I was coming back from Italy on my little Guzzi, pulled into the ferry car park, and was surrounded by some massive motorcycles, lots of high end stuff as well, they were all really chatty and fun, one geezer was touring on an old chopper hardtail thing , then a young couple pulled up on an old Suzuki GS500 his go to work bike, they had done even more miles than me, he said they looked at buying a proper touring bike, but decided to use the bike he knew and rode every day, total outlay was a new set of tyres, chain and sprockets, and a service, plus some throw over luggage, they had a great time I like your tips, all very sensible, after touring for a few years I also learnt to travel light, and like you every day I kept a diary, plus a map, where I wrote things one and marked out our route, next year I will be using a sat nav for the first time though
I agree with keeping it flexible. I’ve done many trips in Europe. (Over 60). I find it useful to take old stuff to wear under the bike gear and dispose of it as I go. No smelly washing to carry, and it makes room to bring stuff back. Comes in handy if you get soaked too, as you can discard the wet stuff and not have to wait until it dries. It makes sense to book at least a couple of hotels as it gives you a known base to organise a rest day off the bike or do some maintenance. Thanks for the content.
What a lovely video and very much my philosophy of touring 20 years on a Moto Guzzi 750. No fixed plan, chilled out, book accommodation in the afternoon, avoid motorways. Love my HB hard luggage, it's lasted really well.
"Analogue touring"...spot on, and the Norton looked gorgeous loaded. In my youth, indeed that's just how it was: I once met a guy touring on a Yamaha 80cc, and I planned a 2 up trip to Strasbourg on a GT250....nobody batted an eyelid. Really enjoyable, thank you.
I’ve been touring in Europe since the 80’s on all sorts of bikes and what you say is spot on. The key points are don’t have a fixed plan, don’t book anything in advance (maybe the first night), don’t overpack, make sure have the equipment to fix a puncture and enjoy yourself.
Some great ideas in there, especially if you own a Griso or a Z900RS...or a Norton 961. I like the shot of the MG museum, of course, and idea #10 particularly - I'll give that a whirl next year. Cheers.
Hey there, thanks a lot for your comments, much appreciated. The MG museum was definitely one of the highlights. I suspect a Z900 would be more confidence inspiring in terms of reliability than the Norton. Although to be fair the old girl got me round with no major problems. I have no idea about Griso reliability, but I suspect that would be full of character too. Cheers!
Valid tips but id add European breakdown/recovery. My ZRX1200 stranded me requiring a part. Got recovered and sorted in a couple of hours, then on my way. Soft luggage always nervous to leave more than 10 mins, very restricting, so you’re correct on that. I put carrier bags and elastic bands to keep feet dry, rubber gloves over leather gloves and lightweight w/proof jacket and kex, all in tank bag if it rained. Stop quick and put them on.
Good solid tips and definitely makes for a more relaxing trip. Not always possible when people only have a limited window and want to get somewhere in particular but if your time off is flexible its definitely better to plan less and take it easy
Hi thanks for your comments and feedback. Yes I definitely preferred doing it that way vs the Ardennes trip which had too much motorway for my liking. Cheers.
The most amazing part of the trip is the bike didn’t get nicked especially as most people claim there bikes in a garage overnight when it’s clearly not so uninsured
Hi thanks for your comments and feedback. We always read the reviews on booking.com and bike parking was a major consideration. Many times we were able to park in hotel garages. If not we were able to lock the bikes up out of sight. So we weren’t worried about the bikes. But it’s worth checking with your insurance company - in fact I might do a separate video just on that topic. Thanks!
Great point that. Historically I’ve tried to avoid July/august because of that (and the heat). This summer it seems I can’t avoid the peak period so it’ll be interesting to see how I end up. Going to bring the tent just in case I think, there’s usually a spot for a bike and a small tent if nothing else.
I agree 100% about avoiding toll roads and motorways, my current touring bike that I’ve used to tour extensively with my camping gear has never once been on a motorway since I bought it new just over three years ago. What I don’t understand is your comment that you had to do hundreds of miles cruising at 80mph on motorways to get to the Ardennes. That was a choice, you could have reached your destination by taking perhaps an hour more from the Channel ports on great roads. Rough plans are fine but precise route planning is sometimes very important.
Tip #9! Just do it. I started riding in the ‘70’s & toured on my RD350 then on my 1976 Z900. My mates had similar bikes & we just lashed our gear however we could (usually very poorly). No proper gear & certainly not much money. Camped & ate out of a can & loved it. Now I’ve got a Harley tourer & pack way too much.
Hi thanks for your comments. I’ve definitely got the touring bug now. Do you still tour on the Harley? My wife and I have done a couple of trips to Normandy on my 883 Sportster.
Yes, get out regularly. Ride around Australia in 35 days with 5 mates. Done a few rides around the US & Canada & just back from visiting a mate in Queensland. I’m 68 now & ride atleast 3 times a week.
Next time ride through Germany. I know that you were on a tight schedule but it’s a great country to visit on a motorcycle. I keep a diary but I’m less analogue than you. I write my daily diary on my iPhone or iPad and add photos where appropriate. Not only do I have great memories of my trips but I can share parts of my travels with others very easily. Thinking about it someone who travels with action cameras then makes and edits a UA-cam video can hardly claim to be analogue, especially as you do it so well. 😊 I make do with my phone camera and the very occasional drone footage. My number one bit of advice would be about route planning. I plan my intended routes very carefully to ensure that I ride on the roads I want to ride on and visit the places I want to visit while avoiding the roads and places I want to keep clear of. I would never rely on Google Maps or Waze to do any more than to get me to an end point and that’s rarely what I want to do. For me planning is a great part of the trip. I start with maps, both paper and digital then create a route using OsmAnd which I save as a GPX. That route is then copied to my Garmin Zumo where I can see it in 2D with north up wherever I am. I don’t convert it into a route because I don’t want the Zumo to chose the roads I take. It’s a constant reference for me and if and when I divert from my route a line shows me the shortest point to rejoin it. It’s that preparation that allows me to travel good distances without needing to resort to using motorways and major roads. I stay on the roads that are great for my motorcycle, roads that are usually free from heavy vehicles and tourist congestion.
I enjoyed my first few years of motorcycling , as my first father in law got me into this hobby. Him and I did a lot of adventures together. Then I went through a divorce that came to an end. Have not met someone that is fit enough, or enough time or enough money to do trips. It's always one of those that someone doesn't have that would end the idea of a ride. Many people worry about the worst thing that can happen and bail out because of fear. So I have learned , that it's up to me to create my own adventure and I always over pack. Always! 😂 as for most of the the other points, I am agreeing with you. Nice video. Now if I could only get you smoking a tobacco pipe and tell the same points while talking about the subject, it would have been perfect. 😂
Thank you for your comments and feedback. I plan to do another tour next year and I will try to pack lighter - but I am sure I will over pack again. Maybe I will even take my pipe (yes I do have one!). Cheers. Ride safe 👍🏻
@NortonUnofficial no we just went where we fancied and then found somewhere to stay, it was before mobile phones and sat navs,,we just had paper maps lol
1. Have a rough plan, not a fixed itinerary 2. M̶o̶d̶i̶f̶y̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶b̶i̶k̶e̶ ̶i̶f̶ ̶y̶o̶u̶ ̶c̶a̶n̶ 3. Avoid motorways and toll roads 4. Don't pre-book all your accommodation 5. Pack a few essential tools 6. Don't overpack 7. Wet weather gear 8. Luggage options, panniers or bags? 9. Just do it 10. Keep a diary
Interesting video with some great tips. Subscribed
Awesome, thank you. Glad you like the video! 👍🏻
With a bit of thought any bike will tour ,for me the most important thing is the seat.
Thanks for your comments. The seat on the 961 Commando was fine. I didn’t need a seat cover on it in the end.
Worth spending money on a comfortable seat
I was coming back from Italy on my little Guzzi, pulled into the ferry car park, and was surrounded by some massive motorcycles, lots of high end stuff as well, they were all really chatty and fun, one geezer was touring on an old chopper hardtail thing , then a young couple pulled up on an old Suzuki GS500 his go to work bike, they had done even more miles than me, he said they looked at buying a proper touring bike, but decided to use the bike he knew and rode every day, total outlay was a new set of tyres, chain and sprockets, and a service, plus some throw over luggage, they had a great time
I like your tips, all very sensible, after touring for a few years I also learnt to travel light, and like you every day I kept a diary, plus a map, where I wrote things one and marked out our route, next year I will be using a sat nav for the first time though
That’s fantastic, thanks for taking the time to share. Great to hear. Ride safe 👍🏻
I agree with keeping it flexible. I’ve done many trips in Europe. (Over 60). I find it useful to take old stuff to wear under the bike gear and dispose of it as I go. No smelly washing to carry, and it makes room to bring stuff back. Comes in handy if you get soaked too, as you can discard the wet stuff and not have to wait until it dries. It makes sense to book at least a couple of hotels as it gives you a known base to organise a rest day off the bike or do some maintenance. Thanks for the content.
Thanks for your comments and feedback. That’s a good idea, I never thought of that. I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Ride safe 👍🏻
What a lovely video and very much my philosophy of touring 20 years on a Moto Guzzi 750. No fixed plan, chilled out, book accommodation in the afternoon, avoid motorways. Love my HB hard luggage, it's lasted really well.
Thank you for your feedback and comments, I really appreciate them. Glad you enjoyed the video.
I really do love your bike. Its a really simple uncomplicated bike.
Thank you. Yes it’s a pretty old school bike. I love riding it.
"Analogue touring"...spot on, and the Norton looked gorgeous loaded. In my youth, indeed that's just how it was: I once met a guy touring on a Yamaha 80cc, and I planned a 2 up trip to Strasbourg on a GT250....nobody batted an eyelid. Really enjoyable, thank you.
Thank you for the feedback, much appreciated. I’m hoping to do more touring on the bike next year. Glad you enjoyed the video.
I’ve been touring in Europe since the 80’s on all sorts of bikes and what you say is spot on. The key points are don’t have a fixed plan, don’t book anything in advance (maybe the first night), don’t overpack, make sure have the equipment to fix a puncture and enjoy yourself.
All great points! Thanks a lot for the feedback. Ride safe!
Great tips, the only addition I suggest are Michelin Maps, I buy these inexpensively at the Charity shop and cut them up to fit a map pouch.
That's a great idea, thank you I’ll try that on my next tour 👍🏻
Some great ideas in there, especially if you own a Griso or a Z900RS...or a Norton 961. I like the shot of the MG museum, of course, and idea #10 particularly - I'll give that a whirl next year. Cheers.
Hey there, thanks a lot for your comments, much appreciated. The MG museum was definitely one of the highlights. I suspect a Z900 would be more confidence inspiring in terms of reliability than the Norton. Although to be fair the old girl got me round with no major problems. I have no idea about Griso reliability, but I suspect that would be full of character too. Cheers!
Nice one Jonathan. You really are getting quite good at this!
Thanks dude!
Looks like a great trip with some amazing places to visit. 😊
Thanks, yes it was amazing and I can’t wait to go back.
Valid tips but id add European breakdown/recovery. My ZRX1200 stranded me requiring a part. Got recovered and sorted in a couple of hours, then on my way. Soft luggage always nervous to leave more than 10 mins, very restricting, so you’re correct on that. I put carrier bags and elastic bands to keep feet dry, rubber gloves over leather gloves and lightweight w/proof jacket and kex, all in tank bag if it rained. Stop quick and put them on.
Great tips, thanks. Yes I also arranged breakdown/recovery through the AA. Cheers, ride safe 👍🏻🏍️
I enjoyed that video Jonathan. A great trip and some good advice there.👍🏍️
Thanks Geoff, glad you enjoyed it. I’m hoping to do some more tours on the Commando next year.
Good solid tips and definitely makes for a more relaxing trip. Not always possible when people only have a limited window and want to get somewhere in particular but if your time off is flexible its definitely better to plan less and take it easy
Hi thanks for your comments and feedback. Yes I definitely preferred doing it that way vs the Ardennes trip which had too much motorway for my liking. Cheers.
Great video mate.
Some really good, simple, but effective advise.
Top job!
Thanks for the feedback Grumps, much appreciated.
Enjoyed that, thanks!
Thank you for the feedback. Glad you enjoyed it.
The most amazing part of the trip is the bike didn’t get nicked especially as most people claim there bikes in a garage overnight when it’s clearly not so uninsured
Hi thanks for your comments and feedback. We always read the reviews on booking.com and bike parking was a major consideration. Many times we were able to park in hotel garages. If not we were able to lock the bikes up out of sight. So we weren’t worried about the bikes. But it’s worth checking with your insurance company - in fact I might do a separate video just on that topic. Thanks!
Very enjoyable video
I live in Queensland and ride a twenty year old R1150R and tour as you do
Have fun
Thanks for the feedback, glad you liked the video. Ride safe. Greetings from Wales 🏴
Beautiful, loved this video and the philosophy 2:52
Thank you for your comments and feedback. I’m glad you liked it.
Good tips. I'd qualify number 4 though if you're travelling in July and August or any other busy time as hotels are much harder to find
Yes that’s a great point, I hadn’t considered that. I was travelling in September. Thanks for the feedback.
Great point that. Historically I’ve tried to avoid July/august because of that (and the heat). This summer it seems I can’t avoid the peak period so it’ll be interesting to see how I end up. Going to bring the tent just in case I think, there’s usually a spot for a bike and a small tent if nothing else.
Useful video
Thanks for your comment. Glad you think so!
I agree 100% about avoiding toll roads and motorways, my current touring bike that I’ve used to tour extensively with my camping gear has never once been on a motorway since I bought it new just over three years ago. What I don’t understand is your comment that you had to do hundreds of miles cruising at 80mph on motorways to get to the Ardennes. That was a choice, you could have reached your destination by taking perhaps an hour more from the Channel ports on great roads. Rough plans are fine but precise route planning is sometimes very important.
Oh and I meant to add I had a week away this year two up on my ‘74 850 Commando so you can tour on anything.
Tip #9! Just do it. I started riding in the ‘70’s & toured on my RD350 then on my 1976 Z900. My mates had similar bikes & we just lashed our gear however we could (usually very poorly). No proper gear & certainly not much money. Camped & ate out of a can & loved it. Now I’ve got a Harley tourer & pack way too much.
Hi thanks for your comments. I’ve definitely got the touring bug now. Do you still tour on the Harley? My wife and I have done a couple of trips to Normandy on my 883 Sportster.
Yes, get out regularly. Ride around Australia in 35 days with 5 mates. Done a few rides around the US & Canada & just back from visiting a mate in Queensland. I’m 68 now & ride atleast 3 times a week.
Next time ride through Germany. I know that you were on a tight schedule but it’s a great country to visit on a motorcycle. I keep a diary but I’m less analogue than you. I write my daily diary on my iPhone or iPad and add photos where appropriate. Not only do I have great memories of my trips but I can share parts of my travels with others very easily. Thinking about it someone who travels with action cameras then makes and edits a UA-cam video can hardly claim to be analogue, especially as you do it so well. 😊 I make do with my phone camera and the very occasional drone footage.
My number one bit of advice would be about route planning. I plan my intended routes very carefully to ensure that I ride on the roads I want to ride on and visit the places I want to visit while avoiding the roads and places I want to keep clear of. I would never rely on Google Maps or Waze to do any more than to get me to an end point and that’s rarely what I want to do. For me planning is a great part of the trip. I start with maps, both paper and digital then create a route using OsmAnd which I save as a GPX. That route is then copied to my Garmin Zumo where I can see it in 2D with north up wherever I am. I don’t convert it into a route because I don’t want the Zumo to chose the roads I take. It’s a constant reference for me and if and when I divert from my route a line shows me the shortest point to rejoin it. It’s that preparation that allows me to travel good distances without needing to resort to using motorways and major roads. I stay on the roads that are great for my motorcycle, roads that are usually free from heavy vehicles and tourist congestion.
Can you send me the link to the video on costs that you mention at the end of this video. Thank you
I enjoyed my first few years of motorcycling , as my first father in law got me into this hobby. Him and I did a lot of adventures together. Then I went through a divorce that came to an end. Have not met someone that is fit enough, or enough time or enough money to do trips. It's always one of those that someone doesn't have that would end the idea of a ride. Many people worry about the worst thing that can happen and bail out because of fear. So I have learned , that it's up to me to create my own adventure and I always over pack. Always! 😂 as for most of the the other points, I am agreeing with you. Nice video. Now if I could only get you smoking a tobacco pipe and tell the same points while talking about the subject, it would have been perfect. 😂
Thank you for your comments and feedback. I plan to do another tour next year and I will try to pack lighter - but I am sure I will over pack again. Maybe I will even take my pipe (yes I do have one!). Cheers. Ride safe 👍🏻
@@NortonUnofficial got me with " you own one" tells me you are a thinker! 😊 new sub just for that comment
Me and my wife did a two week tour of France and italy on a kawasaki gpz500, it nevervmissed a beat.
Glad to hear it. Did you pre book all your accommodation or book it as you went along?
@NortonUnofficial no we just went where we fancied and then found somewhere to stay, it was before mobile phones and sat navs,,we just had paper maps lol
Motorways are rubbish on a naked bike…so good tip👍
Thanks for your comments. Ride safe 👍🏻🏍️
@ thank you…good video👍
1. Have a rough plan, not a fixed itinerary
2. M̶o̶d̶i̶f̶y̶ ̶t̶h̶e̶ ̶b̶i̶k̶e̶ ̶i̶f̶ ̶y̶o̶u̶ ̶c̶a̶n̶
3. Avoid motorways and toll roads
4. Don't pre-book all your accommodation
5. Pack a few essential tools
6. Don't overpack
7. Wet weather gear
8. Luggage options, panniers or bags?
9. Just do it
10. Keep a diary
Do you tour on the bike exactly as it was when it left the showroom?
Now do it with the cafe racer version …
😂