Hi all , im off to france at the weekend , not been over there for years , as far as fuel goes can we use the 95ron that has ethenol in it for a 900 or is it best to use the 98 super unleaded ? I have also been told its not as easy going for bikers as it used to be ? Any tips or experiences .
Im just back from riding the length of France on my Spain trip.
Run of the mill E10 95RON is fine in the TDM, I did find a few stations selling ethanol free 95RON but I didnt notice any difference at all in the bike.
As has been mentioned theres been a speed limit drop to 80kph on anything without a physical central barrier (not all signs have been changed). This seemed to be widely ignored by French bikers and some cars, but its only a month since the change so I guess people are either chancing it or being extra careful. On the twistier rural roads I like to frequent, 80kph is (nearly) enough anyway.
For making kms, the Autoroute is still your friend.
There have been a few other regulation changes recently (it been 10 years since I was last biking in France).
* Depending on where and when you go you might need a Crit Air registration (costs about 4.50 and lasts the life of the bike).
* CE Approved gloves are mandatory
* Reflective stickers on your helmet (but not mandatory for visiting riders)
* Hi-Viz vest/jacket must be worn in the event of break down
I complied with these regulations, but predictably, never got stopped. Generally speaking I didnt experience any difference in the laid back, welcoming attitude of the French to motorcyclists.
I did pick up a speeding fine in Spain, but thats a whole different story
Enjoy your trip!
Edited by Jim, 04 August 2018 - 09:41 am.