With the our Wheels & Waffles: A Ghent Tour RELOADED only a few months away, we thought we'd share our guide for packing and riding aboard!
Have you ridden in Europe?
If no, then buckle up - this is the trip for you! Check our Wheels & Waffles: A Ghent Tour RELOADED event! Riding in Europe is mostly straightforward… but let’s be honest, it can be a little nerve-wracking at first.
A few quirky rules here, a few unexpected customs there and suddenly you’re wondering if that roundabout is a conspiracy. Don’t worry - once you get the hang of it, the roads are absolutely incredible. Stunning scenery, epic rides and memories that stick with you long after the helmet comes off.
To make it even more fun (and a lot less stressful), we’ve put together this handy little guide to help you ride like a pro - while still having a blast!
What you need to know when riding abroad
Documentation
You will need to take the following documentation:
- Insurance certificate with European cover
- V5
- Driving licence
- Passport
In addition is recommended that you have the following:
- Full breakdown cover (with European cover)
- Full medical/travel insurance
- InCase of Emergency (ICE) information
- UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC)
TIP! Take a photos of all of your documentation so that you have it to hand if you need it quickly. And / or keep a PDF copy on an online drive or on your phone that you can easily access.
Rules
There are nuances between different countries in Europe when it comes to driving laws, rules and regulations. Ultimately it is the responsibility of you, the rider, to know the rules and regulations of the countries you are travelling through.
There are plenty of good resources including the Government website, AA and other travel websites. All countries require the wearing of a helmet at all times. Other countries insist on protective gloves and / or suitable boots.
Therefore a general rule for traveling is to ensure you wearing a helmet, gloves and suitable boots at all times). Many countries require a hi-vis vest or jacket to be carried at all times; in some (like France), you must wear it if you stop on the roadside. Not having one can lead to fines.
Touring in general
Don’t use a rucksack
Wearing a heavy rucksack for hours at a time can really put a strain on you and can affect your riding position. It can also cause harm if you come off.
Get proper bike luggage - let your bike take the weight and not your back. See our range of luggage here >>
Print out key numbers
Print out / write down key emergency numbers such as ICE, breakdown cover and insurance numbers - it makes life so much easier if you need to reach them quickly.
Print off and keep them with your other documentation
Take spare keys
Take a spare key for your bike, panniers and locks.
TIP! Don’t put your spare keys in a locked pannier!
Touring essentials!
What you absolutely need!
Puncture repair kit
Punctures suck, we all get them, so carrying a puncture repair kit is a quick solution to get you back on the road. Please note if you have tubed tyres, roadside puncture repair won’t be possible.
First aid kit
A first aid kit lets you patch yourself up and ride on instead of waiting for rescue. Keep it to hand on your bike at all times. It’s also good to remember paracetamol etc.
Tool kit
A toolkit is the only thing standing between a five-minute fix and an expensive, embarrassing tow home. It’s much better to be the rider with the wrench than the one waiting for recovery in itchy, sweaty leathers!
Hi Vis
Riding a motorcycle in Europe without a hi-vis jacket on hand is a great way to discover just how persuasive roadside fines can be.
The must haves
Waterproofs
Bringing motorcycle waterproofs is essential on a tour - they keep you dry, comfortable, and focused, helping you ride safely in unpredictable weather.
TIP! Even super duper fancy gore-tex stuff can still get wet - so always good to pack waterproofs
Security
Unfortunately we live in a world where there are scumbags in all countries.
However having a good lock (or 2) on your bike can help deter the buggers.
Navigation
Having proper navigation ensures you can reach your destinations smoothly and avoid unnecessary detours, keeping your journey stress-free.
TIP! If you can’t change the speedo on your bike from MPH to KPH, then change it on your sat nav.
TIP! Keep your waterproofs, tools and locks in a separate bag/pannier (maybe in a separate roll bag) for easy access if you need them.
Can’t-Ride-Without Items!
They help, but not always an essential.
Spare gloves
Riding in the rain is not fun, but do you know what is worse?
Trying to put on soaking wet gloves. Instead take a spare pair.
Nothing worse than soggy gloves!
Ear plugs
Because wind noise is sneaky and your ears don’t grow back.
Take a spare pair of ear plugs - it keep rides comfy and stops you shouting ‘WHAT?’ later.
Straps
There’s nothing like coming home with a bag full of Belgium beer or a pannier of French cheese.
And a spare pair of straps can help make sure everything is secured down!
Sunglasses
High-quality pair of sunglasses (preferably polarised) reduces eye strain - riding in the sun or even when you have stopped.
Non-essentials
But you’ll be bloody glad if you have them with you!
Helmet cleaner
Keeping a travel-sized spray and a fresh microfibre cloth in your tank bag ensures you aren't squinting through smears when the sun finally hits.
Helmet Sling
Keeps your hands free for you to walk around - coffee in one hand, Belgium Waffle in the other!
Chain lube
A compact chain lube keeps your chain smooth and protected on long days, especially after rain or extended motorway riding.
Tool roll
If you have your own tools, putting them together into a tool roll gives you peace of mind on the road - small enough to stash away, but invaluable when a quick roadside fix keeps the ride moving.
The nice to haves!
Zip ties
Lightweight and endlessly versatile, zip ties can temporarily secure loose parts, luggage, or cables and save a ride when something works itself loose.
Can also be used to citizen arrest the scumbag who’s trying to nick your bike!
Electrical tape
Electrical tape is invaluable for quick insulation, waterproofing exposed wires, or holding a small repair together until you reach proper tools.
Sun cream
You’d be surprised how easy it is to get sunburnt - not just from sitting around enjoying your morning coffee, but through your visor!
Water / Snacks
It can be thirsty work riding, so always pack a bottle of water and a snack or two. Helps pass the time if there is an unexpected delay!
FYI - shareable snacks can make you the most popular person in the group!
To consider
Rain Proofing
If you don’t have waterproof clothing, rain-proofing spray can help treat items like jeans, cargo trousers, or canvas jackets. It won’t make them fully waterproof, but it can help water bead off in light showers - and it’s useful for refreshing waterproof gear too.
Waterless Wash
Give your bike, clothing, and helmet a thorough clean before setting off - it’s the perfect opportunity to spot any issues, and nothing beats starting an adventure on a clean bike.
Roll bags
Great for separating items within your luggage making them quick and easy to access. Nothing worse than trying to find tools late at night that are in with all your undies!
Bull clip
A bull clip? An actual BULL CLIP??? Yep that’s right a bull clip - why you ask? Well you can use it to attach your Le Shuttle train ticket to your bike!
Final checks & final thoughts!
If you’ve made it this far, congratulations - you’re officially almost ready for your European motorcycle adventure!
Touring Europe by motorcycle is all about balance: being prepared without packing the entire garage - you don’t need everything, but the right gear can make the difference between a minor inconvenience and a great story vs a nightmare.
Before you set off, do one last walk-around; check your bike, double-check your documents and make sure you can actually close your luggage. After that, relax. This is meant to be fun. Oh and to help, we’ve put together a check list on the next page! And if, while reading this guide, you realised you’re missing something (or just fancy an upgrade), we’ve got you covered.
Veloce Club stocks everything you need for motorcycle touring - from essential riding including helmets, jackets, trouser through to those nice-to-have extras you’ll be very glad you brought. And as a Wheels & Waffles attendee you’ve also got access to an exclusive discount, because good decisions should be rewarded.
Shop the Wheels & Waffles Collection
Remember: the little things also help - waterproofs stop a light shower becoming a morale crisis, navigation keeps you riding roads instead of arguing in car parks and a few small extras can quietly save the day when plans change - which they will.
And that’s a wrap....
We hope you’ve enjoyed our little guide.
But remember that’s all it is - a guide. You are responsible for ensuring you are safe and legal at all times when riding in any country.
If you have any other tips or ideas or questions then please don’t hesitate to contact us :)
Read our Wheels & Waffles: A Ghent Tour Guide around motorcycling abroad here >>
