France trip

I've been talked into going on a trip over to France at the end of the month, Now having never riden abroad is their anything i should know about...apart from driving on the other side of the road

Any tips would be most helpful.

Also they're on about doing a track day at Magny Cour, anyone ever done this? Or know the prices? I've sort of looked on the web but cant find any price guides.
Thanks in advance.

Cuffy.

avoid the roadsigns

It's great! You'll love it.

Roads are great. Drivers are great. All you have to do is enjoy.

Basically:

The police can fine you at the side of the road.
You need to carry spare bulbs for your bike.
You need to carry your V5 and insurance docs as well.
Need a GB sticker.

Lots of good advice here

Have fun !

[Luckypants]

top tip that I picked up from a German biker, put a little sticker on your right hand mirror (obviously for german was left) that says 'DRIVE on RIGHT FOOL!' If like me you check your mirror as well as shoulder before pulling off, helps remind you not to pull away up wrong side of road.

Also be extra careful at junctions with dual cariageways, make sure you cross to the correct lane when setting off. (Not that I would do such a thing in Florida..... )

Originally Posted by tricky

Need a GB sticker.

I have noticed that most Brit Biker don't have them, I didn't have one when I went earlier this year although I do believe you are right in it being a requirement.

I also think your ment to carry a first aid kit.

Originally Posted by Swiss

I have noticed that most Brit Biker don't have them, I didn't have one when I went earlier this year although I do believe you are right in it being a requirement.

It is a requirement, but I never had one when I went. Didn't have any bother.

[jambo]

Check you have European Breakdown cover
Check you have your E111 Plastic card thingie in case you need a quack

Check the bike over carefully before you go, and enjoy yourself!

[Kylie]

Be especially careful in carparks, easy to forget they drive on the right in carparks too, always catches me out.
Flashing of lights in France always means get out of my way, never means please pull out.
There is always a speed camera a few hundred metres after the sign. It is a grey filing cabinent sized yoke with black and yellow striping on the front, usually at ground level, sometimes up a scaffold.
Next to no shops open on a Sunday, petrol stations can be a problem then too.
French are strict on meal times to, leave lunch until after 2pm and you'll be lucky to get food
Bikers tend to shake a leg at cars who pull over to let them past. Frequently will wave at passing bikers with their left hand.
Don't bother going to upmarket restaurants, the cheap cafes serve just as good food.
The police do not AFAIK use the time on your ticket on the autoroute to work out an average speed, but there are bikes and cars hiding along the way. The RN are often just as good as the autoroute.