Super Hang-On is a motorcycle racing game where you compete to complete each section of track within a time limit. Other bikes on the road can be thought of as moving obstacles, but beating them is not the main focus. The difficulty level increases with each continent: Africa is for beginners, Asia for juniors, the Americas for seniors, and Europe for experts.
The gameplay is simple and straightforward, viewed from behind the bike in 2D. You control the bike using right/left steering and up/down gear changes. Your speed depends on the gear you are in, but contact with the road or running off track will slow you down.