Anyone ridin' outside of continental U.S.

[little tex]

Hey ya'll, does anyone else other than me have problems ridin' in countries other than the U.S. I know back home you had to be on your toes when ridin' around cagers but it seems like here in Italy, even though there are scooters everywhere, that cruiser and sportbike riders seem invisible to the locals. Just wonderin' if I'm the only one jammin' my brakes and swervin' to miss four wheelers.

[jeffs99vulcan]

Does continental Canada count?!

[little tex]

Sure, I've never road in Canada or even been there for that matter.

[jeffs99vulcan]

Well, personally I don't find it all that bad, or at least no worse than the horror stories you hear, but I don't have a world of experience to compare it to either. I try pretty hard to stick to back roads, out of the way country roads where there is no traffic, even if the trip ends up being twice as long... that's why I ride!

I think you'd like riding here... but come in the summer!

[trikebubble]

Well, I didn't ride in Italy but we did spend two wonderful weeks there this past summer driving those wicked mountain roads.

Oh yeh, and I live in Canada too.............but unlike some of my Eastern brothers..........I get to live in the good part.....

[jeffs99vulcan]

Originally Posted by trikebubble

Well, I didn't ride in Italy but we did spend two wonderful weeks there this past summer driving those wicked mountain roads.

Oh yeh, and I live in Canada too.............but unlike some of my Eastern brothers..........I get to live in the good part.....

I suppose I should be flattered you still called me "BROTHER" at least?!

[WaimakRydah]

I'm riding (and living) in New Zealand. Never been to the US.

[Hilts]

I've ridden in the States a couple of times. No different than riding around here in Canada. For a Canucklehead nothing beats riding the bike along the coast of Florida in February. Did that this past year during Daytona Bike Week. This time last year I was counting sleeps till leaving. Ah man, I wish I was going again! Oh I did ride a scooter in Bermuda on my honeymoon. That was weird cause like England they ride on the opposite side and their roads are pretty narrow and they really like traffic circles. Really had to pay attention there.

[insolentminx]

i've ridden the bike in France and they're fantastic. They all move out of your way, let you go past at slow or single lanes, and their roads are great too.

Londoners can be a mixed bunch. some see you, some move out of your way and let you through, some pull out infront of you because they're jealous that they have to sit stuck in traffic... some just don't even see you.

I've driven in the US, and they all seemed ok, but i was weary, as i had a US licence and i know how pathetic their testing system is...

either way, be careful wherever you ride.

I can't imagine ride in Rome though!! Their roads are crazy full of little Alfas and Fiats all speeding around the Vespas and bicycles!!

[SA_Greeni]

Riding in sunny South Africa, beautiful weather, going on leave for 2 weeks and no space for the 900, so she is going on leave as well, think she may be happy about that though.

You need to try riding here, we have taxi's that laugh at you if they bump you over, on the news you hear practically everyday about a fatal bike accident.

[yuwan63755]

Just south of border in Mexico. Nice weather still here. Salute!
John

[rokket]

Originally Posted by little tex

Hey ya'll, does anyone else other than me have problems ridin' in countries other than the U.S. I know back home you had to be on your toes when ridin' around cagers but it seems like here in Italy, even though there are scooters everywhere, that cruiser and sportbike riders seem invisible to the locals. Just wonderin' if I'm the only one jammin' my brakes and swervin' to miss four wheelers.

try riding in spain , they only notice you when your down , and may be not then , its like dodging for flying shoes !!!!

[trikebubble]

Originally Posted by insolentminx

i've ridden the bike in France and they're fantastic. They all move out of your way, let you go past at slow or single lanes, and their roads are great too.

Londoners can be a mixed bunch. some see you, some move out of your way and let you through, some pull out infront of you because they're jealous that they have to sit stuck in traffic... some just don't even see you.

I've driven in the US, and they all seemed ok, but i was weary, as i had a US licence and i know how pathetic their testing system is...

either way, be careful wherever you ride.

I can't imagine ride in Rome though!! Their roads are crazy full of little Alfas and Fiats all speeding around the Vespas and bicycles!!

While we never drove in Rome (we walked around a lot though) we drove into Milan for a day this past summer..............now that was an experiance.

[insolentminx]

by the sound of things i don't want to try riding in Saffie.
I think Rome could be fun... at least to show off my bike in the glorious mediterranian sun, and scare the pope with my Cobras

[willyvn]

I'm riddin down under not that many problems with traffic you get the odd peanut changing lanes without looking but I assume it's the same the world over

[insolentminx]

Originally Posted by willyvn

I'm riddin down under not that many problems with traffic you get the odd peanut changing lanes without looking but I assume it's the same the world over

we don't let snack foods or pulses drive in the UK.
i always thought you were a bit weird down there!

[olov-d]

Swedens problem is poor roads with alot of suicide passing. Highways are ok - the same for Denmark nice cruising roads along lakes or the sea, Germany is real good to drive in as well as France where bikes are favored over cars for parking and access to small villages and turist areas. If you want a thrill give the autobahn a try - after a few hours of 70-100mph i fell behind a bunch of old dudes on hadas and just took it easy. As they turned off on different exits up twords Denmark they all waved - very nice. In france I observed really crazy bikers doing stupid stuff in traffic.

This summer I hope to cruise down to D-Day celebrations on June sixth - my father was a veteran -that will take me through the benelux countries too.

[BigJohn]

I've found that riding in B.C. is a lot like riding in Washington. Not much of a problem.

Mexico you need to be ready to duck everything. Chickens, taxis, horses, donkies, cars, trucks, buses and pigs. Road conditions vary depending on where you are. In the cities they kind of inhale. but the run south of TJ to Ensanada is great.

Really don't want to remember Thailand. on the highways it wasn't too bad, a few little pick up trucks and lories and buses. And the roads s***d, pot holes, cracks, narrow, very narrow. In Bangkok it was bedlam and total insanity. Takhli was a piece of cake. Doubt if it has gotten any better since the mid '70s.

[caboth]

Can't speak for your specific area , but the OTHER good part of Canada is in the East..it is the Island with its own time zone. Lots of winding highways..very little traffic, and if you are lucky , you may get to experience different seasons on your ride! At your stops you will always meet biker friendly people.
Gotta do your coast someday, though. A buddy did on his newly purchased Ultra Classic and said it was the best ride he had on the whole trip.