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The biggest mistake I made as a new ADV rider was getting hung up on dropping the bike. I still see this a lot with other riders and they can really get in their own heads if they're in difficult terrain and dropping their bike. I see it with other youtubers and not being willing to show drops on camera because of all the hate and "advice" they get afterwards. If you're off road, drops will happen. Some will be stupid, some will be because the terrain was hard, some will be because you got unlucky. They aren't a big deal, ride on.
Absolutely true! After years of street riding, I started trail riding (difficult single track) with an engineering buddy of mine that had been a nationally ranked enduro rider (before he quit riding professionally to pursue an engineering degree). He taught me many valuable lessons - but his first two pieces of advice were pure gold: 1. If you're not crashing on a regular basis, you're not trying hard enough 2. You're less likely to crash if you're going faster, rather than slower The corollary to these two rules is wear protective gear (motocross boots, knee pads, elbow pads, neck brace and gloves).
The #8 TOP mistake is people blaming their tires, tire pressure, handle bars, grips, foot pegs, clutch lever, brake lever, not enough HP, too much HP, tire compound, tire thread pattern, etc instead of looking inward and admitting their lack of skills. Had to Bite my tongue when someone says "If I had these tires at this pressure I could have easily have....". My friend told me a story where he was at a BMW ADV training course and one challenge/lesson was to go over a pile of boulders. Everyone was stumbling/falling and as they came off the pile were blaming the tires and/or tire pressures. Even though the last guy or the next guy had the tires they were saying would have saved their fall. One of the last guys, who was super quiet throughout the day, just rode over the boulders with no hesitation like a pro with almost a street tire at street tire pressures. My friend said he learned right there what his problems were. Skill and confidence.
100% correct. Great advice. I would also like to point out that you do not need a big bike for that trip of a lifetime. Plenty of people have travelled the world on dual sports. I have clocked up almost 40,000 kms on a 2014 CRF250L in eight months travelling around Australia. Yes a bigger bike would have been better on the long boring sections. But it was perfect for all of the places that you do the trip for like remote beaches, desert riding and that little single track that gets you to the waterfall. Ride what you want, but don’t avoid that trip because you don’t have the big adventure bike yet. Just get out there on what you can.
Hell yeah! I've been coast to coast in canada and the north western usa on my klr. It took a couple trips over the years. Once with a buddy and the rest solo. When you travel solo it really teaches you to be self reliant. Made me calm down in traffic, but frosty, as we will get there eventually. Had a few close calls with critters and cagers. Don't over think it, just take deep breaths and ride it off. And don't be afraid of the dark. Led bulbs are cheap, bright and very reliable. Riding until 3 am only to find out the KOA is closed was worth it, waking up to a lake you've seen before.😌
I completely agree here however I will say that I’ve begun to appreciate how well a really big bike can be handled when you know how to ride it. And it can be a lot more fun if you do it right. I just had to be okay with dumping it and had to try and learn the advantages of that big ass motor and the extra weight. There are many IMO.
250,000 km around Argentina here in over 7-8 years. I can confirm you don't need that big ADV bike of your dreams. Rode 75% of it in a 150 cc street bike and the rest in a 150cc dualsport. In the long stretches of the plain regions you long for having a big bike capable of doing 160 km/h. But when you finally get to places with breathtaking sceneries and fun offroad tracks, you simply forget about that big bike and become fully inmersed on the moment, realizing the best motorbike is the one you have with you
Make no mistake, big ADV bikes are STREET bikes. Some versatility yes and the more talent you have then the more versatile they are especially with the right tires. The bikes with 19" inch front mag wheel and lower suspension travel makes great touring bikes when the roads get rough, but still a road none the less. There's a lot of rough roads out there which makes the more street oriented adventure bikes a sensible option. It's nice to just hop a curb if you want, soak up bumps like magic and still hit the turns without a steep fork dive and a bouncy clumsy turn in.
Completely agree. Keep it light, keep it nimble, keep it simple. Spend that extra $$ sleeping in hotels with nice beds and hot showers rather than attempting to bring expedition level gear on your bike. Open freeways are completely boring and far more dangerous than gravel roads so stay off them. Once you choose to do that you never really need to go faster than 65mph. Cheers!
Don’t be scared or anxious about riding in the rain!! Eventually you will get caught in a heavy downpour so practice riding in the rain whenever you can to build your confidence so you won’t be so surprised when it does actually rain when you are out riding.
I’ve recently purchased a 2023 Tiger Rally Explorer. Also own a Ducati Fasthouse Desert Sled.. I’ve ridden bikes for over 50 years, and my advice is a big ADV bike like my Tiger, the 1200GS I used to own, the big KTMs, etc.. are an absolute waste of money if you think you’re going to ride it like a dual sport. They’re expensive to purchase, expensive to maintain, and expensive to fix should you fall. And you will fall! If you intend to ride mostly highway, with an occasional dirt road or 2 track, then they’re fine. If I intended to ride the highway from trail to trail, it certainly won’t kill me to ride a 250-450cc enduro. People have circumnavigated the globe on smaller bikes than those! Then again, you don’t necessarily need your off-road bike to be built for the purpose.. Nick Sanders road a Yamaha R1 around the world, hardly ever on pavement! Ben is right, don’t start with one of these behemoths.. start small and work up to what you’re comfortable on. You’ll be a much better rider for it!
I'm 6'2" 240ish and started both biking and ADV biking on a T-7. Initially, I wanted the T-7 but they were sold out across the nation. I grew interested in the AT and was seriously about to pull the trigger but I thought better of it lol... I realized I needed something light to start on and started looking at the 450L but just as I did so, I found a T-7 in a small town in TX... I caved and bought it the same day... So here I am. Green as hell. It's not the best starter bike but it's not the worst either.
Buyt a cheap dirt bike. Go to local areas, learn how to slow, balance ride, shift gears, clutch control. Up/down off camber hills/elevation train. Then get back on you Yami, and won't believe how quick these skills transition to your adv bike. You've got a beautiful bike, just need a little confidence to champion it. Nice! Cheers T-Jack, from Canada.
Love this post and the comments. My 2007 Suzuki V Strom 650 is my best friend Since I stopped taking her out in the woods. I am 71 years old and I could barely pick her up years ago when she and I would fall down. At this stage of life as we pick our battles, a simple keep twist of the wrist, only on pavement, Can still make the magic happen. Now celebrating 53 years of riding motorcycles 🙌😎🙌
Dualsport all the way. I love riding my lillte slow bike fast versus a big fast bike slow but like you said if you are planning long rides of highway and a little off road than bigger faster bike all they way.
My advice to myself would be to fix my own bike as much as possible as early as possible. I kinda hate wrenching, but I'm so glad I've forced myself to learn - it is very confidence inspiring, since I am often exploring alone. Thanks to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance for helping me think it was possible and important
Nearly every motorcycle out there has a complete manual that shows exactly how everything goes together, torque specs, and sometimes even part numbers. Best investment ever.
@@LouisStreet There are better aftermarket manuals anyway. If I was near my garage I could tell you which one I bought for my 2021 R1250GSA. It has step by step with pictures how to tear everything down.
I'm on my first motorcycle (2012 Super Tenere) and I get your point. Part of me wishes I had started smaller but I do love my bike. Most of my riding is getting to camp and around town so I don't think I'm too bad off with a 600 lb bike. I do ride full gear. That's a great point to make, I'm aware I'm a novice and I don't want to get injured. TH-cam has tons of great resources on riding and I've essentially taught myself to ride this last year via TH-cam. Up next is the MSF class and I'd love to find some ADV training but I'm a bit limited in central Ohio. Keep up the videos!
Awesome man - I'm picking up a 2015 S10 this weekend - driving down to Austin (200 miles) to pick it up and ride it back roads home to north DFW. Can't go wrong with the Yamaha Super Tens!!
Adventure rider radio has Clinton Smout on giving training advice. His school is not too far from you, just north of Toronto. I’m planning a trip there this year, im west of Detroit a bit.
Klr650 is a good learner. It's heavy, underpowered, simple and tough. Dropped it plenty of times, did a lot of things it wasn't meant for too. Now have a ktm1290, but the klr was a good foundation builder.
I started on a Yamaha T7. I use it for every day riding, touring and soft off road and I agree with everything you say in this video. Don't ride with fast, skilled and experienced riders and try to keep up, it's bad mistake.
There was a reason during LWR & LWD they had the camera man on another bike, because it took 3 adult males to lift the BMW GSA. If you go to any off road training, the first thing they get you to do is pick up the bike. If you struggle, a lot they suggest you may have an unsuitable bike for off rod riding. Then they have you push your bike 1.5 km (yep, because if you run out of petrol that's a real thing) How to fall off, change a tyre, do first aid. Lots of cool things to consider in this amazing sport that challenges you to be better, fit, and look after your mates. Maybe you should have a Honda CRF 300 Rally - Rally and a T-Shirt with Dork with a fork in the road Rally Ramblers (Like the Led Zeppelin song Ramble on but not)
Biggest mistake I made was not getting my Adv bike earlier. :D That said, I definitely went too big with the Norden for a first Adv. I've had experience on dirt before, but mostly 20-30 years ago. Since then it had been street bikes. It's taken some getting used too to have a bike this tall. I would probably have been more comfortable on an old KLR learning to ride again off-road. Thankfully my bike blew over in the parking lot the first day I rode it, so I kind of got that out of the way quick.
Ha, same - I started out on a Yamaha DT125R back in about 2001, but haven't ridden at all for 15 years. Got me an Africa Twin DCT. Dropped it trying to get off the driveway! Mostly down to DCT being weird to control - lack of clutch, so how do you feather the clutch, kinda thing. Trying to just make it through the winter before I really try again in earnest. It's bitterly cold right now, ice everywhere, so just playing about with it, getting used to the height, seeing how far I can lean it before it tries to drop, starting it up, letting the battery charge & the engine warm up, paddling it up the drive if the neighbour hasn't blocked me in with his BMW car.
Yeah I went from riding 450 MXrs to an 890 ADV R. It was a harder transition than it should have been because I rarely was forced to use good finesse techniques when riding my 450s on trails. I could be lazy with the clutch, muscle it when I needed to. Then I got a 500 lb bike and realized that ain’t gonna work. Real fast. 😂 It’s been a fun adventure though. And I had to be okay dropping an $18k bike. They’re made for it. They’ll be okay.
Really good advice about getting some training. I was a MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) Rider coach for years on street bikes but off road is completely different. You actually gave me the idea to look for some off road training, thanks!
This video is so spot on! Starting with a dual sport prior to getting a large ADV bike is huge! Also, overloading an ADV bike is quite common. For Moto Camping, I look at it as "backpacking on 2 wheels". Small, lightweight gear is the key to success. You laid out some great points in this video! Cheers!
DIR, your advice about ADV selection and riding dual sport motorcycles is spot on. Training, skill and practice that your recommending to improve new rider capabilities and to experience the breathe of ADV bikes is critical in developing much confidence. Excellent advice.
Thank you for this video and all your content. I like how you help us newer riders with really good tips. I'm the kind of person that needs the rules and tips to follow, like in this video - "on the road you lean with bike - on dirt you stay perpendicular". This will be my second full year riding my Honda CRF300L on dirt & trails as well as cross-country on highways. Starting with smaller dual-sport like you said is exactly what I needed to build confidence riding generally - but also then confidence on trails - especially those single-track bumpy ones. Thanks so much. I would love if you did one on a single track trail in the woods where you -real time- talked about how you are handling the ride (between trees, over rocks, sand, water etc).
New ADV rider. I pretty much made all of these mistakes haha. I bought a 2014 tiger 800 and then outfitted It for off-road/touring. I have done some fire roads, and loved every minute. I’ve not been down yet, I’m not afraid of it… but I’m also ringing within my limits. I was a sport bike guy for 30+ years and now i want to cross country and camp along the way. i will however, take your advice and take a course, I could really use that confidence booster. love your content man, I’ve learned a lot so far. You ever make it to AZ, look me up. Ive spent an incredible amount of time in the pines with my jeep and I’m happy to share some terrain ideas with you.
As the other guy said, 100% correct. These bikes are expensive and top-heavy and not made to learn dirt riding skills for a first timer. New riders are better off slowing down a little and starting out with a DualSport, whatever size suits you.There are so many of them out there that can be picked up for 1/3 the price of that big adventure bike. Ride that dual sport for a year, get confident, and then reevaluate your needs.
thanks for this video. Been riding street bikes for 33 years and planning on swapping my z900 for the new KLR. I'll be looking at the S model as it is shorter and I only have a 30" inseam. safety has been huge for me for decades. your tips on street riding and off the pavement riding taught me something new as I've never been in the dirt. For me it'll be slow and steady as I gain experience. thank you my friend.
I found that coming from a heavier cruiser to an ADV, I feel I don't or didn't have the control issues with the weight that I hear so many people complain about. I was also never afraid to hit a gravel road with my Virago and street tires though. Definitely watching instructional videos and listening to advice is a must. I second the part about boots and proper safety gear. Thank you for all the information you relay to us.
I’d like to second the encouragement to get training. I highly recommend Chris Birch, “Say no to slow” ADV bike video training series which is very inexpensive. I was fortunate to train with Chris when he came to the US last fall. I’ve been riding dirt bikes for 50 years and ADV bikes for 10 years and I learned at least 10 new tips and tricks to be a better and safer rider.
I have owned many different brands and bikes. Mostly road cruisers, but I much prefer a small 300-400 for adventure rides. Weight and affordable. If you can’t pick up your bike or push it by yourself then you might have the wrong bike. Insurance and registration fees as well as service charges need to be taken into account. If you spend all your money on this and can’t afford petrol then you may have the wrong bike. Frank the BMW GS guy I am looking at you. My x300 Versys is not perfect but I can do almost everything and not have to sacrifice a leg to make bike payments service costs and I don’t have to explain expensive speeding ticket to my girlfriend. It does what it says on the tin and has out lasted far more expensive bikes including my friends KTM 790 which is still having major problems and has spent more than half of this month in the dealership fixing faults.
You hit all the boxes, Ben. I watched LWR and Chris Birch (Say No to Slow) and thought: I can do that! Learned the hard way. Dropped down to a KLX 300 and learned how to do figure 8's at idle and full lock on grassy field then gravel. Still need to practice as a reminder and muscle memory but valuable and rewarding. Drops are baked into the cake of ADV. Get over it.
YES, what a great video. Dork in the Road, I love your channel. I learn so much from you. I used to ride years ago and now in my 60s I'm riding again and I have a great passion for it again. I'm loving it.
really great advice. light is more fun in the dirt and thats what you have it for. 50+++ years off road rider here, Dork has great advice , one thing I'd add, avoid hard panniers off road, they cause lower leg injuries
Don't forget the Trail hand signals when you pass oncoming riders. A closed fist tells them there is no one behind you in your party, 1 finger tells them there is 1 behind you, 2 for 2, etc. Really helps people be aware while out on the trails and/or logging roads.
I was totally new to motorcycling riding as of last spring. But loved ATV riding (in Mich.. lots of sandy trails). It was suggested by a ADV rider friend to get a Honda CRF 300L Rally to learn on, So I did. The duel spot choice is definitely the way to go for me and my learning curve. I ended up putting 80/20 tires on to deal with the sandy trails. Wish i would have gotten motocross boots on the 1st buy. Adventure boots don’t help much when your ankle is under your bike….lesson learned. Your advice is so spot on! Keep it coming! I’ve only been trail riding too date and still struggle standing as a 6’5” person who isn’t tiny
All valid points. I'm about to step into a big adventure bike, and embark on a trip, that will see me hitting roads either washed out wit recent flooding, or simply areas with lots of dirt.. I'm 65, and haven't ridden in dirt, for about 50yrs. While it scares me a little bit, i believe you cant live your life in fear. That being said, i plan to spend up to a month, "playing in the dirt", closer to home. I'm lucky enough to have one or two mates, with a lot more experience, so wish me luck🤠
I'm by no means an amazing rider but I've been riding for 20ish years and still learned a lot from watching Chris Birch's training videos. What personally helped my riding was getting a mountain bike because we don't have a lot of single track for motorcycles here, but we do have single track for bicycles.
You are so knowledgeable you know what anyone needs and you even know how good bikes are that are not even on the road yet! The almighty Dork! All hail Dork!
I made all those mistakes except no gear. I bought all Klim gear. No training. Bought a vstrom as first bike. Wrecked a lot in the dirt, put street tires and hard cases on it, starting to think of going back to adv tires. Absolutely no regrets! That, is what's called building character. Building character is part of the ride!
Very good points that cover the range of ADV riding my friend. All geared to keep riders safe through practiced riding and correct gear. Thank you for the great content. As we say on the BDRs, even the "easier" ones is that you will/are going to drop your bike especially to let new ADV riders and cross over riders know that it just part of the experience. No matter how good you are it IS going to happen sometime/somewhere and with mud/sand you can easily double that. I always say if I dropped my bike. In over 50 yrs of riding I can not count how many times I did. So what. Pick it up and keep rolling. Again, we stress the need for protective equipment. Sometimes it gets HOT so riders peel down a bit and get bruises/scars unnecessarily. The same with bikes, riders should find one that they are comfortable on and get good coaching and PRACTICE on that machine- including the different way to pick it up depending on terrain. Making gear stored on the bike easy to remove helps in picking it up. The stuff carried for a long ADV ride can get to be a pretty stout load- practice with a kitted out bike so you know how it handles. Always have a safety plan in place where someone knows you last stop and destination and approximate arrival and route you are taking with updates for detours. Stay safe and well. See you out there!. Craig/BDR Ambassador
Great video! Can absolutely confirm the training part. I have done several thousand km of TET, then I took a 2 day training course and realized how much I still sucked. :) I learned so many valuable things in those 2 days. I can't stress enough how important proper training really is! I can now ride stuff I could never have imagined before...
Great and simple advices, as usual. Thank you. I’m 64 and made my adv experiences 40 years ago. Three years ago I bought a big and wonderful GS1200 ADV but due to the size, weight and my very little pff road skills I used it mainly on highways. I’m know going to sell it to buy the new Transalp to re-start adv experiences. 200kg, 92hp and very few electronic helps. I feel good watching your videos. 😎
Weight is the killer. I've ridden hundreds of motocross races and tens of thousands of miles carving canyons on Ducatis over the last fifty years. And riding a street bike in the dirt terrifies me. I have a Multistrada 950 and no way does it work in the dirt. Gravel roads maybe but you're going to thrash the bike. I believe that nothing heavier than a 690/701 is an appropriate dirt bike. Nothing with more than one cylinder unless you really know what you're doing. On anything at all technical the weight becomes unmanageable. It will steer you into ruts and all kinds of hazards just because of physics, it goes to the lowest point. Excessive weight makes it a struggle rather than a fun time. A test of survival. And eventually it's going to land on you. And I've watched a ton of videos on here and nobody ever complains that their bike was too light for a trail or trip. It's always the opposite. I'd suggest Honda or Kawasaki 300 for any new guys wanting to ride street and dirt. And if you can ever get on a motocross track on any bike it's a great way to learn to ride dirt. It's a controlled environment without trees!
I made the classic errors: To much bike:. 02 DL1000 broke some metatarsals, a year later my right ankle. Wrong gear: street moto boots aren't enough. Even after I sold the DL1000 for a CRF250L, I broke my left tibia. Better boots are waiting. So is a better mindset!
I have been thinking about jumping into the ADV space for a while. I have 25 years of mountain biking experience and this video assuaged some of my fears about the complexity of it. Yes I understand that the “motor” has changed for this kind of pursuit, but a lot of the skills translate to what I’ve learned over the years. It makes me feel a little bit more comfortable in jumping into this at the age of 50 then I would have before. Thank you much and keep up the great videos.
It’s different. You will have some advantage, yes, but so did I. I’ve operated manual transmission vehicles since I was a wee lad. Sure, I could immediately run through the gears, but coordinating shifting and handling a big, heavy bike nearly overwhelmed my senses in traffic, and I’ve driven literally millions of miles. Also, with your bicycle experience, you are at huge risk of overestimating your skills. Without specific training, you will not be able to exploit how nimble the handling of your bike actually is. You will dread the times you are exploring and end up on a dead end road because you will need a 60 foot circle to turn around with confidence. Your beginning MSF course will be eye opening for you. Go take yours at a Harley dealer, and you will be riding their bloated, weak, boat anchor of a bike. That’s kind of like riding an adventure bike except you will be able to touch the ground with your feet on the Harley. 😂
Thanks for this. I’m an older ex-street guy new to the NW and looking into ADV as an option to get out and meet people while experiencing the NW’s outdoors. I’ll continue to watch your stuff & may DM with questions if that’s ok. Great video.
My first “mistake” was taking my 2003 SV650 with less than prime sport touring tires off road with my buddy on his KLR650. I didn’t crash and it was actually kind of fun (but remarkably dumb). Thankfully I’m used to low traction from mountain biking😅
Biggest mistake was doing research on ADV bikes when in the end what I realized was that what my vision of riding was more geared towards the light dual sport side, I sold my Goldwing and thought a 650VStrom at half the weight should be a piece of cake, sold the Vstrom within 6mths and bought a DR650 and eventually a DRZ400. I eventually settled into riding single track and now take my 2strk in the back of a motovan around the country.
My first ADV bike was...the AT! At 67 yrs old! Crazy! I can no longer pick it up, and am going to buy either a Transalp or CB500X tomorrow! Thank you for your help here and on the Transalp videos. Love your channel.
I started riding motocross in 95 i recently got involved in street!! Its quite different so much less slip. You turn you go. I went for a Super Tenere! Heavy when stationary but once moving its a so light!! My buddy had a drz super moto. Very cool but no steam felt like a 125! The super ten is mellow also but has some thing!!
I did a cardinal mistake 13 years ago by starting my motorcycling career on 600ccm bike... I was overwhelmed by weight and value of the bike. After years I did like 30kkm, and then moved to other country where I got 125ccm (155 in fact) Yamaha XSR... That is so much fun, not to be worried about a crash or a scratch... Using this little scrambler (as I did multiple modifications) I discovered a word of light offroad... Now being 32 I'm up to go back to Europe, get CB500X (or rather NX500 as they showed it today) and explore a new area of motorcycling. Maybe in 2-3 years I will get a Transalp or Vstrom, but I will not do the same mistake- buying bike I am afraid to ride.. No more!
Excellent video. I rode dirt bike from ages 21-32 and then I took a long break but wanted to buy an adventure bike at age 60 (big break huh) and I bought the Norden 901. In my 30 year absence I have gained 100lbs and I'm very out of shape so my aim is to ride easy trails while I work on losing weight and getting healthier but you are spot on about buying too much "stuff" and things that are not necessary and my advice to myself and others who are starting out is to watch lots of TH-cam tutorial videos and start slow and just practice lots. You mentioned Brett T in your video and he is great for getting expert advice. PS: Did anyone notice how expensive this sport/hobby is?? Bike, riding gear, helmet, boots, panniers, camping gear and so on....I think my wife is going to ban me from Amazon lol!!
WOW, glad I found you!!! Great tips. I backed out of getting a starter bike KLX650, TOO Big!!! 5’6”. So, I’m 54 retired US Navy/Ironworker, 2 spinal fusions. Bought a used KLX300SM, has slicks now, will change. Not going to do any hard rut off-road but would like to venture, fire roads and such. I’ve ridden MX, but definitely this will be different, I’ll take it easy, at first, LOL, Colorado Springs GO NAVY!!!
I’ve recently gone big with the GSA, but have spent 4 years on a triumph Bonneville fully loaded up with camping gear and very top heavy following my friend on his GSA for nearly 40k miles - a lot of them through sand and gravel, not dropping it (much) and keeping up (well, only because he slows down for me). I’ll just be adding some off road each weekend to build the skills with the only slightly heavier GSA (520 wet v 591 wet)
My first bike is a gen 2 KLR. Not a big bike but not small. In my decision between that and a DR650 I accepted that most of my riding will be on pavement and I don’t regret my decision but plan to get a smaller dual sport also.
My most valuable tip - never ride alone off road. My second most valuable tip - if you can't lift it, don't ride it. I'm not sure why 'adventure bikes' are such a fashion accessory these days, in the UK most riders are 40 or over, including me. I do some gentle green laning [we have unpaved roads in the UK of varying difficulties] on a 411 Himalayan and with my local dealer we lead riders around some easy off-road trails. I had a 30-year break from off-roading when the bike of choice weighed in at a lot less than the 269 kg weight of the 'oh so good' BMW...actually it weighed just over 100 kg! This made it fairly easy to wriggle out from under when I had an 'off' nad it landed on my leg...see my most valuable tip! What seems to be called 'dual sport' on US channels we call trail bikes in the UK. Bikes mainly for off-road that can also be used on-road. Off-road bikes need to be robust, light and sturdy. Look for something more suited to this than a massive 'adventure' bike.
I fully protected my 2018 ATAS which was an extremely good call, especially Barkbusters. And your advice on boots? Brilliant. First time the ATAS tipped onto my right leg, I was reeeeally glad of my enduro boots. My advice? Get yourself booked onto an off road training course. And then book another one. Fantastically useful. Especially when switching off all the rider aids and the abs then nailing it hard. Nothing like it in the world.
Used market had stupid high in my area the last few years. So to learn to ride I got China Bike from Amazon, then moved up to DR650. Taking so off road training is something I highly recommend to new riders.
Yep I was the guy who went from a Harley to a GS and used it the same way, then set off for Morocco caring more kit than I do in my camper van…. I now have a 14 year old f800 Gs That I don’t mind if I drop its still a massive bike but I can’t afford a two bikes and 250 just would cope with my day to day riding Great channel
Haha, all true bro. If a new rider is not past midlife crisis and to frail. Get a dirtbike to ride short bits in all conditions, mud, rain, rocks, sand, everything. So many skills can be learned that directly translate to riding the bigger girls.
wish i had seen this video twenty years ago. i have made each one of those mistakes. started on a 1200. now on an 890 and 450. maybe still too big, but big improvement off road. next trip downsizing my gear.
Don't forget the community. I've taught a few dozen people over the years that couldn't take a course in time or afford it. Most people I ride with if told upfront you need help, are willing to teach basics. More fun for all, and like you said, basics can be picked up quickly.
I made a mistake that's connected to #1 -- going all in on an ADV bike before even knowing I'd like offroad riding! I got swept up in how popular they are, how people say they're just as good on the road, and I assumed since I like motorcycles and I like mountain biking, I'd love it! But, I learned I still prefer pedals when it comes to dirt, and sportier street bikes when it comes to the road. Would've been smarter to get a small, used dual sport to learn that lesson! Still love your videos!
I wanted a T7 reaaaaaal bad, but its videos like this that made me 2nd guess myself and realize i wouldn’t want to drive my versys 650 off road (ever!) so maybe i need to start smaller… ended up getting a klx300 and can’t wait for winter to pass. Im gonna be such a n00b and I CANT WAIT!!!! 🤣
Probably the best call if your new to off road. I have got a t7. I had a KLR before this, but I wouldn't really call that a light weight duel sport either. The T7 is surprisingly capable, but also intimidating off road for someone without a lot of experience. I am thinking about picking up a duel sport to compliment the T7 and get better off road. Don't know if I could get away with only owning a duel sport though as many of my rides include a lot of highway, and I would miss the power. I think owning 2 bikes is the best solution. One for more technical rides close to home, and one for longer rides where you won't be riding really difficult terrain anyways.
I have and always will stand by my 2nd gen KLR, it will do EVERYTHING any other bike will do, maybe not as fast but it will do it, they are cheap and easy to get, and the parts and upgrades are WIDELY AVAILABLE everywhere, but to each their own and I’ll see ya on the trails.
I don't think I have ever heard anyone say "I regret buying that dual sport"... whether that is because every person that did buy one enjoyed it or they don't want to admit they never took it off road so won't comment on it... but it seems like anyone I know that has one, enjoys it.
As someone who only has room for one motorcycle in my townhouse garage, the 2022 Honda CB500X is my "do it all" bike. Off-roading is definitely a work in progress, as I'm finding that learning this new skill at 52 years old isn't as easy as it would have been 30 years ago! As Frank Herbert said: ""I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear." Yeah, still workin' on that fear thing too :-)
I have ridden BMW's on road for years but for ADV went with a Honda ATAS. Added 9K in aftermarket stuff but the bike was just too top heavy for me in my 60's so let it go and got a new CB500X (2021). What a dream to ride and to move around the garage. Yes it is lacking in power and not the best for long highway miles but for where I am in life it is a great fit for me. I have not done any ADV riding yet but have invested in gearing it and myself up. And, just ordered the Rally Raid level 1 suspension kit too which should make it as capable an ADV bike as I will need. I did also add a Rebel 1100 DCT for road cruising with a bit more power.
@@salorjim1000 For what it's worth, I found the stock seat a bit uncomfortable so I considered buying a Seat Concepts tall seat. I instead bought an AirHawk DS Seat Pad and I was pretty skeptical when it first arrived, but it has made those longer trips much more comfortable.
@@alozborne I see a lot of people with the AirHawk seat pad. Also on the Rebel 1100. I am a big Corbin fan and got a Corbin for the Rebel, but to be honest I have found the CB500 stock seat pretty good. May change my mind after some long mileage days but for now I am ok with it.
My suggestion is to get good in a parking lot and in a field at slow speed in general before you start hitting trails. Much of riding off road is technical skill, can you put a tire where you need it and manage your controls while the bike is jostling around. The best time to get the basics of those skills is in a small lot where you can safely drop a bike and run drills. I know a lot of guys feel dumb having to do circles in a field or parking lot but it helps a lot. Look up field drills here on YT. There are a lot of things you can learn before you hit the trails. How to ride in, around, beside and over ditches. How to turn the motorcycle around. How to recover the motorcycle in different situations. A lot of guys hurt themselves trying to pick a bike up that went down a steep hill or in a ditch by picking it up the wrong way and it's something you can practice before you ever hit a trail. Pro ball players didn't just go sign up for the pro league. They get there by practicing. Everything you do on a motorcycle is a perishable skill, it doesn't hurt to practice even if you've done it a million times.
This is a great video and SO true. I watched one too many F9/Bret video and for my first ever off road experiences bought a 1290 Super Adventure R because the T7 wasn't available at the time to me. I ended up scaring myself and almost abandoned the sport. I was thankfully able to get it traded in for an 890 adventure (non-r) and it was way better. But then still scary when I dropped it a few times and got flung. I ended up catching a monster deal on a 500 EXC and am now using that to build my skills. It's definitely the way to go and I wish I would have not been so overconfident in the first place. I'd be a way better rider.
I started 3 years ago with cheap 600cc... Honda Transalp 600... Zero regrets. DO IT ALL motorcycle... I cant imagine selling it, just adding something else.
You're absolutely correct 👏 all 7 points. If you don't intend to go for off road at all no need adv bikes, go for cruisers/Street bike and save money. Or if really bug is bitting very hard for adv bike then select under 12 grand bike. Regards
I have already broken rule 1 and possibly (95% sure) rule 3, with to big of a bike. I rode as a kid on little 125cc and worked my way up over 15 years to large Harley's (Fatboy's, Street Glides, Road Glides, Ultra). Then at 46 decided to trade all that for the new Pan America bike. I have been riding it for the last 2 weeks here in Seattle, and have been watching how to off road videos by first learning in parking lots (standing, leaning, the very basics). I can tell you that I very much want to ride some log cabin roads but still am very apprehensive. But I guess at some point you have to start trying in small batches. Any advice would be appreciative, so you out on the dirt!
I started with an Africa Twin as well and it felt way too heavy. So I sold it and bought a Yamaha T7. This bike is still too heavy but the best compromise I can do as I have to travel hundreds of kilometers to get to some legal unpaved sections. I also did some trainings wich I learned a lot from. But due to the distances I have to bear to get off road, I still miss a lot of practice. This summer we will do a 1 week GUIDED off road tour in Bosnia and we will have 2 more weeks to practice on our own in addition. This sounds very promising to me, at least in my dreams... 😉. We will see how it will work out.
Excellent advice, and I agree with it all. Planning on getting back into off-road riding for the first time since I was a kid, and this helps. I'm going to hold off for a year or two before I get a larger adv bike and get my riding skills back on a smaller bike. Maybe a KTM 390 Adventure when the new model drops in 2025.
Good advice. I transitioned from sport bikes for 14 yrs to off road about 8 years ago in Colorado because I kept running into chewed up dirt roads I couldn't ride. Picked up a 1190 adv r and went to it. Great bike for what it was (minus KTM nonsense). Great for the highway, fire roads, and 2 up. But after about 1.5 years I wanted to try my hand at single track. Mountain bike trails with an engine, how is that not amazing? Well the 1190 did it, but it took a way too much energy to control (not to mention the bike is super tall and I am 6'4"). So I picked up a 701e, which is another great bike. Good on the highway, Good on the fire roads, not so good for 2up, and much better at single track than the 1190. But as I road single track more, I wanted more single track. Now personally I like flowy, fast single track over technical enduro. Flash forward to now, I have a 350s, CRF250F (wife's bike), 701e, sold the 1190. Honestly I probably have the most fun on the 250F. It's a slow pig, but it's real nimble and is great fun in tight single. The 350 is great on fire roads, great on single track, sucks at 2up and sucks on the highway. Just know what your riding objectives are and know what your capabilities are. All these bikes have trade-offs. The majority of us are neither sponsored or Chris Birch. Better to start small and get bigger. If I could only have one, it would probably be a 500.
I've made every single one of these mistakes...ha! But almost 10 years in I'm doing ok...got tue right gear, understand (better anyway) dirt vs street and my gear is much more functional, minimal and light. Of course, I'm still on a 1250GSA, but I'm stubborn that way!
Damn, I brought a Pan Am in March 2023, it is big heavy and massive fun! Luckily I have been riding 45 years, spent quite some time doing Motocross and Enduro in the 1980's and 1990's on a vintage 1974 Yamaha 400cc two stoke, and a lot of dirt road riding before that on the farm and in the bush in the years before that. Seriously I agree with you on the good gear, I'm 60, reasonably fit, but I don't want to injure my legs more than they have been in the past. Treat the bike and trail with respect, and you are not riding a small trail bike, or no longer in your 30's.
I ride a Honda NC750X DCT on the road and I want to explore Ghost and small towns and villages that need a dual sport bike for gravel and the odd single path so I am going to get a Sym NHT200cc bike to hone the skill then I will put 70/30 tires for my Honda. Thanks, great advice.
What you have to consider is what type of adventure riding you want or can do . In Eastern area we do not have actress to great off road you do in the NW . For me adventure riding is often riding few hundred Mile to area to ride the back roads to a see and experience new thing . I like some of the BDRs and most of those all can be done on 12:10 a larger bike . If I had some the riding avalable you do a small dual sport would a lot of sense. Keep up the good work with interesting topics.
I haven't done any off road riding in 25 years (I really miss it) but I can think of 2 mistakes new riders often make is gripping the bars to tight when the bike wants to dance and the other is braking in situations where giving more throttle is the better alternative.
Dropped a Suzuki DRZ 400 with passenger on my leg and broke it going less that 5 mph. That being said, I now have a KTM 890 adventure… the difference is night and day. More comfort, more power, but just as nimble off road. Low center of gravity is a game changer!
You did a good job, you covered a lot of very common mistakes. I totally agree, with the protection and starting on a dual sport before buying a big ADV bike. Good job
I agree. My first car when I was 16 was a 40 HP VW Beetle. Lasted 4 mnths and wrecked. What if it was a Porsche Carrera? When your green or fresh you need to start slow and learn how to control. I started on a TTR 230 to learn dirt riding and so thankful I did and finally moved up to a WR 450F. Your video reminds me to slow down, thank you. Blessings
Great advice. I did the lean with the bike error. After decades of road riding I have to focus on changing my riding style when I transition from tar to dirt. One day after a series of great sealed twisties, with a distracted mind I crashed and broke foot and finger on the third easy dirt corner. I got a DRZ first before getting a large adventure tourer but loved the light bike so much kept both. Now have an awesome 701. The other mistake I made early on was not staying focused on the track ahead and where the front wheel was going. I slowed up on what looked like a smooth straight track and decided to look at the view. A rock or a root must have deflected my front wheel and I went over the top and broke my collar bone. I live and I learn 😅
'm the ADV rider who stays mostly on the road. But "a well maintained forest road" is also a road and me and my R1200GS are happy to ride those. Roads are for vehicles and off road is for hiking. Just a small comment on your excellent video.
Thanks again for your great content I race Motocross and drove a lot of dirt bikes and when I got my Africa twin I realized I was a little over my head even with my experience
I've had my Gen 3 KLR for almost a year and have been dabbling in off-road terrain, especially since this is my first bike in general. I run Shinko 705s, so nothing to aggressive. I'm lucky enough to live in an area where the closest dirt road is 30 seconds from my house, but that area isn't a lot to work with so I've been running the same routes in there and learning what I can and can't handle to well. I feel if I threw some more aggressive tires on there I could push the envelope a little more and add more to my skill set and try and improve on it, however I mostly commute on it and hit gravel roads for fun when I can find some in my area. -- Agree 100% with training and think everyone should do it like you said, self taught or class taught, but to do it right and not bite off more than you can chew. I want to tour my state and area around me, but do not have the full gear nor do I have navigation (want a Zumo, but other stuff is more important), so I've spent the last year and will probably spend this next year getting more experience on two wheels before I decide to do any weekend trips or day trips far from home.
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Hey you called out some youtube adv channels. For offroad stuff I suggest: IRC Tire USA Moto and MX Factory for skill learning. Super helpful.
The biggest mistake I made as a new ADV rider was getting hung up on dropping the bike. I still see this a lot with other riders and they can really get in their own heads if they're in difficult terrain and dropping their bike. I see it with other youtubers and not being willing to show drops on camera because of all the hate and "advice" they get afterwards. If you're off road, drops will happen. Some will be stupid, some will be because the terrain was hard, some will be because you got unlucky. They aren't a big deal, ride on.
Very true.
Biggest mistake I made was thinking I need as much gear as in the thumbnail.
Eternal Truth: You will drop it.
Absolutely true!
After years of street riding, I started trail riding (difficult single track) with an engineering buddy of mine that had been a nationally ranked enduro rider (before he quit riding professionally to pursue an engineering degree). He taught me many valuable lessons - but his first two pieces of advice were pure gold:
1. If you're not crashing on a regular basis, you're not trying hard enough
2. You're less likely to crash if you're going faster, rather than slower
The corollary to these two rules is wear protective gear (motocross boots, knee pads, elbow pads, neck brace and gloves).
💯 - literally cannot count the number of times I’ve dropped Lorraine. It’s just how it is.
The #8 TOP mistake is people blaming their tires, tire pressure, handle bars, grips, foot pegs, clutch lever, brake lever, not enough HP, too much HP, tire compound, tire thread pattern, etc instead of looking inward and admitting their lack of skills. Had to Bite my tongue when someone says "If I had these tires at this pressure I could have easily have....".
My friend told me a story where he was at a BMW ADV training course and one challenge/lesson was to go over a pile of boulders. Everyone was stumbling/falling and as they came off the pile were blaming the tires and/or tire pressures. Even though the last guy or the next guy had the tires they were saying would have saved their fall. One of the last guys, who was super quiet throughout the day, just rode over the boulders with no hesitation like a pro with almost a street tire at street tire pressures. My friend said he learned right there what his problems were. Skill and confidence.
100% correct. Great advice. I would also like to point out that you do not need a big bike for that trip of a lifetime. Plenty of people have travelled the world on dual sports. I have clocked up almost 40,000 kms on a 2014 CRF250L in eight months travelling around Australia. Yes a bigger bike would have been better on the long boring sections. But it was perfect for all of the places that you do the trip for like remote beaches, desert riding and that little single track that gets you to the waterfall. Ride what you want, but don’t avoid that trip because you don’t have the big adventure bike yet. Just get out there on what you can.
Hell yeah! I've been coast to coast in canada and the north western usa on my klr. It took a couple trips over the years. Once with a buddy and the rest solo. When you travel solo it really teaches you to be self reliant. Made me calm down in traffic, but frosty, as we will get there eventually. Had a few close calls with critters and cagers. Don't over think it, just take deep breaths and ride it off. And don't be afraid of the dark. Led bulbs are cheap, bright and very reliable. Riding until 3 am only to find out the KOA is closed was worth it, waking up to a lake you've seen before.😌
I completely agree here however I will say that I’ve begun to appreciate how well a really big bike can be handled when you know how to ride it. And it can be a lot more fun if you do it right. I just had to be okay with dumping it and had to try and learn the advantages of that big ass motor and the extra weight. There are many IMO.
250,000 km around Argentina here in over 7-8 years. I can confirm you don't need that big ADV bike of your dreams. Rode 75% of it in a 150 cc street bike and the rest in a 150cc dualsport. In the long stretches of the plain regions you long for having a big bike capable of doing 160 km/h. But when you finally get to places with breathtaking sceneries and fun offroad tracks, you simply forget about that big bike and become fully inmersed on the moment, realizing the best motorbike is the one you have with you
Couldn’t agree more. I have no interest in a behemoth status symbol that absolutely sucks off road
Make no mistake, big ADV bikes are STREET bikes. Some versatility yes and the more talent you have then the more versatile they are especially with the right tires.
The bikes with 19" inch front mag wheel and lower suspension travel makes great touring bikes when the roads get rough, but still a road none the less. There's a lot of rough roads out there which makes the more street oriented adventure bikes a sensible option. It's nice to just hop a curb if you want, soak up bumps like magic and still hit the turns without a steep fork dive and a bouncy clumsy turn in.
Completely agree. Keep it light, keep it nimble, keep it simple. Spend that extra $$ sleeping in hotels with nice beds and hot showers rather than attempting to bring expedition level gear on your bike. Open freeways are completely boring and far more dangerous than gravel roads so stay off them. Once you choose to do that you never really need to go faster than 65mph.
Cheers!
Don’t be scared or anxious about riding in the rain!! Eventually you will get caught in a heavy downpour so practice riding in the rain whenever you can to build your confidence so you won’t be so surprised when it does actually rain when you are out riding.
I’ve recently purchased a 2023 Tiger Rally Explorer. Also own a Ducati Fasthouse Desert Sled..
I’ve ridden bikes for over 50 years, and my advice is a big ADV bike like my Tiger, the 1200GS I used to own, the big KTMs, etc.. are an absolute waste of money if you think you’re going to ride it like a dual sport. They’re expensive to purchase, expensive to maintain, and expensive to fix should you fall. And you will fall! If you intend to ride mostly highway, with an occasional dirt road or 2 track, then they’re fine.
If I intended to ride the highway from trail to trail, it certainly won’t kill me to ride a 250-450cc enduro. People have circumnavigated the globe on smaller bikes than those!
Then again, you don’t necessarily need your off-road bike to be built for the purpose.. Nick Sanders road a Yamaha R1 around the world, hardly ever on pavement!
Ben is right, don’t start with one of these behemoths.. start small and work up to what you’re comfortable on. You’ll be a much better rider for it!
I'm 6'2" 240ish and started both biking and ADV biking on a T-7. Initially, I wanted the T-7 but they were sold out across the nation. I grew interested in the AT and was seriously about to pull the trigger but I thought better of it lol... I realized I needed something light to start on and started looking at the 450L but just as I did so, I found a T-7 in a small town in TX... I caved and bought it the same day... So here I am. Green as hell. It's not the best starter bike but it's not the worst either.
Buyt a cheap dirt bike. Go to local areas, learn how to slow, balance ride, shift gears, clutch control. Up/down off camber hills/elevation train. Then get back on you Yami, and won't believe how quick these skills transition to your adv bike. You've got a beautiful bike, just need a little confidence to champion it. Nice! Cheers T-Jack, from Canada.
Love this post and the comments. My 2007 Suzuki V Strom 650 is my best friend Since I stopped taking her out in the woods. I am 71 years old and I could barely pick her up years ago when she and I would fall down. At this stage of life as we pick our battles, a simple keep twist of the wrist, only on pavement,
Can still make the magic happen. Now celebrating 53 years of riding motorcycles 🙌😎🙌
Dualsport all the way. I love riding my lillte slow bike fast versus a big fast bike slow but like you said if you are planning long rides of highway and a little off road than bigger faster bike all they way.
Heck yeah👍
I enjoyed riding my big slow and my slow bike fast. Not sure which one was more fun.
My advice to myself would be to fix my own bike as much as possible as early as possible. I kinda hate wrenching, but I'm so glad I've forced myself to learn - it is very confidence inspiring, since I am often exploring alone. Thanks to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance for helping me think it was possible and important
Nearly every motorcycle out there has a complete manual that shows exactly how everything goes together, torque specs, and sometimes even part numbers. Best investment ever.
good book, even if you are not a motorcyclist.
Agree totally. Unfortunately BMW doesn't get it and has discontinued the provision of service manuals for all motorcycles.
@@PetrolJunkie no longer BMW. BMW killed all service manuals.
@@LouisStreet There are better aftermarket manuals anyway. If I was near my garage I could tell you which one I bought for my 2021 R1250GSA. It has step by step with pictures how to tear everything down.
I'm on my first motorcycle (2012 Super Tenere) and I get your point. Part of me wishes I had started smaller but I do love my bike. Most of my riding is getting to camp and around town so I don't think I'm too bad off with a 600 lb bike. I do ride full gear. That's a great point to make, I'm aware I'm a novice and I don't want to get injured. TH-cam has tons of great resources on riding and I've essentially taught myself to ride this last year via TH-cam. Up next is the MSF class and I'd love to find some ADV training but I'm a bit limited in central Ohio. Keep up the videos!
Awesome man - I'm picking up a 2015 S10 this weekend - driving down to Austin (200 miles) to pick it up and ride it back roads home to north DFW. Can't go wrong with the Yamaha Super Tens!!
Adventure rider radio has Clinton Smout on giving training advice. His school is not too far from you, just north of Toronto. I’m planning a trip there this year, im west of Detroit a bit.
Klr650 is a good learner. It's heavy, underpowered, simple and tough. Dropped it plenty of times, did a lot of things it wasn't meant for too. Now have a ktm1290, but the klr was a good foundation builder.
I started on a Yamaha T7. I use it for every day riding, touring and soft off road and I agree with everything you say in this video. Don't ride with fast, skilled and experienced riders and try to keep up, it's bad mistake.
ride your own ride!
DR650 FTW!! Dual Sport and can /has been ridin' around the globe, literally.
There was a reason during LWR & LWD they had the camera man on another bike, because it took 3 adult males to lift the BMW GSA. If you go to any off road training, the first thing they get you to do is pick up the bike. If you struggle, a lot they suggest you may have an unsuitable bike for off rod riding. Then they have you push your bike 1.5 km (yep, because if you run out of petrol that's a real thing) How to fall off, change a tyre, do first aid. Lots of cool things to consider in this amazing sport that challenges you to be better, fit, and look after your mates. Maybe you should have a Honda CRF 300 Rally - Rally and a T-Shirt with Dork with a fork in the road Rally Ramblers (Like the Led Zeppelin song Ramble on but not)
Biggest mistake I made was not getting my Adv bike earlier. :D
That said, I definitely went too big with the Norden for a first Adv. I've had experience on dirt before, but mostly 20-30 years ago. Since then it had been street bikes. It's taken some getting used too to have a bike this tall. I would probably have been more comfortable on an old KLR learning to ride again off-road. Thankfully my bike blew over in the parking lot the first day I rode it, so I kind of got that out of the way quick.
Ha, same - I started out on a Yamaha DT125R back in about 2001, but haven't ridden at all for 15 years. Got me an Africa Twin DCT. Dropped it trying to get off the driveway! Mostly down to DCT being weird to control - lack of clutch, so how do you feather the clutch, kinda thing. Trying to just make it through the winter before I really try again in earnest. It's bitterly cold right now, ice everywhere, so just playing about with it, getting used to the height, seeing how far I can lean it before it tries to drop, starting it up, letting the battery charge & the engine warm up, paddling it up the drive if the neighbour hasn't blocked me in with his BMW car.
Yeah I went from riding 450 MXrs to an 890 ADV R. It was a harder transition than it should have been because I rarely was forced to use good finesse techniques when riding my 450s on trails. I could be lazy with the clutch, muscle it when I needed to. Then I got a 500 lb bike and realized that ain’t gonna work. Real fast. 😂 It’s been a fun adventure though. And I had to be okay dropping an $18k bike. They’re made for it. They’ll be okay.
After not being on a bike for decades, I started with ... an Africa Twin.
But I don't go off road much.
Really good advice about getting some training. I was a MSF (Motorcycle Safety Foundation) Rider coach for years on street bikes but off road is completely different. You actually gave me the idea to look for some off road training, thanks!
Yeah I’ve been riding MXrs for decades but realized quick I had to humble myself and get some education. Made all the difference.
This video is so spot on! Starting with a dual sport prior to getting a large ADV bike is huge! Also, overloading an ADV bike is quite common. For Moto Camping, I look at it as "backpacking on 2 wheels". Small, lightweight gear is the key to success. You laid out some great points in this video!
Cheers!
DIR, your advice about ADV selection and riding dual sport motorcycles is spot on. Training, skill and practice that your recommending to improve new rider capabilities and to experience the breathe of ADV bikes is critical in developing much confidence. Excellent advice.
Thank you for this video and all your content. I like how you help us newer riders with really good tips. I'm the kind of person that needs the rules and tips to follow, like in this video - "on the road you lean with bike - on dirt you stay perpendicular". This will be my second full year riding my Honda CRF300L on dirt & trails as well as cross-country on highways. Starting with smaller dual-sport like you said is exactly what I needed to build confidence riding generally - but also then confidence on trails - especially those single-track bumpy ones. Thanks so much. I would love if you did one on a single track trail in the woods where you -real time- talked about how you are handling the ride (between trees, over rocks, sand, water etc).
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New ADV rider. I pretty much made all of these mistakes haha. I bought a 2014 tiger 800 and then outfitted It for off-road/touring. I have done some fire roads, and loved every minute. I’ve not been down yet, I’m not afraid of it… but I’m also ringing within my limits. I was a sport bike guy for 30+ years and now i want to cross country and camp along the way. i will however, take your advice and take a course, I could really use that confidence booster. love your content man, I’ve learned a lot so far. You ever make it to AZ, look me up. Ive spent an incredible amount of time in the pines with my jeep and I’m happy to share some terrain ideas with you.
As the other guy said, 100% correct. These bikes are expensive and top-heavy and not made to learn dirt riding skills for a first timer. New riders are better off slowing down a little and starting out with a DualSport, whatever size suits you.There are so many of them out there that can be picked up for 1/3 the price of that big adventure bike. Ride that dual sport for a year, get confident, and then reevaluate your needs.
thanks for this video. Been riding street bikes for 33 years and planning on swapping my z900 for the new KLR. I'll be looking at the S model as it is shorter and I only have a 30" inseam. safety has been huge for me for decades. your tips on street riding and off the pavement riding taught me something new as I've never been in the dirt. For me it'll be slow and steady as I gain experience. thank you my friend.
I found that coming from a heavier cruiser to an ADV, I feel I don't or didn't have the control issues with the weight that I hear so many people complain about. I was also never afraid to hit a gravel road with my Virago and street tires though. Definitely watching instructional videos and listening to advice is a must. I second the part about boots and proper safety gear. Thank you for all the information you relay to us.
Excellent video for beginners.
👍 spot on
I’d like to second the encouragement to get training. I highly recommend Chris Birch, “Say no to slow” ADV bike video training series which is very inexpensive. I was fortunate to train with Chris when he came to the US last fall. I’ve been riding dirt bikes for 50 years and ADV bikes for 10 years and I learned at least 10 new tips and tricks to be a better and safer rider.
I have owned many different brands and bikes. Mostly road cruisers, but I much prefer a small 300-400 for adventure rides. Weight and affordable. If you can’t pick up your bike or push it by yourself then you might have the wrong bike. Insurance and registration fees as well as service charges need to be taken into account. If you spend all your money on this and can’t afford petrol then you may have the wrong bike. Frank the BMW GS guy I am looking at you. My x300 Versys is not perfect but I can do almost everything and not have to sacrifice a leg to make bike payments service costs and I don’t have to explain expensive speeding ticket to my girlfriend. It does what it says on the tin and has out lasted far more expensive bikes including my friends KTM 790 which is still having major problems and has spent more than half of this month in the dealership fixing faults.
You hit all the boxes, Ben. I watched LWR and Chris Birch (Say No to Slow) and thought: I can do that! Learned the hard way. Dropped down to a KLX 300 and learned how to do figure 8's at idle and full lock on grassy field then gravel. Still need to practice as a reminder and muscle memory but valuable and rewarding. Drops are baked into the cake of ADV. Get over it.
If I had to start over I would start on a trials bike and learn balance and clutch control first!
YES, what a great video. Dork in the Road, I love your channel. I learn so much from you. I used to ride years ago and now in my 60s I'm riding again and I have a great passion for it again. I'm loving it.
really great advice. light is more fun in the dirt and thats what you have it for. 50+++ years off road rider here, Dork has great advice , one thing I'd add, avoid hard panniers off road, they cause lower leg injuries
Don't forget the Trail hand signals when you pass oncoming riders. A closed fist tells them there is no one behind you in your party, 1 finger tells them there is 1 behind you, 2 for 2, etc. Really helps people be aware while out on the trails and/or logging roads.
I was totally new to motorcycling riding as of last spring. But loved ATV riding (in Mich.. lots of sandy trails). It was suggested by a ADV rider friend to get a Honda CRF 300L Rally to learn on, So I did. The duel spot choice is definitely the way to go for me and my learning curve. I ended up putting 80/20 tires on to deal with the sandy trails. Wish i would have gotten motocross boots on the 1st buy. Adventure boots don’t help much when your ankle is under your bike….lesson learned. Your advice is so spot on! Keep it coming! I’ve only been trail riding too date and still struggle standing as a 6’5” person who isn’t tiny
All valid points. I'm about to step into a big adventure bike, and embark on a trip, that will see me hitting roads either washed out wit recent flooding, or simply areas with lots of dirt.. I'm 65, and haven't ridden in dirt, for about 50yrs. While it scares me a little bit, i believe you cant live your life in fear. That being said, i plan to spend up to a month, "playing in the dirt", closer to home. I'm lucky enough to have one or two mates, with a lot more experience, so wish me luck🤠
I'm by no means an amazing rider but I've been riding for 20ish years and still learned a lot from watching Chris Birch's training videos.
What personally helped my riding was getting a mountain bike because we don't have a lot of single track for motorcycles here, but we do have single track for bicycles.
You are so knowledgeable you know what anyone needs and you even know how good bikes are that are not even on the road yet! The almighty Dork! All hail Dork!
Another awesome video!👍👍👍
Great advice for sure.
I made all those mistakes except no gear. I bought all Klim gear. No training. Bought a vstrom as first bike. Wrecked a lot in the dirt, put street tires and hard cases on it, starting to think of going back to adv tires. Absolutely no regrets!
That, is what's called building character. Building character is part of the ride!
Very good points that cover the range of ADV riding my friend. All geared to keep riders safe through practiced riding and correct gear. Thank you for the great content.
As we say on the BDRs, even the "easier" ones is that you will/are going to drop your bike especially to let new ADV riders and cross over riders know that it just part of the experience. No matter how good you are it IS going to happen sometime/somewhere and with mud/sand you can easily double that. I always say if I dropped my bike. In over 50 yrs of riding I can not count how many times I did. So what. Pick it up and keep rolling. Again, we stress the need for protective equipment. Sometimes it gets HOT so riders peel down a bit and get bruises/scars unnecessarily. The same with bikes, riders should find one that they are comfortable on and get good coaching and PRACTICE on that machine- including the different way to pick it up depending on terrain. Making gear stored on the bike easy to remove helps in picking it up. The stuff carried for a long ADV ride can get to be a pretty stout load- practice with a kitted out bike so you know how it handles. Always have a safety plan in place where someone knows you last stop and destination and approximate arrival and route you are taking with updates for detours. Stay safe and well. See you out there!. Craig/BDR Ambassador
Great video! Can absolutely confirm the training part. I have done several thousand km of TET, then I took a 2 day training course and realized how much I still sucked. :) I learned so many valuable things in those 2 days. I can't stress enough how important proper training really is! I can now ride stuff I could never have imagined before...
Great and simple advices, as usual. Thank you. I’m 64 and made my adv experiences 40 years ago. Three years ago I bought a big and wonderful GS1200 ADV but due to the size, weight and my very little pff road skills I used it mainly on highways. I’m know going to sell it to buy the new Transalp to re-start adv experiences. 200kg, 92hp and very few electronic helps. I feel good watching your videos. 😎
Weight is the killer. I've ridden hundreds of motocross races and tens of thousands of miles carving canyons on Ducatis over the last fifty years. And riding a street bike in the dirt terrifies me. I have a Multistrada 950 and no way does it work in the dirt. Gravel roads maybe but you're going to thrash the bike.
I believe that nothing heavier than a 690/701 is an appropriate dirt bike. Nothing with more than one cylinder unless you really know what you're doing. On anything at all technical the weight becomes unmanageable. It will steer you into ruts and all kinds of hazards just because of physics, it goes to the lowest point. Excessive weight makes it a struggle rather than a fun time. A test of survival. And eventually it's going to land on you.
And I've watched a ton of videos on here and nobody ever complains that their bike was too light for a trail or trip. It's always the opposite. I'd suggest Honda or Kawasaki 300 for any new guys wanting to ride street and dirt. And if you can ever get on a motocross track on any bike it's a great way to learn to ride dirt. It's a controlled environment without trees!
I made the classic errors:
To much bike:. 02 DL1000
broke some metatarsals, a year later my right ankle.
Wrong gear: street moto boots aren't enough. Even after I sold the DL1000 for a CRF250L, I broke my left tibia.
Better boots are waiting. So is a better mindset!
I have been thinking about jumping into the ADV space for a while. I have 25 years of mountain biking experience and this video assuaged some of my fears about the complexity of it. Yes I understand that the “motor” has changed for this kind of pursuit, but a lot of the skills translate to what I’ve learned over the years. It makes me feel a little bit more comfortable in jumping into this at the age of 50 then I would have before. Thank you much and keep up the great videos.
It’s different. You will have some advantage, yes, but so did I. I’ve operated manual transmission vehicles since I was a wee lad. Sure, I could immediately run through the gears, but coordinating shifting and handling a big, heavy bike nearly overwhelmed my senses in traffic, and I’ve driven literally millions of miles. Also, with your bicycle experience, you are at huge risk of overestimating your skills. Without specific training, you will not be able to exploit how nimble the handling of your bike actually is. You will dread the times you are exploring and end up on a dead end road because you will need a 60 foot circle to turn around with confidence. Your beginning MSF course will be eye opening for you. Go take yours at a Harley dealer, and you will be riding their bloated, weak, boat anchor of a bike. That’s kind of like riding an adventure bike except you will be able to touch the ground with your feet on the Harley. 😂
Thanks for this. I’m an older ex-street guy new to the NW and looking into ADV as an option to get out and meet people while experiencing the NW’s outdoors.
I’ll continue to watch your stuff & may DM with questions if that’s ok.
Great video.
My first “mistake” was taking my 2003 SV650 with less than prime sport touring tires off road with my buddy on his KLR650. I didn’t crash and it was actually kind of fun (but remarkably dumb). Thankfully I’m used to low traction from mountain biking😅
I'll Second THAT! I started on a KTM 1090 Adventure R...kinda redonk to start with that beast.
Yep, the Africa Twin was not the right bike for me to start riding off-road on either...
Biggest mistake was doing research on ADV bikes when in the end what I realized was that what my vision of riding was more geared towards the light dual sport side, I sold my Goldwing and thought a 650VStrom at half the weight should be a piece of cake, sold the Vstrom within 6mths and bought a DR650 and eventually a DRZ400. I eventually settled into riding single track and now take my 2strk in the back of a motovan around the country.
Perfect. Every point you make is on the mark. I am an “old” rider and had to learn these lessons through experience.
#5 that is the real lesson when switching from sport to adventure.
My first ADV bike was...the AT! At 67 yrs old! Crazy! I can no longer pick it up, and am going to buy either a Transalp or CB500X tomorrow! Thank you for your help here and on the Transalp videos. Love your channel.
I started riding motocross in 95 i recently got involved in street!! Its quite different so much less slip. You turn you go. I went for a Super Tenere! Heavy when stationary but once moving its a so light!! My buddy had a drz super moto. Very cool but no steam felt like a 125! The super ten is mellow also but has some thing!!
Great video, I went from a WR250R to a T7. I wish I would have kept the WR to switch between the two.
Same here, but I kept the WR250R 😁
I did a cardinal mistake 13 years ago by starting my motorcycling career on 600ccm bike... I was overwhelmed by weight and value of the bike. After years I did like 30kkm, and then moved to other country where I got 125ccm (155 in fact) Yamaha XSR... That is so much fun, not to be worried about a crash or a scratch... Using this little scrambler (as I did multiple modifications) I discovered a word of light offroad... Now being 32 I'm up to go back to Europe, get CB500X (or rather NX500 as they showed it today) and explore a new area of motorcycling. Maybe in 2-3 years I will get a Transalp or Vstrom, but I will not do the same mistake- buying bike I am afraid to ride.. No more!
100% agree on the boots. Many small tip-overs that should only hurt your ego, end up hurting your ankles, and, or feet without proper foot protection.
Excellent video. I rode dirt bike from ages 21-32 and then I took a long break but wanted to buy an adventure bike at age 60 (big break huh) and I bought the Norden 901. In my 30 year absence I have gained 100lbs and I'm very out of shape so my aim is to ride easy trails while I work on losing weight and getting healthier but you are spot on about buying too much "stuff" and things that are not necessary and my advice to myself and others who are starting out is to watch lots of TH-cam tutorial videos and start slow and just practice lots. You mentioned Brett T in your video and he is great for getting expert advice.
PS: Did anyone notice how expensive this sport/hobby is?? Bike, riding gear, helmet, boots, panniers, camping gear and so on....I think my wife is going to ban me from Amazon lol!!
100% agree with this!
I've personally made ALL of these mistakes and I'm trying to dig my way out of them.
Loving riding all the same
WOW, glad I found you!!! Great tips. I backed out of getting a starter bike KLX650, TOO Big!!! 5’6”. So, I’m 54 retired US Navy/Ironworker, 2 spinal fusions. Bought a used KLX300SM, has slicks now, will change. Not going to do any hard rut off-road but would like to venture, fire roads and such. I’ve ridden MX, but definitely this will be different, I’ll take it easy, at first, LOL,
Colorado Springs
GO NAVY!!!
I’ve recently gone big with the GSA, but have spent 4 years on a triumph Bonneville fully loaded up with camping gear and very top heavy following my friend on his GSA for nearly 40k miles - a lot of them through sand and gravel, not dropping it (much) and keeping up (well, only because he slows down for me). I’ll just be adding some off road each weekend to build the skills with the only slightly heavier GSA (520 wet v 591 wet)
My first bike is a gen 2 KLR. Not a big bike but not small. In my decision between that and a DR650 I accepted that most of my riding will be on pavement and I don’t regret my decision but plan to get a smaller dual sport also.
My most valuable tip - never ride alone off road. My second most valuable tip - if you can't lift it, don't ride it. I'm not sure why 'adventure bikes' are such a fashion accessory these days, in the UK most riders are 40 or over, including me. I do some gentle green laning [we have unpaved roads in the UK of varying difficulties] on a 411 Himalayan and with my local dealer we lead riders around some easy off-road trails.
I had a 30-year break from off-roading when the bike of choice weighed in at a lot less than the 269 kg weight of the 'oh so good' BMW...actually it weighed just over 100 kg! This made it fairly easy to wriggle out from under when I had an 'off' nad it landed on my leg...see my most valuable tip!
What seems to be called 'dual sport' on US channels we call trail bikes in the UK. Bikes mainly for off-road that can also be used on-road. Off-road bikes need to be robust, light and sturdy. Look for something more suited to this than a massive 'adventure' bike.
I fully protected my 2018 ATAS which was an extremely good call, especially Barkbusters. And your advice on boots? Brilliant. First time the ATAS tipped onto my right leg, I was reeeeally glad of my enduro boots. My advice? Get yourself booked onto an off road training course. And then book another one. Fantastically useful. Especially when switching off all the rider aids and the abs then nailing it hard. Nothing like it in the world.
Mate you are a very smart spot on man I can only hope not only your audience listens but everyone that clicks on your video
Used market had stupid high in my area the last few years. So to learn to ride I got China Bike from Amazon, then moved up to DR650. Taking so off road training is something I highly recommend to new riders.
Yep I was the guy who went from a Harley to a GS and used it the same way, then set off for Morocco caring more kit than I do in my camper van….
I now have a 14 year old f800 Gs That I don’t mind if I drop its still a massive bike but I can’t afford a two bikes and 250 just would cope with my day to day riding
Great channel
Haha, all true bro. If a new rider is not past midlife crisis and to frail. Get a dirtbike to ride short bits in all conditions, mud, rain, rocks, sand, everything. So many skills can be learned that directly translate to riding the bigger girls.
wish i had seen this video twenty years ago. i have made each one of those mistakes. started on a 1200. now on an 890 and 450. maybe still too big, but big improvement off road. next trip downsizing my gear.
Don't forget the community. I've taught a few dozen people over the years that couldn't take a course in time or afford it. Most people I ride with if told upfront you need help, are willing to teach basics. More fun for all, and like you said, basics can be picked up quickly.
I made a mistake that's connected to #1 -- going all in on an ADV bike before even knowing I'd like offroad riding! I got swept up in how popular they are, how people say they're just as good on the road, and I assumed since I like motorcycles and I like mountain biking, I'd love it! But, I learned I still prefer pedals when it comes to dirt, and sportier street bikes when it comes to the road. Would've been smarter to get a small, used dual sport to learn that lesson!
Still love your videos!
I wanted a T7 reaaaaaal bad, but its videos like this that made me 2nd guess myself and realize i wouldn’t want to drive my versys 650 off road (ever!) so maybe i need to start smaller… ended up getting a klx300 and can’t wait for winter to pass. Im gonna be such a n00b and I CANT WAIT!!!! 🤣
Probably the best call if your new to off road. I have got a t7. I had a KLR before this, but I wouldn't really call that a light weight duel sport either. The T7 is surprisingly capable, but also intimidating off road for someone without a lot of experience. I am thinking about picking up a duel sport to compliment the T7 and get better off road. Don't know if I could get away with only owning a duel sport though as many of my rides include a lot of highway, and I would miss the power. I think owning 2 bikes is the best solution. One for more technical rides close to home, and one for longer rides where you won't be riding really difficult terrain anyways.
I have and always will stand by my 2nd gen KLR, it will do EVERYTHING any other bike will do, maybe not as fast but it will do it, they are cheap and easy to get, and the parts and upgrades are WIDELY AVAILABLE everywhere, but to each their own and I’ll see ya on the trails.
As a RE Himalayan owner I understand, speed isn't everything. Enjoy the ride :)
I don't think I have ever heard anyone say "I regret buying that dual sport"... whether that is because every person that did buy one enjoyed it or they don't want to admit they never took it off road so won't comment on it... but it seems like anyone I know that has one, enjoys it.
As someone who only has room for one motorcycle in my townhouse garage, the 2022 Honda CB500X is my "do it all" bike. Off-roading is definitely a work in progress, as I'm finding that learning this new skill at 52 years old isn't as easy as it would have been 30 years ago! As Frank Herbert said:
""I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear."
Yeah, still workin' on that fear thing too :-)
That’s a solid all rounder and unless you get caught up in the hype for newer bikes, it can easily be your last bike
I have ridden BMW's on road for years but for ADV went with a Honda ATAS. Added 9K in aftermarket stuff but the bike was just too top heavy for me in my 60's so let it go and got a new CB500X (2021). What a dream to ride and to move around the garage. Yes it is lacking in power and not the best for long highway miles but for where I am in life it is a great fit for me. I have not done any ADV riding yet but have invested in gearing it and myself up. And, just ordered the Rally Raid level 1 suspension kit too which should make it as capable an ADV bike as I will need. I did also add a Rebel 1100 DCT for road cruising with a bit more power.
@@salorjim1000 For what it's worth, I found the stock seat a bit uncomfortable so I considered buying a Seat Concepts tall seat. I instead bought an AirHawk DS Seat Pad and I was pretty skeptical when it first arrived, but it has made those longer trips much more comfortable.
@@alozborne I see a lot of people with the AirHawk seat pad. Also on the Rebel 1100. I am a big Corbin fan and got a Corbin for the Rebel, but to be honest I have found the CB500 stock seat pretty good. May change my mind after some long mileage days but for now I am ok with it.
My suggestion is to get good in a parking lot and in a field at slow speed in general before you start hitting trails. Much of riding off road is technical skill, can you put a tire where you need it and manage your controls while the bike is jostling around. The best time to get the basics of those skills is in a small lot where you can safely drop a bike and run drills. I know a lot of guys feel dumb having to do circles in a field or parking lot but it helps a lot.
Look up field drills here on YT. There are a lot of things you can learn before you hit the trails. How to ride in, around, beside and over ditches. How to turn the motorcycle around. How to recover the motorcycle in different situations. A lot of guys hurt themselves trying to pick a bike up that went down a steep hill or in a ditch by picking it up the wrong way and it's something you can practice before you ever hit a trail.
Pro ball players didn't just go sign up for the pro league. They get there by practicing. Everything you do on a motorcycle is a perishable skill, it doesn't hurt to practice even if you've done it a million times.
This is a great video and SO true. I watched one too many F9/Bret video and for my first ever off road experiences bought a 1290 Super Adventure R because the T7 wasn't available at the time to me. I ended up scaring myself and almost abandoned the sport. I was thankfully able to get it traded in for an 890 adventure (non-r) and it was way better. But then still scary when I dropped it a few times and got flung. I ended up catching a monster deal on a 500 EXC and am now using that to build my skills. It's definitely the way to go and I wish I would have not been so overconfident in the first place. I'd be a way better rider.
I started 3 years ago with cheap 600cc... Honda Transalp 600... Zero regrets. DO IT ALL motorcycle... I cant imagine selling it, just adding something else.
You're absolutely correct 👏 all 7 points.
If you don't intend to go for off road at all no need adv bikes, go for cruisers/Street bike and save money. Or if really bug is bitting very hard for adv bike then select under 12 grand bike.
Regards
my first "adventure bike" was a honda mtx50 back in 1995 when i was 14.and since then i always stayed with the 21'' frond wheel...
I have already broken rule 1 and possibly (95% sure) rule 3, with to big of a bike. I rode as a kid on little 125cc and worked my way up over 15 years to large Harley's (Fatboy's, Street Glides, Road Glides, Ultra). Then at 46 decided to trade all that for the new Pan America bike. I have been riding it for the last 2 weeks here in Seattle, and have been watching how to off road videos by first learning in parking lots (standing, leaning, the very basics). I can tell you that I very much want to ride some log cabin roads but still am very apprehensive. But I guess at some point you have to start trying in small batches. Any advice would be appreciative, so you out on the dirt!
I started with an Africa Twin as well and it felt way too heavy. So I sold it and bought a Yamaha T7. This bike is still too heavy but the best compromise I can do as I have to travel hundreds of kilometers to get to some legal unpaved sections. I also did some trainings wich I learned a lot from. But due to the distances I have to bear to get off road, I still miss a lot of practice. This summer we will do a 1 week GUIDED off road tour in Bosnia and we will have 2 more weeks to practice on our own in addition. This sounds very promising to me, at least in my dreams... 😉. We will see how it will work out.
Can you share any more info of that Bosnia tour? Who's organizing it?
@@TheHelac search for Enduro Spirit Bosnia
Great content. You clearly have tons of experience and knowledge. Thank you for sharing.
Excellent advice, and I agree with it all. Planning on getting back into off-road riding for the first time since I was a kid, and this helps. I'm going to hold off for a year or two before I get a larger adv bike and get my riding skills back on a smaller bike. Maybe a KTM 390 Adventure when the new model drops in 2025.
Good advice. I transitioned from sport bikes for 14 yrs to off road about 8 years ago in Colorado because I kept running into chewed up dirt roads I couldn't ride.
Picked up a 1190 adv r and went to it. Great bike for what it was (minus KTM nonsense). Great for the highway, fire roads, and 2 up. But after about 1.5 years I wanted to try my hand at single track. Mountain bike trails with an engine, how is that not amazing? Well the 1190 did it, but it took a way too much energy to control (not to mention the bike is super tall and I am 6'4").
So I picked up a 701e, which is another great bike. Good on the highway, Good on the fire roads, not so good for 2up, and much better at single track than the 1190. But as I road single track more, I wanted more single track. Now personally I like flowy, fast single track over technical enduro.
Flash forward to now, I have a 350s, CRF250F (wife's bike), 701e, sold the 1190. Honestly I probably have the most fun on the 250F. It's a slow pig, but it's real nimble and is great fun in tight single.
The 350 is great on fire roads, great on single track, sucks at 2up and sucks on the highway.
Just know what your riding objectives are and know what your capabilities are. All these bikes have trade-offs. The majority of us are neither sponsored or Chris Birch. Better to start small and get bigger. If I could only have one, it would probably be a 500.
I've made every single one of these mistakes...ha! But almost 10 years in I'm doing ok...got tue right gear, understand (better anyway) dirt vs street and my gear is much more functional, minimal and light. Of course, I'm still on a 1250GSA, but I'm stubborn that way!
Damn, I brought a Pan Am in March 2023, it is big heavy and massive fun! Luckily I have been riding 45 years, spent quite some time doing Motocross and Enduro in the 1980's and 1990's on a vintage 1974 Yamaha 400cc two stoke, and a lot of dirt road riding before that on the farm and in the bush in the years before that.
Seriously I agree with you on the good gear, I'm 60, reasonably fit, but I don't want to injure my legs more than they have been in the past.
Treat the bike and trail with respect, and you are not riding a small trail bike, or no longer in your 30's.
I ride a Honda NC750X DCT on the road and I want to explore Ghost and small towns and villages that need a dual sport bike for gravel and the odd single path so I am going to get a Sym NHT200cc bike to hone the skill then I will put 70/30 tires for my Honda. Thanks, great advice.
What you have to consider is what type of adventure riding you want or can do . In Eastern area we do not have actress to great off road you do in the NW . For me adventure riding is often riding few hundred Mile to area to ride the back roads to a see and experience new thing . I like some of the BDRs and most of those all can be done on 12:10 a larger bike . If I had some the riding avalable you do a small dual sport would a lot of sense. Keep up the good work with interesting topics.
I haven't done any off road riding in 25 years (I really miss it) but I can think of 2 mistakes new riders often make is gripping the bars to tight when the bike wants to dance and the other is braking in situations where giving more throttle is the better alternative.
Dropped a Suzuki DRZ 400 with passenger on my leg and broke it going less that 5 mph. That being said, I now have a KTM 890 adventure… the difference is night and day. More comfort, more power, but just as nimble off road. Low center of gravity is a game changer!
I bought a bike that was to heavy to pick up, so I went down in weight with the Honda 300L, and now I love it and I can pick it up!
You did a good job, you covered a lot of very common mistakes. I totally agree, with the protection and starting on a dual sport before buying a big ADV bike. Good job
I agree. My first car when I was 16 was a 40 HP VW Beetle. Lasted 4 mnths and wrecked. What if it was a Porsche Carrera? When your green or fresh you need to start slow and learn how to control. I started on a TTR 230 to learn dirt riding and so thankful I did and finally moved up to a WR 450F. Your video reminds me to slow down, thank you. Blessings
Great advice. I did the lean with the bike error. After decades of road riding I have to focus on changing my riding style when I transition from tar to dirt. One day after a series of great sealed twisties, with a distracted mind I crashed and broke foot and finger on the third easy dirt corner. I got a DRZ first before getting a large adventure tourer but loved the light bike so much kept both. Now have an awesome 701. The other mistake I made early on was not staying focused on the track ahead and where the front wheel was going. I slowed up on what looked like a smooth straight track and decided to look at the view. A rock or a root must have deflected my front wheel and I went over the top and broke my collar bone. I live and I learn 😅
'm the ADV rider who stays mostly on the road. But "a well maintained forest road" is also a road and me and my R1200GS are happy to ride those. Roads are for vehicles and off road is for hiking. Just a small comment on your excellent video.
Thanks again for your great content I race Motocross and drove a lot of dirt bikes and when I got my Africa twin I realized I was a little over my head even with my experience
That Norden footage…great stuff. Very tempting. You are a force for good in the Adv motorcycling world man. Thanks for doing what you do.
I've had my Gen 3 KLR for almost a year and have been dabbling in off-road terrain, especially since this is my first bike in general. I run Shinko 705s, so nothing to aggressive. I'm lucky enough to live in an area where the closest dirt road is 30 seconds from my house, but that area isn't a lot to work with so I've been running the same routes in there and learning what I can and can't handle to well. I feel if I threw some more aggressive tires on there I could push the envelope a little more and add more to my skill set and try and improve on it, however I mostly commute on it and hit gravel roads for fun when I can find some in my area. -- Agree 100% with training and think everyone should do it like you said, self taught or class taught, but to do it right and not bite off more than you can chew. I want to tour my state and area around me, but do not have the full gear nor do I have navigation (want a Zumo, but other stuff is more important), so I've spent the last year and will probably spend this next year getting more experience on two wheels before I decide to do any weekend trips or day trips far from home.