For many motorcycle travelers, a trip to other countries is the ultimate experience. There are numerous routes in Europe that exert an almost magical attraction on bikers. The Alpine region not only inspires with fantastic routes and curves. The Carpathians are home to what is probably the "most beautiful road in the world" (Top Gear motor magazine). However, before you set off, you should find out exactly what regulations currently apply in the respective country. We have put together some tips and information for you below.
Every motorcycle trip starts with thorough preparation. We recommend analyzing the route as precisely as possible. Is your motorcycle even suitable for the planned route?
The road conditions in many countries differ considerably from our roads. There can be serious differences in Eastern Europe in particular. Even if long-distance roads and freeways have improved in recent years, you can often expect adventurous conditions on secondary roads. A touring enduro that can easily master gravel roads or potholes is the ideal means of transportation here.
Many routes can also be mastered with sportier bikes without any problems. In the countries of Western or Southern Europe, you can usually look forward to better road conditions.
Also take care of your health insurance early on. Is it valid in the countries you want to travel to or is additional insurance required? Is your identity card sufficient or do you need a passport or perhaps even a visa? Are all the required documents valid long enough?
Every motorcyclist is familiar with the regulations on safety equipment in Germany. The situation is different abroad. Here they differ from country to country. However, many have the helmet requirement in common.
But beware, there are differences here too. If you want to travel by motorcycle in France, your helmet must comply with the French standard NF S72-205. Alternatively, helmets that comply with the European standard ECE regulation 22.04 / 22.05 are also permitted. Furthermore, the helmets must have reflective elements in the form of stickers or markings.
While gloves are not compulsory in Germany, they are mandatory equipment for motorcyclists in France. A corresponding CE marking is also mandatory here. Since 2016, you must also have a high-visibility vest on board.
In the following countries, you must even carry a warning triangle on your motorcycle:
With the exception of a few countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark and Sweden, most European countries charge tolls. Before starting your journey, find out on which stretches of road the tolls apply and how much they are. It is also important to know how they are paid. The fees are usually charged at the respective toll stations. In most cases, payment can be made in cash or by credit card.
If your journey takes you to Austria or the Czech Republic, you will need a vignette for your vehicle. In some cases, this can be purchased before you start your journey. Otherwise, you can buy one when you cross the border. If you try to avoid the toll, you could face severe penalties.
In some areas, disregarding traffic regulations or the prescribed speed limit can be costly. No matter how the locals drive, don't be tempted to break the rules. Be aware that in some countries you must also drive with lights on during the day.
Here you can find more information about traffic rules abroad.
Let's take another look at France. Novice drivers whose license is less than two years old are not allowed to drive faster than 110 km/h on the freeway. For everyone else, the speed limit is 130 km/h.
On dual carriageways, novice drivers are allowed to drive at 100 km/h instead of the usual 110 km/h. On country roads, they are not allowed to drive faster than 80 kilometers per hour. The speed limit for all other road users is 90 km/h.
An accident is a bad thing. This is especially true if it happens abroad. To be as well prepared as possible in this case, make sure you have adequate insurance cover for you and your motorcycle in advance. You can obtain the "international insurance card" or "green card" from your insurance company. This card lists all the countries in which the cover provided by your motor vehicle liability insurance applies.
If a country is not covered, you must take out appropriate insurance at the border at the latest. Before traveling, it is advisable to find out about the regulations of the country you are traveling to. A cover letter has also proven its worth for such trips.