You should ride with at least one more biker, although I think the best is to ride with three bikers. In my opinion the company of another biker increases security, compelling you to be more disciplined. As in any another trip, it is very important to make a good companions choice. Everyone should know the others very well and willing to "to fulfill the rules". More than 3 bikers may generate some confusion and unnecessary discussions.

The bikes should be similar in terms of power, consumption and comfort. I remember some difficulties I had during my trip to Corfu, in 2001. I was riding a Pan European ST 1100, my brother-in-law a BMW K1200LT and the third fellow biker was riding a Honda Varadero XL1000V. Whilst the more powerful and better wind protected bikes run safely at a 160 km/h average speed, with similar consumptions, the same did not happen with the Honda Varadero that had to run at a higher engine speed causing higher consumption, thus making us have to stop more often to refuel.

The route plan should be very well defined before the trip. For that purpose I use Microsoft Autoroute. But you can use some other good alternatives like Michelin’s on-line maps and route planer.

To avoid the trip being disturbed by an eventual bike failure, usually I make an Internet research for all Yamaha dealers’ contacts at every city or place I will pass through during the trip, using Europe's Yamaha dealer locator. One never knows what can happen during a long trip.

You should have the bike completely checked and serviced before the trip. You should also install proper side and top cases, an audio and intercommunication system, to have new tires and brake pads fitted, install a higher windshield and, apart from the usual u-lock, also install a good alarm. I don’t like to carry tank bags because, whenever you need to stop for refuel, for lunch or for any other reason, for security reasons you always have to carry the bag with you. After some days you get tired of having to carrying this bag. If your wife can’t travel without shopping, you have an easy way to solve your luggage problem. Let her buy what she wants, pack it carefully and send it to your address in a post station near where you are. With regards to the side and top cases it is also convenient to use interior bags therefore you don’t have to dismount and carry the cases everyday to the hotel room.

A long bike trip is physically exigent, so it is recommended to make some gymnastic exercise, a light diet and try to stop drinking alcohol at least one month before the tour.

To avoid forgetting something, you should make a check list.

When traveling with a group it is very important to abide by the following rules: when some bike need to refuel, all the other bikes should do so, even if they still have fuel enough for some more kilometers. All the occupants should also go to the WC (it seems silly but it prevents extra stops due to "sudden urges"). Each stop should not exceed 20 minutes – time enough to refuel, to make a periodic tire pressure check, to clean the windshield and to have a coffee, a cigarette and a brief chat. We generally stop for lunch at self-service restaurants by the road, usually at service areas.

Another golden rule is a daily definition concerning who shall lead the group and the order in which the other bikes will run. This order shall be respected all day long, maintaining a safe distance between the bikes that also should run in slightly different trajectories. That way the leader can easily check the others in his mirrors and impose the best suited speed, being also able to verify if nobody was left behind.

Although it depends on the bike’s comfort, you should not make more than 1,000 kms per day. However, 600 to 800 kms are most recommended. After 800 kms my wife usually starts protesting ...

In case you have someone else in the pillion, the passenger must always carry the bike’s spare keys, in case you to lose the originals. It is also convenient to have more than one credit card. Also don’t forget the bike’s documentation as well as your own ones. Also stick the blood type indication on each helmet.

In order to shorten stops at the pay tolls, having to remove your gloves, search the pockets etc., the passenger should carry the credit cards and make the payments.

You should take a small lantern with you to make periodic verifications of the oil and refrigeration fluid levels, as well as an anti-puncture spray. Also don’t forget to carry your bike owner’s manual.

Although I never make hotel reservations before the trip, so I can easily change the route program in case I want to spend some more time elsewhere, I try to stay always in the same hotel group. Last year for example I stayed at Ibis hotels. The hotels are not expensive and you can find at least one in all major European cities. Like that I can reserve the next hotel the day before at the hotel reception desk where I spent the night in. Other cheaper alternatives are the Formule 1 or Etap Hotels, belonging to the same company of Ibis hotels, the Accord Hotels group. For security reasons I prefer to choose hotels with covered garage.

Since I usually travel during summer time, I avoid using warm leathers. I prefer using a well protected but comfortable jacket, good gloves, nice and safe boots, jeans with kevlar protections and a waist-band. You should also carry good and light rain coats that you can easily stow in the bike’s cases. Not only for safety reasons but also for wind and noise protection, I always wear full-face helmets (actually I have Shark RSR Summum helmets) that are also much better for your intercommunication and radio system performances. In 2001, when I went to Greece, I used a front opening Nolan helmet. I swear I won’t use any similar helmet again !

Before departure you should request the European Health Card. In case of accident and injuries, with this card you may benefit from the same services provided by your country’s Social Security plan.

If possible try to comply with the speed limits !