• Travel Tips

Solo vs. Partner Travel on Motorcycles: Pros, Cons & Survival Tips

Riding a motorcycle is more than just transportation, it’s freedom, a challenge, and a deeply personal experience. Both of us have spent years exploring the world solo on two wheels, embracing the solitude, the rawness of the road, and the deep connection that comes with riding alone. But now, as we take on this 60,000 km journey together, we’re learning a whole new side of adventure, one that comes with the joys and lessons of riding as a team.

So, what’s it really like? Is it better to ride solo, fully immersed in your own rhythm, or to share the journey with a partner? The answer isn’t simple, because both experiences offer something unique. Here’s what we’ve learned so far.

The Freedom & Strength of Riding Solo

Solo travel on a motorcycle is a powerful thing. It’s about complete independence, setting your own pace, stopping whenever the moment calls for it, and following nothing but your instinct.

• Total Flexibility: No compromises, no schedules to align, just you and the road.
• Deep Personal Growth: Solo travel forces self-reliance. You learn to fix problems, make quick decisions, and trust yourself in the face of challenges.
• Stronger Connections with Locals: When you’re alone, people are more likely to invite you into their homes, share meals, and exchange stories.
• Pure, Unfiltered Experience: Every moment is yours alone, from the quiet sunrises in the middle of nowhere to the unexpected turns that define a journey.

The Power & Joy of Riding with a Partner

This journey is the first time we’ve committed to traveling long-term as a team, and we’re discovering just how much there is to love about sharing the road.

• Shared Moments, Bigger Memories: Watching a breathtaking sunset is beautiful, but watching it with someone who understands the weight of the journey? That’s something special.
• Two Minds, Better Problem Solving: When breakdowns happen or routes don’t go as planned, two perspectives often lead to better solutions..
• Safety & Support: Whether it’s a tough border crossing or a mechanical failure in the middle of nowhere, having someone who’s got your back changes everything.
• Pushing Each Other Further: We challenge each other, whether it’s tackling a tougher route, pushing beyond our comfort zones, or even just getting up early to catch that perfect golden-hour ride.
• Bonus Perk: When you lose your gloves (again), there's a backup pair somewhere in your partner's bag. Or so you hope.

The Challenges: What to Prepare For

Of course, riding together isn’t always smooth. There are adjustments, compromises, and lessons in patience.

• Pacing Differences: Everyone has their own rhythm on the road, one might want to push ahead, the other to slow down and take it all in.
• Decision-Making Takes Longer: When traveling alone, the only opinion that matters is yours. As a team, every decision, where to stop, what route to take, requires discussion.
• Survival Tip: Communicate openly. Set expectations, talk through decisions, and remember that the goal isn’t to travel perfectly, it’s to grow together.
• Reality Check: The biggest test of patience? Deciding where to eat when you're both hungry but trying to be "nice" about it.

But What About the People You Meet?

One of the biggest fears of riding with a partner is that it might make you seem less approachable. Solo travelers often get invitations to stay with locals, share meals, or be taken on hidden adventures, but this hasn’t stopped us from experiencing the same kindness so far to be honest.
Not at all.
We’ve found that the road welcomes anyone willing to embrace it, whether alone or in pairs. We’ve been invited into homes, offered help by strangers, and been given meals and warm conversations, just like when we rode solo. In some cases, people seem even more excited to help a duo tackling the road together.
Sometimes, they even try to guess which one of us is the "troublemaker." (We’ll let you decide.)

Which One is Better?

Truthfully? Neither. And both.