How to Choose the Right Motorcycle for Morocco Riding (2025)
Choosing the right motorcycle can make or break your Morocco adventure. Here's everything you need to know to select the perfect bike for your riding style, experience level, and planned routes.
Factors to Consider
1. Your Riding Experience
**Beginner (0-2 years)**- Stick to bikes under 650cc
- Choose lighter motorcycles (under 200kg)
- Avoid tall seat heights
- Recommended: Royal Enfield Himalayan, Yamaha XT 250
- Can handle 650-850cc bikes
- Weight up to 220kg manageable
- Ready for adventure bikes
- Recommended: Yamaha Ténéré, Suzuki V-Strom 650
- Any displacement comfortable
- Can handle heavy bikes (250kg+)
- Experienced with technical terrain
- Recommended: BMW R 1300 GS, Honda Africa Twin 1100
2. Planned Routes
**City/Coastal (Paved Roads Only)**- Any motorcycle works
- Scooters even suitable
- Comfort prioritized over capability
- Best: Honda Africa Twin, BMW F 750 GS
- Need good power for altitude
- Reliable brakes essential
- Comfort for long days
- Best: BMW R 1250/1300 GS, Yamaha Ténéré
- Lighter bikes better
- Good ground clearance
- Off-road capable tires
- Best: Yamaha Ténéré, Honda Africa Twin
- Balance of comfort and capability
- Luggage capacity important
- Long-range fuel tank
- Best: BMW R 1300 GS, Honda Africa Twin
3. Trip Duration
**1-3 Days (Short Trip)**- Comfort less critical
- Can manage basic bikes
- Lighter better for day trips
- Comfort becomes important
- Need luggage capacity
- Reliability critical
- Maximum comfort essential
- Large fuel tank needed
- Proven reliability a must
- Service intervals matter
4. Passenger or Solo
**Solo Riding**- Lighter bikes more enjoyable
- Better fuel economy
- More agile handling
- Need stronger suspension
- More powerful engine
- Comfortable rear seat
- Best: BMW R 1300 GS, Honda Africa Twin
Motorcycle Comparison Guide
BMW R 1300 GS - The King
Best For: Experienced riders, long tours, ultimate comfort
**Pros**:- Most comfortable for long distance
- Powerful (145hp)
- Latest technology
- Excellent wind protection
- Premium feel
- Heaviest (250kg)
- Most expensive rental
- Overkill for short trips
- Can feel intimidating
Verdict: If budget allows and you're experienced, this is the best all-rounder.
Price: €90-110/day
Yamaha Ténéré - The Adventure Weapon
Best For: Off-road focused, lighter riders, spirited riding
**Pros**:- Light and agile (205kg)
- Excellent off-road
- Fun factor very high
- Reliable
- Good value
- Less highway comfort
- Smaller fuel tank
- Basic electronics
- Vibration at highway speeds
Verdict: Best choice if off-road is priority or you want pure adventure feel.
Price: €65-85/day
Honda Africa Twin 1100 - The Balanced Choice
Best For: All-round versatility, tech lovers, reliability seekers
**Pros**:- DCT automatic option
- Good electronics package
- Proven reliability
- Comfortable ergonomics
- Balanced on/off-road
- Tall seat height
- Heavy for technical off-road
- DCT adds complexity
Verdict: Perfect middle ground between comfort and capability.
Price: €75-95/day
Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 - The Budget Hero
Best For: Budget travelers, learning adventure riding, relaxed pace
**Pros**:- Most affordable
- Easy to handle
- Good for beginners
- Manageable weight (196kg)
- Classic cool factor
- Less power on highways
- Basic features
- Can feel underpowered fully loaded
Verdict: Best budget option, perfect for learning and relaxed touring.
Price: €45-65/day
BMW F 850/900 GS - The Middleweight Champion
Best For: Sporty riding, intermediate riders, mixed terrain
**Pros**:- More agile than R 1300
- Still very capable
- Good power (95-105hp)
- Lower seat height options
- Less comfort than R 1300
- Less off-road than Ténéré
Verdict: Best if you want sportier feel than R 1300 but more refinement than Ténéré.
Price: €70-90/day
SYM Scooters 50cc - The City Explorer
Best For: Marrakech city only, non-riders, very short trips
**Pros**:- Super cheap
- Easy to ride
- Perfect for city
- Good fuel economy
- City only (no highway)
- No mountains
- Limited range
- Not for "real" touring
Verdict: Only if you're staying in Marrakech and doing short city trips.
Price: €20-30/day
Decision Matrix
Answer these questions:
Question 1: Experience Level?
- Beginner → Royal Enfield, Yamaha XT 250
- Intermediate → Yamaha Ténéré, V-Strom
- Advanced → BMW GS, Africa Twin
Question 2: Main Terrain?
- Paved only → Any bike
- Mountain passes → Need power (850cc+)
- Off-road included → Ténéré 700 or Africa Twin
- Mixed everything → BMW R 1300 GS
Question 3: Budget per Day?
- Under €50 → Royal Enfield
- €50-80 → Yamaha Ténéré, V-Strom
- €80-100+ → BMW GS, Africa Twin
Question 4: Physical Size?
- Short (under 170cm) → Lower seat options
- Average (170-180cm) → Most bikes OK
- Tall (180cm+) → All bikes comfortable
Question 5: Passenger?
- Yes → BMW R 1300 GS, Africa Twin
- No → Yamaha Ténéré, F 850 GS
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Choosing too big - Ego over ability ❌ Choosing too small - Underpowered for mountains ❌ Ignoring seat height - Can't touch ground = dangerous ❌ Forgetting luggage capacity - No space for gear ❌ Overlooking fuel range - Sahara has limited fuel stops
Final Recommendations
Best Overall: BMW R 1300 GS
If money isn't a concern and you're experienced, this is the ultimate Morocco bike.
Best Value: Yamaha Ténéré
Sweet spot of capability, fun, and price.
Best for Beginners: Royal Enfield Himalayan
Affordable, manageable, perfect for learning.
Best for Off-Road: Yamaha Ténéré
Lightest and most capable when pavement ends.
Best for Comfort: BMW R 1300 GS
Nothing beats it for long-distance comfort.
Conclusion
The "right" motorcycle depends entirely on YOUR needs. Be honest about your experience, planned routes, and budget. When in doubt, talk to us - we've helped hundreds of riders choose the perfect bike.
Ready to choose your perfect Morocco motorcycle?
📱 WhatsApp: +212 661 208 481 🌐 Book online: motorcyclerentalmarrakech.com
We'll help you select the ideal bike for your adventure! 🏍️