Tip number One. Things happen real fast at 130+ Mph. It's much different when you have been bombing down the Autobahn at those speeds for a while (complacent) and something happens up in front of you. Look a half mile down the road and if you see brakelights you better be ready.
Tip number Two. Get yourself a set of leathers and a helmet that match the color scheme of your bike exactly. That way you will fit in with the locals.
Tip number Three. Stay in the right hand lane unless you are passing. The trucks over there will stay in the right lane until they want to pass and due to the low Horsepower engines and many geared transmissions will not hesitate to move into the left lane to pass in an instant. Watch for it.
Tip number Four. Ensure your bike is in perfect mechanical condition and keep it that way. Germany requires strict annual inspections (TUV) and at the speeds you will be traveling any mechanical problem can kill you.
Tip Five. It is a pleasure to drive in Germany compared to the US because the Autobahn is awesome, the drivers are well trained and they follow the rules. German Politzei have no problems busting you for breaking the rules and you pay many euros up front if you get a ticket.
Tip Six. They have cameras with radar everywhere, even in the Autobahn overhead signs. There is no recourse but to pay the ticket so be careful!
Tip Seven. If you can gain access to a US military base you can get really nice German Spec used cars for cheap off of the military lemon lot.
Tip Eight. Get good rain gear!
Tip Nine. Make sure your tires are up to european specs.
Tip Ten. Have fun, I envy You!
I was stationed there twice, once at Noervenich for two years and once at Buechel AB for 3. The first time I had a 1987 Supra Turbo. The second, I had a 1986 BMW (Germans say BMV) 320I Alpina with a 635CSI engine shoehorned into it. That is 250 normally aspirated Horsepower in a tiny car. I remember racing along the backroads at 100mph plus in the Fall with the leaves swirling behind my car and saying to myself "It just doesn't get much better than this"
Enjoy!
Thanks for all of the advice. I really appreciate it. I'm always up for some shared experiences!
1. I generally look far ahead no matter how fast I am going. We gotta drive for all of the retards out there...
2. I still need to get some leathers. Thanks for reminding me. I finally got a sweet helmet. I can't get a new one yet. I've never been one to be plane...I already planned on standing out.
3. I'm really looking forward to driving there with people that actually know how to follow traffic sings. I've heard they are good about it.
4. I may be wrong, but I'm pretty sure I'm exempt from the inspections since I won't have the bike there for more than a year. Then I will just send out the 1K! lol Rregardless, I maintain my toys. I'd hate to be going 15mph and something fail, let alone 150mph.
5/6. I'm all about following the local rules. I don't need to lose my job, because of something stupid.
7. I will have access to all US bases. I plan on getting a daily beater from the lemon lot. Then I will get an R34 or 911 Turbo for a toy.
8. I probably won't ride much in the winter since I'm usually doing other sports/activities. We will see. What rain gear do you guys use?
9. I didn't know there were Euro specs for tires. I will needs to research that. Thanks.
10. I still can't believe I'm actually going. All of my hobbies are there and they are better than most other places. I'm stoked.
Oh and everyone I know that has been there said the beer was awesome too. I'm not a big drinker, but I like one or two every now and then. I know it's a big social thing there so I'm looking forward to it. Anywhere else I need to add to the list of places to visit?
130 along the Autobahn, sounds like the interstate around here
Best of luck on the move and enjoy yourself
Same here. I was thinking more like 190mph. lol
