Riding in Germany ?

[clint640]

Thanks for the tips guys, a plan is starting to come together: I can hire a KTM 640 in Munich, since I'm going to be in a pretty unfamiliar riding environment a familiar bike would be nice (although the devil on my shoulder is calling me a pussy & telling me to hire the damn superduke )
I think I'll take a fairly direct route from Munich to the KTM factory near Salzburg, then head south a little and wind my way back to Munich through the Austrian alps. I think I'll need a lower level backup plan if the weather is crap though.

Cheers
Clint

[awd]

Keep an eye out for police on the Austrian roads, they are more meticulous than the Germans in enforcing the speed limits.

If you are going to Austria, depending on how much time you have, head south and over the border into the Italian Dolomites. Some of the best roads on the planet are there and I can particularly recommend the Passo de Falzarego just south of Cortina. This is all about 4 hours ride from Salzberg, on back roads, you can even take in Grosglockner if the weather is suitable. I was in Italy for 3 years and know the roads very well indeed, quite envious. The other advantage of going over to the Italian side of the border is that the authorities don't give a toss about speed limits and you will be amongst the best road riders anywhere.

Wherever you go though, above all, have fun!

[Posh Tourer :P]

And for goodness sake's: Oktoberfest is in Munich in October!! Plenty of biergartens.

I hear that you are far better off going to a more local beer-fest, it'll be much cheaper, better beer and you will meet germans rather than brits and americans

[Hammer]

My girlfriend is off to a conference in Germany in early october, & suggested I tag along & that we have a quick look around some of europe afterwards. Of course my first thought was 'Hey, I could visit some motorbike factories!'
So while she is at the conference my plan is to hire a KTM in Munich (there's bound to be something to do there in october...) they have good midweek deals, about 200 euro for mid monday - mid friday. Then ride to the KTM factory in Mattighofen, Austria & back via the most scenic & twisty route possible.
So if anybody has any tips for riding in europe I wanna hear 'em. Particulary those that relate to how not to die while riding on the wrong bloody side of the road.

Cheers
Clint

Easy. Slow down in small towns and really focus - some have narrow roads and things can get confusing when you are not used to the other side of the road. Watch round abouts - make mental note to go the other side. Don't speed in towns - particularly in Austria as you get hammered for it. When you are on the autobhans remember you are on a bike and quite often are not the fastest thing on the road - don't get in the fast lane unless you are going to pass everything as someone in a big merc saloon will pass you and they can be a bit pushy with bikes - you go fast or get out of the way. If you get a chance get to Austria and do some of the passess in the Tyrol area - try the Hantenjoch. Have fun.

[venturazx12r]

Dont mention the war.

[2_SL0]

I hear that you are far better off going to a more local beer-fest, it'll be much cheaper, better beer and you will meet germans rather than brits and americans

Strongly recommend this as you will get a far better feel for this great event.