How to Plan Your First (or Next) Motorcycle Tour
Before you throw a leg over your bike and blast off into the unknown, let’s talk planning. Not the stiff, minute-by-minute kind - but the smart kind that makes sure you’ve got the gear, the roads, and the overnight stops figured out without killing your vibe.
This is your all-in-one motorcycle touring guide: built for both the overplanners and the free spirits. Let’s break it down.
1. Find the Perfect Route
Your tour is only as good as the roads you ride. The right apps can make or break your experience - especially if you’re chasing scenic curves and avoiding soulless highways.
Calimoto: One of the best motorcycle route planners out there. It’s designed by riders, for riders, and nails what we actually care about:
Twisty roads algorithm: This isn't just any navigation app. Calimoto allows you to edit routes and prioritise your preferred type of road. Between each navigation point, you can choose whether you want the fastest road or winding roads, ensuring your ride is tailored to you, and as exhilarating as the scenery.
Specialised motorcycle map: Unlike car GPS systems, Calimoto's map considers factors important to motorcyclists, like road surface quality and hairpin turns. When you finish your route, it will allow you to rate the quality of the road condition, fun factor, and scenery.
Offline navigation: Even a scenic detour can lead you off the beaten path. Calimoto's offline maps and turn-by-turn navigation with (optional) voice prompts keep you on track, no matter the signal strength.
Additional features: Depending on your subscription level, Calimoto offers features like elevation profiles, service station locations and biker-friendly restaurant locations, and even the ability to analyse your ride's lean angle and acceleration for some post-trip bragging rights.
Nearby rides: Explore saved routes nearby, or in a specific region, created and completed by other riders. With the premium version, you can even explore photos they have taken along the way.
Google Maps: While Calimoto offers a fantastic motorcycle-focused experience, don't forget about Google Maps! Google Maps can be a great resource for initial route planning, especially when used with the "Live View" feature (where available). Live View will then provide a 360-degree street-level preview of the route, allowing you to get a feel for the road conditions, potential turns, and overall riding experience before you commit to the route in your dedicated motorcycle app.
2. Discover Hidden Gems
The best parts of any trip? Usually the unexpected detours.
Websites and forums dedicated to motorcycle touring are treasure troves of information. Look for rider reviews and recommendations on must-see sights, from historical landmarks to quirky roadside attractions. Additionally, there are plenty of (international) Facebook groups that are motorcycle-specific and provide unlimited resources and tips from fellow riders.
3. Fuel Your Ride (and Yourself)
There are a number of apps and websites that can help you find biker-friendly restaurants and cafes along your route. No one wants to get caught in the middle of nowhere with a rumbling stomach! Just in case, I like to keep a nutricious snack or two in my saddlebags at all times.
Similarly, depending on the fuel range on your motorcycle, you can benefit from some initial research of service stations along the way.
4. Sleep Smart: Where to Stay on a Motorcycle Trip
Whether you’re into stargazing from a tent or crave a hot shower and a real bed, options are plenty:
Camping: Motorcycle touring and camping go hand-in-hand. There is an art to finding and choosing the right campsite for you (and your motorcycle), but it is much easier than you think. Using Google Maps, you can search for campsites along your route and even book a spot in advance to avoid rolling up to “full” campsite sign.
Hotels and Motels: For those who prefer a bit more comfort, there are plenty of motorcycle-friendly hotels and motels that offer amenities like secure parking and on-site laundry facilities.
Bunk-a-Biker: Bunk-a-Biker offers a fantastic alternative, allowing you to connect with the motorcycle community and potentially find a unique and comfortable place to stay. This free service connects you with biker hosts who offer a spare room, couch, or even a camping spot in their yard to fellow riders. It's a great way to save money, meet new people, and gain valuable local insights for the next leg of your journey. Just remember to check the Bunk-a-Biker website for guest etiquette and how to find a host that best suits your needs.
>> Read my blog post about the Bunk-a-Biker platform.
5. Weather, Traffic & Safety Tools
Stay ahead of the chaos:
Weather apps – Know what you’re riding into before you saddle up. Rain gear takes on a whole new importance when you see a cold front on the horizon.
Navigation apps with live traffic – Some motorcycle-specific GPS systems also show detours, closed roads, and construction zones.
Always let someone know your route, especially if you’re riding solo or heading into the backcountry.
Plan Just Enough, Then Ride Free
Planning doesn’t kill spontaneity - it fuels it. The more you’ve handled upfront, the more headspace you have to enjoy the ride. With these tools and tips, you're ready to take on your next two-wheeled adventure with confidence.
Already toured somewhere awesome? Share your top tip or learning in the comments. Riders help riders.
→ Want to level up your everyday riding life too? Don’t miss What I Learned from Commuting by Motorcycle Daily.
