Mastering the best motorbike routes: A practical guide for riders
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Finding the ultimate scenic route is more than just picking a road on a map. As a rider, you need a balance of road surface quality, technical engagement, and genuine visual impact. Many lists highlight roads that look good on Instagram but are dangerous or tedious to ride. This guide focuses on routes that provide a high-quality experience for your machine and your skills.
Top 5 routes for real-world riding
These selections prioritize road geometry and surface consistency, ensuring your ride is as fun as the view is beautiful.
1. The Pacific Coast Highway, USA
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This is a masterclass in coastal riding. You are constantly balancing throttle and brake through tight cliffside sections. Pro tip: The northern sections near Big Sur often suffer from fog in the morning. Start your ride at midday to ensure the road surface is dry and you have maximum visibility for the blind corners.
2. The Great Ocean Road, Australia
While famous for tourism, the road itself is a technical delight. The key here is to avoid peak tourist traffic. Ride this route at dawn to beat the buses, which allows you to maintain a steady rhythm through the sweeping curves without being forced to stop constantly.
3. The Stelvio Pass, Italy
Do not be intimidated by the 48 hairpin turns. The trick is to focus on your ‘entry speed’—approach wide, look through the exit, and keep your gaze high. If you look down at the drop, you will lose your line. Manage your clutch carefully, as the tight turns can cause excessive heat in the friction zone.
4. The Transfagarasan, Romania
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This is a power-heavy route with extreme elevation changes. Because of the high altitude, the road temperature can be 10 degrees cooler than the valley. Ensure your tires are properly warmed up before tackling the aggressive hairpins near the summit.
5. The Trollstigen, Norway
This route is a test of precision. The incline is steep, and the hairpins are narrow. You must be comfortable with low-speed maneuvers. If you struggle with balance, practice your slow-speed braking and friction zone control before attempting this climb.
Field advice: Avoid these classic mistakes
Even experienced riders fall into traps when tackling new, scenic terrain. Use these lessons to keep your ride focused on enjoyment rather than repair bills.
Target Fixation: When looking at the beautiful scenery, your bike will subconsciously follow your eyes. If you stare at a cliff or a guardrail, you will drift toward it. Force yourself to look exactly where you want the tires to go.
Overloading the Bike: Adding heavy luggage changes your motorcycle’s center of gravity. Adjust your suspension preload before you leave. If you don’t, the bike will feel ‘mushy’ in corners and heavy on the brakes.
Assuming Clean Tarmac: Scenic routes are magnets for loose gravel, pine needles, or mud washed down from slopes. Never enter a blind corner assuming the road is clean. Apply a ‘safety margin’—ride at 70% of your maximum capability to leave room for unexpected road debris.
Optimizing your gear for comfort
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Scenic riding often means spending eight to ten hours in the saddle. Comfort is not a luxury; it is a safety feature. If you are cold, wet, or uncomfortable, your concentration drops significantly.
Layering Systems: Use moisture-wicking base layers rather than cotton. Cotton absorbs sweat and creates a cold, damp layer against your skin that drains your body heat rapidly.
Ear Protection: Wind noise is the primary cause of fatigue on long rides. Use high-quality motorcycle earplugs to filter out low-frequency wind roar while still allowing you to hear sirens or engine changes.
Hydration Logistics: Avoid stopping every hour for water. A hydration bladder in your backpack allows you to drink while moving, which keeps your alertness high and your blood sugar stable.
Technical safety check
Before heading to any mountain or coastal pass, perform a ‘T-CLOCK’ inspection:
Tires: Check pressure and tread depth. Mountain roads with sharp turns eat tires faster than highways.
Controls: Ensure your levers have a firm feel. If you feel ‘sponginess,’ your brake fluid may be boiling from heat—replace it before tackling high-altitude passes.
Lights: Scenic routes often have tunnels or sudden weather changes. Ensure your headlights and hazards are fully functional for visibility in changing conditions.
Remember, the best riders are not those who ride the fastest, but those who ride the most smoothly. Plan your route, manage your machine’s setup, and enjoy the road.
