Italian studio Milestone remain the masters of all things two‑wheeled in gaming; it’s a point I’ve been making for years. From the official MotoGP and WSB games to off‑road series like MXGP and Monster Energy Supercross, the studio simply understands bikes.
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This is clearest in their Ride series, which takes a very Gran Turismo‑like approach to the world of motorcycles. Over the years it has proved itself so well that Milestone have now released Ride 6 and nudged it in a more Horizon‑style direction.
Ride 6 doesn’t reinvent the wheel. It’s a refinement, a focused evolution that sharpens almost every aspect of the series into something faster, cleaner, and more immersive. For fans of two‑wheel motorsport, it’s arguably once again the most complete package in gaming.
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From the moment you throw a leg over a bike, Ride 6 makes its priorities clear: realism, precision, and respect for the sport and its culture. The track list, the gear, the bikes – everything shows Milestone’s genuine love for motorcycling.
First-Time Rider
This time the game handles accessibility well. It welcomes newcomers while keeping the core challenge that long‑time fans expect.
The physics system strikes a careful balance between simulation and approachability thanks to the Pro and new Arcade settings. Bikes feel alive beneath you: responsive yet demanding. Brake too late or lean too far and you’ll pay for it. Mastering throttle control through corners becomes deeply satisfying once it clicks.
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There’s a real sense of weight transfer when changing direction at speed, and learning how each class behaves is part of the thrill. It doesn’t hold your hand, but it rewards patience, and every podium feels earned.
If you’re new, don’t worry. The Bridgestone Riding School is an excellent tutorial mode that teaches proper riding technique, from basic control to advanced skills. It’s a full training progression built around practical challenges rather than simple text prompts.
Rakes of Bikes
Content‑wise, Ride 6 is generous. The career mode has been heavily reworked and now carries a clear Forza Horizon influence, though without free roam. Everything takes place during a bike‑themed festival called RIDE Fest.
This brings a more structured yet flexible progression system. You can work through championships and events in whatever order you like, earning stars to unlock new races. It feels less rigid than previous entries, and the variety keeps things fresh. One moment you’re racing a bagger at Daytona, the next you’re throwing a 600 around the tight roads of the North West 200.
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Competition is a stronger focus this time, with AI that feels more assertive and aware. Rivals defend positions and punish mistakes rather than simply following racing lines.
There are also ten legendary motorcycle champions to challenge, including Casey Stoner, Guy Martin, and Troy Bayliss. It’s a brilliant addition and great to see these real‑world gladiators with radiators represented digitally.
Choosing a Ride
The game includes over 340 motorcycles from 21 manufacturers across seven categories, from sportbikes and naked bikes to new additions like baggers and maxi‑enduros from Honda, BMW, and Ducati. More are on the way through the now‑standard season pass.
You can lose hours tweaking and upgrading each bike to squeeze out a few more horsepower or improve cornering grip.
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As for circuits, you can race on 45 real and fictional locations, with 11 new to the series, including Suzuka, Laguna Seca, and the Nürburgring Nordschleife. It’s an eclectic mix with something for everyone. I’m especially pleased to see Irish and Manx road racing tracks included, though still no full TT course, likely due to licensing with Nacon.
Rider gear is once again officially licensed, with helmets, leathers, and boots from brands like Alpinestars, Shark, and Arai. You can kit out your rider without spending £1,000 on a Shark Aeron GP or £1,500 on an Alpinestars GP Plus V4 Sprint Suit in real life. There’s also a strong customisation suite similar to the Forza paint editor.
The Look of Leathers
Visually the game looks very good. Bikes are highly detailed and impressive both on and off track. Environments are more mixed, with some tracks looking stunning and others merely fine. Rain, however, elevates everything and brings the visuals to life. Sound is also mixed. Bikes sound close to their real‑world counterparts, but in typical Milestone fashion music is used sparingly. Races are silent aside from engine noise. That’s fine when you’re hammering a BMW S1000RR or KTM RC 8C, but wringing the neck of a 125 around Cadwell Park can get grating. As with many Milestone racers, it’s best to put on a podcast or Spotify in the background.
My only real negative is that the RIDE Fest setting feels like set dressing. As a huge Forza Horizon fan, I expected more from this tonal shift. It’s more gesture than celebration, though it could be a foundation for something bigger in future.
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For long‑time fans, this is the definitive Ride. For newcomers willing to take on a steeper learning curve, it’s a rewarding gateway into the intricate world of motorcycle racing. Strip away the bells and whistles and it’s just you, the bike, and the hope of kissing the apex to snatch fourth place. That’s when Ride 6 truly shines. It doesn’t shout for attention, but it earns it, corner by corner.
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