Wild Roads Motorcycle Tours is a UK-based company offering bespoke, luxury motorcycle adventures designed for those who seek the thrill of the open road. Each year, we create a select number of exclusive tours, meticulously planned to deliver the most exhilarating and unforgettable experiences across the UK and Europe.
Founded by Joshua James, a passionate adventurer who has explored the world on two wheels, Wild Roads was born out of his dream to share the magic of motorcycle journeys. Inspired by his global travels, Joshua built a company dedicated to crafting extraordinary tours that blend breathtaking rides, incredible food, and accommodations that redefine comfort.
If you want to learn more about the founder of Wild Roads, Joshua, then check out a little of his back story below!
Joshua has been exploring the world non-stop since 2010, when he left England with a one-way ticket to India. Along the way, he’s called a variety of countries home, including China, Vietnam, New Zealand, Mexico, Colombia, and Georgia. And, of course, he’s spent plenty of time on two wheels, indulging his passion for motorbiking.
Now, Joshua wants to take you along for the ride by sharing stories about the bikes that started it all and the one he’s cruising on today. Dive in below to hear more about his adventures!
My very first motorbike—an unforgettable milestone in my life. I bought it in Hanoi, Vietnam, back in 2011. It was a Russian Minsk motorcycle, a rugged and somewhat rebellious machine that I snagged for just $250. A 125cc engine that growled and roared as if it were a beast ten times its size. I was smitten from the moment I laid eyes on it, even though I had absolutely no idea how to ride.
That didn’t last long. Within days, a Spanish traveling gypsy I met in Hanoi took me under their wing. They showed me the ropes, teaching me how to master the gears right on the chaotic streets of the city. Hanoi, with its relentless energy and buzzing motorbike-filled streets, became my training ground. By the end of my crash course, I was ready—or at least I thought I was.
A few days later, with my bags strapped to the back, I set off into the unknown. My destination? The mountains near the northern border of Vietnam and China. The journey was nothing short of transformative. I weaved through emerald-green rice terraces and misty mountain passes, feeling the biting chill of the high altitudes and the warmth of the sun breaking through the clouds.
The roads were wild and unpredictable, much like the adventure itself. I rode through remote villages where time seemed to stand still and met locals who welcomed me with smiles, broken English, and bowls of steaming pho. The sheer freedom of the open road, combined with the raw beauty of northern Vietnam, was intoxicating.
It wasn’t just a journey across Vietnam; it was my first taste of true exploration, where every turn in the road held a new discovery, and every mile left me craving more. My trusty Minsk, rattling and roaring beneath me, carried me through it all, a rugged companion on an adventure I’ll never forget.
My second motorbike. I bought this $300 beauty in Kathmandu in 2014—a Yamaha Enticer, a 125cc cruiser with a lot of heart. This bike marked the beginning of a whole new chapter in my life. Unlike my first bike, I felt more confident and ready to take on the open road.
From Kathmandu, I set off westward, heading toward the Indian border. Crossing into India, I found myself riding through the breathtaking Himalayan provinces of Himachal Pradesh and Kashmir, where snow-capped peaks and winding roads seemed to stretch forever. The air was crisp, the scenery surreal, and the sense of freedom intoxicating.
Eventually, I made my way south to Rajasthan, where I crossed the vast Thar Desert twice. The golden dunes stretched endlessly, and the sunsets bathed the landscape in fiery hues. The bike carried me through it all—dust storms, scorching heat, and countless miles of rugged terrain.
After months on the road, the journey and the bike reached their natural end. Marjory Banks, as I had named her, finally gave out, her engine unable to carry on. But instead of leaving her behind as a memory, I gave her away as a wedding gift to a kind soul I had met along the way. She was more than a bike; she was a faithful companion on an unforgettable adventure.
My current bike—the Triumph Bonneville T120—is more than just a machine; it’s a companion, a passport to adventure, and a testament to classic motorcycling. Sleek, powerful, and unapologetically timeless, the T120 has been my ride for countless journeys across Europe, taking me through landscapes that feel straight out of a dream.
Since the day I brought her home, this bike has been a constant presence in my life, a reminder that the open road is always calling. With her 1200cc parallel-twin engine purring beneath me, we’ve carved our way through some of the most breathtaking scenery Europe has to offer. From the cobblestone streets of quaint medieval villages to the sweeping curves of mountain passes, she’s carried me through it all with grace and reliability.
Our adventures have stretched as far south as Sicily, where I felt the warm Mediterranean breeze on my face, the salty air mingling with the scent of olive groves. Riding along the coastal roads, with the azure sea glinting under the sun, was a slice of pure freedom. Sicily’s ancient ruins and vibrant towns were a feast for the senses, made even more vivid from the saddle of the Bonneville.
Heading north, we’ve journeyed through the wilds of Scandinavia, reaching the rugged beauty of Norway. The ride through the fjords was nothing short of magical—soaring cliffs plunging into deep blue waters, waterfalls cascading down moss-covered rocks, and roads that seemed to stretch endlessly toward the Arctic Circle. I’ll never forget the crisp northern air and the midnight sun casting an otherworldly glow over the landscape.
In between, we’ve explored the Alps, the Pyrenees, and countless lesser-known roads that only a motorcyclist truly appreciates. Rain, shine, and even snow have marked our travels, each element adding its own flavor to the adventure. Through it all, the Bonneville T120 has been my steadfast companion—a bike that’s as much about the journey as the destination.
Each tour has left its mark on both me and the bike—scuffed saddlebags, bug-splattered headlights, and a head full of memories that could fill volumes. Every turn of the key is a promise of more to come, more roads to conquer, and more stories to live. This is a bike built for adventure, and together, we’ve lived for it.
Joshua’s mission is simple: to share the freedom, thrill, and adventure he’s experienced over 15 incredible years on the road with every Wild Roads client. From navigating winding mountain passes to discovering hidden gems in the heart of Europe, Joshua’s journeys have been about more than just the ride—they’ve been about connection, exploration, and living life to the fullest.
Through Wild Roads, Joshua aims to bring those unforgettable moments to you. Whether it’s the roar of the engine, the camaraderie of the group, or the breathtaking landscapes unfolding around every corner, his goal is to create tours that capture the true spirit of adventure. With his deep knowledge of the roads and passion for motorcycling, Joshua is here to make sure your Wild Roads journey is as memorable as the ones that inspired him to create it.
So please feel free to contact Joshua below via WhatsApp to discuss your dream motorcycle trip [or just for a general chin-wag about bikes!] or drop us an email, start a live chat or book your dream tour today!
Wild Roads Motorcycle Tours Ltd is a company incorporated and registered in England and Wales under Company Registration Number 16122421.
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