Frequently Asked Questions

A valid class A motorcycle license is required. See our full for details by country (EU, Canada, Australia, Brazil). The A2 is also accepted but must be specified at the time of booking. For trikes, class 3 or B applies. The former GDR license, the old gray FRG license, and provisional licenses are no longer accepted. Contact us with any questions about your specific license.

Of course. Our team — consisting solely of experienced travel agents — will gladly assist with motorcycle rental extensions, additional accommodation, or rental car arrangements.

Cancellations more than 60 days before departure: $200 per booked motorcycle (this fee can be applied to a future booking within 18 months). Cancellations 60–31 days before departure: 60% of the total booking amount. 30 days or less before departure: 100%. No show: 100%. All fees are charged to the credit card on file. We strongly recommend trip cancellation insurance.

We strongly recommend it. It can be added up to two weeks after booking. It is extremely frustrating when a dream trip falls apart due to illness or other serious reasons — and then you also face high cancellation fees. We offer various travel insurance packages. Contact us for an offer.

Travel health insurance is extremely important — especially a policy that covers patient repatriation costs. There are various packages available; we are happy to advise you.

It is hard to give a general answer as demands vary greatly. As a rough guide: breakfast (beyond the continental hotel breakfast) is around $6–7. Dinner ranges from $10–30 depending on your choice. Soft drinks are generally inexpensive, sometimes even free. Our guides know the best spots for value and quality.

Besides tips, a drink at the saloon, or a snack at the gas station, you hardly need cash. Large bills (starting at $50) are rarely useful — ask your bank for $20s. A credit card (MasterCard or Visa preferred) is essential and required for the motorcycle security deposit. ATMs are available almost everywhere and accept cards with Maestro or Cirrus.

If you have a tri-band phone and your plan includes US roaming, yes — but roaming charges can be high. We recommend a local SIM card or prepaid phone card, which work on all phones including hotel room phones. Your tour guide can assist on arrival.

Comfort and safety are the priority. You typically need less gear than in Europe, but some routes reach up to 12,000 ft (3,600 m) where it can be cold even in summer. Gore-Tex style material works best — light, universal, suitable in all weather. Shorts, sandals, and soft sneakers are not permitted on any tour.

Yes. A support van travels with all guided tours, carrying baggage, drinks, and occasionally tired passengers. In the evening when the group goes to dinner or the saloon, the van means you can enjoy a beer without guilt. Subject to availability.

Yes, of course. Tired or unwell passengers are always welcome in the van.

On average 250–400 km per day. This is not comparable to European touring — often 80 km without a crossroad, no traffic jams, rarely more than five hours in the saddle. We typically arrive at our destination between 4 and 6 PM, sometimes a little later if a spectacular sunset demands it.

Absolutely. You are on vacation, not in a race. The programs are designed to offer a healthy balance of riding pleasure and experience. There is always time to stop, explore, and enjoy.

If you can ride a motorcycle, you can ride a Harley. Despite the weight, the low center of gravity makes them surprisingly easy to handle once rolling. Everyone gets used to it quickly — and giving them up at the end of the tour is the hard part.

You need a valid class A (or approved A2) motorcycle license and enough experience to be comfortable on a heavyweight bike. Our tours are generally not technically difficult, but are not recommended for complete beginners or riders returning after a 35-year break. If your experience is limited, a refresher course at a local riding school is a great investment. Our tours have different difficulty levels — check the tour description carefully.

The motorcycle is provided by our partner Eaglerider® or Harley-Davidson®, not directly by us. We book from pre-allocated inventory immediately upon your booking. In the rare event that a bike returns damaged or late from a previous rental, a substitute of equal or higher class will be provided. This is the reason for the "non-binding" note — it protects you as much as us.

We can ride with as few as 2 motorcycles. Typically tours run with 7 to 12 bikes between the guide and support vehicle. The more passengers, the smaller the maximum group size. Small groups guarantee an intense, personal experience. If minimum numbers are not reached, we reserve the right to cancel up to four weeks before departure.

Not at all. Most destinations offer a variety of options for dinner and entertainment. Your guides are happy to advise — but there is no peer pressure.

Tips are a significant part of service workers' income in the US. When satisfied, 15–20% of the bill is standard at restaurants. At fast food or buffet restaurants, $1–2 on the table is appropriate. Porters: $1 per bag. Taxi drivers: 10–15%, or 20% if they help with luggage. Hotel maids: $1–2 per night, left visibly on the pillow. Tour guides: $2–3 for day trips, more for multi-day tours at your discretion.

Yes. Your safety is our biggest concern. All participants are required to sign a contract agreeing to wear a DOT-approved helmet throughout the rental period, regardless of local law. Insurance coverage is void without a helmet — and significant penalties apply in many states even where helmets are not legally required.

Yes, if it is DOT-approved (valid in the US and Canada). Note: ECE-approved helmets (European standard) are not actuarially accepted in the US. DOT rental helmets are included with all tours. If you prefer your own helmet for comfort, we recommend bringing it — just ensure it carries DOT approval. Beanie and novelty helmet shells are not accepted.

Included with all tours: DOT-approved half-shell helmets for driver and passenger. Las Vegas Harley-Davidson® offers half-shell helmet rental at $10/day and full-face at $20/day. US BIKE TRAVEL also offers ¾ jet helmets with adjustable visor and DOT approval for $75 (purchase). Contact us if interested.