For an entire generation, riding a motorcycle in Europe has been a dream holiday. In recent years, with the advent of the European Union, it has become easier than ever. No visas or passport checks between countries, no (or much less) changing currency every day or two—the euro experience is easier than ever.
You can bring your own bike, or buy one there—BMW, Ducati, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Aprilia, and KTM are the major European brands. But you can also rent a bike. Easiest of all is to hook up with a tour company (Edelweiss Bike Travel and Beach’s Motorcycle Adventures are two of our favorites). In terms of dream rides, most riders head for the Alps, running through France, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland.
If you’ve never visited Europe, be aware that laws and driving/riding styles vary tremendously from country to country. Germans are serious, fast, precise, and professional, and will expect no less from you. Spain is mad for anything with two wheels. In Italy, the laws are often more like guidelines. But wherever you ride, motorcycles tend to be more of a rarity in Europe, and their riders take their sport seriously.
For an entire generation, riding a motorcycle in Europe has been a dream holiday. In recent years, with the advent of the European Union, it has become easier than ever. No visas or passport checks between countries, no (or much less) changing currency every day or two—the euro experience is easier than ever.
You can bring your own bike, or buy one there—BMW, Ducati, Moto Guzzi, Triumph, Aprilia, and KTM are the major European brands. But you can also rent a bike. Easiest of all is to hook up with a tour company (Edelweiss Bike Travel and Beach’s Motorcycle Adventures are two of our favorites). In terms of dream rides, most riders head for the Alps, running through France, Austria, Italy, and Switzerland.
If you’ve never visited Europe, be aware that laws and driving/riding styles vary tremendously from country to country. Germans are serious, fast, precise, and professional, and will expect no less from you. Spain is mad for anything with two wheels. In Italy, the laws are often more like guidelines. But wherever you ride, motorcycles tend to be more of a rarity in Europe, and their riders take their sport seriously.