Motorcycle Tour in Spain: The Toro Biker Experience

I wanted to write this blog post to share what I learned while setting up my first motorcycle tour in Spain. Going into this, I had zero experience with motorcycle holidays at all. I had been on a few tours such as whitewater rafting or hiking, but nothing like riding a motorcycle where my personal experience was the only factor in keeping me safe (or so I thought).

In this guide, I will go over all the questions I had when booking, what the experience was like, and why I would definitely book another motorcycle tour in Spain with Toro Bikers.

Discovering Motorcycle Tours in Spain

When I started searching, I didn’t even know where to begin. A simple Google search — “motorcycle tours in Spain” — was all it took to discover an entire world of options. To my surprise, Spain had a huge variety of tour lengths, routes, and guides. That flexibility was perfect since my partner Dara and I had plans to attend other tours (food tour, Basílica de la Sagrada Família, Kayaking in Costa Brava, Palau de la Música Catalana).

After looking through a few options, I came across Torobiker, owned and operated by Rafa, who would later become both our guide and our friend.

Choosing the Right Guide

My biggest concern? Getting scammed. When you’re paying someone you have never met who isn’t sponsored by a big corporation, there’s always that lingering doubt. But I also wanted a personal experience — not a corporate one-size-fits-all package.

Rafa had dozens of glowing Google reviews, and that gave me confidence. What really sealed it, though, was when he reached out to me personally via WhatsApp to talk through the details. That direct communication made everything feel legitimate and personal — and I quickly realized I’d made the right choice.

Planning for the Trip

There’s a lot more to planning a Europe motorcycle tour than just booking the guide. Here are some things I learned along the way:

• Gear: Decide early whether you’ll bring your own or rent (jackets, helmets, gloves, boots, etc). I brought mine, mainly because I’m particular about helmet fit and I like to ride with music; Dara is very wary about lice, lol. Dara bought me an Alpinestars Komodo gear bag for my birthday, which was perfect for the trip. It fit two helmets (each in their own helmet protective case, two jackets (with full armor including back protectors), two pairs of pants, my riding gloves, and two pairs of boots with room to spare.
  Just be warned: it’s big, and you may be charged for an oversized luggage fee if you are flying.
  

• Licensing: You’ll need a motorcycle endorsement issued by your home country. Some countries separate license types by engine size (cc), so check with your guide beforehand. You’ll also need an international driver’s permit and trip insurance.
  

• Budgeting: Make sure to clarify what’s included in the tour price. Sometimes rentals, gear, or accessories like panniers are extra. My bike rental was included in the tour quote with Toro, but that might not be the case if you book with someone else.
  

• Connectivity: Check your phone plan’s international roaming or buy a local SIM card. Having data helps if you get separated or need navigation. It may also help to purchase a helmet comms system if your tour guide wants to communicate to everyone while on the ride. The most popular of these items are made by SENA and Cardo.

Riding in Spain: Adapting to a New Rhythm

Coming from 20 years of riding motorcycles — with some dirt biking on the side — I wasn’t too worried about my abilities. Still, I wondered what Spanish traffic would be like. Luckily, they drive on the same side of the road as we do in the U.S., which helped but traffic can be a little hectic if you’re not used to this amount of congestion.

Rafa was calm, attentive, and professional from the start. He watched me closely in his mirrors, checked in at every stop, and made sure I was comfortable with the pace and terrain. By the end of the first day, he had complete confidence in my riding — and I had complete trust in his guidance.

The Bike and the Learning Curve

I rode a BMW GS1300R, a very different beast from my Harley Road Glide. The torque and throttle response were sharper, and it needed higher RPMs on takeoff.

At 5’9” with a 32” inseam, I could almost flat-foot the bike, and despite its height, the low center of gravity made it extremely stable — even with Dara riding pillion.

The Roads: A Rider’s Dream

Once I hit those Spanish roads, it all made sense — this is why so many MotoGP riders come from here. The curves, the pavement quality, the mountain passes… it’s pure bliss for anyone who loves to ride.

One thing to note: roads in Spain are narrower than in the U.S., even in larger cities. This isn’t a big deal until you’re leading and find another vehicle coming around a blind corner with no lane markings. It never caused an issue on our tour, but it’s something to stay aware of.

Communication and Culture

Rafa’s English is impressive, especially considering he’s still learning. There were a few minor misunderstandings, but overall, communication was smooth. In fact, he encouraged me to speak in English so he could practice — something I really admired.

As for the little things — yes, you can find public bathrooms in Spain. Gas stations, restaurants, and most public areas we visited in Barcelona, Valencia, and Cuenca had clean, accessible restrooms. So that worry quickly disappeared.

The Toro Biker Experience

There’s something deeply special about being able to say:“I’ve ridden a motorcycle in a foreign country.”

The landscapes of Spain — especially the rural “twisties” outside the big cities — are unforgettable. These rides take you away from the tourist hubs and into the authentic countryside where culture, history, and architecture come alive. Even the water dams and stone walls have a beauty that feels ancient and intentional.

I made it a point to ask locals two questions everywhere I went:

1. What do you love most about living here?
   

2. What do you dislike the most?

The answers were never the same — and that’s what I loved most about meeting new people, it’s always a different perspective.

What Makes Rafa Different

What stood out about Rafa was his genuine care. He wasn’t just a guide — he was a host, a safety net, and a friend. He wanted Dara and me to have the best time on and off the bikes.

He’s living proof that when you do what you love, you radiate peace and happiness. As he says, “Riding is my zen.” And it shows. Nothing about Rafa feels rehearsed — he treats you like family, and that’s rare.

Would I Do It Again?

Absolutely.

I would book with Rafa and Torobiker again in a heartbeat.

I don’t gain anything from writing this post — no sponsorships, no discounts — just the satisfaction of reflecting on one of the best experiences of my life and hopefully inspiring someone else to take that same leap.

I fell in love with Spain, but more importantly, I fell in love with the idea of exploring the world on two wheels. I can’t wait to see where the next road leads — and wherever it is, I know I’ll be riding with Torobiker again.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever dreamed of taking your motorcycle passion overseas, stop dreaming and start planning. Do your research, find a trustworthy guide, bring your sense of adventure — and don’t be afraid to ride into the unknown.

Because sometimes, the best roads are the ones you’ve never seen before.