Updated by Jeff Taylor October 30, 2024

Motorcycle Riding and Researching in Thailand and Laos

After years of searching for the next best place to ride, our team found what we were looking for: Northern Thailand and Laos in Southeast Asia! With friendly locals, incredible food, affordable travel costs, and endless twists and turns, this area is a dream for motorcycle riders. Check out The Northern Thailand Experience and start creating memories. 

Why Southeast Asia?

Southeast Asia offers incredible riding experiences. Northern Thailand has well-paved roads, beautiful mountain views, and so many curves you’ll barely find a straight stretch! Across the border, Laos is more rugged, with dirt roads, river crossings, and remote villages. You’ll get a mix of adventure and natural beauty, which is why we knew we had to explore this area for our customers.

Even though BMW's new F850GS will be available soon, this post is being written with hopes of helping Riders considering the many new and used F800GS's that will be available for years to come.

As was recently noted in my Honda Africa Twin review, comparing this bike to the F800GS comes naturally, as they share a very similar size, stature, weight, capability, fuel capacity, etc. Within these general categories below though, it'll be clear which of the 2 bikes I would choose on any given day.

If you're so inclined, remember that many Riders book one of our motorcycle trip packages so they can test ride these bikes before making a purchase. Oh, and I'll be commenting on the "base" model of each bike, not the GS Adventure version of the BMW, or the Africa Twin that is coming out with a larger fuel tank soon.

As perhaps a point of credibility, I/we have been offering the F800GS as a rental bike since it first came out in 2008, and the Africa Twin these past 2 years that it's been available. Combining the feedback of hundreds of Customers with our own experience as Motorcycle Tour Guides, here we go:

It's full-blown peak season in Patagonia and southern Africa touring season right now, such that I thought it was time to remind everyone about another great service we added last year: 4x4 Adventure Packages

The impetus for this blog post comes on the heels of tough news that yes, a few Adventure Riders have had crashes throughout parts of Namibia and the Andes Mountains down in Chile & Argentina this season. Fortunately nobody has been seriously injured in a life threatening manner, but this is the type of news we hope to avoid in the first place.

"Hey, Honda....what took you so long?"

If my opening question is toned with tenderness, a bit of emotion is for good reason. Such a long wait for the motorcycle giant to re-enter the booming Adventure Riding & Dual Sport category sure was a test for Honda enthusiasts. 

Clinging to scraps of a "better late than never" sentiment, a recent roadside pee-break opportunity between motorcycle tours in Patagonia seemed like the right moment to make this video and share some thoughts about Honda's latest adventure bike. RIDE Adventures is now in our 2nd season of offering the Africa Twin as a motorcycle rental in Patagonia, with largely positive feedback from our Customers and those of us who guide these motorcycle trips. Categorically speaking: 

Gotta get this out there, cause it's too good not to share these thoughts (even if they sound a little too "mushy" for a bunch of adventure riders.)

It's particularly this time of year, "peak season" for our operations in southern Africa and stunning Patagonia, that I'm reminded about what I love so much about this business.