M620

Did mine in June 1969 (and paid in shillings & pennies), on a 1959 175 Bantam I had paid £7 a few weeks before. Rode round the block twice and got lost. Eventually found the test centre again and the examiner who said “well you haven’t had an accident or fallen off so I will pass you after a couple of questions on road signs”. Ironically one was for falling rocks, very useful as the test was in RUISLIP. Still got the little red book licence - expired years ago though.

Personally I would go for the EU option (or even both if that’s possible). Could save you time avoiding the non EU passport holders queue at boarder controls.

Bonjour & welcome to the forum - a man after my own heart, we have a very similar collection of bikes. I too have an old 1100 multistrada but tend to use the Suzuki van van for local trips mostly now

A few years ago I had a Honda VFR 750 and only one of the two headlight bulbs would be illuminated at a time, dip or main beam. Lots of people changed the wiring so both bulbs lit when you switched to main beam effectively a permanent headlight flash. Personally I was not too sure it wouldn’t harm the wiring, even if it did dramatically improve the light output on unlit roads

Any time in the next 3 weeks “should” be ok - any latter and a lot of restaurants start to close for their annual holiday after the manic July & August and the weather can start to get wet & windy on the coastal areas. The south can be a tad expensive but I am sure you will have a great time

Shown as silver on the v5 when I queried it with DVLA, I was told it was right as that is the frame colour attached to VIN when first registered ? My other Ducati is shown as red, but that does have a red frame as well as the main colour - all seems a bit random to me

Just a thought have a look at the fuel filter on the top of the tap - the one inside the tank. On my 79 R65 the very fine mesh needed a clean when I took the tap out. That could restrict or even block the flow on the reserve position.

If it’s only the photo card that’s expired at 4b, and 11 is still in date he shouldn’t have any problem if stopped on a bike or in a car. If he’s driving an HGV might be a bit different if his medical due. You can receive a small fine for an out of date photo but I think it’s very rarely imposed in Europe

Skied that valley a number of times and really enjoyed myself, but never been there without snow - must check it out one day now I am retired 🏍

In reply to your original question “I'm thinking about overnighting in or around Vierzon in France I would appreciate any advice from folks that have done this sort of trip before” First where you will enter France? I ask as Vierzon is quite a distance to travel from the tunnel or Dover crossings in one day on a bike. When I go from my place just north of Le Mans to the south I normally stop in Vierzon at either the Keyrad or Campanile just off the A71. Cheap and “Ok” for just one night, and you can book online. At that stage I have had enough Its quite tiring on an unfaired bike at a sustained 130kph for 5 hours from Caen , if it’s relevant I am 69 by the way riding a Ducati monster P.S I might be going that way myself towards the end of September - things quieten down after the main French holidays by then

Nice write up - good to hear you are enjoying yourself

“When on the way to Croatia I usually do 1300 km or 800miles on first day and 700 km/ 400miles on second day. Yes it is all on motorways” The best I have ever done in a day is Huesca in Spain to Alencon in France (about 950km) not all on motorways though and I was wiped out for two days. 2000 km in two days - your the man

You could try searching “Biker friendly accommodation in France” it throws up quite a few B&B’s but you would need to know roughly the area where you intend to overnight, some even have camping facilities. I would agree with pie man that the Logis hotels are a good option but can be bit on the expensive side, but do have the added advantage that most have a good restaurant on site. Have a good trip - fantastic scenery over there ⛰ and great riding roads, just be very aware of the Swiss speed limits they are very hot on speed enforcement.

Did the June 2019 Garbage Run with Nathan - had a great time I took a multi tool, gaffer tape, cable ties, a puncture repair can of foam stuff as I had tubed tyres, and a small 12v compressor. Whenever I go on a long tour I always fit new tyres and have never (so far touch wood), suffered a puncture. If it’s any thing more serious your breakdown cover is the get out. As a guide one of the bikes taking part split a radiator You will find that there is a very varied section of bikes taking part which makes it interesting, I rode a 1979 French reg BMW R65 from Near Le Mans and met up with Nathan’s group at Lands End for the start. Just remember once you get to John O Groats you have the return journey home

My Ducati is the same - just thought someone had changed the front when it got new tyres - maybe not then