For adventure motorcyclists, the journey is always more exciting than the destination. Whether you’re navigating rocky trails, riding through dense forests, trekking through sugar sand back roads or leisurely cruising along scenic coastal highways, the world is full of awe-inspiring motorcycle routes just waiting to be crossed and. explored. If you’re looking to plan your next adventure on two wheels, we’ve compiled a list of the top 11 adventure motorcycle routes around the world that offer unparalleled excitement and unforgettable scenery.

1. Dalton Highway – Alaska, USA

The Dalton Highway is often referred to as one of the most extreme motorcycle routes in the world. Stretching over 400 miles from Livengood to Deadhorse, this remote and rugged road takes you through the heart of Alaska’s wilderness, offering breathtaking Arctic views. Expect long gravel roads, frigid temperatures, and little in the way of civilization. But for those who crave the wild, the reward is the thrill of an untamed, almost surreal landscape. 

Best Time to Ride: June to August 

Challenges: Rough terrain, weather conditions, isolation 

2. Transfăgărășan Highway – Romania

Dubbed by some as the most beautiful road in the world, the Transfăgărășan Highway in Romania is a must-ride for adventure enthusiasts. Winding through the Carpathian Mountains, this route offers steep hairpin turns, dense forests, and panoramic mountain views. Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning landmarks like Bâlea Lake and Poenari Castle, adding a touch of history to your adventure. 

Best Time to Ride: June to October 

Challenges: Steep curves, unpredictable weather 

3. Ruta 40 – Argentina

Spanning over 3,000 miles, Argentina’s Ruta 40 is one of the longest roads in the world, running from the northern border with Bolivia to the southern tip of the country. This epic route offers diverse landscapes, from arid deserts and vast plains to snow-capped mountains and glacial lakes. Riders can enjoy stops at famous attractions like the Andes, the stunning Patagonian wilderness, and the remote beauty of El Calafate. 

Best Time to Ride: November to March 

Challenges: Long distances, remote stretches 

4. Great Ocean Road – Australia

The Great Ocean Road in Victoria, Australia, is a scenic coastal route that stretches 150 miles along the southern coast. The ride offers endless views of the ocean, sandy beaches, and rugged cliffs. As you ride, you’ll pass iconic landmarks such as the Twelve Apostles and Great Otway National Park. It’s a relatively easy ride, making it ideal for riders who enjoy a mix of adventure and relaxation. 

Best Time to Ride: November to March 

Challenges: High winds, coastal weather 

5. Pamir Highway – Tajikistan

The Pamir Highway, or M41, is one of the highest-altitude roads in the world and runs through the rugged mountains of Central Asia. This road is not for the faint of heart, offering extreme conditions with rough roads and high altitudes. Along the way, you’ll ride through remote villages, stunning valleys, and snow-covered peaks. The adventure here is as much about the cultural experiences as the epic landscapes. 

Best Time to Ride: June to September 

Challenges: Altitude sickness, rough terrain 

6. Cerro de la Muerte – Costa Rica

Cerro de la Muerte, translating to “Mountain of Death,” may sound daunting, but it’s one of Costa Rica’s most thrilling routes. The road climbs over 11,000 feet, offering jaw-dropping views of cloud forests and tropical landscapes. Along the way, you’ll experience a mix of rugged off-road terrain and paved sections. Expect heavy fog, steep cliffs, and plenty of heart-racing moments. 

Best Time to Ride: December to April 

Challenges: Fog, steep grades, unpredictable weather 

7. Sani Pass – South Africa

The Sani Pass is a legendary adventure route that connects South Africa with the mountain kingdom of Lesotho. Known for its steep switchbacks and gravel paths, this road offers an adrenaline-pumping ride up the Drakensberg Mountains. The views are spectacular, with vast, green valleys and distant mountain peaks. This route is a test of off-road skills and is not recommended for beginners. 

Best Time to Ride: April to September 

Challenges: Rocky terrain, steep inclines 

8. Route 66 – USA

Route 66 is perhaps one of the most iconic road trips in the world, running from Chicago to Santa Monica. While much of it is paved and relatively easy to ride, it offers a nostalgic sense of American adventure, with stretches through small towns, deserts, and historic landmarks. Highlights include the Petrified Forest, Grand Canyon detours, and old Americana charm. 

Best Time to Ride: May to October 

Challenges: Long distances, extreme heat in summer 

9. Manali to Leh Highway – India

The Manali to Leh Highway in India is one of the most scenic and challenging motorcycle routes in the world. It stretches over 300 miles through the Himalayas, offering jaw-dropping views of snow-covered peaks, deep valleys, and remote monasteries. With altitudes reaching up to 17,000 feet, this route requires careful preparation and a sense of adventure. 

Best Time to Ride: June to September 

Challenges: High altitudes, unpredictable weather 

10. Ring Road – Iceland

Iceland’s Ring Road, or Route 1, circles the entire island, offering riders a mix of volcanic landscapes, waterfalls, glaciers, and fjords. The road is paved, but conditions can be tricky due to rapidly changing weather. Stops along the way include famous sights like the Blue Lagoon, Gullfoss waterfall, and the black sand beaches of Vik. 

Best Time to Ride: June to August 

Challenges: Variable weather, wind gusts 

11. Mae Hong Son Loop – Thailand

The Mae Hong Son Loop in northern Thailand is a favorite among motorcyclists for its combination of winding mountain roads, tropical forests, and cultural richness. The 400-mile loop features over 1,800 curves, offering endless twists and turns for those who love a technical ride. Along the way, riders can visit hill tribe villages, temples, and hot springs. 

Best Time to Ride: November to February 

Challenges: Narrow roads, dense traffic in some areas 

While we couldn’t include every great ADV routes out, we felt each of these routes offers its own unique blend of adventure, challenges, and breathtaking scenery. Whether you prefer the rugged wilderness of Alaska or the cultural richness of Thailand, these motorcycle routes are sure to provide the thrill of exploration and the beauty of the open road. So embrace being a ADV motorcycle worldcrosser and gear the hell up, plan your route, and prepare for the ride of a lifetime!

This blog post covers a range of global destinations with varying degrees of difficulty, offering something for both novice and experienced adventure riders.

Adventure motorcycling is all about pushing boundaries—your own and your bike’s. Whether you’re exploring dirt trails, rocky mountain passes, or sandy dunes, mastering a few key techniques can significantly enhance your riding experience and, more importantly, keep you safe. Here are seven essential adventure riding techniques every adventure motorcycle rider should know.

1. Mastering Body Positioning

Proper body positioning is the foundation of adventure riding. A well-balanced rider can navigate rough terrains, maintain control, and reduce fatigue during long rides.

How to do it:

Standing position: When off-road, stand on the foot pegs with knees slightly bent and your elbows high. This stance allows your body to act as a shock absorber and gives you more control over the bike.

Leaning into turns: Shift your weight to the outside peg while leaning the bike into the turn. This helps maintain balance on uneven ground.

On the road: For smoother rides, keep your body relaxed with your knees gripping the tank lightly and your arms slightly bent to absorb vibrations.

Mastering body positioning helps you stay agile and ready to respond to the unpredictable nature of off-road trails.

2. Throttle Control

Throttle control is crucial, especially when riding on loose surfaces like gravel, sand, or mud. Too much throttle can lead to loss of traction, while too little can cause stalling or poor momentum.

How to do it:

Gentle acceleration: Apply smooth, steady throttle inputs to maintain traction. Rapid or jerky twists of the throttle can cause wheel spin or skidding, especially on loose or wet surfaces.

Power modulation: Adjust your throttle based on terrain. For uphill climbs, give the bike a bit more power, but maintain a steady pace. For descents or technical sections, reduce throttle input to stay in control.

Good throttle control not only boosts your confidence but also helps you avoid getting stuck in tricky spots.

3. Braking Skills

Braking is a delicate balance, particularly in off-road conditions. Proper use of both front and rear brakes is vital to maintaining control on challenging terrain.

How to do it:

Front brake dominance: On most surfaces, your front brake provides about 70% of your stopping power. However, use it gently on loose terrain to avoid locking up the wheel.

Rear brake for stability: The rear brake helps stabilize the bike during braking, especially on downhill or off-camber sections. Use it to control speed and maintain balance.

Braking downhill: When descending steep terrain, rely more on the rear brake to prevent the front wheel from washing out. Apply the brakes smoothly to avoid losing traction.

Understanding when and how to apply your brakes effectively can make the difference between smooth control and a slide-out.

4. Cornering Off-Road

Cornering on loose, uneven surfaces is one of the trickiest maneuvers to master in adventure riding. But with the right technique, it becomes much easier and safer.

How to do it:

Weight distribution: As you approach a turn, shift your weight to the outside of the bike while leaning it into the turn. This provides better traction and control.

Throttle control: Roll off the throttle as you enter the turn and apply a little more throttle as you exit to maintain balance and speed.

Look ahead: Always keep your eyes on the exit point of the turn. This helps you anticipate and adjust for obstacles or changes in terrain.

With practice, you’ll be able to tackle off-road corners confidently, even on loose or gravelly surfaces.

5. Weight Distribution

Proper weight distribution is key to handling your motorcycle, especially on technical terrain like steep climbs, descents, or uneven surfaces.

How to do it:

Climbing hills: Lean forward to shift your weight over the front wheel, which improves traction and keeps the front end from lifting.

Descending hills: Shift your weight back toward the rear of the bike. This helps prevent the front wheel from sliding out and gives you more control.

Riding through obstacles: If you’re crossing logs or rocks, stand up, keep your body centered, and let the bike move beneath you. This allows you to absorb impacts and keep your momentum.

Effective weight distribution reduces the strain on both you and your bike, making for a smoother, more controlled ride.

6. Reading Terrain

Being able to “read” the terrain is essential for adventure motorcyclists. The ability to anticipate what’s ahead allows you to adjust your riding style and avoid potential hazards.

How to do it:

Look ahead: Always keep your eyes on the trail ahead, scanning for rocks, ruts, water crossings, or loose gravel. This gives you time to adjust your speed or line.

Pick your path: On tricky sections, choose a line that minimizes obstacles and maximizes traction. Sometimes, the safest route is not the most obvious one.

Adapt quickly: Conditions can change in an instant, so be ready to adjust your speed, body position, or throttle based on the terrain in front of you.

A good adventure rider is always reading the landscape, making split-second decisions to ensure a safe ride.

7. Riding in Sand or Mud

Riding through sand or mud presents unique challenges. These surfaces can feel unstable and unforgiving, but the right technique can make all the difference.

How to do it:

Keep momentum: In both sand and mud, maintaining a steady pace is crucial. Slowing down too much can cause you to sink or lose balance.

Stay relaxed: Grip the handlebars lightly and let the bike move under you. Stiff arms will only make the ride more uncomfortable and harder to control.

Use body weight: Shift your weight back to keep the front wheel from digging into the sand or mud. Keep your legs loose and be ready to dab a foot if you lose traction.

With practice, you’ll find that riding on these surfaces becomes less intimidating and more of an exciting challenge.

Conclusion

Adventure riding is as much about skill as it is about the thrill of exploration. By mastering these seven essential techniques, you’ll improve your riding performance, increase your confidence, and enhance your safety on every ride. Remember, practice makes perfect. Next time you’re out on your bike, take the time to focus on these skills, and you’ll be ready to tackle any terrain with ease.

Ready for your next adventure?
Get out there, practice these techniques, and conquer new trails!