Can the tiger 800 really cut it as a long distance tourer?

[Pluto]

No. Not at all! I didn't know any of this. Thank you.

[Tempesc]

Great, if you want any help (eg a route for your satnav/phone) drop me a pm!

[Pluto]

Originally Posted by Tempesc

Great, if you want any help (eg a route for your satnav/phone) drop me a pm!

I've got to figure out if to mount the phone or just go without a proper satnav. I'm great following signs in the car but on a bike I'm clueless and need correcting..

[Pluto]

Originally Posted by Tempesc

As you probably know 3 days is not a lot to get to Italy so you may need to do a mix of roads.  Personally i’d use a bit of autoroute to buy me time on the types of roads you can’t ride in the UK.

If you’ve not done it and you want to ride something special on the way down, build in the Route des Cretes (in Alsace/the Vosges) - busy at weekends so better on a week day. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Route_des_Cr%C3%AAtes

And if you can fit in a day in the alpine passes they never get boring (list of the main passes here: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Route_des_Grandes_Alpes  - an epic route but takes 4 days to ride).  i’ve tended to use the Col du Petit St Bernard (just off that route) to cross from France into Italy.

Hope this is of some use (and sorry if you know all this and the tips you wanted were for the Tiger rather than the trip generally).

One question- security. What's it like generally? If you avoid the urban areas. I'll take my Squire chain/Squire padlock.

I've been told Italy can be dodgy.

[Tempesc]

Its just like here.  Ive been travelling in Europe and beyond for 15 years and not had an issue.  Most people in most places are good people who will only go out of their way to help!

But if you are in a more challenging/risky area you’ll sense it - trust your gut.  I always take a chain and normally use it at night.  I also ask the hotel/campsite if I am unsure - they will tell you if you need to be careful and will suggest a good place to park. 

[Paulhere]

Originally Posted by Pluto

One question- security. What's it like generally? If you avoid the urban areas. I'll take my Squire chain/Squire padlock.

I've been told Italy can be dodgy.

I always camp on Italy trips, feels safe with bike next to tent, never used a lock or chain, northern Italy is the wealthy industrial area. I wouldn't park my bike in Manc or Milan & walk away from it. Do as here. Ridden to Italy 20+ times, since '99 to Milan British bike owners rally, often twice a year. Moniga (south end of lake Garda) is 2 days easy, stopping in Vosges, then paying the Swiss vignette & straight through. Also spent a week getting down to the Adriatic, a more enjoyable way, with 2 night stops in Vosges to ride the Ballon then toll free route thro' Swiss Alps riding the passes, your choice. The T800 in my experience will do 60mpg bimbling along B type roads but down low 40's at 80+mph M'way. Fuel light on 30 miles before my usual fuel stop in Lux, the 1050 does that easy. Fuel is cheap in Lux. Dear in Belgium.

A Scottoiler or similar saves faffing about with the chain on a long run, carry a cable inner kit with enough tools to fit it, & tyre repair kit with a good mini compressor.