Motorbikes, Scooters and Bicycles
The cult of the motorcycle is highly developed in Greece, presided over by a jealous deity apparently requiring regular human sacrifice. Accidents among both foreign and local bikers are routine occurrences, with annual fatalities edging into two figures on the busier islands. Some package companies have even taken to warning clients in print against renting motorbikes (thereby making a bit extra on organized overland excursions), but with caution and common sense - and an eye to increasing ly enforced regulations - riding a two-wheeler through a resort should be a lot safer than piloting one through London or New York. Many tourists come to grief on rutted dirt tracks or astride mechanically dodgy machines. In other cases accidents are due to attempts to cut corners, in all senses, or by riding two to an underpowered scooter simply not designed to propel such a load. Don't be tempted by this apparent economy - you won't regret getting two separate scooters, or one powerful 100cc bike to share - and remember that you're likely to be charged an exorbitant sum for any repairs if you do have a wipeout. Also, verify that your travel insurance policy covers motorcycle accidents. One worthwhile precaution is to wear a crash helmet ( kranio ); many rental outfits will offer you one, and some will make you sign a waiver of liability if you refuse it. Helmet-wearing is in fact required by law, but few riders (except army conscripts) wear them - though compliance is increasing as police set up random roadblocks to catch offenders. Reputable establishments demand a full motorcycle driving licence for any engine over 90cc (the law actually stipulates "over 50cc"), and you will usually have to leave your passport as security. For smaller models, any driving licence will do. Small motor scooters with automatic transmission, known in Greek as papakia (little ducks) after their characteristic noise, are good transport for all but the hilliest islands. They're available for rent on many islands and in a few of the popular mainland resorts for ?11.80-17.80. This specimen rate-range can be bargained down out of peak season, or if you negotiate for a longer period of rental. Before riding off, make sure you check the bike's mechanical state , since many are only cosmetically maintained. Bad brakes and worn or oil-fouled spark plugs are the most common defects; dealers often keep the front brakes far too loose, with the commendable intention of preventing you going over the handlebars. If you break down it's your responsibility to return the machine, so take down the phone number of the rental agency in case it gives out in the middle of nowhere. Better outlets often offer a free retrieval service. There are vanishingly few true mopeds - motor-driven pedal-cycles - remaining in Greece; one or two models are still sold, but none is rented. As far as scooters go, the Piaggio Vespa or Peugeot were always more comfortable than mopeds for long trips, but still aren't very stable on unpaved surfaces. The latest generation of these models is ultratrendy and practical enough, but thirsty on fuel; a few still don't have kick-starts as backups to the battery. Bungee cords (a khtapodi or "octopus" in slang) for tying down bundles are supplied on request, while capacious baskets are also often a feature. In the family of true motorbikes with manual transmissions, the favourite workhorses, in descending order of reliability, are the Honda 50, Yamaha Townmate and Suzuki FB Birdie; gears are shifted with an easy-to-learn left-foot pedal action, and (very important) these can all be push-started if the starting crank fails. They can carry two, though if you have a choice, the Honda Cub 70-90cc series give more power at nominal extra cost, as does the Yamaha 80 Townmate. Best of all is the attractive, 1997-premiered Honda Astrea 100 and its rival-brand clones, very powerful but scarcely bigger than older models.
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Your Tip for Greece
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