Are Motorcycle Tours Dangerous?

The Balance Between Freedom and Safety

Mongolia motorcycle tour riders enjoy a picnic lunch on the way to White Lake
Riding a motorcycle is a gateway to freedom. Riders are face to the wind and in close contact with the environment they are travelling through. However, it is inherently dangerous because motorcycle riders are exposed to direct contact with the road, static objects and other vehicles, unlike cars with seatbelts, airbags, and reinforced frames. Fortunately, these risks can be significantly reduced by wearing good gear and riding responsibly and appropriately to the conditions.

Essential Protective Gear for Motorcyclists

An Explore Indochina rider enjoys dirt tracks while on a motorbike tour of the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos
Wearing correct safety gear is essential for any motorcyclist. Good helmets are vital equipment, while motorcycle jackets, gloves, boots, and pants made from durable materials provide essential protection. Good riding gear minimises road rash, bruises, and broken bones. Riders who consistently wear correct equipment are far better protected than those who do not, making safety gear a non-negotiable part of any motorcycle tour.

The Importance of Riding with the Right Attitude

Explore Indochina riders take a break on the way to Tsetserleg while on a Mongolia motorcycle tour
Riding with the right attitude is critical, especially on long-distance motorcycle adventures. A motorbike rider must know their abilities and ride within those limits. They must be on the lookout for possible road hazards and always put the bike in a position where they can quickly react to sudden changes. Riders must respect the motorbike’s power and capacity and ride according to the motorbike’s abilities.

Staying Alert to Road Hazards

Motorcycle tour member rides past karst near Dong Van in Vietnam
Bikers must always be on the lookout for road hazards like potholes, oil spills, wet surfaces, pedestrians and loose gravel. Motorcycles are less stable on uneven and slippery surfaces, so riders must adjust their speed and position to account for changing conditions. Motorbike riders need to look down the road as far as possible, rather than the ground in front of the motorbike, and anticipate and even expect other road users to act dangerously.

The Distracted Driver Problem

Digby Greenhalgh carries the cameraman filming Richard Hammond and James May on the streets of Hanoi for the Top Gear Vietnam Special
Distracted driving is a significant problem on today’s roads, and motorcyclists are vulnerable because they are less visible. To ride a motorcycle safely, bikers should always assume that cars, trucks, and other vehicles cannot see them, and use their horn and be ready to slow down or turn whenever they are in proximity with other vehicles. They should also take steps to remain visible, such as using headlights during the day and wearing bright, colourful or reflective clothing.

Avoid Alcohol While Riding

Explore Indochina riders enjoy a cold beer in Bualapha after a hard days ride down the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos
Alcohol and motorcycles never mix. Operating a motorcycle requires quick reflexes, sharp judgment, and heightened awareness, all of which are impaired by alcohol. Drunk driving is one of the leading causes of fatal accidents for motorcyclists. Even a small amount of alcohol can affect a rider’s balance and decision-making skills, so it’s best to enjoy a well-earned cold beer at the end of the day, not during it.

The Dangers of Speeding and Reckless Riding

An Explore Indochina rider swims in Ban Gioc Waterfall while on a Vietnam motorcycle tour
Speeding, ignoring road signs, and weaving in and out of traffic is just plain stupid. The faster you ride, the greater the energy transferred to you should you crash. Motorcyclists must be more vigilant than car drivers, as motorcycles are smaller and less visible to other vehicles. Maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles ensures a rider has enough time to react to sudden changes in road conditions or the behaviour of other drivers.

Joining a Motorcycle Tour Increases Safety

An Explore Indochina motorbike tour in Vietnam passes the famous rice terracing near Mu Cang Chai
Participating in a motorcycle tour can significantly reduce the risks associated with motorcycling. When you join a guided tour, you benefit from the knowledge and experience of a professional guide who is familiar with the terrain and road conditions. This guidance will help you navigate hazardous routes, tricky intersections, and dirt roads and steer clear of busy or dangerous roads. An experienced motorcycle guide will ensure you ride at safe and appropriate speeds while on a motorbike tour and be on hand to assist you should you crash or have a mechanical issue.

Safer Routes and Scenic Roads

An Explore Indochina rider enjoying a morning ride in the Zanskar Valley on their Himalayas motorcycle tour in India
Motorcycle tours follow more scenic routes with less traffic. Busy highways and congested urban areas are more dangerous for motorcycles, so by sticking to quieter, well-maintained roads, tour guides significantly reduce the risks that come with motorbike touring.

Benefits of Riding in a Group

Exploring the Orkon Valley
Joining a motorcycle tour also means travelling with a group, which enhances safety. Riding in a group increases visibility to other vehicles on the road and encourages a more disciplined and cautious riding style. Group rides adhere to stricter rules, which promote keeping a safe distance between riders and communicating turns or stops with hand signals, adding an extra degree of safety.
Picture of Digby Greenhalgh

By Digby Greenhalgh

Digby Greenhalgh is the founder of Explore Indochina, and a recognized expert on the Ho Chi Minh Trail. All motorcycle tours are designed and guided by Digby.

Recent Posts