Tips for motorcycling in the UK

[Snaporaz]

In the summer I will be doing a tour around Scotland with a friend - also on a GTR 1400. Since I've only ever traveled by car in Great Britain, I would like to know whether there are certain behaviors for motorcyclists - what should you definitely not do, what should you do?

[O.C.]

I see you are based in Berlin, I'm not entirely sure what the exact differences are between your countries roads and the roads here in the U.K...I have toured through Europe on a few occasions but that was a couple of years ago

I would say that good forward route planning and forward researching towns/cities that you visit would be a good idea, I would also pay attention to the speed limits which are generally well displayed thus reducing the chance that you may be prosecuted for speeding, some towns and inner city areas are now 20 mph zones and these areas can be rigorously policed

Otherwise take care ride safe and I'm sure that you will enjoy your time riding in the U.K   

[Snaporaz]

I also travel a lot in Europe, that's why I'm asking. In France you need stickers that show pollutant emissions for certain cities, in Italy (Tyrol) there are routes that can only be used with motorcycles that do not exceed a certain noise and throughout Italy your motorcycle will be confiscated for 6 weeks if you get caught without a helmet (and the motorcyclists salute each other with their feet because their hands have to stay on the handlebars). And in many municipalities there are ZTLs (zones that can only be entered with permission) that are constantly monitored with video.
Are there similar rules in the UK?

What is the state of evidence regarding speeding in the UK? Here in Germany the driver must have been photographed, the license plate alone is not enough - so simple "speed cameras" that only measure from the front are not that interesting for motorcyclists. And at what rate does it become expensive?

[Snaporaz]

Thank you for the answers!

[Rynglieder]

You will find it all quite straightforward, the only thing I would add is to watch your fuel level, especially when up in the far north of the country where filling stations are few and far between.

If it is of any help to you I did post a video on Youtube of a ride I did on my GTR a couple of years ago from Tyndrum to Kle of Lochalsh and back. If you have the patience to watch it through it may give you a clue to the roads and traffic you may expect. Pick it up from around 06:45 as the first bit only deals with the motorway ride up there.



Good luck with your trip, I think I'll be passing your way late this summer 

[Burchy]

Take your waterproofs!

[pross]

You will find it all quite straightforward, the only thing I would add is to watch your fuel level, especially when up in the far north of the country where filling stations are few and far between.

If it is of any help to you I did post a video on Youtube of a ride I did on my GTR a couple of years ago from Tyndrum to Kle of Lochalsh and back. If you have the patience to watch it through it may give you a clue to the roads and traffic you may expect. Pick it up from around 06:45 as the first bit only deals with the motorway ride up there.



Good luck with your trip, I think I'll be passing your way late this summer 

Fantastic trip and great company and memories