Rider’s Bucket List: 10 Roads Every Custom Biker Should Travel
Those roads are indeed the stories of life — every one of them. Some tell you of rage, others of tranquility, and some, of such beauty, they simply become a part of your being. The ten roads you can find here are the ones considered by any biker as the ultimate journey, no matter if you ride a Harley 883 Sportster, a café racer stripped down, or a custom loud Harley 1200 Sportster with a 2-into-1 exhaust pipe.
Put on your gloves, give your exhaust gasket a quick look, and let’s set out for an adventure.
Top 10 Motorcycle Routes Every Rider Should Experience
These legendary rides are what the two-wheel world is about - the rough cliffs along California’s Pacific Coast Highway or the serpentine trails in the Himalayas. It does not matter if you ride a Harley, a chopper, or a bobber. Every road has a story, a challenge, and an experience to remember.
1. The Pacific Coast Highway – California, USA
There’s a reason every movie biker ends up here. Stretching from Los Angeles to the northern edge of Oregon, Highway 1 is pure freedom — ocean on one side, cliffs on the other.
Take it slow. Let the sea breeze fill your helmet vents and the sound of your muffler exhaust echo off the coastal rocks. It’s a dream for any rider who loves open-air simplicity and endless horizon..
2. The Tail of the Dragon – Tennessee/North Carolina
318 curves in just 11 miles. This road separates the riders from the posers.
The Tail of the Dragon is a test of skill and focus — sharp switchbacks, tight corners, and plenty of spectators. If you’re rocking motorcycle ape hangers, brace yourself — this road demands precision.
Best paired with a compact, agile build, like a Sportster chopper or a lightweight scrambler.
3. Island Park Loop – Idaho
Not far from Yellowstone, this quiet 29-mile loop through Island Park feels like stepping into another world. Forest scents mix with cool air, and every twist of the throttle feels personal.
Pull over at Mesa Falls, let your bike idle while you soak in the view. You’ll want solid motorcycle tires with color lettering and with a motorcycle setup if you’re planning some side routes.
4. The Florida Keys – Overseas Highway
Imagine the ocean on both sides, the scent of salt and sunblock in the air, and your engine humming under blue skies.
The stretch between Key Largo and Key West is pure magic. Go slow — this ride’s about the vibe, not the speed. A custom Indian Scout Bobber looks like it was built for this exact road.
Don’t forget your motorcycle helmet decals and a pair of Harley Davidson hand grips that feel right on long straightaways.
5. Red Rock Canyon – Utah
Riding through Bryce Canyon feels like cruising through another planet. The rocks glow red at sunrise, and the roads curve just enough to keep things interesting.
This one’s perfect for an ADV build or a scrambler. If your bike’s running a custom exhaust, the sound bouncing between canyon walls will stick in your memory forever.
Bring a tent — camping under that desert sky is something every biker should do once
6. Sturgis Rally Ride – South Dakota
Even if you’ve never been, you know the name. Sturgis is the beating heart of American motorcycle culture. Thousands of riders roll through the Black Hills every August, and the roads leading in — Highway 14A and Needles Highway — are as legendary as the party itself.
If there’s ever a time to show off your Harley Davidson decals, or that shiny air filter Harley Davidson upgrade, this is it. The rumble of engines here is something you feel in your chest.
7. The Himalayas – Nepal/India
This one’s for the dreamers. The Himalayan route isn’t just a ride — it’s an expedition. High altitude, unpredictable terrain, and views that make you forget how small you are.
You’ll need a lighter bike or a strong ADV build. Carry a clutch cable spare, a air shock pump, and keep your exhaust gasket tight — this ride can shake bolts loose.
8. Yellowstone Loop – Wyoming/Montana
A full day of riding through geothermal steam and wild herds of bison — that’s Yellowstone. Both the upper and lower loops are worth every minute.
You’ll want to pace yourself; it’s a long route, so check your fuel pump and fluids before heading out. The views around Yellowstone Lake and Old Faithful are once-in-a-lifetime moments.
A Sportster 1200 Bobber makes this trip comfortable without losing that rugged charm.
9. Yosemite National Park – California
Winding roads, towering cliffs, and moments that stop you in your tracks. Yosemite demands respect — both for nature and your handling skills.
Take a custom Sportster or Softail exhaust build for the climb. Just be prepared: tight roads, high cliffs, and some of the best views in North America.
There’s something spiritual about parking your bike beside Half Dome and hearing the exhaust titanium cool in the mountain air.
10. The Cannonball Route – Cross-Country, USA
This one isn’t a single road — it’s a rite of passage. Inspired by the old Cannonball Run, it’s a coast-to-coast journey from New York to Los Angeles.
It’s long, unpredictable, and unforgettable. You’ll need an exhaust system flange that can handle the miles, a transmission oil top-off kit, and a good seat. For many custom builders, this trip defines their relationship with their machine.
When you’ve crossed the last state line and your muffler pipe is still singing, you’ll understand why it’s on every rider’s list.
A Few Pro Tips for Your Bucket List Motorbike Rides
Travel light: What could be better than saddlebags? A saddlebag Sportster arrangement is not only water-tight but also line-friendly.
Protect your decals: Before going on a nice, long ride, make sure the Harley Davidson decals on the gas tank and the grips of your bike are clean.
Watch your wiring: To this extent, such jittering will vibrate and thus 'shake', for instance, the Harley axle nut covers and the exhaust muffler gasket, which you should always check before stepping out on your next major leg.
Fuel smart: It is always handy to have a few fuel containers for motorcycles in case you want to go on a remote trip in the Himalayas or Bryce Canyon.
Why These Roads Matter
The first thing to say about these routes is that they are very different from each other and hence test different things from you — your focus, your stamina, your love for the creation. They make you remember that a custom bike is not simply a machine; rather, it is a visa to experiences that you cannot put into words to someone who does not ride.
On these roads, you will get back with bits of insects stuck on your visor, dust on your boots, and some scratches on your Harley fork covers, and so on — and every single one of them will be worth it.
Choose Gear and More From Kinetic Motorcycles
How about the next big trip? For the people who are in the process of planning it, having the right gear is everything. Kinetic Motorcycles has been the rider's helper in the process of prepping their customs from the installation of the aftermarket exhaust system, Harley handlebars, to the fabrication of custom petrol tank motorcycles, and providing Harley grips so that when the road is calling, your bike can definitely answer.
FAQs
1. Which road is best for beginner riders?
The Florida Keys route is ideal — smooth roads, steady traffic, and unbeatable scenery. Perfect for testing your comfort on long runs.
2. What’s the toughest ride on this list?
The Himalayas, no question. High altitude, rough terrain, and weather that changes every hour. But it’s also the most rewarding.
3. What bike setup works best for long-distance touring?
A mid-weight cruiser or sport-touring setup — like a Harley Davidson Roadster with a 2 into 1 exhaust pipe and comfortable grips — strikes the perfect balance between power and comfort.
Final Thoughts
The roads on this list aren’t just routes — they’re milestones in a rider’s life. Each one offers a new story, a new challenge, and a deeper bond with your machine.
When the season feels right, pick one, gear up, and go. Because someday, you’ll look back on these miles and realize — you didn’t just ride the roads, they became part of you.