The Real Deal on Adventure Motorcycling: A Rider's Guide

There's nothing quite like pointing your front wheel down an unknown trail, not quite sure what you'll find around the next bend. If you're thinking about getting into adventure riding, here's a real-world guide to getting started.

Let's Talk Bikes

First things first: choosing your ride. Every rider has their own take on this, but after seeing countless adventures and hearing stories from riders worldwide, here's the scoop:

• BMW GS is basically the gold standard, and for good reason. These things are like tanks – they'll take whatever abuse you throw at them and keep going. From Starbucks parking lots to the Mongolian steppe, there's a reason you see them everywhere. Sure, they're pricey, but their reliability and capability make them worth considering.

BMW Motorcycles Website - www.bmwmotorcycles.com/en/models/adventure/r1250gsadventure.html

• KTM's Adventure lineup? Pure adrenaline on two wheels. They're perfect for riders with dirt bike experience. They're lighter and more aggressive than the BMWs, but they do need more frequent maintenance. The trade-off is worth it for riders who want that extra performance edge.

KTM Website - https://www.ktm.com/en-int/models/travel.html

• Honda Africa Twin: The Africa Twin holds a special place in the adventure community. Honda really nailed it with this one – it's approachable but capable. Many riders start with these and keep them for years because they just work. The DCT version is controversial among purists, but it's proven itself incredibly capable in technical terrain.

Honda Website - https://powersports.honda.com/motorcycle/adventure/africa-twin

Essential Gear for Adventure Riding

Good gear makes the difference between brushing off a spill and calling for help. Here's what actually matters:

Your helmet is your life. Period. The Klim Krios Pro is popular because it's light enough for long days but still feels solid. The ventilation is crucial when you're sweating it out on technical sections. The Arai XD5 has earned its reputation too – Japanese build quality is no joke.

For jackets and pants, don't cheap out. Getting caught in a thunderstorm with budget gear is a lesson nobody wants to learn firsthand. Klim stuff is expensive but bombproof. The Badlands Pro jacket has protected countless riders in offs, and both rider and jacket typically walk away fine. Rev'It makes great gear too, usually at a friendlier price point.

Boot-wise, Sidi Adventure 2s have earned their following. They're waterproof (mostly), comfortable enough to walk in when you need to push your bike out of mud, and they've protected many ankles on tough trails.

Finding Your Way

Here's the thing about routes: the best ones aren't always on the map. Sure, start with apps like Rever (which is fantastic), but the real gold comes from connecting with other riders.

Local ADV riding groups are invaluable. These communities know which forest service roads are actually maintained, which "easy" trails become impossible after rain, and most importantly, where to find the best post-ride beers.

National parks are fantastic, but don't sleep on national forests. They usually have less traffic and more relaxed rules about off-highway vehicles. Just grab a motor vehicle use map (MVUM) from the forest service website before you go.

Before You Roll Out

The temptation to just jump on the bike and go is real. But being stranded in the middle of nowhere is no fun. Do your prep work.

Check your bike before any big trip. Oil, chain tension, tire pressure – the basics. Carry tools you can use and spare parts you're likely to need. A tube repair kit is smart, even with tubeless tires. It might seem paranoid until you're the one helping a stranded rider get home.

Pack light but smart. A good tool roll, first aid kit, and some emergency calories are non-negotiable. Everything else is luxury. Most riders find they don't use half the stuff they pack.

Most importantly, leave your ego at home. The trail has a way of humbling everyone. Sometimes the smart choice is turning around, and that's okay.

The beauty of adventure riding isn't about conquering the toughest trails or having the most expensive bike. It's about those moments when you're miles from anywhere, surrounded by nothing but nature, with your trusty mechanical companion underneath you. That's when you get it – that's what this whole thing is about.

Now get out there and ride. The trails are calling!