Hi guys,

I will be taking my Uly and my girlfriend on holiday in Brittany, France, in a couple of weeks.

Given that this will be my longest ever trip to date (400km each way) + I have no big experience with moto-touring (and most importantly my gf does not appreciate it as much as I do) + I have been a Uly owner for just 6 months... I want to prepare to ensure that this will be as smooth as possible.

Hence, I have a few Q I'd like to ask:

- Besides the usual oil level, brake-pads, brake-fluid, tyre checks, what else would you suggest I check and replace over the next fortnight?

- I was thinking of buying a belt and taking it with me, just in case.
In your experience, what are the typical signs of a belt about to pass away?

- I have 2 soft panniers (Oxford first-time, 48L) and a large backpack that I'll bungee to the tail-piece.
We are off for a week and I'd like to maximise luggage capacity, suggestions?

I even thought of buying a metal rack to provide additional support as opposed to the existing one.
Found this http://www.ventura-bike.co.uk/images/models/128.jpg , any other you'd recommend?

Thanks once again
: )

i'd also take a mobile phone which works in Europe and buy some Buell Assistance cover,

Yes we'll have French SIMs. Suggestions for European roadside assistance?
Last time the RAC ripped me £30 for a weekend.

Done France from Northern Ireland twice now on the Uly. First trip on the Uly and I had the same questions as yourself. I got a load of useful advice on here but ultimately the best was make sure you have the bike serviced and buy some good breakdown cover.
I had travelled Europe before but for some reason with the Uly I got a bit panicky and thought about taking a new belt but while at the local dealers I was asked if I had ever taken a spare chain, did I know how to change the belt and did I have the right tools to change the belt or indeed somewhere to store said tools? My answer was No to which I received the reply " well why the feck are you spending money on a belt that you don't need" this reply was from another customer but was readily agreed by the dealer.
I was also travelling with the wife who loves bikes but loves her comfort more. I would highly recommend hard luggage. Easier to pack and remove from bike at hotels B&B,also great if like me you have a foot down on gravel then bike down on random back lane in Roscoff. Also leaves more room for the missus.
All in all just go and enjoy. Good luck.

Best deal I could get at the time was with vehicle rescue direct. Take it out for as many days as you need, but shop around.

I pay £42 for a year with full euro cover with Buell Assistance Number is 01737 815 179, you get it free when you buy a Buell from new. No brainer when it came to renew.

It took us two weeks last year to find and get a new belt for a Uly owner, stranded in Poland on his way to Romania. I wonder how long it would have taken to find him a new chain. Might have been ages, cause we all know, chain supply is below zero in Europe, just in opposite to belt supply ...

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"It is often said that before you die your life passes before your eyes. It is in fact true. It's called living."
Terry Pratchett

Johnny I have the same sort of pre-trip anxiety, nothing major has happened on my Uly although I am afraid of it letting me down.. nonetheless, did London to Lille last month and everything went fine!
So I should just relax..

As for the panniers, I can't really afford the hard ones atm so I'm going to have to arrange something.. buying a luggage rack might be the best thing for now.
I did manage to carry a bag, tent etc before on the existing (plastic) rack although I'm afraid of overloading it... I will try to load it up this week to see how far I can push it.

If anyone is selling one like the Ventura, or this GIVI frame (which would be perfect!) http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/pr ... /3745/474/

please let me know!

If you can come to Bristol on the Uly you can borrow my hardcases and racks, plus I will lend you a spare belt. I'll be wanting them back of course.

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08 Specialized Langster

You can prolly get breakdown insurance through your insurance company and while there check that you are covered to ride on the continent

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"With square conduct, level steps, and upright intentions ..”

Can i suggest one of these Cleaners
Don't want injector probs like i recently had
I would also fit new Plugs and check you Plug leads for any abrasions.
Palm and ECM spy lead would be a luxury.

Here is a link to Harley Dealers in Bretagne that might be good to note down.

Have a good one.

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Better late than never.

I can't believe there are still good people like you out there...
would love to accept your offer, could you do a checkup as well? (for ££ of course)



Thanks Comino! Will save that and bring it along!

Worth his weight in gold the man is a saint.

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Better late than never.

Pash is my Hero

Many peeps have done long trips on Buells and have covered over time large milages with relatively few faults. One problem with forums is the amount of negative vibes that always seem to dominate the comments. It's easier to moan than praise.

Pash has always been a top guy and I don't know how his wife puts up with his Buelling enthusiasm. There are quite a few folks that go the extra mile on this forum to help out which makes it the good place that it is. I'm sure that there is a link on here somewhere to some good biker friendly accomodation in Normany/Brittany area and bear in mind that it's not too far from civilisation anyway

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I'm a Hornithologist, I get excited by exotic birds.........

I don't do checkups, but can lend you a Palm with ECMSpy.

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08 Specialized Langster