PREPARE THE BIKE

Is your bike roadworthy? With a current MOT? Would you happily ride it to Scotland – or Cornwall, if you live in Scotland? Well, there you go: you’re ready to go… If there’s a problem, get it properly fixed before even booking your ferry, never mind setting out.

If a service is due soon, get it done before you go – the engine won’t complain about getting fresh oil a bit early. If the chain and sprockets are on their last legs, switch them as well. Tyres a bit worn? Don’t muck about - you need to know they’re going to last the trip, so get them changed and save the old ones to use later.

For touring you’re looking for a good road-focused sports touring tyre unless you’re on an adventure bike and really will do gravel roads, in which case fit a dual sport tyre, not knobblies.

DO I NEED BREAKDOWN INSURANCE?

It’s sensible, just for peace of mind. If you have a new bike, check to see if it comes with Europe-wide roadside assistance (some do). Make sure you get cover with repatriation – to get you AND the bike back to Britain. Shop around - we’ve found prices vary wildly. And check the small print - we’ve seen policies which insist you buy cover for the whole trip from home to home, not just the time you’re abroad. Try and save the cost of a day’s cover at each end and you can find yourself with no cover at all.

DO I NEED TO CARRY SPARES AND TOOLS?

you use them? If not, don’t bother (but you definitely need breakdown cover). The exception is a suitable socket for the hub nut of some single-sided swingarm bikes - get a puncture and you can’t guarantee a tyre fitter or garage will have the right size. If you are handy with a spanner, check your paranoia levels: it’s one thing to carry a few cable ties, a puncture repair kit and enough tools to tighten any fasteners that work loose, but going ready for a complete top-end rebuild is probably excessive. Can