Top Ten tips for riding your motorcycle abroad:

Taking your motorcycle abroad is so easy you’ll wonder why you didn’t do it before. Here are our top safety tips for making sure you have a great time on your motorbike or scooter:

• Take extra care, as you would in any new riding conditions. The most likely times to make a mistake are after you’ve stopped for a meal or overnight. Or if you’re over-tired, so schedule in enough time for sleep!

• If you’re riding on the “wrong” side of the road, give yourself a reminder to stay on the right side of the road – sticking a piece of PVC tape to the right mirror, for example. Roundabouts and junctions are the most likely places to get confused, so take an extra second to check where traffic will be coming from and remember those lifesaver glances.

• You may need to adjust your headlight so it doesn’t dazzle oncoming drivers. You can often get a kit to do this – or sticking a triangle of pvc tape onto the headlight cover may do the trick! Ask a friend to help you.

• Check the local speed limits. Many countries have variable limits that are lower in bad weather, and don’t forget those unusually high numbers are probably kilometres per hour, not miles!

• Don’t be shy about asking local riders for tips on where to park, or which is the most scenic route. Half the fun of motorcycling is the new friends you make everywhere.

• Driving styles vary in different countries, so don’t assume you can predict what other road users will do. That said, in many countries most drivers have also ridden scooters and motorbikes, and will be more aware of you than your fellow road users at home in the UK. If they move aside for you, thank them with a friendly nod.

• Don’t assume that because local riders are doing something, it must be safe and legal. In many countries, speeding or breaking other traffic rules can get you an on-the-spot fine or even have your motorcycle confiscated.

• Other countries have stricter drink-driving rules than the UK - but we know that as a motorcyclist you’re too smart to mix alcohol with riding!

• Do some basic maintenance before you leave, and keep your motorbike or scooter in top condition while you’re away. It’s probably covering more miles than usual, so it needs more TLC.

• Relax, enjoy yourself. Don’t rush so much you don’t allow time to look at the scenery. We want to see your pictures when you get back!