MOTORCYCLING IN EUROPE - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Travelling across Europe: Read about all legal requirements for riding/driving through Europe

Motorcycling in Europe: Sun, Scenery and Super roads- but if you are going to be travelling around Europe there are motorcycle legal requirements that you need to be aware of. And it's not the same in each country, either!

We'll help you understand the motorcycle legal requirements- then enjoy roads like this! Stevio pass, Italy

We've tried to make sense of this and provide easy access to all the bits and pieces you'll need for riding in Europe, or indeed driving in Europe or driving through Europe.

1. What do I need to Drive in Europe?

All the regulation in one place: As if we planned it! Here is a quick-and-easy overview of what you need and what is recommended for riding your motorcycle in each of the main European countries:

What do you need to drive in Europe? Made easy by GetGeared

2. I'm going to be travelling around Europe- where can I get 'the stuff' I need?

Fear not! We're on the ball here at GetGeared. We've got the bits you'll need to meet the motorcycle legal requirements of the countries you plan to go to. Have a look at these links and remember we do FREE UK DELIVERY on orders over £25.

3. Need accessories to meet the legal requirements (and other helpful gear)?

GB Sticker – available as stick on and magnetic:
http://www.getgeared.co.uk/gb_sticker_magnetic_white

Euro headlight beam converters – the car adapters are easily adjusted to m/c headlamps:
http://www.getgeared.co.uk/euro_beam_converter_clear

Replacement bulb kit:
http://www.getgeared.co.uk/BERU_Bulb_Set_H4_12_Volts

Hi-Viz vest
EN471 vest – this is the best cost option from a great brand AND you can ride in these as they do not depend on Velcro:
http://www.getgeared.co.uk/held-en471-high-visibility-vest-6249

First Aid Kit – this one meets the German norm:
http://www.getgeared.co.uk/Ultra_Compact_1st_Aid_Kit_2

Emergency triangle:
http://www.getgeared.co.uk/Motorcycle_Helmet_Bag_Break-down_Triangle

Reflective stickers - France:
http://www.getgeared.co.uk/reflective_helmet_stickers_silver

Breathalyser kit - France:

http://www.getgeared.co.uk/ALCOSENSE-Twin-Pack-NF-Breathalyser-Kit

Not as bad as you think, to be honest - when you've got the right information and the right bits and pieces.

If you also fancy treating yourself to some new motorcycle clothing or motorcycle helmets then why not check out our website: www.getgeared.co.uk

 

For a complete list of all things sensible and tested by '000s of miles guiding motorcycle tours, see the list provided by RideWithUs Tours, the motorcycle touring specialists: The RideWithUs Pre-Tour Check List (PDF)

 

GetGeared

Held Air N Dry Two Chamber waterproof gore-tex motorcycle gloves

Last year saw the arrival of a new type of glove that was truly unique; the twin chambered Held Air N' Dry. I've been fortunate enough to give these a jolly good testing, and wanted to share the learnings from these superb motorcycle gloves with you.

Twin chamber gore-tex motorcycle gloves - can save you time and money

Like most year ‘round riders I own a variety of gloves, and quite often wear one pair into work and another type on the way home to best match the prevailing conditions. The design of the Held Air N' Dry means that I can choose which chamber to put my hand in for the journey instead of carrying a spare pair of gloves with me. This saves: time- not having to root around in rucksacks during the journey if it starts to rain or, heaven forbid, gets really hot! money- only the need to invest in one pair of gloves that will easily last from the start of the season until winter really starts to bite. I even prolonged this with some neat motorcycle undergloves. see here for GetGeared's choice in this area. 

Kangaroo leather palm, superb wrist adjustment

The gloves are gauntlet style with kangaroo skin used in the palms for strength and durability. Cordura is used on the back of the glove with hard plastic knuckles and vents on the fingers. They have a very easy to use wrist restraint, not at all fiddly like many I have come across, and there is a very hard ceramic material called Superfabric at the base of the palms which helps prevent wrist and shoulder injuries if it all goes wrong. 

Anyone who has been touring will know that carrying a couple of pairs of gloves is almost compulsory as the morning air riding through the mountains is a lot different to the afternoon air in the valleys. These do the job of both pairs brilliantly, and from my experience this year they are the perfect gloves for the soggy English summer!

Held Air N Dry- look great, offer great protection

Unsurprisingly I have had the chance to try these out in heavy rain and like any Gore-tex product they simply work. The narrow cuffs mean that they fit under the cuffs of my jacket which is the way to keep things dry.

You can see buy the Held Air N Dry gloves here

For more great choice and the best deals on motorcycle clothing, motorcycle helmets and motorcycle accessories please visit www.getgeared.co.uk

COOL LOOKING TAIL CARRY BAGS, COOL PRICE!

Superbly functional and stylish motorcycle luggage - Held Carry bag ref 4331

Who said motorcycle luggage had to be functional but ultimately dull?! This whole range from Held is great: Practical, stylish, waterproof. These are the carry bags that you can bungee on the back of the bike. The opening is lengthways like a normal bag. The closure follows the same principle of a navy duffle bag: You roll the opening over the top of itself, buckle it down and the bag is waterproof against rain and driving spray.

Look at the features of these waterproof motorcycle carry / tail bags:

• Waterproof motorcycle luggage from Held
• 100% waterproof Tarpaulin
• Welded seams
• Hard wearing 
• Long Lasting
• Waterproof navy-style roll top closure
• Great looking!
• Red / White or Black / White

Superbly functional and stylish motorcycle luggage - Held Carry bag ref 4331

And the best bit? The Price! 

Size 30 litres: Approx 90 cms long, 25-30cms diameter Just £26.99

Size 60 litres: Approx 100 cms long, 30-35cms diameter Just £34.99

We do free delivery on orders over £25. These are massive sellers for us because they are such good value, robust and good looking bags. 

You can buy your Motorcycle Carry Bags here: 

For more fantastic offers and a huge selection of motorcycle clothing, motorcycle helmets and motorcycle accessories please visit our website: www.getgeared.co.uk

Product Focus: The Shark S900C Prime White

Here at GetGeared we stock hundreds of helmets, for every taste and every budget. Today we're featuring the Superb Shark S900C Prime White- bristling with features and oozing with style, for under £200. 

Great motorcycle helmets for sale at GetGeared

The latest addition from SHARK helmets the S900 C is perfect for street riding to long tours! Visually, the aggressive styling with the carved, sculptured lines of the new S900C helmet stands out. Under the hood, so to speak, you get excellent equipment levels at great value: An integrated retractable sun shield makes sure you do not lose sight of the road; a fully adjustable vent system keeps you cool; the 'Total Vision' visor protects against fog or scratches; and the new Air Comfort integrated cheek pump ensures a perfect fit. The 5-year warranty from SHARP comes as standard and the helmet has been awarded 4 stars in the Sharp test and ACU Gold for track use.

Here's a summary of the features: 

• Thermoplastic injected shell
• Integrated UVA protective sunshield
• 2.2mm dual treated anti- scratch and anti-fog visor
• Air Comfort pump for inflating checks for a perfect fit
• Chin cover
• Average weight 1550g in size M
• Easyfit system for easy use with glasses
• New ventilation system with better use with gloves
• 5 Year Guarantee - subscribe at www.shark-helmets.com details available in the box on receipt of goods
• ECE 22-05 & ACU safety standards

Link to this helmet here

Link to GetGeared's homepage for more great motorcycle clothing, motorcyle helmets and motorcycle accessories here

Three more worth looking at too:

1. Caberg Helmets Ego Ultralight

2. Nexx XR1R Motorcycle Helmet Plain Met Blk

3. SHOEI Qwest Motorcycle Helmet

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Reflective motorcycle helmet stickers: 5 things about the French law for reflective stickers on motorcycle helmets

France: 5 things to know about compulsory reflective stickers on all helmets

 

On the 16th of March a blog post went up on the UK France bikers blog that has gone viral: The blog post discusses the legal requirement for UK riders crossing France to have four reflective stickers on their motorcycle helmets of a particular size and in particular places on the helmet - or face a 135 Euro fixed penalty fine from France's finest.

 

1. It's a French law, not a European law:
In theory, that means it does not apply to any motorcycle rider other than a French citizen with a motorcycle registered in France! But then, I challenge anyone to have a longer conversation with a French Gendarme at 9.30pm at night about the finer points of European laws and the merits of a UK EU in-out referendum. You may win the debate and be 135 Euro poorer nevertheless! Note: There are blog posts about UK riders having been pulled over, but so far none of our (GetGeared.co.uk) customers have reported back any experiences along those lines.

 

2. It's an annoying law, but not a really stupid one:
Putting reflective stickers on your motorcycle helmet so you are more easily spotted by sleepy car drivers ranks somewhere alongside wearing a seat belt, indicating when turning and not smoking in bed before going to sleep. It has a certain amount of 'it-makes-sense' validity.

 

3. It's mostly annoying, because it is a French law:
Period.

 

4. But: this whole thing does not deserve the attention it is getting:
Why? The issue is not whether the law is enforceable, but whether you want to debate anything at any length with a French/German/Dutch copper on a grass verge in the middle of nowhere when you would much rather be either on the road or enjoy some fine local cuisine. And the cost of smiling at the Gallic law enforcement all the way to the Cote d'Azure is minimal compared to the hard-earned Euros you will quite rightly be spending on the local beverages of the red coloured variety.

 

5. And that is the advice we give all our customers: There is a short list of gear that makes sense, that does not cost the Earth and that gives you peace of mind. A few things you will need to travel with peace of mind across the Continent, some are obligatory and may actually be required, some are obligatory and will still be in your travel kit - untouched - in 10 years time, and some are just sensible and there is no law in the world forcing you to take them but they make sense.

 

The European motorcycle touring accessories list from GetGeared.co.uk:

• Spare bulbs & fuses £9.95 (required in some countries): Bulb Set H4 12 Volts
• Emergency triangle £7.99 (required in most countries): Helmet Bag Break-down Triangle
• 1st aid kit £9.95 (required in some countries): Compact 1st Aid Kit
• EN471 approved vest that does not flap £9.95 (required in some countries - except for the 'flapping bit'): High Visibility Vest
• Reflective stickers £2.99 (required in France - probably!): Reflective helmet stickers
• Breathalyser Kit £4.99 (required in France - probably!): Twin Pack NF Breathalyser Kit
• Tyre repair kit £19.99 (or less depending on size - useful): Motorcycle Tyre Repair Kit
• Waterproof pouch £7.00 (very useful): Waterproof Travel Pouch 1.1 Litre

 

And for a complete list of all things sensible and tested by '000s of miles guiding motorcycle tours, see the list provided by RideWithUs Tours, the motorcycle touring specialists: The RideWithUs Pre-Tour Check List (PDF)

 

GetGeared

Something for the ladies?

Here at GetGeared we have a massive choice for the lady motorcycle enthusiast. Before we pick on one of our current favourites we want to share the link to our ladies area with you - click HERE.

Now, without further ado may we introduce the stunning Alpinestars Stella SP-8.

Alpinestars Stella SP-8 ladies motorcycle glove, retailing at just £64.99 at GetGeared

We're an Alpinestars specialist, one of the biggest, if not the biggest Alpinestars dealers in the UK and this glove is just a part of our massive selection. Here's some details:

• Alpinestars race proven PU knuckle protection
• Full length wrist cuff PU profile & outer wrist protection
• EVA foam thumb, wrist & finger padding
• Double cuff closure for personalised fit
• Reinforced Lycra stretch panels to maximise comfort!
• Ergonomic pre-shaped fingers & internal seams for exceptional feel
• 0.85mm full-grain leather construction with internal stitched fingers for outstanding abrasion resistance 
• Leather palm construction with synthetic suede reinforcements for exceptional grip
• Embroidered Alpinestars logos

See the road bend and follow the curves. Sportsbike gloves that follow every minor adjustment of the line you are taking with exceptional comfort. Race proven protection all round. Comfort & equipment that leaves you to concentrate on riding out the next bend in perfection!

You'll find the link to these wonderful ladies motorcycle gloves HERE and the link to our website home page HERE. Don't forget we do FREE DELIVERY in the UK for orders over £25.

Gore-Tex Motorcycle Jacket from Held- now with £100 OFF!

This motorcycle jacket means business! Classic styling meets ultimate practicality: Wear it on tour, wear it in town. Because of what it is, its styling and how it is cut, it crosses the on-off bike divide perfectly. Now with £100 off it's just £199.99 - for a guaranteed waterproof Gore-Tex 3-season Jacket.

The Held Novara - really is an awesome bit of kit. Now with £100 off!

Equipped for long (or short) rides: Because it is Gore-Tex lined, this biking jacket is waterproof for the life of the jacket, windproof, yet highly breathable - which means comfort is in-built for tours in the Sun or walks in the City. The jacket is delivered with a 4 point armour pack and the back can be upgraded with Held SAS-Tec armour. A removable thermo lining keeps all but the worst of Winter at bay.

The Held Novara- back view

For all-round protection: Add Held CE back armour (follow men's size indication).

Link to the Jacket is here

The Techy stuff:

• Mens motorcycle touring & City jacket
• Gore-Tex: Absolutely waterproof for life of garment
• Highly breathable: Great 3-season jacket
• Classic styling: Works on & off the bike
• Equipped with armour shoulder & elbows
• Shell: Airguard 500D
• Breathable mesh inner lining
• Removable thermal lining for cold days
• 3 outer pockets
• 3 inner pockets
• Mobile phone pocket
• Documents pocket
• SAS-Tec soft protectors on shoulders and elbows
• Armour back pocket with Temperfoam back pad upgradable to CE armour
• Detachable hood
• Connector zip
• Hip adjustment
• 3M Scotchlite reflective panels

For more great dealer on Motorcycle Clothing, Motorcycle Helmets and Motorcycle Accessories please visit www.getgeared.co.uk

£30 off Vanucci Short Motorcycle Boots

High performance short touring motorcycle boots in top grain nappa and cowhide leather. The uncompromising Vanucci design ensures optimum comfort and protection for everyday riding, from the first to the last mile. The waterproof and breathable Sympatex climate membrane is top-notch. Easy-entry Velcro fasteners make these a good everyday boot. The fit is comfortable, as you would expect from Vanucci, not least because of the quality of leather. Shin and ankle reinforcements combine with carbon inlay protectors for total peace of mind! Truly excellent short motorcycle boots! Now just £129.95, with free UK delivery.

Vanucci short motorcycle boots- excellent quality

Link to these boots here

The Techy Stuff:

• Performance short motorcycle boots
• Sympatex waterproof & breathable membrane
• Top grain Nappa & cow leather outer
• Bilateral ankle protection
• Textile lining (100% polyamide)
• Wide shin bone protection with reinforcements
• Velcro closures
• Reinforced at gear change
• Carbon inlay side protectors
• 3M Scotchlite heel reflectors
• Polyester lining
• Anti-slip rubber sole
• Shaft height: 9 1/2 inches /24 cms (size 44

For more great deal in motorcycle boots, motorcycle clothing and motorcycle accessories please visit www.getgeared.co.uk. Stores also at Leeds and Leatherhead (Surrey)