If you’re seeking your next global adventure on two wheels, we’ve compiled some of the most incredible motorcycle routes in the world to provide you with some inspiration for a future trip. Exploring the world by motorcycle isn’t just about seeing the sights, it’s also about the amazing people you meet along the way and experiencing some unforgettable and diverse cultures.
Some of our recommended motorcycle riding routes are well-maintained roads and some can be a bit more on the rustic side or include totally off-road sections. So, along with making sure you have the right equipment, insurance, permits and visas for your chosen trip, make sure you do your research on the route you want to take before you travel too.
Our top picks for the best motorcycle road trips globally include:
United Arab Emirates (UAE) - Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road
This road itself is under 11 km long, starting in Al Ain, but with speedy straights, sweeping curves and some challenging hairpins too, all on a perfect road surface, this is a great mini adventure if you’re in the region.
With 60 corners, awesome desert views and an ascent of 4,000 feet, this road was built in 1980 and snakes around Hafeet mountain dramatically. This route takes only around 20 minutes from the bottom to the hotel and palace at the top, but is absolutely worth repeating a few times to get the most from the experience.
India - Mumbai to Goa (via NH66)
A stunning 600 km route along the Konkan coast, the NH66 delivers incredible views of the Arabian Sea, perfect sandy beaches and many places well worth stopping at along the way. Local beach shacks offer seafood delights and the road is punctuated with coconut groves and plenty of historic churches that really highlight this area’s Portuguese legacy. Of course, when you arrive in Goa, this destination’s famous nightlife is worth experiencing to top off your trip.
Argentina - Ruta 40
Ruta 40 runs almost the entire length of Argentina, at around 4,800 km, but whether you take a portion of the route or follow it from start to finish on an extended trip, there is so much variety to see. From narrow mountain passes to Patagonian plains, this road goes from sea level to upwards of 4,000m and includes 20 national parks, 18 major rivers and 27 passes in the Andes along the way.
Springtime is the best time to travel by motorcycle in Argentina, which is November/December, to avoid the extremes of winter and summer. Even then, the flatter sections can experience some fairly strong winds. It’s worth noting that some sections of this route have around 200 miles between fuel stops, so some careful planning is needed.
Brazil - Trans-Amazonian Highway ( BR-230)
This 4,260 km route takes you from the coastal city of João Pessoa in the North East of Brazil, all the way to the border with Peru and is the third longest road in the country. The reason it’s such an interesting route is because it takes you deep into the Amazon forest, offering an experience that you just can’t get anywhere else in the world.
While many sections of the road are now paved, there are some sections where upgrading is needed, and places to stop can be scarce in places, so planning your route is essential. Avoid the rainy season (October to March) too, to get the most out of your trip.
Italy - Strada dello Stelvio Pass
This route through the Italian Alps is the highest pass in Italy, and takes you through the incredibly beautiful Stelvio National Park, a protected area that is home to spectacular wildlife, flora and fauna.
Setting off early is advised, to make the most of low traffic and all of the stopping opportunities to take in the views. At 47 km, the pass is ideal for a shorter day trip, with plenty of concentration needed to navigate the many hairpin bends.
Poland - Hundred Curves Road
Crossing the National Park of Stolowe Mountains, Hundred Curves Road is a forest route in Poland which gives you a very different experience in every season, due to the beauty of nature’s changes. At only 23 km, this road has a mainly good surface, but small sections may be in need of a little maintenance, so care should be taken.
Breathtaking views and lots of turns are the order of the day (the name of the route gives it away), making it a challenging but beautiful ride, and the best times of year to visit are spring and summer.
China - G312 Highway
For a real adventure, a section of China’s G312 highway could be a great option if remote routes are your idea of fun. Incredible scenery can be enjoyed along the route between Shanghai and Xinjiang, ending close to the border with Kazakhstan. It’s no longer the main route between these two cities, so motorcyclists can take advantage of the quieter roads to enjoy the sights.
It’s worth bearing in mind that motorcycles are not permitted in many city centres in China or on some roads, so planning ahead for fuel stops and places to stay is essential for a smoother trip.
Panama - Gulf coast cruise
Following the Emerald Coast and taking in Panama City along the way, the Gulf Coast Cruise is a 265 km route that delivers magnificent ocean views and a variety of coastal towns. Just northwest of Panama City, you can take also the scenic Highway 30A as a quick detour to view some of the best sandy white beaches around, along with the diverse architecture of this area.
The Gulf Coast Cruise takes you over several bridges and into some stunning natural areas, such as Maclay State Gardens and St Marks National Wildlife Refuge, making great pit stops during your trip.
Philippines - Marifanta (Marilaque Highway)
Connecting Metro Manila and Infanta, Quezon, this 110 km long highway has something for everyone. With lots of bends and turns to challenge riders, there are also plenty of clifftop views and interesting cultural stop-offs you can make along the way. Escaping the bustle of city life and heading for the ocean makes for a perfect day trip on two wheels.
Indonesia - Circumnavigating Bali
One of the most popular of Indonesia’s more than 17,000 islands is Bali, which also happens to be a great place to view from a motorcycle. You can see the sights on any timescale between a couple of days to several weeks, depending on how much time you want to spend experiencing this beautiful island. A great day trip could be Sanur to Candi Dasa.
As well as the stunning landscape, nature and beaches, Bali also offers excellent seafood restaurants, affordable places to stay and great snorkelling opportunities.
Getting your motorcycle road trip-ready
Wherever you’re headed, to make the most of your adventure and get the best possible performance from your motorcycle along the way, preparation is key. Some of the specific steps to take will depend on the terrain and expected weather conditions in the area you’re visiting, but we’ve also compiled some tips for prepping your motorcycle that will help in any location.
- Follow our motorcycle maintenance checklist to make sure your ride is in the best condition possible before your trip.
- Check your repair kit is fully stocked in case you face issues like tyre punctures on your trip.
- Take some extra high-performance motorcycle engine oil with you, just in case.
- Pack a small first aid kit as you won’t always have ready access to medical supplies in more remote areas.
You may find that your usual ride isn’t the best motorcycle for road trips of the kind you want to do, and prefer to hire a local motorcycle instead. Make sure that you check the hired motorcycle over and take it for a test run before committing.
Keeping your motorcycle maintained and being as prepared as possible for potential issues will help you to have the best and most enjoyable trip, wherever in the world you ride.
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