Planning a tour of Europe next summer.

My friend and I are planning a motorcycle tour of Europe next summer. Our plans call for 5 weeks of riding and visiting friends along the way. Because of the duration of this ride we don't believe it's economically viable to rent bikes there at a typical cost of 100 USD or more a day for machine, and probably closer to 150 USD for what we're riding and accustomed to. 5 weeks is a long time but we're looking forward to it.

Our current plan is to start in Ireland and return back to the states from Southern Italy. Though not locked in we'll be passing through Ireland, Scotland, UK, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Austria and Italy

We checked into Air Canada Freight and found it's the least expensive and most flexible carrier for our needs. We just need to do a day trip from the NYC area to Toronto to get to them.

Anyway my question is this. Has anyone done this type of ride with the US Spec bikes? With the exception of driving licenses and insurance that will cover our legal obligations in Europe, are there any issues that we need to overcome as far as the bikes go? Lighting, Horns, Tires, Windscreens... that sort of thing.

If anyone knows of a website or book where I can find some information on this would be helpful.
Any productive thoughts would be appreciated

I've done it 4 times. Will PM you my phone #.
Marty Hill

Better get there before the British fill the moat and pull up the border!

enigma625 said:

We checked into Air Canada Freight and found it's the least expensive and most flexible carrier for our needs.

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Sounds like an awesome trip! I'm very curious about what it costs to ship the bikes via Air Canada. Can you share any details with us?

bobs_one said:

Sounds like an awesome trip! I'm very curious about what it costs to ship the bikes via Air Canada. Can you share any details with us?

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I wont speak for him, but I believe it was last year that Air Canada started a program whereby you'd get a good deal on the cost of shipping a bike to Europe during the summer months (there is a special rate if you also fly Air Canada). For 2016, there were four departure airports (Toronto, Montreal, Calgary and Vancouver). Bear in mind that our American friends are also benefitting from the current exchange rate between the Canadian and U.S. dollars, so the price may be particularly attractive for them.

See 2016 details here: https://www.aircanada.com/cargo/shared/documents/ACC381_Procedure_QA_Moto_ENG_062015.pdf

bobs_one said:

Sounds like an awesome trip! I'm very curious about what it costs to ship the bikes via Air Canada. Can you share any details with us?

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Check out
https://www.aircanada.com/cargo/shared/documents/ACC381_Procedure_QA_Moto_ENG_062015.pdf