[net.cycle] Motorcycle touring in Europe

sample@ubc-vision.UUCP (Rick Sample) (02/04/86)

My wife and I are planning a May vacation in Europe, and we would like
to either buy or rent a motorcycle in Europe and do some touring.  I
would like the advice of anyone who has done this sort of thing.  The
points I would like advice on are:

1) Should I buy or rent?
	- if I buy, where should I buy?
	- if I buy, should I try to sell it in Europe or bring it back
	  to Canada?
	- any info on rental places/prices would be appreciated.
	- what legal hassles exist with registering a bike in Europe after
	  I buy it?
	- what are European motorcycle prices like?

2) What type of bike?
	- What size of bike is best for touring with two riders, and how
	  should it be equipped?

3) What to bring?
	- obviously, luggage has to be kept to the bare essentials.


some background info:
    I am an experienced sport rider, but I haven't done much touring.
We intend to spend 4-6 weeks in Europe, mostly in Greece.  We would
also like to see some of Italy, and perhaps Austria.  I have been to
Europe a number of times before, and we'll be going again, so I am not
under any pressure to see the whole thing.  Any suggestions on nice
rides in the area of Southern Europe would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Rick Sample                            ...!ihnp4!alberta!ubc-vision!sample
Computing Facilities Manager           ...!uw-beaver!ubc-vision!sample
University of British Columbia         sample@ubc.csnet
Vancouver, B.C., CANADA                sample@ean.ubc.cdn