Quandry and hmadams.....thanks for the reassurance. The trip is no. one on my bucket list (I'm 68)...figure I've got to get going if I'm going to do it. Any particular thoughts on pulling a trailer and camping out a bit?
Regards,
Herbert
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This September I did a mini tour of Europe just me on my Enfield. A mix of camping and using hotels. It should not be a problem on a goldwing, or anything else. just make a point of riding well within yours and the bikes capabilities. I am 66.
I would like to visit Stalingrad and Kursk next year but it is a little daunting for me and may not happen.
If possible I would avoid the trailer , simply because you will find Europe not to be as spacious as the USA.
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