Ride the legends

There's something about a great road that calls to a rider. It's more than just a stretch of pavement—it's an experience, a story waiting to be written in miles. The best motorcycle roads in North America aren't just scenic; they challenge your skills, test your endurance, and deliver the kind of ride that sticks with you long after the engine cools.

From coastal highways to high-altitude switchbacks, from historic byways to untamed wilderness routes, we put together a list of our 10 favorite two-wheel tours. Each road offers something unique—whether it's heart-pounding curves, jaw-dropping scenery, or the deep satisfaction of conquering a legendary route.

So, fire up the engine, and let's go.
 

1. Pacific Coast Highway (California, USA)

The original coastal cruise

Distance: ~656 miles
Route: From Leggett, CA, to Dana Point, CA
Best time to ride: Spring and fall for mild weather and fewer tourists

Riding the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) isn't just a road trip; it's an odyssey. This legendary highway snakes along California's rugged coastline, offering uninterrupted views of the Pacific Ocean on one side and towering cliffs on the other. From the redwood forests of Northern California to the sun-drenched beaches of Malibu, every mile of this road feels like a scene from a Hollywood epic.

Our favorite stretch? Big Sur. This 90-mile section between Carmel and San Simeon is pure motorcycling magic, with cliffs plunging into the ocean, tight corners that keep you engaged, and the kind of coastal scenery that makes you want to stop every five minutes for a photo.

Challenges and tips:

• Traffic can be heavy near major cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles. Early morning starts help avoid congestion.
• Watch for coastal fog, especially in the mornings. It can roll in suddenly and limit visibility.
• Road closures due to landslides are common. Check the conditions online before you go.

Best Honda for the ride: NT1100 DCT

2. Tail of the Dragon (Tennessee to North Carolina, USA)

The holy grail of curves

Distance: 11 miles
Route: US 129 from Deals Gap, NC, to the Tennessee state line
Best time to ride: Late spring through early fall; avoid weekends for less traffic

For riders who crave tight turns and technical challenges, the Tail of the Dragon is a rite of passage. This 11-mile stretch of US 129 packs in a jaw-dropping 318 curves, each one ready to test your throttle control and line selection. It's not about scenery here; it's about skill. The dense Appalachian Forest flanking both sides of the road only adds to the sense of speed and intensity.

The Dragon has no intersections, no cross traffic, and no forgiveness. Every corner demands your full attention. But don't push too hard, or you might find your busted parts hanging on the infamous Tree of Shame. Roadside reminders that these turns show no mercy.

Challenges and tips:

• Stay in your lane and beware of semis. Technically, trucks aren't supposed to use this road, but some still do, so stay alert.
• Don't ride beyond your skill level. Many crashes happen because of overconfidence.
• Weekdays are best. Weekends can get packed with cars and sportbike squadrons.

Best Honda for the ride: CBR650R

3. Blue Ridge Parkway (Virginia to North Carolina, USA)

The twisty road that never ends

Distance: 469 miles
Route: From Waynesboro, VA, to Cherokee, NC
Best time to ride: Fall for stunning foliage, late spring for comfortable temps

Winding through the Smoky and Blue Ridge Mountains, the Blue Ridge Parkway is less about speed and more about soul. This federally protected, two-lane road features gently sweeping curves, long tunnels, and overlooks that seem to go on forever. With no billboards or commercial traffic allowed, every mile feels like you’re gliding through a national park.

What makes it truly special is the sense of peace it offers. With a speed limit of 45 mph or less in most areas, the ride is meditative. And come fall, the explosion of orange, gold, and red foliage makes every bend in the road feel like entering a painting.

Challenges and tips:

• Weather can be unpredictable. The higher elevations mean sudden rain showers and chilly temperatures, even in summer.
• Watch for wildlife. Deer are common, especially in the early morning and evening.
• Fuel up when you can. Gas stations are few and far between, so plan accordingly.

Best Honda for the ride: Rebel 1100T

4. Going-to-the-Sun Road (Montana, USA)

A ride through the heavens

Distance: 50 miles
Route: From West Glacier, MT, to St. Mary, MT
Best time to ride: July to early September

Cutting through Glacier National Park, this engineering marvel ascends and traverses the Continental Divide, offering dramatic views of glacial valleys, alpine meadows, and towering peaks. The road hugs the mountain’s edge—often without a guardrail—and delivers a mix of exhilaration and awe unlike anything else in North America.

Every twist and turn rewards you with scenes straight out of a travel magazine. Waterfalls spill from cliffsides, mountain goats perch on rocky ledges, and the sheer scale of the landscape makes you feel small in the best possible way.

Challenges and tips:

• The road is only open for a short summer window due to snow—plan ahead.
• Ride early to beat the tourist traffic and catch the amazing morning light.
• Narrow lanes and steep drop-offs require total focus, so don’t get distracted.

Best Honda for the ride: Africa Twin

5. Beartooth Highway (Montana to Wyoming, USA)

A wild journey to 10,947 feet

Distance: 68 miles
Route: Red Lodge, MT, to Cooke City, MT
Best time to ride: Late June through September

Described by Charles Kuralt as “the most beautiful drive in America,” the Beartooth Highway is a true test of skill, stamina, and altitude tolerance. Climbing to nearly 11,000 feet, the road is a rollercoaster of switchbacks, hairpins, and panoramic views that make you feel like you’re riding across the sky.

The landscape shifts rapidly as you climb—dense pine forests give way to alpine tundra, glacial lakes shimmer beside the road, and patches of snow linger even in July. With sharp elevation changes and tight corners, this road demands respect.

Challenges and tips:

• The weather is extremely unpredictable, so pack for all four seasons.
• Altitude sickness can hit some riders. You may want to take it easy at higher elevations.
• Cell service is spotty. Download maps and prep your route ahead of time.

Best Honda for the ride: Transalp

6. Icefields Parkway (Alberta, Canada)

Glaciers, wildlife, and endless horizons

Distance: 144 miles
Route: Jasper, AB, to Banff, AB
Best time to ride: June to early September

Riding the Icefields Parkway is like passing through a living National Geographic cover story. Massive glaciers loom above turquoise lakes, wild animals roam the roadside, and every bend in the road opens to an entirely new jaw-dropping vista.

Known as Highway 93, this Canadian treasure connects Jasper and Banff National Parks through the spine of the Rockies. It’s remote, majestic, and makes you feel like the only person on Earth—especially in the early morning hours.

Challenges and tips:

• Limited fuel stops. Be sure to fill up before you leave Jasper or Banff.
• Watch for wildlife at all times. Elk, bears, and goats can appear without warning.
• Bring lots of layers. The temps can swing wildly, even in midsummer.

Best Honda for the ride: NC750X DCT

7. Cabot Trail (Nova Scotia, Canada)

The ocean’s edge ride

Distance: 185 miles
Route: Loop around Cape Breton Island, NS
Best time to ride: Late summer into early fall

The Cabot Trail is a dramatic coastal loop that wraps around the northern tip of Cape Breton Island, offering a cinematic blend of cliffside riding, winding curves, and wide-open Atlantic views. The road dances between elevations, cutting through the Cape Breton Highlands National Park and dipping into fishing villages that serve up some of the best seafood in North America.

Ride it clockwise, and you’ll be hugging the edge of the ocean with every curve—perfect for golden-hour photos and uninterrupted sea views. The landscape shifts quickly from dense forest to windswept cliffs, and the quiet rhythm of the road makes this one of Canada’s most soul-stirring rides.

Challenges and tips:

• Ocean fog can roll in quickly. Be sure to pack rain gear and be ready for variable conditions.
• The route has long, uninterrupted stretches—plan fuel and food stops in advance.
• Plan an overnight. With countless amazing lodging options, this road deserves more than a day trip.

Best Honda for the ride: Rebel 1100

8. Cherohala Skyway (Tennessee to North Carolina, USA)

A hidden gem in the Smokies

Distance: 43 miles
Route: Robbinsville, NC, to Tellico Plains, TN
Best time to ride: Late spring to early fall

The Cherohala Skyway is a high-altitude treasure—less crowded than its famous neighbor, the Tail of the Dragon, but every bit as rewarding. This 43-mile National Scenic Byway winds through the Cherokee and Nantahala National Forests, offering sweeping turns, open sightlines, and breathtaking mountain views that stretch for miles.

With its elevation topping 5,000 feet, the Skyway offers an awe-inspiring sense of scale and flow. Long, fast corners beg to be leaned into, and the light traffic makes it easy to get into your rhythm. In autumn, the ride becomes a rolling gallery of reds, oranges, and golds as the forest bursts into color.

Challenges and tips:

• Temperatures can drop quickly at higher elevations. Layer up accordingly.
• There are no gas stations along the Skyway—fill up before you begin.
• Early mornings offer the best light and the least traffic.

Best Honda for the ride: CB750 Hornet

9. Route 66 (USA)

The original

Distance: ~2,448 miles (ride the best stretches)
Route: Chicago, IL, to Santa Monica, CA
Best time to ride: Spring or fall

A ride on Route 66 is a ride through time. Known as the “Main Street of America,” this historic highway spans eight states, offering a cross-country patchwork of neon-lit diners, dusty desert landscapes, vintage gas stations, and roadside Americana. It’s not about speed or adrenaline—it’s about embracing the spirit of freedom that defines the open road.

Some of the best-preserved segments are located in Arizona and New Mexico, where the original pavement still carries echoes of 20th-century travel. It’s the perfect route to slow down, soak in the nostalgia, and collect memories from every quirky roadside stop and desert sunrise.

Challenges and tips:

• Research your route, as some segments are unmarked or in poor condition.
• Much of the original route is fragmented. Do your research to connect the best stretches.
• Embrace the slower pace and stop often—half the fun is in the quirky roadside attractions.

Best Honda for the ride: Gold Wing Tour

10. Trans-Labrador Highway (Canada)

Ultimate remote adventure

Distance: ~900 miles
Route: Baie-Comeau, QC, to Happy Valley-Goose Bay, NL
Best time to ride: Mid-summer

If you're looking for true isolation, raw terrain, and a test of both rider and machine, the Trans-Labrador Highway delivers in spades. Stretching across remote northeastern Canada, this 900-mile route is a blend of gravel, broken pavement, and endless boreal wilderness, with long stretches between services and weather that can turn in an instant.

It’s an unforgiving ride, but for those who come prepared, it’s also one of the most rewarding. Massive rivers, black-spruce forests, and open skies make this feel like riding through a lost frontier. It’s a road that demands respect—and rewards it with solitude and stunning natural beauty.

Challenges and tips:

• Fuel stops are rare. Carry extra gas and plan carefully.
• Expect rapidly changing road conditions, from compact gravel to pothole-ridden pavement.
• Cell coverage is limited. Download offline maps and carry emergency supplies.

Best Honda for the ride: Africa Twin Adventure Sports ES

Now it’s your turn

What makes a road unforgettable isn’t just the scenery or the distance; it’s the experience. It’s the way the pavement hums beneath your tires, the thrill of every curve, the unexpected stops that take your breath away, and that unmistakable sense of freedom that only a motorcycle can deliver.

These ten roads are among our favorites—but they’re just the beginning. There are thousands more miles out there, each one offering new challenges, new scenery, and new stories waiting to be written, the majority of which can be seen, planned, and explored via REVER. So grab your phone, throw on the gear, and fire up the engine—because the road is calling. And with a Honda beneath you, anything is possible.