Guide to Riding in Germany
With summer Euro tours for bikers either underway or happening imminently, it's high time to get to know what to expect when you go to some of these countries. In this post I'm going to cover what to expect in Germany in terms of riding, the laws you need to abide by, and recommend some stops and things to try in the country.
Germany is the home of BMW, whose motorcycle range has become remarkably popular in recent years, especially with the GS range being very much in vogue. It's also the home of the autobahn, some of the only roads in the world where these is no speed limit, so it's safe to say a lot of Germans have a taste for speed. The Nurburgring is also here which is world-famous, and a must-ride (with caution!). German roads are generally well kept, however there is a lot more adherence to road law than you'll find in other places in Europe.
Being a large country there's an awful lot to see, and it has borders with a large number countries allowing you to incorporate it into a Euro tour very easily. It's within a day's ride of the Channel Tunnel and ferry port of Calais. Weather can be fairly variable, however you'll generally find it's more stable than UK weather, and summers can be very warm in the south, and likewise quite cold in the winter throughout the country. English is a common second language for the majority of the population so you can get by very easily, and its relative similarity to English means you'll be able to pick up words and phrases with more ease than with some other languages.
Germany is fairly varied, with the very substantial Alps at the very south of the country, it has massive cities but also stereotypically pretty Germanic countryside with pristine grass and wooden buildings easily found. Obviously there are areas, typically in cities that aren't too pleasant, but overall it feels (and is) a safe country. You can find food of all kinds thanks to the global tastes of Germany, however German foods and drinks can be found consistently - namely fantastic beers as well as a multitude of traditional meaty dishes - despite tastes expanding over the years it all remains popular. Weissbier is generally superb, and is bound to strict brewing laws so you're guaranteed something passable at least! Arguably the south of the country is the biker's preference as you have the Alps and Black Forest (with its amazing B500), but the Nurburgring is in the north of the country. Munich, in the south, is home to BMW where they have a museum dedicated to cars and bikes they've manufactured - a petrol head's dream. Porsche and Mercedes have similar museums which are both well worth visiting if you have a love for cars, which are both based in Stuttgart.
This video sums up what it's like in the Black Forest well:
Road laws in Germany are fairly similar to UK ones, and common sense generally prevails. The major difference is the legality of filtering - in Germany it's illegal, which is extremely irritating for the UK biker. Obviously there's nothing physically stopping you do it, but don't be surprised to get nicked by the police, or for drivers to manoeuvre to prevent you doing so. It's illegal even when traffic is stopped at traffic lights or jammed up on the motorway, it depends how impatient you are! Take note of the speed limits (usually signposted, but up to 100km/h out of town, 50km/h in town, and up to 130km/h on motorways, with sections of the Autobahn unrestricted with a white circle and four diagonal lines designating them, similar to the UK national speed limit sign), and keep an eye out for speed camera signs. Traffic law enforcement isn't to be trifled with. A reflective vest for each rider, and a first aid kit isn't required, but I recommend it for other EU countries. Also keep documents on you - licence, bike registration, insurance certificate, passport, EHIC and a copy of each make a good standard wherever you go in Europe. Always keep your dipped beams on during the day.
Autobahns and major roads are numbered, while more minor roads have a letter then a number, with the letter varying depending on where you are in the country. Autobahns numbers are surrounded by blue, while the more minor roads are yellow. Lane discipline is generally very good (unlike the UK at times), especially since most autobahns have only two lanes - do not get in the way of that Mercedes doing 120mph, full lifesaver checks are essential when changing lane. Also bear in mind the massive fuel consumption that comes from travelling at 100mph+, especially with luggage hanging off a bike, to avoid having to buy fuel at costly motorway petrol stations. Of note, 95 octane fuel is only E10 (10% ethanol) in the country, so check your bike (especially older bikes) won't have trouble with it or you may have to opt for most costly 98 octane which hasn't got ethanol mixed in.
Overall, Germany is a decent place to ride a bike, except for the filtering law which can be traumatic in summer when stuck in traffic! Derestricted autobahns are great fun for a time, and the Nurburgring is an experience like no other - suffice to say Germany has plenty for those who love speed. In terms of service expect similar levels to the UK, and expect to be spoken to in English when you attempt rusty German!
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