Portugal Ep3 – Can’t Change Gear! See HOW I FIX this issue!

Portugal Ep3 – Can’t Change Gear! See HOW I FIX this issue!

In this third episode of my Portugal motorcycle adventure, I finally get the sunshine I’ve been chasing as I ride from Sertã to Sintra, crossing through some of the most stunning scenery central Portugal has to offer — lakes, national parks, valleys, and winding mountain roads. But what starts as a perfect riding day quickly takes a dramatic turn when I suddenly can’t downshift gears on my rental bike. In this real-world on-the-road episode, I walk you through how I identified and fixed a mechanical problem on the fly, proving that adventure travel comes with challenges — and that a calm head and a toolkit (or some borrowed spanners) can go a long way.

The journey begins with a relaxed morning in Sertã, before heading west along the scenic M533, a gem of a road that cuts through olive groves and forested hillsides. With glorious sun overhead and dry tarmac under the wheels, it’s a stark contrast to the stormy weather in Serra da Estrela just a day before. We trace rivers and ride alongside vast lake valleys, stop at the beautiful Miradouro de Fandreas, and take in sweeping 360-degree views over Portugal’s rugged landscape. The ride is smooth — until it isn’t. Out of nowhere, I lose the ability to shift down properly. With no warning lights and the oil level looking fine, I’m forced to troubleshoot roadside. What follows is a step-by-step, practical diagnosis of a mysterious gear issue, culminating in the discovery of a loose bolt on the side stand switch — a small part that had started interfering with the gear lever.

In this video, you’ll not only get immersive POV riding footage and scenic landscapes, but also an authentic, unscripted mechanical deep-dive into what can go wrong with a motorcycle on tour — and what to do about it when it does. If you’re planning a motorcycle tour in Portugal or any part of Europe, this episode offers a mix of travel inspiration, mechanical insight, and route recommendations. The route includes National Parks, Peniche on the Atlantic coast, and finally the historic town of Sintra, perfectly positioning me for the ride to Cabo da Roca in the series finale.

This is a must-watch for fans of:

Motorcycle adventure travel vlogs

European road trip content

Real-world motorcycle problem solving

Scenic motorcycle touring

DIY roadside repairs

Portugal motorbike itineraries and tips

Whether you’re an experienced overlander or dreaming about your first two-wheeled tour through Europe, this video is for you. There’s no fast cuts or artificial drama — just real motorcycle travel, breathtaking scenery, and the unexpected moments that make it all worthwhile.

Make sure to: ✔ LIKE the video if you enjoy scenic motorcycle travel
✔ SUBSCRIBE to follow the full Portugal motorcycle road trip series
✔ COMMENT with your own breakdown story or your favorite European riding destination
✔ WATCH the full series for more authentic travel from the saddle

Thanks for riding along — I’ve been The Motorcycle Wanderer, and this is just one of many European motorcycle adventures to come. See you in the next episode, where we visit Portugal’s iconic coastline and I return the rental bike after one last epic ride. Safe travels.

Links 👇:
Hertz Ride – https://www.hertzride.com/en/motorcycle-rental?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwnPS-BhBxEiwAZjMF0teTM31KB6QjTEfIhMZuA8ZcPSdiAH3p7poMmMAH353y5cOPAosLCBoCpnIQAvD_BwE
Serra da Estrela – https://www.visitportugal.com/en/node/73759
Portugal Motorcycle Routes – https://www.ride.co.uk/ride-guide-to-spain-and-portugal

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