9 World’s Best Cities For Motorcycles: Discover The Ideal Conditions And Roads For The Ultimate Adventure

Something about hitting the open road on a two-wheeler exists that camper van dwellers just never get to experience. Whether it be the stripping of accessories and personal effects to bare minimums or facing the elements head-on, motorcycle travel is the stuff adventure is made of. But not everyone was built to be a keen road user like we bikers, always on the lookout, for that Driver-Tik-Toker who could easily put a stop to the fun. And so, we ask Google — What are the best cities for motorcycles?

• Bali, Indonesia
• Cadiz, Spain
• Marrakech Morocco
• Dalat, Vietnam
• Mendoza, Argentina
• Chiang Mai Golden Triangle, Thailand
• Nice, France
• Islamabad, Pakistan
• Reykjavík, Iceland

The above are the top cities in the world in terms of motorcycle travel friendliness. We are talking about natural and fabricated conditions that influence your travel on two wheels. From ease of motorcycle importation to low insurance fees, low crime, and lenient traffic regulations to rideable weather and terrain; these cities are the most enjoyable to ride the world over.

What We Look at When Picking Our Best Cities for Motorcycling

Illustration showing a world’s map with various cities marked and labeled, including major metropolitan areas such as Buenos Aires, Chongqing, Mexico City, Toronto, and Johannesburg. Large cities are not always the safest parts of any country to ride motorcycles. Higher traffic density, murderous autonomous cars, and potentially distracted drivers to count but a few perils. In addition, in cities where lane filtering is impermissible, intersections, traffic stops, and speed bumps make motorcyclists into sitting ducks waiting to be rear-ended.

The city riding problem compounds when you take into consideration the increased pedestrian traffic, road obstructions, ambulances, fire engines, and erratic behavior of other motorists. Here is how to vet your next destination and prepare adequately for the situation on the ground:

Frequency of Motorcycles Accidents on City Roads

A Yamaha YZF-R3 SuperSport Motorcycle lies strewn across an urban road in Daytona Beach, Florida, a bike crash blackspot state where a shocking 42 percent of road casualties are motorcycle riders. Crashes disproportionately affect motorcyclists, and so, car drivers shrug their shoulders and move on with their lives as “another one bites the dust.” Always preload your levers and be ready for a SMIDSY maneuver to avoid a crash.

Fender benders involving two-wheelers are not at all uncommon in any city, but there are specialized studies that reveal the nature and frequency of such accidents. Going by the numbers, the following is a summary table showing the most dangerous cities to ride a motorcycle. Unfortunately, it’s in body count:

Table 1: Dangerous Countries for Motorcyclists, By Number of Registered Motorcycles, Motorcycles Make Up of All Traffic, and Motorcycle Road Fatalities, 2021

Countries (Worst)	Most Populous City	Number of Registered Motorcycles	Motorcycles Make Up of All Traffic (%)	Motorcycle Road Fatalities (%)
Thailand	Bangkok	23,747,384	86	74.0
Indonesia	Jakarta	16,155,961	82	73.6
Cambodia	Phnom Penh	5,326,485	67	73.5
Republic of Togo	Lomé	871,190	56	71.6
Myanmar	Yangon	5,391,505	84	64.8
Benin	Cotonou	195,157	40	56.5
Colombia	Bogotá	7,512,036	55	52.5
Paraguay	Asunción	567,388	30	52.2
Sri Lanka	Colombo	4,815,617	71	50.8

Source: WHO’s Global Status Report on Road Safety

According to Dr. Nhan Tran, Head of Safety and Mobility at WHO, motorcycles dominate the traffic in middle to low-income countries. And it’s no coincidence that nine out 10 fatal crashes happen there. For instance, only about 20.5% of road crash fatalities in the U.S. are motorcyclists or pillion riders whereas in Thailand, and mostly in large cities, that ratio quadruples.

Please note that the statistics presented here could be skewed due to the difference in the number of accidents in each country i.e., in a nation where fewer accidents happen, one additional death changes the ratio more significantly.

However, it’s no coincidence that a majority of the counties on this infamous list are on the Asian continent and middle to low-income economies. Firstly, small powered bikes choke the traffic in most Asian cities, and due to sheer numbers, it’s expected that the most deaths will be reported here. No, it has nothing with the entrenched Asian reckless driving stereotype.

Incidentally, most of these countries also experience above-average temperatures, which could impair driver judgment. Motorcycles are hardly visible under comfortable weather, and they can as well become invisible to other motorists in hot and humid cities.

But let’s not kid ourselves, hot weather calls for a bike ride, but alcohol and gasoline don’t mix as well. A leading cause of these deaths is drivers and riders hitting the bottle.

Table 2: Worst Cities for DUI Based on the Percentage of Accidents Involving Drunk Driving in 2021

Countries (Rank)	Cities With the Highest Accident Prevalence in the Country	Average Annual Road Accidents Involving Alcohol (%)
South Africa	Pretoria, Bloemfontein, and Cape Town	58
Canada	Toronto, Montréal, and Vancouver	34
United States	New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago	31
Australia	Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane	30
France	Paris, Marseille, and Lyon	29
Italy	Rome, Milan, and Naples	25
United Kingdom	London, Manchester, and Birmingham	16
South Korea	Seoul, Busan, and Incheon	14
Germany	Berlin, Hamburg and München (Munich)	9
Russia	Moscow, Saint Petersburg, and Novosibirsk	9
India	Greater Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata	5
China	Shanghai, Beijing, and Tianjin	4

Source: WHO’s Global Status Report on Road Safety

DUI is an offense the world over, with varying permissible BAC levels and penalties ranging from a booking to the jail term. The UN European Commission estimates that nearly 25% of all road deaths in the sphere result from alcohol-related accidents. This number is very deviant from the world statistics, where about one-quarter of the estimated 1.2 million road fatalities are involved in drunk driving.

South Africa takes home the cup for the most drunk drivers per capita. This could stem from the country’s deep-rooted drinking culture. The country has some of the heaviest drinkers, creating a myriad of problems among them road carnage. In fact, more than 60% of all road accident victims can be attributed to driving under the influence of alcohol.

What is interesting is the next two countries with some of the most shocking statistics for developed nations. There is not much difference between the 34% in Canada and its southern neighbor the U.S. at 31%. These numbers could be due to higher highway speeds and scanty numbers of motorcycle riders compared to other motorists on the asphalt. It turns out drunk driving is quite rampant in these two nations despite the strict regulations and enforcement.

Across the pond, the Germans and Russians seem to have superior drink IQ, posting only 9%. Perhaps fortified with healthier drinking habits and stricter regulations. France and Italy are not doing so well with motorcycle-related deaths above the global average.

Before we talk about India and China, let’s cycle back to Australia, which is a country in its own continent. And in a country where motorcycles constitute only about 5.7% of all registered vehicles, they cause a staggering 19% percent of road fatalities. Alcohol-related deaths in Australian city streets is right up there with the U.S. and Canada, first-world problems and all.

Now, for the case of India and China, it’s pretty calm despite the sheer numbers of two-wheelers on their city streets. China and India rank fifth and sixth respectively in terms of the number of registered motorcycles on their roads behind Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

My Top Recommended Travel Destinations

The motorcycle travel destinations I recommend offer a perfect balance of unforgettable adventures and safety, ensuring the utmost value for your precious riding time. They are places I've intimately familiarized myself with during my 50+ years of motorcycling experience, where I've led and consulted for reputable companies in over 25 countries. These exceptional destinations have earned my commendations, having personally experienced their unmatched allure and dependability during numerous thrilling journeys.

Relaxed Helmet Laws

I’m sitting on my black and white themed KTM 990 Super Duke wearing matching colors for the AGVSPORT’S Monza Race Suit and AGV K6 helmet. In the background, the Black Hills, South Dakota, the fabled site of the Sturgis Rally. You’ll pass through well-known sites, like Mount Rushmore, along the route, where you’ll undoubtedly run into scores of other riders with similar interests. This is the Mecca of American motorcycle riding, quite literally. The Black Hills road is a 53-mile stretch of both undulating and beautiful terrain. To avoid traffic, try to bike here during the week or simply leave early in the morning. And don’t forget to don a  lightweight full-face motorcycle helmet. 

Countries and cities have different laws and by-laws governing the use of their roads, parking spaces, and so on. Good cities have sensible laws, such as helmet and blinkers enforcement, but they’re not overly strict on motorcycles. They guide riders around town, choosing safe and picturesque stops rather than ban everything that is fun for riders.

While most national laws have a certain unanimity, it’s each city-state’s bylaws and general attitude towards motorcyclists that you should familiarize yourself with before visiting to avoid a run-in with the system.

The EU mandates use of helmets throughout their sphere of influence. No matter which European country you ride, you risk a confrontation with the law for not wearing a helmet. Similarly, unlike in the U.S. where helmet laws are heterogeneous throughout the states, you have to wear a lid in all Canadian provinces. In contrast, far-flung areas, like Indonesia or say Thailand, have either way too many riders or too few officers to enforce such laws.

Though unsafe, riding without a helmet for a few kilometers can be life-changing. Sometimes I tuck my helmet safely over the gas cap and ride a few miles without it. Not because I am reckless, but because bending some rules is worthwhile if it makes you live a little.

I found that it is easier and less risky to manage a helmet-less ride on open dirt roads as well as small back roads within the 30 to 40-mph speed limit. This mitigates the risk of losing control in the event a bug flies into your face. If you are like me, tearing up is worth the tradeoff for the relief of not having a heavy yoke on my head.

One surprising advantage of going without a helmet or half helmet is how well you are able to see sideways and back. There are no blind spots anymore as all you have to do is glance and merge. If you have hair, the feeling of wind rushing through your tresses is out of this world.

Be careful though! Riding without a helmet is addictive and can be perilous at highway speeds.

Number of Rainy Days Per Year

Take a perfect day of riding and add an afternoon of rain, and you have a motorcyclist’s worst nightmare. Rainy weather adversely affects our vision, traction, and composure, leading to considerably higher risk of a crash.

Table 3: Cities with the Highest Rainfall in the World, By Annual Rainy Days, Annual Rainfall, and Annual Average Temperature, 2022

Cities (Wettest)	Rainy Days Per Year	Average Annual Rainfall (Inches)	Average Annual Temperature (°F)
Buenaventura, Colombia	337	270	77
San Antonio De Ureca, Equatorial Guinea	281	418	81
San Vito, Costa Rica	253	194	84
Timika, Indonesia	244	189	63
Bergen, Norway	239	98	79
Doula, Cameroon	212	171	91
Niefang, Equatorial Guinea	163	450	88
Quito, Ecuador	126	43.3	70

Source: World Meteorological Organization (WMO) State of the Global Climate Report 2021

It’s all fun and revs on your solo adventure until you run into a tropical storm in the middle of nowhere. You can’t head back because you have done too many river crossings, or you simply don’t have gas to go back to where you started. Encountering rain and fog in cities can be even more of a bother, and drivers simply go insane when it rains.

It is safe to say that South America has some of the wettest cities to visit. Take for instance Quito, which has on average 126 days of rain per year but is still classified as one of the wettest cities in the world. How fast rain clouds form here will surprise you. You will be doing yourself a great favor if you avoid Quito between the months of October through to May when most of these rainy days occur. The reason motorcycle travelers still explore Quito is the freshness and awe-inspiring scenery. It’s worth every droplet.

While a little rain or even much of it will not harm your motorcycle in any way, you may tend to clench and apply unintelligible commands, causing a crash. Low visibility and reduced tire traction compound the issues, making riding in the rain kind of fun, but dangerous too, especially in cities.

Let’s dwell on it for a minute:

• Low Visibility

Even under excellent weather and road conditions, car drivers and other road users have a hard time making out motorcycles and judging their speed. This happens because of a two-pronged problem; motorcycles take up less space, and people are generally unfamiliar with the acceleration-deceleration capabilities of motorcycles. With fog and rain and a black motorcycle, you might as well be wearing an invisibility cloak. Auxiliary lights and a lot of reflective strips throughout your bike and gear will make you slightly more conspicuous.

• Slippery Roads

I’m at it again on the BMW S 1000 RR doing his thing around a curve just next to the yellow line on the smooth Cherohala Skyway. If you are up for some pristine solitude, try the Cherohala Skyway route for some twisties and pristine mountain scenery. But there are no service points along the Smoky Mountains route. You will need to prepare adequately for the weather and bring as much fuel as you need for your torque generator to last you the 32 miles of pure niceness. And remember, at highway speeds, traction is everything. Takeoff, handling, braking, and getting to your destination safely. Painted parts of the road are ice-slick when wet and will not give you the friction you need.

On rainy days, regardless of your choice of tires, you lose half your traction. That is, you are twice likely to skid and lose control of your vehicle. This applies to all vehicles with rubber tires on asphalt as the coefficient of friction is reduced by half under wet conditions. The riskiest time is the beginning of rain because motorists are yet to adjust, and rainwater mixes with all the grime on the road surface.

Engine braking, early braking, and being really smooth on the throttle reduce the chances of having to dump your bike. The safest approach is to get the best motorcycle for rain or avoid riding in the rain where possible. Find the nearest shelter and wait out the storm.

Traffic Jams

Traffic snarl-ups are another concern for city riders. Lane filtering is not always permissible and can be dangerous, too. Overcrowded or poorly planned cities and even some decent places, like Istanbul, Kyiv, and even Moscow, face a daunting traffic congestion problem. In places, such as Bangkok in “The Land of 100 Million Scooters” or Mumbai in India, traffic lights don’t mean much — it’s total chaos.

Table 4: Worst Traffic Cities for Motorcyclists Based on Time Lost Per Year and Congestion Levels in 2021, 2020, & 2019

Cities (Rank)	Time Lost Per Year (Hours)	Congestion Level 2021 (%)	Congestion Level 2020 (%)	Congestion Level 2019 (%)
Istanbul, Turkey	143	62	51	55
Moscow Region (Oblast), Russia	140	61	54	59
Kyiv, Ukraine	128	56	51	53
Bogota, Colombia	126	55	53	68
Mumbai, India	121	53	53	65
Odessa, Ukraine	117	51	44	47
Saint Petersburg, Russia	115	50	44	49
Bucharest, Romania	115	50	42	52
Novosibirsk, Russia	110	48	45	45
Bengaluru, India	110	48	51	71

Source: WHO’s Global Status Report on Road Safety

What do we mean by congestion level? These are percentages showing how much longer your taxi ride from the airport to the Hilton will take during a snarl-up compared to benchmark time during free flow of traffic. Essentially, a 30-minute drive will now take 45 minutes if congestion is up at 50%.

Interestingly, Bogota — the third highest capital in South America after Quito and La Paz — is the only city in the western hemisphere to feature on this list. Russia. And her estranged neighbors, Ukraine and Romania, on the other hand, seem to have the slowest traffic. India has traditionally had some of the worst traffic jams and chaotic city roads due to the sheer volume of traffic and social-cultural setup.

On the opposite end, world cities like Abu Dhabi, Almere, Bloemfontein, Cadiz, Coimbra, and Kitchener-Waterloo have the least traffic jams – enjoyable to ride through on a motorcycle.

Gas Prices

A rider reaches for or restores the hose at a gas station while still seated on the bike along the Pacific Coast Highway, a breathtaking coastal route that winds along the Pacific Ocean for more than 470 miles between Los Angeles and San Francisco, offering spectacular scenery of towering cliffs and jagged mountains falling into the surf. The road goes by many names as it was built piecemeal and cuts across several jurisdictions. The Southern California PCH called State Route 1 (SR 1) is unmatched due to its abundance of sweeping meanders and generous switchbacks, breathtaking viewpoint locations, restaurants, lodging options, and biker-friendly fuel stops. In case you have to refuel, alight from the bike to avoid dousing yourself with gas and to make a run for it in case you need to.

Traveling by motorcycle is all about enjoyment, freedom, and adventure. It is a fantastic way to explore the globe to travel at your own leisure and along your own itinerary. However, riding may be expensive, especially if pump prices are high or gas has to come by on your chosen route.

Picking a destination with cheap petrol may be important when deciding where to go because it affects the cost of the trip. Cheaper clean gasoline is hard to come by but, nonetheless, a pull factor for long-distance motorcycle travelers.

Seasoned globe trotters will tell you that the cost of gas can pile up to significant amounts, so it’s best to plan your route with gas availability and pricing in mind. Some cities will give more mileage to the dollar while others rob you blind at the pump — take a look:

Table 5: European Cities with the Cheapest Gas vs. European Cities with Most Expensive Gas in USD Per Liter in January 2023

Cities With the Cheapest Gas	Price Per Liter ($)	Cities With the Most Expensive Gas	Price Per Liter ($)
Minsk, Belarus	0.68	Amsterdam, Netherlands	1.89
Chișinău, Moldova	0.93	London, UK	1.85
Kyiv, Ukraine	0.96	Helsinki, Finland	1.75
Sofia, Bulgaria	1.10	Copenhagen, Denmark	1.74
Skopje, North Macedonia	1.15	Reykjavík, Iceland	1.72
Sarajevo, Bosnia, and Herzegovina	1.17	Oslo, Norway	1.71
Tirana, Albania	1.22	Athens, Greece	1.71
Bucharest, Romania	1.22	Lisbon, Portugal	1.71
Andorra la Vella, Andorra	1.27	Rome, Italy	1.70
Warsaw, Poland	1.27	Stockholm, Sweden	1.66

Source: Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)

While there are many factors that affect pump prices, countries that are major producers and exporters of oil charge their citizens less for a refill. Prices are also stacked with levies and taxes, which can vary from country to country. You will also find that countries with high GDP have higher prices since the citizens can generally afford it. Competition and government subsidies also play a role in the availability and cost of fuel.

Let’s leave out trans-continental countries even though they have some of the lowest gas prices. Minsk, Belarus, is the cheapest city to ride with a liter of gasoline going for less than a dollar ($0.70). Ukrainians and Moldovans also enjoy the same privilege of sub-dollar fuel prices per liter.

Perhaps a cheapskate like me can dream of a possible trip from Mavrovo to Sofia via Skopje, North Macedonia just to brag about the hyper mileage per dollar spent on fuel. A thousand miles back west in Amsterdam, you will be parting with nearly twice as much for the same amount of fuel.

Looking at the list of the top ten most expensive cities to refuel in, you will notice that many of these are in rich European economies. Stockholm, Sweden, just about makes it to the list with a modest $1.7 per liter.

Other Factors That Could Inform Your Choice of the Best Motorcycling City Include:

• Attitude Toward Bikers: As mentioned earlier, some cities are welcoming to bikers while others are overly strict, and motorcyclists feel unwelcome. You want to know if the police are biased against two-wheeling travelers. Check out reviews and biker sentiments online of places where rides were welcome and how war residents took to riders.
• Vehicle Importation and Insurance Fees: You will have to pay some sort of levy and insurance to legally cross into most countries on your planned route. Also important for city riding is the availability and cost of renting parking spaces.
• Risk of Motorcycle Theft: There is always that chance you will park your bike for one last time outside of a shopping mall and never see it again, but it is not the same in all cities. You can take measures like avoiding notorious crime hotspots and acquiring security systems – mostly just deterrence.
• Scenery: You hardly ever must leave the beaten path to find picturesque architecture and nature. Simply find a city that has what you desire to see the most and lock your GPS on it.
• Highway Standards: Cities are not built equal. There are newer modern cities with complex road networks in world-class condition, and there are ancient cities with cobblestone-lined streets. You choose your own poison.
• Motorcycle-Friendly Amenities: Rider-friendly cities have designated motorcycle parking with helmet lockers, charging ports for electric motorcycles, and air pumps.

Ultimately, your choice of the best city for motorcycling will depend on your preferences and your riding style.

Unveiling the Top World Cities for Motorcycle Travel: An Inside Look at Our Methodology

My approach to choosing the best cities for motorcycles starts with considering only places with lenient helmet law enforcement, where you will less likely be stopped for minor traffic infractions. The best days riding are better spent on the open road and not in a courtroom somewhere. From there, I avoided places where it pours every other day. And because most places have a rainy season, I decided it was best to include a “best time to visit” recommendation for the best chance of favorable weather to ride. 

Next on my list of conditions to steer clear of was traffic congestion. Again, you would rather be making a stop to enjoy the scenery way up in the mountains than in slip-drip central in the bustling heart of cities. Admittedly, there are cities that have unavoidable traffic but are still the world’s best places to ride, which brings me to my other consideration — the popular motorcycle routes nearby. The most picturesque places are often little known. You will not believe some of the places on our list, but you can take it to the bank, they offer an authentic adventure on two wheels.

Just as importantly, I considered the affordability of each trip. I factored in the cost and availability of gas, places to dine wine, and kip down. Now, here are the world’s most exciting cities to ride in. Have a nice trip!

Top 9 World’s Best Cities for Motorcycles

Riders take a break and bask in the glory of having made it this far on Natchez Trace Parkway, the oldest road in North America, formerly a major bison migratory trail and Native American path. Later, it developed into a well-traveled track for settlers and traders, and now a lovely route winding through hardwood forests and verdant rolling hills. The Parkway is ideal for adventure riding since it forbids commercial traffic, and the environment is devoid of utility poles and advertising. Remember that the Parkway has a 50 mph speed restriction, so take your time and take full advantage of this road to the past for 471 miles of mostly uninterrupted panoramic views. It’s a long ride, so take breaks. Find a nice spot, take off your AGV K6 helmet, and unwind. It is also a good opportunity to check the bike for any maintenance needs or just chat with the crew.

Whether you are thinking about going away for a few or turning over a new leaf, I hope you find my list of best motorcycle cities — with lenient helmet laws, affordable gas prices, manageable number of rainy days per year, moderate annual temperature averages, best times to visit, and the must-ride motorcycle routes — informative. Here goes:

Cities	Helmet Laws (Over 18)	Gas Prices ($)	Annual Precipitation Days	Average Temperature (°F)	Best Times to Visit	Must-Ride Route
Bali, Indonesia	Yes	0.78	126	81.5	June to September	Sunset Road to Bukit Peninsula
Cadiz, Spain	Yes	1.59	52	66.0	Mid-April to Mid-June	Grazalema to Zahara de la Sierra Road
Marrakech, Morocco	Yes	1.28	59	69.0	March-April and September to Mid-November	Tizi-n-Test Road R203
Dalat, Vietnam	Yes	0.97	144	73.5	December to Mid-February	Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi Road
Mendoza, Argentina	Yes	1.02	45	64.0	Mid-April to Mid-May	Ruta 40
Chiang Mai Golden Triangle, Thailand	Yes	1.22	115	80.0	December to January	Mae Hong Son Loop
Nice, France	Yes	1.83	61	61.5	Mid-April to Mid-June	Route des Grandes Alpes
Islamabad, Pakistan	Yes	0.95	100	71.5	Mid-October to Early December	Karakoram Highway (KKH)
Reykjavík, Iceland	Yes	2.28	153	41.5	June to August	Ring Road

1. Bali, Indonesia — A Motorcycle Traveler’s Paradise

1. Sunset Road: When in Bali, one of the best cities for motorcycles, travel the Sunset Road (Jalan Sunset) southward, through Jimbaran, to the beautiful Bukit Peninsula then turn around and drive up the mountain and over the other side passing Kuta, Bedugul, Munduk and Lovina.

Just outside Gusti Ngurah Rai International Airport, visitors are engulfed in a ubiquitous massive cloud of exhaust fumes, and the city throbs on to the rhythm of labored small motorbike engines. So, how is this polluted urban maze a paradise for motorcycling enthusiasts?

Don’t get it twisted, traffic in Bali can be quite intense as traffic rules seem to be non-existent, but common sense prevails driving speeds are relatively low. Balinese police aren’t overly strict, and you likely won’t be stopped at all. You can even occasionally take off your helmet and “do as the Romans” without getting pulled over. And if the police stop you, then be your charming self, it’ll do.

The city’s touristy spots are to the south, where traffic crawls quite literally, especially in the July-August peak. So, it would be good to escape early on a weekend and hit Sunset Road at dawn so that by the time the bottleneck squeezes, you are sitting behind a huge truck chugging on the fumes instead of being boxed in by a million scooters on the wider city roads.

You are now heading to the serene Bukit Peninsula, and you can make a stop at Seminyak and Canggu among other beautiful southern towns. From there, you can head up the mountains for some breathtaking landscapes and twisties all the way to Lovina on the opposite side of the island via Kuta, Bedugul, and Munduk. Where temperature drops with the altitude, and so does the incessant honking of traffic. You will often have only Macaque monkeys to share viewpoints with — guard your wallets!

Bali weather is kind to those who arrive between June and September when it is mostly sunny, and the heat is kept in check by a calming breeze. Every now and then, a downpour will sneak up on you, but they only last a couple of minutes, and then you can go back to lying your best motorcycle life.

The greater archipelago is endowed with diverse landscapes from the fertile island of Java to the Lesser Sunda Islands, whose flora and fauna borrow a leaf from nearby Australia. And yes, Indonesia is home of the great Mandalika MotoGP circuit, which hosted the 2022 derby.

The residents give a warmth towards bikers that you will find almost nowhere else. Gas is super cheap, and $20 bike rentals are strewn across the city.

2. Cadiz, Spain — See Europe Under a Different Light

2. Grazalema to Zahara de la Sierra Road: A drone shot of the Zahara de la Sierra municipality overlooking the sea. It’s a 9.9-mile track that many motorcyclists consider to be one of the most picturesque places to ride. An attractive location to continue your motorcycle tour of Cadiz.

Cadiz is arguably one of the most beautiful cities Europe has to offer with its baroque architecture that grace its skyline, earning it the nickname Tacita de Plata (Silver Cup). The ancient Phoenician outpost on the Atlantic is also endowed with temperate weather all year round, making it the ideal destination for motorcycle travel.

Andalusia is where it all started, the home of the oldest motorsport championship, the Spanish motorcycle Grand Prix. Every year, 2.2 million gearheads converge to watch the first leg of the main European leg at the Circuito de Jerez, similar to those in Valencia and Catalonia.

Table 7: Cadiz’s Average Temperatures, Average Rainfall, and Sunshine Hours (1990-2020):

Month	Average Temperatures			Average Rainfall		Sunshine Hours
	Min (°F)	Max (°F)	Mean (°F)	Inches	Days	Average	Total
January	49	61	55.1	2.8	7	6	185
February	51	62	56.7	2.4	6	7	195
March	54	66	60.1	1.4	5	7.5	230
April	57	68	62.8	1.8	6	8.5	255
May	62	73	67.5	1	3	10	305
June	67	78	72.5	0.2	1	11	330
July	71	82	76.1	0	0	11.5	355
August	72	83	77.4	0	0	11	335
September	69	79	73.8	1	3	8.5	250
October	64	74	68.9	2.6	6	7.5	230
November	56	67	61.6	3.9	7	6	185
December	51	62	56.9	3.5	8	5.5	165
Year	60.4	71.3	66	20.7	52	8.3	3,025

Source: World Meteorological Organization (WMO) State of the Global Climate Report 2021

You should visit mid-April to mid-June (late spring), although summers are not too hot either. You can ride in around June as long as you’re prepared to work with a bit of congestion at touristy destinations.

The autonomous Andalusia region of Southern Spain is delimited by the Sierra Morena to the north, the famous Sierra Nevada to the Southeast, the Mediterranean Sea, and the Atlantic Ocean. It’s not short on scenic landscapes — a magical motorcycle travel playground.

To savor the best of Andalusia from here, start with the Sierra de Cadiz, which traverses the Los Alcornocales Natural Park with its pristine flora and fauna. In Sierra de Grazalema, ride along the famous Route of the White Villages with countless white-walled houses splashed on the green-carpeted mountain sides. The narrow, mostly empty, and twisty roads with an occasional pothole are a treat for the senses.

Other places not to miss while riding in Cadiz are Zahara de la Sierra, Cueva del Gato, Cueva de la Pileta cave paintings, and the scenic views from Garganta Verde.

3. Marrakech, Morocco – A Gateway to the Atlas

3. The Tizi-n-Test Road: This challenging route crosses over the High Atlas Mountain at an elevation of 2,092 meters, linking Marrakech to the southern plains. It rises rapidly through incredible hairpin turns and sweepers. The road is marked as dangerous and difficult to maneuver, which is a draw for intrepid motorcyclists.

Over in Africa, Morocco is shining not only in the just concluded FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ but as a beacon of light for adventure motorcycle riders looking to explore the “Dark Continent” and Arab world on a two-wheeler.

Morocco has so much to offer for motorcycling ranging from flat desert riding to the infamous Gorges du Dadès road linking Marrakesh to Tinghir through Ouarzazate. It makes the list of top five most dangerous roads in the world, combining steep gradients with sharp hairpin turns overlooking a deep gorge carved out by the Dades over millennia.

The most dangerous part of the R704 is the Ouarzazate to Tinghir stretch, which spans only 100 miles of pure treachery. The locals understand that traffic rules are not set in stone when you are plying the most dangerous road in the world. Watch out for reckless overtaking – always be ready for a SMIDSY maneuver.

Good times to arrive in Marrakech on a motorcycle are spring and autumn in March to April and from late September to mid-November. This will put you out of harm’s way by avoiding the most extreme heat, although there are slight chances of showers. Plan appropriately.

But perhaps the crowning achievement you should not leave Morocco without is beating the Tizi-n-Test pass up in the Alps. The route, also called R203, has been making hair stand on end for ardent European motorcycle thrill-seekers, and it’s a badge to have under your belt as a burgeoning adventure motorcyclist. They will typically get their bikes across at Gibraltar and land in Tangier. A hack I found is to use the nearby port town of Tanger Med rather than Tangier itself to make the logistics easier.

From Tangier, you can choose any route south, but the most scenic is the A4 and N2, leading to Targuist. Then the N8, riding down to the coast through Marrakesh and onto Agadir before joining the N10 after Oulid Berhil, which leads onto the R 203.

Although high-quality fuel is available in her towns (currently $1.5 per liter), Morocco serves up vast distances and challenging terrain. Be sure to bring some reserve fuel and fill up at the earliest opportunity to avoid fuel anxiety.

4. Dalat, Vietnam – A Roar in the Jungle

4. Ho Chi Minh to Hanoi: Although Hanoi and Saigon (Ho Chi Minh) cities are horrible for motorcycling with congestion and bad weather all year round, riding from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh, or in reverse, through Vietnamese backcountry is an unforgettable adventure immersing travelers in Vietnamese cultures and history as well as breathtaking scenery. Dalat is a picturesque, quaint mountain town along the route that you can detour to for even more magnificent views.

If you are planning a motorcycle to Vietnam, then Dalat is the ultimate destination for easy local exploration. The city’s attractions include Lake Tuyền Lâm; Liang Biang Mountain route; The Tea Hill route through the highlands, the waterfalls of Nam Ban Valley culminating in the famous Thac Voi (Elephant Waterfall), and the Pine Forest into the Northern jungles. You don’t need a lot of time, gear, or even a bigger motorcycle because all these attractions are within 25 miles of Dalat city.

Dalat is a burgeoning densely populated metropolis with less-than-ideal air quality and congestion on the rise. But it offers a sharp contrast with the surrounding landscapes, which are some of the most tranquil alpine sceneries in the developing nation.

The surrounding areas are not only a feast for the eyes but also are beaming with innovative stopover to wine and dine. Many travelers who choose to move on twos across Vietnam seek to experience the culture and history (war and otherwise) of the once embattled nation.

You can do Dalat as a detour while embarking on the daring new 1,000 miles motorcycle route traversing the length of Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City. While many start at Hanoi, the bustling capital, clever fish swim upstream. And once you get to Hanoi, head on further north into the mountains. Thank me later for a divine motorcycling experience.

A mushrooming rental business now sees a sizable portion of foreigners straddle cheap Chinese flip bikes and ride the profile of Vietnam – dauntless! The best city to sneak up on the Vietnamese biking scene is anywhere between December and mid-February. It’s cold and dry then, unlike in March and April when it’s sizzling hot. If you are planning to ride by the sea or on the islands, sea breezes might cool you and your ride off a little.

Gas is cheap ($0.925 per liter) in Vietnam, and so are the hostels and food.

5. Mendoza, Argentina – A Journey of Mythical Proportions

5. Ruta 40: This route exhibits the breathtaking splendor of Patagonia’s and the Andes Mountains’ running almost the entire length of Argentina across 11 provinces.

Argentina’s National Ruta 40 is an odyssey of epic proportions whether in terms of the vastness of the unforgiving uninhabitable wilderness or the kaleidoscopic spectra that is Argentinian culture.

The route runs from the southernmost tip of South America in Patagonia to the border with Bolivia, 3,100 miles (5,000km) rising to a peak 5,000m altitude at Abra Del Acay and crossing 11 distinct jurisdictions, 24 huge rivers, and more than 20 national parks beaming with flora and fauna.

I would consider visiting Argentina between mid-April to mid-May since winters are extremely cold while spring and summer can be furnace hot.

Table 8: Mendoza’s Average Temperatures, Average Rainfall, and Sunshine Hours (1991-2020):

Month	Average Temperatures			Average Rainfall		Sunshine Hours
	Min (°F)	Max (°F)	Mean (°F)	Inches	Days	Average	Total
January	66	93	79.6	2	6	9.5	300
February	64	89	76.5	1.4	5	9	260
March	60	84	72.1	1.4	5	7.5	235
April	51	75	63.1	0.6	4	7.5	220
May	43	67	55.2	0.4	3	6.5	195
June	36	62	49	0.2	2	5.5	170
July	35	61	47.8	0.3	3	6	185
August	39	67	52.7	0.3	2	7.5	230
September	45	73	59.1	0.6	4	7.5	225
October	53	80	66.5	0.4	3	9	280
November	59	86	72.7	0.6	4	10	295
December	64	91	77.8	1	4	9	285
Year	51.3	77.2	64	9.3	45	7.9	2,870

Source: World Meteorological Organization (WMO) State of the Global Climate Report 2021

The rugged nature of Ruta 40, especially in the southern bits, draws in intrepid travelers but remains one of the most treacherous routes one can tour on a motorcycle. Adequate planning for a solo trip or group ride can alleviate the perils of lone desert riding. Further North, sample the Swiss-themed quaint little town of Bariloche and scoot on through the rolling wine country of Mendoza, where traffic picks up a little.

Fuel is cheap in Argentina, but adequate storage is needed to cover the vast distances with peace of mind. Camping skills and survival living off your bike is not an option on this route. But luckily, the weather is quite favorable for the romantic ideal, which allows you to bond with your motorcycle. Don’t forget to bring water and guard it from small desert raptors who are ready to kill for some.

Documentation to travel in Argentina is a piece of cake for UK and U.S. nationals while other nationalities might be required to pay some reciprocity fee of roughly $100. You may also be required to show documentation to prove onward travel before leaving for Argentina, so why not try the infamous Bolivian Death Road while you are still heading North?

6. Chiang Mai Golden Triangle and Mae Hong Son Loop, Thailand – A Hundred Million Scooters

6. Mae Hong Son Loop: The world-famous Mae Hong Son Loop has a dizzying number of switchbacks where the road goes up and down steep slopes. And so, the engineers decide to reduce the gradient (steepness of the slope) in order that road users retain control of the vehicle.

Welcome to the land of a hundred million scooters! Thailand is, in every sense of the word, littered with them. Sure, it’s not the easiest place to lane split, but Thailand is a must-have experience for every budding adventure motorcyclist. Best not to dive into the deep end here, so we steer clear of the larger cities and settle for the magical land of smiles in Chiang Mai, Northern Thailand.

Whilst Thai roads might seem dilapidated by European or American standards, the country has a reliable network of small backcountry routes (one of the best in Southeast Asia) that lead to secluded places in the mountains. Where both nature and culture remain mostly undisturbed. Thailand is cheap, especially for Westerners, and allows for Visa on arrival. All you need is your passport and an international driving license. And you are good to go!

The north is less traveled, where you can sample the mountain roads and remote villages unperturbed. From the mountainous jungles to the serene rice, tea, and coffee plantations across the Mekong, you will have time to savor this food basket of Southeast Asia.

The best months for riding in Chiang Mai are December and January as they are cooler than other times on average. Temperatures soar in February and March. And April are the angriest months while showers occur more frequently after the dry season. November is a good month to ride here, too, because it is relatively dry, but it’s still a little hot outside. Bring summer gear.

While here, let us take advantage of Road 1148 in Nan with countless rapidly flowing sweepers or even do the entire world-famous Mae Hong Son Loop while we are at it. The three apexes of the triangle are Thailand, Laos, and Burma now formally known as Myanmar – they all offer a varied set of attractions and routes. You can pick to move into either after riding the triangle.

The Mae Hong Son Loop is a 375 journey that would probably require at least five days to complete thanks to the twists and turns in the road. Route 108 from Chiang Mai via Sariang to Mae Hong Son reported curves a staggering 1,864 times!

7. Nice, France – À Moto-Tour de France

7. Route des Grandes Alpes: Anyone riding a motorcycle around Europe should contemplate riding the Route des Grandes Alpes, (the Great Alpine Road) starting on the shores of Lake Geneva, is approximately 435 miles (700 km) long and has amazing, curving asphalt roads. It gives nearly mythological sights of the surrounding Alps as it crosses 16 mountain passes.

Ready for a Moto-tour de France? The Route des Grandes Alpes from the French Riviera in the sea front town of Menton and up North is a bucket list item on many advanced motorcycle travelers the world over. Menton city is nicknamed the Pearl of France, arguably the prettiest of towns along the Mediterranean shores, and receives tons of sunshine.

This motorcycle road of legendary status claims, dives, twists, sweeps, and glides over quaint mountain passes, past the crystal blue lakes and clear rivers up against the snowcapped summits then gently down back to the sea. It starts off with coastal riding in the Riviera and then shifts to some exhilarating views along Europe’s Largest Canyon, the Verdon Gorges, and over to the Vercors for a treat for the senses and the worst nightmare for any pillion with acrophobia.

Whichever the direction you are heading, the Great Alpine Route is a sensational motorcycling adventure full of color and immersion into the local scene. April to mid-June are the most ideal times for a visit although the peak tourist season sits between mid-June to August when it’s warm enough to go swimming in the ocean.

Prices are sure to come down again in September, but there is way too much rain, which can be perilous while touring on a motorcycle. Winter, from December to February, is mild with sunny and rainy interludes, with a ghastly wind blowing from Russia riding on cold waves. Temperatures here don’t typically go above 90/91 °F on the hottest summer days.

Nice is quite sheltered from the heat waves of African origin that have recently been affecting France over the last couple of seasons. And you’re sure to enjoy modern proper guard rails and sufficient stops on the roads to take pictures and enjoy the picturesque sceneries of, say, Split in Bosnia.

The Coast Road in Bosnia has a striking similarity with the Route des Grandes Alpes. It is the European Route E65 running through Croatia, bits of Bosnia, and into Montenegro gracing the Adriatic Coastline with the magnificent blue-green seas and hugging the mountains. There are plenty of fuel and belly refill stations along the route. No need to arrange for a case vehicle, lol!

8. Islamabad, Pakistan – Ride on Top of the World

8. Karakoram Highway (KKH): The Karakoram Highway begins at Abdal just outside Islamabad and levitates through the Himalayas to the Chinese city of Kashgar more than 800 miles away. Sometimes called “the 8th Wonder of the World,” this road lives up to the expectation of riding on the highest road in the world with some of the most breathtaking mountain scenery anywhere and mind-blowing high-altitude desert flora and fauna. In addition, you will meet some of the most hospitable people in Pakistan along the busy route.

Nowhere else in the world can you claim to be riding on top of the world and be more accurate than on the Karakoram Highway 35 (KKH) linking Islamabad Pakistan to the Western Chinese City of Kashgar and becoming China National Highway 314. The 800-mile gateway is currently the highest-paved international highway in the world!

The KKH is a busy international route plying an area where political turmoil can erupt anytime. But if you look past the media frenzy, you will see that the much talked about route is frequented and loved by overlanders because it is a relatively smooth corridor with scenic mountainous views and supplying far-flanked areas with modern amenities – nothing more.

You will need fuel stops along the route. And there are plenty of filling stations at major towns, but we recommend you carry a little extra on the side just in case you run out. Fuel is cheap in Pakistan retailing at around one dollar per liter. There are plenty of stops along the busy route where you can savor local cuisines or play guests to a comfy lofty inn.

Himalayan climate and landscape is rather harsh and unpredictable as even on the best clear days can turn into countless hours of agony with landslides and bad weather, causing road blockages. Avoid visiting in July when heavy rains wash the mountainside and catalyze landslides.

Table 9: Islamabad’s Average Temperatures, Average Rainfall, and Sunshine Hours (1991-2020):

Month	Average Temperatures			Average Rainfall		Sunshine Hours
	Min (°F)	Max (°F)	Mean (°F)	Inches	Days	Average	Total
January	39	64	51.5	2.6	5	6.5	195
February	45	68	56.3	3.7	7	6.5	185
March	53	77	64.9	4.3	10	6.5	200
April	62	87	74.4	3.1	10	8.5	250
May	70	97	83.6	2.2	8	10	310
June	75	100	88	3.1	8	10	300
July	76	95	85.7	10.8	16	8.5	265
August	75	93	84	11.4	16	8	250
September	71	92	81.5	3.9	9	8.5	260
October	61	87	73.7	1.4	4	9	275
November	49	77	62.9	1	3	8.5	250
December	41	68	54.5	1.8	4	6.5	195
Year	59.9	83.7	71.5	49.2	100	8.1	2,945

Source: World Meteorological Organization (WMO) State of the Global Climate Report 2021

Autumn, mid-October to early December is the perfect time to take the high road touring the KKH on a motorcycle. Spring is not too bad either (around March) except for the rainy weather, which can ruin the riding experience. Winters are mild too with a handful of sunny days and an occasional shower more so after the second week of December until late January. It can be foggy too, which is less than ideal for visibility and general motorcycle safety when riding an unfamiliar route at such high altitude.

9. Reykjavík, Iceland – A Space-Like Odyssey

9. Ring Road: The Iceland Route 1 offers 830 glorious miles of exploring around a country everyone has heard of, yet few people have any real knowledge of. It’s up in the Arctic, bitterly cold, brightly lit in the summer and completely black in the winter, and home to people who wear wooly sweaters, eat whales, and believe in trolls. Most of that is factual.

It’s time to escape the ordinary and embark on a space-like odyssey, a tour of the far-flung roof of the world with its majestic views and rugged terrain peppered with adventure. Iceland is for those who dare to imagine hidden gems to find among the volcanoes, glaciers, and picturesque waterfalls. And what better way to immerse yourself in the middle of it than with a patrol of the perimeter overlooking the Greenland Sea and the Atlantic?

The best time to visit Iceland is between June and August (summer). The period will give you more opportunities to get off the tar and stir up gravel roads, leading up to mountain goat trails where you can feel truly alone, wild, and free. Days are long then, and it is daylight until midnight, giving you plenty of time to take in the views and ride safely. However, off-roading might not be possible on all summer days as there is significant chances of rain. You should also bring rain gear.

The early bird catches solitude, so May is better if you just want to experience that. Just be advised to bring rain gear because it showers regularly in the summer. It can get pretty chilly afterwards.

Although expensive, fuel is now increasingly available (not so long ago filling stations were a luxury for city dwellers), especially on the Ring Road Route 1 where more companies are putting up. If you plan to go off-road, carry a little more than you need just in case.

The weather in Iceland is just insane; a perfectly clear sky can turn into misty rain that goes for the next couple of hours before you can say Reykjavik. Crosswinds are also a real danger to blowing motorcycles off the road. Check out some guidelines on which particular stretches are the most affected to ride safely.

You will not be alone doing the 800 miles decent highway roundtrip passing through the major cities in the country. From tunnels to bridges and the barren plateaus flanked by the sea. Route 1 is reminiscent of another famous motorcycle road, the Edinburgh Scotland North Coast 500 (NC500). The UK and Scotland tour would have featured on this list, but they had so many similarities with the Iceland Ring Road. The scenery, wildlife, and climate were boiled in the same pot.

Yes, Iceland returnees come back from their voyages with mythical stories of exploring mountains, fjords, and lakes, but what if you knew that all these were to find in the highlands of Scotland? Yes, Scotland has less extreme weather than Iceland. But there are times when mother nature’s cold breath touches Cairngorm Mountain, creating Icelandic conditions without the eerie winds that make everything feel so much colder over there.

Michael’s Summary and Conclusion

What we considered in the making of this list of the greatest cities for motorcycles are lenient rules, low rates of fatal motorcycle accidents, open roads, affordable insurance rates, minimal traffic, inspirational scenery, fantastic curves, and comfortable temperatures.

As I draw to a close, I cannot help but think of how bad impressions stick. There are cities often listed as top cities to ride a motorcycle by people or bots who have never ridden a motorcycle a day in their lives. To know if a list is bogus, just Google best and worst, and it would be surprising if some cities feature in both. In my years of riding, here are places you should not go no matter what anyone says.

Milan and Rome sound romantic, but there is no worse nightmare for a two-wheeled traveler. They were both equally crowded with traffic jams and engulfed in smog. Narrow streets with too many curves open up to giant sinkholes in the name of potholes enough to swallow a small van. The list goes on: Munich, Germany; Istanbul, Turkey; the acclaimed Amsterdam; and Paris, France. The same applies to Tokyo and Bangkok — extremely hot, filthy dirty air, and public schools often close because the air is so bad. It’s horrendous, but AIs assume that because many people ride bikes there, it’s interesting to do so

Another place to avoid, as earlier mentioned, is Hanoi, Vietnam. Cold and wet half a year. And although mentioned in our list of top cities to visit, I did expressly advise against going into Hanoi but take the route to the mountains instead. The Hanoi scene is similar to Thailand’s major cities, but with hustler police looking to extort money from the burgeoning motorcycle rental and travel industry.

Stay away from Sydney, Australia. Take a good look at a magazine picture of the Sydney Opera House and the Harbour Bridge and photoshop yourself in it because their Nazi police and draconian rules will not let you stop anywhere to take a picture. Sydney is a typical bloated city with slow speeds and no scenery, a terrible place to ride a motorcycle.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A horribly congested death pool controlled by murderous criminal gangs. Go riding in some poor urban areas, and you will be lucky to get out with your life, leave alone the motorcycle.

Now, if you go riding in Moscow, Russia, either the cold or bad Russian driving will get you. The cold also torments other Europeans like Prague in the Czech Republic.

Finally, there are cities that are not necessarily a bad idea on a motorcycle but are rather boring, there is nothing for you and your bike to do there. I am talking to you in Barcelona and you in Toronto, Canada, you know yourselves.

And with those few remarks, go forth and explore! There is a city out there just calling for you, whatever your adventure and motorcycling needs may be.

Check out these unique travel pants built by motorcycle enthusiasts who share a deep passion for adventure travel!

Discover more about this innovative gear by clicking here.

Information for this article was partially sourced and researched from the following authoritative government, educational, corporate, and nonprofit organizations:

• World Health Organization (WHO)
• The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF)
• Motorcycle Riders Association of Australia (MRAA)
• Motorcycle Sport Touring Association (MSTA)
• Motorcycle Touring Association (MTA)

M/A