33 replies to this topic

[Studley Ramrod]

Just been reading through the AA bumf on riding a mokeyboike in Europe.  Apparently, when in France, helmets need to have 4 reflective stickers on 'em.

From the AA bumf....

 

Motorcycles
  You must use your dipped headlight during the day.
  Riders on any two-wheeled vehicle must wear a crash helmet.
  All helmets must display reflective stickers on the front, rear and sides in accordance with
the material requirements of Regulation 22 - a sticker of minimum surface area 18 cm2
must be visible from the front, rear, left and right and within each sticker it must be
possible to mark either a circle of 40 mm diameter or, a rectangle at least 12.5 cm2 in
surface area and at least 20 mm in width.
  Helmets worn in the UK must comply either with BS6658 or with UNECE Regulation 22.
Helmets approved to Regulation 22 may be supplied with suitable stickers for you to
apply.

France and Monaco (Western Europe)
Touring Tips
© Automobile Association Developments Limited 2016. Use of this and any other material contained in this website is
governed by its Terms and Conditions. Website http://www.theaa.com.

 

I started reading Regulation 22 but there must be 50 pages of technobabble in there, sooo...... do I need the stickers or not ?

 

Stickers not required in Spain or Portugal.
 

[dablik]

It is a requirement but most people dont bother with them Ian, however Murphys law an all that if ya want piece of mind stick em on, JBX reckons most French boikers dont bother 

 

ya could always sticker up a spare old helmet and take it with ya 

[Kelpie]

We got ours on eBay then pulled em off when we got home.

[sidestand]

Foreign riders don't need -em Ian -Even French riders don't need 'em on helmets bought before 1st Jan 2016 -  so don't waste yer money  -

I've got some reflective tape if you want some in your kit though.

 

Only things you really need are GB stickers, spare bulbs (Spanish plod are vicious on this) a High Viz Vest ( I've got loads) & your docs - Insurance certificate & original of registration document (pays to have a couple of copies) Passport & card licence

 

Also in France - minimum tyre tread is 2mm  ...........on our trip, I'd recommend you set off on new rubber 

[dapleb]

... And in the other pan_ear. :-)

[Studley Ramrod]

  Yeah, surprisingly long list in front of me.  Don't think I'll have room for me bucket n spade.

 

Tbh, I was reading about all the countries in Europe dishing out on the spot fines so doing my best not to get any.

 

Cheers Mick, I've got my passport, licence, EHIC, bike reg and insurance.  Just the travel insurance, breakdown cover, GB stickaz and hi viz needed there then.

 

New rear rubber for our trip   bulb kit, puncture repair kit, tools, tape & zip ties and kiss me quick hat still to sort out.  Might throw in a spare 8fiddly alternator winding.

 

Ratchet straps for Ferries ? Sea sick pills for me ?

 

Service the bike, new oil & filter and coolant.  Valve shims need checking/doing. Fresh fork oil and check n grease all bearings. Fit my scottoiler.

 

Also need to sort out internet for my phone, learn a bit of local lingo, dos biers por favour   Get some new Y fronts and I'll be good to go.

[Favs]

Straps are provided, if ya don't know how to use them, the strapping sailors will bend over backwards to give you a hand....... If you can use one (strap that is), then the rat shit goes on the sidestand side with the bike in 1st gear. For Bay of Biscay rough sea crossings use 3 straps - one over the bike as above, one through the front wheel and under the steel wire or into the fwd lashdown point and the third through the rear wheel as per the front but obviously to the rear lash point. Occasionally the crew will lash from the handlebars - don't worry about this - they know what they're doing. A personal preference is sidestand not centrestand as it gives a much wider footprint. 

 

Oh and don't over tighten - there is a lot of mechanical advantage in those straps!

Edited by Favs, 12 August 2016 - 02:00 pm.

[TinTin]

I still hav a set of stickers I got with my Shark helmet plus a diagram of where to stick em I think. Yours if you want. 🍰

[RolfieB]

Didn't bother with helmet stickers in June Studders. Not a problem with plod.

Always left the strapping down of the bike to the ferry guys. Never had an issue.

 

Have a good un.

[Studley Ramrod]

Cheers for the strapping advice Favs.    Think I'll be ok without stickers Sam, thanks for the offer though.

 

Thanks Rolfie, I'm looking forward to it.

[Muppdog]

Been to France recently and the only bikers with helmet stickers were the Brits. The French certainly don't bother.

Enjoy

Rob

[Kelpie]

Put summit on your seat, under ratchet straps or they can mark it if you don't. I used my gloves.

[Favs]

Which reminded me - a Poundland cycle cable lock to fasten your helmet to the bike during the crossing and while you're away - saves lugging it about unnecessarily.

[PICARD]

Was in Avignon yesterday and went to the trouble of doing a thorough survey of stickers for you. (From various roadside cafes and bars)......loadsa bikes but only two riders had stickers. Italian matching couple on a can am spyder and unknown nationality on a Diaval.Consensus.....go for it!
When we rode in france earlier in the year, the view amongst other brit riders was, you wont get pulled for no stickers, but in the event of other drama, it's something else to fine for!! There is such a thing as "over preparation!!

[Studley Ramrod]

Thanks Pete, my first biking trip abroad so over preparation is all part of the ritual.

 

Got spare gloves to put on my seat Kelpie.   Got a cycle cable lock Favs.

[dablik]

Deepheat should prolly find a little space in your luggage 

[Studley Ramrod]

Deepheat is for ?

[Favs]

Masochists.............

[Rallyist]

Deepheat is for ?

After application ensure you wash your hands

Edited by Rallyist, 13 August 2016 - 02:34 pm.

[Studley Ramrod]

Masochists.............

 

Or wooses.

 

After application ensure you was your hands