With the summer fast approaching, you might be thinking of taking your motorbike and setting off into the horizon. Bikes and scooters are fantastic for navigating the crowded, narrow streets of cities – avoiding charges and easier to park! That applies to all European cities, so why stick to London when you can cruise in Paris, Milan, Rome or Barcelona too? Here is a handy guide for preparing you for a tour of a lifetime:

Have a service

This should be a regular part of your maintenance routine but is more important before you take your bike abroad. This ensures everything is operating smoothly and you’re less likely to suffer an annoying, inconvenient and costly breakdown in a different country. Visit a motorcycle or scooter specialist in London for servicing of all makes and models of motorbike.

Insurance

Be sure to check with your insurers that you have cover for accidents and theft while you’re abroad. This is not something you want to find out after the fact, so make sure you’ve got cover before you leave.

Driving licence

This is one document you don’t want to forget and keep it on you at all times. Also remember to check that any breakdown cover you have in place also covers you for being abroad. If anything happens, you want to be confident you’ll be able to get your bike back to the UK. Take your driving licence and keep it on your person at all times.

Passport

You will need to carry your passport with you if you intend to tour anywhere in Europe. EU countries also insist that travellers driving abroad carry their original V5 document with you. Travelling in France especially, the police can detain you if you cannot prove ownership of your bike.

EHIC form

In the unfortunate event that you require any form of medical assistance, you’ll need to have an EHIC card.

GB Sticker

Touring in Europe means you must display a GB sticker unless you have a more recent number plate that displays the EU mark. This are accepted in place of a GB sticker.

Useful Spares

Spare bulbs don’t take up much luggage room but can be a life saver. They can be the difference between travelling safely at night or being stuck in the dark in the middle of nowhere. Other useful spares include a spare set of keys and an additional immobiliser remote.

Tools

A small, portable tool kit can be a life-saver, as well as items like pack fuses, puncture repair kits, a warning triangle, spare engine oil, insulation tape and cable ties. You might want to pack some earplugs too, especially for long periods on the road. Hi vis vests or helmet stripes are also a great idea for travelling in low level light conditions.

Continental adapter

You’ll curse yourself if you forget one or two of these in your luggage. If you want any electrical items to work, including the ability to charge your mobile phone – then you’ll need at least a couple of these adapters for your travels.