Super Hang-On is a motorcycle racing game where you compete against time, navigating through each continent's track within a limited timeframe. Other bikes on the road can be seen as moving obstacles, and your primary goal is to beat them. The difficulty level increases with each continent: Africa is easy, Asia is intermediate, the Americas are challenging, and Europe is expert.
Gameplay involves steering left or right using the controls and shifting gears up or down. Your bike's speed depends on its gear, but contact with obstacles or running off the road will slow it down. The game features a simple, straightforward design, viewed from behind the bike in 2D.
The Sega Genesis version includes an "Original mode" where you participate in racing tournaments, hire mechanics to upgrade your bike, and use passwords to continue previously played games.