Motorcycle Touring: Our Guide To Riding Abroad

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It’s a European summer! If you’re planning on a motorbike tour across Europe or further afield, there are a few essential touring tips to keep in mind before you set off biking abroad. In this blog post, we’ll explore key touring tips you need to consider before embarking on your holiday adventure.

Abroad Motorbike Touring Essentials

When it comes to motorcycle touring, there are several abroad motorbike touring essentials you need to bring with you. These include your V5c document, insurance certification, passport, GB sticker, and EHIC card.

How To Prepare For A Motorbike Tour

You should prepare for your motorbike tour just like you would prepare for any road trip. This is especially true if it’s one of your first motorcycle tours for beginners for added peace of mind. Checks you should carry out include:

  • Oil
  • Fluid levels
  • Tyre pressure
  • Tread depth
  • Battery
  • Brakes
  • Chain

Equipment To Bring

Once you have completed the above checks, it’s important to consider the equipment you’ll need to bring on your motorbike tour. It’s recommended to bring a breathalyser kit, high-visibility jacket, spare bulbs, and extra helmets with you when biking abroad.

Motorcycle Riding Abroad Insurance

When it comes to motorcycle touring, it’s important to make sure your motorcycle insurance covers international travel. At Motorcycle Insurance, we offer a wide range of insurance options suitable for biking abroad, ensuring you’re fully protected. Simply enter your details on our website to get a quick quote for temporary bike insurance, multi bike insurance or other types of insurance today!

Tips For Motorbike Touring In The EU

Are touring motorcycles good for beginners? Whilst motorcycle touring in the EU differs from the UK and other countries, embarking on a motorbike tour abroad can be an exciting way to explore new places and enjoy the travel element. Of course, there are several rules to keep in mind when motorcycle touring which we’ve outlined below.

Rules For Riding In France

 

Category Details
Maximum Speeds
  • Motorways: 130 km/h (110 km/h in wet conditions)
  • Expressways: 110 km/h (100 km/h in wet conditions)
  • Non-urban roads: 80-90 km/h
  • Urban Roads: 30-50 km/h
Additional Rules
  • Filtering through traffic jams is prohibited
  • Towing a trailer is allowed
  • The alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l
  • Passengers under 5 years old must use an approved seat with footrests and handles
  • Your headlight must be on during the day
  • You are required to always carry a safety jacket
  • Both riders and passengers must wear CE-certified gloves and helmets
  • Reflective stickers must be applied to your helmet
  • Motorcycles in low emission zones must display a Crit Air sticker

Rules For Riding In Spain

 

Category Details
Maximum Speeds
  • Motorways: 120 km/h
  • Expressways: 100 km/h
  • Non-urban roads: 90 km/h
  • Urban Roads: 50 km/h
Additional Rules
  • Filtering through traffic jams is allowed
  • Your headlight must be on during the day
  • You are required to always carry a safety jacket
  • Towing a trailer is only permitted during the daytime
  • The alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l
  • Radar detectors are now illegal in Spain
  • Passengers must be at least 12 years old or 7 years old if travelling with parents and are required to wear an approved helmet

Rules For Riding In Italy

 

Category Details
Maximum Speeds
  • Motorways: 130 km/h (in wet conditions)
  • Non-urban roads: 90 km/h
  • Urban Roads: 50 km/h
Additional Rules
  • Filtering through traffic jams is allowed
  • Towing a trailer is only permitted
  • The alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l
  • Your headlight must be on during the day
  • Only children aged 5 and older are permitted to ride as a passenger

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I Need A Different Licence For Motorbike Riding Abroad?

Whilst some European countries allow you to ride abroad with a UK driving license, you may require an additional international driving permit if you plan to travel outside of the EU. It’s also important to ensure that your motorcycle insurance is valid whilst you’re abroad.

Can I Ride In Europe On A CBT Licence?

Unfortunately, a CBT or Compulsory Basic Training assessment is no longer sufficient for motorcycle touring abroad. Now, all motorcyclists require a full motorcycle licence such as an A1 motorcycle licence, A2 motorcycle licence, or A motorcycle licence to legally ride in Europe.

What Do I Need To Do To Ride My Motorcycle Abroad?

Motorcycle tours for beginners can be complicated but once you understand the essentials to ride your motorcycle abroad, you can really get into your motorbike touring adventure! Be sure to keep our touring tips in mind for a safe and exciting experience.