Keeping Austin Weird on Two Wheels

Everything is bigger in Texas. And as the saying goes, everything gets downright weird in Austin.

There is no exception to the rule when it comes to the motorcycle community. There’s an eclectic collision of aficionados in Central Texas: cafe builders, prominent “one-percenter” clubs, diehard Europeans on Euro bikes, supersports, Groms galore, dirt bike junkies, masses of daily commuters, Sunday riders and an increasing amount of female riders to round out the variety.

It is not uncommon to find a combination of these riders cruising together through the Hill Country roads year-round. Riders have it pretty good in Austin, as they can essentially head out in any direction for a promising day trip as long as the Texas heat allows.

And if you're looking for motorcycle rentals in Austin, this article will let you know what to expect when you arrive.

Grab your tie-dye bandana and let’s get weird.

Austin Motorcycle Riding Weather

Welcome to Austin, where two seasons exist: Winter and Summer. And sometimes they both occur in the same week. But generally speaking, Central Texas is an oasis for year-round riding. During the peak summer months, it is highly recommended to beat the heat with KSU (getting started) as early as possible.

Austin Motorcycle Roads

We asked our community to recommend their favorite roads in and around Austin, and put together a guide to the best motorcycle routes in Austin.

Below are a few highlights: 

• Texas 360 Loop: Nearly any Westbound route you select should include the Pennybacker Bridge on 360 Loop. Pull over on the shoulder along with all the others and put those steel-toed boots to work as you make your way up the trail (a challenging but very quick hike) and to overlook for one killer view you won’t forget.
• FM 2222: The urge to venture just outside Austin City Limits continues with a popular paradise for bikers of all genres: FM 2222. This hilly but somewhat short fun zone lies between the 360 Bridge and Ranch Road 620 (which is recommended to continue the adventure southbound) and offers riders a chance to open the throttle a bit.
• Lime Creek Road: Thrill, precision, challenge, skill level: high; not as exciting cruisers but still a great option to hone in on your riding skills in general.

Austin Food and Drink

After tackling some twisties on Lime Creek Road, you deserve some authentic Texan BBQ. Salt Lick (18300 FM 1826, Driftwood, TX 78619) is a popular spot for bikers and well, anyone visiting Austin and for good reason.

Brisket is an art form and these guys have been featured all over the world proving they have perfected it. This place gets very busy on weekends so prepare to wait or at least tie down a six-pack to hold you over, as Salt Lick is BYOB (and cash only).

If you still have room in your stomach, Casino El Camino (517 E 6th St) is a Sixth Street gem that welcomes bikers and anyone brave enough to test the “spicy scale” on their Bloody Marys. They essentially throw in a full meal right inside the drink.

Sunset calls for a well-deserved Lonestar (the Texan go-to light beer). The Continental Club, a local retro relic shows hints of its past as a swanky private supper club, now a poppin’ music venue right on South Congress strip.

A familiar neon sign welcomes bikes to line up right in front of the dimly lit club, which Playboy magazine named one of the Best Bars in America. End the night at The Lost Well and they’ll probably buy you a beer if you show up on two wheels. This true motorcycle dive bar is home to biker meetups, MotoGP watch parties and exhausted riders 365 days a year. Cheers to a long day on the Texas blacktop.

Always drink and ride responsibly.

Austin Must-See Shops

If you have gear needs, drop by Motorangutan (3924 Woodbury Dr.). Owner, Wes, and his entire team will be sure to treat you like family and can order virtually anything you need. If you want to enter a warehouse of temptation you can find even more gear at Woods Fun Center (11405 N Interstate Hwy 35) is your one-stop-shop for all makes and models as well as an infinite amount of seasoned rider associates who can advise on local routes.

If you have style needs, which you absolutely will if you’ve cruised down Dirty Sixth St. and gawked at the eccentric crowd there, head to Revival Cycles (1603 S Congress Ave) and drool over their hand built bikes out front. They even allow motorcycle parking up on the sidewalk! If you’re lucky, maybe you’ll end up in town during one of the many popular motorcycle events held annually in Austin, such as the Handbuilt Motorcycle Show (April), MotoGP (April), ROT Rally (June) or The Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride (September)! If you ever need to rent a motorcycle in Austin, be sure to check out our selection broad selection. 

Remember to ride safe and of course, Twisted!  

Motorcycles You Can Ride in Austin