Embarking on your first motorbike trip in Europe is an exhilarating experience, filled with the promise of adventure, breathtaking landscapes, and the freedom of the open road. However, as someone who traveled 3200 km in 30 days in Europe, I learned the hard way that even the most thrilling journeys can take an unexpected turn if you’re not adequately prepared. In this blog, you will find out mistakes to avoid, drawing insights from a motorbike escapade that went from excitement to despair, rain-soaked clothes, and a lesson in the importance of comfort and preparedness.
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Mistake 1: Don’t forget to bring rain gear
Our journey begins with a tale of optimism and naivety. Trusting my Canadian boyfriend’s laid-back attitude towards weather predictions proved to be a decision this Dutch traveler would regret. The year was 2021, and our motorbike expedition across Europe was set in motion.
Yet, our enthusiasm was met with an unexpected adversary. On the very first day, a sudden storm transformed our sunny ride into a drenched nightmare. An intense rainy and stormy day caught us off guard, shattering our initial excitement as we still had 4 more hours to go before reaching our first stop in Frankfurt. I was wearing motorbike jeans and a summer jacket with holes for ventilation, what later seemed to be the worst decision ever. Within the initial 10 minutes of the storm, I was completely soaked from head to toe. I felt so angry and frustrated with th prospect of driving four more hours at a freezing cold speed of 130 km/hour. Seeking for a place to hide, we pulled into the first restaurant we encountered on to both dry off and check the weather forecast. Unfortunately, the forecast predicted continuous rain until nightfall, leaving us no option to continue driving. As I sat in the restaurant, crying, I felt tempted to jump into a strangers cozy and warm car. Haha. It might seems overly dramatic right now, but in that moment, it genuinly felt HORRIBLE.
The lesson learned? Always trust the forecast, pack rain gear, and perhaps question the wisdom of a “just go with the flow” philosophy when it comes to weather.
Mistake 2: Don’t be cool be comfortable
Our desire to look cool and glamorous on our sportsbike became the second oversight. A 3200 km tour on a sportsbike, while initially making us feel tough and cool, soon revealed its drawbacks. Hours into the journey, back pain on the sportsbike replaced the initial thrill. As a passenger, you also have to be really concentrated, so a bag to lean against in your back is definitely a must. I would never re-do this trip without having a comfortable place to sit in the back. I saw a lot of cozy passengers, and I was pretty jealous. Not so cool anymore hey?
The best motorcycle for touring Europe is a bike that’s mechanically sound, reliable, and comfortable for long distances. For on-road motorcycle tours in Europe, look into adventure motorcycles and cruiser motorcycles. These bikes are meant for traveling and offer a comfortable seating position, plenty of power, and great performance. You will comfortably cover long distances and enjoy those legendary mountain twisties and meandering coastal routes alike.
Mistake 3: Don’t save money on low-quality products
Budget-friendly choices can be tempting, but we learned the hard way about the importance of quality gear. Cheap, unstable bags not only jeopardized our safety at high speeds but also failed miserably when faced with an unexpected storm. Invest wisely in waterproof, durable side bags, ensuring your belongings remain safe, dry, and secure. Aluminum bags are really stable and keep your clothes dry compared to our sloppy bags.
Mistake 4: Don’t rush it
A common pitfall for first-time motorbike adventurers is an over-ambitious itinerary. Attempting to cover 3200 km in just 30 days left our travels longing for a slower pace. We stayed in some cities for a few days and then rushed to the next place at high speeds. The advice here is to strike a balance and allow time for exploration and enjoyment. Consider reducing the kilometers to savor the beauty of low-speed roads and immerse yourself in the charm of the cities you encounter.
Mistake 5: Overlooking maintenance essentials
As you are getting really excited about your trip, it’s easy to underestimate the importance of regular maintenance. Overlooking essential checks can turn an exhilarating adventure into a mechanical disaster. In the back of our heads we still were a bit scared whether we would strand in the middle of nowhere. Two months before we started our motorbike journey, my boyfriend purchased a motorcycle from a dealer (a mere 1000 euros) that broke down in his first week. While going on my first motorbike trip to the beach, the engine exploded in a tunnel. To avoid a recurrence of such setbacks, we went back to the dealer, securing a safer bike with a budget increase to 5000 euros.
Ensure your motorbike is in prime condition by routinely inspecting the tires, brakes, fluids, and other critical components. Carry a basic toolkit and familiarize yourself with minor repairs, empowering you to handle unforeseen issues on the road. Neglecting maintenance can lead to breakdowns in unfamiliar territories, transforming what should be a seamless journey into a stressful situation. Prioritize the health of your motorbike to guarantee a smooth and trouble-free exploration of Europe’s diverse landscapes.
As you gear up for your first motorbike expedition in Europe, let these cautionary tales guide you towards a more enjoyable and memorable experience. From embracing practicality over style to investing in reliable gear, taking the time to plan wisely will ensure that your journey is marked by the thrill of the ride, not regrettable moments. So, learn from these lessons, prepare for the unexpected, and savor every moment of your European motorbike adventure. After all, a well-prepared traveler is a happy traveler.