The Most Famous Motorcycle Rides in the World

If you’re creating a riding bucket list, you’ll need to add these roads/routes to yours ASAP. There are destinations all over the world that have epic riding and we want you to experience them. Sorry in advance because this post is going to give you some serious wanderlust. Check out our list of some of the most famous motorcycle rides in the world and get ready to buy a plane ticket to check them out for yourself.

Image: Australia.com 

The Great Ocean Road, Australia - We’re taking you down under for this first bucket list ride. The Great Ocean Road is one of the greatest motorcycling roads in the world that’s full of hillside roads, twisty turns, and epic bends. This ride is just under 130 miles and many bikers can complete the route in one day. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or more of a rookie, there’s something for every rider on the Great Ocean Road. The majority of the ride is located along the coast so get ready for insane coastal views and refreshing sea breezes. There are also many Australian landmarks along the route such as Great Otway National Park - we suggest making a pit stop there if time permits. We also reccomend checking out Twelve Apostles, a collection of eight limestone formations created by erosion over millions of years - they are truly a sight to behold. The Twelve Apostles Attracts over 1.2 million visitors annually and the lookout locations are open year-round.

Image: Motorbike Roads

Los Caracoles Pass, Chile - Alright new riders, you might need to steer clear of Los Caracoles until you consider yourself an expert. Los Caracoles translates to “the snails”, which is due to the vehicles crawling like snails pace along this 50-mile stretch of road, considered to be one of the top 10 most most dangerous roads in the world. It includes switchbacks, 29 sharp hairpin turns, and steep inclines. If you’re an adrenaline junkie, this ride is for you. There are no guard rails on the road and snow covers the route most months of the year. This will not be the fastest you will ever ride, so why ride here? Well, it might be dangerous, but Los Caracoles is considered to be one of the most beautiful roads in the world with magnificent views. It is also great for anyone perfecting the rolling of the throttle through corners. See the photos for yourself. Bring your passport, as this ride crosses the border into Argentina.

Image: Roadtripper

Tail of the Dragon, Deal's Gap, North Carolina - The Tail of the Dragon is a well known “ride” in North Carolina that we couldn’t leave off our list. This top motorcycle destination is a quick 11 mile stretch on US 129 following the southwest border of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park at the Tennessee/North Carolina line, and is home to a whopping 318 tight curves. It might not be a long ride, but there are no intersecting roads or drives to interfere with your ride, so it’s sure to leave your heart pumping. If 11 miles is not nearly enough, nearby the Cherohala Skyway and Indian Lakes Scenic Byway offer more curves. At the start in Deal’s Gap is a favorite motorcyclist hangout, Deal’s Gap Motorcycle Resort and their Tree of Shame, a shrine that showcases those who have been bitten by the Dragon”. Are you ready to tame the beast?

Image: Visit Norway

Trollstigen, Norway - This 66-mile route is tucked away in the mountains of the western coast of Norway and is one of the most popular attractions in the country. The dangerous ride is known for its 11 hairpin turns that are sure to take your breath away and might tighten your grip. This one-lane road is narrow and twists and turns throughout mountainous terrain - new riders, sit this one out. Trollstigen (“Troll’s Ladder”) is closed during late fall and winter and is typically up and running between mid-May to October due to weather conditions. Along the route, you’ll be surrounded by mountains as far as the eye can see and there are many opportunities to pull over to snap photos or feel the mist of the ride’s nearby waterfall, Stigfossen.

Image: Visit Abu Dhabi

Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road, Abu Dhabi - Jebel Hafeet Mountain Road is located 90 minutes from the heart of Abu Dhabi and is a 7.3-mile stretch of racetrack quality asphalt. This road is every motorcyclists playground and includes 60 sharp corners and a 4,000 ft. climb that offers riders an epic view of the city. This road is considered one of the best drives in the entire UAE and on your way, you’ll likely see a variety of wildlife, including some of the country’s vast bird population, which includes 119 species. While on the ride, keep an eye out for fine sand as it accumilates on windy days. At the top of the ride, there is a cafe you can take a pit stop at to grab a quick refreshment.

Image: Travel Channel

Pacific Coast Highway, California - We have all heard the hype about taking a Pacific Coast cruise, and we are here to tell you the hype is real. The terrain is unlike anything you’ve seen before with miles of coastline, tons of curves, and unreal views along the entire highway. No matter where you start or end your ride you’ll be in for a treat. If you ride the length of Pacific Coast Highway, you’ll see lighthouses, redwoods, mountains, lush valleys, and a variety of wildlife. The highway is a whopping 655-miles long, so whether you choose to ride for just a portion of the highway, or the entire length, there will be an ideal option for you. Just make sure to check the traffic advisories for any road closures while planning your trip as landslides can take out portions of the road for quite some time.

Image: Acampora Travel

Amalfi Drive, Italy - There’s no doubt that southern Italy is one of the most beautiful places on the planet, so the Almafi Coast had to make our list. This ride will give you an up-close and personal look at Itay’s most amazing, quaint seaside towns. The ride hugs rugged coastline and there are plenty of twists and turns along the way - take your time. The roads in this area were built by the Romans so the road is quite literally carved into the rock face. There can be narrow areas of the route but the majority of the ride consists of two lanes. Enjoy the sea breezes along the way and make sure to stop for Spaghetti alle Vongole - pasta with clams - or Cuppitello di Pesce - a cone of fresh fried fisha.

Image: Hawaii.com

Hana Highway, Maui - If you want to feel like you’ve been transported into another world, take a ride on the Hana Highway in Maui, HI. This 60-mile stretch of road runs across the northern half of Maui and offers riders stunning views of the coastline and lush greenery for miles. Hana Highway is famous for many reasons including its 600+ curves, dozens of single-lane bridges, and stunning scenic overlooks. Be sure to keep an eye out for drivers who are busy focused on the scenery and not on the road as this is a tourist’s delight with shrines - there are plenty of places to pull over if you want to take in the views. Stop by the Halfway to Hana Stand at Mile Marker 17 for the best banana bread around and bring you bathing suit to take a plunge into the Seven Sacred Pools of Hana or ‘Ohe’o Gulch at Mile Marker 42. 

In our opinion, there’s no better way to see the world than on a motorcycle. Buy a ticket, rent or bring your bike, and enjoy the ride. Have you ridden along any of these famous routes? Let us know some of your tips, tricks, and favorite pit stops in the comments below.