Motorcycle Tours Guide: From European Routes to Route 66

A motorcycle tour is more than transport between two destinations. It is an opportunity to experience changing landscapes, follow the rhythm of the road and arrive somewhere different at the end of each riding day.

Europe combines Alpine passes, the Dolomites, lakes, historic towns and Mediterranean coastal roads within relatively compact distances. Route 66 provides a different experience shaped by long distances, historic roadside businesses, small American towns and expansive desert landscapes.

Both require a suitable motorcycle, realistic daily distances, complete protective equipment and careful travel planning.

Motorcycle Tour Planning at a Glance

1. Understand the Difference Between Europe and Route 66

The right tour should suit both the places you want to see and the way you enjoy riding.

European motorcycle tours

European itineraries can combine several landscapes and countries within a relatively short distance.

Popular route types include:

• Alpine roads through Austria, Switzerland, France and Italy,
• The Italian Dolomites,
• Italy’s lake region,
• The French and Italian Rivieras,
• Adriatic and Balkan coastal roads,
• Mountain and coastal routes in Spain and Portugal,
• Forest and rural routes in Germany.

Mountain roads may involve tight bends, steep gradients, variable weather and higher altitudes. Coastal itineraries require greater attention to summer heat, seasonal traffic and parking.

Route 66 motorcycle tours

Route 66 began in 1926 as part of the United States’ early federal highway system. Its historical alignment connected Chicago with Los Angeles. After interstate highways replaced its final sections, Route 66 was officially decommissioned in 1985. Travellers now use a combination of preserved alignments, local roads and modern highway connections. U.S. National Park Service – Route 66 overview

The classic journey crosses eight states:

• Illinois,
• Missouri,
• Kansas,
• Oklahoma,
• Texas,
• New Mexico,
• Arizona,
• California.

Historic service stations, roadside diners, motels, small towns, neon signs and desert landscapes are as important to the experience as the riding itself.

2. Choose a Guided, Self-Guided or Independent Tour

Guided tour

A guided group is normally led by an experienced tour leader. Some programmes also include a support vehicle for luggage and technical assistance.

Possible benefits include:

• A pre-planned route,
• An experienced group leader,
• Prearranged hotels and daily stops,
• Faster assistance during technical problems,
• Possible luggage transport,
• A structured group-riding experience.

This format may suit riders visiting the destination for the first time or those who do not want to manage every logistical detail.

Self-guided tour

The motorcycle, accommodation and recommended route are arranged in advance, but participants ride without a guide.

It provides additional independence but requires riders to manage navigation, timing, fuel stops and changes to the itinerary.

Independent tour

The rider arranges the motorcycle, hotels, route and support services separately. This provides maximum flexibility but requires contingency planning for mechanical problems, weather changes and road closures.

3. Match the Route to Your Riding Experience

Holding a motorcycle licence does not automatically mean that every touring route is suitable for your experience.

Assess:

• Daily riding distance,
• Number of consecutive riding days,
• Frequency of tight bends and gradients,
• Urban traffic,
• Time spent on motorways,
• Road-surface conditions,
• Altitude and changing weather,
• Riding with a passenger or luggage,
• Motorcycle weight,
• Group-riding experience.

A relatively short Alpine stage may still require a full day because of bends, viewpoints and mountain traffic. Route 66 may include less technical sections, but heat, wind and long distances can cause fatigue.

Route planning should consider real riding time and the need for breaks, not only the number of kilometres or miles.

4. Choose the Right Motorcycle

The largest or most powerful motorcycle is not automatically the best choice. It should match the rider’s height, experience, luggage requirements and intended route.

Cruiser

Cruisers are closely associated with the Route 66 experience and can offer a relaxed riding position. Their weight, low-speed handling and performance on mountain roads should still be considered.

Touring

Touring motorcycles provide wind protection, luggage capacity and long-distance comfort. They may suit longer Route 66 stages or cross-border European itineraries.

Adventure

An upright riding position and broad visibility can make an adventure motorcycle attractive for European mountain routes. Seat height and weight must suit the rider.

Sport-touring

Sport-touring motorcycles combine responsive road handling with long-distance comfort and may suit experienced riders on paved mountain routes.

Before booking, confirm:

• Guaranteed model or equivalent category,
• Seat height,
• Approximate motorcycle weight,
• Side cases and top case,
• Passenger equipment,
• Navigation or telephone mount,
• Locks and security equipment,
• Fuel type and approximate range,
• Collection and return locations,
• Mileage allowance.

5. Check Licence and Rental Requirements

The rider must hold a current, unrestricted motorcycle licence valid for the category of motorcycle being rented.

Valid EU-issued licences are generally recognised across EU countries. The treatment of non-EU licences and International Driving Permits varies by destination. IDPs are not governed by one uniform EU-wide recognition system, so the country and rental provider must be consulted. Your Europe – Driving-licence recognition

In the United States, recognition of a foreign licence and any IDP requirement may vary by state. Rental companies may also impose conditions stricter than the legal minimum.

EagleRider’s current rental information, for example, requires a valid motorcycle licence. Certain tours also specify a minimum age of 21 and a valid credit card. These conditions should not be treated as universal and must be reconfirmed for the selected booking. EagleRider motorcycle-rental FAQ

Confirm:

• Motorcycle category on the licence,
• Licence expiry date,
• IDP requirement,
• Minimum rider age,
• Minimum licence-holding or riding period,
• Passport and visa requirements,
• Physical credit-card requirement,
• Available credit limit for the deposit,
• Additional-rider rules,
• Permission to cross state or national borders.

An International Driving Permit does not replace the original licence. Where required, both documents should be carried.

6. Review Rental, Deposit and Insurance Conditions

Do not compare rentals using only the motorcycle model and headline price.

Request written confirmation of:

• Third-party liability cover,
• Motorcycle damage protection,
• Theft protection,
• Deductible or excess,
• Security deposit,
• Tyre and wheel damage,
• Mirrors and accessories,
• Lost-key charges,
• Roadside assistance,
• Towing,
• Personal accident protection,
• Passenger cover,
• Cross-border restrictions,
• Cancellation and early-return conditions.

The term “full insurance” may still involve exclusions or a substantial excess. Ask for the maximum amount payable by the rider following damage and a list of circumstances that are not covered.

7. Select the Travel Period Carefully

Europe

High-altitude passes may be closed because of snow, winter conditions or maintenance. Weather can change rapidly at altitude even during summer.

Spring and autumn can be quieter on certain coastal and rural routes, but rainfall, temperature and daylight hours must still be considered.

Route 66

Route 66 crosses several climate zones. One journey may include cool rain, strong wind, high-altitude conditions and intense desert heat.

Summer temperatures in parts of Arizona, New Mexico and inland California can affect comfort and safety. Daily departure times should be adapted to seasonal conditions.

Before travelling, check:

• Current weather forecasts,
• Mountain-pass openings,
• Roadworks,
• Wildfire and flood alerts,
• Sunrise and sunset times,
• Wind conditions,
• Alternative routes.

8. Keep Daily Distances Realistic

A mapping application’s journey time does not include fuel, meals, photographs, rest stops or unexpected delays.

Plan for:

• A short break every 90–120 minutes,
• Fuel availability,
• Lunch,
• Scenic and photography stops,
• Hotel check-in times,
• Weather changes,
• The group’s most comfortable pace,
• Available daylight.

Attempting to complete all of Route 66 in an unrealistically short period can turn the experience into a daily mileage exercise. A low-mileage day in the Alps can also take longer than expected because of bends and mountain stops.

A rest day can improve both safety and enjoyment during a longer programme.

9. Do Not Compromise on Protective Equipment

Motorcycle helmets are mandatory for riders and passengers throughout EU countries. The European Commission also recommends full-face helmets, protective clothing and gloves. European Commission – Motorcycle protective equipment

Essential equipment includes:

• A correctly fitted, approved helmet,
• Protective motorcycle jacket,
• Protective trousers,
• Gloves,
• Motorcycle boots providing ankle protection,
• Rain gear,
• High-visibility elements,
• Layers for hot and cold conditions,
• Sun and neck protection.

The availability of rental helmets does not necessarily make bringing your own helmet unnecessary. Fit, condition, hygiene, certification, visor quality and communication-system compatibility should be checked.

10. Keep Luggage and Navigation Simple

Excessive luggage can affect manoeuvrability and rider comfort.

Consider packing:

• A limited number of layered garments,
• Quick-drying clothing,
• Waterproof inner bags,
• Basic personal-care products,
• Spare gloves,
• Charging cables and adapters,
• A power bank,
• Offline maps,
• Emergency contact details,
• Copies of licence and insurance documents.

When using a telephone for navigation, account for rain, vibration, battery consumption and areas without reliable network coverage.

Historic Route 66 may not appear as one uninterrupted road in standard navigation applications. Save the primary route, download an offline copy and identify alternative roads in advance.

11. Consider Accommodation and Motorcycle Security Together

A suitable motorcycle-tour hotel should provide more than a comfortable room.

Check:

• Secure or controlled parking,
• Space for the group’s motorcycles,
• Late check-in,
• Facilities for drying wet equipment,
• Early breakfast,
• Luggage storage,
• Nearby fuel stations,
• Evening dining options,
• Parking for a support vehicle,
• Convenient departure for the next stage.

Historic Route 66 motels can strengthen the journey’s character, while mountain hotels and small-town properties may provide more direct access to European routes. Secure parking, cancellation conditions and group capacity should remain priorities.

12. Establish Group-Riding Rules in Advance

Not every participant will ride at the same speed or have the same experience.

The pre-tour briefing should establish:

• The tour leader and sweep rider,
• Group formation,
• Safe following distances,
• Overtaking procedures,
• Fuel stops,
• What to do when separated,
• Daily meeting points,
• Emergency contact numbers,
• The bad-weather plan,
• The procedure if a rider stops participating.

Participants should never speed to catch the group. Predetermined meeting points should be used, with the pace set according to the safest comfortable riding level.

Compare Motorcycle Tour Packages Carefully

Two packages following the same route may include very different services.

Ask for a clear list of:

• Return flights,
• Baggage allowance,
• Airport transfers,
• Motorcycle model or category,
• Rental dates and times,
• One-way drop-off fees,
• Mileage allowance,
• Fuel policy,
• Insurance and excess,
• Security deposit,
• Accommodation and room category,
• Breakfast and other meals,
• Tour leader,
• Support vehicle,
• Luggage transport,
• Fuel and road tolls,
• Parking charges,
• National-park or activity admission,
• Helmet and protective equipment,
• Passenger supplement,
• Local and emergency assistance.

Motorcycle damage protection, personal travel insurance and medical cover are separate forms of protection. Policy conditions should be reviewed before payment.

Motorcycle Tour Checklist

Before travelling, confirm that:

• The route matches my riding experience.
• I have reviewed daily distances and estimated riding times.
• My motorcycle licence is current and valid.
• I have checked whether an IDP is required.
• My passport and visa arrangements are complete.
• I meet the rental provider’s age and experience conditions.
• I have a suitable credit card and sufficient deposit limit.
• I know the motorcycle model or equivalent category.
• I have reviewed the insurance cover and excess.
• My protective equipment is complete.
• I know the available luggage capacity.
• I have hotel and parking information.
• The route and offline maps are downloaded.
• I will recheck weather and road conditions.
• I have emergency and roadside-assistance numbers.
• I have written confirmation of package inclusions and exclusions.
• I have reviewed cancellation and amendment conditions.

Plan Your Motorcycle Tour with SET

SET creates personalised motorcycle journeys covering Europe’s Alpine passes and Mediterranean coastlines as well as America’s legendary Route 66.

The itinerary, duration, motorcycle category, accommodation standard, guide, support vehicle and additional destination experiences can be adapted for individual riders, groups of friends and private communities.

Explore our European and Route 66 motorcycle tours or contact us to create a personalised route, motorcycle and accommodation programme.

Frequently Asked Questions

What licence is required for a European motorcycle tour?

You need a current motorcycle licence valid for the category being rented. Holders of non-EU licences should verify whether the destination and rental company require an International Driving Permit or additional documentation.

How long does a Route 66 motorcycle tour take?

It depends on the selected starting and finishing points. Programmes intended to experience the complete route often exceed two weeks. Shorter itineraries may focus on selected states or particular sections.

Is Route 66 still one continuous road?

No. Route 66 was officially decommissioned in 1985. Travellers now use a combination of historic alignments, local roads and modern highway connections.

Can a new rider join a motorcycle tour?

It depends on the itinerary. Long distances, heavy motorcycles, mountain passes and group riding may require substantial experience. The rider’s level should be disclosed accurately so that a suitable route can be selected.

Is renting better than transporting my own motorcycle?

Rental can reduce shipping and customs arrangements for short and medium-length international trips. Transporting a personal motorcycle may be considered for longer journeys or where riding a familiar motorcycle is especially important.

Is protective equipment included?

Not always. Some companies may provide a helmet or limited equipment. The inclusion of a jacket, trousers, gloves and boots should be confirmed in writing.

What are the advantages of a guided motorcycle tour?

The route, hotels and daily stops are organised in advance. A tour leader provides local direction, and some programmes also include a support vehicle and luggage transport.

Can I join as a passenger?

Some programmes accept passengers. The passenger seat, footrests, luggage capacity, protective equipment and applicable supplement should be confirmed before booking.