How to launch and scale motorcycle adventure tours in Oman
For those who love them, motorcycles can be much more than just a hobby. Devoted riders can easily turn their passion into a source of revenue. We have already discussed how to set up a motorcycle rental business and how to open a successful motorcycle dealership.
This time, we’re looking at another exciting business opportunity – motorcycle adventure touring. Let’s take a closer look at this business idea, what the business plan may look like, and whether it has real profit potential in Oman.
Why motorbike touring is a fast-growing tourism segment
Motorcycle tours are mostly long-distance rides organized as guided groups. Such trips can last anywhere from one day to two weeks and cover diverse routes of different difficulty levels. This market niche is still developing in Oman, and if your touring company takes it seriously, you can stand out with a truly unique offering.
What makes motorcycle adventure travel so popular
It's the escape from the everyday routine and connection to the wild that makes all kinds of outdoor adventures so popular. This is why motorcycle adventure travel is rising. People want to feel freedom and see the world from a different angle, not only from the hotel room.
Target audience: from beginners to experienced riders
Luckily, the target audience in this business segment is diverse. Some foreign visitors come to try simple rides and join motorcycle adventure tours for beginners in Oman. Others arrive with years of experience and look for harder challenges. Expats, tourists, solo riders, and couples all form a strong audience for motorcycle touring.
Best regions and routes for motorcycle tours in Oman
Another advantage for this business in Oman is the region’s exotic scenery. Not every country can boast a combination of golden desert sands, mountains and the sea. Popular areas for tour planning include Muscat, Sur, Nizwa, Jebel Shams, Jebel Akhdar, and the Wahiba Sands desert. Short distances make these routes perfect for weekend plans or longer rides. Riders searching for motorbike tours in Oman can easily explore both mountains and the desert in one trip.
Business models for motorcycle tour operators
Weekend off-road motorcycle tours (1–3 days)
A top choice for expats and locals. These rides focus on sand, gravel, and light trails. Operators can design fast and exciting off-road motorcycle tours with simple logistics.
Who is it for: The package is aimed at casual riders who are looking for a quick gateway without going too far away. Beginners and those who want to get acquainted with off-roading and Oman landscapes will also find this offer attractive.
Concept: We suggest that you build this recreation concept around the radial one-day ride format which means that each day's route starts and ends at the same location. For this, you will need to organize a base camp with simple cabins or tents. This will be the starting point of the tour with secure parking and a space to rest.
Itinerary: Choose beginner-friendly tracks along safe and scenic routes. The tracks should be manageable but still offer a sense of adventure. Good examples include the coastal road from Muscat to Quriyat, the smooth mountain stretches around Jebel Akhdar, or the desert edge near Wahiba Sands. However, steeper mountain areas such as Jebel Shams can be a bit more challenging and may be better suited to seasoned riders. The distance should be around 100-150 km for a comfortable ride.
Challenges: Forming groups with more or less the same experience level might be difficult at first. You’ll need to partner with other agencies and advertise your tours actively at initial stages.
Guided group motorcycle tours (1–2 weeks)
This offering will attract international visitors who want a fully organized travel experience. The package features fixed routes, a trained guide, and a support vehicle. Ideal for clients who want structured motorcycle guided tours with clear schedules.
Who is it for: Most likely, they will be a mix of experienced riders and adventurers who love to travel and are looking for something new. Some of them may be thinking about solo touring but want to try guided tours first. They have the financial means to afford a well-structured, fully organized tour where everything is taken care of.
Concept: A long-distance guided motorbike tour can last anywhere from 7 to 20 days. In a group of 5 to 15 people (depending on the package and price), riders cross several regions and terrains with stops for camping on the way. All stops and catering are usually organized by the operator.
Itinerary: For long guided tours in the region, you can build a route that starts in Oman and continues through neighboring GCC countries. A 7–12 day trip can cover 1500–2500 km depending on the terrain and rider experience.
A sample route could look like this: Start in Muscat → ride to Sur and along the eastern coastline → continue to Nizwa, Jebel Akhdar, and Jebel Shams → cross into the UAE → explore Fujairah, Hatta, and Ras Al Khaimah → return to Oman through the Sohar border.
This itinerary mixes coastal highways, mountain passes, and desert backroads. It provides a strong balance of sightseeing, cultural stops, and varied terrain while keeping the daily riding distance within 200–400 km. Riders experience both countries’ highlights without facing extreme difficulty.
Accommodation: Your rest stops should ideally be at some landmarks or local attractions. To create a completely immersive experience, you can arrange dinners with local hosts where guests can enjoy traditional cuisine and learn about the local culture firsthand. If the route passes nearby civilization, 2-4 star hotels with breakfast will be a great accommodation choice. In more remote locations, guest cabins or tent camps set up by your guides will provide a more authentic feel.
Challenges: The venture requires you to have strong organizational skills, strong knowledge of the route, and the ability to take on a high level of responsibility. Apart from providing proper touring motorcycles that are durable enough to withstand long and sometimes uneven roads, you will also need to partner with hotels and guesthouses along your travel itinerary. Importantly, these tours are physically and mentally demanding, so riders should be comfortable spending long hours on the road.
Private & luxury motorbike tours for premium travelers
VIP travelers prefer comfort and an individual approach in everything. This niche attracts riders who often search for the best motorcycle tours when choosing a premium travel experience.
Who is it for: people who prefer limited company and are used to a high level of comfort even on the road. These clients value privacy, so the group can even consist of two riders. They appreciate smooth logistics and the feeling of being taken care of at every step.
Concept: This should be a fully customized tour with a luxury touch designed according to the client’s preferences. Ideally, it should be built around places that they want to see and include activities they prefer. High-end accommodation, special catering, desired spots to visit and may consist of just two riders.
Itinerary: Any of the described above but with a luxury touch. A typical luxury route can start in Muscat and continue through Oman’s most scenic regions. Another option is an Oman–UAE loop with Musandam or Fujairah included. Daily distances are kept moderate (150–300 km) to allow time for relaxation, spa visits, and fine dining. The entire tour usually lasts 7 days.
Accommodation: Premium travelers expect comfort, so overnight stays should be planned in boutique hotels, desert resorts, eco-lodges, and high-end beach properties. In cities, 4–5 star hotels with early check-in and late check-out options are ideal. In remote areas, choose unique stays that offer privacy and high service standards.
Challenges: Luxury motorcycle tours require careful planning and consistent quality. Availability of premium hotels can limit flexibility during peak season. Personalized service demands trained staff and higher operational costs. Weather changes, border rules, or last-minute client requests can add complexity, so strong organizational skills are essential.
How to start a motorcycle adventure tour business
Calculate profitability and do revenue planning
The concept of an all-inclusive tour implies that your customers are paying for a full package which includes motorcycles and riding gear rental, fuel, accommodation, meals, and guide services.
The final price will largely depend on your bikes and included services. For example purposes, we suggest setting an average price at around $400 per person for a 2-day tour on a rented bike. For riders with their own vehicles, the price can be taken down to approximately $250 as they will only pay for accommodation, meals, and guide services.
With these approximate prices in mind, let’s look at the potential monthly and yearly revenue. With effective marketing and during peak season, you should be able to attract at least 5 participants every weekend, which is a rather realistic goal. With $400 per person, your total monthly income will be $8,000 and your yearly revenue will reach $96,000. This is just a very modest calculation of what you could earn from this type of motorcycle business.
A full-package, all-inclusive tour for 10 days for one person may start at $2,500 and go all the way up to $5,000, depending on the difficulty of the route and required arrangements. An own-vehicle package will be cheaper but still around $2,000 per rider.
Let’s say you gather at least 5 participants per trip, and they are all renting your bikes. Let’s take an average pricing of $3,000 per person, which brings us to a revenue of $15,000 from one trip.
Keep in mind that, unlike cheap motorcycle tours, luxury packages include high-end bikes and personalized planning, and, therefore, they will be twice as expensive.
Costs to consider
However, bear in mind that your initial investments will also be high and it might take more than one year to reach the break-even point. For instance, you will need to buy at least 10 vehicles, each costing around $4,000, bringing the total to $40,000. On top of that, annual operational costs are estimated at $50,000, covering maintenance, staff, fuel, and logistics. A proper financial plan in this case will help you avoid losses and streamline the cash flow.
Marketing your motorcycle tour business
To promote your tours effectively, focus on these key steps:
- Show real experiences: post short videos, drone shots, and photos from actual rides.
- Use social media: stay active on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
- Engage communities: collaborate with expat groups, biker clubs, and adventure forums.
- Encourage reviews: ask clients to leave feedback on Google Maps and TripAdvisor.
- Partner with hotels and agencies: offer your tours as an add-on for tourists.
- Launch short “test rides”: attract beginners with 1–3 hour introductory trips.
- Build a simple website: include route descriptions, prices, dates, and FAQs.
- Run targeted ads: promote your tours to travelers planning trips to Oman.
- Publish guides and tips: this content is especially useful for people researching motorcycle travel.
A combination of these tools and tactics will help you stand out in the market of motorcycle touring in Oman.
Sharmax Motors — your motorcycle manufacturer for tourism businesses in Oman
Sharmax has been in the market of powersports equipment for more than a decade. At its core lies a versatile lineup of enduro and adventure bikes that are well-known for their tough build. Their off-road series consists of models suited for different riders with different skills. Recommended adventure motorcycle models for tour fleets
Your group size may range from 5 to 15 people, depending on the demand. So, you need to have at least 7 enduro bikes in the fleet. At the initial stage, it would be smart to stock up with middle-range enduro motorcycles like the Sharmax Power Max 250 or the Sharmax Sport 250. These are classic enduro bikes with simple controls and manageable power. For more experienced riders, keep one of these more powerful models: Expert Pro 320 or Expert Pro 450. For a more comfortable experience, suggest the Sharmax Enduro Travel 250. These models are widely used in 1-2 day motorbike tours across the region
For longer rides, your fleet should include at least 10 adventure or touring bikes suitable for long-distance travel. They should be new or nearly new as this directly impacts your reputation, especially among experienced riders. Make sure the models you choose offer proper wind, dirt, and moisture protection as extended journeys can involve different weather conditions.
Investing in high-quality, new bikes will enhance customer satisfaction and build trust in your tours. For example, the Sharmax GL 300 and GL 991 Ultra models are great sport tour motorcycles. They come with a windshield and additional storage compartments. Opinions like the Sharmax Enduro Travel 300 are more lightweight and agile, ideal for the off-road section. The fuel tank capacity is another feature to pay attention to. It should be large enough to cover long distances without frequent refueling, especially in remote areas. The ideal fuel tank capacity for touring motorcycles should be at least 15-20 liters, providing a range of 300-400 km on a full tank. All Sharmax touring bike lineup features fuel tanks starting at 15 liters, which makes them well-suited for long-distance travel.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best motorbike tours in Oman?
Several major operators run motorcycle guided tours in Oman. Many of them focus on routes that cover Muscat, Sur, Nizwa, Jebel Shams, Jebel Akhdar, and the Wahiba Sands desert. Some companies also organize Oman–UAE loops that include Musandam or the Fujairah coastline.
How many bikes do you need to run profitable motorcycle tours?
You’ll need at least 5 units to start but for larger groups and different riders, 10 will be the most comfortable number so that your tours are not interrupted by any technical issues.
Are off-road motorcycle tours safe for inexperienced riders?
They are relatively safe, especially if the operator provides short training for newcomers. For certain groups, the riding is done with an instructor and the speed is limited.
What licenses and permits are required for motorcycle tour companies?
As a business owner, you will need a valid trade license for tourism or adventure activity. Some regions also require route approvals for desert areas, national parks, or protected zones. If your tour crosses into Oman or another GCC country, you must follow border regulations and ensure riders have insurance that is valid internationally.
Start your motorcycle touring business with Sharmax Motors
Sharmax Motors supports the entrepreneurial spirit in every possible way. The brand has developed its franchise program and attracts more talented, like-minded people to join the network. That is why the company understands business needs very well.
Sharmax offers favorable deals for bulk purchases and convenient payment options for business owners.
The brand’s off-road and touring motorcycles are reliable and sturdy yet affordable enough to build a solid fleet for your motorcycle touring venture.