5 Prep the
bike properly
Make sure the bike is in peak condition, then
check it over again a few days before
leaving: fresh oil, chain properly lubed and
adjusted and running perfectly. The most
important thing: make sure there’s life in
the tyres. If they’re half-worn, get fresh
ones fitted and save the old ones to refit or
finish off when you get back.
Top tip If the timing is right, have the bike
serviced one or two weeks before going.
6 Sort any paperwork early
Okay, Brexit makes this more
complicated for going
abroad and we don’t — at the time
of writing — know what’s likely to
change. Don’t leave it to the last
minute and play it safe: get your
International Driving Permit from
the Post Office and a green card
from your insurer. Make sure your
passport will have at least six
months on it when you set off.
Take the original V5 logbookand
two colour photocopies.Gettravel
insurance for a motorcycletripand
breakdown cover as well:check
both include repatriationforyou
and the bike, in case ofanaccident.
Top tip Make a crib sheetwithall
insurance contact numbers,any
ferry or tunnel bookingreferences
and contact details foranybooked
hotels or campsites.
A bit of planning
can make your trip
go a lot smoother