On & Beyond Your Motorcycle

While it’s true that just about any motorcycle can be taken out of the city and into the wide open road, touring bikes do have their perks. They make long road trips much more comfortable and safe, whilst your street bike might leave your muscles cramped and your whole body burned-out. 

As the range of motorbike touring options grows around the world, more and more classic roadsters are appearing on the roads of major cities worldwide.

Riding a motorbike can be one of life’s greatest joys, and traveling with it is even more so. The world is big, so there’s really no excuse to not get on your bike and go exploring.

Motorcycles are convenient, fuel-efficient, and, above all, just plain loads of fun to ride. They are also a great way to tour new locations – putting you at almost ground level, lending a sense of freedom everywhere you go. However, there are many risks involved, which could be part of the attraction for some, but accidents are a big concern for many.

The mundane lifestyle of the bustling towns and cities has compelled most of us to escape this chaos by rushing to the nearest peaceful hill station. And what better way than doing it on two wheels? While some riders form pairs or even a big tour to cover their expeditions, many bikers also like to ride solo for the sheer peace of mind.

Motorcycles have been my ally since I was a 14-year-old kid. I remember the summer of 2010 when just out of sheer curiosity, I asked a milkman to teach me how to ride a motorcycle. I would sneak out with my father’s Suzuki 2 stroke Max 100 bike and go to the milkman’s dairy where he used to teach me how to ride it.

If you think about it critically, the first individual to add a motor to a bicycle must have seemed foolish at the time. With such humble beginnings, no one ever anticipated that motorcycles would turn out to be the monstrous machines that dominate our motorways.

Being a rider, I enthusiastically explored many roads around the world. I won’t deny that it was an amazing experience altogether! However, the place which definitely needs a special mention is none other but the UK. 

A motorbike road trip is an exciting experience. Being alone with your thoughts on an adventurous trip can be very interesting and should be done at least once in a lifetime. That said, if you are setting out on a long-distance ride on your motorbike, learning about a few helpful tips from people who do this regularly will probably make your rides better.

Hopping on a motorcycle in a foreign land is a freeing experience. Who can forget the precedent set by Ewan McGregor and Charley Boorman in their Long Way Down and around the globe? 

Purpose-built Adventure (ADV) motorcycles are becoming increasingly popular for touring and sport-touring. ADV bikes sport many features ideal for racking up miles on any terrain - large wheels, long travel suspension, upright seating and good fuel range to name a few.

​We all know and love Supermotos, but how did it all begin? What does the word Supermoto actually mean? To find out, we need to travel way back in time… to the 1960s.

Everyone knows that the best way to explore a country is by road, and with Southeast Asia’s narrow mountain trails and muddy paths, the only way to do it is on a motorcycle.

Unlike drivers of cars, trucks, and SUVs who are protected from their surroundings by a metal vehicle cabin, motorcycle riders are left exposed. On a bike, safety should always come first, and the most important safety resource is common sense.

Ever since I was a child I always wanted to just take off and ride my motorcycle around the country. Easy rides style. But as life has a tendency to do, work and being a Mom put that dream on hold.

It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking your children must be older to enjoy the fun of motorcycle touring. While this is true, to a degree, many options are available to help build their interest and confidence.

When it comes to the motorcycle packing, it is quite important to pack everything essential for the trip. Especially if you are going to start your very first road trip. Now, since most of the people actually forget something at home, I am here to remind you of everything you might need to pack in order to have a beautiful road trip.

“Hey, Johnny, What’re you rebelling against?”

“Whaddya got?” (The Wild One, 1953)

The motorcycle is much more than a means of transportation; it is a symbol of freedom, a life that breaks through the norms. To put it briefly, the motorcycle culture implies being one with the bike and living by the road’s unwritten rules. In reality, very few of us can have such a life. But every once in a while, we can all ride those two wheels like there’s no tomorrow.

As a rider new to the sport, purchasing dirt bike gear can not only be confusing but also costly to your wallet and health if you were to make the wrong decision. We are here today to let you know the top 5 mistakes that beginner riders make so you can get a head start towards riding comfortably, and safely.

Whether you are riding on a motorcycle or simply enduring the backcountry on your own, there are a couple of essential things that you need to keep in mind. This will not only make the experience much more joyful but also means that you will be prepared for anything that life or the unpredictability of nature may throw at you.

From Norway to Germany, down to Italy, and all the way to incredible Romania, one thing is for sure - Europe has an abundance of scenic roads! There’s nothing more enchanting than enjoying the great, open roads, while soaking up plenty of fresh air and majestic scenery. 

Looking forward to a very exciting year ahead? There are some amazing motorbikes slated for a launch in the US this year. And among these upcoming models, there are some dirt bikes as well, lurking behind those big sporty hunks.

They say everything looks better from inside a motorcycle helmet. Road trips make no exception. With unpredictable conditions and danger lurking behind every turn, there are a few iconic drives in the world that are simply brutal and nerve-wracking. In their case, extreme is an understatement. And it is precisely the challenge of beating the odds that makes them so appealing to some.

Road trips are a lot of fun, especially two-wheeled journeys, as they give us the chance to explore exciting new places at our own pace, give us a break from our mundane modern-day lifestyle, and they are by far the best way to enjoy the wind, the sun, the weather, and the picturesque locations along the way. 

Off-road motorcycle riding comes with a lot of challenges, but also plenty of adventure and fun to be had along the way. It is also very different from conventional riding, as there are no boundaries, no speed restrictions, no rules to be followed, no cops, and no pavements at all.         

The capital of Australia is located is located less than a four-hour drive south of the gem of New South Wales, Sydney. While the route from Sydney to Canberra is typically not that exciting if you’re following the M31 straight to your destination, there are numerous ways you can make your motorcycle trip more thrilling and enjoyable.

There are a number of reasons behind motorcycle accidents, such as drug or alcohol use, overspeeding, lack of experience, slippery roads and unfriendly traffic participants. There are many situations where you can certainly avoid these situations by being a little careful and driving safely. 

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

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! 

According to the National Motorcycle Institute, driving a motorbike is 27 times riskier than driving a car. Motorbikes are considerably smaller than other vehicles, which is precisely why it is essential that everybody on the road take a few precautions to share the road safely. 

Those of us bitten by the travel bug can’t wait to get out of the office and into the wild. Pitching our tent, cooking over the campfire, sleeping under the stars is the ultimate escape.

You love going on adventures. You’re the type of person who never gets tired to travel just to see new sights, explore unique cultures and meet different people. Currently, you’re proud to say that you’ve been to almost all countries around the globe. However, the idea of traveling via boat, plane or car doesn’t excite you anymore. You’ve already tried all of these in the past, and now it’s time for something more exciting!

Nothing beats taking your bike on the open road. Of course, certain destinations are more exciting than others, and this is certainly the case with the routes mentioned below. If you plan on adding some exciting motorcycle routes to your bucket list in the nearby future, one of these should certainly be on your shortlist.

Nothing awakens a sense of freedom like a road trip on two wheels. The wind on your skin, the scenic views, and all that adrenaline! What a way to clear your mind! Nothing ahead or behind you, just miles and miles of grey asphalt. 

No matter whether you own a small hatchback, high-end premium sedan or a big SUV, motorcycles and scooters will always be your favorite for the ease of riding, convenience and fuel economy as well. It is a well-known fact that the smaller the engine the more economical is your daily ride. This is one of the major reasons behind the popularity of scooters and motorcycles around the globe.

With almost as many mountain ranges as towns, all charming and unique, Andalusia is motorcycle rider's heaven. You could spend weeks, months, even years on your motorcycle riding through Andalusia and still never be bored!

What comes to mind when you think of Southeast Asia? Lush countryside, friendly people and delicious food; the area is truly a paradise for all things sensory. The Pacific region, on the other hand, often brings to mind lazy sunny days spent on the beach with friends.

With a bag full of luck, excitement and vigor, bikers love to balance life on two wheels. But being a biker is not that easy. A lot of strength, stamina, flexibility, and enthusiasm is required in order to cope with the long hours spent in the saddle. 

Riding a motorcycle can be dangerous, and this is especially true if you don't have the necessary skills, experience, and guidance. Fortunately, there are plenty of resources available that can ensure a safe and pleasant road trip.

Cape York is one the world’s greatest adventure travel destinations. For riders, getting there is the ultimate challenge, the adventure of a lifetime! 

Attending the iconic Birdville Races is almost a rite of passage for any dinkum Aussie, but getting there by motorcycle has to be the ultimate outback experience. Most famously, race-goers travel by four-wheel-drive or fly into the tiny town of 295 residents for the famous outback horse race event every September, but there’s a better way to do it!

You can’t help but get excited by the thought of a road trip. Often times, it really is a case of the journey being more important than the destination. Driving is fun, but cruising down some of the best roads in the UK on your motorbike can be even more fun.

I never thought that one day I would take part in a honeymoon motorcycle adventure that’s… not mine! But when it comes to organizing tours through paradise-like places with stops at romantic hotels, I am thrilled to spend those special days together with those who just got married.

New Zealand is a rider’s paradise! There are two main islands offering a selection of mountains, zigzagging coastlines, rolling farmland, canyons, tight twisters, thick native bush, and easy riding, while the weather ranges from sub-tropical to temperate and even some snow in the high country. All of these, combined with the amazingly hospitable people and an intriguing mix of native and immigrant cultures, make this a fantastic destination for serious riders.

For ages, motorcycling has been a way of exploring new places with total freedom for people all around the world. Another major reason behind the popularity of motorcycles is that, when compared to cars, they are cost efficient and award more independence to bikers while riding as well. 

Ah, beautiful Italy! When we think of Italy, we don’t particularly associate it with motorcycle rides. Sure, you will find a lot of scooters in most cities, but motorcycle riders on the highways aren’t a norm. Or are they?

Since the 1960’s, the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally has been one of the most talked about bike rallies in the Northern hemisphere. While it would certainly be great to take a motorcycle tour in Spain or the UK, Sturgis was a rally that, for many years, I longed to check out in person and this summer, I finally had my chance!

Thailand isn’t called ‘The Land of Smiles’ for nothing. The exotic country, with its rich culture, stunning landscape and colorful street markets, will undoubtedly bring a smile to your face. And that’s not all! You will encounter friendly locals who are happy with the very little they have, a valuable life lesson we can all learn from.

We’ve all seen Vietnam’s compelling rice terraces, coffee plantations, water buffaloes, pagodas, scenic coastlines and beyond-stunning countryside scenery in countless war movies. Yet nothing can prepare you for the exotic beauty and unique cultural heritage the country actually exhibits.

You have the motorcycle, the gear and the time off work, all you need now is the route. The right route can make or break a road trip so we have some great suggestions for routes in the UK. We might not have the length and history of Route 66 here in the UK but we do have some great routes with some amazing sights that will make your trip well worth it. 

Would you like to share your passion for motorcycling, road trips and the wide open road with our community? Warm up those fingers, start typing and make your voice heard on our blog, On & Beyond Your Motorcycle!

The roaring engine, the cool wind, the open road and the endless possibilities ahead, this is what bikers live for. On long road trips, all these inviting elements can become your worst enemies if you’re not well prepared.