BMW The Ultimate Riding Machine

Documentation

Many European countries, especially France and Spain, check documents on the roadside. There are often fines for not being in possession of documentation. Obviously, it is a rider's responsibility to ensure that the bike is taxed, MOT inspected and insured for all the countries visited on the tour.

Always carry an insurance certificate and bike registration document (V5). It is usually advisable to inform the insurance company of the countries to be visited. Green cards are not normally necessary for EU countries but are needed elsewhere. Check with the insurer and follow advice.

You are required to have valid 24-hour recovery and breakdown cover - BMW Assistance or similar - and to carry the documents (see World of BMW Terms and Conditions).

For your own protection, you must have valid travel insurance. You may wish to take an EHIC card with you to enable reimbursement of most emergency medical expenses incurred in a EU country. The forms are available from any post office and are currently being updated. Make sure you get a new one and ask the post office to validate it before departure. A current passport and driving licence are necessities.