Recommended
Resources
Every piece of gear, every tool and every service I actually use on long-distance motorcycle tours. No filler — only what works in the real world.
Featured Recommendations
Shoei GT-Air 3
The Touring Helmet Benchmark
Five tours. Three continents. One helmet. The GT-Air 3 remains the gold standard for long-distance motorcycle touring — quiet, comfortable and CE A rating.
Klim Altitude Pro Jacket
All-Season Touring Jacket
A true four-season jacket that handles Scottish downpours and Mojave heat with equal competence. Gore-Tex Pro membrane, removable thermal liner, class-leading CE AA armour.
SW-Motech Trax ADV Panniers
Hard Luggage for Serious Tourers
Waterproof aluminium panniers that mount without tools and take a beating. Used on Route 66, Vosges and NC500 tours. Not cheap but built to last decades.
Booking.com
Hotel Booking — The Reliable Choice
The most rider-friendly hotel booking platform. Filter by "motorcycle parking" on many properties. Free cancellation options make it flexible for touring schedules.
Motorcycle Gear
Helmets, jackets, gloves, boots, luggage and communication systems — every piece of kit Andy has personally used on long-distance tours.
Top Rated
Shoei GT-Air 3
The Touring Helmet Benchmark
Five tours. Three continents. One helmet. The GT-Air 3 remains the gold standard for long-distance motorcycle touring — quiet, comfortable and CE A rating.
Klim Altitude Pro Jacket
All-Season Touring Jacket
A true four-season jacket that handles Scottish downpours and Mojave heat with equal competence. Gore-Tex Pro membrane, removable thermal liner, class-leading CE AA armour.
Oxford Hot Hands 2 Heated Gloves
Cold-Weather Touring Essential
If you ride Scotland, the Alps or Route 66 in autumn, heated gloves change everything. Oxford's Hot Hands 2 are the most reliable budget option.
SW-Motech Trax ADV Panniers
Hard Luggage for Serious Tourers
Waterproof aluminium panniers that mount without tools and take a beating. Used on Route 66, Vosges and NC500 tours. Not cheap but built to last decades.
Cardo Packtalk Edge
Bluetooth Intercom — Best in Class
Dynamic Mesh Communication allows crystal-clear communication with multiple riders simultaneously, even when out of Bluetooth range. Essential for group touring.
Travel Resources
Hotels, insurance, rental bikes, ferry crossings, travel apps and everything else that makes a motorcycle tour come together.
Top Rated
Booking.com
Hotel Booking — The Reliable Choice
The most rider-friendly hotel booking platform. Filter by "motorcycle parking" on many properties. Free cancellation options make it flexible for touring schedules.
EagleRider Motorcycle Rentals
Best Route 66 Rental Provider
Andy's recommended motorcycle rental company for Route 66. Fleet includes Harley-Davidson, Indian, BMW and adventure bikes. One-way rentals available Chicago → Los Angeles.
Bikmo Motorcycle Insurance
Touring Cover That Actually Works
Specialist motorcycle insurer with genuine touring cover including European riding, breakdown recovery, and gear coverage. Used by serious long-distance riders.
iOverlander App
Community-Sourced Camping & Services
Rider-submitted database of campsites, hostels, mechanics, fuel stops and free camping spots. Invaluable in remote regions of the US and Europe.
Route Planning Tools
GPS devices, navigation apps, GPX route files, mapping services and the tools that serious tourers actually use in the saddle.
Top Rated
Garmin zūmo XT2
The Gold Standard GPS for Tourers
6-inch glove-friendly touchscreen, Adventure Routing, motorcycle-specific hazard warnings, and lifetime map updates. The benchmark device for long-distance touring.
REVER Motorcycle GPS App
Best Smartphone Navigation for Riders
Route planning, community routes, ride recording and GPX import — the most complete motorcycle navigation app for iOS and Android. Premium subscription unlocks offline maps.
Kurviger Route Planner
Web-Based Curvy Route Planner
Free web app that automatically routes you via the most scenic, curvy roads between any two points. Exports GPX. Excellent for pre-trip planning in Europe and USA.
The Road Ahead Tour Packs
Ready-Made GPX Routes — Ride Tomorrow
Pre-planned GPX route files for NC500, Route 66, Vosges, Colorado Rockies and more. Each pack includes daily itineraries, hotel suggestions and fuel stop notes.
Route 66 Planning Pack
Free guide + packing checklist
Tour Packs
GPX files ready to ride
Ride Ready Guides
Prep advice per destination
Some links on this page are affiliate links. The Road Ahead may earn a commission if you purchase through them, at no extra cost to you. All recommendations are based on genuine personal use or trusted rider feedback.