How Motorcycle Travel Is Driving Tourism to Hidden Destinations

More and more travelers want to get away from crowded schedules and rented cars, so they are starting to look into motorcycles. Once a specialty of a small group of adventure-seekers, motorcycling has become one of the biggest trends in solo traveling.

An increase in travelers choosing bicycles over cars

This trend is being backed up by data showing that the number of People using motorcycles for extended rides has increased dramatically. In 2023, the total value of the world-wide motorcycle Touring equipment industry (which includes tools) reached $5.6 billion USD. By 2032, it’s estimated to reach $9.8 billion and grow each year.

In addition to an increase in how many people are buying motorcycles, there is also an increase in preparation. Those planning on taking longer trips to remote locations understand that if your bike breaks, you may be unable to find someone to fix it close-by. So the use of a motorcycle tool kit has become a staple piece of equipment for all those who wish to take extended tours on a motorcycle and not have to worry about running out of gas or having a broken bike while on a long journey.

Additionally, the way people are riding has changed. Most daily riders now ride between 150 and 400 miles per day. Long distance riders however will ride anywhere between 400 and 800 miles per day over multiple days. There are also some endurance riders that complete daily rides of 800 plus miles in order to test themselves in long distance events.

Why are riders being attracted to less traveled routes?

Many scenic and less traveled routes are attracting riders. Among the most popular routes include coastal highways, mountain passes and national park roads. Examples of these types of routes include the Pacific Coast Highway, the Blue Ridge Parkway, Canada’s rocky mountains and European Alpine passes. One thing that all of these types of routes have in common is that they cannot be completely appreciated from inside a car. Riding a motorcycle allows the rider to feel and see everything around them; things that would be blocked by a windshield.

Another reason for riders attraction to certain routes is the ability to travel on these routes using a motorcycle. Vehicles with greater width and weight restrictions cannot navigate the same routes as a motorcycle. Additionally, motorcycles can traverse unpaved paths, cross borders with restricted access and navigate tight switch backs that larger vehicles could not fit through. As such, motorcycles provide access to areas that other vehicles cannot reach; providing riders with opportunities to visit areas that tourists do not usually visit.

Adventure travelers want to be self-sufficient

Long distance touring requires a great deal more effort than commuting to work. When touring on a motorcycle, long stretches of time exist where service stations, cellular service or repair facilities do not exist. As such, long distance motorcycle touring has fostered a culture of self-sufficiency in terms of preparing for potential issues while riding. Experienced long distance riders carry various items while touring including but not limited to; a basic toolkit, tire repair kits and basic first aid kits. The ability to perform simple maintenance tasks such as tightening loose bolts, adjusting chains or repairing minor mechanical problems on the side of the road has proven to be invaluable for many riders who have been stranded in foreign lands due to mechanical failures.