Am I ready for an overland adventure bike ride?

Ever dreamed of riding a motorcycle from Patagonia to Alaska? How about tracing the old Silk Road through the ‘Stans’, or traversing Africa? Maybe you’ve followed the adventures of globe-trotting YouTube overlanders such as Itchy Boots and thought, “Geez, I wouldn’t mind giving that a crack.”

Overlanding on a bike is one of the finest ways to see the planet and to experience the incredible diversity of people and cultures that lie beyond our fair shores. It plunges you headlong into the environment, wreathing you in the surrounding sights, smells and sounds. It’s not always easy, but it will change your life – guaranteed.

So, if you’re pondering the prospect of a long overseas tour on two wheels, here some aspects to consider long before you book those flights…

If there’s a track to follow, a bike will get you just about anywhere. With the exception of Antarctica, motorcycle travel is possible on all continents. And many islands too – think Iceland, Madagascar or Sri Lanka, for example.

Think about the places that interest you and what you want to see and do. Grab a beverage, get on to Google Maps, and start dreaming.

Time and money are obvious considerations. Not everyone can afford a round-the-world odyssey, let alone the time away from family, friends and work. But extraordinary adventures can be found everywhere, from years-long mega transcontinental expeditions to simpler journeys of months or weeks. Think about what might work for you, and plan accordingly.

Some well-beaten paths top the bucket lists of many aspiring motorcycle travellers. The Pan-American Highway from Alaska to Ushuaia in Argentina is the world’s longest road trip at more than 30,000km. What about Cape Town to Cairo? Or maybe Sydney to London? All epic treks that will immerse you in myriad landscapes and cultures.

If you’re unsure if overlanding is for you, consider a shorter trip to test the waters. Vietnam and Thailand are brilliant places for a two- or three-week adventure and they’re relatively close to Australia, as are India and Nepal. Further afield, Europe, the UK and the USA offer plenty of options for those seeking an overlanding taster.

Motorcycle overlanding means being prepared for most conditions, but you can make your journey easier and more enjoyable by picking the right time to visit any given region.

Here in Australia we can ride pretty much year-round, but that’s not the case everywhere. Freezing winters in much of the northern hemisphere limit the riding season to spring and summer, and occasionally autumn. In mountainous areas, the riding window can be even more limited.

In tropical climes expect heat and humidity all year round, while monsoon periods can bring torrential rains daily, turning dirt roads into mud pits. And arid regions such as the US south-west and northern Africa can be brutal and dangerously uncomfortable during summer.

Whenever you go, remember that weather happens and even the best laid plans can turn to mud and slush without warning. Take the right gear, be sensible and flexible, and you’ll be able to handle most conditions.

Don’t think that an overseas motorcycle adventure is only for the rugged pioneer type. There are people of all ages and abilities exploring the world on two wheels. Men, women, Millennials, Boomers, riders with years of experience and those fresh off their L-plates – overlanding is something any rider can tackle.

Riding in foreign lands can be challenging. Different road rules – and the locals’ attitudes to those rules – take some getting used to, while traffic can be a lot more chaotic than at home. Roads vary from brilliant to super sketchy, with all manner of occupants from overladen trucks to animals and snack vendors weaving between lanes, so you’ll need to be on your toes.

Riding on the other side of the road isn’t as tough as you might think. A bike’s handlebars and controls are always in the same place so adapting to riding on the right is easier than for a driver coming to grips with a left-hand-drive vehicle.

You don’t need to be an expert rider to go overlanding, but it helps to be confident in your ability to handle changing conditions and road surfaces. Patience is a must, as is a measure of self-reliance to deal with things like punctures and breakdowns.

Taking a training course in off-road or adventure riding before leaving home is great for sharpening your skills and building confidence. Riding your bike as much as possible in varying conditions – perhaps with a few weekends away – will also help a lot. Be honest in assessing your riding level, but don’t be too harsh – you’re probably more capable than you think.

The right bike for overlanding is the one that best suits you. There’s no ‘one size fits all’. People have ridden around the world on everything from Yamaha R1s to Harleys and Honda C90s.

I recently rode my Yamaha WR250R trail bike 45,000km from Chile to the USA. Along the way, I met other overlanders on new R 1250 GS Beemers, ageing Honda Africa Twins, KTM 500 EXCs, beat-up Royal Enfield Himalayans and Chinese 150cc commuter bikes. Whatever the bike, we were all having the time of our lives.

Your route and preferred terrain will shape the choice of bike. If you want to stick to sealed roads, consider something with a midsize or large-capacity engine that will easily handle highway speeds. If dirt roads are more your thing, look at an adventure or trail bike in a capacity to suit your size and riding level.

Don’t automatically go for the biggest bike, especially if you expect to hit the dirt. Big bikes weigh more, use more fuel and are more complex to service. A smaller, simpler bike isn’t necessarily slower, and you’ll appreciate the lighter weight when you have to pick the bike up from a lie-down.

Deciding to travel solo or with a companion or group is a huge decision. Each way has pros and cons, so think about what you want from the journey and what’s right for your personality.

Going solo gives you the freedom to go and stop where you want, and to change plans at the drop of a hat. One advantage of riding solo is that people are more comfortable with wandering over and saying hello. It’s a great way to meet locals and learn more about their lives and culture.

Riding solo can be isolating and you will spend a lot of time alone. It is also intensely liberating and builds your self-reliance in tough times.

Riding with a pillion, a mate or in a group gives you someone to share the adventure with. There’s great camaraderie in travelling with others, and a riding buddy can help with breakdowns, security and tricky situations. Costs can be shared but decision-making can be harder as everyone’s needs must be considered.

However you decide to go, the great thing about overland bike travel is that you write your own adventure. By all means, take inspiration and guidance from established routes and the experience of those who have gone before, but don’t forget to follow your nose and be curious.

Checklist: Planning an overland motorcycle epic

This article was originally published in November, 2023.