Hello there British brothers long time no see i'm from italy 59 y.o. at last i bought back a ducati 748 in Britain that would mean that i will go to devon to pick up the bike and get back to Milan on her , actually i m here to asking you vaulable tips to face the trip without problems , the bike is in a good state of repair just moted without advisories but the journey is long enough for her , so my idea would be doing the DEVON -CALAIS in one shot than taking the ferry and pass the night at CALAIS , getting up early in the morning and face the long journey through France , switzerland and Italy , do you think the bike will endure such a trip ? what are your tips for me to have a secure and safely trip ? thanks to all #2Bradray forever
Hi there Markie! #1 tip: make sure you have a good road assistance contract that will work internationally, and take care of you and the bike 24/7 should you get stranded somewhere along the road. The kind that will see you all the way back home WITH your recently acquired bike, and not dump it in a random unknown garage half way… As far as mechanics go, as the bike is new to you, you are going to find out if you are lucky or not. Before any long road-trip, I would check: - Decent tires (age, shape, pressure) - Break pads, front and back - Chain, correctly adjusted, cleaned and lubed - No leaks on forks (these can be easily wiped clean at the time of the sale, so a quick 5’ road test around the block with a couple good front braking use should let you know) - Battery fully charged AND charging (watch out for any electrical discrepancies, inc. melted connector between rec/reg and alternator - Fresh oil - Good (recent) spark plugs - Good (recent) belts - Fuel hoses in the tank in good shape - Tool kit and spares under the saddle (new plugs, zip ties, spare relay, 100ml chain lube, chain tensioning tool, etc.) Any of these unsatisfactory and I would delay departure to sort it (possibly with the seller, depending on what you agreed on, price, etc.). 748s have the reputation to be the most demanding of the Tamburini SBK family, maintenance wise… Last but not least: check pilot muscles and joints are ready for sustained periods of aching misery (wrists, neck, back and knees..) Let us know about the route you choose. There are beautiful areas in France between Calais and Switzerland. Check for Le Col de La Faucille, just before Geneva, coming down from Les Rousse in Jura on N5. And if you choose to ride across Switzerland, make sure the bike has OEM exhaust…
That is an epic trip and what a way to “get to know” your new friend. I am in Petworth West Sussex (half way between Devon & Calais) for mechanical and human sustenance if the wheels come off the wagon early on. Good luck, take lots of pics and let us know how you get on…..
Thanks mates already bought a couple of british cars and brought back to Milan and i just trusted the good fate and indeed they made the trip without problem whatsoever hope my British 748 will do the same , what concerns me the most it is not the trait from devon to Dover but the one from calais to italy which could put the bike under severe strain i even thought of hiring a van from calais to mulhouse but i'm not able to find anything for that day , i even knew that you can load the bike on a train but i don't even know where to turn to , anyone out there who has done something like that ? cheers
I did similar but the other way around (and not as.far) Paris to Bristol on a 748 I bought in France.
I bought a Moto Guzzi in Florence and did consider riding it home (around 1,000 miles) but due to it being old and unused for some years plus the cost of the trip and difficulty of arranging insurance I decided to get it shipped which was probably cheaper anyway all things considered. It's a good job I did though as 500 miles into my ownership the pistons hit the exhaust valves, wouldn't have wanted that half-way through France. That said, if I'd known the bike was up to it and insurance had been easy I'd have happily ridden it.
You could investigate the Brittany Ferries routes, such as Plymouth - Roscoff or Poole - Cherbourg. I normally use the overnight ferry from Portsmouth to Caen. This will save you a lot of boring UK motorway miles and maybe even a hotel in Calais. It will also give you a headstart when you get to France. https://www.brittany-ferries.co.uk/ Good luck for your trip, it will be a great adventure.
I just did Brittany Ferries Portsmouth to Caen for the Le Mans TD last week. I am also a fan of Portsmouth Bilbao/Santander for the Spain/Portugal TDs.
Hi Markie, defo doable, and as has been said a great way to get to know your steed. I've done the same thing twice now and will be doing a third in September. (NE UK to South France ~1001 miles!) 996S this time, please don't tell the trouble and strife...Certainly good breakdown coverage is a must... just for peace of mind. And obviously a checkover before setting off is wise. The last couple of times I've been fairly direct, with formula 1 hotels, but this time I think it is a great idea to "explore" whilst travelling in a southerly direction! Good luck! And yes post the photos!
Grant, you MUST plan a pit stop at our place! Just 40 miles north of Lyon. Let me know. Edit: Hang on, what will you be riding? I must preserve my reputation, you see…
I could ride to meet you north of us and then the next day, escort you down some. I could consider sharing some local secret spots… Édit: bike sleeps indoors too.
thanks to all folks , also i have got an old tom tom which i would like to use during the trip but the inernal battery is totally flat which would mean that i should keep plug into the lighter inside my car , as the 748 hasn't got that and i have to face hours of trip i need to let it on with a bankpower do you think that this product can do the job well ? thanks British brothers
With something like this: Usb motorcycle charger cable Check for a goodish one... I've just posted the very first found for info..
