Retro Bikes of North Africa — 16 Machines and 30 Roads Across the Maghreb and Egypt

North Africa is made for motorcycles that can turn a long straight into a story. The region moves from Atlantic surf to Atlas passes, from Roman ruins to living medinas, and from Mediterranean hills to empty desert. A retro bike works here because the best journeys are not about rushing between capitals. They are about taking the old road, finding the mountain pass, and stopping when the light turns the landscape gold.

This guide focuses on retro and modern-classic motorcycles sold through official dealers or established import channels in North African markets. Prices are indicative local-market references and can move significantly with taxes, currency changes, registration, freight, and dealer stock. Moroccan prices are shown in MAD where a strong reference is available, with TND, EGP, or DZD used for country-specific examples. Confirm current availability and travel access before committing to a remote route.

16 Retro Bikes Available in North Africa

1. Honda CB125F — approximately 28,000–36,000 MAD in Morocco
A simple 125cc four-stroke with upright ergonomics and a huge practical advantage: it is light, economical, and easy to manage in crowded medinas and smaller towns. For North African travel, simplicity can be a luxury.

2. Benelli Leoncino 250 — approximately 42,000–52,000 MAD
The 249cc single-cylinder scrambler brings Italian styling and approachable size to city streets and secondary roads. It is a strong choice for riders who want something more distinctive than a basic commuter.

3. Royal Enfield Hunter 350 — approximately 55,000–70,000 MAD
The Hunter's compact 349cc single and short wheelbase suit urban riding in Casablanca, Tunis, and Cairo, while the upright position remains comfortable on the road toward the hills.

4. Royal Enfield Classic 350 — approximately 58,000–73,000 MAD
Few bikes look more natural outside an old North African kasbah. The Classic 350 is relaxed, easy to personalise, and happiest when a day includes plenty of stops, photos, and roadside tea.

5. Benelli Imperiale 400 — approximately 55,000–70,000 MAD
A 374cc single with traditional styling, a low seat, and a generous, comfortable riding position. The Imperiale is a practical modern classic for riders who prefer calm torque over outright speed.

6. Triumph Speed 400 — approximately 70,000–90,000 MAD where officially listed
The 398cc single-cylinder roadster is light, polished, and capable of dealing with both city traffic and mountain roads. It is a particularly good fit for the winding approaches to the Atlas and Rif ranges.

7. Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 — approximately 85,000–105,000 MAD
The 452cc single, long-travel suspension, and upright ergonomics make the Himalayan one of the most logical North African travel bikes. It is designed for the moment when smooth tarmac becomes broken pavement, gravel, or desert track.

8. Benelli Leoncino 500 — approximately 78,000–95,000 MAD
A 500cc twin-cylinder scrambler with a compact chassis and modern equipment. The Leoncino offers a useful middleweight balance for riders covering long distances without wanting an oversized adventure motorcycle.

9. Honda CL500 — approximately 95,000–120,000 MAD where available
The 471cc parallel twin is smooth, reliable, and comfortable on fast roads. With its scrambler styling and practical suspension, the CL500 handles the mixed surfaces common outside major North African cities.

10. Kawasaki Z650RS — approximately 105,000–135,000 MAD
A 649cc parallel twin wrapped in classic Z-inspired bodywork. The Z650RS is quick enough for long highway sections, light enough for mountain switchbacks, and polished enough for daily use.

11. Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 — approximately 85,000–110,000 MAD
The 648cc twin has a relaxed character that suits the long, open roads between Morocco's cities and mountain towns. It is also supported by a large global owner and parts community.

12. Ducati Scrambler Icon — approximately 125,000–160,000 MAD
The 803cc L-twin and upright riding position make the Icon a lively choice for Mediterranean coast roads, Atlas foothills, and urban riding. It adds Italian design without becoming a full-size adventure machine.

13. Moto Guzzi V7 — approximately 135,000–175,000 MAD where officially available
The transverse 853cc V-twin and shaft drive give the V7 a mechanical personality that stands out in the region. It is a beautiful choice for riders who plan to link coastal towns with mountain passes.

14. Triumph Bonneville T100 — approximately 125,000–155,000 MAD
The 900cc Bonneville is a comfortable, mature modern classic with enough range and torque for multi-day touring. It feels equally appropriate outside a historic medina or parked beside a Mediterranean harbour.

15. BMW R 12 — approximately 210,000–270,000 MAD
BMW's 1170cc boxer roadster is a premium option for riders who want classic engineering cues, strong torque, and a modern chassis. It is best suited to riders planning long paved-road journeys with occasional rough detours.

16. Triumph Bonneville T120 — approximately 170,000–220,000 MAD
The 1200cc twin delivers generous low-end torque and a comfortable touring position. It is a substantial machine for long coastal routes, high plateau roads, and the wide spaces between North African destinations.

As a rough country guide, the same bikes may appear around 12,000–25,000 TND in Tunisia, 180,000–650,000 EGP in Egypt, or 900,000–3,000,000 DZD in Algeria depending on model, taxes, exchange rates, and whether the motorcycle is officially distributed or privately imported.

30 North African Roads and Destinations

Morocco

1. Tizi n'Tichka Pass
The N9 crossing between Marrakech and Ouarzazate climbs through the High Atlas with dramatic bends, changing rock colours, and high villages. Roadworks and heavy traffic can affect the pace, so keep the day flexible.

2. Dades Gorge
Ride east from Ouarzazate through the Valley of Roses toward the twisting road above the Dades Gorge. The red cliffs, kasbahs, and tight bends make this one of Morocco's essential motorcycle landscapes.

3. Todra Gorge
The approach to Tinghir and the Todra Gorge passes through palm-filled oases and huge limestone walls. The road is accessible on a middleweight bike, but the gorge itself rewards a slower exploration.

4. Tizi n'Test Pass
A more remote Atlas crossing south of Marrakech, linking the N7 toward Taroudant. It is narrower and more exposed than Tizi n'Tichka, with spectacular views and fewer services.

5. Aït Benhaddou
Ride through the Ounila Valley or approach from Ouarzazate to reach Morocco's famous fortified ksar. The surrounding roads combine desert colour, mountain scenery, and historic architecture.

6. Erg Chebbi and Merzouga
The road to Merzouga crosses the eastern desert toward enormous dunes. Carry water, plan fuel carefully, and use local guidance before taking a motorcycle onto loose sand.

7. Erg Chigaga and M'Hamid
Farther west, M'Hamid is the gateway to a more remote desert landscape. The route is best treated as an expedition with local support rather than an improvised solo detour.

8. Chefchaouen and the Rif Mountains
The blue mountain town is the starting point for winding roads through the Rif. Ride toward Akchour and the northern valleys for cooler air and a very different side of Morocco.

9. N2 through the Rif
The N2 links northern towns through rugged hills, olive groves, and mountain villages. It is a rewarding alternative to Morocco's more famous southern circuits.

10. Atlantic Coast from Essaouira to Agadir
Follow the coast through fishing towns, argan country, cliffs, and surf beaches. The route is relaxed, scenic, and well suited to a classic roadster.

11. Tafraoute and the Anti-Atlas
From Agadir or Tiznit, ride inland toward Tafraoute through granite formations, dry valleys, and quiet mountain roads. This is one of Morocco's best regions for riders who want scenery without constant traffic.

12. Ifrane and the Middle Atlas
Morocco's alpine-looking town leads into cedar forests, high plateaus, and roads toward Azrou and Midelt. Temperatures can be dramatically cooler than the nearby plains.

13. Ouzoud Waterfalls
The ride from Marrakech toward the Ouzoud falls crosses farmland and foothills before reaching one of Morocco's most impressive cascades. It makes an excellent short tour with time for walking.

14. Dakhla and the Atlantic Sahara
The long route south follows the Atlantic through remote desert and coastal wind. It requires serious fuel and accommodation planning, but the empty horizon is unlike anywhere farther north.

15. Marrakech to the Ourika Valley
A shorter escape from the city into the High Atlas foothills. The road becomes busier near popular villages, so early starts offer a better ride.

Algeria

16. Ghardaïa and the M'zab Valley
Ride south from the northern cities toward the remarkable fortified towns of the M'zab Valley. The architecture, desert light, and changing plateau landscape make this a cultural journey as much as a road trip.

17. Chréa National Park
Near Blida, the road into the Chréa mountains offers a fast change from Mediterranean city to forested highland. It is a practical day ride for Algiers-based riders.

18. Tlemcen and the western mountains
Western Algeria combines historic sites, forested hills, and roads toward the Moroccan frontier. Check current border and regional access before planning a cross-border itinerary.

19. Aurès Mountains and Biskra
The roads around Batna, Biskra, and the Aurès move from high mountain country toward desert oases. The region has dramatic scenery but requires careful fuel, weather, and local-access planning.

20. Trans-Sahara route toward Tamanrasset
The road south is an expedition rather than a casual holiday ride. Long distances, heat, limited services, and security considerations mean that experienced riders should use professional local support.

Tunisia

21. Cap Bon Peninsula
North Africa's Mediterranean character is concentrated in Cap Bon, with coastal roads, vineyards, fishing towns, and archaeological sites. It is an excellent region for a lightweight retro bike.

22. Tabarka and the northern coast
Forested hills and a greener coastline make the northwest feel very different from the desert south. Ride inland toward Ain Draham for cooler mountain roads.

23. Kairouan and the central plains
Use Kairouan as a base for historic architecture and long, open roads across central Tunisia. The area is a good link between the northern coast and the desert routes.

24. Matmata and the Berber villages
The roads south of Gabès lead into dry hills and the famous troglodyte landscapes around Matmata. The terrain feels otherworldly without requiring a full off-road expedition.

25. Douz and the gateway to the Sahara
Douz sits at the edge of the desert and is a natural base for guided dune and oasis excursions. Keep motorcycles on known routes and plan around heat, fuel, and support.

26. Tozeur and the mountain oases
From Tozeur, ride toward Chebika, Tamerza, and Midès, where palm oases and dry canyons cut into the western landscape. The roads are scenic and generally manageable on a middleweight machine.

Egypt

27. Cairo to Fayoum
A practical escape from the capital toward lakes, desert edges, and archaeological sites. Traffic is demanding near Cairo, so plan the departure time carefully and use experienced local guidance if unfamiliar with the roads.

28. Luxor to Aswan
The Nile corridor links some of Egypt's greatest temples and historic towns. A motorcycle journey here is about the rhythm of the river, the villages, and the ancient sites rather than speed.

29. Red Sea coast
Routes around Hurghada, Safaga, and Marsa Alam offer open desert, sea views, and access to diving towns. Heat, wind, and long gaps between services make hydration and fuel planning essential.

30. Siwa Oasis
The long approach to Siwa crosses stark desert toward palm groves, salt lakes, and ancient history. Verify current access and security requirements before travelling, and consider a supported convoy for the remote sections.

Ride in the Right Kit

For riders who follow the road until the landscape runs out of names.

• Thrill of the Hunt Lion Art Back Print Streetwear Tee — India
• Thrill of the Hunt Lion Art Back Print Streetwear Tee — International

Explore the full Streetwear Collection for more pieces made for the long route.

Xavi's Thrill of the Hunt Lion Art Back Print Streetwear Unisex Tshirt - Xavi's World

Search Terms and Topics

Hashtags: #RetroBikesNorthAfrica #MoroccoMotorcycle #AtlasMountains #TiziNTichka #DadesGorge #TodraGorge #ErgChebbi #SaharaMotorcycle #AlgeriaMotorcycle #TransSahara #TunisiaMotorcycle #Douz #Tozeur #EgyptMotorcycle #RedSeaRide #SiwaOasis #RoyalEnfield #TriumphSpeed400 #DucatiScrambler #BMWR12 #ModernClassic #ClassicMoto #DesertRide #MotoTravel #MaghrebRoads #AfricaMotorcycle #AdventureRiding #RetroRider #ThrillOfTheHunt #StreetwearCollection