When you take your once-in-a-life time tour down Route 66, you want to do it in the way that best suits your needs and expectations. For different people, this means travelling in different vehicles or just being a passenger along for the ride. At Route 66 Tours, we have you covered with a wide variety of options.
Route 66 Tours offers three ways for thrill-seekers to travel:
- Drive yourself in a car (convertible and V8 options available!)
- Ride a motorcycle
- Be a passenger in a van or SUV
Within each option, you can choose from several vehicle types. For those wishing to ride a motorcycle, Route 66 Tours can accommodate many of the top bikes for your trip.
Let's explore which motorcycles might be available, and share a little about the models and bikes, and why it might be a good fit for you. Please note that availability is subject to change. The further out you book your tour, the better your chances for reserving the motorcycle of your choice.
Harley-Davidson
Perhaps the name most synonymous with motorcycles and being a biker, Harley-Davidson captures the quintessential elements of the open highway and the roar of an engine. The iconic sound of a Harley comes from the classic V-twin engines that uses a unique 45 degree angle between cylinders.
A few of the more popular model families for modern Harley-branded motorcycles include:
- Touring – Also known as "dressers" or "baggers," this family includes Road King, Road Glide, Street Glide and Electra Glide models. They're distinguishable by large saddlebags, big-twin engines and large-diameter telescopic forks.
- Softail – Another type of big-twin engine motorcycle, these keep the rear-wheel suspension hidden under the transmission and capitalise on Harley's strong value of tradition.
- Sportster – As their name suggests, these motorcycles were originally designed for racing, and are popular on dirt and flat-track race courses.
- V-Rod – Conceived to compete against muscle bikes, the V-Rods are stylistically different from the traditional Harley design, and use overhead cams and liquid cooling.
If you're a fan of Harleys and you're curious about seeing how they're made, you're in luck. A short ride north of Route 66 Harley-Davidson in Missouri brings you to the Harley Davidson plant Kansas City, Missouri. Here they offer guided tours of the manufacturing and assembly process, as well as the opportunity to sit on current production motorcycles and visit their gift shop.
Indian Motorcycles
One of the oldest motorcycle manufacturers in the U.S., Indian Motorcycle Company traces its roots back to 1901. Although it's gone through several different corporate iterations, owners and names since then, Indian Motorcycle continues to manufacture high-quality, well-designed and powerful bikes.
These models mix traditional designs elements with modern styles to give them a distinctively sleek look that expertly combines form and function. Some of the model families in the company's current line-up include:
- Indian Scout – The Scout models have a low seat height and centre of gravity for agile handling while providing solid performance with a great power-to-weight ratio. Some of the models include the Scout Classic, Scout Bobber Sixty, Indian Scout Bobber 20.
- Cruiser – Indian Cruiser bikes are quite powerful, yet simple to ride. These motorcycles let you sit back and enjoy cruising along Route 66. These models include the Indian Vintage and the Indian Vintage Dark Horse.
- Touring – The Touring models are built to cover long distances, and come equipped with plenty of room for all the stuff you'll need for a Route 66 road trip. These models include the Roadmaster Classic, Limited, Elite or Dark Horse.
- Bagger – Usually equipped with hard bags and a windshield, the Bagger is versatile and built to withstand anything the road throws your way. These include the Indian Chieftain Dark Horse, Indian Chieftain Limited, Indian Chieftain Elite, Indian Springfield Dark Horse, Indian Springfield, Indian Challenger Limited and Indian Challenger Dark Horse.
Honda
Want to try out something a little different than Harleys and Indian Motorcycles? A Honda motorcycle might be what you're looking for. While Honda produces touring and cruiser bikes, they're probably most well-known for their sports bikes. However, Honda offers one of the broadest ranges of motorcycles, divided into the following categories:
- Adventure
- Cruiser
- Dual sport
- Minimoto
- Off-road
- Competition
- Sport
- Standard
- Touring
- Trail
Each of these models brings a distinctive style, power level and versatility for your ride.
BMW
Manufacturers of motorcycles since the 1920s, BMW is known worldwide for making well-engineered bikes that are a reliable and amazing ride. Like the other manufacturers on this list, BMW has models in all areas of the market, including:
- Superbikes and sportbikes
- Adventure Touring
- Adventure
- Touring and Sport Touring
- Standard Sport Heritage
Triumph
The world's longest continuous production motorcycle manufacturer, Triumph Motorcycles is also one of industry's the most celebrated. The British company has carved out its own identity with a lineup of two- and three-cylinder bikes. In fact, the trailer for the forthcoming James Bond film, No Time to Die, features the iconic spy on the back of a Triumph. Some of their models include:
- Roadsters and Supersports – Includes the Street Triple, Street Triple Range.
- Adventure – Includes the Tiger 900, Tiger 800 Range and Tiger 1200 Range.
- Modern Classics – New Thruxton RS, Speed Twin, New Scrambler 1200.
Again, we do want to reiterate that bookings for Route 66 Tours are constantly in flux, with eager people scheduling their tours all the time. This means that motorcycle availability fills up quickly and is subject to change. It's best to book your tour as far in advance as possible, as this will help ensure that you're able to ride the bike of your choice.
Route 66 Tours always works with reputable motorcycle rental agencies, and we'll do our best to help you plan your dream Route 66 road trip.
Want to learn more about which motorcycles are available and discuss the different options you have biking Route 66? Get in touch with our helpful team today!
