Hitchcocks Forum

Final preps for my trip to Auschwitz are going well. When riding in Europe do I need to stick a beam adjuster onto my headlamp in the same way as my car. Also any regs about what I need to carry. I've got bulbs but what about reflective clothing. I will be in Holland, Germany and Poland. Thanks. Andy

Can't answer the carry stuff, but you will need a beam adjuster.

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or, if you have some of that sticky foil...

Thanks Scalyback I thought you would know. A

Useful info websites. (In France for some reason, some towns have resurrected priority from the right junctions. These are effing dangerous.)
http://www.bmf.co.uk/advice/touring-advice/
http://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/media ... abroad.pdf

I haven't bothered with beam deflectors for years when riding in Europe, car or bike. Never been stopped or flashed. You do need a hi vis jacket in case of breakdown. Also a pack of two breathalyser testers. These days I don't bother with a GB sticker either. With regard to speed traps the French often flash to warn others. Be aware that les gendarmes are fond of setting speed traps close to the restriction sign ( or town/village) name sign which marks the start of a 50kph limit whether signed or not). There is no 10% + 2 latitude either. Clocked at 51kph you will be relieved of Euros. In Normandy countryside areas they also hide behind hedges by junctions to catch people not actually stopping at a stop sign. Ironically I got rammed from behind by a rider in the group I was in because he assumed I wouldn't stop at a stop sign.... P*ss poor riding, especially by a copper. As for the priorite a droite rule you need to observe the yellow diamond signs. However, old French drivers might still pull out even though they shouldn't. More of an issue in the countryside than the towns in my experience but not something to worry about unduly. Probably not necessary to mention to an RE rider but don't speed near the ferry ports; the police are hot on it there as Brits rush to catch a ferry or the train. Just my two cents, based on years of riding and driving sir le continent.

Sur not sir. Predictive text bites again. Must load a French keyboard on my phone...

Comme ça.

Rattlebattle, in the priority from the right instances I refer to there are no yellow diamond signs just a stop sign where there did not use to be one on a main road.

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France:-
they totally screwed up. you are supposed to carry breath testers BUT, the latest ruling is that you cannot be done or fined for not carrying them on a motorycycle



There are different laws for bikes, you don't have to carry yellow vest (but I wear one anyways) and you don't need a warning triangle. Both these should be carried in other type of vehicle.



Being as nice as possible usually goes a long way with the French gendarmes (and police where they have them).



All vehicles should carry a spare set of light bulbs. It is also compulsory to wear reflective stickers on your helmet! (nobody does), but if you want a set to show others for a laugh, they should be free from most motorcycle dealers in France.


Below the 'Bow Locks' stickers that nobody ever seems to wear! (I don't)