Back from Portugal, epic trip. hadn't seen much of Spain and none of Portugal, have to say 2 beautiful countries and seemed a lovely people. Also rode some fantastic roads, spent about 4 hours on a twisty road accross northern spain which was just tight hairpin, followed by long sweeping corner, followed by switchback and so on and on...
Covered 4500+ miles on my £800 NTV650, had a mate ride pillion on the way down too. That was hard work. Will put up a pic of the bike all luggaged up looked ridiculous.
So now saving for an R6 for trip to Germany over the winter, then probably Italy in the Spring and if certain things fall into place will be getting a dualsport bike and taking 2 months next summer to ride to Malaysia and back.
Obvious things that I had overlooked until last minute, as I've not taken a vehicle abroad myself in the past, are that you need to carry a spare bulb kit, a high viz vest, a first aid kit and display a GB sticker. I read many nightmare stories about police on the continent, all I can say is I managed the entire trip without encountering any problems, and over 2 weeks saw less than 10 police vehicles in altogether. Similar ammount to what I saw setting off from my sisters near Kilburn back to Leeds.
If you've never seen 4 women fight over a KFC bucket with the police there to mediate. Spend more time on Shoot Up hill!
Lynx you were right about the fuel over there, bike was running like shit thought it was gonna conk out. Not all the filling stations have the 98 option, but bought some octane booster and that sorted it. Think it works out cheaper than buying 98 (up to €1.65 l in port!!) if you can be arsed. I did a bit of both.
@TM
Back from Portugal, epic trip. hadn't seen much of Spain and none of Portugal, have to say 2 beautiful countries and seemed a lovely people. Also rode some fantastic roads, spent about 4 hours on a twisty road accross northern spain which was just tight hairpin, followed by long sweeping corner, followed by switchback and so on and on...
Covered 4500+ miles on my £800 NTV650, had a mate ride pillion on the way down too. That was hard work. Will put up a pic of the bike all luggaged up looked ridiculous.
So now saving for an R6 for trip to Germany over the winter, then probably Italy in the Spring and if certain things fall into place will be getting a dualsport bike and taking 2 months next summer to ride to Malaysia and back.
Obvious things that I had overlooked until last minute, as I've not taken a vehicle abroad myself in the past, are that you need to carry a spare bulb kit, a high viz vest, a first aid kit and display a GB sticker. I read many nightmare stories about police on the continent, all I can say is I managed the entire trip without encountering any problems, and over 2 weeks saw less than 10 police vehicles in altogether. Similar ammount to what I saw setting off from my sisters near Kilburn back to Leeds.
If you've never seen 4 women fight over a KFC bucket with the police there to mediate. Spend more time on Shoot Up hill!
Lynx you were right about the fuel over there, bike was running like shit thought it was gonna conk out. Not all the filling stations have the 98 option, but bought some octane booster and that sorted it. Think it works out cheaper than buying 98 (up to €1.65 l in port!!) if you can be arsed. I did a bit of both.