In countries where you dont speak the native language, it can be a great help. Same goes with unfamiliar areas when you have limited time. Sometimes it is not knowing where to research points of interest. I've taken two Edelweiss Tours, both of them well run, fun and great motorcycle roads experienced. Have also done two tours with Ride in Tours, which is a one man outfit (Laurent Dozias) who knows France inside and out, as well as a couple of other countries. Laurent has very reasonable prices and is freaking crackup to be around. Looking forward to one next year that takes me back to Spain!