Hey riders (or not) 😉 For those who’ve already done it and know the route, could you tell me where to make stops (hotels, guesthouses) between Laayoune and Nouakchott, for example? And what’s the minimum range needed to get between two gas stations? Thanks and have a great day

Hi there, I spent 25 days in October 2023 in Madagascar on a motorcycle, solo. Covered 3,000 km with no prior planning. And with no real motorcycle experience. However, it’s crucial to find a reliable person for motorcycle rental. Mine wasn’t extremely well-maintained, and I had quite a few issues. Here’s an overview of the itinerary, including descending the Tsiribihina River by pirogue, the Tsingy, heading down to Tuléar, and back up the RN7 (Isalo, Tsarasoa Valley, Lake Sahambavy, etc.).

It was an incredible life and travel experience. A fabulous country, breathtaking landscapes, and a smiling population despite the hardships of life.

If I can answer any questions, don’t hesitate!

Hey everyone! New to the forum, but not so new to Asia 😄 I’m Nico, from Switzerland, currently based in Bangkok. I love taking my motorcycle out to get lost in the mountains and small villages of Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, and more. I’ve been roaming around this area for a good fifteen years now, racking up quite a few kilometers—especially in northern Vietnam. This time, I finally decided to tackle the Mae Hong Son Loop, clockwise. I’d been to Pai several times before, but oddly enough, I’d never done the full loop. So, I’ll try to give you a little recap here, day by day, with the roads, stops, places worth checking out… and those that didn’t quite blow my mind 😅 I also filmed the trip, so I’ll post the corresponding video at the end of each day if that’s okay. If it’s not allowed here, just let me know, and I’ll remove them without any issue. DAY 1 — Chiang Mai → Doi Inthanon → Mae Chaem → Khun Yuam I left Chiang Mai after renting a Honda ADV 160 from Pop Motorbike. Not exactly an Africa Twin, but for what I had planned, it was more than enough. Quick hotel note: I stayed at the Lanna Thaphae Hotel before leaving. Around 30 € per night, super well-located, and probably one of the most comfortable beds I’ve ever slept in. A crucial detail for any motorcycle road trip, obviously. The plan for the day was pretty straightforward: Head toward Doi Inthanon… and see what happens. Flawless Swiss organization. First stop along the way at Wachirathan Waterfall. A really nice waterfall, very easy to access, but don’t expect to channel your inner Indiana Jones—it’s crowded, touristy, and swimming isn’t allowed. Still, it’s a pretty stop along the way. Next, up to Doi Inthanon. The road climbs steeply, and my little 160cc started to realize that carrying my 80 kg to Thailand’s highest point probably wasn’t part of its youthful dreams. I was maxing out at 34 km/h in some spots. But it made it. Good little bike. The summit is nice—the forest is beautiful, and it’s cool—but I have to admit, it didn’t completely wow me. Glad I went, but not necessarily the highlight of the day for me. Because then comes Route 1192. And that’s *much* more my thing: small mountain roads, beautiful scenery, hardly any traffic… the kind of road where I usually start taking way too many unnecessary detours just because a little side road “looks fun.” Stopped in Mae Chaem for a bite to eat, then headed to Khun Yuam to finish the day. A little over 200 km in total. Khun Yuam is… quiet. *Very* quiet. 😅 A cute little market, a couple of cafés/restaurants, and zero chance of ending up in a club until 4 AM. But after a day on the bike, it was perfect. Stayed at the Mit Khun Yuam Hotel, around 20 € for a small but very decent room. All in all, a solid first day and a pretty relaxed start to the loop. Part of this leg is mostly about getting out of Chiang Mai and really diving into the mountains, in my opinion. Because for me, the really interesting stuff starts over the next two days… And a few slightly questionable route decisions will also make an appearance 😅 If anyone’s planning the Mae Hong Son Loop, feel free to ask your questions—I’d be happy to answer! I also filmed this first day, so for those who’d rather see the roads and landscapes than read my rambling, here’s Day 1 😊 DAY 1 VIDEO I’ll post the next part in the coming days with Day 2: Khun Yuam → Mae Surin → Mae Hong Son. And that’s where it starts getting *really* fun. 😉 That’s all for now! Looking forward to contributing as much as I can to the forum!

From Lacanau Océan to Névache, July 4–13, 2024. Stopping at roadside markers and signs in towns, on trails. I left home in Corsica, took the boat from L'Ile-Rousse to Sète, then headed up to Lacanau-Océan for the start of the 45th parallel. Destination: north of Briançon, Plampinet (Névache municipality). For more info and photos, check out my FB page "45th Parallel". I did it solo, on a 125cc scooter, a Honda Forza with no mechanical mods. Under-seat storage, a top case, a bag strapped to the rear seat with bungees, and two side bags that gave out in the first few days due to poor quality. Used a GPS, smartphone apps like the famous "68°", "my exact location", and "Ventusky" for weather. Plus paper road maps and a travel journal. Various accommodations (camping, B&Bs, a yurt, and staying with friends). In total: 2,700 km total, including 1,800 km from Lacanau to Névache via small, lost-but-so-pleasant backroads. Crappy weather from Sète to Lacanau, then nice conditions. Estimated fuel consumption: 3 liters per 100 km. No mechanical issues—neither with the scooter nor myself. One regret: I didn’t take enough time to meet people. For info...: At nearly 77, I still feel the need to do things differently—like the GTA (Grande Traversée des Alpes 😠, the climb to the metallic globe at Nordkapp, Norway (which I did by sea)😠, the trip to southern Portugal😠, etc. On top of that, after an accident and two major knee surgeries, I can’t hike, bike, trek in the desert, or even walk 1 km on sand. That’s also why I can’t ride a motorcycle with bent legs… * Feel free to share your thoughts or ask for more details.

Hi, I’d like to know if highways in Poland are toll roads for motorcycles, especially the A4 between WROCLAW and CRACOW.

If so, do you need to buy a vignette? Pay online? Are there toll booths at the entrances/exits? Thanks

Hello everyone. I'm looking for campsites around BOLZANO (South Tyrol) for early September. I'll be on my motorcycle with a small tent. I've noticed that some campsites have exorbitant prices. If you've traveled through the Dolomites by motorcycle or otherwise and camped there, I'd love any tips on places and prices where I can stay for one night or several. Thanks to all of you, and happy travels.

Hey everyone who survived that killer rum that was supposed to take us all out... I took a trip to Russia in August 2024—16 unforgettable days. Entered via KARSAVA, Ostrov, then Saint Petersburg, Moscow, Voronezh, Ostrov on the Don, and exited at VLADIKAVKAZ through Georgia, Turkey, etc... I’d love to know if anyone’s done the reverse route—entering via Vladikavkaz from Georgia by personal vehicle, car, or motorcycle—and how long the wait was to cross the border. At the Karsava crossing in Latvia last August, it took between 2 and 3 days. The holdup is on the Russian side due to lack of staff and equipment since the formalities are so complicated... I’m looking for a smoother crossing point for 2025. Thanks for any tips!

hi there I’d like to ride the RN 12 by motorcycle in September. I’d love to know the main challenges—I ride a 300cc and do enduro in France. Thanks for your tips!

Paul Courtois

Hi there,

I’d like to ride from Mahajanga to Morondava, sticking as close to the coast as possible—using roads and tracks—in September 2026. If you’ve got any suggestions, let me know! 😉

Paul

Hi there,

In January 2026, I’m planning a motorbike trip through northern Vietnam for 3–4 weeks.

Must-dos: Hanoi, RC4, Dien Bien Phu, and of course the must-see landscapes.

I’m looking for any great tips, ideas… and maybe even a riding partner.

Cheers

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a motorcycle road trip to Armenia and Georgia in September 2026 or May 2027. I’m looking for one or more riders (male or female) who’d like to explore these countries with me.

Along the way, we’ll visit Cappadocia, the capitals Yerevan, Tbilisi, Sofia, Skopje, and other cities—we can finalize the route and roadbook later.

This trip requires experience with long motorcycle journeys, as we’ll cover around 7,000 km over 5 or 6 weeks (or more, depending on sightseeing and time spent).

I don’t expect dozens of applicants, since motorcycle riders are few and far between on this forum, but I’m putting this out there anyway.

See you soon

Hi, I’d like to take a 15-day "break" to get away from the surrounding hustle and bustle. Why not explore the Peloponnese! I’m not particularly drawn to museums, ruins, or monuments. I want to experience local life—small villages, seaside spots, beaches, and the interior if the landscapes are extraordinary. Ideally, coming from Athens, I’d take a bus or train to get as close as possible to a starting point, then rent a scooter (125cc) to explore by taking secondary roads or even coastal paths. I’d stay in 2-3 places for a few days each to discover their surroundings. Do a loop. What do you think would be the ideal itinerary? From Athens, the best option would be to take either a flight or a bus to Kalamata. Rent a scooter and head either west or east. Is there a tertiary road (very lightly trafficked) or a path where I can ride slowly, take it easy, and enjoy the scenery without being bothered by traffic? I’d like to go all the way to Monemvasia, still hugging the coast. I need to find a way to avoid returning to Kalamata to drop off the scooter and catch a flight—maybe a small town where the train stops so I can head back to Athens. Thanks in advance for your tips.

Hi, I’m planning to head to Morocco in early May on my 1200 RT. I’ll be leaving from Dax to Kenitra—happy to ride together if anyone’s up for it!

Hello, I’ve got a plan with a friend to go on a motorcycle road trip in 2028 or 2029, starting in Santiago de Chile and ending in Ushuaia, for about a month. Has anyone done a trip like this before, and what’s the best time of year? I’ve heard there can be quite a bit of wind depending on the season. Thanks for any tips! Cheers, PA

Hi there, I’m planning to head to Asia by motorcycle in September. I’d like to know if it’s still possible to cross Iran... If not, what other routes might be feasible in the fall? Thanks in advance for your feedback! Franck

Hi everyone. Three of us (me and two friends) want to go on a 15-day road trip in Mongolia, starting from the capital. We're looking for info on motorcycle rental, as well as possible routes for 15 days. Thanks.

Hi everyone,

I’d like to do a 5-month motorcycle road trip from Turkey to Vietnam. To do this, I’d like to buy a used bike locally. Do you know what steps are involved (especially the administrative ones for insurance, registration, etc.)? Are they quick? And do you know any reliable places to buy a used motorcycle?

Thanks in advance for your feedback.

Hi everyone. I’m looking for reliable transport companies that can ship my sidecar by sea for an upcoming road trip. Also, does anyone know of a site that lists all possible ferry crossings? Thanks, and happy travels! Denis

Hi there, I’m planning a road trip in the American West in July 2025 with West Forever, which was highly recommended to me. Has anyone done this route recently and could tell me a bit more about: - the stages (easy or not/the stops) - hotels - restaurants to recommend - things to prepare for - must-see spots This will be my first time in the U.S. and my first group road trip, so I have tons of questions, and your advice would be invaluable. Thanks in advance!

Hi!

I want to rent an off-road style motorcycle to get around the coast during my trip to Ecuador. I’m only finding options in Quito. Do you have any suggestions for me?

Thanks!

Hi there, I’m planning a sidecar trip to South America for 4 or 5 months at the end of this year. I’m looking for info on shipping my vehicle by sea—possibly to Uruguay or another destination, as I haven’t finalized anything yet. How do you get visas for the countries I’ll be crossing: Uruguay, Argentina, Bolivia, Peru, and Chile? Are they e-Visas, obtained at the border, or through embassies? Where can I get vehicle insurance? Lastly, if any bikers want to join us (my partner and me), we’re open to that possibility too. Patrick

Hey everyone,

I’ve got 15 days off in June and I’m pretty undecided about where to go for a motorcycle road trip. Two strong desires are pulling me in different directions: Corsica or Norway.

Corsica has been a dream of mine for a long time: legendary roads, stunning landscapes, a unique vibe, and the perfect mix of sea and mountains. At the same time, I’m wondering if 2 weeks might be *too much* for Corsica—risking feeling like I’ve seen it all too quickly, especially on a bike. Since I also have an extra week free in May, I could use that specifically for Corsica. Maybe splitting it into two trips would make more sense? If so, which routes or regions would be the most interesting to plan for a 7-day trip?

On the other hand, Norway is *super* appealing. The landscapes look incredible, totally different from anything I’ve experienced, and it’d be a real “wow” trip. I know 15 days is still short for such a vast country. Getting all the way to the North Cape seems pretty much impossible in that time, but I’m curious about what realistic routes could be planned.

So I’m wondering: Is it better to save Norway for next year, take 3 weeks off, and do it *properly*? Or are 15 days enough for a first amazing taste of the country?

I’d love to hear about your experiences—whether it’s Corsica (ideal duration, routes) or Norway (what’s realistic in 2 weeks on a bike). Thanks in advance for your thoughts!

Hello, My dream is to ride Route 66 by motorcycle. I have a disability—while I’m not in a wheelchair, my walking mobility is reduced. The ideal scenario would be to have a motorcycle driver and ride as their passenger on an organized trip. Are there any guides or services like this offered by travel agencies? Thanks for sharing your experiences!

I'm seriously considering heading to Nepal to do some nice motorcycle loops... my goal is also to do the Kailash Yatra round trip from Kathmandu, in a small group with a guide, in May '26... but here's the thing—I'm solo! So if you're up for sharing a similar adventure, hit me up... Cheers, Frankoys

Hi everyone...

Looking for travel companions to ride from France to Senegal by motorcycle.

I’m Paul, 37, and I’ve already done a bit of riding in Morocco.

For now, I’m solo, riding a 1998 SUZUKI DR 650 with some basic gear to keep things smooth. I’ll have a tent so we can do a few nights under the stars. We’ll need to coordinate departure dates—"ideally in November."

I’m currently checking out routes to take. Any tips would be welcome! :)

Have a great day, everyone!!!!!

Hi there!

I’m heading to Vietnam and Laos with a buddy next week for a month. We’re thinking of renting motorbikes, especially to do the Ha Giang Loop. We don’t have an international license, just our Belgian one. Is that enough? If not, is it risky?

Thanks for the info! !

Hello everyone! Like every year, a winter migration is on the horizon (revised plan): this time, it’ll be Dakar, or even Abidjan, via Morocco, Mauritania, and Senegal. Looking for an experienced motorcyclist or pillion rider—small build preferred—on a GSA 1250 with a comfy seat and luggage setup, available from early November to late December 2025. I’d like to plan the trip together (important to me) to make sure we’re on the same wavelength. Don’t hesitate to get in touch! Didier

Hello! We’re planning a motorcycle trip that will include a visit to Auschwitz-Birkenau in June 2026. We’re unsure (still debating) whether we should stay at a hotel on-site and get to the memorial with an Uber (leaving our bikes at the hotel) and book a guided tour, or base ourselves in Kraków and take a tour that includes transport. One thing’s for sure—we’d prefer a guide in French since we don’t speak English 😅.

Could you share your experiences or advice? I understand we need to book online rather than on-site. Thanks in advance for your replies!

Hello, Next October we’re planning to ride the Ruta de la Plata by motorcycle—a historic Spanish route that runs from Gijón to Seville, also known as the N630. Has anyone here already ridden it? Unfortunately, I’m worried that parts of the N630 may have disappeared or merged with the A66 motorway, forcing us to ride long stretches of highway, which we’d rather avoid. Thanks in advance for any tips or details about this route!

Hi everyone,

I’m planning a road trip in Cuba and was wondering if there are any bike rental places (125/500cc) with reasonable rates—not the Harley rental places!

Thanks for your help. Wave of headlights! !