Alps Motorcycle Tours - Priced Right

[Global Rider]

Updated: August 24, 2008

Alps Motorcycle Tours, Priced Right.
 
For those that think the only way to go, is on an organized motorcycle tour, no need to stop by; move right along.
 
But this is for those that would love to go after reading all those tour reports on web sites or in the magazines, but have a heart attack the minute they see what those tours cost. Almost six thousand dollars for two weeks plus airfare and extras not covered would give me a heart attack as well. If you think that is reasonable, like I said, move right along.
 
What if I told you it can be done for anywhere between a third to half the cost, and the latter would be splurging? Of course, you will always get arguments from those that say the tour is not on the same level with respect to accomodations and meals. Maybe, but I have never been uncomfortable and I am damn picky about where I stay, and I like my food and drink. Besides, I am there to ride and to enjoy the roads, scenery, food and drink and mingle with the natives. If my room does not have satellite TV or if the hotel does not have a hot tub, it certainly does not take away from the riding experience.
 
So lets get started.

First, currency rates change by the minute, so you are best off using the Universal Currency Converter for up to date rates.
 
Airfare is always extra, be it on a self-guided tour or on an organized tour. It costs what it costs which varies a bit with the time of year and the location you are flying from.

Motorcycle rental is best secured from a rental company and not from a tour operator as tour operators do not own their own bikes and use a rental company just as you would, with the exception of tacking on their extra fee; money out of your pocket.
 
The insurance deposit of up to US$3000 is required either way you go; self-guided or organized. Some rental companies give you the option of additional coverage for an extra fee. The deposit is refunded upon return of an undamaged motorcycle.
 
I would look for a rental company that includes unlimited mileage. Some have two options, for example 200 km per day or 2500 km per week at one rate and unlimited mileage at another rate. Keep in mind, a 250 to 350 kilometer day is a standard day on the backroads of the Alps; 400 kilometers and above makes for a very long day. Remember, most riders stop for photos ops and chats with other riders atop the passes.
 
Gas is not covered by any organized tour operator, so you are paying either way you go. The cost per liter varies from country to country and generally costs more on the autobahns and autostradas. In June of 2008, gas per liter ran me between €1.206 for Super 95 in Slovenia to €1.709 for Super 100 in Germany. Super 95 is the lowest grade available and some stations have phased it out in favor of Super Plus 98.
 
Accomodations based on what I have paid over the years ranged from €17 to €54 per night with a breakfast that in most cases can hold you over till dinner. The rates vary depending on the region. Austria is generally the cheapest with Süd Tirol (the Dolomites) usually between €25 and €40, the latter including dinner as well. I have stayed in some pretty fancy modern hotels, you know the type, with automatic sliding glass doors as you enter where I am saying, OMG, this is going to be expensive, only to find out the room rate is €35 with a big breakfast. France and Switzerland tends to be a bit more expensive. Except during the transistion to the Euro where businesses took advantage of the consumer, I haven't found room rates to change all that much since I first went over in 1995.
 
If your room rate does not include dinner and normally it does not unless you choose that option (halb pension), dinner with usually run above €10 (pizza and a beer), obviously more if you choose to go all out, but I have found that I can get by very well on under €20 (Wiener schnitzel with potatoes/vegetables, a couple of beers and dessert).
 
So lets crunch some numbers and take a two week tour. The costs are based on a solo rider riding a BMW R1200 GS, staying in a private room with private washroom including breakfast and dinner.
 
One organized tour company prices their 2 week tour which includes: 14 night accomodation (13 riding days), all breakfasts and some dinners. Cost: US$6150 based on a solo rider on an R1200 GS in a private room.
 
So what can you do that for?
 
14 nights at €50/night: BTW, I chose to go high for those who say you cannot find anything at €40. That rate almost always includes dinner as well as the usual breakfast.
 
2 weeks motorcycle rental from Allround Motorradvermietung in Frankfurt on a R1200 GS: €1238 includes 5000 kilometers.
 
OK, so what are we up to? Based on a 1.48 (Nov '07) exchange rate: US$2868, a far cry from US$6150. So you want to live it up, tack on another €20 per night or US$415 for 2 weeks. You are still a long way under the half cost scenario. Oh, there will be other minor expenses such as transportation between the airport and the rental company, a few maps, but that is about it.
 
To summarize, you can go on an all-inclusive self-guided Alps tour (airfare, gas and all imaginable extras) for far less than the cost of an organized tour. Still dreaming? Move right along...and head on over.
 
Where To Stay - Motorcycle Friendly Accomodations
 
Here is a listing of motorcycle friendly accomodations.
 
Tourenfahrer Partnerhaus
 
Motorrad Freizeit Motorradfreunliche Unterkünfte Motorrad Freizeit Motorcycle Friendly Accomodations.
 
Biker Hotel Guide There are hundreds to choose from, so I think anybody that is going is well set.
 
By the way, Tourenfahrer and Motorrad Freizeit are German motorcycle magazines similar to RoadRUNNER in the US.

[Global Rider]

Updated: November 21, 2007

Time for a one-stop listing of maps, but first, a bit of background on what to look for in maps.
 
Feel free to add your suggestions...with links to the maps if possible.
 
Scale:
For overall planning over greater distances, scales of 1:300 000 to 1:1 000 000 work well. Which end of that scale you pick will depend on how much detail you are looking for.
 
For localized touring and meandering, scales of 1:250 000 or better are the ones to go with. How much detail you are looking for will then depend on how many maps you want to pack. I find 1:200 000 ideal. For some areas where I explore, I'll use 1:50 000, but they cover quite small areas and you would need to pack a couple of suitcases to cover all of Europe.
 
Features:
Different map producers have different looks to their maps and that is a matter of personal preference. I prefer the Freytag & Berndt series of maps. They also make the highly detailed hiking/bicycling maps that I use. Michelin maps are my second choice.
 
So which maps?
 
For motorcycle route suggestions, the ADAC has a series of FREE maps that you can download. Read on...
 
Free downloads of the ADAC Motorradtouren MR 1 to MR 13 map sets.
 
Select a map on the site or from the map of Europe with the ADAC Motorradtouren map set locations.
 
At the top left (Select a Map), choose the map of interest and click Select.
 
Note that most maps have a Front and Back to select from. If you select a map from the pictorials on the right, it'll only link you to the Front side of the map.
 
The ADAC Motorradtouren maps aren't meant to replace highly detailed road maps, but are meant to provide tour suggestions.
 
Grab them while you can...whats on the web today, may not be there tomorrow. To download, right click on the map and left click "Save Target As" into a folder.
 
There are 142 "separate maps", 22 "Complete map on X pages", 22 "Complete map on one page" and 22 Hotel Lists to download...your choice.
 
The maps are also available at ADAC offices in Germany. The ADAC is the German auto club similar to the CAA in Canada, the AAA in the US and the AA or RAC in the UK.
 
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These Freytag & Berndt series of maps for motorcyclists have a scale of 1:200 000 (just right for motorcycle touring), are plastic coated and come in a binder so that each can be removed for tank bag use. You'll be impressed with the detail and quality. Each map binder costs €29.95.
 
Freytag & Berndt Motorradatlas Süddeutschalnd-Westösterreich-Oberitalien: Southern Germany-Western Austria-Upper Italy.
 
Freytag & Berndt Motorradatlas Österreich-Venetien-Istrien-Slowenien: Austria-Venice-Istria-Slovenia.
 
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Motorrad Reisekarten are similar to the F&B maps in the binders, except at a scale of 1:300 000, they lack a bit in detail. They're available from Louis and Polo.
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Motorrad Powerkarten are boxed map sets for various regions at a scale of 1:250 000. They're available from Louis and Polo.

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Die MOTORRAD General Karte are a series of 20 maps of Germany at a scale of 1:200 000. Recently introduced are a series of 5 maps of Austria including Süd Tirol (South Tirol) at a scale of 1:200 000. Included are listings of camping sites, accomodations, motorcycle shops listed by make, etc. They are coated and resistant to rain and tearing. Available at motorcycle shops in Europe.
 
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MOTORRAD Tourenplaner is a map set on CD similar to Microsoft Streets & Trips, but specifically for motorcycling in Europe. It plans routes, shows where services are, is GPS compatable, etc. The current product goes for €39.95, but last years version goes for €9.95 in motorcycle shops such as LOUIS (where I buy my copy).
 
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Hein Gericke, Louis and Polo are a chain of motorcycle accessory stores, primarily in Germany, but also in some neighboring countries.

[Ralf]

Alex has obviously put a lot of heart into this topic and provided much useful information.
 
On a general note, I could not imagine riding on a guided tour. I enjoy dealing with different languages, cultures, and the unexpected, and typically decide which roads to take on the spot. However, I think it's also important to point out that the Alps are pretty user-friendly. Many people speak English and the infrastructure is normally very good. Furthermore, motorcyclists do not have any stigma attached to them, but are seen as everyday people (and are wooed by hotels, etc. as they view them as very generous guests).
 
Random thoughts to your post:
 
1) I like the Michelin maps
2) Don't forget to consider the costs of Maut/Pickerl (road and pass tolls, the latter which are being increasingly prwwEvalent) which can add up over time
3) The Julian Alps in Slovenia seem to get overlooked a lot, but which belong to my favorite (perhaps I should keep my mouth shut)
4) It's truly a shame that all the previous wealth of information on this site was lost

[Ketch]

Great information as I have a dream of Doing a motorcyle tour over in that area and the price of admission is so high through the tours.
 
Do you know if there are any roadside assistance plans available? Perhaps through the Rental companies.  Could get interesting if you breakdown.

[Global Rider]

Do you know if there are any roadside assistance plans available? Perhaps through the Rental companies. Could get interesting if you breakdown.

 
Dave, don't worry about it.
 
My first ten years riding there, I used an old 1980 BMW R65 between its 15th and 24th year...and I only had one very preventable breakdown. The original rear wheel bearings went during their 21st year.
 
That happened late in the afternoon. By ten the next morning, I was riding again. The folks in this small Italian town were that helpful. By the time I got out of the shower, my bike was gone and on its way to a Honda shop in Domodosolla in the back of a truck. BTW, most of the SS337 from Locarno to Domodosolla was incredible.
 
And if you think language is an issue, I only knew about five words of Italian back then.
 
I know that Knopf Motorradreisen used to and probably still does, hand out a cell phone to its customers for emergency use. Knopf also has good rental rates and they are located in Heidelberg, an easy run down the A5 from Frankfurt...and the major airport there. Continuing down the A5 past Heidelberg takes you into Switzerland.

[throttlemeister]

Yes, the rates of the tourguides are definately over the top. Being local, I of course don't have to rent or fly, but I spend something south of $1000 for 7 days of playing in total when I go. That's less than $1000 for a week of extreme fun including hotels, food, drink, gas, my smokes, everything. By myself, it is typically in the area of 600. Add to that rental and flights and you end up significantly cheaper than any tour operator.

And if you are in an area like the Dolomites, you can't even go wrong even if you don't know where you are going. Every road is great and extremely twistie and will end up at one of the passes.

[Global Rider]

Random thoughts to your post:
 
Don't forget to consider the costs of Maut/Pickerl (road and pass tolls, the latter which are being increasingly prwwEvalent) which can add up over time.
 
The Julian Alps in Slovenia seem to get overlooked a lot, but which belong to my favorite (perhaps I should keep my mouth shut).

Ralf, too late! I planned on heading to Slovenia last summer, but got wrapped up with Corsica instead. Since I'm always within a half days ride of the border, I plan to ride Slovenia and possibly Croatia next summer.
 
The tolls, although some passes have just implemented them recently, are well worth the experience. Having riden every Dolomite pass several times, I've bypassed them the last few years while enroute to the Lago di Garda area. So I guess I'll be in for a bit of a surprise.

[Ralf]

Ralf, too late! I planned on heading to Slovenia last summer, but got wrapped up with Corsica instead. Since I'm always within a half days ride of the border, I plan to ride Slovenia and possibly Croatia next summer.
 
The tolls, although some passes have just implemented them recently, are well worth the experience. Having riden every Dolomite pass several times, I've bypassed them the last few years while enroute to the Lago di Garda area. So I guess I'll be in for a bit of a surprise.

I hope the toll revenue will be ploughed back into the infrastructure and not used elsewhere. It's, of course, still worth it to ride the passes, but, especially when thinking back to earlier, it's somewhat depressing to now have to pay fees. I haven't been to the Dolos in a while anyway though, as it's almost become too crowded during the high season, especially on the weekends (not to mention family and job commitments, but that's another story...). And there are a lot of other roads out there too

[Aero]

This has revived an idea that I had a while ago. To save the hassle and expense of renting a bike, why not ship a bunch of bikes in a shipping container and use them for a tour? If a group of riders could agree on some dates I think this could be very cost effective. I want to do a European trip next year so if any others are interested I will gladly investigate rates etc. It would be good to have an idea of numbers because I imagine the rates are cheaper if the numbers are greater.

[Chumly]

This has revived an idea that I had a while ago. To save the hassle and expense of renting a bike, why not ship a bunch of bikes in a shipping container and use them for a tour? If a group of riders could agree on some dates I think this could be very cost effective. I want to do a European trip next year so if any others are interested I will gladly investigate rates etc. It would be good to have an idea of numbers because I imagine the rates are cheaper if the numbers are greater.

I'm very interested as would be my wife, I ride the '04 VFR and she rides the '04 Burgman.

[Mr Sunshine]

Eventually I want to take me and my wife to Europe for a motorcycle tour.  Doing it on our own would be grand as like some I like to experience the culture and what not without help from others who don't know from Dick or Jane.
 
Besides its an excuse to learn more German.

[Mr Sunshine]

This has revived an idea that I had a while ago. To save the hassle and expense of renting a bike, why not ship a bunch of bikes in a shipping container and use them for a tour? If a group of riders could agree on some dates I think this could be very cost effective. I want to do a European trip next year so if any others are interested I will gladly investigate rates etc. It would be good to have an idea of numbers because I imagine the rates are cheaper if the numbers are greater.

 
Please do.

[DNA]

Thanks for the great info - yet another sleepless night ahead I think....
I really would like to do this some day - but will have to put this off for a bit I htink.

[Global Rider]

This has revived an idea that I had a while ago. To save the hassle and expense of renting a bike, why not ship a bunch of bikes in a shipping container and use them for a tour?

 
Updated: Novemeber 21, 2007

Thats a great idea. You'll have to compare costs and do a break-even calculation to see if it is worth it.
 
For example, in 2007 you can rent an R1200 GS for:
1 week (€679)
2 weeks (€1238)
3 weeks (€1797)
4 weeks (€2356)

Use the Universal Currency Converter to figure out the amount in your currency.
 
I used Allround Motorradvermietung's rental rates for the above example. I've never used them nor have I had any experience with them.
 
By the way, you might want to check with Knopf Motorradreisen. He ships bikes over in a container on a regular basis.
 
You all probably already know this, but you are going to want to make sure your brakes are in top condition and that your tires are almost new before shipping your bikes over.
 
Six more months to go.

[Chumly]

Well, whatever the apropos logistics are: rent / ship etc, I know my wife and I would like to go, so perhaps you could please keep me in the loop!

[Ketch]

I lived in Germany from 1972-1975..
Father was stationed at Spangdahlem, I went to High school in Bitburg.
Went skiing in Austria once, Never made it to Switzerland .
Was in Munchen for the some of 72 Olympics.
 
Used to speak/read/write German.. but have forgotten most of it now.
Would really like to get back there before I kick the bucket, and especially on 2 wheels (I had a 90cc Benelli when I lived there)
 
Just can't do much of anything thing till my Son finishes College..$$$
 
Dave

[throttlemeister]

I used Allround Motorradvermietung rates for the above example. I've never used them nor have I had any experience with them.

Simon from Allround Vermieting is a great guy. Very flexible and good discounts when renting multiple bikes. We've used them for our Eur04, Eur05 and Eur06 tours (bunch of friends from the US and EU riding together in the Alps).

[Ralf]

Great information as I have a dream of Doing a motorcyle tour over in that area and the price of admission is so high through the tours.
 
Do you know if there are any roadside assistance plans available? Perhaps through the Rental companies. Could get interesting if you breakdown.

 
Check with your AAA club. I believe there might be some agreement with them and their German counterpart, the ADAC (Allgemeiner Deutscher Automobilclub or German auto club), and that by showing your card you get the same service. Maybe the AAA has some similar reciprocal agreements with the ÖAMTC (Austrian service club) and other European roadside assistance clubs (i.e. as a member of the ADAC I can get assistance throughout Europe)
 
I would recommend checking with your local AAA office.

[twist]

At present, gas costs about €1.20 for regular and about €1.35 for super; more on the autobahns and autostradas. Presently €1 = US$1.25.

That's per litre, right?  That's too cheap to be per gallon.

[Global Rider]

That's per litre, right?  That's too cheap to be per gallon.

Correct.

Last June, I was paying anywhere from €1.338 for 95 to €1.522 for Shell V-Power 100...per liter.

So that works out to €5.06 to €5.76 per US gallon or US$6.67 to US$7.59 per US gallon at todays rates.

BTW, don't confuse those octane ratings with ours. They're rated differently.

Whether you go on an organized or self-guided tour, this is what you should be budgeting for when touring overseas. Mind you, that is on the high side. You should be getting by on about €1.35 per liter.

[Global Rider]

Yes, the rates of the tourguides are definately over the top. Being local, I of course don't have to rent or fly, but I spend something south of $1000 for 7 days of playing in total when I go. That's less than $1000 for a week of extreme fun including hotels, food, drink, gas, my smokes, everything.

Wow, thats a lot. Considering we both don't have to rent bikes since we use our own, I spend maybe CA$3000 (even less in US$) for the month and that includes airfare from Canada...so, all inclusive.

What are you smoking to bring your costs that high?  

[bubba zanetti]

Great thread. After reading this mrs zanetti and I are thinking of a 3 year plan to put away $150 a month for just such a trip.

I have driven the areas you listed in an old VW Van and Ursula did it on her 200cc Vespa. I think it would be wonderful on any reasonably modern bike.

Thanks !! Ya gots me thinking GR !!  

[throttlemeister]

Wow, thats a lot. Considering we both don't have to rent bikes since we use our own, I spend maybe CA$3000 (even less in US$) for the month and that includes airfare from Canada...so, all inclusive.

What are you smoking to bring your costs that high?  

I'm Dutch, you really have to ask?  

Seriously, I typically stay at probably little more expensive hotels than you do. I am usually with a group of American friends, so we typically need 5 or 6 rooms. This can limit the choice of hotels available. If I travel by myself, I stay in small gasthof or b&b at probably half the rates. But those places sometimes don't even have 6 rooms, let alone 6 free.

[RBEmerson]

As of 29 Dec. 06, we got €0.73 to the dollar (or about $1.37 per Euro) at a Naspa (ex-Nassauer Sparkasse Bank) in Bad Schwalbach (NW of Wiesbaden).  Regular gas was around €1.15 to €1.20/ltr and premium was about €1.25 and up.  We had an Opel Vectra combi ("stationwagon") and, prior to turning it back in at Frankfurt, topped the tank at an Aral on A66 near Mainz-Kastel at €1.16/ltr.  Often these gas stops cost less than what's charged off the autobahn.  Go figure...  

I just spoke with friends in Switzerland (anybody even heard of Veltheim in the Aargau?) and the Swissies have come with a new fun way to help you remember their autobahn speed limit is 120 km/hr.  Effective today, 1/1/07, your income is factored into the fine.  As an example, get nailed doing 180 (that's a touch over 110 MPH), and you could see a fine as high as 50,000 SFr or, according xe.com, over $41,000 US.  Have a nice day...  

[Global Rider]

Regular gas was around €1.15 to €1.20/ltr and premium was about €1.25 and up.

Thats quite a bit cheaper than what I paid last summer in Italy, but then gas prices vary from country to country, or maybe the time of the year matters.

The Swissies have come with a new fun way to help you remember their autobahn speed limit is 120 km/hr. Effective today, 1/1/07, your income is factored into the fine.  As an example, get nailed doing 180 (that's a touch over 110 MPH), and you could see a fine as high as 50,000 SFr or, according xe.com, over $41,000 US.

As high as? What about the minimum?

Actually, not a bad idea.