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Convert a bike for use in Europe Convert a bike for use in Europe
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Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



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  #1  
Old 7 Mar 2005
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Location: Gwynedd, Wales, UK
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Convert a bike for use in Europe
How do I convert my round Bosch H4 for use in Europe, please? (It now dips to the left, in Europe it has to dip to the right)

Do I also have to convert it to a yellow light?

Am I right in thinking that it is mandatory to carry a full set of spare bulbs and also a warning triangle?

Does my speedometer have to be marked in km/hr, mine is only in mph. If so, is marking the km/hr on the glass acceptable?

Many thanks

John
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  #2  
Old 7 Mar 2005
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A few layers of black tape over the centre of the lens where the horizontal line is in the glass in a sort of blunt wedge shape will don the trick. Dont bother with yellow bulbs or lens covers.

At leaset if you dazzle the buggers they see theres something coming.

Dont bother with the Speedo juts remember 30 mph is 50 kph and 50 mph = 90 kph and 60 = 100kph
use little bits of orange or white tape to indicate these 3 speeds its all you need.

Good plan to carry a few bulbs like a rear light one an indicator and a headlight but not essential and god knows what the triangle is for on a bike its for cars and trailers.

Good things to take are E111 medical form, a small calculator, a lonely planet guide a good map and a phase book. Sleeping bag and tent are also great. The rest of the stuff you can easily forget except a passport.

Charlie

BD

[This message has been edited by braindead (edited 07 March 2005).]
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  #3  
Old 8 Mar 2005
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Hi John:

A slightly more high-tech solution is to apply a flat plastic Fresnel lens to the glass, where your beam tips upward on the "wrong" side (wrong for the continent). This redirects the light downward. This way, you don't lose light output. You can purchase such a lens at a Volkswagen dealer - it's listed in the parts catalog for a Golf IV.

I don't think you are obliged to carry spare bulbs, and there has been no need to convert to a yellow headlight since the 1970s. I think, though, that you are required to carry a small first aid kit in Austria now.
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  #4  
Old 8 Mar 2005
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Hi Charlie/BD
Sound! (well, except for the sleeping bag, sod that this time of the year!)
Thanks

Hi, PanE
That's interesting- the idea of redirecting the light downwards. I expect that, by the same token it would be possible to redirect the light upwards on the other side, too. Just thinking out loud. Well, you know what I mean!
VW dealer/site next stop.
Thanks
John

PS Any other must-haves, anyone? Suggestions most welcome.
J
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