RobCB1300

Planning a return trip to Andermatt and the famous surrounding passes in June. Been twice before on my ‘06 Honda CB 1300 without any mechanical issues. Routine servicing done including brake pads. Touch wood bike running perfectly as it always has during my 15 years of ownership. My query is regarding the clutch. Working perfectly at the moment but bike just turned 55k on original clutch I presume. With the constant steep climbs and particularly right hand hairpins on the passes it can be tough on clutch and brake pads on descents even with engine braking. Would it be fair to assume this original clutch should be fine for another 3k trip? I would rather leave well enough alone than change the clutch. Any thoughts? Also only have about 2/3k on this set of tyres should I put on a new set ? Head says yes but they still have good tread and not squaring off yet. Finally specific trip insurance to include repatriation of bike……can anyone recommend a company they’ve used. My concern is the age of the bike and that some companies have an age cutoff at 10 or 15 years and won’t insure older bikes no matter how well maintained. any advice welcome R

Can anyone suggest a route beginning / ending in Cherbourg. Perhaps not including Switzerland. Never been through Germany or Austria. What is the reception like if you don’t pre book accommodation there. has anyone perhaps made a list of biker friendly hotels on a particular route.

Thanks for the comments and advice. Cant help noticing the advice re. Speed cameras and fines. Makes you wonder if it’s worth all the effort to be preoccupied by watching for speed traps. Fortunately I didn’t fall foul of the cameras last time but by all accounts they have become a real spoiler. I’m generally cautious re. Speed but beginning to wonder if I need the grief. I’ve done those two long trips I mentioned (last time in 2011) and they were thoroughly enjoyable. That’s not to say exhausting. Got carried away with the quality of the road surfaces, sweeping bends, lack of hedges and generally good weather. We went day to day on a chosen route until 4 or 5 pm then looked for some where to stay. Fell into the trap of judging possible hotels on the move and ‘we’ll just push on to the next town and the next ‘ but always found a bed for the night. Like in the western films tying up the horses at the saloon. not booking ahead somewhat added to the adventure but if I go solo this summer I think I’d prefer to pre book. The two previous trips I’ve outlined above seem to have hit a lot of the highlights of the alps and Switzerland…..perhaps rather than revisiting I should seek out other routes?? are the Pyrenees worth the trip?? begining in Ireland I could catch the ferry to Cherbourg or Roscoff and perhaps get the bike on one of those trains which run down the west of France. Then ride the Pyrenees?? Maybe too far south??

Going to buy a new bike sat nav for this trip to Switzerland in June so thinking of the Tom Tom Rider 550 reviews all seem good

Just signed up from Ireland. Been riding for around 25 years and now in early 60’s. Had my current CB1300 for around 15 years and clocked up 52k. Bike is a keeper as it has never let me down and still looks great. Done short trips all over Ireland, Scotland and Skye and last July the Brecon Beacons and Wales. In 2009 and 2011 a friend and I did two European trips. 2009 Ireland to London, Chanel tunnel to Strasbourg, down Routes des grand alps through Jausiers and Col de la Bonette to Nice, to Monte Carlo then returned through central France to Calais, tunnel then to Holyhead then home to Ireland (10 days and estimated 3.5 to 4k miles) a serious first long trip. Caught the bug bad and two years later headed to Switzerland from Ireland to Cherbourg ,two days across France to Nantua, to Montreux then to Andermatt for 3 days and got to ride Furka, Grimsel, Susten , Oberalp passes. Then to Bormio and the Stelio pass. Italian motorways over to Val D’Isere and Col D’Iseran then two days back across France to Cherbourg and home. so now 12 years later I’d like to try the trip back to Andermatt and the famous passes again but this time solo. will be going again on the CB1300. Hoping for some genuine chat and advice on routes and accommodation as a lot could have changed since I was last on the Continent. I’m hoping moderators are happy to let an old timer in to share information and advice.