Best Motorcycle Countries, Routes and Road Trips

The endless road in front of you, the stunning scenery on each side, wind in your hair; that’s what motorcycle road trips are all about!

This is an update of one of our older articles, expanded with some additional routes and countries.

“People don’t take trips, trips take people.” – John Steinbeck

Our world is stunning and each country has something unique to offer. Look closely and you’ll find some countries which are just perfect for motorcycle travel. From the thrilling roads of Vietnam to enchanting European scenic roads, there is no shortage of places that will take your breath away. So sit back and relax while we take you on a tour featuring the best motorcycle routes and road trips.

Vietnam

Everyone has seen photos or videos of Vietnamese cities packed with scooters which zip past cars and pedestrians. So, it only makes sense for Vietnam to offer some of the best motorcycle road trips in the world. While it certainly will be an adventure to tackle the cities, things change once you enter the countryside, where you will ride among rice fields, small villages, and livestock going about their day.

Ready to experience the greatest motorcycle adventure in Vietnam? Then get an  off-road motorcycle tour in South Vietnam, with twisty roads and excellent views. You will ride through rubber plantations, visit local villages and an interesting weasel coffee farm.

Vietnam has a complicated weather pattern due to the monsoons, so there’s no best time to visit that anyone can recommend. In general, spring (March and April) and autumn (September to December) are good choices, especially if you are going to travel throughout the country.

Italy

Between the Amalfi Coast, the Gargano Coast, and the Alps, Italy is home to some of the most stunning road trips in Europe. The Transalpine, which connects Grenoble (France) to Venice (Italy) via the Alps is the most visited road on the continent.

If you want to experience lovely coastal, countryside roads and Apennine passes,a  self-guided motorcycle tour in Le Marche is an amazing choice. Start the tour in Bologna, visit the Benelli Museum, travel through Umbria, pass by the Morbidelli Museum, before returning to Bologna.

If the tour is taking you to popular places, avoid July and August as the weather can get very hot and the crowds are at their highest. In terms of weather, late spring (April to June) and early autumn (September and October) are perfect to explore the country.

Romania

While Romania is not particularly known for the endless miles of highways, it offers two incredible roads suitable for any adrenaline junkie: Transalpina and Transfagarasan. And if mountain roads aren’t your thing, then why not try the roads winding through Transylvania and its gorgeous scenery.

Hop on a bike and take a motorcycle tour in the Carpathian Mountains in which you’ll pass by Bucharest, Vidraru Lake, Bigar Waterfall, Brasov, Sighisoara, Sibiu and you’ll be delighted by high-altitude passes and national parks.

Winters can be brutal with snow and cold temperatures, while summers can be quite hot. However, if you are planning to travel through the Carpathians, it’s best to plan your trip in summer or early autumn.

USA

The USA is one of the best countries in the world to take a motorbike road trip. Route 66 is, without a doubt, the world’s most famous highway, running from Chicago (Illinois) through Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona, before ending in Santa Monica (California).

Don’t miss the chance to ride on the great Route 66 during a  self-guided motorcycle tour, starting in San Diego and traveling through California, Arizona, Nevada, as well as Utah.

The best time to visit the USA depends on where you plan to go. If you are heading to the south, avoid the hurricane season (August to October). The weather in California is quite idyllic so plan your trip anytime (unless you want to avoid the mountains which get snow from November to April).

Australia

Such a large country has a lot of incredible roads to offer for any petrol head. Try the Great Ocean Road, which stretches for 180 miles (290 km) and starts in Melbourne. Ride through shoreline rainforests, pass by beaches and be amazed by the Shipwreck Coast before ending the ride in Peterborough.

Or you can explore the Australian red center during an Uluru desert express motorbike tour. You get to tackle the sand dunes of Simpson Desert, visit Uluru / Ayers Rock and be awed by the amazing scenery.

The huge country experiences various climate patterns. Generally speaking though, the summer (December to March) means higher prices and crowded beaches so unless you want to sunbath, you’d want to avoid this time of the year. The tropical north is best explored during October and November, as well as March to May. The arid interior should be tackled during the transitional seasons (April to June, October, and November).

Argentina

Argentina conjures images of glaciers, wines, and barbeque but surely not…motorcycle road trips. That’s in case you haven’t heard of Ruta 40, which crosses no less than 11 provinces offering amazing scenery along the way and excellent places to visit. It passes through Mina Pirquitas, the highest city in Argentina and offers access to the Andes.

And what best way to explore the country’s majestic beauty than on a BMW motorcycle tour in North Patagonia, which visits Atuel Canyon and Talampaya National Park. And yes, you’ll ride on the famous Ruta 40!

In general, spring is the best time to visit, no matter what you plan to visit in Argentina. If you are after some climbing in the Andes, then plan your trip during summer (December to February).

Germany

The country who basically invented the Adventure motorcycle (BMW GS) is also stunning when it comes to scenic rides. Just a short (60km) but famous example is the B500, or as it’s otherwise called, the Schwarzwaldhochstrasse (Black Forrest High Road) has some amazing views and twisties.

Along the route there are many tourist sites and places to enjoy. The route starts in Baden-Baden, famous for its natural hot springs, passes the Mummelsee (a big lake) and ends in Freudenstadt… a well known weekend trip location in the middle of a pine tree forrest at elevation.

As the road is pretty elevated you might want to avoid late fall and winter. However in spring and summer it could get quite busy, so choose wisely. This is probably the most famous road in Germany and as such it attracts riders and drivers alike. So besides motorcycles you’ll also find that old timer- and sports car drivers on the B500.

Mexico

How could I leave out the country where I currently live. The country where I’ve spent many many miles on a motorcycle.

Mexico is often avoided by foreigners because they deem it unsafe. While it might not be as safe as say, for example, Canada, United States or Western Europe, there are really two sides to Mexico.

Opposite of the unsafe / crime side of things there is the amazing nature, the friendly, warm and always willing to help, the great food, proud culture and heritage and the best of all, it’s all very very affordable. Here’s a trip report of one of my best trips ever, traveling through Mexico’s Sierra Gorda.