What were the European main motives for exploration?

God, Glory, and Gold were the motives/main motives/ideal prizes for European exploration/exploration in general.

For a more detailed answer, the motives for exploring was finding a trading route to Asia. The Muslims and Italians had most control of the trading, so Spain and Portugal and other parts of Europe wanted to find another route to Asia so they may trade freely for gold, silk, and paper. Another motive was wealth and adventure. Some Europeans heard of the discovery of new lands and they wanted glory and wealth, but some also went just for the spirit of adventure! I hope this answers your question.