OFF ROAD ROUTES: ASIA

The Harley-Davidson^® Pan America^™ has proved itself as one of the best off-road bikes available. Here are three spectacular rides in the Asia region that will show off its capabilities – and yours!

Australia: Cairns – Cape York Peninsula
1,000km (one way), about 10-day round trip

This epic bucket-list ride to the northernmost point of Australia will deliver stunning beaches, tropical rainforests and incredible wildlife you won’t see anywhere else in the world, along with challenging terrain in one of the world’s last unspoiled wildernesses.

Start from the northern Queensland city of Cairns and head north. There are a few route options depending on the weather and conditions, including the Bloomfield Track, Peninsula Development Road or Captain Cook Highway. You’ll experience a combination of sealed and unsealed roads and terrain that depends on the season – effectively either dusty or muddy, so check conditions before setting off.

Accommodation is available at roadside pubs, or you can camp. The Pan America provides enough fuel capacity to get from one fuel stop to the next, although if you divert from the main routes to try some of the more demanding side tracks, make sure you’re carrying extra fuel.

Avoid riding the roads after nightfall due to the risk of kangaroos, wallabies and stray cattle. During the day, watch out for cassowaries, feral pigs and saltwater crocodiles.

Old Telegraph Track
Along the way you’ll have the choice of taking the Old Telegraph Track, which is demanding with multiple river crossings, or the much safer bypass road. Only take this route if you’re confident in your off-road abilities.

Cape York
The end of the road is a beautiful and unspoilt tropical paradise with views of Papua New Guinea. Take the time to relax here and enjoy the wilderness before you saddle up and head back down to Cairns.

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Japan
Super Rindo Forest Road

Located in the mountains of the island of Shikoku, Japan’s longest publicly accessible mountain trail covers 88km (55 miles) of dedicated off-road routes before taking into account multiple side trails – more than enough for even the most dedicated off-road rider.

Forest access roads, decommissioned logging roads, gravel trails and tracks to rocky mountain summits provide a test for off-road riders of any level from amateur to professional, while the cloud-covered cedar forests, waterfalls and otherworldly scenery provide endless photo opportunities. There are camping areas, cabins and mountain taverns for those who wish to make a multi-day adventure of it.

Mount Tsurugi
At almost 2,000m tall, Mount Tsurugi in the Iya Valley is a draw for all off-road riders offering old Shinto shrines, incredible forest trails overhung with moss and ferns.

Amagoi Waterfalls
This is one of the most picturesque parts of an already overwhelmingly beautiful area, offering spectacular waterfalls, rocky mountain trails and a Buddhist temple.

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Vietnam
Hà Giang Loop
390km (3-5 days)

The Hà Giang Loop is a circular route around Hà Giang, the northernmost province of Vietnam on the border of China. The route offers some of the most spectacular scenery in this part of Asia via a mix of paved mountain roads, challenging off-tracks with steep climbs, rocky descents and muddy sections – ideal conditions for the Pan America.

This region is still relatively untouched by tourism with ethnic north Vietnamese folks going about their daily business, unspoiled rural scenery and plenty of hostels, homestays and accommodation available.

Ma Pi Leng Pass
Offering one of the most amazing views in South East Asia, the 20km (12 miles) Ma Pi Leng Pass is a 1,500m high mountain pass with views of a deep valley with turquoise waters below. The road has hairpin bends, cliffs and drop-offs with the more dangerous part known as the hanging cliff of death for good reason. Take great care!

Chinese border
A small detour to the north takes you right up to the Chinese border for a unique social media photo opportunity.

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