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Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
Photo by Erling Foshaugen, Curious kid in the Omo Valley, Ethiopia

I haven't been everywhere...
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Photo by Erling Foshaugen,
Curious kid in the Omo Valley, Ethiopia



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  #1  
Old 3 Mar 2012
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Suggestions for world's best roads

I am in the early stage of planning a 6 continent RTW trip with two other riders (trip 3 years away, BMW1200GSA). We have already sketched out a general route: Europe to Mongolia to Singapore; Australia; USA - Argentina, Cape Town to Cairo. We have started to plan in detail on Basecamp for uploading to Garmins. There are many considerations on finalizing the route, security, visas, weather, etc. But we would love suggestions for the WORLD's BEST MOTORCYCLE ROADS. Current examples include: Tajikistan - from Khorog to Osh; Romania: Transfagarasan; Bolivia: Old Yungas Road. Offroad/rough road suggestions welcome. Thanks!
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  #2  
Old 3 Mar 2012
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If you get the chance ride through New Zealand. No particular road, you will find stunning scenery everywhere you go with lots of twisty cambered corners leading onto straights passing through lakes, forests and mountains. Paradise! Am probably biased as I come from NZ but after living in the UK for 12 years I sure do miss it!
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  #3  
Old 3 Mar 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hkdad3 View Post
WORLD's BEST MOTORCYCLE ROADS
Personally I like to think of them more as regions, not necessarily any particular roads, that are best suited for bikes.

Just to give a few examples, in Europe Norway is probably worth a visit, if you want spectacular roads. And in Asia, northern Thailand is famous for a reason. More mountainous areas in Laos are also great, even though its road infrastructure is less developed. And the Himalayas (northern Pakistan, India, Nepal) should also be a pretty safe bet. Also the roads to the hill stations in southern India are great in their own way.

Do note, that if planning to ride from Mongolia to Laos you will need to get into, and cross China, which costs a lot of money, if you want to do it with your own bike(s). Plenty of active discussions about this at the HUBB.
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  #4  
Old 3 Mar 2012
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Thanks for feedback so far. Plan to do separate New Zealand trip in the next year, renting a bike. I have done several China trips (Silk Road, Tibet, Xinjiang) and am aware of the unfortunate high costs and requirements. Welcome further suggestions on other great roads...not much to brag about here in Hong Kong.
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  #5  
Old 3 Mar 2012
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South Island, New Zealand.
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  #6  
Old 3 Mar 2012
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hkdad3 View Post
Welcome further suggestions on other great roads...not much to brag about here in Hong Kong.
The BAM - all of it.
Really is the ultimate bragging factor, if that is what turns you on.

5 motos have done the east half, and only 3 of them went on to the west half (which on its own is becoming more regularly travelled).

But a 1200GSA is not the moto for that - no matter how much TT stuff you put on it.

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=533442
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  #7  
Old 4 Mar 2012
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There is some great riding to be done here in Northern Thialand - The Mae Hon Son Loop for a start its a far better road the the stelvio on the Trasfangarian, plus there are many fantastic offroad routes, it would be worth you renting a couple of KLX's for a few days and exploring.

Have a look at Ride Asia - there is a guy called phil and you can buy GPS maps off him for Thailand and LAos with all the good roads and trails on, well worth it!!
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  #8  
Old 4 Mar 2012
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A few from North America: Trans Am Trail, Continental Divide off-road "route", the Dempster highway, Duffy Lake road
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  #9  
Old 6 Mar 2012
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Nepal

If you get a chance ride from Pokhara to Muktinah ! It's by far the best ride I have done, roads are not to good & it is freezing, but you will be dually rewarded 10 fold.
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  #10  
Old 6 Mar 2012
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"Offroad/rough road suggestions welcome."

If that is the way of your trip, my personal idea is:
Better to choose a bike which is less heavy,spare parts easy,cheap and fast to find, and simple repairs can be done by yourself and everywhere.Even an old bike is a better choice.

Currently a friend is stuck in Kenya after a small accident and still waiting for spare parts from Denmark since end of January.Trying to transfer him and his bike to Kampala-Uganda by helps of a British friend who lives there.

About Turkey roads, I will certainly recommend you: (from west to east)
1-Stone Road and Dark Canyon (Kangal-Kemaliye-Kemah)
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...6638060&type=3
2-Mediterrenaen Paradise (Pamukkale-Fethiye-Kaş)
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...7244272&type=3
3-Kings' Road (Mersin-Pozantı-Cappadocia)
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...7244272&type=3

Many national parks and free camping areas available around.

Wish you all the best,happy and safe trips.
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  #11  
Old 9 Mar 2012
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Thanks - no doubt Turkey will be a highlight. Very much enjoyed Cappadocia on a previous trip (without motorcycle). Yes, I hear you on bike size, though I have not been able to persuade the other two riders yet, and we all want to use a common bike. I have taken a 1200GS up to Everest basecamp, very tough roads in Tibet, but still on-road. Tiring to pick those bikes up!

Quote:
Originally Posted by istanbul bisiklet motosiklet View Post
"Offroad/rough road suggestions welcome."

If that is the way of your trip, my personal idea is:
Better to choose a bike which is less heavy,spare parts easy,cheap and fast to find, and simple repairs can be done by yourself and everywhere.Even an old bike is a better choice.

Currently a friend is stuck in Kenya after a small accident and still waiting for spare parts from Denmark since end of January.Trying to transfer him and his bike to Kampala-Uganda by helps of a British friend who lives there.

About Turkey roads, I will certainly recommend you: (from west to east)
1-Stone Road and Dark Canyon (Kangal-Kemaliye-Kemah)
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...6638060&type=3
2-Mediterrenaen Paradise (Pamukkale-Fethiye-Kaş)
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...7244272&type=3
3-Kings' Road (Mersin-Pozantı-Cappadocia)
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?...7244272&type=3

Many national parks and free camping areas available around.

Wish you all the best,happy and safe trips.
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  #12  
Old 9 Mar 2012
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try here

The world's most spectacular roads
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  #13  
Old 12 Mar 2012
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Thanks, great website!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fern View Post
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  #14  
Old 20 Mar 2012
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I agree with several of the previous posters - New Zealand is amazing!! Right at the end of a 3 month trip. Rode the Forgotten World Highway yesterday ... just stunning! Mount Cook, Arthur's and Lewis passes etc etc.

Alaska is another area you should consider as there aren't many roads to choose from but they are all through stunning scenery and low traffic volume - good gravel options if that's your bent.

Also West Coast Canada (Yukon, British Columbia and Alberta), Utah, Montana and Arizona - not difficult or technical riding but wonderful scenery, great small towns, friendly people and lots to see. Take your time

Romaina impressed me too!

Kate
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  #15  
Old 20 Mar 2012
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Don't forget the west coast of scotland, mid Wales for gloriously beautiful countryside and great riding roads
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