u/richie__09

I did my first Europe trip on a motorcycle.

17 days through France, Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia and Croatia, and on the way back I came through Slovenia, northern Italy and France. Around 3200 miles in total.

First, I want to thank everyone who gave me suggestions in my last post. It made the trip so much better.

And you were all right about wild camping. It was not a good idea. European campsites are so much better than what we have in the UK.

This was my first international trip on a motorcycle, and damn, what an experience. I met so many people and made friends. It changed my perspective on how I look at life. I just turned 27 and this trip was kind of a birthday gift to myself. I'm from India, came here 5 years ago, and a lot of what I saw in Europe was a first for me. The culture, the people, the landscape. Wow.

Also, this was the smoothest border crossing of my life haha. They didn't even ask me to remove my helmet at the border control on either side.

I did so many mountain passes in Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Slovenia. The best was the D8 coastal road in Croatia. When I crossed from Slovenia into Croatia I had to reach Zadar, around 245 km away. Fast twisties for 3 hours, what a delight. I had two motorcycles in front of me and we rode it together the whole way. All of us stopped after 200 km with big smiles on our faces, giving each other high fives and fist bumps. It was amazing to see the same level of excitement on every face. I had never met these people before, and in that moment we had this bond. I was so happy.

I also got pretty emotional during that long stretch. In my head I was going through all the memories from my childhood and teenage years, back when I wished for a day like this. Damn, it took me 27 years to get here. Not in my wildest dreams did I imagine being able to do what I was doing. What an experience.

I also used Bunk a Biker in France and made an amazing friend. Really good experience, we talked for hours and had dinner together. I recommend everyone try Bunk a Biker.

The weather was perfect. It only rained for about 20 minutes the entire trip, while I was in Austria.

It took me 5 days to reach Croatia and 4 days to come back. It was definitely heavy doing so many km in a day. Next time I'll take it easier.

The VFR was absolutely amazing throughout. Funny thing, the day I got back from this trip was exactly one year since I bought it, same date. I've done 19,274 miles on the VFR now and I'm absolutely loving it. And then the morning after I got back, commuting to work, the radiator fan died. It's now sitting in the garage waiting for the part haha. What perfect timing.

The fan motor on my 2014 VFR800F has died (Honda part 19030-MJM-D11). Bike started running hot, fan wasn't coming on, traced it down to the motor assembly itself.

Honda want over £400 for the replacement. Seems mad for what's basically a small electric motor and a plastic blade, so before I hand that over I wanted to ask around.

Already tried eBay for a used one and come up empty. Nothing for the RC79 fan at the moment, so the breaker route isn't getting me anywhere so far.

Anyone here dealt with the same thing?

If you found a used one, where did you actually source it?

Has anyone wired in a universal fans (SPAL, Davies Craig, that sort of thing) instead?

Photos of any aftermarket setups would be much appreciated. Cheers.

Hi all. I'm planning my first ride over to Europe and would love some input from people who've done this kind of trip before.

I'm leaving London on 5 June and taking the Eurotunnel from Folkestone. From there it's down through France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia and into Croatia. Five days each way with a week on the coast in between. My wife is flying out to meet me in Croatia. I'm wild camping the whole way except in Croatia.

The bike is a 2014 Honda VFR800. I've done plenty of touring in the UK including a few Scotland and wales trips and Cornwall last month, but this is my first time taking the bike across the Channel.

A few specific things I'd appreciate thoughts on:

Crossing borders with schengen multi-entry visa. Any extra hassle on the bike?

Wild camping in each country except Germany. Where has it worked for you, and where would you not chance it?

Anything you wish you'd packed, or left at home, on your first big Europe trip?

Happy to hear any other thoughts too. Cheers.