We are doing a long campervan trip in a few months in our Vivaro and like you avoiding toll roads. I am a biker too, have a Royal Enfield in Thailand and a Vespa in Portugal, my two homes, winter and summer respectively. On the bikes we travel two up with only 5-6kg of luggage.
Enjoying this very much. Went a slightly different route to Como in 2011, by car unfortunately. Nurburgring, Stelvio, Moto Guzzi museum and Schlumph Collection in Mulhouse were highlights. I'm a 75 year old Enfield rider from Shropshire. I am quite taken with your Herald.
I crossed the at the same Border crossing as you this september gone. I was on a Yamaha tricity 300cc as i dont have a full bike license :( . Newhaven to Dieppe night crossing(had a kip ) 5am set off from Dieppe to Besançon about 350 miles no tolls or motorways. B&B hotel 1st night, then meandered to Lausanne down the lakside and over to interlaken my base, Tent had electric, gas cooker beds with mattress for less than £200 (shopping at Lidl ) 7 nights, Magic. Now you've got me day dreaming again lol Already book't for this September 8 nights same price :)
Wow 👌 awsome. That route is stunning. Go on do another.. you know you want to. Good luck, and please let me know if you go and where you went. Ride Safe
@@mikeosborn24688 Did it twice last year and went from Switzerland to le vieux Port- Landes just up from Biaritz. Had a ride around the pyrennes and on my way back up i did 630 miles or so free motorways and small roads. At 64 it was easy peasey lol. 32k in 2 years i'm an Addict :( Oh in France Camping Municipal is the cheapest way to camp
I usually don't watch vids of European tours ( there are parts of the UK that I can't afford to see yet ) but I'm so glad that I've watched your part 1 and 2, and I'm looking forward to part 3, I think your flexible and layed back approach is just right and your camera setup is astonishing, hope your enjoying every moment of it. 😉
Excellent video - I’m intending to “do” The Alps this summer on my XSR125 - I can give you a few years and quite a few stone so should amuse! Thanks for sharing - assume you were talking about TAYM?
That’s the best way of travelling on a smaller bike on the back roads you see so much more of where you are and find more interesting off the beaten track places and of course it’s cheaper as well . Really enjoying your trip so far .
Hi so many thanks for this highly inspiring video. An Italian national, I have been a UK resident for over 30 years and I have done the same trip, only down to Rome from London and back around 40 times on a 1978 Volvo 244 affectionately nicknamed the brick; now up to my neck in a late life crisis and not having ridden a bike for over 30 years I am absolutely obsessed with another brick, only the flying one: the BMW K series, which is pretty much a two-wheeled Volvo (as you may have surmised, I am an admirer of function over form). And of course watching your stunning video fuelled my desire to attempt the same thing on a motorbike while I still can. At present I’m still searching for the right ride but I have massively enjoyed watching this, being very familiar with some of the route you took (on my last trip I did the whole thing off-motorway, there are too many vehicles on European roads… ) thank you!
Hi, thank you so much for the kind words. This years big trip will he mostly off any motorway/highways. I can't wait as I will take 2 weeks. I'm so glad I have helped a little in giving you the extra motivation to do it. Ride Safe
Enjoyable series mate straight and to the point. Video imagery is good, a slight improvement in the sound quality on the open road would be useful in any event very good overall and thank you kindly for sharing.
@@mikeosborn24688 I know the feeling Mike, Ive just booked the ferry for a two week trip motocamping around Switzerland at the end of May this year on my new Africa Twin DCT and can not wait, safe travels pal 👍🏍🏍👍
Great couple of videos about your trip. Certainly intrigued as to what happens next. 😊 When did you travel? I was in Austria, Italy and Switzerland in September last year and the weather wasn't too good. Went over the Furka pass, however I didn't see much...other than low cloud. I like the content. Thx G
Hi, thanks for commenting ☺️. I traveled in late June 2024. I was super lucky with the weather, or was I? Keep watching, as I do need to know the difference between lake Lucerne, and where I was Lausanne. Opposite end of Switzerland 🇨🇭 😄
Hi. Enjoy a good down to earth video of a trip. Have to ask what make is the handlebar clock you have. I have had two front Amazon which stopped working and never started again almost as soon as I put them on. Many thanks Mark.
Hi Lewis. Thanks for your in put. Really appreciated. Yes the Herald got to Rochester and Back without any problems. Thanks again. It was nice to meet you. Ride Safe
Hello enjoying your videos.dont know much about the bike.other than made in China but looked after by a Cambridgeshire company.whats the reliability and fuel consumption like. Peter
Hi Peter. Apart from a problem with the connector to the coil and a rubbish battery. It has been faultless. Almost 8000 miles done now. I love the bike, but don't get me wrong, there are much better bikes for not much more money. And parts are a little difficult finding as this Bike was discontinued. But it's what I have. And I have a real soft spot for it. Thanks for your comment 👍 Ride Safe
Yes John, I agree. If you see my Scotland trip, I used the Relive app. However, I keep forgetting to start it. Please bare with me, I will get there in the end.
I've been enjoying your videos especially from Philippines. My wife is from Cavite! I'm just wondering if God forbid you get a puncture what would be your plan? I'm guessing you're on tubes with those spoked wheels. Cheers all the best.
Hi Gerard. Thanks for commenting ☺️. I used to live in Cavite with my wife. Mangghan. But we are now building a new house in La Union. I will get around to editing the rest of the PHILIPPINES 🇵🇭 videos. I carry inner tubes and all the tools to change them. But if worst came to it, I always have recovery insurance. It's all part of the Adventure
I enjoy riding with you on this proper motorcycle holiday. Please remember to wear your gloves in France. It's illegal to ride a motorcycle in France not wearing CE approved gloves.
Its 40 euro and you can buy it at main border crossings and petrol stations etc near border. Its valid for one year, BUT that year expires on 31st jan. So if you buy mid year you only get 6 months for your 40 euro's ! Its called a vignette. And its a non removeable sticker (most are not removeable without damaging them and must be displayed on screen. They do not cover any fee's for entering passes though. Just motorways. Austria's is better as its only about 6 euros for 10 days !! So more economical for shorter stays.
There is a Herald 400 classic for sale in my local dealership with 3k miles on the clock and is decent condition. One of my concerns are installed heated grips which are connected to the battery which as you mentioned in one of your previous videos, drains the battery. The price is £2.6 for the bike. I’m not mechanical at all lol but would you recommend this bike and what are the parts availability/things to look out for etc? Great videos by the way. You are very inspiring :).
Hi Mark. As you are probably aware, I have a real soft spot for the Herald. As far as heated grips go, if they are good quality with smart controllers, and they are secured to the battery tight, then they should be fine. If they have no automatic shut-off, then they need to be wired through a relay. Parts, well fair wear and tear parts are no problem, but bike specific parts like engine exhaust, ect, will be more difficult as Herald stopped selling them over 2 years ago. I recommend the bike. However, for that money, you may be able to get a bigger named classic. There are dealers around, though, who do have stock parts. And Mash do a bike with same engine. Good luck buddy.
We are doing a long campervan trip in a few months in our Vivaro and like you avoiding toll roads. I am a biker too, have a Royal Enfield in Thailand and a Vespa in Portugal, my two homes, winter and summer respectively. On the bikes we travel two up with only 5-6kg of luggage.
Sounds awesome 👌 I'll be living in the Philippines again in next few years. On a very similar bike. Getting around most of the islands
Enjoyed the ride along. Beautiful scenery and lovely roads. Look forward to the next episode.
@simongarey8575 Thanks, Simon. Really appreciate that. Thanks.
Great adventure, enjoying the updates
Thanks Marty, really appreciated 🙏
Enjoying this very much. Went a slightly different route to Como in 2011, by car unfortunately. Nurburgring, Stelvio, Moto Guzzi museum and Schlumph Collection in Mulhouse were highlights. I'm a 75 year old Enfield rider from Shropshire. I am quite taken with your Herald.
Hi Raymond, It sounds like you had a great trip, though. I appreciate your comment and your enjoying my trip. I love the Royal Enfield bikes.
I crossed the at the same Border crossing as you this september gone. I was on a Yamaha tricity 300cc as i dont have a full bike license :( . Newhaven to Dieppe night crossing(had a kip ) 5am set off from Dieppe to Besançon about 350 miles no tolls or motorways. B&B hotel 1st night, then meandered to Lausanne down the lakside and over to interlaken my base, Tent had electric, gas cooker beds with mattress for less than £200 (shopping at Lidl ) 7 nights, Magic. Now you've got me day dreaming again lol Already book't for this September 8 nights same price :)
Wow 👌 awsome. That route is stunning. Go on do another.. you know you want to. Good luck, and please let me know if you go and where you went. Ride Safe
@@mikeosborn24688 Did it twice last year and went from Switzerland to le vieux Port- Landes just up from Biaritz. Had a ride around the pyrennes and on my way back up i did 630 miles or so free motorways and small roads. At 64 it was easy peasey lol. 32k in 2 years i'm an Addict :( Oh in France Camping Municipal is the cheapest way to camp
@raskfel555 Wow. I wish I had time to do that much. Awsome achievement 👏
@@mikeosborn24688 do you ride ozzy lol, work smarter not harder ;)
Ahh fair play!
Thanks Rob
Really enjoying this,looking forward to the next episode
Hi, thanks for your comment, I really appreciate it.
I usually don't watch vids of European tours ( there are parts of the UK that I can't afford to see yet ) but I'm so glad that I've watched your part 1 and 2, and I'm looking forward to part 3, I think your flexible and layed back approach is just right and your camera setup is astonishing, hope your enjoying every moment of it. 😉
Hi Dave, I really appreciate your comment. I also need to get some more UK trips done. I'm really glad you like the videos. Ride Safe
Excellent video - I’m intending to “do” The Alps this summer on my XSR125 - I can give you a few years and quite a few stone so should amuse! Thanks for sharing - assume you were talking about TAYM?
Hi Rob. Looks like you're going to have an awesome time. TAYM?
You were talking about a redhead MOTORCYCList from Suffolk. I thought you were talking about TAYM - “The All Year Motorcyclist”
No.. it's a friend of mine, we started riding bikes together as kids in the 70's
Little red cross traffic signals in france mean that oncoming traffic is halted/stopped so you have priority to turn left into a side road
Thanks, Robert. Duely noted
That’s the best way of travelling on a smaller bike on the back roads you see so much more of where you are and find more interesting off the beaten track places and of course it’s cheaper as well . Really enjoying your trip so far .
Hi, thanks for commenting ☺️ I only wish I had longer to do the whole trip on smaller roads. This year's big trip.. fingers crossed. Ride safe
Hi so many thanks for this highly inspiring video. An Italian national, I have been a UK resident for over 30 years and I have done the same trip, only down to Rome from London and back around 40 times on a 1978 Volvo 244 affectionately nicknamed the brick; now up to my neck in a late life crisis and not having ridden a bike for over 30 years I am absolutely obsessed with another brick, only the flying one: the BMW K series, which is pretty much a two-wheeled Volvo (as you may have surmised, I am an admirer of function over form). And of course watching your stunning video fuelled my desire to attempt the same thing on a motorbike while I still can. At present I’m still searching for the right ride but I have massively enjoyed watching this, being very familiar with some of the route you took (on my last trip I did the whole thing off-motorway, there are too many vehicles on European roads… ) thank you!
Hi, thank you so much for the kind words. This years big trip will he mostly off any motorway/highways. I can't wait as I will take 2 weeks. I'm so glad I have helped a little in giving you the extra motivation to do it. Ride Safe
Another really enjoyable vid Mike....well done and keep 'em coming 👍
Cheers, Rick. Did you get my nod to you?
@mikeosborn24688 haha I did wonder but my red hair went grey years ago...apparently according to my kids lol...
Enjoyable series mate straight and to the point. Video imagery is good, a slight improvement in the sound quality on the open road would be useful in any event very good overall and thank you kindly for sharing.
Thank you for the comment. I'm am still working on the microphone location in my helmet. Bare with me, and I'll get there. Ride Safe
Excellent, can't wait. Great vlogs 👍👍
Thanks . Thanks I really appreciate it 🙏
@@mikeosborn24688 Your welcome, love em, I've subscribed.
Thanks for letting us share your memories. Where was the castle you visited?
It's the Chateau de Joux, just off the N57 road near swiss boarder French side. I stumbled on it. And it was really worth it. Ride Safe
@ many thanks. Definitely on my to do list. Ride safe
I have to be honest. I just had to search on Google Maps to find it as I had no idea on the day 😅
Really enjoying these videos!
Thanks, John, that means a lot. Still got a long way to go. And need more free time and less work.
@@mikeosborn24688 I know the feeling Mike, Ive just booked the ferry for a two week trip motocamping around Switzerland at the end of May this year on my new Africa Twin DCT and can not wait, safe travels pal 👍🏍🏍👍
Sounds awesome. Great Bike Africa Twin DCT. I used to sell them for Lings
Great couple of videos about your trip. Certainly intrigued as to what happens next. 😊
When did you travel?
I was in Austria, Italy and Switzerland in September last year and the weather wasn't too good.
Went over the Furka pass, however I didn't see much...other than low cloud.
I like the content.
Thx
G
Hi, thanks for commenting ☺️. I traveled in late June 2024. I was super lucky with the weather, or was I? Keep watching, as I do need to know the difference between lake Lucerne, and where I was Lausanne. Opposite end of Switzerland 🇨🇭 😄
@mikeosborn24688 funny you mentioned that... because I thought you were heading to Lake Lucerne. I had to look up Lausanne. 😁
Hey whens part 3, wanna see the passes in Switzerland as doing them this year with my Son.
Hi, thanks for your comment. It will be out next Wednesday. Fingers crossed.
You will love them, been many times and still keep going back !
Hi.
Enjoy a good down to earth video of a trip. Have to ask what make is the handlebar clock you have. I have had two front Amazon which stopped working and never started again almost as soon as I put them on. Many thanks
Mark.
Hi Alan, Thanks for the nice comment. I bought it from Amazon, ZYTC store. Ride Safe
Hay lad, helped you at the Bp on the a12 the other day did you get to where you were going alright?
Hi Lewis. Thanks for your in put. Really appreciated. Yes the Herald got to Rochester and Back without any problems. Thanks again. It was nice to meet you. Ride Safe
Hello enjoying your videos.dont know much about the bike.other than made in China but looked after by a Cambridgeshire company.whats the reliability and fuel consumption like.
Peter
Hi Peter. Apart from a problem with the connector to the coil and a rubbish battery. It has been faultless. Almost 8000 miles done now. I love the bike, but don't get me wrong, there are much better bikes for not much more money. And parts are a little difficult finding as this Bike was discontinued. But it's what I have. And I have a real soft spot for it. Thanks for your comment 👍 Ride Safe
Fuel economy is usually about 80mpg.
Thank you for your comments.just finished the 3 episodes. enjoyed them.will there be more videos in the series?
Ive done this jounrney many times in a car and that was tiring so I can only image on a bike.
Hi Matt, yes, long day but very well worth it. Loved it
Many thanks. Very watchable. What’s the name of the Chateau ?
Hi John, many thanks 😊 unfortunately I have no idea. Sorry.
@@mikeosborn24688 Just a suggestion - I for one would welcome route information. Many thanks.
@@mikeosborn24688 Low Zan
@@mikeosborn24688 Well done for all those Miles.
Yes John, I agree. If you see my Scotland trip, I used the Relive app. However, I keep forgetting to start it. Please bare with me, I will get there in the end.
When was this ? It doesn't look like January !
This was filmed in late June last year
I've been enjoying your videos especially from Philippines. My wife is from Cavite! I'm just wondering if God forbid you get a puncture what would be your plan? I'm guessing you're on tubes with those spoked wheels. Cheers all the best.
Hi Gerard. Thanks for commenting ☺️. I used to live in Cavite with my wife. Mangghan. But we are now building a new house in La Union. I will get around to editing the rest of the PHILIPPINES 🇵🇭 videos. I carry inner tubes and all the tools to change them. But if worst came to it, I always have recovery insurance. It's all part of the Adventure
I enjoy riding with you on this proper motorcycle holiday. Please remember to wear your gloves in France. It's illegal to ride a motorcycle in France not wearing CE approved gloves.
Hi, thanks for your comment, it is much appreciated. Don't worry I always have and always will.
Where did you buy your vignette for Switzerland? Online or at the border and how much was it ?
Hi, I didn't buy one in the end. Oops. But stayed off highways
Its 40 euro and you can buy it at main border crossings and petrol stations etc near border. Its valid for one year, BUT that year expires on 31st jan. So if you buy mid year you only get 6 months for your 40 euro's ! Its called a vignette. And its a non removeable sticker (most are not removeable without damaging them and must be displayed on screen. They do not cover any fee's for entering passes though. Just motorways. Austria's is better as its only about 6 euros for 10 days !! So more economical for shorter stays.
There is a Herald 400 classic for sale in my local dealership with 3k miles on the clock and is decent condition. One of my concerns are installed heated grips which are connected to the battery which as you mentioned in one of your previous videos, drains the battery. The price is £2.6 for the bike. I’m not mechanical at all lol but would you recommend this bike and what are the parts availability/things to look out for etc?
Great videos by the way. You are very inspiring :).
Hi Mark. As you are probably aware, I have a real soft spot for the Herald. As far as heated grips go, if they are good quality with smart controllers, and they are secured to the battery tight, then they should be fine. If they have no automatic shut-off, then they need to be wired through a relay. Parts, well fair wear and tear parts are no problem, but bike specific parts like engine exhaust, ect, will be more difficult as Herald stopped selling them over 2 years ago. I recommend the bike. However, for that money, you may be able to get a bigger named classic. There are dealers around, though, who do have stock parts. And Mash do a bike with same engine. Good luck buddy.