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Your Guide to Doing a Motorcycle Tour of Europe

Map of Europe with Motorcycle Trip Destinations

Touring Europe via Motorcycle

Traveling across Europe is an activity found on bucket lists all over the world. And it’s no surprise why: the continent is rich in history, culture and landscapes. With this many neighboring countries so close to each other, traveling throughout the continent is relatively easy.

Instead of backpacking through Europe, though, consider experiencing this amazing continent all from the back of your motorcycle. By traveling on a motorcycle, you get a 360-degree experience unlike what you would in a car or a bus. You’ll experience the twists and turns of Europe’s valleys and mountains, as well as be part of a community that also loves touring via motorcycle.

Take a look at our guide for motorcycle tours in Europe below!

Tips for Planning a Motorcycle Trip in Europe:

  • Before your trip, take your motorcycle in for a complete service. Make sure everything is operating the way it should. The last thing you want is to be stranded in the middle of the Alps because your motorcycle needs a repair.
  • Since Europe stretches from the Arctic Circle down to Africa, the weather across the continent varies by geographical region and time of year. Think about when and where you’ll be traveling, then pack and plan appropriately.
  • Pack lightly and efficiently. Have an emergency bag packed separately from the rest of your items, and secure it in an easily accessible spot so that you can grab it immediately should anything happen.
  • Booking through a tour company relieves the pressure of having to plan and arrange your trip yourself. If you don’t want to book through a company and prefer the do-it-yourself approach, check out the suggested routes below.

Motorcycling Routes through Europe by Region

Europe is a large continent, so there are many great motorcycle trails in different regions. Each one has unique sights and are all amazing routes in their own rights. See which route interests you the most.

Trans European Trail

The Trans European Trail stretches for 21,000 miles (34,000 kilometers), coursing all throughout the continent. Traveling this path could essentially be your one stop shop for seeing all of Europe. It’s cared after solely by volunteers named “Linesmen,” who each represent their respective country and the part of the road coursing through it.

The British Isles

The Cat and Fiddle Run, United Kingdom

While it’s technically named the A537 Buxton New Road, the Cat and Fiddle Run gets its nickname after a pub of the same name found along the route. The road is about 12.5 miles long, with most of it cutting through the Peak District National Park. Be careful, though, as it’s known as Britain’s most dangerous road because of the sharp drops and bends along the way.

Wild Atlantic Way, Ireland

Its total distance of 1,553 miles (2,500 kilometers) makes it the longest coastal route in the world. Travel along Ireland’s Atlantic coast, and you’ll go through six regions of the Emerald Isle. Taste the salty air on this scenic route featuring beaches, cliffs and coastal towns.

Nordic Region

Kristiansand to Bergen, Norway

Travel along Norway’s southern region on this 273-mile (468 kilometers) long journey. Before heading out, consider the time of year you’re traveling; winter in Norway can last from September to June, giving you a limited window of bearable traveling. However, it’s totally worth it for the incredible fjords.

The Iceland Ring Road, Iceland

This 828-mile loop takes you around the outer edges of Iceland. Plan to spend about seven days to see all that Iceland has to offer: volcanoes, icebergs, waterfalls, the Northern Lights and more amazing sights.

Mediterranean

Amalfi Coast Road, Italy

This 446-mile long road is also called “The Road of a Thousand Bends” for its crazy dips, climbs and turns. This area was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a cultural landscape in 1997. It’s advised to visit in the off-season because the summer traffic can be horrendous.

The Alps

Alpine Road, Germany

The German Alpine Road, or “Alpenstrasse,” is about 280 miles (450 kilometers) of road passing through incredible landscapes. You’ll see mountains, farmland, lakes, valleys, meadows, castles and so much more on this trek.

Furka Pass, Switzerland

One of the highest mountain passes of the Alps, this pass is featured in the car chase scene in James Bond’s Goldfinger. More than 250,000 people cross the pass each year in cars, motorcycles, train and bus. Switchbacks, glaciers, and the threat of landslides, avalanches and heavy snowfalls make this pass one of the most adrenaline-inducing rides in the world.

Ship Your Motorcycle to Europe with Schumacher Cargo Logistics

Ready to hit the road? Schumacher Cargo Logistics offers the best services and rates for shipping to Europe. Check out our page on shipping your motorcycle to Europe. With a multitude of ports throughout the continent, all you have to do is decide where to go! To get started, request a free online estimate or talk to one of our specialists at 562-408-6677 or toll-free at 800-599-0190.

A world record was set when a 1951 Vincent Black Lightning motorcycle sold for $929,000 at the Bonhams’ Las Vegas motorcycle auction in January. It’s the most expensive motorcycle to ever be sold at an auction, and Schumacher Cargo Logistics shipped the bike to its new home in Australia after the auction.

The previous record for the most expensive motorcycle sold at auction was set by a 1915 Cyclone Board Track Racer that sold for $825,500 in March 2015. The record for the most expensive car sold at auction also belongs to Bonhams, for a 1963 Ferrari 250 GTO that sold for $38.1 million in August 2014.

1951 Vincent Black Lightning in Schumacher's Warehouse

The Most Expensive Motorcycle Sold At Auction

Ben Walker, Bonhams Head of Motorcycling, recalls an electricity in the air as the competition at the auction took off.

“We had guys from the UK, America, Australia, mainland Europe all interested in acquiring this motorcycle,” Walker says. “It really came alive around the $550-600,000 mark because that’s where the real bidding battle started to take place between a gentleman in the audience and a gentleman on the phone.”

As the bidding price raised, so did the stakes.

“When it got to around $790-800,000, the guy in the room was shaking his head,” Walker says. “The auctioneer said, ‘Just one more, sir?'”

And finally, the total came out at a whopping $929,000. The Australian man on the phone won the bidding war. The 1951 Vincent Black Lightning, in its original, unrestored and running condition, returned to the country where it got its fame.

About Vincent Black Lightnings

This particular bike, dubbed the “Ehret Lightning,” already made its own record in 1953 when Jack Ehret broke Australian speed records after riding it at an average speed of 141.5 mph. The pair continued to win races around the world until 1993.

It’s one of approximately 30 other Black Lightning motorcycles manufactured by Vincent HRD, and only about 19 “correct” bikes are still in existence. When built, the Black Lightning was the fastest production motorcycle in the world.

Vincent motorcycles have been known to win speed records across the globe, more than any other manufacturer. David Lancaster’s documentary SpeedisExpensive highlights the history of these motorcycles and the family behind the company.

“When Philip Vincent [founder of Vincent Motorcycles] passed away in 1979, he didn’t think these motorcycles would be forgotten,” says Lancaster. “I don’t think he could’ve predicted the sort of prices that this motorcycle’s fetched, but he did know that these things were special.”

In September 1948, Rollie Free gained the motorcycle speed record for the United States while riding the first Vincent Black Lightning at the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. During test runs, he had average speeds of 148.6 mph.

For the final run, he stripped down to his swimming shorts to reduce the drag, laying flat on the seat with his legs stretched out and his head low. He reached a record 150.313 mph, following a black strip painted on the ground and completing a mile in 23.9 seconds.

Shipping Your Motorcycle to Australia

Schumacher Cargo Logistics is proud to have shipped this incredible, record-breaking Vincent Black Lightning motorcycle from the United States to Australia. We’re experts in shipping motorcycles to Australia and around the world. If you have a motorcycle, vehicle or household goods that you need to ship internationally, get your free shipping estimate today.

Sturgis Mountainside Near Motorcycle Rally

The #1 must-do for any North American motorcyclist is the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, held annually every first week of August in Sturgis, South Dakota. The 2017 rally will be the 77th rally, held August 4-13. Located on the edge of the Black Hills National Forest and just northwest of Rapid City, the rally offers a chance to connect with other riders, get a taste of the American West, and fulfill the dream of being part of a motorcycle gang. Vendors will set up shop along Sturgis’ Main Street and show off their inventory of gear, bikes, and other motorcycling necessities. The rally also hosts races, bike shows, and concerts from A-list musicians.

Things To Do

Music

The party doesn’t stop at motorcycles. Sturgis is proud to host rock legends like Ozzy Osbourne and Lynyrd Skynyrd among other favorites on the Rally’s set list. Here’s a current breakdown of the week at Buffalo Chip Campground:

  • Friday, Aug. 4, and Saturday, Aug. 5: Dirt Riot Off-Road Races
  • Sunday, Aug. 6: Shinedown, American Flat Track Sturgis Buffalo Chip TT Races
  • Monday, Aug. 7: The Doobie Brothers
  • Tuesday, Aug. 8: Lynyrd Skynyrd, Blackberry Smoke
  • Wednesday, Aug 9: Ozzy Osbourne, Pop Evil, Street Drag Invitational
  • Thursday, Aug. 10: Blink-182, George Thorogood and the Destroyers, Doug Danger’s Rattlesnake Jump
  • Friday, Aug. 11: Alter Bridge, AMA Supermoto
  • Saturday, Aug. 12: AMA Supermoto

Group Rides and Highways

There are plenty of group rides available on the Sturgis Rally website, or the lone traveler can ride highways like Iron Mountain Road, Vanocker Canyon Road, the Wildlife Loop, and Spearfish Canyon.

  • 15th Annual Sturgis Mayor’s Ride: Limited space available, so book fast! The Sturgis mayor will host this annual ride on Monday, Aug. 7, and all proceeds benefit the local emergency services. The ride takes you to the best of the Black Hills, stopping for lunch at Custer State Park. Participants will receive a limited edition Jack Daniels decanter signed by the mayor, a T-shirt, a Mayor’s Ride pin and other items from sponsors. To celebrate this being the 15th year for the ride, all participants will be entered into a drawing to join the mayor as a VIP guest for a pub crawl the following night.
  • Carey Hart’s Good Ride: A “social spin on the traditional motorcycle charity ride,” the Good Ride will take place on Sunday, August 6. Proceeds from this ride go to the Infinite Hero Foundation, an organization that helps veterans dealing with mental and physical issues after returning home.
  • Ride with a Local: For those who are new to the Rally or who just want a taste of the local flavor, this free ride will go through the best back roads and places in the Black Hills. There are two chances to ride, on Friday, Aug. 4, and Wednesday, Aug. 9, and it is expected to last five hours, including lunch and rest breaks. Lunch is not included in the ride. Spots are limited to 25 riders per ride, and itineraries and maps are included.

Other Highlights

South Dakota is full of hidden treasures. Local sightseeing includes Mount Rushmore, Deadwood, and Devils Tower in nearby Wyoming. Take advantage of the surrounding beauty and fun while you’re in the area.

Badlands National Park: get a glimpse of Mars without actually visiting another planet. The Badlands offer other-worldly landscapes of buttes and valleys, deeming it a “bad” place for the pioneers to travel through with their wagons.

Needles Highway: If you love the excitement and adrenaline of twisting roads and narrow passes, the Needles Highway is a must. The towering granite spires lining the highway give it its name, and the highway lies in Custer State Park, offering a chance to visit another incredible South Dakota must-see.

Sturgis Bar Scene: Sure, riding is what you want to do during the day, but what can you do once the sun goes down? Downtown Sturgis is home to plenty of saloons, bars, and pubs to give you a good time. Join the annual Sturgis Mayor’s Pub Crawl, or plan your own through Iron Horse Saloon, Knuckles Saloon, and Broken Spoke Saloon.

Where To Stay

Hotels, campgrounds, and other 300+ vacation rentals are available for lodging. Private homes to rent or vacation packages to purchase are also available. Find your home away from home here. Most lodgings are open year-round and can host individuals, families and larger groups.

Don’t Wait Too Long!

The 77th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is less than 90 days away, so start planning your trip now! Schumacher Cargo Logistics is prepared to get your bike there safely.

Thinking of Making the Trip from Overseas?

Check out our page on importing motorcycles and vehicles into the USA. If you have any questions you can give us a call or reach out to us on Facebook and Twitter.

Coastal Road Empty Mountainside Ocean
The Endless Summer was a 1966 surf documentary focusing on two surfers determined to follow the sun around the globe and essentially live a life of an endless summer. What if you could do the same on your motorcycle? We’ve compiled five must-ride destinations around the globe and things to do in the area you’re riding. Of course, the summer months vary across the globe, so take your time riding in one place before heading to the next destination. We’ve also included optional destinations that are on the way, but didn’t necessarily make our top 5.

Stop 1: Pacific Coast Highway, California

Head back home to the United States and discover the beautiful West Coast via the Pacific Coast Highway. Along the way you’ll see redwood forests, surf towns with seals on the beaches, and a certain famous bridge. Be aware of sharp turns, steep cliffs, and narrow shoulders. The PCH stretches the 123 miles from Monterey Bay to Morro Bay (you’ll recognize the Marine Life Institute, featured in Finding Dory).
Area tour company: EagleRider Motorcycle Rental & Tours
Summer months for California: June, July, August

Optional via destination:

Blue Ridge Parkway- Ride across the United States towards the Blue Ridge Parkway and see an incredible amount of the country. Choose between Virginia, West Virginia, Tennessee, or North Carolina, or do all four! Discover the charm and history of the East Coast before jetting off to Europe.

Stop 2: European Alps

The Alps, Europe’s #1 mountain range, spans across eight countries: Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Slovenia, and Switzerland. Picturesque mountains, lakes, and valleys surround quaint villages with one-of-a-kind Alpine culture. Switchbacks are commonly found in the roadways.
Area tour company: Edelweiss Bike Travel
Summer months for the Alps: June, July, August

Stop 3: Pyrenees Loop, France and Spain

After your Alpine ride, head southwest for a short ways and hit the Pyrenees Loop, located in France and Spain. In fact, the Pyrenees offers a lot of the same feeling as the Alps, just with less traffic. European bikers know and love this route with its awe-inspiring scenery and hairpin turns.
Area tour company: Pyrenees Motorcycle Tours
Summer months for the Pyrenees: June, July, August

Optional via destination:

Cueta to Marrakesh, Morocco- This 1,600 mile ride offers sights such as kasbahs, the Sahara desert, mountains, bazaars, the Atlantic coast, and the famous Casablanca. The best times to visit Morocco is April to early June, and September to November. Opting for the latter months to visit is a perfect fit between the Pyrenees and our next location.

Stop 4: Cape Town Circuit, South Africa

This loop, 1,050 miles (1,690 miles), departs from and arrives in Cape Town, South Africa. It can be completed in a two-week journey through the Olifantskip Pass and Addo National Park (think elephants and other big game animals). Route 62 takes you across the Great Karoo and the Little Karoo Mountains and back to Cape Town. Be sure to stop in Oudtshoorn, the “ostrich capital of the world,” and Robertson for some wine tasting.
Area tour company: Motorcycle Tours South Africa
Summer months for South Africa: mid-October to mid-February

Stop 5: The Great Ocean Road, Australia

Only 180 miles (290 km) long, this ride is a one-day adventure on the southern tip of Australia. Traveling from Melbourne to Petersbrough, you can take your time to stop along the coastal towns for a break to shop, eat, and sightsee. Stop by the Grampians National Park, and keep an eye out for those adorable koalas! Be independent on a self-guided tour or travel with a tour company.
Area tour company: BikeRound OZ
Summer months for Australia: December, January, February (note: summer in Australia is no joke. If you’re worried about the heat, look into visiting during the transition seasons: September-November, and March-May.)

Optional via destination:

Hana Highway, Hawaii- This 60-mile highway is located on the north end of Maui, keeping the small town of Hana reachable to the rest of the Hawaiian civilization. Mountains on the east side, the Pacific Ocean on the west, and waterfalls in between. This stop in Hawaii is the perfect break between Australia and your return back to the United States.

Schumacher Can Get You There!

So you’re hooked and wanting to do this ride, but how do you ship a motorcycle across the globe? Schumacher Cargo Logistics ships to and from all of these locations, so we are prepared to handle your bike properly and securely while you travel between destinations.

Tunnel View of Mt. Rushmore

The #1 must-do for any North American motorcyclist is the Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, held annually every first week of August in Sturgis, South Dakota. The 2016 rally will be the 76th rally, held August 8-14. Located on the edge of the Black Hills National Forest and just northwest of Rapid City, the rally offers a chance to connect with other riders, get a taste of the American West, and fulfill the dream of being part of a motorcycle gang. Vendors will set up shop along Sturgis’ Main Street and show off their inventory of gear, bikes, and other motorcycling necessities. The rally also hosts races, bike shows, and concerts from A-List musicians.

Things To Do

There are plenty of group rides available on the Sturgis Rally website, or the lone traveler can ride highways like Iron Mountain Road, Vanocker Canyon Road, the Wildlife Loop, and Spearfish Canyon. Nearby sightseeing includes Mount Rushmore, Deadwood, and Devils Tower in nearby Wyoming.

Some top things to do are:

  • 14th Annual Sturgis Mayor’s Ride: Limited space available, so book fast! The Sturgis mayor hosts this annual ride on the first day of the rally, and all proceeds benefit the Sturgis Volunteer Fire Department. The actual ride takes you to the best of the Black Hills, stopping for lunch at Custer State Park.
  • Badlands National Park: get a glimpse of Mars without actually visiting another planet. The Badlands offer other-worldly landscapes of buttes and valleys, deeming it a “bad” place for the pioneers to travel through with their wagons.
  • Sturgis Bar Scene: Sure, riding is what you want to do during the day, but what can you do once the sun goes down? Downtown Sturgis is home to plenty of saloons, bars, and pubs to give you a good time. Join the annual Sturgis Mayor’s Pub Crawl, or plan your own through Iron Horse Saloon, Knuckles Saloon, and Broken Spoke Saloon.
  • Needles Highway: If you love the excitement and adrenaline of twisting roads and narrow passes, the Needles Highway is a must. The towering granite spires lining the highway give it its name, and the highway lies in Custer State Park, offering a chance to visit another incredible South Dakota must-see.

Where To Stay

Hotels, campgrounds, and other 300+ vacation rentals are available for lodging. Find your home away from home here. Learn More

Don’t Wait Too Long!

The 76th Sturgis Motorcycle Rally is only weeks away, so start planning your trip now! Schumacher Cargo Logistics is prepared to get your bike there safely.

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Schumacher Cargo Logistics utilizes insured, secured and bonded facilities. We provide warehousing, packing, crating, trucking and loading services out of our own warehouses here in the USA - Los Angeles, Houston, Savannah, Miami, New York, and New Jersey. All other worldwide destinations are covered by our affiliated organization member companies.