Ferry crossings
Taking a motorcycle on board a ferry is often very reasonable, many ferry operators, charge any pillion as a foot passenger, and a separate fee for bike and rider. It's worth having a soft cloth handy to cover certain parts of your motorcycle. The loaders will likely provide foam to place underneath securing ropes, but they will not treat your machine with quiet as much respect as you - Tank bra's come in useful here, and keep a good eye on where they are positioning the securing ropes if you think they are attaching it to a part of the bike that will not withstand it do let them know. Remember the loaders need to get all vehicles on the ferry as quickly as possible - that said they wont deliberately set out to mark your motorbike!
Accident & Breakdown cover
You probably have Breakdown cover for your usual travel in the UK, Please make sure that you are covered for travelling abroad - and be sure that should your bike breakdown that you will be given accommodation or alternative mode of transport, and that your bike can be shipping back to your home in the UK for no extra charge. Be sure to check with your insurance company if there are any additional premiums required for taking your bike overseas, and if the excess changes if you should be unlucky enough to face an accident.
Passports
Totally obvious, but don't forget your passport. Passport forms are available from your local post office. Check the expiry date on your passport before you start planning.
Driving Licence & Insurance Documents
Take this and your insurance and registration documents with you and keep with your passport. Make sure your insurance does not expire whilst abroad.
Luggage
Travelling light doesn't mean not taking suitable clothing. You may be in your leathers for the most part, but it's still nice to go out on an evening! Make a short list of the places you will be visiting, and then make a list of suitable clothing to take. Tank Bags, Rucksacks, Saddle Bags or Panniers are about the breadth of choice available, if you plan on bringing gifts back, remember you will need somewhere to put them! When it comes to riding fully loaded - Remember a loaded bike does not handle like a unloaded bike - so if you have a full set of luggage AND a pillion the bike will be a lot heavier to handle. So when you are loaded up, don't ride like you would unloaded - don't take risks that would ruin your holiday before you have even began. There's plenty of time for your normal style of riding when you have unloaded and arrived !
Riding in Europe
Remember in Europe many countries have different road traffic laws. They certainly don't work in mph - they will work in Kilometres, and they drive on the right. This will take a little bit of getting used to!
1 mile = 1.609344 kilometers
So be sure to check out the speed limits for each country.
GB sticker's
Must be displayed on your motorcycle. Failure to comply with this regulation could result in an on-the-spot fine.
Headlights
It is a requirement to adjust your headlights if you're driving on the Continent so that the dipped beam doesn't dazzle oncoming drivers. Remember to remove the converters as soon as you return to the UK.
First Aid Kit
Whilst not compulsory in most European countries it is recommended you take a small first aid kit - you can buy these to fit under your seat or tuck away in a small pocket of your luggage
Towing your bikes
If you are heading off in the car and towing your motorcycle on trailers, please be sure that you adjust both your car and bike to the requirements of the countries that you are riding through and in.
If I have missed anything please pm me and I will add on
