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Big Barn Harley-Davidson1845 N Interstate 35e, 75006 CarrolltonView map
Dallas is made for long days in the saddle on open roads: North Texas rolls out plains, lakes and small ranch towns, and heading north gets you to Oklahoma or to Route 66 at Amarillo. Our partner EagleRider offers Harley-Davidson, BMW, Indian, Triumph and Yamaha motorcycles, depending on availability: from light roadsters to long-distance touring bikes.
The branch is located at Big Barn Harley-Davidson, 1845 N Interstate 35e, about 25 km north-west of central Dallas as the crow flies. It is on the right side of the metro area for heading to Oklahoma, Denton and the lakes, without crossing the whole city at rush hour.
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Where to pick up your vehicle in Dallas?
Road trip ideas
Road trips from Dallas
1 Texas Route 66 via Amarillo
- Dallas
- Wichita Falls
- Amarillo
- Palo Duro Canyon
- Childress
- Wichita Falls
- Dallas
Head towards Wichita Falls, then follow US 287 north-west across the Panhandle to Amarillo. The city marks where Route 66 crosses Texas: the Cadillac Ranch, with its cars planted in a field, and the period motels on Sixth Avenue are worth a stop. Palo Duro Canyon, south of the city, then offers a winding descent into the second largest canyon in the United States.
On the way back, go through Childress and Wichita Falls for a change of scenery. The stages are long and straight: allow three full days, or four if you want to start early and stop often.
- Distance
- about 1,300 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Touring bike (Road Glide, BMW RT) for the long straight roads
2 The Arbuckle Mountains and Lake Texoma
- Dallas
- Denton
- Gainesville
- Davis
- Sulphur
- Lake Texoma
- Denison
- Dallas
Head up Interstate 35 towards Denton and Gainesville, cross the Red River and enter Oklahoma. The Arbuckle Mountains, near Davis, offer wooded hills, steady curves and the waterfall at Turner Falls. Then leave the highway for Sulphur and Durant: the back roads there are quiet.
The return follows Lake Texoma, a huge reservoir on the state border where the bridges and dams give fine views. It is the ideal loop for a first taste of Texas motorcycling, without a long stage.
- Distance
- about 550 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Cruiser or roadster (Street Bob, Indian Scout, Triumph Bonneville)
3 Dinosaurs, lakes and Fort Worth
- Dallas
- Granbury
- Glen Rose
- Mineral Wells
- Possum Kingdom
- Weatherford
- Fort Worth
- Dallas
Head west to Granbury and Glen Rose, where Dinosaur Valley State Park preserves dinosaur tracks in the bed of the Paluxy River. Continue through Mineral Wells to Possum Kingdom Lake, with its red cliffs, before returning via Weatherford.
Finish at the Fort Worth Stockyards, the old cattle district where the cowboy tradition is still alive. An easy loop for a weekend, on well-maintained country roads.
- Distance
- about 450 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Light touring bike or roadster, trike for riding without having to balance
4 To the Hill Country, via Waco and Llano
- Dallas
- Waco
- Lampasas
- Burnet
- Llano
- Fredericksburg
- Stephenville
- Granbury
- Dallas
The Hill Country is a long way from Dallas, but the road is beautiful if you have a week. Head south through Waco, then Lampasas and Burnet, before reaching Llano, known for its barbecue, and Fredericksburg, a town of German origin. The hills, lakes and ranch roads begin after Burnet.
For the return, take back roads through Stephenville and Granbury rather than the highway. Starting from Austin, the Hill Country is a much shorter loop: from here, it is a trip of several days.
- Distance
- about 1,000 km
- Recommended vehicle
- Touring bike for two-up riding, or adventure bike (BMW GS, Pan America)
Weather and seasons
When to go in Dallas?
Best time
March, October and November
March, October to November
highs 19.7 to 26.4 °C, lows 9.7 to 15.7 °C
The most comfortable months: a high of 21.3 °C in March, 26.4 °C in October, 19.7 °C in November, with 7 to 10 rainy days. Mornings are cool, afternoons mild, and the low autumn sun gives the country roads their best light.
April and May
April to May
highs 24.2 to 28.4 °C, lows 13.4 to 18.5 °C
Spring is storm season: 159 mm of rain in April and 187 mm in May, with 11 to 13 rainy days. The days remain warm and pleasant, but keep an eye on the forecast, as storm cells can bring hail and strong winds across the plains. Rain gear in the saddlebags is essential.
High season
June to September
June to September
highs 31.6 to 35 °C, lows 21.8 to 25.3 °C
Summer is hot and sunny: a high of 35 °C in July, 34.7 °C in August and 12.1 hours of sunshine a day in July. Lows exceed 25 °C and the night brings no relief. Start early, drink plenty of water, and keep the long straight roads of the Panhandle for the morning. July is also the driest month, with 72 mm.
Winter
December to February
December to February
highs 13.2 to 15.9 °C, lows 3 to 6.1 °C
Winters are cool but short: a high of 13.2 °C in January, 15.9 °C in February, with lows falling to 3 °C. Ice remains possible on bridges and in the morning. Dress in layers and favour short loops around Dallas and Fort Worth.
Climate in Dallas, month by month
| Month | High | Low | Rain | Sun |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 13 °C | 3 °C | 74 mm | 7 h/day |
| Feb | 16 °C | 5 °C | 103 mm | 7 h/day |
| Mar | 21 °C | 10 °C | 116 mm | 9 h/day |
| Apr | 24 °C | 13 °C | 159 mm | 9 h/day |
| May | 28 °C | 19 °C | 187 mm | 10 h/day |
| Jun | 33 °C | 23 °C | 134 mm | 11 h/day |
| Jul | 35 °C | 25 °C | 72 mm | 12 h/day |
| Aug | 35 °C | 25 °C | 123 mm | 12 h/day |
| Sep | 32 °C | 22 °C | 111 mm | 10 h/day |
| Oct | 26 °C | 16 °C | 142 mm | 9 h/day |
| Nov | 20 °C | 10 °C | 107 mm | 8 h/day |
| Dec | 16 °C | 6 °C | 73 mm | 7 h/day |
Averages 2016–2025 computed from Open-Meteo data (ERA5 reanalysis).
Practical tips
Everything to know before hitting the road
Helmets: check the rules
In Texas, helmet rules depend on the rider's age and insurance; in neighbouring Oklahoma, the rule is different. Check before crossing the state line, wear a helmet everywhere to be safe, and ask the branch what it provides.
Toll roads with no booths
In the Dallas and Fort Worth area, many highways use electronic tolling, with no booth to stop at. Ask the rental company how these tolls are charged, so you are not surprised when you return the motorcycle.
Wind and plains
In the Panhandle and on the straight roads towards Oklahoma, the wind sweeps across the road with nothing to stop it. Hold the handlebars firmly, avoid riding in the slipstream of trucks and keep your distance from trailers.
Spring storms
From late winter to June, brief but violent storms can break out in the afternoon. If the sky turns dark, take shelter rather than riding under hail. A petrol station or a bridge only protects against rain: look for a real building.
Wildlife on rural roads
Deer, armadillos and cattle cross country roads at dawn and dusk. Avoid riding at night away from the main roads, and slow down in ranching areas.
What travellers ask
Your questions about a road trip in Dallas
Where do I pick up my motorcycle in Dallas?
At Big Barn Harley-Davidson, 1845 N Interstate 35e: this partner dealership serves as the EagleRider branch, about 25 km from central Dallas as the crow flies. Pick-up times and instructions are given in your confirmation.
Which motorcycle for the roads of North Texas?
The EagleRider catalogue includes Road Glide and Street Glide models, the BMW K 1600 GTL, Yamaha Super Ténéré models and the Street Bob, depending on the branch's availability. In the Panhandle, the fairing of a large touring bike protects better from the wind.
How many days for Amarillo?
At least three days for a round trip via Wichita Falls: Amarillo is more than 550 km from Dallas, and Palo Duro Canyon is a separate visit. Allow four days to ride without fatigue and enjoy Route 66.
What if I end the trip somewhere else?
It depends on the rental company and the dates. EagleRider also operates in Austin, New Orleans and Albuquerque: run a search to see whether a one-way return to another branch is offered on your dates, with or without a surcharge.
Dallas or Austin to discover Texas?
Dallas suits the plains, the lakes and Route 66 in Amarillo; Austin opens straight onto the Hill Country. The two cities are 293 km apart as the crow flies: a trip can even start from one and end at the other, if the rental company accepts the one-way return.
Frequently asked questions
FAQ — Motorcycle rental in Dallas
What licence do I need to rent a motorcycle in Dallas?
You need a valid motorcycle licence (category A for a European licence) and a piece of ID. An international permit may also be required, depending on the country of issue. The minimum age and the licence seniority required vary with the rental company and the motorcycle chosen.
Can I ride two-up?
Yes, with a motorcycle designed for two: large touring bikes have a backrest and a comfortable passenger seat. Choose this type of machine for the long stages of the Panhandle, and check the payload.
Where can I store my luggage?
A large touring bike carries hard saddlebags, sometimes a top case. A cruiser or roadster means a saddle bag and limited belongings. On a loop of several days, leave the excess at the hotel.
Do I need special gear for summer?
Yes: a ventilated jacket, light gloves and plenty of water. With a high of 35 °C in July, heat is the main risk. Avoid riding between noon and 4 pm on open roads.
When should I book my motorcycle in Dallas?
Book several weeks ahead for spring and autumn, the most popular seasons. A search for your dates shows the motorcycles still available.
About us
Why ride from Dallas
Dallas is an ideal starting point for anyone who wants to feel deep Texas: its ranches, its lakes and its long straight roads, but also the gateway to Oklahoma and Route 66 in Amarillo. Distances are big, traffic flows well outside rush hour, and the small towns of the hinterland keep a very local character.
The branch on Interstate 35E lets you leave the metro area heading north without crossing the centre. Depending on the season and your wishes, you can plan a two-day loop around the lakes or a big trip to the Panhandle or the Hill Country, with the EagleRider catalogue close at hand.
Other departure cities
Rent elsewhere in the United States
Route 66 · Chicago → Los Angeles
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