Off to Switzerland in a few weeks time, I understand loud exhausts and speeding are a no no. So I will ride within the speed limit's with baffle in Any other 'tips' welcomed, and do I need special documentation (other than log book/insurance doc's etc ) ?
Buy a pass for the motorways - don't risk getting done without one. Take lots of cash - its expensive The passes are awesome - Andermatt a great base to do some loops round.
If you go through one of the border stations without stopping a man with a gun will shout at you. Only problem I found Some amazing roads in Switzerland. Don't believe all the horror stories.
Never had a prob with load cans matey.... even overtaking the coppers etc.. be shame not to have baffles in and not hear the sound in the tunnels as their loads of them...yes, we are 5 years old again! Sounds awesome. Speeding is a no no in the towns, we make progress everywhere else though, there are cameras in the tunnels sand before you enter them, but the passes are cam free.... If you are using motorways, you need a tax disc thingy, first year we got caught at the border/crossing without one and got done. Try and avoid motorways if you can, as the roads and scenery are awesome! Don't believe the hype as l3nny says.
Also take lots of pictures: These were all taken end of may / early June in 2010 We never had any trouble and I'd love to go back again same time of year or mid June to be sure all passes open
Yeah go and enjoy it, the roads are pretty good and the scenery is stunning. Watch out for cameras into and out of towns villages and the dreaded 30kmph zones which seem to make themselves evident only when your leaving one. Andermatt is a nice place to stay and also smack bang in the middle of all the high alpine passes so makes an excellent base for a few days. Stayed at the Schwarzer Baren hotel which was nice and cosy but I see its been changed and gone a bit poncy with a more modern interior. There are other hotels in Andermatt though though I've read articles about the drive to recreate Andermatt as an exclusive "boutique" holiday destination, no doubt for the wealthy, in the centre of the Alps, shame.
Or next to Andermatt and literally at the start of the passes is Hospental - bit cheaper - we found this place ideal for a couple of nights and managed to get a cracking half board rate: Jugehdherberge Hospental: Overview Had an evening in Andermatt - its not far to get a cab if needed
Another couple of things on Switzerland for you; Get your motorway vignette in advance if you intend to use motorways, (In some areas it's hard to avoid them) the Swiss Travel Centre based in the UK is the place = Swiss Railway Tickets - Driving in Switzerland: Motorway vignette If you're going to spend a few days in Switzerland get some Swiss Francs, they do mostly accept Euros but you will get stiffed on the exchange rate. A lot of petrol stations use automatic pumps that take either cash in notes or cards (UK Cards work) use a card or just a small note, the pumps don't give change, so don't put a 20Euro note in for an 8 Euro top up like my mate did!!
We're stopping at Andermatt on the way to Mugello, staying in Baden Baden on the Wesnesday night, up early to ride down the B500 finishing off in the alps at Andermatt. I know Albike said about going across from Calais to Germany, then going down that way to Baden Baden on the Autobahn, which road is classed as autobahn going from north to south ? Will be using lots of nice B roads there, but would be hand to know a quicker route if we get behind and need to be back by Tuesday afternoon even though we are only leaving Sunday night. One of the party is off on another holiday to Ibiza .
Mugello to home by Tuesday is one hell of a hit mate - I would git the road pronto Sunday about 3 - 4pm latest and ride for 4 hours north. As for heading south Baden Baden to Andermatt on the B500 is easy and we never used the Swiss motorway and had loads of mechanical issues on the way with an aprillia that ran out of electricity a few times. However... in hindsight we SHOULD have got the motorway pass. Look on ebay - they do crop up - or find a way to be able to re-sell your one on your return maybe ? ?
Have a look on Google maps or search for Germany motorway network - I just find the French motorway feels like you are being robbed blind all the time - you need to head East anyway so head East from Calais towards brussels and pickup the motorway somewhere near Koln (or Cologne as we read it) - you can do some nice roads and even call in at the ring for a coffee and view on the way past. You are going on bikes for crack - its a non-stop motorway blast both ways just get flights and hire a car to get to Mugello
The motorway tax rip-off thing was about 40 euros or £40 last year if I recall. If you pass from France to Switz' the border guys will just pull you over and tell you you need one. It's a sticker which you stick wherever you fancy. This is us at the French/Swiss border. My can was pretty loud and the two gixers pictured here were also loud but no problems. Didn't find it that expensive
We are leaving London Tuesday evening after work and getting over to Belgium or Germany to stay, not sure whereabouts we will get too. We are planning on popping into the ring as we pass by for lunch, been to Sabina Schmitt's restaurant, well her parents one and they do a great steak ! I know it will be a big hit on miles on the way back in a short time, but he booked the Ibiza thing not knowing the dates of Mugello trip. We have planned on being full packed up so we Can leave straight after the motogp race. Haven't booked any hotels for the return journey, so we can keep going til we had enough then stop over. What mileage do you normally do ? Cheers lads, this is what I love about this site, helpful like minded people.
