Nürburgring Bans Motorcycles from Public Sessions on Nordschleife – The End of an Era or a Victory for Safety?

Starting in 2025, motorcycles will no longer be allowed to participate in public tourist sessions (touristenfahrten) on Nürburgring’s iconic Nordschleife alongside cars. This decision, which marks the end of nearly a century-long tradition of mixed-vehicle sessions, was made primarily for safety reasons—the differences in driving dynamics between motorcycles and cars, combined with past serious accidents, including fatal crashes, led Nürburgring officials to take this unprecedented step.

While Nürburgring remains open to motorcyclists, access will now be strictly controlled. Riders will only be able to experience Nordschleife during supervised training sessions, which will be held just four times a year. As an alternative, motorcycles will still be allowed on the Grand Prix circuit, where they can either ride in mixed sessions with cars or in dedicated motorcycle-only slots. Special track days exclusively for motorcycles will also continue. However, the freedom to simply arrive, buy a ticket, and ride Nordschleife is now a thing of the past.

This decision has sparked mixed reactions. On one hand, it is seen as a necessary step for safety, as Nordschleife is notorious for its unpredictable nature and high-speed potential. On the other hand, many motorcyclists feel excluded, as Nürburgring was one of the last places in the world where anyone—on two wheels or four—could freely experience a legendary racetrack without restrictions.

Although this marks the end of an era, Nürburgring’s management is confident that the new regulations will make the track experience safer and more controlled. Whether this will result in a decline in motorcycle enthusiasts visiting the track or a shift towards more structured riding experiences remains to be seen. One thing is certain—Nürburgring will never be the same again, and the Green Hell is now entering a new chapter in its legendary history.