Taking the Falco to Europe

[Just Brian]

Can anyone tell me if there's anything I need to do to the Falco before taking it to Belgium, France, Germany Switzerland, Austria and Italy. It's all
standard apart from raised bars and Motad end cans with removable Baffle. ps Hope i'am posting in the right place.

[Greg]

I've never done anything to my bikes and have been ok.. I've heard that the Swiss police can get a bit arsey about non OE lights such as retro-fit HIDs and the rozzers in Monaco don't really like loud pipes, but I've never had any problems..

[Just Brian]

Hi Greg , Yes I've heard about the Swiss. Don't think they like anything other than standard. Took my Triumph 1050 speed triple to watch moto gp in Cataluña in 2009 with Remus end can through France/Spain with no problems, Also went to the first B.S.B at Assen and ventured into Germany with no problems, Think I will put the db killers in the end cans to make sure. Cheers.

[mangocrazy]

Take all your documents with you is the main thing. There are a lot of things to be aware of in France in a car, like warning triangles, hi-vis vests for if you break down, first aid kit etc, but I'm not sure how many of those apply to bikes. A high-vis vest takes up no space and Aldi/Lidl often have biker first aid kits that pack away small, so look out for their special buys.

There was a big thing about carrying breathalyser kits, but I think the French government have quietly forgotten about that. Not sure if it's still true, but on my first two-wheeled visit to Spain in the 80s I got stopped by a ferocious looking cop with a gun on his belt. He just pointed at my headlight and said 'con luz' quite heatedly. I left my headlight on day and night after that...

[Gio]

Take all your documents with you is the main thing. There are a lot of things to be aware of in France in a car, like warning triangles, hi-vis vests for if you break down, first aid kit etc, but I'm not sure how many of those apply to bikes. A high-vis vest takes up no space and Aldi/Lidl often have biker first aid kits that pack away small, so look out for their special buys.

There was a big thing about carrying breathalyser kits, but I think the French government have quietly forgotten about that. Not sure if it's still true, but on my first two-wheeled visit to Spain in the 80s I got stopped by a ferocious looking cop with a gun on his belt. He just pointed at my headlight and said 'con luz' quite heatedly. I left my headlight on day and night after that...

All apply as far as regs go, you also need 2 breathalyzers, if plod catches you without it its on the spot fines.

[Greg]

No fine anymore ...

[Gio]

No fine anymore ...

When did they change that, I was told before we last went (10 months ago).

[BikerGran]

There's been a lot of confusion about that breathalyser thing - in fact they never actually brought the fine in.

Yes take all your docs but make sure you leave copies of them at home with someone you can contact - just in case!

[Greg]

The fine was €11.00 as far as I recall, but it was universally reviled by both the people and the Gendarmerie.. hence its on their statute, but politically ignored.