There are hundreds of motorcycle tour operators out there. Most are fine. A handful are genuinely exceptional. This is an honest guide to the companies worth considering — what they do best, who they’re for, and where they operate.
We’ve included ourselves in this list. We’re biased, obviously — but we’ve tried to be accurate about what each company does well and where they’re strongest, including our own gaps.
What actually separates a good motorcycle tour operator from a mediocre one
Before the list, it’s worth naming what actually matters when comparing operators, because marketing copy tends to blur it. The differences that matter most: whether the guide actually lives in the destination or is flown in for the season, how firmly the group-size cap is enforced versus treated as a soft target, what’s genuinely included in the quoted price versus billed as an “optional” add-on later, and how the operator handles the day something goes wrong — a closed pass, a mechanical failure, a missed flight. Everything else is largely presentation.
1. Edelweiss Bike Travel — Best for breadth and heritage
Founded in 1980 in Austria, Edelweiss is the granddaddy of guided motorcycle touring. They operate in over 80 countries across six continents. If you want a destination they don’t cover, it probably doesn’t exist.
Best for: Riders who want maximum destination choice and the reassurance of 40+ years of operation. Their European tours — Alps, Dolomites, Pyrenees — are mature and well-executed.
Group size: Typically 12–16 riders. Price point: Mid to high. Website: edelweissbike.com
Where they’re less strong: Group sizes can be larger than ideal on popular tours. Local knowledge depth varies for off-the-beaten-track destinations.
2. Wheels of Morocco — Best for Morocco specifically
If Morocco is your destination, Wheels of Morocco deserves serious consideration. They’re an official BMW Motorrad travel partner, operate their own fleet of BMW GS bikes, and their guides are BMW-certified.
Best for: Morocco-focused riders who want top-end BMW GS bikes and BMW-certified guides. Their Atlas and Sahara routes are excellent.
Group size: Small (6–10). Price point: Premium. Website: wheelsofmorocco.net
Where they’re less strong: Morocco only. If you want a company for multiple destinations, you’ll need a different operator.
3. Ride Expeditions — Best for South America and Southeast Asia
Ride Expeditions run guided and self-guided tours across Asia, Africa, and South America. Their South Africa Garden Route and Vietnam tours are highly regarded.
Best for: Adventure-focused riders who want somewhere genuinely off the beaten track — Cambodia, Patagonia, the Garden Route.
Group size: Small to medium. Price point: Mid. Website: rideexpeditions.com
Where they’re less strong: Fewer luxury accommodation options. Better suited to riders who prioritise the adventure over the hotel.
4. MotoQuest — Best for North America and private groups
MotoQuest is the leading premium guided motorcycle tour operator in North America, with strong coverage of Alaska, Baja, the American Southwest, and Canada.
Best for: North American riders who want world-class guided tours on home turf, or private groups wanting a premium operator for a custom international trip.
Group size: Small to medium. Price point: Premium — all-inclusive. Website: motoquest.com
Where they’re less strong: Less local-knowledge depth outside North America compared to destination specialists.
5. ADVPaths — Best for Japan, Turkey, and premium private tours
That’s us. We’re based in Seville, Spain, and we run guided motorcycle tours in Morocco, Japan, Spain, Turkey, Vietnam, and South Africa. We launched in 2023 and we’re a younger company than the others on this list.
What sets us apart: every destination is led by a local expert who lives there — not a visiting guide following a printed itinerary. Our groups are capped at 10 riders. And we specialise in private custom tours built entirely around your group’s preferences.
Best for: Riders who want Japan (our strongest destination — the Japanese Alps are genuinely world-class for sport-touring), Turkey, or a private custom tour across any of our six destinations.
Group size: 6–10 or fully private. Price point: Premium. From €3,800 (Vietnam) to €8,650 (Japan). Website: advpaths.com
Where we’re less strong: We’re newer, so we have fewer reviews than Edelweiss or MotoQuest. We’re also more focused — six destinations, done properly — rather than offering 80 countries.
How to choose the right company
| Priority | Best choice |
|---|---|
| Maximum destination choice | Edelweiss Bike Travel |
| Morocco only | Wheels of Morocco |
| Japan or Turkey | ADVPaths |
| South America / Southeast Asia | Ride Expeditions |
| North America | MotoQuest |
| Private custom tour worldwide | ADVPaths or MotoQuest |
| Budget conscious | Ride Expeditions |
| Luxury everywhere | Edelweiss or ADVPaths |
The honest answer is that the best company is whichever one knows your destination most deeply. Ask any operator: “Who specifically will be guiding us, and how long have they lived in the country?” The answer tells you everything.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a guided motorcycle tour typically cost?
Premium guided tours generally range from €3,500 to €9,000 per person depending on destination, duration, and what’s included. Longer, more remote, or more logistically complex destinations (Japan, South Africa) sit at the higher end; more accessible destinations (Vietnam, Morocco) tend to be lower.
What questions should I ask before booking a guided motorcycle tour?
Who specifically guides the tour and how long have they lived there, what’s the maximum group size and is it firmly enforced, what’s included versus billed separately, and what happens if the bike breaks down or a route closes.
Are bigger, more established operators always the better choice?
Not necessarily. Size and longevity indicate reliability, but destination depth and group-size discipline often matter more for the actual quality of the riding experience.
Interested in an ADVPaths tour? Explore our six destinations or contact us to plan a private tour.