Andalucia Spain
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Clear and Simple
Got a question about touring with GS Motorcycle Tours?
We've put together answers to some of the questions we're most commonly asked, covering everything from our tours and accommodation to motorcycles, bookings, insurance, and what to expect when riding with us.
If you can't find the answer you're looking for, just get in touch. I'm always happy to help.
1
DRIVING LICENCE, IDP AND PASSPORT REQUIREMENTS
All riders must have a valid (category A) motorcycle licence for at least two years and be over 25 years of age.
You are also required to apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you are resident outside of the European Union (EU) at https://internationaldrivingpermit.org, although you do not need an IDP to ride in Spain if you have a photocard driving licence issued in the UK. www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit.
If you are still unsure of whether you require an International Driving Permit (IDP), you are advised to check with your local embassy or government website, as we cannot be held responsible for legislation changes in driving licence requirements; in other words, if you are unsure, apply for an IDP.
Please check that your passport is valid for Spain for the duration of your holiday, as well as visa requirements to enter Spain.
GSmotorcycletours does not accept responsibility if you cannot travel because you have not complied with any passport or visa requirements.
2
TRAVEL/MEDICAL INSURANCE
All of our bikes are covered by third-party liability insurance, which means if you have an accident and it is your fault, our insurance pays for the other person or property, but does not cover your personal injuries.
We cannot stress enough the importance of you taking out adequate travel/medical insurance against cancellation charges, unexpected curtailment of your holiday, loss or damage to luggage, personal liability claims against you and medical expenses arising overseas.
As motorcycle touring is considered an adventure sport, we advise you, before arrival in Spain, to arrange travel/personal accident insurance that covers adventure sports. This must include medical cover and repatriation in your home country, and be sure that your insurance covers motorcycle touring holidays, as many insurance policies exclude such activities that they consider too dangerous.
Should you elect not to effect suitable travel/medical insurance cover despite this advice, then you undertake on behalf of yourselves and all members of your party to indemnify both ourselves and our agents and representatives (as applicable) for any costs that arise which would otherwise have been met had such insurance cover been taken out. The following link is an example of travel/personal accident insurance available.
3
ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE DEPOSIT
All of our bikes are covered by Mandatory Civil Liability Insurance, Voluntary Civil Liability Insurance, and Legal Defence and Damage Claims, which means that if you have an accident and it is your fault, our insurance pays for the other person or property, but does not cover damage to our motorcycles.
Therefore, on collection of your motorcycle, you are required to pay an Accidental Damage Deposit of 700 € to cover damage to any of the motorcycles. This will be returned in full at the end of your tour, provided no damage has been caused.
Also, most of us have dropped our bikes at some stage of our riding career, and minor damage can sometimes be fixed easily in-house, but sometimes it cannot.
If any of the motorcycles are dropped or crash, causing damage that cannot be repaired in this manner, you are liable for the cost of the repair, which will be deducted from your Accidental Damage Deposit. Thankfully, this is a rarity.
4
WHY CHOOSE ANDALCIA AS A MOTORCYCLE DESTINATION?
Apart from the region having some of the best roads in Europe, it's certainly easy to get to and from numerous European airports to Malaga Airport.
5
WHAT MAKES OUR MOTORCYCLE TOURS SO SPECIAL?
We offer an "All-Inclusive" motorcycle adventure with motorcycle hire, guided tour, airport transfers, and great accommodation in the beautiful village of Nerja, located on the eastern Costa del Sol at the foot of the Sierra Tejeda mountains, with its numerous bars, restaurants, and nightlife, and, of course, the famous tapas the region is known for.
In fact, all you have to do is book your flights and leave the rest to us. It couldn't be any easier.
6
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF YEAR TO GO?
Generally, the summer season lasts from April to November. Regular temperatures above 20°C begin as early as April and then begin to drop below 20°C in November. Winters in Andalucia are very mild. December, January and February are the coldest months, with average temperatures around 18°C during the day and 8°C at night. March is a transitional month and temperatures often exceeded 20°C, but with an average of 320 days of sunshine per year you can be sure of an all year round biker friendly climate.
7
DO I NEED TO BRING MY OWN MOTORCYCLE CLOTHING?
Unfortunately, we cannot provide any motorcycle clothing, and in our experience, riders generally prefer to bring their own. Most airlines allow helmets to be carried as hand luggage, and we can provide storage for luggage if required, but all motorcycles come with a top box and panniers.
8
WHAT TYPE OF ACCOMMODATION IS PROVIDED?
Accommodation is selected based on group size, availability, and the locations visited during the tour. Wherever possible, we provide comfortable 3-star hotels, guesthouses, or quality apartments, with single or twin/double rooms available on request. If you prefer a higher standard of hotel accommodation or have specific requirements, please let us know at the time of booking. We will be happy to discuss the available options, although an adjustment to the tour price may be necessary depending on your preferences.
Please note that hotel classifications, room sizes, and facilities may vary across Andalucía. In some historic and rural areas, accommodation may offer smaller rooms and more traditional amenities than guests may be accustomed to elsewhere, while still providing a comfortable and authentic experience.
9
WHAT HAPPENS TO MY LUGGAGE WHILST ON THE BIKES?
As we don't provide a support vehicle, all clothing and items required for the next few days have to be carried on the bikes in the top box and panniers provided, and any unwanted items or cases can be left at the depot when we pick up the bikes and collected after the tour.
10
RIDER REQUIREMENTS
For a safe, enjoyable experience
Our tours are designed for experienced and intermediate riders; they are not beginner or motorcycle training tours.
With regard to riding experience, we try to cater to all skill levels and can change our routes to suit your skill level. Some of the routes we use can be quite technical, with steep ascents and descents, many tight twists and bends, and can be classified as requiring an intermediate or advanced skill level.
Also, it is quite common for other riders to be on the tour, and as we have an obligation for everyone to enjoy the tour, we therefore insist that everyone has the required experience below in order not to slow down the group.
We reserve the right to terminate your holiday without notice if, in our opinion, your conduct or behaviour causes or is likely to cause distress, damage, annoyance or danger to others. In such circumstances, no refund or compensation will be due.
Recent motorcycle riding experience
Twisty roads, bends and mountain roads
Steep ascents, descents and switchbacks
Riding for 3 to 4 hours at a time
Riding as part of a group
Be able to ride at the national speed limit, 90 km/h (60 mph), or as signed on open country roads, 120 km/h (75mph) on motorways.
If you are unsure whether your riding experience is suitable, contact Graham before booking. We'd rather discuss it beforehand and ensure the tour is right for you.
If your riding ability falls below the required standard and not informed us and this causes consistent delays, we may ask you to continue independently using your own navigation or agree on another suitable solution.
If you feel you don't meet the requirements but would still like to join us, please enquire about our Individual or Refresher Tours.
11
CHOOSING THE RIGHT MOTORCYCLE
When selecting your motorcycle for the tour, we strongly recommend taking a few moments to carefully consider which model will best suit both your riding ability and the terrain covered on our tours.
Many of our routes include technical sections with steep ascents and descents, tight twists, bends, switchbacks, and challenging road conditions that may require an intermediate to advanced level of riding experience. For this reason, the largest or most powerful motorcycle is not always the fastest, easiest, or most suitable option.
We often find that some riders who choose the BMW R1300GS or R1250GS can struggle more on technical terrain due to the size and weight of these motorcycles. In contrast, lighter models such as the F750GS or F800GS are generally easier to manoeuvre and better suited to demanding routes.
Our recommendation is that the R1300GS and R1250GS should only be selected by riders who already have considerable experience handling large adventure motorcycles in similar riding conditions. Choosing the right motorcycle will greatly enhance both your enjoyment and confidence throughout the tour.
12
HOW LONG AND WHAT DISTANCES WILL BE COVERED IN ONE DAY?
A typical tour would be about 7 to 8 hours in duration and approximately 200 to 300 km, with lots of stops for photos, coffee, drinks, and lunch, and you can expect to see stunning scenery such as lakes, mountains, castles, and the sea, as well as fantastic roads and, best of all, very little traffic.
13
HOW MANY RIDERS ARE THERE PER TOUR?
We’ve had the best experiences with smaller groups of 2-6 riders; this ensures the best personal care.
14
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN A GUIDED TOUR?
BMW GS Motorcycle rental, comprehensive insurance, services of an experienced English/Spanish-speaking guide throughout the trip, various hotel/apartment accommodations, and airport transfers from Malaga airport.
15
WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED IN A GUIDED TOUR?
Flights, travel/personal accident insurance, drinks and refreshments, all meals, fuel, motoring or traffic fines i.e., speeding, parking, etc. Other leisure activities.
16
WHAT ARE THE CONDITION OF THE ROADS LIKE?
The quality of Spanish roads is amongst the best in Europe. Spain's elevation is 650m above sea level, which is second only to Switzerland in Europe. Andalucia and the surrounding areas are a relatively untapped and undiscovered area as far as motorcycling goes. That said, Spain has the largest number of motorcycles in Europe. This has helped make the roads extremely motorcycle-friendly, with generally well-designed curves and asphalt that is typically maintained in excellent condition, with none of the potholes we are so used to in the UK.
17
WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE?
Food in Spain is packed with flavour and character. From tasty tapas to superb seafood. Spanish food is all about making the most of the best local produce. There's gazpacho, patatas bravas, tortilla, gambas al ajillo, paella, and, of course, jugs of sangria.