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30+ European Capitals and a few others in July 2010
Thinking about and trying to plan a wee trip next year. All the European Capitals.....well, 30 at least but maybe as many as 34.
It's about 18,000 kms but with side-trips and whether ferries are used - it might be more. Starting in Western Europe - UK, then going anti-clockwise as far as Ankara, then zig-zagging through the Balkan capitals and up into Scandinavia then clockwise through Finland and the former Russian states...... Planning for CHAS and Diabetes Research as recipient charities and yes, hoping to do it in a month. Would love to take longer but since so much will be A to B on essentially, main roads - we'll need touring bikes or......suggestions? Anyone?:funmeteryes: |
You've set yourself quite a challenge! Guess you need that to make it a charity ride rather than a holiday ...... unfortunately it also probably means that although you'll go to alot of places you're not going to see very much. :(
As you need to do alot of miles relatively quickly and will be on main roads mostly I think a 'proper' touring bike, as you suggest, would be the best bet. Either a sports tourer or an iron seat 'overlander' would probably be a bit OTT. Good luck with it! |
Thanks Mermaid, my first choice - although probably scoffed at by most, would be an FLHT/P(i). My original Police Special was good for 1000 mile days but can I find one in the UK......? Might have to import it.
Someone else suggested a Rocket III but God, it's kinda large. I suppose, one couldn't really go wrong with the ubiquitous BMW R12RT or K12/13GT and it might be a true test of the latter. We'll see. But still hoping that some other long-distance rider might like the opportunity. Any suggestions on the Russian States? CS |
Hmmmm - pretty unlikely to find many of those around here!
Not sure what you mean by 'Russian States' ....... Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia are the closest I've got to Russia and they are all well worth a visit. Some of the roads can be a bit rough so reasonable suspension travel would be a good idea - although a full on 'enduro' type machine isn't necessary! Haven't ridden the Rocket myself but, from my experience, I don't think it would be a particularly good choice. If you want something other than one of the BMWs - how about a Triumph Tiger 955 or older? Having ridden my Tiger around a reasonable amount of Europe I'd definitely recommend it. Not the newer one though (1050) as it is more of a 'city bike'. |
Go with your original thought of Harley-Davidson. I've done most of eastern Europe on an FLHR and have only had to replace a couple of blown bulbs. The air suspension and comfy seat on a big twin tourer will enable you to munch up the miles that your schedule will demand. I've done a couple of 800 mile days without any adverse affect on me or the bike. The Harley spares and dealer network in Europe could teach one or two people a lesson. We once had to replace an ignition system on a '92 springer in the Czech Republic, the unit was shipped in from Holland and fitted within 20 hours. You don't need to be a Ewan and Charlie clone to do Europe.
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Thank you also Tourider.... the dealer network for HD was one of the reasons for that choice but having ridden extensively in the US and in Miami and LA traffic....I found that the White Police Specials seem to be seen.....whereas friends on regular FXs and FLSs are not.
Just rode the GS 450 miles yesterday, the latter three hours in torrential rain and honestly, I think I need to find better equipment. By the way, beware Glencoe in fading light and heavy rain, the road becomes "different". Sounds like you should come next year.....? |
Although I am usually not a fan, I would go with a BMW seeing as you are on mainland europe.
I would imagine it would be easier to get spares or find a mechanic who knew about BMWs rather than HD. You can also pick up BMWs for a lot less money than HDs. Steve |
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