Forum

[AndyMc]

Thanks chaps, however if I end up in France I will have taken a wrong turning somewhere. Ive now got my satnav set up. I wired it into the pilot light circuit so it is only on when my lights are on. I have read that I need to turn the speed camera locations off. Not that it will make any difference at the speeds I will be going.

[Rattlebattle]

Carrying a spare set of bulbs is a bit crazy these days. Have you tried changing the headlight bulbs on a recent car? Manual says take it to your dealer; you need a mining degree to be able to access a lot of them. What of LEDs and HID lights too? A case of the law not catching up with technology methinks. More sensible to insist on carrying a spare set of glasses, as some countries do. I just take a generic set of bike bulbs rather than bike specific. Can't remember the last time a bulb blew anyway. Disabling speed camera detection on satnav is sensible; the penalty for not doing so could be severe. Handy to use satnav for accurate kph speeds.

[AndyMc]

I've had several bikes where the bulbs were impossible to change in the dark. The funniest was my MZ Scorpion traveller. Great bike with a comprehensive tool kit. It needed a screwdriver to open the tool case, the only problem was the screwdriver was in the toolkit in the case. The 'RE headlight is much simpler to change thankfully. I have a kph Speedo which I am tempted to swap to for the trip.

[papasmurf]

May I suggest NOT antagonising foreign law enforcement officers, they have NO sense of humour. Regulations are regulations and arguing a regulation is stupid could and up with an even bigger fine, and or confiscation of your driving licence.
(The latter leaving you in VERY deep poo and stranded.)

[Rattlebattle]

I'm not advocating non-compliance, merely pointing out the stupidity of certain laws. FWIW having totted up the total time I've spent either driving or riding in Europe, New Zealand, Iceland, Canada and other countries it comes to well over a year. I've never been stopped by the police.

[Scalyback]

well, my speedos are all MPH. just remember for
50 KPH do 30MPH or under,
80 KPH = 50 MPH.
Motorways 130KPH about 80MPH.

I don't use the last one on my RE.

[southernsofty]

Hi AndyMc, I believe that no beam benders are required as motorcycle headlights dip downwards as apposed to car headlights dip to one side.

[Rattlebattle]

That is my understanding too; I really wouldn't bother. I stopped masking headlights on bikes and cars years ago. I never see continental vehicles in the U.K. with any on either. These days it is more likely that cyclists with illegal LED head lights and cars with HID or LED lights will blind incoming traffic.

[AndyMc]

Thanks all. Dry run with all my luggage on at the weekend. All seems ok but I struggle to get my leg over. Must be my age. Will try the recommended tablets. I'll attempt to post a picture of the final setup. I've got a tank bag, throw overs and a waterproof canoe bag on top of the panniers so plenty of room. The rear wheel fix has made a big difference as has the braided brake hose. I plan to go to the REOC meeting in Manchester as a final run. I will post some bits on this forum and maybe do something for The Gun. Watch this space!