I agree, the South ( and more specifically the Riviera ) is full of big bikes ( including a Hermes leather finished Harley that I saw last year - avoid the rain showers ! ) The bikers that used to ride down South 10 years ago now seem to trailer their bikes down behind their BMW saloons ( I know that's ageist ) As to cost, secondhand bikes seem to be about the same price as the UK, although my experience is that insurance seems to be a lot more expensive. I insure a French registered 125cc Yamaha Trailway that costs roughly double the yearly premium I pay for a 650cc Aprilia Pegaso Trail in the UK !