Motorcycle Tours Europe – How to Get the Best Experience

If you're a motorcycle enthusiast who lives for tours, you know the view is like no other. You can't get the same exhilarating thrill in a car the way you can take in the scenery in one.

One of the most significant parts is being able to go on trails that might be otherwise inaccessible. But where to start in Europe? Whether going on a solo motorcycle trip or with a group of friends, here are some of the best European tours for a great time.

6 Famous Motorcycle Trails

1.The North Coast 500, Scotland

One of the most famous modern motorcycle trails, the North Coast 500, was officially named and started marketing in 2015. It's become immensely popular over the years, owing to the rugged coastline and wide array of scenic vistas.

Although you'll see a bit of traffic, it isn't bad enough to take away from experience and is still a comfortable trail.

Starting from Inverness, it can be covered in either direction but going clockwise is advised. That's because you'll start with the more challenging west coast while you're full of energy and end with the straightforward east coast.

Considering its popularity, it's also advisable to book your accommodations early. While experienced riders can finish it within a day, you can stretch it out to two or three days to fully take in the sights.

2.The Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

Stretching to around 1550 miles, this route is aptly named for the majestic scenes along Ireland's west coast. It's another tourism trail that opened in 2014 and has several attractions that make it a long journey.

You can either follow the main route lined with Wild Atlantic Way signs or swerve along one of the several detours along the way.

While the weather is generally agreeable, you should pack waterproofs. Since it's a longer route, you'll also need a puncture-repair kit.

Finally, allocate at least four days for the trip to account for any detours. If you go slowly, then around six days for a one-way trip and 12 for a round trip are best. The best months to do a tour or visit are from May to October.

3.Route Napoleon, France

This route is steeped in history because of France's most famous emperor: Napoleon Bonaparte. His arrival from exile at Golfe-Juan marked the beginning of the Hundred Days, and today it's the starting point for motorcyclists looking to follow it.

Rather than the adventurous sort, the Napoleon Route is characterised by smooth tarmac suitable for a comfortable ride through picturesque villages at the foothills of the Alps.

The area between Gap and Digne-Les-Bains can be underwhelming, so many motorcyclists end up on the D900.

What's unique about this route is that it's well-connected with others, including the Route Des Grandes Alpes and Gorges du Verdon, so if you want to set out on a more extended tour, you can include them too.

Remember to get a Crit'Air sticker to enter Grenoble. The best months for this route are April to July, September, or October since the area can be busy otherwise. Stretching over 200 miles, you can complete it in a day.

4.Black Forest High Road, Germany

Another route that cuts through a mountain range, but one road that attracts motorcyclists worldwide is the B500.

It starts in Baden Baden in the northern end of the range and runs till Waldshut in the south. The north road runs till Freudenstadt is part of the Black Forest High Road.

Since this is another road incredibly popular with tourists, the B500 has a 70kph limit in most areas, though that doesn't take away from the viewing pleasure.

The best timeframe for visiting is from late April to October. As mentioned, its popularity means it's bustling on weekends during the summer, so it's best to go on your tour on a weekday.

Finally, the road stretches for around 140 miles, so you'll only need a day to take in the sights on your motorcycle.

5.Strata Della Forra, Italian Lakes

For a slightly more thrilling road, the Strata Della Forra is built into cliffs by the west of Lake Garda. It's a gorge road that runs through a ravine formed by the Brasa River in Northern Italy.

It can get quite steep sometimes, and the tunnels are generally very low. The road is paved, but nothing larger than a 4x4 can pass. Perhaps owing to its relative danger, it doesn't attract as many motorcyclists as other Italian routes.

However, you don't need to worry because it has a functioning traffic light system, though it's better if you're a skilled driver before undertaking this route. It's around 5.65 miles long.

6.Trollstigen, Norway

This mountain road's name means troll's ladder in Norwegian, which gives a pretty good idea of what it's like. With a steep incline and hairpin bends, it's built up a cliff and is popular with motorcyclists.

It's also a two-way road, and many vehicles pass the narrow road. It has a lot of sharp bends, and there's another sort of thrill looking down the cliff.

One of the main attractions along the way is the viewing balconies on the 700m plateau, which also overlooks the Stigfossen waterfall.

It's closed during the winter, so you can usually visit from mid-May to October. The road is around 124 miles long, so the trip can be made in a day.

Should I Go For a Guided or Self-Guided Tour

When going on a tour, you can either choose to go with a group arranged by a company or buy a self-guided one. Both have advantages, but a self-guided tour lets you move at your own pace without having to keep up or slow down for others.

A self-guided tour means you can buy a pre-planned tour from an expert or have an itinerary made by a company.

It all comes down to your temperament: if you're someone who enjoys company, then a guided tour is a good idea. If you're with a tour guide, then you won't have to risk missing out on anything.

They'll already know the best spots, restaurants, and anything not usually mentioned during your research. And if it comes with a support vehicle, you won't have to worry about extra luggage on your bike either.

Can I Transport My Motorcycle For the Tour?

Every country has a system for temporarily importing vehicles, usually for tourists.

The general procedure is similar: you'll be shipping your motorcycle, so you'll need the help of a shipping company like A1 Auto Transport to help you handle the necessary paperwork.

They'll ensure it's up to the country's standards and check any exemptions that may apply due to the temporary change. Next, you'll need to check the duration, which differs according to country.

For example, if you want to take your motorcycle to Italy, you may import it with non-Italian plates for six months, after which it needs to be exported. You won't have to pay Customs fees either.

Similarly, you won't pay VAT or duty if you bring your motorcycle to Scotland, provided it's only for six months. You'll need to fill in the C110 form and follow the 'nothing to declare channel.

In Ireland's case, you can temporarily import your vehicle for 12 months, though you'll need to keep the relevant documents on hand at all times.

France and Germany also temporarily allow you to keep your motorcycle for six months.

Although you can hire a motorcycle from rental companies present along all the mentioned routes, it's more comfortable if you have your own. So ensure you follow the necessary procedure as quickly as possible to avoid delays.