Frequently asked questions

Absolutely not! Our motorcycle tours have little in common with a "typical package tour." Instead, you can expect real adventures, unforgettable moments, and plenty of riding fun.

Why?

• A new destination every day: You'll stay in a different hotel almost every day. Each stage takes you to exciting places that couldn't be more different. Boredom? Not a chance!
• Your motorcycle, your luggage, your adventure: Everything you need travels in your motorcycle panniers. The daily unpacking and repacking is just as much a part of the experience as the breeze.
• Pure community: You're not riding alone - you're riding as a team, supporting each other and sharing unique moments on and off the road. This is how true friendships develop.
• Unforgettable fun: No matter what challenges or surprises await along the way - they always end up being one thing: immense riding fun and stories you'll remember for a long time.

Motorcycle tours aren't your average package tour—they're a mix of adventure, freedom, and community that's guaranteed to inspire you!

Planning a motorcycle tour isn't just about exciting routes and breathtaking locations, but also about safety and reliability. This is precisely where a German operator offers you decisive advantages:

• Legal security: As a German operator, we are obligated to issue you with a security certificate. This is issued by an insurance company and protects your payments in the event that a provider unexpectedly gets into trouble.
• Full transparency: You book with a company that operates according to clear German legal and quality standards. This gives you maximum transparency and trust - from booking to the final leg.
• Fair terms: Our goal is to offer you honest value for money. We combine high-quality services, well-thought-out organization, and the security you desire for your adventure.
• Reliable partner: You'll always have a multilingual contact person (English, German, and Spanish) available to answer any questions or concerns - direct, straightforward, and approachable.

In short: By choosing a German tour operator, you're not just choosing a motorcycle tour, but also choosing all-round safety, quality, and a good feeling - right from the start.

Each of our motorcycle tours generally only takes place once a year. You can always find the exact dates on our website under Tour Calendar.

• Balkan tours: various options at different times
• New Zealand tour (North & South Island): annually from late November to mid-December

Our group tours are deliberately kept small - because we believe that true adventures can only happen in a familiar and personal atmosphere.

• Maximum 6 riders: This keeps the group manageable, everyone knows everyone, and no one gets lost.
• Individual attention: Small groups allow us to specifically address the wishes and needs of riders and passengers - both on the road and off-road during our social gatherings at the end of each day.
• No mass tourism: Instead of anonymous large groups, we focus on quality, proximity, and shared experiences.
• Flexibility in exceptional cases: In rare cases and by prior arrangement, we sometimes accompany 7 riders - but no more.
• Passengers are welcome: Of course, we also include co-drivers on our tours - because the experience is often even more enjoyable together.

For you, this means personal contact, true community, and a travel experience that is as individual as you and your potential passenger.

No, you have the choice:

• Guided tours with personal tour guides
• Self-guided tours: We provide you with everything you need for your adventure, including:
  • A navigation device with a pre-installed route
  • Daily stages (often divided into up to five sections)
  • Hotel list with recommendations
  • Information on sights and stops

This ensures you won't miss any highlights along the route.

Regardless of whether it's a guided or self-guided motorcycle tour, we generally provide the motorcycles on a rental basis.

For both types of motorcycle tours, we only use new BMW GS motorcycles from our BMW fleet.

The following models are available:

• BMW F750GS (standard height or lowered)
• BMW F800GS
• BMW F850GS
• BMW F900GS Adventure
• BMW R1250GS
• BMW R1300GS (with or without DSA)

Different seat heights are available for all motorcycle models. Therefore, a test ride is always conducted upon delivery of the motorcycle to ensure comfortable and, above all, safe riding.

Every motorcycle – regardless of the BMW model – is fully insured, and the coverage is already included in the rental price.

The high-quality insurance coverage includes:

• Third-party liability: Damage to persons or third-party property (flat rate of EUR 100 million; EUR 15 million per person for personal injury)
• Damage to the rented motorcycle (own damage)
• Theft protection
• Environmental damage caused by the rider (up to EUR 5 million)
• Breakdown benefits

Important:

• The rider himself is not covered by this insurance - private accident insurance is strongly recommended.
• Passengers are insured up to EUR 15 million.
• The maximum excess is EUR 2,000 and is reserved on the credit card as a security deposit; it will be released after the motorcycle has been returned in accordance with the contract.

Optional:
The excess can be fully covered with additional insurance, ensuring that the renter incurs no costs in the event of damage.

We want you to feel completely comfortable from the start and be able to fully concentrate on the adventure. That's why we only provide you with high-quality, fully equipped BMW motorcycles - modern, reliable, and perfectly tuned for touring.

The rental includes, among other things:

• All available BMW features of the respective model
• BMW Connected Ride Cradle
  • Securing your smartphone in the cockpit
  • Use of the BMW Motorrad Connected app (e.g., navigation, acceleration, lean angle, and much more)
  • Inductive charging (up to 7.5 W) or charging via USB cable
  • Convenient control via the BMW Multi-Controller on the handlebars
• Complete luggage system: main case, two lockable side cases, tank bag, and additional panniers on the tank guards and side cases

Also on board for your safety:

• High-visibility vests for driver and passenger
• First aid kit
• Security lock with alarm function

For self-guided tours, you will also receive:

• Tire repair kit
• Electric tire pump

Yes - it has the BMW SOS emergency call system (Intelligent Emergency Call – ECALL). This not only gives you freedom on two wheels, but also maximum safety. Your motorcycle becomes your personal safety assistant, responding immediately in an emergency.

How the system protects you:
Automatic & manual: Sensors detect falls and assess their severity. Help is automatically alerted – or you can trigger it yourself by pressing a button on the handlebars.
Real-time location transmission: Your exact location is transmitted directly to the emergency services.
Direct voice connection: You can speak immediately to trained helpers from the international BMW call center via the microphone and loudspeaker on the motorcycle.

Your advantages:
Rapid assistance in an emergency: Support is often alerted before you can respond yourself.
Smartphone-independent: Everything works directly via your motorcycle – reliable and ready for action at any time.
Internationally available: The service is available in many European countries and Switzerland.
Communication in your language: Understandable, direct, and without misunderstandings.

With this system, you're fully protected on every tour – and can enjoy your adventure in a relaxed manner. Freedom and safety always go hand in hand with us.

The motorcycle is fully insured.
The renter is liable for any damage up to a maximum of EUR 2,000.
Therefore, a excess on your credit card is required.

How is damage to the motorcycle handled?

• We will have a BMW specialist workshop prepare a cost estimate.
• The stated amount will be deducted from the deposit reserved on the credit card.
• The remaining deposit will be released immediately.

Can I reduce the excess?

• Yes, with HanseMerkur's supplementary insurance.
• In this case, you only pay the cost of the supplementary insurance - the insurance company will reimburse the EUR 2,000 deductible for damage.

What happens if there is damage to third parties (e.g., other vehicles or people)?

• The process is as described above.

Motorcycle insurance covers all costs that exceed the EUR 2,000 excess.

What costs will I ultimately incur?

• Without supplemental insurance: up to a EUR 2,000 excess.
• With supplemental insurance: only the additional costs; the rest is covered by the insurance.

You have to decide that for yourself.

On a self-guided tour prepared by us, you decide your own pace and your breaks – with the security of knowing you're traveling on a tried-and-tested, well-planned route. At the same time, you benefit from our recommendations and our experience. You can take the self-guided motorcycle tour alone or with your partner as a passenger. Of course, your partner can also ride a motorcycle. A group consisting of your friends is also possible.

On a guided group tour, you'll meet companions from all over the world and usually make international friends. You can rely on your guide's experience, as they always know what to do if something goes wrong.

Yes, that's easily possible!
A group of 6 or a maximum of 7 motorcycles is neither too large nor difficult to coordinate. The key factor is not the size of the group, but the interaction between the riders in front and behind.

Important: The last rider in the group must always be an experienced rider - never a novice or inexperienced rider. The last rider bears a similar responsibility as the tour guide, as they not only monitor their own riding style, but also the entire group ahead. This way, everyone stays safely involved, and even less experienced riders can ride along in a relaxed manner.

And last but not least: Cohesion and team spirit are always the most important things. True to the motto: One for all and all for one.

Funny question – but absolutely justified! And the answer is a resounding YES!

We're a German company, but we love international participants. Our tours are deliberately diverse, with riders and passengers from different continents, countries, cultures, and languages ​​- that's what makes our motorcycle tours truly exciting.

It doesn't matter whether you're male or female, and age is irrelevant. The only minimum requirement, however, is that the rider must be at least 25 years old.

Don't worry about communication either: We speak German, English, and Spanish. No matter where you come from, you're welcome to come along and have fun with us!

No! A valid driver's license from your home country is generally sufficient.

Is my non-EU driver's license valid in the EU?
Yes, usually.
Your national driver's license is accepted as long as it shows the appropriate category (A).

Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
Recommended, but not always mandatory and usually not required within the EU.
However, it is highly recommended for non-EU citizens, as police or border officials may not clearly recognize your license as a motorcycle license. You should NOT expect a police officer to be able or willing to identify categories "S" or, for example, "M" as motorcycle licenses.

The IDP serves as a translation of your national driver's license into several languages.

Where can I get an International Driving Permit?
From the driver's license or traffic authority in your home country and is usually available immediately or within a few days.
Validity: 1–3 years, depending on the country.

What happens if I drive without a valid driver's license?

• High fines.
• No insurance coverage in the event of an accident.
• Guaranteed criminal consequences.

Tip: Always carry your national driver's license and - if you are not an EU citizen - an International Driving Permit (IDP). This will save you trouble at checkpoints or border crossings.

Unfortunately, our adventure tours are not for absolute beginners. We have a few minimum requirements to ensure everyone can ride safely and with maximum enjoyment:

• At least 3 years of motorcycle experience
• Minimum age 25

Our motorcycle tours are true adventures: Depending on the tour, the distances range between 3,300 km and 6,600 km – once you start, it's "off through the middle"! The daily stages are usually between 250 km and 400 km, so you should be able to handle such distances safely. This guarantees fun for everyone.

For advanced riders, our tours are a real highlight: You'll be able to significantly improve your riding skills, learn new techniques and tips, and experience motorcycle adventures you won't soon forget.

A legitimate question - and the answer is: It depends on your sense of adventure!

Our daily stages average 4 to 5 hours of riding time, sometimes up to 6 hours. Sounds like a lot? Don't worry – there are always plenty of opportunities to catch your breath along the way: We'll stop to enjoy the spectacular views, visit unusual locations, take photos, refuel, or have a light meal.
In total, you'll be on the road for about 6 to 8 hours a day, in exceptional cases even 9 hours - but that means one thing above all: plenty of riding fun, unforgettable roads, and new discoveries.

The tours usually start after a hearty breakfast at 8:00 a.m., sometimes as late as 8:30 a.m., so you can start the day relaxed.
Depending on the tour and stage, the tour might even start at 7:30 a.m., ensuring we don't miss any ferry connections, for example.
Everything is perfectly planned.

Of course, there are also so-called rest days, where everyone can do what they want or explore the surrounding area by motorcycle as they please.

For experienced riders, these stages are a perfect mix of challenge, riding technique training, and pure adventure - every kilometer is an experience that will be remembered for a long time!

Our Balkan tours start in Croatia, at our Meet & Greet location in Seget Donji (Trogir) - just 10 minutes from Split Airport. Our entire motorcycle fleet is also based there. Split has a strong frequented international airport and excellent ferry connections to Italy. This makes Trogir near Split the ideal starting point for tours in the Balkans, the Alps, or even France.

The region around Split, located directly on the beautiful Adriatic Sea, also offers excellent opportunities for an additional vacation before or after the tour – whether for relaxing, exploring, or enjoying yourself.

Our New Zealand tours generally start and end in Auckland, the country's largest metropolis with optimal flight connections from all over the world.

You don't need to be a professional racer for our tours through the Balkan countries or New Zealand, but a solid basic motorcycle experience is essential. Specifically, this means:

• Safe handling: You should be able to control your motorcycle reliably and confidently corner, brake, accelerate, and shift gears.
• Road traffic: You should be able to navigate traffic safely, even when conditions become tight or confusing. This includes riding on different road surfaces – from well-maintained roads to very narrow and winding back roads, as well as very winding mountain routes.
• Group rides: You should have experience riding in a group or be willing to adapt. Our guide will ensure that everyone goes at their own pace, and experienced riders will, as always, ride at the back of the group.
• Flexibility & composure: Especially in the various countries of the Balkans or New Zealand, unexpected traffic situations or sudden changes in the weather can occur. Calm, predictive riding is more important than pure speed.
• New Zealand's special feature - left-hand traffic: In New Zealand, traffic drives on the left. This means that the direction of travel is reversed, and you'll have to adjust a bit. But don't worry, we'll give you some tips beforehand to ensure the transition goes smoothly.

We design our tours so that all riders, from advanced riders to seasoned bikers, can participate safely and in a relaxed manner, giving everyone the opportunity to enjoy the scenery, gain new experiences, and stay safe on the road.

And don't worry: We'll give you tips beforehand on preparation, equipment, and riding technique so you're perfectly prepared for your adventure!

Of course! On the tours in southern Europe, you get exactly the motorcycle that you ordered when booking and for which you also paid.
There is 95% guaranteed on tours in Colombia or New Zealand, but to be on the safe side we always ask for an alternative model or comparable motorcycle.

The reason for this is simple. For tours outside of southern Europe, we provide you with motorcycles from our local partners. And since we are dependent on the services of third parties in this context, we cannot give a 100% guarantee here. But, as always, we will do our best here too.

You will find an overview of the motorbikes available in the respective travel description, although these are usually BMW GS models such as the F 750 GS, F 850 GS, R 1250 GS, or the R 1250 GSA.
Almost all models are available in the standard height or as a lowered version.

The clear answer: No.

Our philosophy for a guided motorcycle tour - whether through the Balkans or New Zealand - is based on adventure, team spirit, and a small group of a maximum of 6-7 riders.

We don't want to organize tours in the style of a tourist train. Therefore, we reject a support vehicle that pulls suitcases behind us. Instead, we carry our own luggage on the motorcycles, load and unload together, and overcome potential challenges as a team. For us, this is precisely what a true motorcycle adventure entails.

An example: On our last Balkan-Italy tour, we met an Italian motorcycle group of 25 riders in Ancona. All the motorcycles were almost new, the riders perfectly dressed – and at the center of the group was a large van, packed with suitcases, as a support vehicle. The "guide" wasn't on a motorcycle, but drove the van – which was then followed by 25 motorcycles. For us, this has nothing to do with adventure, but rather with mass tourism.

We stand by our philosophy: small groups, real adventure, pure motorcycling. This is exactly how we - proudly and confidently - offer the best motorcycle adventure.

How much luggage actually fits on my motorcycle?
Every motorcycle is equipped with a

• large top case,
• two spacious side cases (panniers) – all lockable, of course – and
• a practical tank bag.

Additionally, there are

• bags for the tank crash bars,
• additional bags on the side cases.

This gives you more than enough storage space for your travel essentials.

What if I've packed too much?
No problem: Anything that doesn't fit in the motorcycle luggage or turns out to be unnecessary later can be left in your travel case. We'll keep it safe and dry in our office during your tour.

Do I need to bring tools?
No. Your guide will bring all the tools and technical equipment. On self-guided tours, we will, of course, provide you with the essentials.

What personal equipment should I definitely pack?
Your own motorcycle protective clothing is essential, as it is optimally tailored to your needs and offers the highest level of safety. This includes:

• Helmet
• Motorcycle jacket and pants
• Motorcycle gloves
• Motorcycle boots

Is there a packing list with tips?
Yes, you can find a detailed packing list for motorcycle tours with seasonal recommendations on our blog.

Don't worry - you can't avoid this, but with the right organization, it's quite easy.

If you pack your motorcycle panniers carefully and thoughtfully, you can sort your belongings into small pouches or bags - for example, by type or use. This way, you only have to take out the bags you need instead of searching for everything individually.

The best part: All motorcycle panniers and additional bags have waterproof inner pockets with practical carrying straps. You can simply remove these from the panniers and take them straight to your hotel room - it really couldn't be more convenient.

And for your safety: The motorcycles are always parked in secure parking lots or underground garages at hotels and accommodations.

Guided motorcycle tour:

• In the event of a short breakdown (up to approximately 20 minutes), the entire group waits until the problem is resolved and then continues on together.
• In the event of a longer breakdown or an accident, the tour guide will decide on the next steps on site. Team spirit is especially important – no one is left alone.
• Minor problems like a flat tire can usually be fixed by the guide using the tools and materials provided.

Self-guided motorcycle tour:

• In this case, you or the group are initially on your own.
• Each motorcycle is equipped with an automatic SOS emergency call system with a crash sensor, which can be used to quickly request assistance (e.g., a tow truck, ambulance, or rescue helicopter).
• If continuing your journey is not possible, we will support you by phone or WhatsApp - together we will always find a solution.

A trip worth several thousand euros or USD should definitely be well insured. The risk is higher, especially on a motorcycle tour, than on a typical beach vacation or bus trip. Even if medical care is adequate in the countries visited, problems can quickly arise in an emergency without a credit card or insurance.

The rental motorcycle is fully insured, so you don't need to worry. You can also find a summary of the exact service contents in our FAQ. 

However, we also recommend the following insurance:

• Travel cancellation insurance with trip interruption protection (in case you are unable to start your trip or have to return early)
• International health insurance (for necessary medical assistance on site)
• Private accident insurance

Many credit cards already include certain coverage. Be sure to check in advance exactly what services your credit card covers:

• Whether only the cardholder or also fellow travelers (e.g., pillion passenger) are covered
• How much the insured trip price is
• Whether the protection only applies if you pay for the trip with the credit card
• Whether the insurance coverage is worldwide and for the entire duration of the trip
• Whether luggage is adequately insured (recommendation: at least €2,000 per person)
• Whether a 24-hour emergency number from an experienced insurer is available

Tip: On our website, you will find various travel insurance policies from reputable companies - including Global+Rescue, which we recommend as an absolute must.

Registration for our tours is only possible online using the registration form under "Book a Motorcycle Tour" and "Book a Tour now" on our website. The form is available in four different languages.

After you register, we will schedule a personal Zoom meeting with you to discuss any questions and suggestions.
During this meeting, we will clarify, among other things:

• The individual tour features
• Accommodation options in a single room (SR) or double room (DR)
• The selection of a rental motorcycle
• And much more

This ensures that we are on the same page.

To make your reservation binding for both parties, a deposit is required.

After your online registration and the personal Zoom meeting, and after we have mutually agreed on what to expect from each other, you will receive an invoice from us along with the insolvency insurance certificate (insolvency insurance), which is required by law in Germany. 
The deposit amount must then be transferred to the bank account provided on the invoice.

The amount of the deposit varies depending on the tour and the desired motorcycle:

Balkan Tours:

• Rider in a double room: EUR 1,150
• Rider in a single room: EUR 1,350
• Passenger/Pillion: EUR 650
• Rental Motorcycle: 30% of the motorcycle rental

New Zealand Tour:

• Rider in a double room (including motorcycle): EUR 3,900
• Rider in a single room (including motorcycle): EUR 4,350
• Passenger/Pillion: EUR 2,300
• Upgrade Motorcycle: EUR 450

Once the reservation fee has been received, your registration is binding according to applicable law, and your rider's spot (including any passenger) is secured. You will then receive your binding booking confirmation.
The remaining amount must be paid no later than 120 days before the start of the tour.

The deposits are used in advance for expenses such as overnight stays, ferries, and other necessary services.

We strongly recommend that you take out international travel health insurance with travel cancellation coverage. 

Since our participants come from many different countries, an in-person meeting beforehand is hardly possible.

Instead, we hold a personal Zoom meeting with each participant - and their passenger, if applicable. We clarify all important points in advance so everyone is well prepared.

As soon as the rider spots are allocated, we open a WhatsApp group for each tour. There, you can get to know each other before the tour, share experiences, and receive further details about the itinerary - for example, information about personal pickup from the airport or other organizational matters.

NO – you don't have to belong to a club!

Our tours are open to all motorcycle enthusiasts – no matter how big, small, young, old, colorful, or crazy you are.
On a bike, we're all equal!

What you should bring:

• Age: At least 25 years
• Riding experience: 3 years or more
• Team spirit: Desire to experience unforgettable adventures together
• Endurance: For longer distances and lots of fun on two wheels

In principle, everyone has to decide for themselves; we don't oblige anyone to eat.

Fact:

• Breakfast: Every hotel stay includes a hearty breakfast, which is included in the price of the accommodation.
• Lunch: We always take a break around lunchtime, ideally near a restaurant, so everyone can enjoy a leisurely lunch.
• Dinner: We usually eat dinner together at our destination hotel. Whether at the hotel or at a special location - e.g., a special restaurant in a historic old town - depends on the day's destination.

Don't worry: No one has ever starved on our tours!

Yes. Regardless of the rules in the different countries, we - and the police - expect you to wear a helmet. Helmets are mandatory in all countries we visit on our tours.

Which helmets are permitted?
Helmets must comply with certain standards:

• ECE 22.06: Current standard, recommended for all new helmets.
• ECE 22.05: Older standard, currently still permitted, but will expire in the medium term.

What do you need to consider when touring through France?
In France, special stickers are required on helmets. If you are participating in a tour organized by us, we will inform you in advance and provide the necessary stickers.

Are there other equipment standards?
Yes. For example, motorcycle gloves in Italy must comply with the EN 13594 standard. The corresponding sticker must be sewn into the glove.

What are the consequences for violating the rules?
In countries like Italy, France, and Switzerland, enforcement is very strict. Violations of regulations, requirements, or speed limits can:

• Result in very high fines
• Potentially even lead to confiscation of the motorcycle

Why is this information important?
Every motorcyclist should be aware of the relevant regulations in order to be able to easily adapt to the applicable rules and avoid unexpected problems or high fines.

No. When planning the tour, we generally avoid routes requiring tolls or vignettes (e.g., highways or tunnels).

What should be considered for guided motorcycle tours?
Any required environmental stickers (e.g., the French Crit'Air) or permits for entry into environmental zones (e.g., ZTL - Zona a Traffico Limitato in Italy) are the responsibility of the motorcycle owner.
Since you are renting a motorcycle on a guided tour, we, as the organizer, will ensure that all necessary documents are available.

What applies to self-guided motorcycle tours?
Here, you are responsible for environmental stickers or regional driving bans.
However, we will support you with all the information and help with the application process.

Important: Since the French Crit'Air sticker, for example, is issued on the motorcycle's license plate, the rental motorcycle must be selected at least four weeks before the start of the tour.

It depends on personal preference:
Some people prefer to pay with a credit card, others prefer cash.
We recommend a few hundred USD or EUR, preferably in bills up to a maximum of 50.

Should I worry about running out of cash while traveling?
No. ATMs are widely available in all countries where cash can be easily withdrawn.

Our tip:
A combination of a credit card and some cash in small bills is the safest solution.

For typical daily distances, you'll usually need to fill up once a day, but in exceptional cases, up to 1.5 times.
A tank of gas costs between €20 and €35, depending on the country you're traveling to.

What does this mean for the daily average?

• On average, gas costs are around €28 per day.
• As a rule of thumb, we recommend budgeting between €30 and €35 ​​per day to be on the safe side.