[firefighter81]

I did quite a bit of riding this weekend, took a trip up to Germany just for the hell of it with a few other people, did some good riding around here in Italy too and I just have to say I fucking love it here.

ALL (yes ALL) of the riders here and in Germany have so much modesty and humility. We met ALOT of Italian/German riders this weekend, and not one of them had the "I'm a super-badass rider, you can't keep up with me" attitude that I see so often in the US. They all say "Oh, I am not very good yet, but I am getting better" and similar phrases. These guys are all AMAZING riders too, even the "slow" guys here, put the "fast" guys in the US to shame. Hell, I get humbled by these guys alot, they are just AWESOME!

Maybe this is just a rant, or maybe it's one of the MANY reasons that I don't really want to come back to the US. It's so refreshing not to have a bunch of "Starbucks Posers" everywhere, people here ride FOR THE RIDE (the way it should be!) Also the attitude towards motorcyclists is great here, everyone on the road has the utmost respect for us, the drivers here are VERY predictable, they always pull off to the right, and on the rare occasion they do pull out in front of you, they don't even pull into the lane, they pull immediately onto the shoulder.

If anyone ever has the chance to come over here and do some riding you will see exactly what I mean. I guess this did just end up being a rant about how much better riding is in Europe than the US, but I'm not exaggerating ANYTHING that I've typed here. I'll come back to the US for a month or so a year just to visit family, but I think I'm gonna stay in Europe for good! :leghump

 

[385]

I want to go to Europe so much. I heard some great things about the roads and how beautiful it is over there. Like you said, people ride for the ride and that's how it should be. Lately, I've been thinking about eventually moving there but I guess I should visit first. Pretty much the only thing that concerns me is the language barrier. That's why my second choice is the Deal's Gap area.

I don't blame you for not wanting to come back here. The "hollier than thou" attitude here kills me. I got relatives in Ireland but they don't know me. Maybe it's time to pay a visit and introduce myself? Well anyway, have fun while your there and stay as long as you can.

 

[Zyankaly]

I lived in germany for some time and I also noticed that you don't see anybody riding a 600 who is under 30 years old.

That is also because of the law.
16: 50cc (max 40km/h, 25mph)
18: 500cc (hp limited, they have to depower the bikes in most cases)
24: 600cc and up (from here you are free)

(hey, not 100% shure but its somewhat like this)

and also the ensurance plays a big role.

 

[thompyt]

During my over 15 years in Germany,I have ridden with American and Germans. None have felt the need to brag about their skills. Maybe a little from the American side. The best compliment you can get is from a German rider telling you he/she is impressed with the way you ride or saying you are better in one perspective of riding.

I've had a girl all over the back of my bike in the twisties. She was riding an older BMW ST with ME4s. I was impressed.

 

[Road Warrior]

*Me leaving for Europe this Tuesday night*

Carnt wait either!!!

 

[bjam69]

After living in Europe for eight years I must say riding is much better here than in the states. Italy, Austria, Germany are all good for riding...But Spain to me is the best. Cops are almost non-existant and if you do get stopped they normally want to talk about your bike more than a ticket. Cages normally have an eye open for riders due to the abundance of mopeds. And speed limit???yeah right!!!

Viva Espana!!!!