Motorcycle breakdown in Europe advice

If you and your mates have been planning a European motorcycle trip for months – don’t let a breakdown ruin the experience. If only to avoid the moral dilemma of whether to abandon your broken down companion or the entire trip, follow these simple steps to help ensure your ride to mainland Europe runs smoothly.

Bikes today are fantastically reliable compared to those a generation ago. Generally, for long distance work, the more cylinders the better, but whatever you ride, extended high-speed riding works your bike hard so treat it to new oil and filters before you set off. Each morning before you set off, visually inspect the bike and check that the chain is well lubricated. If you have soft compound tyres, remove any small pieces of debris they have picked up from the road.

Make your break down someone else's problem

Roadside repairs are always worth a go, and tremendously rewarding if you pull it off, but the golden rule when touring by bike is to travel light so you are likely to be short on tools if not technical expertise. Buying a good breakdown policy in advance of the trip is a wise investment. Prices vary wildly between providers so do your research. Provided your motorbike is less than 20 years old, and your trip is no longer than 31 days in total, then you’re eligible for cover from the ETA. Every policy includes motorcycle hire for up to 14 days to a maximum of £60 per day and if your bike cannot be repaired within 72 hours it is repatriated to your home. Get an instant quote for euro breakdown cover

Motorcycle breakdown in Europe - French motorways

If you break down on a motorway in France you will have to use the emergency phones at the side of the road to call out the recovery service operated by the French police – nobody else is permitted to attend broken down vehicles on this type of road. The fee they charge is usually covered by your breakdown provider ( a typical charge for coming out to top you up with fuel around 150 Euros). While on the subject of motorways, it’s worth noting that in France lower speed limits apply to visit drivers who have held a driving licence for less than two years (motorways 110 kph rather than 130 kph, open roads 80 kph rather than 90 kph and dual carriageways 100 kph rather than 110 kph)

Breathalyser Law in France

Disposable breathalyzer kits for drivers are required by French law, but there is no fine for not having a breathalyzer in your car. In January 2013, the French government said the fine for not having an unused breathalyzer with you (which was to have been €11) has been postponed indefinitely. In other words, you are supposed to take one but there is no fine imposed for non-compliance.

Documents you should take with you:

• Driving licence
• Vehicle registration document (V5)
• Motor insurance certificate
• Passport
• European breakdown call-out number – 0044 870 77 44 565 for those with ETA European cover

The ethical choice

The ETA was established in 1990 as an ethical provider of green, reliable travel services. Over 30 years on, we continue to offer cycle insurance , breakdown cover and mobility scooter insurance while putting concern for the environment at the heart of all we do.

The Good Shopping Guide judges us to be the UK’s most ethical provider.

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