Originally Posted by bobd22

Not rode the GS much as not had it that long. I am hoping to ride it down through France etc to Spain next summer. Although it is a large lump of a bike quite light to manouver when moving. Actually less top heavy than my Tiger 955 was having the boxer engine. It is comfy and should be good for long distance touring. I am looking at doing around 230 to 250 mile a day on my summer trip. On the Tiger when I rode it over I was doing 350 mile a day. I find that too much these days being 62. As for final drive I don't mind the shaft, less maintainance than chain but yes something you either like or don't. I have had a few shaft drives over the years an old RT100 and a Kawasaki VN 1500. I also have had a 1200 Sportster Harley with belt drive I found that OK as well. I also have a 44 year old Triumph T100c which these days and compared with the BM feels like a moped, mind sounds nice and puts a smile on your face when riding it.

Originally Posted by Longlegpete

I know what you mean, I can't do anything like I used to mileage wise , I'm a bit younger at 53 but still notice it, back to the boxer twins, I don't think it's just the shaft drive that's the problem, I have an FJR1300 which is shaft drive, its the lurching at throttle closing and again at opening, I think its the reaction of the opposed twin, what ever it is I can't get on with it, I just find it unnerving, I'm guessing it's something I could adjust to in time but have never done more than 50 miles on a test run.

Originally Posted by missile

I can recommend Linea Directa. I can confirm all communication is in English. They also told me that a certificate of insurance was not required, apparently Guardia do accept your bank receipt as evidence of insurance. When I explained that this would not be acceptable when I was travelling outside Spain and they were happy to supply a green card free of charge. I understand there is now reciprocal arrangements where all(?) EU member states have access to insurance data base, but I would not take the risk of driving without a valid certificate of insurance. PS: One of the reasons insurance is more expensive is that Spanish policies include breakdown assistance.

Originally Posted by Jon-Bxl

Thanks for the feedback re the bank receipt. In my case I need the green form as we live right on the Portuguese border, also I am probably more in Portugal than Spain on the bike. I think if a customer (especially an international one) requests the green card - they should just send it without having to have another round or 2 of emails. Hence the 'sour taste'. Also this simple request showed me that I need to have an English service, in case of any problem.

Also re the gestoria - yes I understand that there is a 'small print' issue, especially with insurance companies, but I think I will take the 'risk' and not use a gestoria for this... but good to point it out.

Thanks again for the feedback, links and additional 'bike chat'
Jon

Originally Posted by bobd22

Hi John I was of the understanding that a green card was no longer required in all but a few EU (not Spain or Portugal) countries? The certificate of insurance is supposed to be all that is required. I know with both my UK car and bike insurance on the back of the certificate there is a translation in a multitude of languages, stating that the insurance cover at least meets EU insurance requirements. I don't know if Spanish policies do the same? My insurance for the scooter in Spain I didn't want cross border as only for local use.

Originally Posted by missile

the point is some do not issue a certificate and say all one needs is a bank statement. Most EU countries including Spain have an insurance database where officer can verify vehicle is insured. This helps to prevent use of fraudulent certificates.

Originally Posted by bobd22

I understand the motor insurance database bit I wasn't aware though that many didn't even issue certificates anymore, although most times these days I do just print them from an email link.

Originally Posted by Jon-Bxl

I found it all a bit weird that there was no paperwork,

Originally Posted by missile

Me too. Police will access the insurance database and will know if your vehicle is insured before they speak to you, so (in theory!) there is no need to have a certificate. This system has the advantage that they will know in advance if the cert you produce is fake or invalid.
However, I do like to have the certificate