Adventure Motorcycle Tour FAQs
Do I need off-road experience to go on an adventure motorcycle tour with Waypoints West Moto?Yes. Prior off-road riding experience is required to fully enjoy this tour. Our routes range from well-maintained gravel roads to advanced rocky terrain over high mountain passes. Riders should be comfortable operating at the difficulty level of the tour they select.
It’s absolutely fine to step up a level if you’re ready for the challenge. For example, if you’re confident on intermediate terrain and considering an advanced route, we recommend preparing in advance by reviewing training resources or participating in a professional riding course.
Choosing the right difficulty ensures a safer ride, a stronger group dynamic, and a more enjoyable experience for everyone.
Are these tours suitable for riders over 50?Absolutely. Our average rider is 57, and we regularly host riders in their 60s and 70s—many of whom are among the most skilled and capable in the group.
There are three key considerations when choosing the right tour:
Match your skill level to the tour. Select a route that aligns with your current off-road ability.
Assess stamina and overall fitness. Be prepared to ride challenging terrain for multiple full days in a row.
Choose based on enjoyment, not ego. Even highly skilled riders often prefer a less demanding route for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Selecting the right difficulty ensures a safer ride, better group flow, and a more rewarding trip overall.
Do I need a GPS to go on an adventure motorcycle tour?A GPS is not required, but it is highly recommended. All tours are led by an experienced guide who handles navigation; however, many riders prefer to follow along using their own GPS or navigation device.
We provide GPX files for all routes and can assist with loading them onto your device before the tour. Having your own navigation also provides a useful backup option if you choose to bypass a section of the route or take pavement to the hotel on any given day.
What bike is best for your tours?The best bike is the one you are most confident riding. Any off-road-capable motorcycle—from a Yamaha XT250 to a BMW R 1300 GS—can be a great fit, as long as it matches your riding style, experience, and comfort level.
Our routes include a mix of terrain, including highway sections with speeds typically ranging from 45–65 mph. Your bike should be capable of safely and comfortably maintaining those speeds, in addition to handling off-pavement conditions.
Choosing the right bike plays a big role in overall enjoyment, confidence, and safety throughout the tour.
Are these tours beginner friendly?Yes — we offer tours that are well suited for beginners. These routes are designated as basic terrain and are ideal for riders with a modest amount of off-road experience.
We’ve successfully guided riders whose background is primarily street-focused, including those whose last off-road riding experience may have been years—or even decades—ago. Many find that the skills come back quickly.
If you’re unsure which tour is the right fit, we encourage you to give us a call. We’re happy to help you choose a route that matches your experience and ensures an enjoyable, confidence-building ride.
What happens if weather changes the route?Weather is always a factor in backcountry riding, but it typically results in minor adjustments rather than major disruptions. Conditions such as rain can make certain sections impassable due to clay or mud, lingering snowpack may require rerouting, and wildfires in the West can occasionally impact access.
This is where our local knowledge and pre-planned alternate routes come into play. We continuously assess conditions and adapt as needed to ensure rider safety while maintaining the quality, flow, and fun of the experience.
Flexibility is part of the adventure—and our goal is to keep you riding great terrain, no matter what the conditions bring.
Is this training or touring?We are a touring-focused company and specialize in trip planning, logistics, support, and rider safety. These tours are not formal training courses.
That said, our guides frequently offer coaching and practical tips along the way, and many riders find this informal guidance extremely helpful. We encourage riders to pursue professional training and make use of online courses as part of their preparation.
The most important factor is practice—riding skills are perishable, and regular riding makes a meaningful difference in confidence and performance.
Can I ride solo or do I need a group?You’re welcome to join any of our scheduled tours as a solo rider. Many guests do, and we take care to create groups that ride well together.
We also offer custom tours for private groups. These can range from a single rider with one guide to groups of up to 12 riders. The key to a great custom tour is a group that already knows each other and has experience riding together.
Custom tours can be based on one of our existing routes scheduled on dates you choose, or we can design a fully custom route and duration to match your goals. Depending on group size and logistics, custom tours may include one guide or additional support such as a chase truck.
