France July 2007

[Larry]

Hi, I'm planning to go from my house in Dorset to Newhaven, then across the channel to Dieppe. I'll then be riding down to La Rochelle for 10 days.

There'll be 2 of us on the bike, so not so much room for luggage, but I was looking for some tips on essentials as well as any gems of wisdom relating to riding in France as I haven't been on European roads before. I've already had a look through and seen that an extra pair on gloves is popular though!

Also on a more general note, having never done so many miles in one go on the SV, how well do they tend to cope, overheating/general reliability being the main worries.

Thanks.

[Jelster]

In general SV's tend to be fine when touring. They're a little under powered 2 up with luggage but other than that I've never known of problems (especially like over heating etc).

Real basic stuff to remember about riding in France though:

1) Speeding fines - They police can (and will) issue on the spot fines. They'll even escort you to an ATM for cash if necessary.

2) Petrol stations on rural roads are scarce at the best of time, most petrol stations are closed on Sundays. The automatic ones at the supermarkets only take French credit cards too. So make sure you have a full tank last thing Saturday ready for the morning, and visit a town to find gas on a Sunday afternoon.

3) Kit.. Spare gloves and waterproofs are essential even in the summer. Riding in wet gear is no fun, especially if like myself, you tend to frequent the mountains, as it gets bloody cold too.

4) Layers, multiple layers that can be removed is the best solution.

5) Puncture kit (and learn how to use it)

6) Documents. V5, Licence, Insurance, E111 card, Contact details.

7) Maps. Don't rely soley on a GPS, they can break.

Oh yeah, they drive on the right - don't forget as it can be nasty.

Anything else you want to know just ask....

.

[Tim in Belgium]

Fit a fenda extenda if you haven't already, a busy road is no place to discover your SV doesn't like the rain.

Take a camera.

Write up a post when you get back, e.g http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=82336

And Jelster's info is pretty wise.

[Larry]

Thanks for the advice guys, only thing that might be a problem there is the puncture kit, which I have but wouldn't know where to start with, but I'll ask my garage how to use it! I have breakdown cover as part of my insurance though if it comes to that.

I've also already got a fenda extenda, because I bought the bike last winter and it really wasn't happy in the wet. Hoping for good weather most of the time though as I'm going in July.

I'll definitely be bringing plenty of photos back, I'm going with my girlfriend who's doing photography for a start! Was thinking since I have to ride right past Le Mans, I might stop there and have a look at the race circuit.

Good read there Tim, some really good pics as well. Hope my trip turns out as successful as yours.

[Mr Toad]

Insurance - make sure it's from one of the bike specialists, eg NCI. Most household or general insurance policies don't cover you whilst you're on the bike, so check the small print very carefully. Have fun

[Larry]

Insurance - make sure it's from one of the bike specialists, eg NCI. Most household or general insurance policies don't cover you whilst you're on the bike, so check the small print very carefully. Have fun

Yes, good advice! I've been careful here because of friends' experiences, I'm with Carole Nash though and my policy includes everything; ferry travel, EU breakdown etc.

What's this about "green cards" though? Is it alright just to have my insurance certificate with me?