planning a motorcycle trip in europe

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• Travel advice: How to ride in Europe

What YOU need to ride in Europe | Essential checklist

Kev's been riding since acquiring half shares in a CZ175 field bike back in the seventies, passed his test in a blizzard on Christmas Eve 1985, and got his first job on a bike mag in 1990. Likes: long distance touring and short-distance twisties. Currently owns a 1987 GSX-R1100, a 1992 Ducati 400SS, a 1973 Honda SS50, a 1978 Honda CX500, a 1988 Honda Bros special, a 1957 Mobylette and a 110cc pit bike. None of them work.

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Whether you’re planning a quick hop across the channel or several weeks riding through Europe, our checklist will guide you through, so before you book your tickets, let's have a look at what you need to sort out before you go, and what paperwork you'll need from the time you roll off the ferry (other means of cross-channel travel are available)…

European motorcycle riding - ten essential things to check

Here's the stuff you need to stay legal on the continent, regardless of where you're headed – we’ll look at the specific needs of France, Spain, Germany, Italy, Ireland, and Switzerland further down the page.

Incidentally, most countries will require originals of documents not photocopies, but you might want to photocopy them anyway and keep the copies to hand for casual checks; if they want originals, you can dig them out if needed.

1: Passport:  And make sure it's valid. That doesn't mean just 'not expired yet'... The EU/Schengen requirement is that your passport much have been issued less than ten years before your outward travel date, AND that it has three months' validity on your planned return date.

The ten year rule may be an issue for some UK passport holders; if you last renewed your passport well in advance and had the remaining months of your old one added, then you might have plenty of validity left but still fall foul of the 10-year rule, so double check... If you need a new one, don't delay – at time of writing applications were taking up to three months!

2: Licence: There’s no need for an International Driving Permit (IDP) as your UK Licence is still valid. The exceptions are if you're still holding an old-style paper licence rather than a photocard, or if your licence was issued in Gibraltar, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. In those cases, you will need a 1968 IDP to ride legally in most EU/EEA countries (including France and Germany, but not Spain). For information on global IDP requirements, visit the government website here .

3: Bike documents: You need to carry the bike's V5c (log book) and MoT certificate at all times. If you're not the legal owner (for example if the bike's on finance) then you may need a form V103 to prove you have permission from the owner to take it out of the country. If you don't have the V5c at all you'll need a V103B as well to show in its place. Contact the finance company well in advance if in doubt.

The above assumes you're riding the bike yourself – if you're taking it in a van, or on a motorhome or trailer, you may need extra paperwork. See the National Motorcyclists Council's latest advice here: https://www.uknmc.org/news/motorcycle-transportation-and-the-eu-border-nmc-publishes-advice

4: Insurance: You no longer need a Green Card to ride in the European Union, but you will need your insurance certificate (again, not a copy, though if it’s supplied digitally, you can print it out).

5: GB sticker:  The old GB sticker is no longer valid for travel in Europe – you now need a UK one, unless your number plate already has the ‘UK’ identifier and Union flag on it. However, if your number plate says ‘GB’ with the Union flag, the Euro symbol, the England, Scotland or Wales flags, or has no flags at all, then you do need to display a UK sticker clearly on the rear of the vehicle.

In Spain, Cyprus or Malta you must display a UK sticker regardless of what’s on the number place, and if you have a GB sticker, you need to cover or remove it before driving outside the UK. You don’t need a UK sticker to ride or drive in Ireland.

For the latest information, check the government site here .

6: Travel/breakdown insurance: This is not obligatory, but it is highly recommended, and should include repatriation for you AND you bike if it's going to be worth having. You need to make sure the policy you choose actually covers you not just for riding bikes, but for the type of bike and the type of riding – you don't want to find out the hard way that it doesn't cover a spot of off-road, for example, or a trip into the Armco at the Nürburgring.

Also check restrictions on pre-existing medical conditions, and double-check the small point on duration of cover – we've heard of cases where riders have been refused claims because they purchased cover from the time they landed abroad, when the small print said they needed cover from the moment they left home...

7: EHIC/GHIC: The EHIC (European Health Insurance Card, which made sure you didn't get stung for a huge hospital bill if it all went tits up) is now defunct, post Brexit (although existing cards are still valid up to their expiry dates), and we thought that was likely to be the end of it. But it's back, now rebranded as the Global Health Insurance Car (GHIC). It's still free, and it still works across Europe!

Again, it's not compulsory to carry one, but you'd be daft not to, given that even a couple of days in hospital could see you owing several grand. If you simply forget to take one you CAN make a claim in retrospect - but you're unlikely to get a full refund.

9: A calendar: Or at least an eye on dates if you're a frequent traveller. Post-Brexit, UK bikers are under the same rules as other non-EU citizens. That means you're limited to 90 days in the Schengen area in any 180-day period. Maybe not a problem for most visitors nipping over for a holiday, but if your work takes you abroad a lot AND you want to holiday in the EU as well, it can quickly add up.

Bear in mind it's a rolling 180 days too, so if in doubt you need to to work back from your return date to 180 days before that, then add up how many days you've been in Schengen between the two (your passport should have been stamped going in and out, so it shouldn't be hard). Then subtract that number from 90 to give how many days you're allowed in this time.

9: ETIAS Visa Waiver – but not yet... very soon, third country nationals who don't need an actual visa to visit the EU or Schengen Area (that includes us Brits) will need an electronic visa waiver before travel. It's called ETIAS, which stands for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System, and it's similar to the ESTA system for travel to the USA. In theory the system comes into force in November 2023, but it's already been put back several times, may be delayed again, and even once in place there will almost certainly be at least a six month grace period before it actually becomes mandatory. Applications will be made online and are fairly simple - you'll need a scanned copy of your passport and a biometric digital photo to hand - and it costs 7 euros (beware third party sites charging extra). You should get approval almost straight away (ETIAS say 95% of applications will be decided 'within minutes') but it might take up to four days if extra checks are concerned, and up to four WEEKS if they need to come back to you for extra information. It's valid for three years but if your passport runs out before that, then so does ETIAS, so you'll need to reapply as soon as you renew your passport.

At time of writing (December 2022) the ETIAS application portal wasn't live, but you can sign up to be informed of developments here .

Note: ETIAS is only available for those with full British Citizenship. If you are a British Subject, British Overseas Citizen or British Protected Person you need to apply for a full Schengen Visa instead.

10: Tools/spares/puncture kit: Not compulsory, but potentially useful. It’s up to you whether you carry any spares, but a small toolkit is always handy, even if it's only so you can tighten up the odd loose sat-nav mount or trim a frayed luggage strap.

A puncture kit is well worth having too, but completely pointless unless you know how to use it, so make sure you practice a couple of times on an old tyre before you go.

One useful tip - if you have a bike with a single-sided swingarm with one big nut on the hub, it's worth carrying a suitable socket with you; it's easy enough to get a puncture fixed or a new tyre fitted, but not every tyre place or bike shop will have the right socket for your particular bike.

Other things you might need when riding in Europe

Depending on which countries you're visiting, you may need extra paperwork, equipment and/or knowledge. Here's a start for the most popular destinations for Brit bikers…

Even if you're not actually going to France, you’ll probably be passing through and you need to be legal while you're there.

In addition to the main requirements for the EU, France has a few extras:

• You should carry a reflective/hi viz jacket or gilet at all times, in case of emergencies.
• You should have an in-date alcohol tester (although there's no fine for not having one).
• In theory you should also have approved reflective stickers on your helmet, although no one ever does (including the locals), and we've never heard of anyone being nicked.
• You may well get nicked for riding without CE-approved gloves though.
• Contrary to popular wisdom you do NOT need to carry a spare bulb kit… although it's not a bad idea anyway.

Probably the most important thing to know before riding in France is how the Priorité à Droite rule works – you'll find a full explanation in our guide to riding in France here .

Make sure you understand Priorité à Droite. Image by Yodaspirine

Spain's one of our favourite places to ride as there’s little traffic away from the towns, plenty of accommodation, and great food in busy coastal resorts. But head a couple of miles inland and you might not see a soul all day.

And then there's the roads... we can't think of anywhere you get such a variety of tarmac, and so much opportunity to get into an all-day bend-swinging groove. Generally, the list of required papers/kit is the same as for the rest of the EU, but you also need…

• Spare glasses (if you're a specs wearer)
• You should have a reflective/hi viz jacket or gilet with you on the bike in case of emergencies.
• Loud pipes are frowned upon and can get you an on-the spot fine.

There are quite a few other peculiarities and things to watch out for in Spain, including new urban speed limits and rules – see our full guide to riding in Spain here .

Whatever country you visit, always respect the locals

A very popular destination for UK bikers with great scenery, fine roads, excellent beer and the opportunity to go as fast as you want, legally. What's not to like? Well, not that much, but as you might expect those high speeds come with a warning…

• Not all Autobahnen are unrestricted - only about half of the total.
• Even derestricted motorways still carry an advisory limit of 130km/h (80mph) – if you ride faster, you accept the consequences if it all goes wrong, and you also expose yourself to prosecution for even minor driving faults.
• Often the motorways are too congested to go fast anyway, in which case remember filtering's only legal in completely stationary traffic.
• Depending where you go, noisy pipes can get you into hot water, and some roads are sometimes closed to motorcycles completely at certain times as a result of noise problems.
• Despite some advice to the contrary, motorcycles don't need special stickers to enter low-emissions zones in German cities.

See our full guide to riding in Germany – including advice about the Nürburgring – here .

Italy's a great place to ride – we really must do a full guide on it soon. From the mountains and lakes in the north, through the industrial belt and down to the agricultural south, it's got a bit of everything. Basic paperwork/equipment rules are the same as elsewhere in the EU, with a few additions…

• You need a reflective/hi-viz gilet on board.
• Speed limits are 50km/h (30mph) in town, 90km/h (55mph) on A roads, 110km/h (68mph) on dual cabbageways and 130km/h (80mph) on motorways.
• If it's raining, those last two drop to 90km/h (55mph) and 110km/h (68mph) respectively.
• Be wary of filling up on motorways – fuel can be frighteningly expensive, and if you accidentally choose an attended pump, that rises from frightening to terrifying...
• Also terrifying is the general standard of driving – be very, very wary approaching junctions, overtaking slower traffic in town, out of town… well, just everywhere. All the time.

The Emerald Isle is in the EU, and we're not, so most of the same advice applies as elsewhere in the EU. But bizarrely you don't necessarily need a passport – your photocard driving licence should suffice. We'd take a passport anyway, just in case.

Once there, you'll find beautiful scenery, friendly people, lovely winding roads (but beware wildlife, farm animals and agricultural vehicles – it's not a place to go fast) and good beer. Well worth the trip.

Check out our guide to riding in Ireland here .

We didn’t have any photos of someone having fun riding in Switzerland, so here’s another one from Spain

SWITZERLAND

Switzerland's far too law-abiding to be fun on a bike for very long, although it does have some magnificent scenery of course. Mainly it's just easier to go through it than around it when you're on your way to Italy, Austria or places further East (speaking of which, have a look at our guide to riding in Croatia here .

Although it's not part of the EU (or the EEA for that matter), Switzerland has signed treaties that mean riding there is pretty much the same as in the EU. Be aware that Switzerland operates a Prorité à Droite rule, like France, which can catch out the unwary. For a full explanation see our guide to France here .

Apart from that, the main thing is to get a Vignette for the motorways if you're planning to use them; you can get one at most garages or at the border, or online in advance for around 40 euros. Get stopped on the motorway without one and it's a big fine. Speeding fines are also big – around 200 quid for a minor offence – so be careful. Also, don't park up on the pavement - more big fines... In fact, let’s refer you back to Spain…

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• How to ride in Germany: Speed limits, documents, the law

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Planning a Motorcycle Trip in Europe: Everything You Need to Know

The good news is with a little bit of savings and a lot of planning, your dream of a motorcycle trip in Europe can be a reality! Europe has a long history of motorcycle culture, and it’s got some amazing sights to offer. What does it take to pull off an epic journey like this, and what challenges should an aspiring road tripper be ready to face? We cover everything from planning to licensing and regulations to even the advantages of traveling and riding alone or with a group. 

Planning Your Trip

Start with brainstorming on what you’d like to achieve on your European motorcycle trip. Ask yourself questions like:

-What attractions do I want to see?

-What events do I want to participate in?

-What countries and regions do I want to visit?

-How long do I want and can afford to travel for?

-How much time will I have during my trip? 

Take some time to mull over your answers to these questions. When you’re ready to pull the trigger, book your dates and ask for time away from work as soon as you’re sure you can go. Not only will you save on airfare, you’ll also have a strong incentive to go through with the trip. 

Solo vs. Group

Another important choice to make when planning your trip is whether you’re going to ride solo or in a group. Advantages of going it alone include:

-You’ll never have to compromise on which countries to visit or attractions to see. 

-There’s no worrying about group coordination and whether everyone is keeping up. 

-Booking lodging will often be easier when rolling solo. 

-You won’t come home with strained relationships if you don’t get along during the trip.

That said, there are also advantages to a group ride, including: 

-You’ll have someone to help if you get into trouble. 

-You’ll have companions to share the fun experiences with and help ward off loneliness. 

-You may be able to get cheaper group rates on tours and lodging. 

For those doing group rides, staying in touch with the group during the ride is essential. You’ll be exploring unfamiliar roads all day, many of which will be narrower and have lower visibility distances than the roads in the U.S. So keeping in contact effortlessly is important. 

The Cardo PACKTALK BOLD and Cardo PACKTALK SLIM give you the power of a dynamic motorcycle mesh network that works at distances of up to a mile and lets riders seamlessly drop in and out at any time. With their hands-free voice command operation, group riders can instantly access group intercom channels, phone calls and their favorite media. A pair of Bluetooth helmet speakers , like the Cardo JBL 45mm Audio Set , will upgrade the audio quality on the soundtrack to your European adventures. 

Getting a Bike

Although possible with the right resources, having your own bike shipped to Europe and back can be expensive and raises the potential problem of non-compliant emissions standards. Many riders, who tour Europe by motorcycle, instead rent their bikes from one of the many companies which offer motorcycles to tourists. Again, renting as far as possible in advance will help you score better prices, and you’ll also probably have a better selection of bikes. Pro tip: if you rent with Hertz Ride , you can even rent a Cardo Systems communicator with your bike! (Only in select locations). 

The most popular bikes for touring European roads are adventure bikes, but you can also find other types, like naked bikes, cruisers or touring bikes. Adventure bikes are a particularly great choice because they can traverse rougher backwoods that a normal motorcycle would have trouble with, opening up interesting new routes and attractions. Bigger, heavier bikes, like cruisers and touring bikes, are still present, but they’re not always well-suited for many of the smaller, older European roads. So be cautious of your decision as a larger bike might limit where you can go.

Licensing and Regulations

An international driving permit (IDP) is your best bet for a smooth ride in Europe. IDPs are internationally recognized by 174 countries, and it’s not difficult to get one. Just go to a AAA office, present your motorcycle license, fill out the application and pay a fee. It’s that easy and now you’re ready to ride! Just make sure your new international license is issued with a motorcycle endorsement. 

Fortunately for Americans, the UK and Ireland are the only European countries that drive on the left so you won’t have to worry about everything being flip-flopped. That said, European roads still require some getting used to. 

For one thing, roundabouts are everywhere in Europe, so get comfortable with navigating through them. They’re often much larger than American roundabouts, and some, like the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, have their own complicated rules. Lane changes are also more heavily regulated in many European countries, and you can be pulled over for riding continuously in the left lane or for passing on the right. 

Additionally, be aware of where you can and can’t ride. Some European cities ban all motor vehicles in their city centers while other areas may allow motorcycles but not cars. And even if that sleepy medieval village you’re staying in does allow motorcycles, reconsider revving loudly at the crack of dawn. Common courtesy will take you a long way even if you don’t know the letter of the law where you’re staying. 

Essential Gear for Your European Road Trip

Needless to say, you want to pack light. A good basic kit will include:

-Riding gear, such as a helmet, riding jacket and riding boots

-Comfortable casual clothing, including a good pair of walking shoes

-Multiple layers of waterproof gear with a separate waterproof bag for your clothes

-Your passport and international driver’s license in a separate waterproof container with backup photocopies stored somewhere else

-Lightweight insulated garments depending on the time of year (although summers can still be chilly in countries like Switzerland)

-Survival essentials such as a first-aid kit and pocket knife

-Roadside flat repair kit

-Water bottle and snacks 

The key is to have a kit that’s compact enough to fit in your panniers and saddlebags. The lighter you travel, the less you’ll have to worry about storing and protecting your luggage and the better your bike will handle. 

You can save a lot of money by staying in hostels rather than hotels as they’re much cheaper. Plus, hostels can offer a great opportunity to make new friends–they come in all shapes and sizes, including party hostels for those who want to live it up and quieter ones for those more interested in getting a good night sleep. 

Motorcycle camping is another great option. It can be tons of fun if you’ve got a small tent or hammock; plus, it’s nice to save some money and get some fresh night air at the same time. But choose a campsite ahead of time. Don’t just throw up a tent on the side of the road. You also want to have a backup plan in case the weather isn’t cooperative. 

Popular Routes

The roads of Europe can take you thousands of different ways depending on where you want to go. However, there are some popular European motorcycle tour routes that offer views, food, history and pretty much anything else a rider could want: 

– The Wild Atlantic Way (Ireland): Stretching all the way from Ulster in the North to Cork in the South, this 1,500-mile Irish coast road runs nearly the entire length of Ireland and provides an incredible ride full of charming small towns and dramatic cliffs rising from the sea. You’ll also spot several locations used for filming recent Star Wars films.

– Furka Pass (Switzerland): Ready for something a little more hair-raising? Furka Pass is a sliver of a road that passes through some of Switzerland’s mightiest mountains and glaciers. It’s narrow, packed with hairpin turns and has little to nothing in the way of guardrails—in other words, it might be just right. Bring a warm jacket! 

– Iceland Ring Road (Iceland): Iceland’s volcanic activity makes it a heartbreakingly gorgeous country, and what’s more, you can traverse the whole thing in a few days. The Icelandic Ring Road allows you to do just that, with a course that allows tourists to easily take in many of Iceland’s major attractions. For those willing to go a little off the beaten path, a huge variety of world-class hiking trails are just an hour or two away from the ring road. 

– Cabo de Gata to Granada (Spain): Spain features a head-spinning variety of scenery, and this ride in the Andalusia region will show you some of its best. This route starts in the arid volcanic cliffs of the Cabo de Gata National Park and winds its way up to the city of Granada where you’ll find not only the legendary Alhambra Palace but also the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountains. 

– Transfagarasan Highway (Romania): Eastern Europe doesn’t get enough credit for its incredible scenery, but one trip down the Transfagarasan Highway (featured on the BBC’s Top Gear ) will make you see the light. This twisty highway winds its way through the Southern Carpathian Mountains, climbing up to over 6,500 feet in elevation, and the journey is packed with amazing lodges and guest houses where you’ll find delicious local cooking. 

Verdon Gorge (France): One of Europe’s most popular spots for motorcycle touring, the Verdon Gorge is France’s answer to the Grand Canyon. And the roads that surround it are no joke, with steep, twisty turns that will give even seasoned riders a challenge. Head up early in the morning to beat the crowds that flock to it, especially during the summer. 

Some of these routes are long enough for a tour of their own while others are relatively short and can be strung together into a longer tour. They also offer a wealth of opportunities for independent exploration, making them awesome routes whether you’re using a guide or not. 

Tips and Tricks

Here are a few key things to remember that will help save you time and money as well as keep you and your friends safe:

-Explore local street food options for a tasty and authentic meal that will also save you some coin. 

-If you use your phone for navigation, make sure that you bring a handlebar clip for it and get a European SIM card to power your phone. 

-Build some flexibility into your itinerary and give yourself time to roam. Part of what’s awesome about exploring Europe is finding the hidden gems, like out-of-the-way cafés and small towns with unique histories. 

-Remember that Europe has lower blood alcohol content limits for intoxicated driving. In many European countries, it’s just 0.05 which you might hit from having a single strong drink. Since even one drink impairs your ability to ride safely , the best bet is to simply avoid mixing motorcycles and booze at all. 

-Take the time to learn a little bit about the history and culture of each place that you visit. Not only will it give you a better appreciation of your environment, it can help you avoid embarrassment and understand local customs better.  

-We can’t stress enough how important it is to be aware of pavement conditions at all times. Europe is full of ancient roads made out of brick, cobblestone and many other old-school building materials which are likely to be extremely bumpy and require special care to avoid a wipeout (if you ride them at all). 

Europe from the back of a motorbike is an experience unlike any other. So, if you’re going to do it, you owe it to yourself and your companions to do it right. Pack smart, practice your riding skills and make plans—but leave a little room for the magic of the road to happen. 

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Bike categories, ages and license requirements for Europeans

Renting a motorbike in europe, motorcycle laws in europe, how lane splitting works in europe, the different speeds in the lanes, the unofficial motorcycle lane, common road signs, what to do in an emergency, crossing borders, being pulled over.

When you’re planning on touring Europe on a motorbike, you probably have a lot of questions and basics that you should know! Check out this guide to know the motorcycle laws in Europe and other advice for your motorcycle touring trip!

I obviously love riding my motorbike through Europe, but I had a lot of questions when I first started! I was a bit lost, so I hope this guide will help you discover everything you need to know, so you can skip ahead to the fun part: riding!

The basics of touring Europe on a motorbike

Motorcycle riding requirements in europe.

If you have a European motorcycle license you can drive in any European country without problems. However, as you already know, there are special requirements for the type of motorbike you can drive. Here’s a helpful chart from The Biker Insurer (UK based) to help you remember:

If you have an American motorcycle license , you can drive ANY motorcycle with your own state issued license. The US does not have different levels of licenses for different sizes of motorbikes. You can drive with your state, class M license for the duration of a year (in MOST European countries. Remember to check specific requirements!). However, some companies or countries may ask you for an International Driver’s Permit (IDP). This is a paper document that does not replace your license but accompanies it. It is a booklet that is translated into many different languages around the world.

You can get your IDP from your local AAA chapter . It costs $20 USD and you will need to include:

• Application form
• Two original passport photos (can get these done at Walgreen’s or CVS Pharmacy)
• Your current driver’s license

When you rent a motorbike in Europe, they will ask for your driver’s license and how long you have held the license. Usually, you need to have held your license for at least two years (although for Americans they don’t know when the class M was added on to it).

Europeans are issued a license that stays with them their entire life so it’s easy to see how long they’ve held the license. For us Americans though, we change and renew our license every few years. Try to bring an old license or at least a photo of an old one to prove that you have held a driving license for several years.

For the most part, a lot of European countries have the same laws, governed by the European Union, with a bit of variation.

Some of the common rules include:

• Motorcycle helmet laws: A helmet is required in ALL EU countries and must meet ECE 22.045 (double check this as not all foreign helmets do)
• High visibility vest needs to be stored on the bike in case of emergencies
• Lane splitting is legal

Not all countries however, have the same motorcycle laws. Be sure and check the specific country to see what exactly is needed.

View country specific motorcycle driving guides

Click the image below for Country Specific Driving Guides

Driving a motorbike in Europe

Lane splitting varies from country to country, where some countries tend to drive more aggressively than others. Much of this depends on how big the lanes are and whether the cars accommodate for motorbikes lane splitting or not.

In general though, lane splitting is very used and very common. At a red light, most of the motorbikes will all go in between the lanes or even outside in order to get to the front of the line. You can choose not to of course, but (depending on the country) it’s pretty accepted. When you lane split, be sure to put on your warning lights or if you don’t have them your blinker, as it helps cars to see you.

In Europe, they really follow the whole “left lane is for passing.” If you are in the left lane and are going slower than the flow of traffic, the person behind you will flash their lights at you. It’s not meant to be rude, just that you shouldn’t be in the lane unless you are passing.

When there are multiple lanes, the same rules apply and it’s fairly strict on the most left being the fastest lane and the most right being the slowest. The middle lanes are different levels of how fast you are going as well.

When you’re in a big city, you may find that other motorcyclists and scooters are using the “unofficial motorcycle lane.” This is right in between the left lane and middle lane and cars in these two lanes are aware that there will be motorbikes coming through. It’s easier to lane split because cars will try to give you the space needed.

Familiarize yourself with all the common road signs in the EU! Use this road sign pdf to guide you! Even if you leave the EU with your motorbike, most of the signs will be the same or at least similar.

The shoulders on highways are large enough for you to easily pull over. There are also emergency phone booths scattered fairly frequently across major highways. If you need to get off your bike, you must put the high visibility vest on.

If you need to call for an emergency, the phone number in the European Union is 112

When in the EU, most of the time the border isn’t clear. You don’t need to stop and have someone check your passport; you just go on through.

In Switzerland you will still pass through a section where they used to check passports, but just slow down and you’ll be on your way.

Outside of the EU, there will be border crossings where you’ll need to wait 30 mins to an hour to get through. On a motorcycle in the summer, this can be really long so be prepared!

Other things to look out for when touring Europe on a motorbike

The sign for toll tags all over Europe is the orange T symbol. If there is a green arrow beside the T symbol, you can still go through and pay by cash or card– it just means both are allowed. The ones with orange barriers are only for Toll tag holders.

There will be different lanes for paying cash or card, and usually different ones for cars or trucks. If you have any issues, there is usually a help button to call someone to assist you.

Warning: Tolls in Europe are FREAKIN’ EXPENSIVE!

Especially in France and Italy. Try to plan out costs before you go! Usually toll roads can save you an entire hour or two on a route through Europe, but there is a cost to it. Plan accordingly.

Police will normally pull up next to you and motion towards you that they would like to speak. You then find a safe place to pull over and stay on your bike, waiting for them to come to you. If you’re on a highway they will likely motion to you to follow them at the next exit.

Usually they’ll ask for the title of your motorbike (if it’s your own), your passport, and your license.

Planning your motorcycle roadtrip

Of course it’s a bit difficult to generalize for all of Europe, but you can at least think to avoid the coldest and the hottest months. Spring usually comes with a lot of rain so I would recommend late summer and early fall as the best months for touring Europe on a motorbike.

It’s really best if you get a European SIM card while you’re touring Europe on a motorbike. Most companies have plans that allow you to use your data in all of the EU countries, and it’s a lot cheaper than paying for an international plan in your home country! Try to buy a European SIM card and plan when you first arrive and before you start your trip.

I recommend the company Orange , because they have a nice plan and presence in many European countries!

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Tips for Motorcycle Touring in Europe

If you’re planning a European motorbike trip but aren’t sure where to begin, this comprehensive guide of motorcycle touring in Europe will help you get started. From the best time to ride to the most scenic routes and motorcycle choices, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.

When should you go, what are the best motorcycle tours in Europe, and which countries offer the best experience?

In this article, we’ll cover all the essentials for planning a motorcycle tour in Europe. You’ll find:

• What’s the best time of year to tour Europe by motorcycle?
• Where to go
• What are the best motorcycle routes in Europe?
• Which are the best motorcycle tours in Europe
• What gear you’ll need for touring Europe
• How to travel Europe safely

In addition, we’ll share some advice on what the best motorcycles for touring Europe are, what documents you’ll need for your European motorcycle tour, and what to pack for the trip.

Planning a Motorcycle Trip in Europe

When you plan a motorcycle trip in Europe, one of the most important things to consider is the best time of year to go.  While most Southern European countries are great for motorcycling year-round, Western and Northern Europe sees cold temperatures during the late fall, winter, and early spring months.

To get the best experience out of your motorcycle tour in Europe, plan your ride for late April through to mid-September. Remember, however, that some of the European mountain passes may still be closed until as late as mid-May. If your goal is to explore the Swiss Alps, aim to ride here in June, July, or August.

April and September months are the best for motorcycling in Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Italy. During May, June, and July, the temperatures here are hot, and it’s high-tourism season. To avoid crowds and enjoy pleasant weather, pan your motorcycle tour of Southern Europe in early spring or fall.

On the other hand, Norway, Finland, Sweden, and Denmark are best explored in mid-summer. If you’re planning to ride your motorcycle to Nordkap, for example, the best time to go is August.

While the best time for motorcycle touring in Europe is generally spring, summer, and fall, there are a few great winter destinations Europe has to offer. If you plan to ride Europe in December, January, February, or March, the best paces to travel are Crete (Greece), Sardinia (Italy), Southern Portugal, and Southern Spain.

Where to Go

If you’re planning to go on a motorcycle tour in Europe, you’ll need to fly in to start your journey in one of the major cities. The best airports to choose from are located Amsterdam (the Netherlands), Frankfurt (Germany), Paris (France), Madrid (Spain), Rome (Italy), and Athens (Greece). From these major hubs, you’ll easily find connecting flights to your destination or get a transfer to the location by the motorcycle tour operator.

Choosing one of these cities to fly in means you’ll most likely get a direct flight. In addition, airfares to the major hubs are typically cheaper than to smaller, less popular destinations.

For more, see this extensive list of Europe’s best airports .

Avoid flying to Europe during major holidays such as Christmas and Easter to avoid high prices and lots of tourist traffic. Thanksgiving, on the other hand, is a great time to travel as Europeans do not have this holiday.

Best Motorcycle for Touring Europe

In addition to knowing the best time to go, it’s important to choose a motorcycle that will be comfortable and easy to handle during your trip. The best motorcycle for touring Europe is a bike that’s mechanically sound, reliable, and comfortable for long distances.

For on-road motorcycle tours in Europe, look into sport tourers, adventure motorcycles, and cruiser motorcycles . These bikes are meant for traveling and offer a comfortable seating position, plenty of power, and great performance. Sport tourers, adventure bikes, and cruisers are ideal for European roads. You will comfortably cover long distances and enjoy those legendary mountain twisties and meandering coastal routes alike.

If you hope to explore the continent off-road, some of the best motorcycles for traveling Europe are dual-sport, adventure, and enduro motorcycles . These bikes are capable of both on-road and off-road riding, weigh less than cruiser and sport tourer motorcycles, and offer enough power and grip on gravel roads and trails.

If you plan to combine trail riding and tarmac, the best motorcycle for touring Europe will be an adventure or a mid-sized dual-sport motorcycle.

Best Motorcycle Routes in Europe

When it comes to the best motorcycle routes in Europe, there’s no shortage of scenic rides to choose from. For the best mountain passes in Europe, look into Swiss, French, and Italian Alps: this region offers the best of European mountain motorcycle routes. In addition, the Spanish Pyrenees is another great region to explore, and you can ride both on-road and off-road here.

For coastal motorcycle routes in Europe, Italy’s Amalfi Coast has few rivals. This scenic ride is considered one of the best motorcycle routes in Europe, along with the Adriatic Coast in Croatia.

If you prefer getting off the beaten path and see diverse scenery, explore Romania and the Balkans. Romania boasts two of Europe’s most scenic motorcycle roads – the Transfagarasan and Transalpina – whereas Bosnia, Montenegro, and Croatia offer breath-taking mountain and coastal scenery combined. Another hidden gem in Europe is Slovenia. This tiny country packs a serious punch: it offers endless mountain twisties on good-quality tarmac roads, and there are plenty of trails to explore if you hope to get off the road.

For spectacular fjord scenery, dreamy coastal routes, and island hopping, Norway is your best bet. Two of the most scenic motorcycle routes in Europe, the Atlantic Highway and Trollstigen, are located in Northern Norway, and you’re guaranteed to get your fill of awe-inspiring landscapes traveling here.

Portugal and Spain are great for diverse terrain ranging from deserts to mountains, both on-road and off-road riding, and fantastic weather year-round.

Best Motorcycle Tours in Europe

If you’re planning to go on a motorcycle tour in Europe rather than ride on your own, there are plenty of interesting options to choose from. To research the best motorcycle tours in Europe, head over to MOTOURISMO, the biggest motorcycle tours booking platform online . MOTOURISMO is a combined online booking platform and travel agency for motorcycle tours, and they have a wide selection of motorcycle tours in Europe for each country, region, and type of riding.

When researching the best motorcycle tours in Europe, look for options that appeal to you the most. You can choose between week-long trips or longer, twenty-day motorcycle adventures, pick on-road, off-road, or combined tours, or look into self-guided tour options. Some motorcycle tours in Europe offer all-inclusive packages. These packages have a motorcycle rental, accommodation, and routes all planned out ahead.

Others offer bike rental only, or self-guided motorcycle tour options where you ride a rental with pre-planned routes and hotels.

Guided Motorcycle Tours in Europe

Guided motorcycle tours in Europe usually offer the best experience if you don’t have much time for planning and researching on your own. Guided tours typically include a rental motorcycle, a tour guide, hotels, points of interest, rest days, and meals.

All you need to do is fly in and ride. Everything else is taken care of for you. Some guided motorcycle tours also include a chase vehicle to carry your luggage.

For the best guided tours, see the extensive listings for guided motorcycle tours in Europe . You can also search by country, region, or the type of riding (on-road, off-road, or combination).

Self-Guided Motorcycle Tours in Europe

Self-guided motorcycle tours in Europe are ideal for riders who want to have the safety and comfort of an organized tour but travel independently. Self-guided tours typically include a rental motorcycle, a pre-planned route, and pre-booked hotels along the way. Self-guided tours are easier to customize, and you do not need to ride in a group.

To browse independent tour options, see this self-guided European motorcycle tours list .

What Gear Do You Need for Touring Europe?

For a motorcycle tour in Europe, you will need good quality riding gear. Remember, wearing a helmet is mandatory across the entire continent. Riding without one is illegal throughout the entire EU, so make sure you bring your helmet with you.

In addition, it’s best to ride in sturdy, over-the ankle boots and wear protective pants, jacket, and gloves. If you’re planning to ride Europe in summer, take lightweight, breathable motorcycle gear. For spring and fall riding, it’s best to wear four-season riding gear or pack a few warmer layers. While the temperatures mostly stay mild and balmy, some high-altitude mountain passes may be a little chilly, even during the summer months.

Motorcycle Navigation in Europe

If you’re planning to go on a self-guided motorcycle tour in Europe, you’ll need to have means of navigation. If you normally use a GPS unit, be sure to download European maps before you go. If you use a phone navigation app like Google Maps or similar, the maps will download automatically when you arrive. Just make sure you’re downloading using WiFi, not data, to save on data costs.

If you prefer paper maps, you find European road maps at the airport or any gas station along the way.

 Safety When Touring Europe by Motorcycle

Traveling in Europe by motorcycle is generally safe. However, it’s best to make sure you have some security measures when it comes to your motorcycle. Whether you’re renting or riding your own, keeping your motorcycle safe while riding Europe is important, especially in big cities.

We strongly recommend only parking your motorcycle in secure garages and well-lit, secure parking lots. In addition, consider carrying a disc lock or a motorcycle chain with you so you can secure the bike while parked. Finally, having a GPS motorcycle tracker may save you a lot of hassle in case your bike gets stolen. A GPS tracker and alarm will alert you if your motorcycle is being moved, and you can track its live location via the app if the bike has been stolen.

Can you travel Europe on a motorcycle?

Yes, you can travel Europe on your own or rental motorcycle. Motorcycle rentals are available in all major European cities.

Can you tour on any motorcycle?

You can tour Europe on any motorcycle you choose. For the best road touring experience, consider renting a sport cruiser bike. For dual-sport and adventure riding, it’s best to pick an off-road capable motorcycle like an enduro or an adventure bike.

Which country is best for motorcycles?

While most European countries are great for riding, the best country for motorcycles is undoubtedly Italy. The Italian Alps, the Dolomites, and the Amalfi Coast are all iconic motorcycle destinations in Europe. For more European motorcycling route ideas, see this list of epic biking roads .

What do I need to travel to Europe by motorcycle?

To travel Europe by motorcycle, you will need your passport, your driver’s licence, and your travel insurance. Your motorcycle will most likely be insured by the motorcycle tour or rental company, but double-check before you go. You do not need to have an international driver’s license for Europe.

Get Ready for Your European Motorcycle Tour

Now that you know the best time to ride Europe, where to go for the most scenic roads, and what motorcycle should you choose, it’s time to start planning your motorcycle tour in Europe. Research the destinations that you’ve always dreamt of seeing, pick a motorcycle tour that suits your needs, and hit the road! Wherever you go, a motorcycle tour in Europe will be an unforgettable experience, and we hope you thoroughly enjoy your two-wheeled adventure here.

Happy miles!

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• January 27, 2022

Motorcycle tour within Europe 2023: Guide, price and tips

Table of Contents

So don’t forget to take a piece of paper to write down everything we’re going to mention, so that you’re fully prepared for whatever comes your way on this trip !

Everything you need to know about touring Europe by motorbike

Do you imagine yourself travelling on a motorbike , admiring the landscapes of Europe , feeling the breeze on your clothes and stopping for a hot coffee in a cafe in Italy? Or do you want to travel with your two-wheeled companion to get away from the comfort that trains, planes or even buses offer? Whatever your situation, bear in mind that this dream is closer than you think. Travelling by motorbike can provide you with sensations and a unique dazzling journey, with everything at your fingertips, in an economical way and that will be worth it without a doubt.

Therefore, it is necessary for you to know what you need to travel by motorbike and everything you need to understand to finally make your motorcycle tour in Europe . So, here is some information that will help you!

PLAN YOUR TRIP

When making a trip, it is necessary to ask several questions and review if such an opportunity is really within your reach. So, it is important to plan your trip , so that this way there are no headaches or even a trip that you do not like. Here are some questions that are important for you to decide if travelling by motorbike through Europe will really be a good experience:

• Which attractions do I want to see?
• Which events do I want to attend?
• Which countries and regions do I want to visit?
• How long do I want and can I afford to travel?
• How much time will I have during my trip?
• Do I know how to ride a motorbike and do I have all my papers up to date?

If the answers are positive and you are decided about your trip, what are you waiting for? Plan now your tour in Europe by motorbike , besides saving on air tickets, you will have perfect experiences. Maybe you still don’t know how to plan a complete trip, so take a look at How to Travel Europe Cheap: 5 tips that will help you , so you can save a lot!

TRAVEL ALONE OR IN A GROUP

Another question you must decide is whether you will travel in a group or completely alone. It is obvious that any option has its advantages and disadvantages, so you must be prepared for any situation. So, we have separated the advantages of travelling alone and travelling in a group, so that you can decide which option is more viable and comfortable.

If you intend to travel in a group, know that:

• You will have someone to help if you have problems.
• You will have companions to share the fun experiences and help chase away the loneliness, being able to dialogue daily, have fun and even do group activities.
• You can get cheaper group rates on tours and accommodation.

Now, if you wish to travel alone, know that:

• You will never have to compromise on which countries to visit or attractions to see, as there will be no likely opinions contrary to yours.
• There is no concern about the coordination of the group and whether everyone is keeping up.
• Booking accommodation will generally be easier if you are on your own.
• You won’t return home with strained relationships if you don’t get along during the trip, avoiding headaches, occasional fights and disagreements.

The choice is yours alone, just decide the best option and do your motorbike tour in Europe.

RENTING MOTORCYCLES

Sending your bike to Europe is a choice not very recommended, after all, it will be an extra problem and will generate many expenses, which makes this option not economical at all. If you want to save money on your trip , a good advice is to rent a motorbike , because Europe contains several companies that rent motorbikes for tourists. Some companies to recommend are Hertz , MotoAdventours and AdriatcMotours .

In a way to help you, we have separated some types of bikes and their rental prices. Check below:

• Touring: if you want to go on a long trip, regardless of the season, know that the Touring is extremely recommended for you. Besides being big and having a stability with more cargo capacity, it can carry up to two people and gives you more autonomy, since the fuel tank is bigger. For being wide and heavy, this motorbike has a lower performance in relation to other types of motorbikes, however, the stability on the track and speed end up making up for it.
• Sport touring: This type of motorbike has a higher windshield and a seat in a position that provides comfort to those who are riding. Its main feature is versatility with a sportier design, being produced especially for travel
• Big trail: If you are looking for a motorbike with power and comfort, keep in mind that big trail motorbikes are quite versatile, produced to face any type of terrain, be it earth or asphalt. This option helps you save money, as this motorbike is more financially accessible, having a more adventurous characteristic, offering a wide compatibility in relation to travel accessories.
• Cruisers: Don’t you like the size of other motorbikes? Cruisers have the closest seats to the ground, making them a popular motorbike for short-statured riders; it’s clear that they approach practicality and plenty of style on two wheels, helping you get on and off. 
• Standard: Are you looking for a motorbike that fits any destination? Standard motorbikes can help you from a commute to your home to a long trip. Despite being basic, they can be optimised according to the rider’s needs.

Now all you have to do is choose the one that is ideal for you and rent it, however, remember that bigger motorbikes can end up making your trip more difficult, since some roads in Europe are narrow. Don’t forget that there are several official websites and companies that you can find to make your purchase in a safe way!

THE EQUIPMENT YOU NEED FOR YOUR EUROPEAN TOUR

Choosing a motorbike for travelling is clearly essential, however, knowing what equipment is needed for your trip in Europe is without a doubt an extremely important necessity. So, take a look at this list and check if everything is within your reach!

• The most important thing: your and international driver’s license, if possible in a separate waterproof container with backup photocopies stored. The weather is changeable and depending on the season you are travelling, rain may occur, given this, it is good to avoid your documents getting wet.The most important thing: your passport and international driver’s license, if possible in a separate waterproof container with backup photocopies stored. The weather is changeable and depending on the season you are travelling, rain may occur, given this, it is good to avoid your documents getting wet.
• Have you ever thought in case any damage occurs to your bike? Therefore, a roadside plane repair kit will help you in any situation, preventing you from being left on the side of the road without any help.
• It is important that you take your bottle of water with you and if you do not intend to stop at snack bars or restaurants to eat, it is necessary that you take your snack with you .
• As we mentioned, it may rain while driving, so have waterproof equipment, a good example is a waterproof bag with your clothes or most important belongings.
• We obviously cannot forget the helmet , so that you travel safely and before the law.
• It is good to take a pair of walking shoes with you in case you want to explore the local towns and so on.
• There are essential items for survival, such as a first aid kit , tapes , pocket knife and other objects.
• If you are travelling in summer, remember to wear light clothing, now if you are travelling in cold weather such as autumn or winter, thermal or insulated clothing is important.

WHERE TO SLEEP ON A MOTORCYCLE TOUR?

Have you ever wondered what are the best options for spending the night on a motorcycle tour? Know that the answer is easy. If you want to save a lot of money, a great recommendation is to stay in hostels or hostels instead of staying in local hotels. At least in hostels you can meet new people and share the costs with the person staying with you.

There are some hostel and hostel recommendations for you:

• Old Town Alur Hostel (Estonia): The daily cost is €12,71 ($14,50). The Hostel is laid back in the historic centre and offers a great location, close to restaurants, public transport and so on. 3 star rating.
• Patio Hostel (Slovakia): With free laundry, bar and a good atmosphere. You will pay per night around €17.47 ($19.93).

Another option that might surprise you is camping , so you can not only save money, but it can also be a new experience for your trip. From sleeping in a tent or in a hammock, it’s your choice! Remember to book your camping in advance. If you want to know more about camping in europe, check out:

Camping in Portugal 2023: Prices, Spots, tips and more!

The last option, but not least, are the hotels themselves, you can find some fairly cheap ones (usually 2 to 3 star hotels), that is if you want to sleep comfortably in a bed by yourself.

Be sure to check out two hotel recommendations for you:

• Atlantic Garden Resort (Ukraine): The hotel has absolutely everything you need, be it spa, clean rooms, restaurants with great and cheap food, and friendly staff. The daily rate is around €25.10 ($28.64).
• A&O Prague Rhea (Prague): Being a stripped-down, cheap hotel with a good location and great service. It accepts pets and despite being economical, it manages to be a luxurious environment. You will pay around €11.76 ($13.42) per night.

AVERAGE DAILY COST OF A MOTOCYCLE TRIP IN EUROPE

A question often asked about the motorcycle tour, is the average daily cost expected to be spent . Know that the expenses for a day vary according to your choice, a good example is if you will sleep in a hotel or intend to go camping, obviously practicing camping will be much cheaper than sleeping in lodgings, however, if you intend to rent hotels for nights, eat in restaurants or visit certain excursions or tours, know that it will cost a little more.

To decide your budget to spend on a daily basis, check where your money will go:

• Accommodation. It is up to you to decide which option is more viable, whether you spend the night in a hostel, hotel or outdoors in a camp. If you choose a hotel, opt for single rooms, it will be cheaper.
• Travel, transport and rent . These expenses depend on where you live, because if the distance is great, it may be necessary to pay a plane or ship ticket. A good choice is to rent a motorbike from Europe, so you will not have more expenses with the transportation of your motorbike. However, if you still intend to take your own motorbike, opt for boat, it will certainly be cheaper.
• Bike rental. Know that there are a few options for you, however the most recommended is to book a bike and pay in advance online.  The price of bike hire is £120 to £150 per day.
• Meals. Unfortunately, meals are one of the most expensive expenses in a motorcycle tour to Europe. You can stay in a hotel that offers breakfast, lunch and dinner can be consumed in some local restaurant.
• Fuel. Fuel prices in Europe can end up being cheaper and it is clear that it is something important for your trip. If you want to check petrol prices in European countries, the website globalpetrolprices.com is a great recommendation.
• Tours and excursions (optional). It is necessary that you add some extra money for your tours and excursions. Prices can be found online if you wish to check in advance, as you can buy tickets at home.

According to the prices spent by other travellers, the daily rate was around €150 per day, which is equivalent to $171.11; therefore:

• Around €100 ($114.07) for accommodation, however some places can be as low as €50 ($57.04).
• 20 (22.81) for a tank of fuel.
• For food, from €30 ($34.22).
• You can check the prices on this site https://www.motorcycletourer.com/cost-of-motorcycle-touring/

AVERAGE TOTAL COST OF A MOTORCYCLE TOUR IN EUROPE

Now, if you want to know the average total cost of a motorcycle tour in Europe, keep in mind that the price may vary according to the amount of days you intend to stay riding. Accordingly, here lies some predicted values to be spent based on some amounts of days on the trip:

• 3-day trip: from €450 ($513.38).
• 7 day trip: from €1,050 ($1,197.89).
• 10 days on the go: from €1050 ($1. 711.27).
• 15 days on the go: from €2,250 ($2. 566.91).
• 20 days on the go: from €3,000 ($3,438.69).

It is worth mentioning that prices may vary according to your choice of hotel, food and transportation. Therefore, it is necessary to make a sum of all your expenses in advance and carry extra money in case you need more or lack a certain amount.

IMPORTANT TIPS FOR YOUR MOTORBIKE TOUR IN EUROPE

Do you intend to travel by motorbike, however you don’t have much experience in this matter? Of course tips are important, even more when we intend to travel to another place that presents culture, gastronomy and customs totally different. Because of this, it is necessary that you have in mind some information that can instruct and help you in this journey. Check below:

EASTERN EUROPE COUNTRIES 2023: PRICE AND HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO VISIT?

• Bring your necessary documents and don’t forget your travel insurance.
• Be careful when planning your route as Europe has many expensive tolls . If you want to check prices, visit: https://www.tollsmart.com/european-toll-calculator/
• Speeding in Europe can be very risky as there are countries that impose expensive fines.
• The best season to visit depends on which country is included in your route.
• Your luggage must not hinder your riding performance.
• Keep an eye on the weather and be prepared in case of rain and storms.
• Have a GPS to guide you, if using the phone as a GPS, have a local SIM card or map at hand.
• Remember to stay out of the left-hand lane, only do this to overtake another car.
• There are many bizarre regulations and rules in Europe, so keep in mind which ones are from the country you are visiting, this way you will prevent later fines.
• Don’t forget to explore the places you are passing through, this way you can find new landscapes, cafes and much cheaper accommodation
• Be wary of the pavement in Europe , as there are places where the old roads are littered with bricks and many other building materials.
• If you want to see more information on tips, take a look at https://motorbikewriter.com/tips-motorcycle-riding-europe/

SOME MOTORBIKE TOURS IN EUROPE

Europe offers many roads , from chilling bends and even incredible Roman architecture to make you sigh for the built beauty. Soon, it is normal to feel lost to choose the first route or plan it, so here are some of the most popular motorbike routes through Europe that might catch your eye! Remember to opt for the route that suits you and that you like the most.

• The Wild Atlantic Way (Ireland): Did you know that several sets from this location were used to shoot the Star Wars movie? If you’re looking for an incredible drive, complete with small towns and cliffs rising out of the sea, this is a perfect option for you; with an Irish coastal road of around 1,500 miles
• Iceland Ring Road (Iceland): It is possible to cross this route in a few days, being a quiet and fast trip. Iceland has volcanic activities that make the country very beautiful, plus there is a course that offers tourists ways to enjoy the country’s main attractions
• Transfagarasan Highway (Romania): Being an interconnected road through the mountains of the Southern Carpathians, and can climb to over 6,500 feet in altitude, Transfagarasan Highway is truly an extraordinary place, offering incredible guesthouses and a delicious food culture.
• Furka Pass (Switzerland): This is a stretch of road that goes into some of Switzerland’s most powerful mountains and glaciers, making it a great option for those who crave a chilling and other adrenaline-pumping adventure; being full of sharp bends, narrow straits and having almost no protection.
• Stelvio pass (Italy): Considered the highest paved mountain pass in the Eastern Alps, it offers winding curves and great views, with 2,758m and a total of 48 hairpins on the north side.
• Col de Turini (France): The Col de Turini is perfect for you to test your skill, with dense forests and zigzagging roads, boasting breathtaking sea views.
• Amalfi Drive (Italy): On one side of the roads are towering cliffs and on the other, the crystal clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea, allowing you to venture out and get lost on the 50-mile stretch of sculpted Roman road.

If you wish to visit other motorbike travel routes, visit Other routes .

RIDE YOUR BIKE ACROSS EUROPE!

If you intend to travel Europe by motorbike , surely this article must have helped you a lot! After all, a tour through Europe by motorbike can be very economical, as well as providing you with unique experiences and unimaginable landscapes. Now, book your gear, buy your ticket, rent your motorbike and get ready for the different roads that await you. Don’t forget to have fun and make the most of this trip!

And since we are talking about Europe , it is of utmost importance that you keep in mind which are the most expensive and cheapest countries to visit, so check it out: List of countries in Europe, from expensive to cheapest.

Not only that, don’t forget to take a look at other articles about Europe that can really educate and help you!

Railway in Europe 2023: The complete guide

Italy countryside: Complete and best experiences for 2023

What to do in Portugal in one week 2023?

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• biketour , motorbike tour europe , motorcycle tour , motorcycle tour europe , Travel to Europe

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Motorcycle Touring in Europe- 5 epic biker roads

Planning to go touring in Europe with your motorcycle? Want some amazing places to visit and epic roads to ride? No problem- we’ve got some great route options for you.

*We work hard to make this the best motorcycle touring & tips website possible. The website is supported by our readers, so if you buy through links on this site we may earn a commission- at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain our own . Ride safe!

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Motorcycle Touring in Europe- best roads

When people find out we’ve been motorcycle touring around Europe for over three years, they often ask where are the best places we’ve been. I’ll admit, narrowing it down wasn’t easy, but here are 5 of our favourite European motorbike routes.

We ride Triumph Scramblers for our long motorcycle trips- they’re awesome bikes. And don’t think we’ve forgotten about places to ride in the UK- that video’s coming soon!

If you enjoyed that video and would like to see more of our adventures, you can subscribe to our Youtube Channel here

Motorcycle Touring Europe #1: Strada Della Forra, Italian Lakes

Let’s start with one of the most incredible roads we’ve ever had the pleasure of riding on. This jaw dropping road is Strada Della Forra and it’s literally built into the cliffs on the west side of Lake Garda in Northern Italy.

The road is famous for several reasons, including being used as the setting of a James Bond car chase. But yet it’s still not crazy busy, which is rare when motorcycling in Italy .

Essential things to know about riding Strada Della Forra

Be glad you’re on a motorcycle- the tunnels are too low for anything bigger than a 4×4, but on a motorcycle it’s perfect. The road has a traffic light system through the steepest and narrow section, so you don’t need to worry about oncoming traffic whilst looking at the views.

And if you’re on a bike, there’s a small lay by where you can stop and enjoy taking some of the best photos of your motorcycle you’ll ever get. It truly is one of the most incredible motorcycle touring destinations in Europe.

If you have a motorcycle sat nav , follow the directions carefully- it can be easy to take the wrong turn and miss the route completely!

Europe Motorcycle Touring road #2: Trollstigen, Norway

Next up is the breathtaking Trollstigen, which literally means Trolls ladder in Norwegian. Situated in the Northern part of Southern Norway, this incredible road is another one that’s built right up a cliff. However, unlike Strada Della Forra, this one is two way and, as well as cars and bikes, you’ll also get buses, trucks and coaches whizzing up and down, barely able to fit on a road with a very, very steep cliff over the side.

For this one we decided to ride on one motorcycle two up so that I could hold the GoPro and get shots of those incredible views. We don’t do this very often, but I think it was definitely worth it on this occasion.

Don’t forget to do your motorcycle maintenance checks before you leave- grab your FREE motorcycle maintenance checklist here

Epic European motorcycling touring road #3: Grimsel Pass, Swiss Alps

Another motorcycle touring road we loved is the Grimsel pass in the Swiss Alps. Now we sadly rode these before we thought about GoPros or YouTube or anything like that. But that doesn’t take away how amazing these roads are. If you like twisty roads, hairpins and fantastic views, add these to your motorcycling bucket list right now.

Whilst you’re on the road, to be sure to stop at the Gelmerbahn Funicular , which is one of the oldest and steepest mountain railways in existence. It goes up a gradient of 106% and you can ride in an open-topped car up and down the mountain side- definitely not for the fainthearted (my poor daughter was terrified!) At the bottom of the funicular is an amazing rope bridge right across the canyon, which is probably not a place for you if you don’t like heights, but it’s got incredible views as well.

And if you like twisty mountain roads (who doesn’t) and have a little more time for your tour, head further East into Austria and ride the Glockner High Alpine Road – it’s magnificent.

Europe Motorcycle Touring Roads #4- Black Forest, Germany

The Black Forest in Germany has some incredible motorcycling roads. The most famous is the B500, and it really is an amazing road. However, there are plenty of other, smaller roads on both sides of it which we actually preferred- there were more places to stop and enjoy the incredible views.

Motorcycle Touring in Monaco… because you can!

We didn’t mean to visit Monaco on our motorcycles. Seriously- it just sort of… happened. We were motorcycling in France , coming back from the Menton Lemon festival (well worth the trip if you can) and passed the sign for Monaco… so we followed it.

And that’s how we ended up riding our motorcycles on part of the famous F1 circuit and enjoying a delicious ice cream on a sunny day whilst surrounded by some of the most expensive property and boats in Europe! As the end of a motorcycle touring day went- it was a good one!

Other posts you might find useful:

• Motorcycle Touring- how to get started
• How I quit my job to tour Europe by motorcycle
• 50 awesome gifts for motorbikers

See all our motorcycle touring posts and country guides here

Kat has spent years touring the UK and Europe by motorcycle, car and motorhome. It was the idea of motorcycle touring which pushed her to go from nervous new biker to excited explorer and she still can’t believe some of the crazy mountain roads she’s ridden!

She has owned several bikes, with her favourites being a Triumph Scrambler for long rides and her current speed demon- a ZX6R (both purple!) Whilst she loves to travel, her favourite thing is to help other bikers (both male and female) gain the confidence to have their own epic adventures. Ride safe!

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4 thoughts on “Motorcycle Touring in Europe- 5 epic biker roads”

What a great resource you’re providing to bikers. Do you share gpx files at for for Sat Nav for the Norway Trip?

I don’t at the moment but that’s a great idea- I’ll have a look into it.

Can you please share your gpx files for the routes you listed ?

Hi. Great idea. I don’t have them but I’ll try to do them for future trips.

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Continental concerns? It's MCN's guide to riding your motorbike in Europe

A European motorbike trip can be a great way to get some miles racked up towards your  #ride5000miles  total at any time of year; whether it’s your summer holiday, a way to extend the riding season through autumn or a way of beating the January blues while you wait for spring.

Following the UK’s exit from the EU on January 1, 2021, there are now some changes to the documentation you need to have with you if you ride on the European mainland.

• Related : Motorcycle touring essentials

If you have a paper driving licence, or a licence issued in Gibralter, Guernsey, Jersey or the Isle of Man, you may also need an International Driving Permit. Check with the country you are visiting before you travel, the permits are bought at some Post Offices and cost £5.50.

The European Commission announced in June 2021 that motor insurance green cards would not be necessary for riding within the EU.

Tips for riding a motorbike in Europe:

• Insurance cover
• Do you need a Green Card?
• The documents you will need

Securing your bike on a ferry

• What if you break down?
• Travel essentials
• How to navigate
• Know the local laws

Be vigilant

• Plan, plan, plan

Exploring a foreign country on two wheels can be challenging, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. There’s no point making things any more complicated than necessary when it comes to making sure your documents are up to scratch, and that includes insurance cover.

Knowing the local laws and customs ahead of time can also save you a lot of grief in the long run. MCN spoke to Dave Bowcock, managing director of Principal Insurance to get some advice and added this to our own experience.

While this article features the very latest facts on driving in Europe, laws for driving, passports, EHIC cards, pet travel and more, may change in January 2021.

Make sure you’re covered (and you can prove it)

You’ll need to make sure that your insurance cover will extend to riding in the country that you’re headed. Many countries in Europe will be covered when you take out a policy now, but it is always wise to check before heading out. Some insurers will include European cover automatically, while for others it will be an add-on. Head to  MCN Compare  to find the best policy for your perfect biking trip.

It’s worth checking your insurance documentation before going as some policies won’t include riding abroad or in some instances will only cover you for a limited amount of time.

You may also need to inform your insurer of your intention to ride outside the UK, some will need notice at least a couple of weeks beforehand, while others won’t need to be informed at all. Find out the European extension of your insurer as well if they have one, just in case you need to contact them.

When abroad, you’ll need to carry your insurance certificate and always make sure you carry paper copies of your documents too and keep them separate in case one gets lost accidentally.

If you’re going further afield than Europe, then you may well need to take out specialist insurance that will cover you for the countries you’ll be riding in. The insurance laws will vary depending on where you’re travelling to so it makes sense to find out what you will need at the very minimum to be legal before you go.

You also need to consider duration of your trip too as there may well be a limit on the time that you’ll be covered while overseas. Some policies will only allow brief coverage while out of the country and others will be less strict with duration of coverage. Again, check your policy details to find out if you will be adequately covered and extend your policy if necessary.

“Make sure you arrange travel insurance as soon as you confirm your arrangements. You never know what might happen between booking and travelling and your policy will offer cover for cancellation due to specific circumstances such as unexpected illness.

“An annual multi-trip policy is definitely worth considering if you’re planning a few foreign breaks. They’re easier and can be cheaper than buying separate single trip policies. Just be mindful of any limits on the number and duration of trips and territories that are covered.

“In these days of click and buy it’s tempting to just go for the cheapest price. But it’s important to make sure you’re comparing like-with-like and buying the cover you actually need. Check the limits, exclusions and excesses to avoid any nasty surprises should you need claim.

“If a few of you are planning to holiday or tour together, it might be worth checking out a group travel policy. “Bulk buying” should be cheaper. Just make sure that all members of your group are eligible – for example age and health exclusion may apply.”

Know what your insurance covers

Take time to think about the scenario where it all goes a bit pear shaped too, it’s all well and good thinking that a crash won’t happen, and in the majority of cases it won’t.

But it’s still prudent to ensure that your health cover extends to the country that you’re visiting, if not then it’s important that you have adequate cover in place that will see you taken care of should you need to unfortunately spend time in hospital.

You also need to think about your riding kit; is it covered in your policy and if so, will it cover the cost of replacing your gear should you need to. If you own the a Rukka jacket and trousers worth £1,700 and an Arai lid worth upward of £400, plus the potential cost of boots and gloves then it will be of little use if your policy will only cover your kit to a maximum value of £600.

“When buying travel insurance, make sure it covers what you need it to. Some standard policies may not protect panniers, contents and camping gear and may even exclude motorcycling as a ‘dangerous activity’. 

“Beware exclusions for removable panniers and top boxes. It’s worth checking out specially designed, biker friendly travel policies which might also cover your helmets and leathers.

“Watch out too for exclusions. If you have a pre-existing medical condition you might need go to a specialist insurer. “Alcohol related incidents” are also a common exclusion.”

Do I need a green card

In a word, no. The European Commission initially advised that UK motorists travelling within the EU after Brexit would need to carry a green card, which proves that you have at least the minimum legal insurance requirement for the country you are entering and could be obtained by contacting your insurance provider. But in June 2021 they changed their mind, which was particularly useful for Northern Ireland residents who wanted to ride into the Republic of Ireland.

• Visit the UK government website about driving abroad

In some countries, an insurance certificate will suffice to provide proof of cover to the minimum required standard. It’s worth checking exactly what you’ll need though and, in many cases, having a green card may still make it simpler to prove you’re covered.

“You probably know about the green card. This is the free, international, mainly European scheme which means if you’re insured here, then you’re covered for the minimum compulsory insurance requirements of the country you’re visiting.

“This is not an EU scheme but has some 47 member nations, including non-EU members and other countries in the Balkan peninsula, Morocco, Russia, and Tunisia.

“An EU-driven multilateral agreement means that at the borders of 34 of those countries, you do not need present a physical green card. For the remainder you do and if you can’t you’ll need pay an insurance fee.

“You need check too that your insurer provides cover for all the countries you are visiting. For examples, some insurers do not provide cover in Bosnia & Herzegovina. If you’re unsure check with your insurer or broker before you travel.”

What documentation should you take?

Alongside your insurance documents, you’ll also need to carry your driving licence, any travel documents and a visa if going further afield than Europe, and also a vehicle registration V5 certificate and a European Health Insurance card. Finally, a valid passport is something you won’t get too far without. As of January 1, 2021 the passport requirements for travel within the EU have become stricter. You must have at least 6 months left to run on your passport and it cannot be more than 10 years old.

If you are heading abroad on the ferries it’s important that you are able to tether your bike down properly in the hold in case of rough weather.

Park it so it is almost leaning against the deck wall and out of people’s way. You want to tie it down so that the suspension is compressed and the weight of the bike is on the sidestand so it can’t flick up.

• Find a crossing with Brittany Ferries here

Watch out that the straps don’t chafe the paintwork during the crossing. Pieces of sponge where the straps bear on the bike are a good idea.

Put it in first gear and tie the front brake lever on with a small bungee or a section of bike tyre inner tube and it shouldn’t shift, even in a storm.

Service your bike before you go

Your bike will need to be capable of doing the trip. If it’s getting close to a service, then get it sorted before going. Adequate breakdown cover will also avoid a very costly recovery bill should the bike not be able to complete the trip – the last thing you want to find yourself is stranded a couple of thousand miles from home with locals who don’t understand you.

Some insurance policies include breakdown cover for either the UK or abroad, so definitely check. Even if it’s not included on your policy, you might be able to add it at a lower cost than you can find elsewhere.

A big trip can see a lot of wear on your motorcycle’s rubber and while your tyres may be legal at the start of the trip, they might not be by the end. If in doubt get them changed, you can always save and refit the old tyres if there’s some life in them after – but it’s far better to be safe than sorry.

Don’t get stuck

Some insurers will include European breakdown cover as standard that will allow for roadside repairs or that will even get your bike back to the UK in some circumstances, it’s worth checking your policy to see if this is included.

If you have existing breakdown cover, then it is wise to not assume that this will cover you riding in Europe or further afield too. Check your cover to make sure you are adequately protected for the countries that you will be travelling in and if not then extend your policy to include it.

Another thing to keep in mind when thinking of breakdown cover are the implications that a broken vehicle might have on your holiday, what will happen to your bike if it has a major mechanical? Will you be able to get it returned to the UK if needed and will the cover include the hire of another vehicle in the meantime?

Nobody likes being left at the side of the road, especially in a country where language may well be a barrier and getting your bike either home or to a garage might be extremely costly if you’re not covered.

Cover can be purchased from the AA, RAC or the Green Flag, but it’s worth thinking about what you might need. If you’ll only be going abroad once in the year then it makes sense to get a one-trip or short-term cover policy if it isn’t already included in your normal cover, on the other hand, if you’re planning a few or several short trips across the Channel then more extensive cover might be required.

“If you only have third party insurance and have a crash, your insurer won’t pay for repairs, towing or getting your bike back to the UK. If you have comprehensive cover you may be able to reclaim the costs, but will need sort your bike yourself.

“Breakdown and accident assistance insurance will get you sorted, subject to the limits of cover. This will usually include arranging a repair locally – if that’s possible – and sort things like accommodation, a replacement vehicle and repatriation of your machine if necessary.

“To avoid any nasty, inconvenient and costly shocks, check what is and isn’t covered before you buy. Cheap isn’t necessarily cheerful if you end up stranded with a knackered bike. Detail like whether a 24 hour English speaking helpline is available can really count.”

Don’t go anywhere without these essentials

Always take emergency essentials for you and your bike. Don’t go anywhere without at least packing a small first aid kit – you never know when it might be needed. A basic tool kit is also essential, identify any tools that you’ll specifically need to remove panels or that fit common parts to your machine and make sure they’re included in your tool kit.

Duct tape and cable ties can also be the difference between a bike that is going nowhere and being able to continue your journey – don’t go anywhere without them. If you don’t want to take a whole roll of Duct tape then consider wrapping it around the stem of a screwdriver, it’ll save valuable space and still be there should you need it.

“Don’t confuse the provisions of the European Health Card with travel insurance. The former covers all or some of the cost of state-provided, urgent and medically necessary treatment. That’s it.

“So, if you have an accident or medical emergency and need repatriation to the UK, that’s your bill – unless you have travel insurance. An air ambulance from Italy or Germany might cost £10,000+.

“Some insurers may also waive the excess on your travel insurance if you have an EHIC. If you’re going to North America, travel insurance is even more vital. Medical costs are high and an air ambulance could run you to some £50,000. Expect then to pay a higher premium than for European cover.”

Know your route

While a sat-nav unit may well be the saving grace of many motorcyclists travelling abroad, there is always the chance that it could get damaged, stolen or stop working. Having a good knowledge of your route could make the difference between making it to your next stop-over or not.

Pack a paper map and tape some rudimentary directions to your tank or put them in your tank bag map case.

A phone can provide a good emergency backup however, it’s definitely worth checking with your provider before setting off what usage is included in your plan. Some phone services won’t charge you for using your data in certain countries – some might charge a fortune though.

If your bike doesn’t have a 12v socket or charging point then a power bank can keep items such as a phone or even things like a GoPro camera topped up while on the move and they’re relatively inexpensive to buy too.

Check the local laws

It’s worth noting that different countries have different laws regarding riding. For example, in France your sat-nav speed camera alerts must be turned off and in Spain, you’re not allowed to take a child under the age of 7 on the back of your bike.

From May, 2020 you no longer need to carry a breathalyser kit with you when riding in France.

Even knowing the blood alcohol limit is important, many countries in Europe have lower limits than the UK meaning that you could be over the legal limit, even if in the UK you may have been legally able to drive.

In some countries such as Hungary and the Czech Republic it’s illegal to have any alcohol in the blood while driving at all. If in doubt, give the bottle a miss the night before.

It’s also beneficial to know if you’ll be travelling somewhere with toll-roads. If you’ll be doing any significant miles through France then it’s highly likely. It can be handy to keep some spare change in your tank bag or your credit card handy to make passage easier.

You may well be versed in the laws applicable to riding in the UK better than a high court Judge, but that accounts for little in a different country where they all have their own laws and regulations. It’s definitely worth getting to know just what you can and can’t do in the country you’re headed.

This can extend to laws surrounding motorcycles or could even be a lower alcohol limit to be aware of if you have a few tinnies the night before. Some countries in Europe have restrictions on the age of pillion passengers and most have laws that require dipped headlights to remain on even in daytime (a consideration to riders of pre-naughties machines).

The speed limits also vary greatly, and while we all love the German autobahns and the stretches of tarmac where the only restriction is how much you turn your wrist, there are countries where speed limits are heavily enforced and can impose on-the-spot bans and vehicle confiscations.

There can also be varying speed limits depending on the weather, in France for example you could be subject to lower speed limits if it’s raining and you’ve held your licence for less than three years. Don’t get caught out and check the requirements and laws of the countries you’ll be visiting before you go.

If you are planning a European touring holiday this year, then your essential paperwork should include a European Accident Statement (EAS), as well as your insurance certificate and/or green card.

The EAS is a standard form available throughout Europe in various languages. Its purpose is to get an agreed statement of facts when people are involved in road accidents, to assist with the processing of any subsequent insurance claims.

In France it is known as a constat l’amiable form and it is a legal requirement in France to fill in an EAS if you have an accident that involves people or vehicles. Both parties should sign the statement at the roadside before the vehicles are moved, if possible.

There are some things that stand out when you’re in another country and one of them is your number plate. It instantly alerts thieves that you might not be savvy in the lingo and that you’re in a foreign country, in an area that you’re not too likely to know well, making you a prime target in some cases.

Think about where you’re staying and if you get a chance, enquire to see if it has secure parking before you go. It also helps to read reviews on sites such as Trip Advisor to get a feel for where you’re staying, if there are lots of negative reviews about how dodgy the staff are then it might be best to look for somewhere else.

Also, you can get a rough feel for the general area by using services such as Google Street View, a pretty picture of the front of the hotel means nothing if you end up staying in a ghetto.

If you’re unable to park in a secure parking area, think about where you’ll leave your bike. A quiet alleyway on some forgotten back street will only encourage the opportunist thief more than say a busy, well-lit area that has CCTV.

It also makes perfect sense to have a lock with you, anything that deters thieves can only be a good thing. Chains can be heavy and somewhat cumbersome to take around but will provide the best protection against bike theft.

However, if you don’t have room to take a chain, or it is too heavy to reasonably in a rucksack then at the very least make sure you have a disc lock. Don’t get caught out.

Do as much planning as possible to avoid problems

Good preparation is key to a successful trip. While 9 times out of 10 the trip will go smoothly without any major drama, there’s always that tie that you might find yourself in a bit of a pickle. Having the right documentation, cover and essentials will at the very least allow you to deal with a situation without too much hassle and at the minimum cost should something occur.

Riding a bike in another country can be exhilarating and exciting, breaking routine from the roads you know and discovering somewhere new. For many, a trip abroad on the bike can be the highlight of their biking year.

It’s all well and good unless you’re unfortunate enough to be involved in an accident, only to find that you aren’t covered, or that your policy conditions change when you use your bike overseas, or that you’ve broken down and can’t get your bike back to the UK, there’s plenty to take into consideration. We’ve had a look at some areas to think carefully about before you head to lands afar…

“If you have a puncture and miss your ferry, the chances are you won’t be covered by your travel insurance. Build in time for unexpected delays. If you leave early the worst that can happen is you’ll arrive early. Pack an MCN and grab a coffee to fill the time!”

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10 Tips for Planning the Ultimate European Motorcycle Trip

Whether it be riding through the mountains that comprise the Alps or cruising along the coastlines of Sardinia or Corsica, Europe is the ultimate destination for a motorbike trip. The mix of beautiful landscapes, rich culture and sightseeing opportunities in each European country means bikers are spoilt for choice. There is a lot of preparation needed for a successful journey, so below we have compiled 10 tips to consider.

Tips for a Motorbike Trip in Europe

1. find the motorbike trip in europe that suits you.

The possibilities are endless for a motorbike trip in Europe. Because this continent is developed and prosperous, the road networks are in fantastic condition and the facilities are world-class. From Southern Spain to Slovenia, riders will thoroughly enjoy their time – soaking up the views and sites around each corner. If you have regions like the Balkans or Brittany on your bucket list, seeing them via motorbike is a unique experience.

Traveling this way gives you more freedom to take backroads, stop at charming villages and not feel stuck to a strict itinerary. Researching the routes in Europe is the first step to planning your dream motorcycle adventure. Depending on how much time you have, you may want to explore one or two countries – or head across several destinations in a slow and steady manner. Groundwork begins by reading blogs and maps.

2. Think About the Time of Year you Want to Go

Once you are set on the routes, the next thing to ponder is the time of year you go. A motorbike trip is very different from being inside a car, bus or train – simply due to the fact that you are directly exposed to the elements. Traversing the Swiss Alps in winter, for example, might not be the best idea if you have never navigated through snow before. On the other hand, riding through Portugal during a heat wave may also be very uncomfortable.

Motorcycle trips require the proper safety gear such as helmets, gloves, thick pants and jackets. And the last thing you want is to be arriving at a new city drenched in sweat. For these reasons, the shoulder season of April/May and September/October are suitable months for a Euro trip . The weather is still sunny and warm, but you aren’t confronted with extreme cold or heat. Autumn is a lovely time to see colorful foliage.

3. Organize Flights & Visas for your Motorbike Trip in Europe

Visitors from overseas will need to book flights to a European city to start their motorbike trip and some might even need to apply for a Schengen Visa. Countries with close ties to Europe like Australia and the US can travel for a maximum of 90 days at a time visa-free, but other nationalities like South Africans and Thai will need to go through the process of applying for a visa. Most applications get accepted, as long as you meet the criteria.

So before you get too involved in the details of your motorbike trip, it’s crucial to get your paperwork sorted. Contact the embassy of the country you will be spending most of your time in and put together an application. Since this might require an in-person interview, it’s best to apply for the Schengen Visa well in advance of your proposed trip. Don’t leave it to the last minute. It could take up to three months to get approved.

4. Choose an Independent, Self-Guided or Guided Trip

Everyone has their preferences when it comes to traveling independently or seeking the help of a tour agency. Going on your own certainly has its benefits, however it comes with more work: organizing motorbike rentals, booking accommodation, sorting out meals, planning the sightseeing stops, etc. With Moto Tours Europe you can take advantage of their expertise on either a self-guided motorcycle tour or a fully guided one.

You can check out this article, “ Awesome Motorbike Tours to Book in Europe for 2023 ”, to see if any of their tours tickle your fancy for the upcoming year. Their small group trips are limited to 10 bikes per convoy, making each journey an intimate and stress-free experience. Apart from flights and personal spending, all of the costs are covered with Moto Tours Europe. The peace of mind this brings allows you to focus on riding.

5. Book a Motorcycle Rental or Bring your Own Bike

For those who wish to ride independently, it’s a prerequisite to research the motorcycle rental companies in the city that you are landing in to ensure you can secure the best bikes. This is something that should be done months prior to your trip because it’s not uncommon for all the bikes to be booked (especially during peak season). If you have your own bike and can arrive at the starting point on your own, then this won’t be a problem.

Also, keep in mind that tour agencies like Moto Tours Europe will permit you to bring your own bike. You don’t have to hire one of theirs when you are more comfortable with the vehicle you are accustomed to. By doing this, you will save money on the rental too – making the overall trip more affordable. Shipping your vehicle internationally can be expensive and stressful, unless you ship your vehicle safely with trustworthy shippers.

6. Reserve your Accommodation Well in Advance

Having your accommodation sorted before you set off on your motorbike trip to Europe is such a relief – be it as an inclusion on a tour or booked on your own through platforms like booking.com . Knowing that you have a place to rest your head every night is like a weight being lifted off your shoulders. It gives you more time to simply ride and relax, rather than sitting up all night and frantically searching the Internet for places to stay.

With the motorbike providing an unlimited means of transportation, you will be able to book accommodation in cool places like sleepy towns that are off-the-beaten-path and airbnbs in the countryside. This beats just staying in the city centers because you are unsure of how you will get to these hidden gems. A mixture of different hotels, villas, guesthouses, B&Bs, glamping sites, etc. gives you something new to look forward to each night.

7. Compare Insurance Quotes for your Motorbike Trip in Europe

Another key component to ensuring your motorbike trip in Europe runs smoothly is arranging the proper insurance. Most travel insurance policies cover you health-wise in case of a motorbike accident but you will also want to make sure you aren’t liable for large payments if you crash into another vehicle. With Moto Tours Europe, you will be covered under their motorcycle insurance policy which involves a deductible of up to €2,500.

If you hire a motorbike from a rental company, they will have insurance plans that also include a deductible in the event that an incident occurs. Although no one ever likes thinking about these things, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. You can’t really put a price on your own health, and a relatively modest insurance payment is preferable to forking out tens of thousands of Euros if you seriously damage someone else’s vehicle.

8. Pack the Right Gear for your Motorbike Trip in Europe

Packing your favorite motorcycle jackets, pants, gloves, socks and boots is an absolute no-brainer. You pretty much need to bring everything apart from the bike and helmet. Additionally, it would be sensible to pack different layers of clothing if you are heading through the Alps or any other mountainous area. A rain jacket may also come in handy for the sporadic showers that can occur in Northern Europe (even during the summertime).

Protective padding might make beginners feel more comfortable too, as they are at higher risk. A neck tube or bandanna isn’t a bad idea to keep the wind and sun off your neck. Ear plugs can help you block out the loud noises that accompany motorbikes – this will interest people who have sensitive or impaired hearing. And lastly, bring your International License if it’s essential for hiring a bike or driving legally in your chosen destination.

9. Learn the Road Rules of Each European Country

With the exception of a handful of countries – the UK, Ireland , Cyprus and Malta – driving is done on the right hand side of the road in Europe. This takes a little while to get used to if you hail from Australia or New Zealand (for example) where they drive on the left. Apart from that, the road rules here are the same as anywhere else. You need to follow the speed limits, keep a safe distance from other drivers and indicate properly when turning.

In certain zones on Germany’s autobahns, motorcyclists can ride as fast as they want. Although the government recommends a max of 130 km/h. The autobahns come with several lanes which you can slot into to find your ideal speed. Even when riding at 130 kmh, it’s a common occurance to have sports cars fly past you in the fast lane. It makes you feel like you are riding at 50 km/h, even though you are clocking up 80 km/h more.

10. Go on Practice Rides Before your Motorbike Trip in Europe

Nothing quite prepares you for riding through the twists and turns of the Alps (for instance, if you choose this area for your trip), but if you can try to do a couple of practice runs at home before you go. This is especially important for beginner or intermediate bikers who lack experience. The more hours you have on the road, the more confident you will feel in tackling some of Europe’s most challenging and prestigious routes.

Some motorcycle journeys in Europe require long days of riding – between six and eight hours per day – so if you aren’t accustomed to that, make sure you start to practice longer durations. It’s one thing to be confident in riding for 100 kms or 200 kms each day but when you get close to 500 kms each day, the fatigue that sets in can be a real danger. Taking regular stops is vital to conserve your energy and focus, and stay safe throughout.

Author:  Cameron Kennedy

Cam is a New Zealander who has been traveling the world since he was young. From family trips in Egypt and Jordan as a teenager, to solo backpacking South America at 18, to currently exploring Southeast Asia with his partner Kat - Cam is a traveler through and through.

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Motorcycle Tours Europe - Adventure Motorbike Holidays

Unforgettable luxury european motorbike tours.

Discover your unparalleled motorcycle experience with McTours. As a motorcyclist, with or without pillion, you will embark on a captivating journey to uncover the hidden treasures of each destination. Our meticulously crafted guided motorcycle tours offer a unique perspective, allowing you and your fellow riders to forge a profound connection with the landscapes, cultures, and the authentic vibes of the places we explore. As we navigate the winding roads from the saddle you get a more intimate and detailed look at the scenery and people. McTours isn't just a motorcycle tour; it's an opportunity to intimately engage with the intricate tapestry of European beauty. If you're a discerning motorcyclist seeking a meticulously organised package holiday that traverses some of the finest roads on the continent, then McTours is your gateway to the ultimate motorcycle adventure. Come ride with us and experience Europe in a way that only the seasoned rider can truly appreciate.

Adventurous Guided Motorcycle Routes

Embark on an exhilarating two-wheeled odyssey across the stunning landscapes of Europe, as we invite you to join us for an unforgettable guided motorbike expedition. Our commitment is to transform your journey into an epic adventure, seamlessly blending convenience and excitement. Picture yourself conquering the open roads, winding through captivating routes that are tailor-made for motorcycling enthusiasts like you. Revel in the thrill of cruising at a leisurely pace, savouring every twist and turn as you forge unforgettable memories. When the day's ride is done, unwind in comfort and style at our carefully selected, top-notch hotels. Here's a sneak peek at the treasures awaiting you on our trips:

Quality Hotels

We select from top quality hotels that also offer good value for money available along each route. Most are 4 star rated and our standard proposition places each rider in their own en-suite room, so, you can rest in comfort and luxury after a long day of riding without being kept awake with someone else's snoring!

Many of the hotels we use have comprehensive leisure facilities and all selected hotels have been carefully vetted to ensure they serve a good range of food to suit different palates because we usually book for dinner, bed and breakfast.

You can resat assured that we also ensure there is suitable parking for your bike.

Carefully Selected Routes

We guide you along carefully researched, well-planned and well-designed routes to ensure you have a safe and fun ride. We offer a broad range of tours, some visiting different hotels each night and covering large geographical areas while others operate from a fixed base.

Fixed base options prove especially popular for those with non-biking partners because daily journeys explore an area in greater detail and return to the same hotel each night enabling your partner to enjoy the hotels leisure facilities and local sights while you are riding and of course there is no baggage to haul as we return to the same base each night.

Flexible and Bespoke Offers

Touring Europe by motorcycle can be flexible and bespoke. Our day trips are also popular as gifts for birthdays etc., and with cruise ship passengers who have limited time to explore ashore. Most riders come for our set tours lasting 4-16 nights and spend most of those days riding.

We have organised many bespoke packages including one that that lasted 5 weeks and visited 10 countries. Our 9 day, 8 night touring holiday with 7 day riding is the most popular. We have several different options available to you and can also customise the trip according to your requirements.

Motorcycle Rental

At our base in Scotland we own a fleet of motorbikes used exclusively on our Scottish tours, elsewhere we rent late model well-maintained motorcycles from select business partners, so, if you are planning touring Scotland, other parts of the UK of further afield though Europe by bike through McTours you don’t have to bring your own or try to find a rental agent in your destination country or region. In most locations we operate in Europe we can supply BMW, CFMOTO, Ducati, Harley-Davidson, Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Triumph, Yamaha and other brands on request. We can offer adventure, touring, sport and cruiser styles thus, there is a bike to suit every rider. Naturally, if you want to bring your own bike that’s just fine with us!

Motorcycle Tours of Europe

There are many different and beautiful European destinations to explore such as the Spanish Portuguese Douro, or the Alps bordering Farnce, Italy, Switzerland, Germany and Austria that we regularly tour. For those looking within the British Isles we have great Scottish, English, Welsh and Irish vacations each offering a unique adventure. We like to provide our clients with the benefit of choice in some of the most popular destinations with the best European biker roads within specific regions and cities or through entire countries. We also offer more specific packages and bespoke offerings such as for those wanting Harley-Davidson Tours UK or elsewhere in Europe or BMW Motorrad Adventures. Here are some of the most popular locations we visit:

Motorcycle Tours Scotland

We have always offered a broad range of Scottish Tours some focusing on parts of the nation’s history, one concentrating on locations in Scotland used in the filming of the Outlander TV series, and all traversing great twisty roads. During recent years two, in particular, generate regular interest.

Scotish Islands and Highlands

Visitors will discover great roads that will delight most riders. The scenery is beautiful from its rolling hills to dramatic mountains and over thirty thousand lochs and numerous islands, so, it is little surprise to find that Scotland is so often voted a top destination including being voted by Rough Guide readers as the most beautiful country in the World. Click the link to get the full tour itinerary Scottish Highlands Motorcycle Tour

Motorcycle Rental Scotland

Motorcycle Tours Italy

We first added Italy to our itinerary in 2011 and have toured there every year since. Many of our past clients have favoured the north of the country around the Italian Lakes and Alps, Dolomites and Tyrol regions together with Tuscany though we have also toured the south, Sicily and Sardinia.

Starting in Naples we have offered a grand 16 day tour (including day of arrival and day of departure) that went to outstanding locations as we cross Campania to Puglia then sail over to Albania and onwards through Macedonia and Greece before returning to Italy.

Italy Albania Macedonia & Greece

Motorcycle Tours Spain

Spain was added in 2015 after a few years researching to verify the regions areas we wanted to offer. We quickly discovered how great the Spanish roads are focusing on Andalucia, the Pyrenees and the Spanish Portuguese border region.

Pyrenean Mountains Spain and France

Motorbiking Europe

Motorcycle Tours England

Northumberland, Yorkshire and the Lake District have always been popular areas for us because these offer a change from Glasgow and are easily reached. With a growing number of our UK based clients looking for a staycation we added The Cotswolds, Devon and Cornwall and have updated two of our former tours that embrace our favoured routes in the North of England.

Northumberland Motorcycle Tour

There is quite a contrast in houses as we move from east to west coast. In Yorkshire limestone prevails giving the traditional houses a yellowish hue complimented by red pantiles roofs whilst over in Cumbria Slate is the favoured building material which give blue, grey and greenish colours to the traditional properties. The landscape of both also differs greatly as those who join this tour will soon appreciate. Guided Motorcycle Tour Yorkshire

Motorcycle Tours UK

McTours has won several awards, most recently:

Best Motorcycle Tours Provider 2024 - Scotland - Travel and Tourism Awards 2024

Once again the LUXlife team have accessed companies in the travel and tourism sector and chosen McTours as Best Motorcycle Tours Provider 2024 in Scotland.

Motorcycle Tour Operator of the Year 2023/24 - Corporate Live Wire Global Awards 2023/24

Scottish enterprise awards 2023 - best motorcycle tour operator 2023.

We were delighted when Mctours Ltd was successful in the Scottish Enterprise Awards 2023 being awarded Best Motorcycle Tour Operator 2023.

Motorcycle Tour Company of the Year 2023 - UK - Best in Business Awards 2023

At McTours we strive to deliver the best motorcycle tour experience for our customers, and we are delighted to see our efforts have been recognised in The Business Concept 2023 Best in Business Awards.

Best International Motorcycle Tour Operator 2022 - UK - Hospitality Awards 2022

McTours are delighted to be awarded Best International Motorcycle Tour Operator 2022 - UK in the 6th annual Hospitality Awards hosted by LUX Life magazine

Motorcycle Tour Company of the Year - Scotland - 2021-22

The Scotland Business Magazine is available to over 500,000 Corporate Livewire subscribers on a national basis and 30,000 printed copies are sent directly to businesses and homes across the region. Business customers and subscribers nominate companies for the award and we are delighted to be acknowledged as Motorcycle Tour Company 2021 during these trying times. We hope to receive our award later this year when Covid restrictions ease.

Best Motorcycle Tours Agency - Scotland - 2020-21

Delighted to be awarded Best Motorcycle Tours Agency Scotland in the 5th annual Travel & Tourism Awards 2021 hosted by LUX Life magazine.

Adventure Experience 2020

Travel & Hospitality Awards selected hotel & tour winners from across Europe in over 50 categories and we were delighted to be awarded Adventure Experience for the Scottish region 2020

7 tips for a long solo motorcycle trip around Europe

Are you planning a motorcycle trip around Europe? This post, packed with useful tips and practical information, will help you do just that. Europe is a fantastic place for road trips, and if you are a passionate rider, you won’t be disappointed. Going on a solo motorcycle trip always requires some extra preparation than just dreaming about gelato or museums. What gear to take, what spares, deciding your itinerary, all different aspects of your solo motorcycle trip through Europe but all equally important. Ready? Get off your home elliptical machine and set off!

Table of Contents

Tips if you are planning on touring Europe by motorcycle

Europe has some of the best tourist destinations in the world. Making a solo motorcycle trip around Europe to see these beautiful places from the saddle is any bikers dream comes true.

Long solo motorcycle trips around Europe are generally not recommended for safety reasons, but for an ardent motorcycle lover who wants to do things differently and loves to see the world at his own pace, this is one of the best ways to do it.

However, it is common knowledge that solo motorcycle tours would generally take much more planning and preparation than doing the same by car or by some other means.

Going solo also implies that you have to have many points of references and route. Not only that. Since you have no backup, you also have to cater for almost everything and you need to have the basic skills of maintenance of the motorcycle.

READ MORE: One of the best road trips in Europe? All around Sardinia! Check out our complete guide to planning a perfect trip to Sardinia .

1. Adding some extra space

Since space is a major consideration if you are touring Europe by motorcycle, try adding some extra storage capacity by means of better-designed clip-on [easyazon_link identifier=”B002OAODZC” locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″ cloak=”n” popups=”n”]side bags[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link identifier=”B00L7ZLZRE” locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″ cloak=”n” popups=”n”]hard-topped top cases[/easyazon_link] that can be fitted on your motorcycle.

Thereafter straddle and balance out everything, in order to get a rough idea about the overall carrying capacity of your bike.

2. Chalking out your route and itinerary for your motorcycle trip around Europe

Once you know the route that you are going to follow, it will become very easy for you to work out as to what special items of clothing you need to carry.

Also, it will give you an idea of other material that you need to carry with you.

You also need to know the same to work out a strategy in case you require some spare parts when you’re going on a long solo motorcycle tour around Europe and are negotiating a difficult terrain.

3. Lay out everything in a clever way

Make a detailed list of all the items you want to take with you on your motorcycle touring in Europe and lay them all out in small groups, generally in the order of your packing and use.

Pack all the emergency and essential items separately, so that you can reach for them without any difficulty.

4. Pack carefully

Packing efficiently is an art that should be used well when planning a long solo motorcycle trip around Europe.

It will help to maximize the space and also in catering to your day-to-day needs while you’re out there in the open. The general idea behind packing efficiently is that you must keep the equipment in the order of its usage and importance of requirement, should any emergency occur en-route.

Here is a list of necessary great quality gears to pack and carry with you on a long distance motorcycle trip.

[easyazon_link identifier=”B00ZYR276E” locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″]Bluetooth Headset[/easyazon_link] – Motorcycle Communication and Entertainment System with HD Audio, it Connects 2 to 15 riders. [easyazon_link identifier=”B000RMFGGY” locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″]Ear Plugs[/easyazon_link] – Excellent Low-Pressure Disposable Foam Earplugs. [easyazon_link identifier=”B000WJ7QEC” locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″]Tool Kit[/easyazon_link] – it’s very handy and has all the right tools and easy to carry in a roll-up pouch. [easyazon_link identifier=”B01FX5TKE8″ locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″]Fix-A-Flat[/easyazon_link] – it works amazingly to get you to a repair location when you have a flat. This is a must have item. [easyazon_link identifier=”B002HMVQI4″ locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″]Head lamp[/easyazon_link] – they are mainly used for a power outage, to do general tasks around the house and very important to carry when you travel long distances. Rain gears – When traveling long distances you can easily come across a heavy monsoon and in that case, the last thing you want is to be soaked in water. Check out these excellent waterproof [easyazon_link identifier=”B00KDLLIQG” locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″]pants[/easyazon_link] (bib), [easyazon_link identifier=”B001ACLITY” locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″]boot cover[/easyazon_link], [easyazon_link identifier=”B00V5VXPSW” locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″]dry bag[/easyazon_link], and jacket. [easyazon_link identifier=”B01HRAG2KM” locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″]Power bank[/easyazon_link]- its very important to carry one then why not a good power bank that can charge your phone countless times.

5. Inspect your bike and get it serviced

Check your bike for the condition and correct inflation of tires, as well as the engine.

It is always a good idea to get a complete service check-up done before moving so that you do not have to worry about small snags that may happen en-route.

Ensure that the [easyazon_link identifier=”B005J882YY” locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″ cloak=”n” popups=”n”]tires[/easyazon_link], controls, lights, oil, lubricants and all essentials have been checked thoroughly.

6. Carry enough protective clothing

Remember Europe is a vast continent and has countries that have varying temperatures and weather conditions throughout the year. Therefore, it is always a good idea to check out the places you are heading to and carry sufficient protective clothing with you.

Use only the [easyazon_link identifier=”B016NFHU8K” locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″ cloak=”n” popups=”n”]best quality helmets[/easyazon_link], [easyazon_link identifier=”B00CPPUJ7C” locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″ cloak=”n” popups=”n”]jackets[/easyazon_link], [easyazon_link identifier=”B004RDV5PK” locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″ cloak=”n” popups=”n”]motorcycle boots[/easyazon_link] , [easyazon_link identifier=”B01FMITMV2″ locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″ cloak=”n” popups=”n”]best pants[/easyazon_link] , [easyazon_link identifier=”B01C8YGTPK” locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″ cloak=”n” popups=”n”]protective glasses[/easyazon_link] and [easyazon_link identifier=”B00FW2KCH2″ locale=”US” tag=”chasingtravel-20″ cloak=”n” popups=”n”]good gloves[/easyazon_link] so that your health is taken care of.

Also, when you are going on a long trip, you are bound to encounter rainy weather. Therefore, it is essential that you are ready with adequate waterproofing material and carry items that become dry faster.

7. Involve motorcycle help groups and friends

When touring Europe by motorcycle, it is very important that you have people whom you can contact en-route so that they can help you in the case of need.

There are many biker groups in most cities all over Europe with whom you can maintain contact on your social media platforms. Also, keep the contact information of the friends who live in the countries handy when you plan your travel.

Planning out your long solo motorcycle trip around Europe in minute details will not only give you that extra dash of confidence but also save you a lot of trouble during your trip.

READ MORE: Are you a biking fan? Check out Ali’s tips for a great motorcycle trip around India .

Author Bio: Over the past 10 years, Lucas has been a motorcycle rider. He has built up an incredible passion for travelling by motorbike and always wishes to contribute to the motorcyclist community. This is the reason why he created Motor Manner , where his passion turned into useful and interesting information for motorcycle lovers. Visit his blog to read more articles about motorcycle travelling gear reviews and helpful tips.

I'm Angela Corrias, an Italian journalist, photographer, and travel writer located in the heart of Italy's capital. Welcome to my website, your comprehensive source for your travels and expert guidance for crafting your dream travel experience.

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How to photograph afghanistan (and stay safe), 1 thought on “7 tips for a long solo motorcycle trip around europe”.

Great article. Keep em coming.

Cheers Darren

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Motorcycle Tourer

Our Top Motorcycle Route Planning App Comparison

Motorcycle Tourer | 15 April 2023 22 May 2022 | GPS & Route Apps , Route Planning

Table of Contents

Best isn’t always best, some tools i use:, 1. my-route app, 7. eat sleep ride, 9. aa route finder, 10. how do i plan a motorcycle route on google maps, planning a motorcycle roadtrip: conclusion.

I know it’s trendy right now to tour without a pre-planned route. And I get it. It’s spontaneous, adventurous, and exciting.

But the enthusiasm wears off pretty quickly when you get to your intended location and end up spending your time on boring roads/trails or wasting most of your time turning around.

I know this from experience!

If you’re one of the lucky few who gets paid to travel on bikes, it works fine. But for the majority of us who have to save up all year to go touring once in the summer, a pre-planned route gives you the best bang for your buck.

A pre-planned route gives you time to find and plot the best roads before leaving. You can decide how long you want to ride and book accommodation in advance. And you can even pre-plan fuel stops (like me) to remove yet  another  concern whilst on the road.

If you only tour once or twice a year, emphasis needs to be on enjoyment. And if you can remove the stresses of touring  beforehand , then this leaves you free to actually enjoy your time on the road.

In this post, we’ll go through 10 of the best touring apps available. So grab a coffee, grab a notepad, and join us as we compare some of the top route planning apps on the market.

How Do I Find The Best Motorcycle Route?

Let me start by saying that there is no such thing as the ‘best motorcycle route.’ Nor is there a single ‘ best app for bikers .’ And the reason for this is that everybody is different.

I like to incorporate scenic routes when I plan a motorcycle road trip so I can enjoy the world and spend an hour or two taking photographs .

Of course, I include the best riding roads I can, too. But I usually have to compromise to get the best from both worlds.

But as well as including the things I  like , I also incorporate a list of  avoidances .

For me, this includes motorways and toll roads where possible. And dirt tracks – depending on the sort of bike I’m riding at the time.

For more route planning tips, check out our Route Planning category

And it will be the same for you. My version of the best motorcycle route through the Alps might differ from yours. And that’s because mine accounts for  my  priorities and not yours.

I always suggest making a list of the points of interest (POIs) you want to see and the roads you want to ride in the areas you intend to visit. And then construct your riding route around these points of interest and roads.

I like to plot these POIs on a map so they’re visible all in one go. Google Maps is a good way to do this. But there are loads of other apps that have this function – many of which are discussed in this comparison.

When you have your POIs plotted, it’s time to join them together. Once this has been done, you have your fully personalised route.

Using the tools in the apps listed, you can even personalise your route between points by including/avoiding motorways, toll roads, and dirt tracks.

And on a few of them, you can customise them further by allowing the motorcycle route planning app to find the twistiest or highest roads. 

So now, you have a bunch of roads you want to ride, a bunch of things you want to see, and a customised way of travelling between them.

Once you get to this point, you have everything jotted down that makes for a memorable motorcycle tour . And you’re well on your way to finding the best motorcycle route for  you .

What To Look For In A Motorcycle Route Planning App

Finding a route planning app that works for you is as personal as plotting your route! I like to use MyRoute-App because it encompasses all of the tools and options I need.

The other thing to consider is whether you’re prepared to pay for them.

Most of the apps on this list have both free and paid plans. They’re usually pretty cheap. So if you find one you like, it’s often worth paying for it. As mentioned, I use My-Route App, and it costs me around £30 a year.

The truth is, you won’t know what you want from a motorcycle route planning app until you try a few. Once you start plotting routes, you’ll find tools you find useful, and tools you find irrelevant.

• Being able to reverse routes. It’s only once I’ve finished plotting a 3,000-mile route that I decide I want to do it backwards! Re-plotting it is a nightmare.
• The ability to transfer my route to multiple sat nav units. I ride with a Garmin sat nav, but some people I ride with have TomTom’s. Being able to transfer one route in multiple formats is a huge time-saver.
• Custom avoidances. Usually motorways and/or toll roads.
• Distance calculator. Whilst most apps tell you the overall distance of a route, not all calculate the distance between individual waypoints.
• Splitting routes. This means I can plot a 500-mile route and then split it into 3 smaller routes.
• Hotel finder – MyRoute-App has a partnership with Booking.com. So when you place a point on a map, you can find a hotel in that exact area via Booking. Very useful!
• Street View – in other words, the little blue man that you can drop on a map to see the street. This allows me to ascertain road conditions and potential stop off’s.
• POI finder – some apps allow you to select certain POIs that show up on (or near) your route. I tend to use this to find petrol stations on my route or restaurants for lunch stops.

Of course, there are many other tools I use when plotting a route. And when you start doing it yourself, you’ll find your own little list of options you need.

Top 10 Route Planning Apps For Motorcycle Touring

With that said, let’s get into the meat and bones of the apps! As mentioned above, finding a route (and a route  planner ) is personal. There is no one-size-fits-all, so these apps aren’t listed in any particular order.

• Available on Apple & Android
• Free version available
• Gold version: €35,10 (usually €39)
• Navigation: €17,10 (usually €19)
• Website: https://www.myrouteapp.com/en

I’ll start with MRA for the simple reason that it’s my route planner app of choice. And it also encompasses many of the tools I like to use.

First and foremost, it’s easy to plot routes due to the various ways MRA allows you to do it. You can either drop a waypoint onto the map or type a place name in the search box. The app will then find it for you.

Once you input subsequent waypoints, this motorcycle route planning app automatically joins them together to form a route based on your chosen waypoints.

For each individual waypoint you create, you also have the option to customise it. So, for example, you can change the name or the colour to make it stand out. I usually turn my petrol stops green, my hotels red, and my viewpoints yellow. This allows me to see them at a glance.

Making Life Easier

As mentioned above, you can also search for a hotel around any given waypoint by accessing Booking.com directly through MRA. You likely don’t always get the best offers. But it’s a super convenient way to find accommodation in your chosen area.

Another feature that makes life easier is the ability to plot routes using the native map of your sat nav. For example, I use a Garmin sat nav. So MRA lets me plot my route using the Here map (the native maps for Garmin.)

If you use a TomTom , then you can plot your route using the native TomTom map.

This is important because if you try importing a route in the wrong format into your sat nav, your unit might change the route to ‘make’ it fit.

MRA Toolkit

Street View is another function I use a lot. Looking at my route at street level allows me to gauge the road surface and the scenery. And I can also get an idea of what my hotel looks like, which means I can find it easily when I get there!

The ‘Toolkit’ in MRA is incredible. This is where many of your tools live, and they include the option to reverse a route, split a big route into multiple smaller ones, and calculate distances between individual waypoints.

The app is available in free and paid versions on Apple and Android. There is also a web-based version that you can use on your desktop/laptop which makes it a million times easier to plot routes.

Once saved, your routes are automatically shared across all of your devices.

Finally, MRA now offers their native Navigation app (which you have to pay for separately.) This means you can plot a route in MRA and then immediately run it through the Navigation app, complete with voice-guided navigation.

The Navigation app isn’t quite as sophisticated as Google Maps. But it’s getting better all the time and is certainly sufficient.

For a more in-depth look at the operation of MyRoute-App, check out this post.

• Easy to use
• Useful tools
• Multiple maps
• Multiple download formats
• Voice-guided navigation
• Folders/organisation system
• Separate subscription for Navigation app
• Navigation good but not up to Google standards yet
• Updates & features sometimes slow to arrive
• Pro version: $19.99 (usually $39.99)
• Website: https://www.rever.co/

REVER is one of the most downloaded motorcycle route apps – so that clearly says a lot. 

But I hasten to add it’s not for everyone!

See, REVER is one of the new-fangled apps which caters to those who enjoy social media and sharing experiences.

The good thing about this is you can access thousands of pre-planned routes that fellow REVER users have enjoyed and shared – so you can enjoy it too.

Simply open the map, select the style of ride you want (road, off-road, mixed, or even race tracks), and this motorcycle route planning app will flag up rides in your area.

From here, you can download the route to be used offline or immediately choose to follow it with voice-guided navigation. REVER will even find a way from where you are to the start of the route.

Another nice perk is that you can run your routes through Apple CarPlay.

Once riding, you can choose to record your ride as a track – a track you can share with other people in the community or even download and send to your friends.

REVER 3D Route Viewer

We particularly like the 3D feature, which gives you a sexy 3D overview of your intended route. It doesn’t really provide any real use in the real world, but it’s nice to see and share!

Here is a part of one of our routes in Norway – just by way of example. (Click to view.)

From a safety aspect, REVER is also good if you want to share your location. You can do this within the app so other REVERS can follow along, or you can generate a link and share it with family who can then follow along on your trip.

Similarly, you can turn on safety texts, which automatically send SMS messages to your loved ones with a link to your location.

Personally, I’m a bit of a miserable turd so I don’t have any particular interest in sharing my location or following along on the rides of others. So from this aspect, I find a lot of the features unnecessary.

If you’re the same as me, you’ll likely prefer one of the more traditional route planner apps, such as MyRoute-App or Calimoto.

That said, the premium version of REVER is well-priced and affordable. And it’s a great way to stay social, share your experiences, and gain valuable insights from others.

I can absolutely see why it’s one of the most popular route planning apps.

Currently, you can try the Pro (paid) version of the motorcycle route planning app for 2-weeks with a free trial.

• Social aspect
• Discovery routes
• Route tracking/sharing
• Safety SMS alerts
• Integrated voice-guided navigation
• Works offline
• Integrates with CarPlay
• Awkard to navigate around the app
• Navigation not as good as Google
• Kills your battery

3. Calimoto

• Premium version: €49,99
• Website: https://calimoto.com/en

I must admit, I like Calimoto. It’s been around for a while now without ever competing for attention. Developed for bikers, Calimoto focuses on finding routes that incorporate good riding roads over anything else.

With an emphasis on riding experience, this motorcycle route planning app prioritises twisty routes over the quickest routes. If you’re in a rush, Calimoto isn’t for you. But if you want a nice ride, it’s a good place to start!

That said, many people complained in the past about not having a fastest option. Calimoto has now addressed this issue and the feature is available when route planning.

Growing In Community

Over the years, it’s grown more community-based – similar to REVER – with communities you can join within the app.

As mentioned above, this is a great way to find tried-and-tested routes that have been uploaded by fellow members of the Calimoto community.

Simply find a route in your area based on your preferences, click ‘Go’, and Calimoto automatically sets the route up with voice-guided navigation.

Whilst creating a route or roundtrip, you can also view tourist attractions, mountain passes, twisty highlights, biker meets, fuel stations, restaurants, and many others.

As with some other apps on this list, you can record your route as a track and send it to friends.

Another nice touch is the displayed weather forecast on the map.

• Simple interface
• Biker-specific
• Intuitive navigation
• Navigation not as good as Google, but decent enough
• Not great at flagging traffic or roadworks
• Re-routing can be hit-and-miss

4. Best Biking Roads (And BBR Lite)

• Premium version: $3.99
• Website: https://www.bestbikingroads.com/

For years, Best Biking Roads has been one of my go-to route planning apps. Unlike others that have continually updated to keep up with the trends, BBR hasn’t bothered. It just does its thing quietly in the corner.

And whilst it might not be the most up-to-date or modern motorcycle route planning app, it does what it says on the tin – it shows you the best biking roads in any given area. Clear and simple.

It doesn’t offer navigation or social sharing features. But it does offer recommended routes across the planet that, in my experience, have relevant and honest reviews.

BBR works on a star-rating system – not only for the overall route but for individual elements within the route.

For example, each route takes into account the following and applies a star rating to each of them:

• Road surface
• Police presence

For each route, you can choose to see a map of it. If you have the premium version of BBR Lite, you can then download a GPX version of the route that you can export into your sat nav of choice.

Whilst I use the desktop version of BBR almost every time I plan a tour, I rarely use the app. I just find it easier to see and navigate.

The other thing to remember with Best Biking Roads is that whilst it caters to roundtrip and full tours, it’s more about individual roads.

For example, if I pull up a map of the Alps, it shows me roads in three different colours: Red, blue, and purple. The red roads are rated as excellent, the blue as good, and the purple roads as recommended.

I don’t download them or try to import them into my sat nav – I simply take the ones I want and incorporate them into my route on MyRoute-App.

All-in-all, BBR is a salt-of-the-earth website and motorcycle route planning app. It’s an underdog in a world full of bells and whistles. But it’s a diamond in the rough and one of my all-time favourites.

• As simple as it gets
• Great star rating system
• Ratings for individual ride elements
• Good community sharing
• Can’t download roads/routes without Premium
• Can be fiddly when zooming
• Easier to use on desktop
• Premium version: $29.99
• Website: https://osmand.net/

OsmAnd is quite a powerful motorcycle route planning app because it works entirely offline. Upon set-up, the app asks which region you would like to download – but you can download multiple maps depending on where you are going.

For preparing a standard tour on tarmac, OsmAnd probably wouldn’t be my first choice. But if I was going on an off-road adventure where phone signal and internet would be non-existent, I would absolutely have it on my phone.

One of the things that makes OsmAnd so powerful is its partnerships with OpenStreetMaps and Wikipedia: OpenStreetMaps for worldwide mapping and Wiki for points of interest.

The voice-guided navigation is feature-rich and includes lots of data – such as announcements when approaching stop signs or pedestrian crossings, speed limit warnings, and lane guidance.

It also offers street names as part of its navigation – which is a great help.

If you plan on partaking in other activities off the bike (such as hiking or cycling), OsmAnd is a great option for you to consider. The detailed offline maps show hiking trails, cycle routes, footpaths, and even public transport stops.

Overall, the app has a proper navigational feel to it (like Ordnance Survey maps or traditional Garmin maps.) As a result, it takes some getting used to.

But learn how to use it properly, and OsmAnd is one of the most powerful apps on this list.

And it’s cheap, too. At £8.49 a year, it’s almost worth having just in case!

• Unlimited map downloads
• Constant updates
• Feature-rich navigation
• Can be used off the bike
• Not beginner-friendly
• Fiddly to use
• Difficult to fine-tune routes
• Website: https://maps.me/

Maps.me is one of the best offline route planners on the market today – even if it isn’t the easiest to get your head around at first.

Upon downloading, the app will download a map of the area you’re in. You can download subsequent maps by zooming in on the area – the app will ask if you want to download it.

You can download as many maps as you wish, and they’re usually pretty small in terms of download size – so won’t take up too much space on your phone.

For me, Maps.me works best when you take the time to set it up  before  you leave. You’ll need an internet connection or WiFi to download the maps, so doing this in advance pays dividends.

The same goes for putting POIs on the map – such as pre-planned accommodation details or places you want to visit when you get there.

Working Offline

Once it’s all on there, the app works completely offline. And this is great when touring in places where signal and data are hard to come by.

Even though it works offline, you can still search and navigate to various POIs, including hotels, restaurants and fuel stations. You can even see reviews via the app.

As with OsmAnd, Maps.me works really well if you want a day off the bike. Bringing up hiking and walking trails that even Google Maps doesn’t know about, you can navigate to and from your accommodation, knowing you won’t get lost! In that sense, it’s quite similar to the  Strava route planner .

One of the biggest negatives I found with Maps.me is its lack of route customisation. For example, in more typical route planning apps, you have the option to avoid toll roads, motorways, or gravel paths.

In Maps.me, you can’t alter such settings – which sometimes leads you onto roads you otherwise wanted to avoid.

• Easy map downloads
• All your POIs in one place
• Reviews/POIs even offline
• Route customisation
• Route timings are never accurate
• Mobile interface is awkward
• CrashLight (optional): $14.99
• Website: https://eatsleepride.com/

As with REVER, Eat Sleep Ride is a social-inspired motorcycle route planning app rather than solely a route planning one per se. The aim is to record (or track) your ride and then upload it as a story for others to read.

Like many of the apps on this list, there is an in-app community. And many of the members record, upload and share their rides so that other people in the community can enjoy them too.

One of the biggest factors of ESR is that it’s a biker-inspired motorcycle route planning app first and foremost – rather than a navigational app that has simply been adapted for bikers.

Whilst I can live without all the story sharing and community-inspired waffle, I like that ESR has a group ride feature.

As long as all riders in the group are on ESR, you can all share your location within the group. This means that you can see where all the other riders are in your group – even if you’ve got split up.

This makes it really easy to keep tabs on everybody – and see when you’ve lost someone!

ESR is also the only motorcycle route planning app on this list which has the optional extra of adding CrashLight . Made for bikers, CrashLight detects accidents and immediately notifies people on your ICE list.

CrashLight is usually £14.99 per year – although I have just downloaded ESR on my new phone and was given CrashLight for free.

• Group ride feature
• Optional CrashLight
• CrashLight can be buggy
• Tracking often stops mid-ride
• Pro version: $29.99 (usually $59.99)
• Website: https://riserapp.com/en/

RISER is a mixture of route planner, navigation, and social. With integrated voice-guided navigation, you can plan, record and ride your route – all in one go.

And as with the other social-inspired apps, you can upload your route so riders in your community to ride it themselves.

Upon opening this motorcycle route planning app, you’re greeted with your feed – showing recent rides by people in your community and new challenges you can join.

Each of the rides includes details such as total distance, duration, elevation, average speed, top speed (which you can hide), and a little write-up by the author.

From here, you can save the route into your own Roadbook and ride it in your own time.

When creating your own routes, simply input your start and end details, and the app will let you select a route that is either curvy, super curvy, or fastest.

As with the ESR app above, you have the option in RISER to set up a Pack Ride. People within 150m of you can join the ride, and you can view all riders on the map on your phone.

The group is notified when a fellow rider takes a wrong turn or falls behind.

Taking it a step further, RISER has integrated automated messages within the Pack Rides. So if you need a toilet break or some fuel, simply tap the relevant button, and everybody in the pack is alerted.

Very nifty! 

• Ride metrics
• Pack ride feature
• Pack ride alerts
• Limited avoidances
• Not a huge library of rides in the UK
• Can be fiddly to start rides from Roadbook
• Website: https://www.theaa.com/apps

Whilst AA Route Planner isn’t made for motorcycle trips, it’s useful to have on your phone – especially if you have AA breakdown cover.

Not only does it allow the dispatchers to see exactly where you are in the event of a breakdown , but the route planner section offers up some decent information, too.

The app doesn’t have integrated navigation, but once you plot a route, the app gives you the option of running it via one of the other apps on your phone. In my case, Google Maps, Apple Maps, or Waze.

But the thing I like about AA Route Planner is the information it provides. In my experience, the live traffic updates are accurate, and you can see at a glance if there are roadworks on your planned journey.

Once you’ve plotted your route based on traffic and roadwork avoidances, click navigate, and run the route via your desired navigational app.

As mentioned, the AA Route Planner doesn’t compete with the other apps on this list in terms of pure navigation. But for route information – and breakdown cover – it makes perfect sense to have it on your phone!

• Excellent live traffic
• Accurate at identifying roadworks
• Links with your breakdown policy
• No native voice-guided navigation
• No biker-specific options
• Website: https://www.google.co.uk/maps/

Speaking of Google, is it possible to make a  motorcycle route on Google Maps?

Yes, it is! Admittedly, it isn’t necessarily made for touring purposes, but it could be used as a route planner if needed.

The good thing about Google Maps route planner is that it’s a staple for most of us these days. We all use it all the time and we’re familiar with it. We know exactly where everything is.

And the level of global coverage offered by Google Maps is unrivalled.

Quite literally, no other company on the planet can offer that much data in one little app that’s natively on your smartphone. And in terms of a free route planner, it’s probably the most comprehensive app you can download.

Positives & Negatives Of Google Maps

With many newer bikes such as the Honda NT1100 now employing Apple CarPlay, you can easily plot your route on Google Maps and then use the navigation through CarPlay on your dash. It’s the perfect set-up.

On the positive side, Google Maps is incredibly useful for finding things en route – for example, fuel stations, restaurants, cash machines, and almost anything else you need.

The voice-guided navigation is familiar, clear, and customisable. And you’ll also get speed camera warnings, live traffic updates, and automatic re-routing if you miss a turn.

You can also download maps to use offline. So you could download the map of your intended location and then continue to use it for navigation even if you lose your phone signal.

It’s not all great, though. For example, whilst you can plot a comprehensive route using Google My Maps, you can’t then follow that route in the Google Maps app.

Nobody is too sure why. People have been asking Google to sort it out for years, but, for whatever reason, they won’t do it.

If you want to follow a route with guidance, you need to plot the route directly in the Google Maps app. And the problem with this is that Google will only allow you to plot 9 waypoints per route.

This is fine if for a short trip. But if you’re doing a 350-mile day, 9 waypoints is nowhere enough to keep the route true.

Finally, you have to consider the toll that long-term use takes on your smartphone. It will completely decimate your battery if it isn’t constantly plugged into a power sauce.

And if you intend to use it all day, there will come a point where it gets too hot and shuts down.

• Easy to get (usually native)
• Useful POIs & reviews
• The best navigation available
• Live traffic & re-routing
• Only 9 waypoints per route
• No biker-specific routing options
• Inability to run pre-set routes from Google My Maps

There’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to planning the perfect motorcycle tour. And there’s no one motorcycle route planning app that will work perfectly for everybody, either.

Over the years, my experiences with route planning have taught me the importance of prioritisation. Take a minute to note down the roads you want to ride along with the POIs you want to visit. Once plotted on a map, these form the basis of your tour.

From here, it’s a case of filling in the gaps between the waypoints.

In my experience, the best way to do this is by finding recommended roads on Best Biking Roads and adding them to my route on MyRoute-App.

The other thing that helped me form better routes was attention to detail. Finding (and plotting) fuel stations in advance meant that I never again had to worry about fuel. Building them into your route from the start makes life a whole lot easier!

Apps that allow you to colour code waypoints are also a great help – allowing you to see what’s up ahead in a glance.

Ultimately, whatever motorcycle route planning app you choose, you will always have to make compromises. Download as many as you can, give them a go using the free trials and make a few test routes.

The one that has the most features you require and puts it all into a package that is intuitive (for you) is the one you’ll likely be happiest with!

Top image: ArtHouse Studio

How To Keep Your Gear Dry On A Motorcycle Tour

Voile straps: a motorcycle touring godsend, 3 thoughts on “our top motorcycle route planning app comparison”.

I really like the comparison of motorcycle route planning apps! It’s helpful to have a variety of options to choose from.

Very informative, thank you! Have you given Scenic a try? What kept it off your list?

Hi Tim, and thanks for your comment! I haven’t tried Scenic actually… I’ll give it a try. Have you had good experiences with it?

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The 5 Best Self-Guided European Motorcycle Tour Destinations

Welcome to the self-guided European motorcycle tour guide. If you want to take all the stress out of planning a tour, then this one’s for you. You’ll find 5 of the best biking tour destinations in Europe here from our touring expert, Simon Weir, along with info on how to ride these routes, links to downloadable pre-planned tours and much more.

Self-Guided Motorcycle Tours

What is a self-guided motorcycle tour.

First let’s start with what organised tours are. An organised motorcycle tour is where you pay a company to handle every aspect of your trip for you. These are brilliant, especially if you’re strapped for time. You just need to book your flights, turn up and everything will be taken care off including a rental bike, accommodation, route, meal stops and so on.

The difference with a self-guided motorcycle tour is that everything is still taken care off, but you go on your own bike (or a rental), not as part of a group and without a guide. The benefit of a self-guided tour is that you’ll go at your own pace and can go whenever and wherever you want to. There’s much more flexibility as you’re completely in control and not tied to an organised group. You can spend more time in a place you like, miss sections out, add sections on etc.   

If you’re more interested in joining a tour or renting a bike abroad, take a look at our recommended companies section. Simply click a country on the map to see what’s on offer. 

Read more:  Recommended Motorcycle Tour and Rental Companies

How to go on a self-guided motorcycle tour?

You’ve got two options here. You can go with a company who will supply you with a rental bike, sat nav and itinerary for you to follow (which is pretty much like going on an organised tour, except you’re on your own). Or, you can go on your own bike and just pay for and download a pre-planned self-guided tour from a touring expert. Option 2 offers the most flexibility and is what this article focuses on.

Why go on a self-guided motorcycle tour?

Easy. You’ll get all the benefits of a full-on organised bike tour such as a pre-planned route, the best hotels picked out for you already, points-of-interest marked on your maps etc. but without having to join a fixed-date tour group. You’ll get everything downloaded onto your sat nav taking all the stress and leg work out of planning a trip so you can go whenever you want and at your own pace.  

The Best Self-Guided Motorcycle Tours in Europe

Now we’ll move onto the 5 best self-guided motorcycle tour destinations in Europe. You’ll find info about them, why they’re so great and how to go about riding these awesome biking tours. You’ll also find links to Simon Weir’s pre-planned routes where you have the option to download the entire itinerary and route if you fancy going on a self-guided tour.

By Simon Weir

Former editor of RiDE magazine, author of Bikers' Britain and touring expert.

The classic motorcycle touring destination – amazing mountain scenery criss-crossed by a network of fabulous roads. If god rides a bike, it’s probably somewhere in the Alps.

The thing is, “the Alps” is a bit of a crude label for a huge area: an arc of interlocked mountain ranges running from the Adriatic in the east to the Mediterranean in the west. Each section has its own subtly different character, reflecting not only the planet-building forces that created the peaks but also the cultures of the people that live there.

The Alps pass through Slovenia, Austria, Italy, Switzerland and France, and brush up against the southern edge of Germany. You can have a very different experience, depending on where you go.

Read more: Europe Motorcycle Travel Guides

Where to stay

French alps.

The mountains with everything: high passes, deep gorges, scenic lakes, sleepy villages and mile after mile of astonishing roads. The French Alps are accessible – for UK riders, they’re two relaxed days’ ride from Calais (one-and-a-half days if it’s 50/50 motorway and good roads). There’s a full range of riding – from single-carriageway back roads to dramatic and challenging “balcony” roads cut into cliffs to broad, sweeping N-roads. For a town to use as a base, look at Briançon , Guillestre , Bourg St Maurice or Castellane .

The high passes of the Swiss Alps are stunningly beautiful and the roads are immaculate. Slightly further than the French Alps, it’s a good idea to get the Swiss motorway vignette to get there quickly. Look at Andermatt , Meiringen or Davos as a base town.

The Dolomites

Austrian alps.

Some of the best roads in the Austrian mountains have tolls on them – which is good. The money raised pays to keep them in immaculate condition and, better still, many are closed to lorries and caravans. Try Lienz , Zell am See , Bad Ischl or Mariazell as a base.

Slovenian Alps

This most easterly corner of the Alps, by the Italian and Austrian borders, still feels slightly undiscovered – they’re beautiful and often quieter than other areas. Where to stay? Has to be the lakeside town of Bled .

The very highest passes usually don’t open until the first week of June and will be shut by the start of November. Lower passes should be rideable from early May… but the higher you go, there’s a chance you’ll be riding between snow walls.

The best time to go to the Alps is September: in June and July, there may be roadworks as any over-winter damage is repaired; most of Europe’s on holiday in August so it’s busy – plus it’s roasting hot; but by September, the roads are in peak condition, they’re quieter and the weather is usually perfect for touring. The weather is usually good until mid-October, though it’ll be getting chilly in the mornings and at altitude.

Must ride roads in the Alps

Here’s a selection of the absolute best motorcycle roads and routes in the Alps. If you’re planning a biking tour to the Alps, make sure you include at least one of these. 

Route Napoleon, French Alps

Retracing the dictators return from exile, this route between Cannes and Grenoble cuts through the French Alps

Route des Grandes Alpes, French Alps

Running from Lake Geneva to Menton on the Med, this multi-day ride takes in many of the best passes in the French Alps.

The Five Passes, Swiss Alps

The network of Grimsel, Susten, Furka, Neufenen and St Gotthard passes is as close to a perfect mountain ride as you’ll ever get.

The Sella Ronda, the Dolomites

Four great passes surrounding one of the most spectacular of the Dolomitic peaks – a short but brilliant ride sure to be the highlight of any trip.

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road, Austria

Perhaps the perfect mountain road: built specifically to be good for driving, scrupulously maintained and evolved as vehicles improved.

Self-guided motorcycle tours in the Alps

If you want to go for a fully pre-planned motorcycle tour in the Alps, take a look at these self-guided options. 

Relaxed French Alps tour

Take nine days (Saturday-to-Sunday) to discover the finest passes, gorges, towns and villages of the French Alps. Minimal motorway, maximum wow factor.

Ultimate Swiss Mountain tour

A one-week (Saturday-to-Sunday) celebration of the fabulous riding of the Swiss Alps: more highlights than a hairdressing competition.

Ultimate Austria

A flexible two-week trip packing in not only the best riding in the Austrian and Bavarian Alps but also plenty of amazing places to visit.

Discover the Dolomites

Want to go to heaven and back? Biking heaven, that is… Take this nine-day (Saturday to Sunday) trip to Italy’s most beautiful mountains.

The Pyrenees

The Pyrenees may not be quite so lofty as the Alps but they’re still packed with amazing riding. The roads have a slightly different character, depending on whether you’re on the French or Spanish side of the mountains… and many of the best biking roads are the passes that cross between the countries.

It’s a fair way from the UK to the Pyrenees – at least two days or even three if you’re staying off motorways as much as possible – but fine riding isn’t confined to the high peaks. The foothills of the Pyrenees are also stuffed with great roads, so the fun begins even before you get to the mountains. However, it’s possible to get to the mountains more quickly by taking a ferry to Santander.

With fine weather, great scenery, amazing local food and fantastic places to stay, this is definitely one of Europe’s best touring destinations.

Read more: France Motorcycle Travel Guides

French Pyrenees

So many fantastic towns. To ride the high passes of the Tour de France, try basing yourself in Pau or Bagneres de Luchon . For the wilder, narrower roads of the eastern French Pyrenees try Ax les Thermes or Foix .

Spanish Pyrenees

From Pamplona to the Med, the N260 offers up a succession of great places to base yourself to explore the mountains. Consider Jaca , Ainsa , Sort , la Seu d’Urgell or Ripoll as base towns.

As they’re lower and slightly further south, the Pyrenees have a slightly longer riding season than the Alps. There’s good riding from April to the end of October, though we’d favour going in May/June or September, as it can get seriously hot in the valleys at the height of summer

Must ride roads in the Pyrenees

Here are the must ride routes and roads in the Pyrenees. No trip there would be complete without tackling one of these beauties. 

The N260, Spanish Pyrenees

This iconic road runs the length of the mountains on the Spanish side, packed with corners and views.

Col du Tourmalet, French Pyrenees

The highest pass in the Pyreness is so beautiful – and challenging – it’s the only pass to have featured in every Tour de France since the cycle race began.

Col de la Pierre Saint-Martin, French/Spanish Pyrenees

This quiet, high pass delivers mountain riding with a twist: a complete 360-degree corner at the ski centre near the summit.

Self-guided motorcycle tours in the Pyrenees

Northern spanish mountains.

The best roads in the Spanish Pyrenees – and the best roads in the Picos as well. Ties in with the Santander ferry schedule.

More than just the mountains, nine days of amazing riding through some of France’s finest riding regions, building up to the spectacular passes of the Pyrenees. Setting off from Calais on a Saturday and returning the following Sunday, this is an unforgettable tour.

The Picos de Europa

The rugged northern coast of Spain is like a compact version of the Dolomites, with grey peaks rising above the beautiful valleys. The big differences are that the roads are usually far quieter, plus it’s easy to have a day at the seaside…

Though everyone talks about “the Picos” that’s just a section of the coastal range that runs from the Basque Country in the east through Cantabria and Asturias, to Gallica in the west. Each section of the mountains is packed with great riding.

The most practical way to get to the Picos from the UK is by boat, with a ferry to Santander or Bilbao. Which adds cost, but saves several days, maximising your time riding these roads. Some riders will take the ferry down and ride back (or vice versa). Whichever way you get here, it’s worth the effort. This is a fabulous place to ride a motorcycle.

Read more: Spain Motorcycle Travel Guides

Cantabria & Basque Country

Most riders get off the ferry at Santander and head west – but there’s so much great riding in the quieter mountains to the east of the port. The coastal resorts of Laredo , Zarautz and San Sebastian all make great bases.

Asturias and Galicia

The beating biking heart of the Picos is Potes – within easy reach of the ferry and surrounded by amazing roads. It’s a great town to use as a base, but so too is nearby Cangas de Onis . Further west, Cangas del Narcea inland or Luarca on the coast are good bases – and in the far west, it has to be the pilgrimage centre of Santiago da Compostela .

The mountains on Spain’s north coast are low and have a temperate climate, so snow isn’t usually an issue by March – but it’s not called the Costa Verde for nothing and April showers can have the full authority of the Atlantic Ocean behind them. We’d look to ride this area between May and mid-October, possibly avoiding August when it’s seriously hot and not so good for anyone wrapped in Gore-Tex or leather.

Must ride roads in the Picos

N621, san glorio pass.

This popular biking road runs from Potes to Leon and includes a viewpoint with the most-photographed statue of a deer in Europe, if not the world…

AS14, Palo Pass

A fantastic road through the Asturian mountains: broad, twisty, quiet and spectacular. It’s also part of the pilgrimage route to Santiago, so though there’s usually almost no traffic you should keep an eye out for pedestrians.

From the coast to the plains, this amazing road cuts through the Cantabrian mountains in a flurry of challenging bends and long straights with even longer views.

Self-guided motorcycle tours in the Picos

Northern spanish mountain tour.

Discover the best roads in the Picos as well as the Spanish side of the Pyrenees. Ties in with the Santander ferry schedule.

The Picos and Portugal tour

From the mountains of Northern Spain to the mountains and valleys of Portugal, this laid-back trip ties in with taking the ferry to Santander.

If you want perfect biking weather – especially when the rest of Europe is still struggling to shake of the cold hand of winter – look no further than Portugal. While other touring areas suffer typical soggy springs, Europe’s most westerly nation will be bathed in warm sunshine. But you don’t really come to here for the weather: you come for the riding, which can be frankly astonishing.

Portugal does have slightly schizophrenic roads: they’ll either be immaculate or challengingly rough; there will either be a village every ten feet or you won’t see any signs of human habitation for mile after mile. The good news is the roads in the best condition are normally the quiet ones in the wild, open areas, curving across rolling hills, climbing mountains or hugging rivers in the bottom of gently curving valleys. And by “best condition” we mean “immaculate surfaces” and when we say “quiet”, you’d think you were the only person with petrol sometimes… It’s riding heaven.

Read more: Portugal Motorcycle Travel Guides

Northern Portugal

The towns of Bragança and Chaves make great bases in the very north of the country, but for exploring the Port-producing Douro Valley, try Peso da Regua . One of the key riding areas is the compact Sera da Estrela mountain range: base yourself in Covilha to explore it.

Central and Southern Portugal

There’s sublime riding everywhere in Portugal, with Sertã and Coimbra unlocking the central region. Moving south, the fortified town of Elvas is a fascinating base, while Faro and Portimão on the south coast are ideal points from which to explore the Algarve.

To be honest, unless you have mesh riding kit we’d avoid late July and August: it can simply be too hot. If you’re riding to Portugal, especially having taken a ferry to Bilbao or Santander, going in May to early July or in September or October is pretty much perfect. But if you fly to the Algarve and hire a bike, you can enjoy great, sunny riding in November, March and April as well.

Must-ride roads in Portugal

Running north to south through the centre of the country, Portugal’s N2 deserves to be Europe’s Route 66. It has everything: history, character and mile after mile of brilliant corners.

The terraces of the Douro Valley create a surreal, stunning landscape – best appreciated from this fabulous and scenic road.

Nicknamed the Portuguese Stelvio, this fantastic mountain road climbs from Covilha to the summit of Torre, the highest mountain in Portugal, at the heart of the Sera da Estrela mountains.

Self-guided motorcycle tours in Portugal

Enjoy the mountains of Northern Spain on the way to the riding treasure-trove of Portugal’s Douro Valley and Sera da Estrela on this laid-back trip that fits in with the ferry to Santander.

Portugal Fly-Ride

Got a week of work? Want to ride non-stop amazing roads? This trip allows you to fly to Faro on a Saturday, ride for seven days, then fly home on a Sunday. It’s as relaxed as it is fabulous.

Corsica and Sardinia

Some of the finest riding in Europe isn’t on the mainland – it’s on these mountainous islands in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea. They’re so close together that it’s easy to ride the pair on one trip.

The two islands have a lot in common: staggering coastal roads with beautiful sea views and rugged interiors criss-crossed by miles of great tarmac. Both have quirky, beautiful towns to visit and neither has too much traffic – especially on the exciting inland roads. Best of all, both are blessed with a fabulous hot-but-temperate climate.

Getting there from the UK does take a bit of commitment: it’s a long ride to the south of France for a ferry (Toulon and Marseilles have the most regular crossings) and it’s even further to the Italian ports of Genoa and Civitavecchia that have the most crossings. But it’s more than worth making the effort: as a touring destination, either Corsica or Sardinia would be mind-blowing enough; riding both on one trip is truly out of this world.

Read more: Italy Motorcycle Travel Guides

Most ferries from mainland France come into Bastia and Ajaccio , both of which make decent bases, but Porto on the west coast and Porto Vecchio on the east also make great base towns.

On the north or west coast, consider basing yourself in Alghero or Castelsardo ; on the east coast Dorgali or Tortoli are lovely, while at the south of the island we’d stay in Villasimius .

As with many southern parts of Europe, we’d avoid going August: not only is it too hot but also the islands will be at their busiest with holidaymakers from the mainland. As they’re islands, all the sea air means spring can sometimes be moist, but from late April onwards, they’re divine – and they hold onto the great riding weather until the end of October, too.

Must-ride roads in Corsica and Sardinia

D80, corsica.

The road that hugs the coast around Cap Corse, the peninsula at the top of Corsica, is packed with brilliant corners and exceptional views. Surface quality is variable, but it’s still amazing

D268 Col de Bavella, Corsica

There are several amazing mountain passes in Southern Corsica but the long, scenic and fabulous-to-ride Col de Bavella is the pick of the bunch.

SS125 Strada Orientalis, Sardinia

As a great touring route, the road that follows the eastern coast of Sardinia is up there with Australia’s Great Ocean Road and California’s Pacific Coast Highway.

Self-guided motorcycle tours in Corsica and Sardinia

Corsica and sardinia – the best of the med.

A relaxed two-week trip packing in not only the amazing riding on Corsica and Sardinia but also great touring routes across France to and from the ferries. Genuinely more great riding than you can shake a very large stick at…

About the Author

Simon Weir  is the author of the best-selling Bikers’ Britain series. He has been riding bikes since he was 15 and spent 17 years working on motorcycle titles. He quit his job as editor of RiDE at the end of 2018 to ride his Kawasaki Z1000SX to Australia. He now runs a motorcycle-touring website with downloadable routes across the UK and Europe, as well as planning bespoke tours for people.

Check out Simon’s comprehensive guides to touring by bike in Western Europe. Bikers’ Europe  and  Bikers’ Europe: Hidden Gems are packed with routes from the Baltic to the Mediterranean, from Slovenia to Portugal, all supported by downloadable GPX files to make touring easy. 

• Visit his site for downloadable routes  www.simonweir.co.uk
• Simon’s books are available from his  website or Amazon .
• Read more of Simon’s articles on the Contributors Page

Read more on motorcycle touring in Europe

Thanks for checking out The Best Motorcycle Tour in the Pennines Guide. We hope you enjoyed it! Here’s a few more articles on motorcycle touring in the UK and Europe that we recommend you read next. 

• Motorcycle Touring Guides
• Europe Destination Guides
• Motorcycle Travel Guide: Europe
• Motorcycle Touring for Beginners
• What to Pack for a European Tour
• Motorcycle Tour and Rental Companies

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If you enjoyed this European motorcycle tour guide or have any questions, please post your comments below. We’d love to hear from you. 

14 thoughts on “The 5 Best Self-Guided European Motorcycle Tour Destinations”

Thanks for this.

I am planning a literal once in a lifetime trip to Europe next year to rent a bike. I’ll be there 3 weeks and want to take in as much as possible. I’ll be renting a bike in Munich.

Do you think it is practical to take in all the major highlights of the Alps and also the Pyrenees in a long loop in that time? And in regards to accommodation, i plan to travel in June/July… would i need to book ahead or is it easy to find somewhere at the end of each day? It would be my preference to have no plans, but don’t want to have stress over somewhere to stay.

It’s absolutely possible to cover that area in the time – and pack in plenty more besides. With a bit of careful planning, pretty much every mile can be eye-opening and rewarding.

For one person, finding accommodation on the day is achievable even in the height of tourist season, but you may not always get the best price (and sometimes you may have to go a few miles further – unless you’re in the same area of France as the Tour de France, in which case you’ll probably have to go a fair way…) The busiest period is August, so in June/July you’ll be fine.

I have customers flying into Portugal and riding to Rome with their hire bike, others flying into Rome and out of Milan, others doing a circular route from Milan – it can be a practical option now Hertz has a network of hire-bike locations (NB: it’s much more affordable to return the bike to where you picked it up – there’s a premium for dropping it at a different site). They’re flying in from California, Guatemala, Thailand… A hire bike the easiest way to experience a lot of Europe.

Putting together these one-off, trip-of-a-lifetime itineraries is what I do – making sure you don’t miss the hidden gems along the way. Have a look at the bespoke tours service on my site (www.simonweir.co.uk) or grab a copy of Bikers’ Europe and Bikers’ Europe: Hidden Gems (available from Amazon) to help refine your wish-list of roads to ride and places to visit!

Simon, Tried to get your European motorcycle book from Amazon. Not available We will be traveling to Germany to start a tree month ride and would really like a copy. Can you help?

Hello Bryan. The new book A-Z Europe for Bikers supersedes the older volumes. It’s available everywhere that sells books – including Amazon for international purchase or UK readers can order a signed copy from my website http://www.simonweir.co.uk

Simon, Thank you for the response! The spiral bound is not available through Amazon until August! Is there a way to get a copy before then? We will be starting our trip in Germany mid July. Bryan

August? Where are you based, Brian? It’s on next-day delivery in the UK and has been since it was published in March. It should also be available for next-day delivery across the EU (amazon.de / .fr / .nl etc). In the US, Australia & New Zealand it’s generally a five-to-seven-day delivery. If you’re there and it’s showing longer than that, email me through my website and I we can work out postage for me to send one

Simon, we are in Texas, USA if we can work shipping let me know cost and how to get funds to you. We can send address if possible. All the best Bryan

Okay: I can ship to the US but you may have to pay duty when the package arrives.

Go to my website and use the form on the Contact page and we’ll get it sorted out for you.

https://www.simonweir.co.uk/contact

Simon, Me again, tried to order on your website the Europe A-Z and UK A-Z When to checkout and site says not available in our region. Couldn’t proceed any further for shipping. Yikes! Little help? Cheers! Bryan

Yes, as I put in the previous two replies: go to my website and use the contact form to speak to me directly, rather than on the public comments section of a third-party website

Hi Simon For some reason the links to the Self-Guided tours in the Alps are not working. Have tried Safari and Google Chrome. Any ideas.? (Im in Australia)

Cheers Ross

Hi Ross. I’ll flag it with Andy who manages this site. But all the tours are at http://www.simonweir.co.uk Cheers

Hi Ross, all the links are now working and correct. Cheers and happy touring! Andy

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Everything You Need To Know When Planning A Motorcycle Trip

T raveling on two wheels is as old as that 1800s bicycle that someone shoved a tiny engine into, be it Triumph , Harley-Davidson or Royal Enfield . Back then all riding was adventure riding as the roads of yesteryears were mostly made of dirt, rocks and someone else's broken chassis. But that didn't deter primordial motorcycle riders, for they were a tough breed, even if their motorcycles weren't necessarily so. There were even articles, in bicycle and motorcycle journals, dedicated to listing the items a rider would need on the road, if they were to make it to their destination in one piece, or at all for that matter.

Today, we have it much easier. The roads are nice and smooth, or, at the very least, listed on some map or another. Modern motorcycles don't spew up parts every few miles, leaving a stain of oily detritus behind them. And the world is, generally, a more connected place, with easy to find restaurants, mechanics and couches to crash on. So you'd be forgiven if you were to say that taking a motorcycle trip is a simple affair, one with no serious challenges or consequences. But you'd be wrong and quite unprepared for how exposed, slow and vulnerable you are while riding for extended periods of time. That's why planning the trip you're about to take, is a critical step not to be missed, regardless of how far you're riding or for how long.

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Plan A Route

Some riders prefer to jump on their bikes and take off into the unknown. And as romantic as that notion is, majority of us probably prefer some form of a plan, before taking off on two wheels. The first step is to open up a map app , or a paper one if you're old school, and figure out where you want to go. That destination will not only dictate how long you'll be riding, but also the availability of options for gas stations, food, hotels and routes.

Certainly there are several ways that you can tour, from off-road riding through the US on the Trans American Trail to tracing Route 66 from Chicago to LA . Either way, knowing where you're going allows you to plan the mileage and hours you'll be riding. Make no mistake, your trip can go from fun to tedious in a span of one hundred miles. And though your map is telling you're only traveling 300 miles, factors like speed limits, single lanes, detours and other unforeseen challenges can stretch out your ride for hours on end. From our experience, three hundred to five hundred miles or approximately eight hours of riding is more than plenty in one day. Beyond that you risk serious exhaustion, which can lead to poor judgment and accidents.

RELATED: Tips For Easy Breezy Riding In The Summer

Calculate A Budget

Once your route is planned out, it's time to break the piggy-bank. Your daily budget can depend on a lot of factors, from where you're staying, to what you're eating to how much the gas prices are where you'll be riding. Hotels costs vary wildly, as that cost will depend greatly on how much comfort you're willing to settle on. Just want a bathroom and a bed, you can probably find a spot for $50 a night. Want a breakfast and a door that locks, increase that to $75. In addition, bigger towns will have more options. Smaller towns will have less so, but are possibly cheaper.

Food is also something to consider. If you've found hotels that have free breakfast, that's one less meal to worry about. You can also bring water and snacks for those times you find yourself on a break in the middle of nowhere. If you're traveling via back roads of America, there are many towns sprinkled throughout where you can find yourself some tasty diner food. Though a disproportionate amount of the towns tend to be one mile long, with no working gas stations, restaurants or actual living souls in them.

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Book Hotels Or Camp Sites

Booking hotels and camp sites can be a double-edged sword. You're essentially committing to a certain amount of travel time and mileage that you may find yourself struggling through by day two. In addition, because you know you have to be somewhere at the end of the day, you'll feel pressured to chew up the road, and may forego stopping to see something cool along the way. That's why it's crucial to plan appropriate distances, being a little more conservative if need to be on the off chance that you'll want to stop somewhere.

But there are a few pluses to booking hotels ahead of time. If you're on a trip that has a finite amount of days, knowing where you need to end up each day keeps you on the schedule, without setting you back. You'll know what you need to ride each day, and you won't fall behind. You'll also know that a comfortable bed and a hot shower is waiting for you at your destination, which can have a soothing psychological effect on your brain. Not booking your stays ahead of time can allow for a looser travel schedule, but it can also leave you stranded in a small town with no hotel vacancies and no campsites for hundreds of miles. And riding at night, while exhausted and hungry can lead to dangerous consequences.

Pack The Right Stuff

One of the biggest dangers in preparing for a trip is the tendency to overpack. But knowing what to leave out as well as what to take is the real challenge of packing for a motorcycle vacation. It can be helpful to write down a list of the things you want to take with and do some soul-searching whether you'll actually need any of them. But there are some must-take items that should be on everyone's list. And though we can't possibly list everything, items like comfortable non-riding clothes and shoes, first aid kit, hat, zip ties, spare bike key, small tool roll, owner's manual, tire repair kit, portable batteries and water, among other things , should be considered as essential.

But will you need that extra canister of gas? Are the jump leads taking up too much space? Can you do without that second pair of boots? Each circumstance is different, and each rider must choose what is important to them. Just remember that your space is limited, and any additional weight will change how your motorcycle will perform on the road. You'll also have to unpack the motorcycle each night, and re-assemble the luggage the next morning. And after doing that for eight straight days, you'll know real quick what you should have left behind.

RELATED: Hard vs Soft Motorcycle Luggage

Preflight Maintenance & Checklist

The week leading up to the trip can be a tumultuous time, as riders try to tidy up unfinished projects and prepare their immediate worlds for their inevitable absences. And though preparing the routes, packing and making sure there are no loose ends before the trip starts can be stressful, one critical task should not be left for last. And that's making sure the bike is ready to travel. That means going over it from wheel to wheel, tightening bolts, checking tire pressure, looking for engine and fork leaks and generally inspecting the machine for any issues. Because once you're on the road, and unless you're a whiz kid with a wrench, you may find it difficult to adjust to any serious problems. So fill up your tires with air, tighten the bolts on the fairings, check your battery and your oil. And once you've done all you can, it will be time to enjoy the open road. And though the unexpected will inevitably happen, because you've prepared ahead of time, the impact of that dark unknown will hopefully be lessened, and your amazing motorcycle journey will remain uninterrupted.