Top 10 Best Motorcycle Rides in the World

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Some roads exist purely to be ridden. These aren't commutes or errands. They're the journeys that remind you why you ride in the first place.

We've gathered ten of the world's most legendary motorcycle routes. Not the "best" in some objective ranking, because that's impossible. These are the roads that consistently appear when riders talk about the trips that changed them.

What Makes a Great Motorcycle Road? Three things matter: the riding itself (curves, elevation, surface quality), the scenery (what you see between the bends), and the experience (culture, food, places to stop). The best roads deliver all three.

Technical perfection doesn't guarantee a great ride. Stelvio Pass has 48 hairpins and stunning views, but the crowds can kill the joy. Meanwhile, Iceland's Ring Road has long straights through volcanic moonscapes that somehow feel more profound than any twisty Alpine pass.

## 1. Route 66, USA (2,448 miles)

The mother road. Chicago to Santa Monica. It's not the fastest route across America, not the most scenic, not even fully rideable on the original highway. But it's Route 66.

What remains: about 85% of the original route still exists, though much is now frontage roads alongside Interstate highways. The best preserved sections run through Illinois, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Arizona.

Best riding: April-May or September-October. Summer heat in the desert Southwest exceeds 40°C. Winter brings ice and closures.

Essential stops: Lou Mitchell's (Chicago start point), Cadillac Ranch (Amarillo), Wigwam Motel (Holbrook), Santa Monica Pier (finish).

Gear needs: Mesh jacket for desert heat, waterproofs for Midwest storms. Route is entirely tarmac. Cruiser heaven.

Reality check: Long interstate sections get boring. Towns along the route vary from charming to depressing. This is a cultural pilgrimage more than a riding challenge.

## 2. North Coast 500, Scotland (516 miles)

Scotland's answer to Route 66, launched in 2015. Starts and ends in Inverness, circling the Scottish Highlands along coastal roads.

The route: Inverness north to Thurso, west along the north coast, south down the west coast past Ullapool, then east back to Inverness. Can be ridden either direction.

Best riding: May-September. Weather is notoriously unpredictable. Expect rain regardless of season. Midge season (July-August) makes stops unpleasant.

Highlights: Bealach na Bà (626m pass with hairpins), Smoo Cave, Dunnet Head (UK mainland's most northerly point), white sand beaches that look tropical (until you touch the water).

Gear needs: Full waterproofs essential. Laminated jacket recommended. Heated grips helpful. All tarmac but narrow single-track roads with passing places.

Why ride it: Stunning Highland scenery without leaving the UK. Whisky distilleries every 50 miles. Proper Scottish hospitality. Can be done in 3-5 days.

## 3. Stelvio Pass, Italy (2,757m)

The poster child of motorcycle roads. 48 numbered hairpins on the Bormio side, 60 total turns from Prato. Every motorcycle magazine has photographed these switchbacks.

The reality: Yes, it's spectacular. No, it's not always enjoyable. Summer weekends bring coach tours, cyclists, and enough bikes to create traffic jams at hairpins. Go midweek or at dawn.

Best time: June-September (snow closes it otherwise). Early morning (6-8am) offers empty roads and crisp air.

Combine with: Timmelsjoch, Gavia Pass, Umbrail Pass. The area has dozens of legendary Alpine roads. Create a multi-day loop.

Gear needs: Alpine weather changes fast. Heated gear for high altitude mornings. Waterproofs mandatory. Good brakes (descents are steep).

Worth it? Absolutely. The sheer drama of those hairpins carved into the mountainside delivers. Just manage your expectations about traffic.

## 4. Transfăgărășan, Romania (56 miles)

Top Gear called it "the best road in the world." That's hyperbole, but it's certainly one of the most dramatic.

Built by Nicolae Ceaușescu in the 1970s as a military route, it crosses the Carpathian Mountains between Transylvania and Wallachia. The northern section features tight switchbacks climbing to 2,042m.

Open: Late June to October only (snow closes it the rest of the year). Check conditions before going.

The experience: Less touristy than Stelvio. Romanian hospitality is warm. The road surface has improved significantly in recent years but still has rough patches. Traffic is moderate except August weekends.

Combine with: Transfărășan (similar road nearby), Bucharest (interesting city), Brașov (medieval town, Dracula tourism).

Gear needs: Layers for altitude. Waterproofs. Watch for livestock on rural sections. Surface quality varies.

Hidden benefit: Romania is significantly cheaper than Western Europe. Accommodation, food, and fuel cost 30-50% less.

## 5. Great Ocean Road, Australia (151 miles)

Torquay to Allansford along Victoria's southern coast. Built by returned soldiers after WWI as a memorial to fallen comrades.

The riding: Smooth tarmac, flowing curves, ocean views. Not technically challenging, but beautiful throughout. Can be ridden in a day but deserves two or three.

Must-see: Twelve Apostles (limestone stacks off the coast), Loch Ard Gorge, Cape Otway Lighthouse, Bells Beach (surf break made famous by Point Break).

Best time: October-April (Australian summer/autumn). Weather is mild. Avoid January school holidays (crowds).

Gear needs: Australian sun is brutal. UV protection essential. Summer mesh gear. Waterproofs for sudden weather changes. All tarmac, suitable for any bike.

Extend it: Continue to Adelaide for a longer coastal ride, or head inland to the Grampians National Park.

Wildlife warning: Kangaroos at dawn and dusk. Hit one at speed and you're done. Ride defensively during low-light hours.

## 6. Mae Hong Son Loop, Thailand (370 miles)

Starts and ends in Chiang Mai, circling through mountainous northern Thailand. Known for its 1,864 curves.

The route: Chiang Mai to Pai (Valley of 762 curves), Pai to Mae Hong Son (more mountains), Mae Hong Son back via Mae Sariang and Mae Chaem. 3-4 days comfortable.

Best time: November-February (cool, dry season). March-May is scorching. June-October is monsoon (roads can wash out).

Why it's special: Genuine Southeast Asian experience. Hill tribe villages. Buddhist temples. Incredible food. Virtually no other Western tourists once you leave Pai.

Gear needs: Lightweight mesh gear (30-35°C). Good waterproofs if riding wet season. Full face helmet for dust. Rental bikes are small (150-250cc) but adequate.

Riding challenge: Technical riding. Constant curves, elevation changes, livestock, trucks on narrow roads. Requires concentration.

Budget: Stupidly cheap. Accommodation £10-20, meals £2-5, bike rental around £15/day. Total trip under £300.

## 7. Ruta 40, Argentina (3,107 miles)

Argentina's longest road, running north-south along the Andes from Cabo Virgenes (near the southern tip) to La Quiaca (Bolivian border).

The reality: Most of it is straight, windswept, remote Patagonian plateau. The scenery is stark and beautiful in a desolate way. Not technically challenging, but mentally demanding due to wind, distance, and isolation.

Best sections: Southern Patagonia (glaciers, lakes), Cuyo region (wine country around Mendoza), Northwest (high-altitude deserts and valleys).

When to ride: December-March (Southern Hemisphere summer). Southern sections can be brutally cold and windy outside this window.

Logistics: Fuel stations can be 150+ miles apart. Carry extra fuel. Accommodation is sparse in remote sections. Plan ahead.

Gear needs: Serious wind protection. Heated gear for Patagonia. Dust protection. Heavy bikes struggle with unpaved sections (about 30% remains gravel, though this is shrinking).

This is an expedition, not a weekend ride. Budget 2-3 weeks minimum for the full route.

## 8. Ring Road, Iceland (828 miles)

Route 1 circumnavigates Iceland, connecting most of the populated areas. Entirely paved now (as of 2019).

The experience: Otherworldly landscapes. Waterfalls, glaciers, volcanic fields, geothermal areas. Every 20 minutes delivers something surreal.

Open: June-August only for motorcycles (weather outside this window is too harsh). Even in summer, expect rain, wind, and temperatures around 10-15°C.

Challenges: Wind is relentless. Crosswinds can blow you across lanes. Heavy bikes struggle. Weather changes in minutes. Fuel and services are spaced out.

Highlights: Gullfoss waterfall, Geysir geothermal area, Jökulsárlón glacier lagoon, Dettifoss waterfall, Mývatn lake area, black sand beaches.

Gear needs: Best waterproofs you own. Heated gear. Multiple layers. Wind protection critical. Consider a lightweight adventure bike rather than a heavy tourer.

Costs: Iceland is expensive. Budget £100-150/day for accommodation, food, fuel. Bike rental around £150/day.

Worth it: Absolutely. Nothing else looks like Iceland. The riding is challenging but rewarding. Just respect the weather.

## 9. Garden Route, South Africa (125 miles)

Mossel Bay to Storms River along South Africa's southern coast. Often extended to include Cape Town to Port Elizabeth (480 miles total).

The riding: Smooth tarmac, ocean views, indigenous forests, mountains. Technically easy, scenically stunning.

Highlights: Knysna Heads, Tsitsikamma National Park, Bloukrans Bridge (world's highest commercial bungee jump), Plettenberg Bay beaches, whale watching (July-November).

Wildlife: Possible to combine with safari. Addo Elephant Park is nearby. Garden Route has forest elephants (rare sightings).

Best time: September-April (mild weather, whales in September-November). December-January is peak season (crowded, expensive).

Gear needs: Summer mesh or textile gear. UV protection. All tarmac, any bike works.

Safety note: South Africa has crime concerns. Don't ride after dark. Park bikes securely. Major routes are generally safe during daylight.

Culture: Excellent wine regions nearby (Stellenbosch, Franschhoek). Cape Town is world-class city. Diverse cultures and cuisines.

## 10. Pacific Coast Highway, USA (656 miles)

Highway 1 from San Francisco to San Diego, hugging California's coastline. Iconic American coastal riding.

Best sections: Big Sur (cliffside riding, redwood forests), 17-Mile Drive (Monterey Peninsula), Santa Barbara (beaches and Spanish architecture), Malibu (celebrity spotting, surf culture).

When to ride: April-October. Winter brings rain and occasional closures from landslides. Summer fog along the coast is common (burns off by midday).

The experience: Quintessential California. Beach culture, seafood, wine country nearby, consistent ocean views. Traffic can be heavy, especially weekends and summer.

Must-stops: Bixby Bridge (photo op), McWay Falls, Hearst Castle, Santa Barbara Mission, Malibu beaches.

Gear needs: Layers (coastal fog is cold, inland valleys are hot). Summer textile gear works. All excellent tarmac.

Reality check: Parts are touristy. Accommodation is expensive (£100-200/night). But it's beautiful, well-serviced, and riding with the Pacific on your right never gets old.

Planning Your Trip

All these routes require preparation beyond a weekend blast: - Visas and paperwork: Check requirements months in advance - Bike rental or shipping: Research costs and logistics early - Travel insurance: Confirm it covers motorcycling - Gear: Pack for worst-case weather - Fitness: Long days in the saddle are physically demanding - Budget: Costs add up (fuel, accommodation, food, entry fees)

The Gear That Matters

For any of these trips: - Laminated waterproof jacket and trousers (not just membrane) - Two pairs of gloves (summer and winter) - Gore-Tex boots - Thermal base layers - Heated gear for cold-weather routes - Quality earplugs (wind noise over hours causes fatigue) - Tank bag or tail pack for essentials

Not sure what you need? Our quiz helps identify touring gear based on your route and conditions.

Choose Your Own Adventure

None of these routes is objectively "best." Route 66 offers cultural immersion. Stelvio delivers technical challenge. Iceland provides otherworldly landscapes. Thailand combines riding with genuine adventure.

Pick based on what matters to you: riding challenge, scenery, culture, budget, or simply what fires your imagination. The best motorcycle trip is the one you actually take.

The roads are out there. The only question is which one you'll ride first.

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