What is an adventure motorcycle ride?
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 มิ.ย. 2024
- You do not need to own a purpose-built adventure motorcycle to have a riding adventure. I travelled on overnight adventures on small road cruisers and scramblers until buying a Yamaha Tenere 700 adventure motorcycle in 2021. Riders have been traveling and camping on large Harley Davidson street bikes and small single-cylinder Honda bikes for many years.
Here are my thoughts on what it takes to go on a motorcycle adventure.
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Thanks Bruce.. You hit the point exactly. I've been riding since I was 15, but at age 60 I sold my Harley, and figured I was done riding.. Last year at age 64 I purchased a BMW G 310 GS. Small nimble and ready for adventure..
I considered buying the GS a few years ago (It's made in India where I reside) but my Enfield 500 refuses to give up even now after 12 years. 🙂
At 57 I sold my Harley and bought a Triumph Tiger 900 adventure bike. I'm having more fun than ever!!
Great video. I'm 66 and went from the T7 to the KTM 390 Adventure and it was the right move. 👍
For me I am past the point in my life for jumping a bike 10 feet high, extreme riding through single track, muskeg and up vertical cliffs like I did 30 yrs ago. So I went for the Motto Guzzi adventure bike, the "gentleman's " adventure bike. I like going on the forestry roads, gravel roads, seeing the old fire Lookout towers and enjoying the sites of the back country..... not trying to tame the back country. Adventure changes as we get older and stopping to smell the flowers can bring as much enjoyment than running over the flowers of youth.
I have two friends I ride with. One is 15 years my senior, he likes highways and stealth camping, the more illegal the better! The other guy is retired US Army, my age 60+ and mainly back roads and the word "camping" is not in his vocabulary, It's hotels or home. Me, my adventure is by myself, campgrounds or attending a far flung rally, slow and easy on any kind of road, but not trails on my 2022 KTM 390 Adventure. I like the simple solitude riding offers and having a front row seat at witnessing mother nature at her finest is what make my rides the adventures they are.
Your friend sounds like a trouble maker! Lol. Safe riding bubba.
Bruce: You have done a great job of describing the Adv Moto science. My last modern Bike was an 08 Yamaha WR250R upgraded to full Big Dog Mark Sampson specs. I wanted to do overnight camping from this bike and never needed speeds over 65 mph. I found the suspension to be plush and fuel mileage excellent. It still weighed 300 lbs loaded after removing all the nonessentials. Then something I hadn't planned for happened, I got old. couldn't, lift my leg high enough to get over the seat, too lazy to go to the gym or exercise. I am only 15 miles from the Nation Forest here in WA and will be 80 years old in May. I have found it is all about weight and balance and now have a couple stripped-down Yamaha XT225's. Not many sand washes to ride here as you find in the CA high desert, but powerline roads can be challenging.
So true! I'm just 47 and I used to ride really fast sports bikes, but now after I had a burnout and severe brain fatigue I love just getting out for an hour on the tiny gravel roads around where I live. Most often I ride super duper slow on the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 I have now, because my brain is slow, and just enjoy the sunshine and flowers and forest 🤗 But now and then on a good day I can enjoy going faster on a curvy paved road on it too. And I even took it a few laps around a dirt bike track, that was fun 😄 For my slow brain, it's good for everything I can manage to do 💞
I sold my crf 1000 l africa twin (2018) and bought ktm 390 adv spoke wheels. This bike really enjoy to ride. Light, agility and versatility. I love it.
Right on the mark. I am in the same space as you right now at 68. Had my supermotos and dukes over the years but bought a 390 adventure 3 years ago and I just love it. It keeps up at anything legal on the pavement, and is surprisingly capable in the bush trails. My idea of fun at this age is looking at a logging road and finding out where it goes without trying to prove that I can outride the latest x games champion.
I’m not sure what an adventure is anymore. 40 years ago, it might have been a day trip around Lake Tahoe, or maybe a run into San Francisco. A spin up around Lake Barressa perhaps. With no family or responsibilities other than show up to work on time, days off were a ride somewhere. Anywhere. Anywhere but dirt. I rode a brand new CB750K. Years before that, it was spending the day out in the dirt backroads of North Dakota on my trusty KE125. Might never get more than a few miles from the farm, but I was far from sitting on the couch. Now, it is an adventure to get on the bike with work and other responsibilities. But a trip up and down the beach on the Washington coast is fun. I ride a Kawasaki X300. Light, large fuel capacity, and a very capable of freeway riding if necessary. Of course the nearest freeway is 70 miles away.
Great video Bruce… You hit the nail on the head. Marketing is a powerful thing and it’s so easy to get sucked into the hype. It’s important to listen to one’s inner voice and be honest with ourselves. Enjoy Mexico 🇲🇽! I look forward to seeing your adventures from there. Thanks again “ 🙏🏻
Exactly the type of riding I prefer. I love stopping and exploring anything that looks interesting.
I like the point you make on why you shouldn’t let someone define your adventure. Your adventure is what you make and define. Don’t let anyone else influence that.
Every ride is an adventure; I ride my bike every chance I get, whether it's commuting or going to pick up a jug of milk. But I live for those multi-day trips that I take annually. Thanks for the video.
My adventure bike? Two wheels and fresh air. Anytime, anyplace.
I learned to ride on a CL350 at 13, in 1974. It was my uncles. They're neat bikes and I still want to pick one up. I keep watching craigslist for one to pop up.
I can relate to this, a street rider for years until recently. I purchased a 2021 Honda CB500X today, Has some added modifications to make it more ADV worthy. My idea of adventure closely resembles yours. I want to ride, explore, do some photography work and relax in nature.
I’m nearly seventyish and have been enjoying riding atop machine saddles for over half a century. I’ve enjoyed riding solo as a “Lone Ranger.”
Likewise, I’ve simmered down to midsize machines. I derive delight from reaching sweet spots and not racing. Saddle up and giddy up!
Really nice video. I can relate. I’m 65 and adrenaline highs are no longer really what I’m looking for. Fortunately I survived them back when I was younger. Now exploring is more enjoyable.
Same. I don't seek gnarly single-track or big rocks. I just want to explore and be able to get to where I want to go. Mostly involves tarmac and gravel roads. I'd like to check out the fire roads I hear about in the western U.S. I live in the Great Lakes region and while we have pretty scenery, it's all flat. I'd like some hills and mountains...
I bought my first motorcycle at 16, a Honda XL 175. I'm now 67 riding an r1250gs. You are spot on.
That was my first bike, too, in 1975! I had so much fun on that bike! I have an R1150RS, now...so, we've shared similar journeys, brother! Safe riding, brother! Actually, after thinking back on it for a moment, I had the CL175, the small twin, with the upswept pipes... Great bikes, both of them!
Excellent video! Every man has his own opinion about what is an adventure. At the end of the day, it’s not what you ride but that you ride.
As a 65+ guy, I bought a Honda adventure bike. It was an adventure getting home with it being as I got it stuck in 2 feet of mud and having it fall over. I was sore for 3 days. It was an adventure, all right. I’m not done, though,
YES, YES, YES, gaaaaa, well done, man!!! Why didn’t I get this video years ago. It’s how I’ve felt for years. I had a 600 lb. bike. I bought a bigger bike; but, it’s not what I wanted. I wanted to do exactly as you’ve described. You have given me hope. Thank you, for sharing this. From East Tennessee
For me an Adventure bike is not an offroad bike. Primarily it´s a bike capable for longer distance travel and with the luggage I might need. I want to feel comfortable on highways, gravel roads and some easy single tracks to a campspot or a lake.
I want to be able to travel far without worrying too much about fuel range.
An adventure is a challenge. Something that makes you go outside your own comfort zone. It will be different for you and me.
The first time travelling alone for a week not knowing where to sleep, will my bike break down, visiting a foreign country.
When you have struggled but managed to deal with the circumstances you will grow in confidence and as a person.
Any bike can be an Adventure bike.
went riding yesterday with my buddy who rides a Ninja, I have a TransALp, we have two entirely different idea of a fun ride. Mine, gravel, slow pace, stop to look - his fast, curvy on asphalt, get there quick. Yes we can still enjoy each other's company but have two views of an adventure./ Thanks for your thoughts on the subject, enjoyed it.
Purchased my first bike a CRF250 Rally in 2017 aged 57. My usage and riding has changed somewhat and now I'm an adventure rider🤔 I done vids from my first ride through to now...great fun 👍
Now in my 70's,it's an adventure every time i come to a stop(XR650).But stubborn as i am,i love the bike.
Thanks for reality side , specially for fellows like me 70+ years 😊
Thank you for sharing. What I've most appreciated is the diversity approach and the space for different expectations and differences in general. Keep enjoying your adventures.
I went through the same path as you did. Got rid of my T7 for a 300 CRF Rally. And once the suspension has been sorted out, it is so much better on and off road. 16 000kms later, I have no regret and I'm planning to go on some long trip with it once retiring next year. Ride safe
I really enjoy your videos. I have been riding motor bikes since 1963 with my first camping experience in 1964 2 up on a 650 BSA was to Mt Kosciusko, Australia. I took up riding again when I retired with a focus on camping. Realising that the KLR650 was too heavy to lift up a few years ago, I replaced it with a KTM 390 adventure. At 78, I still enjoy riding and camping, although I leave the more challenging trails alone.
My 85 year old Dad’s first motorcycle is a Honda CT 125 trail bike. His adventure bike.
Congrats on the 390!
For your description of needs it seems perfect.
I started on CRF dual sports at age 43 (47 now) and added the mighty 901 Norden Expedition a year ago.
I ride everywhere as I live in the blue ridge mountains of NC near the TN border. The weight of 901 is great on the road but going slow on mountain trails is less and less fun and the lighter dual sports rule in this scenario. So I find myself on my 300L or my trusty 450RL more and more with less worry of tip overs and such.
I like KLIM’s statement on the tag of their jeans…It’s not what you ride, it’s that you ride.
Ride what ya got and enjoy!
Life is short.
The good times even shorter.
🏍️💨
I love the KTM 390 Adventure! On twisty gravel/dirt backroads this bike is 100% pure fun!
Absolutely agree with your definition of an adventure ride. I mostly take day rides in the forests and backroads around Coos Bay Oregon. I have a Suzuki DRZ400 dual sport which seems to fit my needs about as good as one can expect, the only downside is it’s a tall bike but I’ve gotten used to it. I’m 65 250 Lb man with a body thats just not agile as it once was. It’s nice to get out and see the scenery, almost exclusively solo.
Good video, thanks. I bought a 390 Adventure right at the end of riding season. Last year. Now I sit here waiting for my new hip to grow in. Hopefully by June I will get back in the saddle. What little I did ride the bike last year I really liked the size of it. I am selling my Vstrom and I will be happy with the 390.
Good choice!
Thanks for the stroll down Memory Lane, Bruce! My two cents: if you stay on pavement, you're on a Road Trip. Nothing wrong with that and it may be an adventure for you. Since there are more unpaved than paved roads in the world, having a bike that can negotiate those roads makes those bikes more capable to explore the "road less taken". Be honest with your risk level, your riding skills, your willingness to make repairs (be self-reliant) and your camping / housing options each night. Find the bike that meets those needs.
I'm pretty much with you on this view of adventure motorcycling. Your story brings back many happy memories of rides back when motorcycles were simpler with many fewer choices. Some of those memories are "supercharged" in that they take me back to a spectacular moment or view or sensation. And now we're still making more memories. (My Honda CL305 is now a Kawi KLR650.) We are so lucky and blessed to be motorcyclists. Thank you!!
I’m 75 and still on my 2010 BMW 1200GS that I bought new. I have nearly 100,000 trouble free miles on it with about 30,000 miles of that on dirt and gravel roads. I could see myself needing a smaller/lower bike in the near future so I bough a Royal Enfield Interceptor 650 that I converted to a scrambler.
My first bike was a Honda 90 and later had a Honda 305 Scrambler. I’ve probably owned 30 bikes or so.
My adventure are 3 wheel and back country paved road ... with not a real destination in mind , this summer I have a few planned outing for a few days exploring out lying area, I never had the chance to do the back road as you describe since I live in the big city and just to get to the back country is already and adventure .... great video Alain & Yellow
Had the same bike, a 1966 C110, real gas tank and frame. 35 to 40 did it. Probably would have been safer at 10mph less. But never an issue. back and forth hundreds of times on my street. Good to see you out and about. Coming up on three weeks Tuesday after my knee surgery. Progressing very well. Walking, driving, maybe a bike ride later this week.
Thanks for a great little video, you hit the nail on the head. I have a Honda CB500X for exactly the same reason as you. Keep it up 👍🏻🙂❤🇿🇦
Best commentary I've seen on this subject. Adventure is purely a marketing term. Like this fellow, I started as a teenager in 1970 on a broken down Honda 50 Stepthrough and as I approach 70 its all about light weight, hence ownership of a KTM500 and 690. I'm going to get rid of one bike and it looks like the 690 will go, despite its electronics, relative quietness and ample power. The 500 is at least 40kg lighter and because I trailer the bike, I don't care about highway prowess.
In my early adult years, it was only about trail bikes for the dirt but anything now qualifies. I have also moved away from group rides for a multitude of reasons, all explained here. I'm still looking forward to the HOnda Goldwing Adventure to come out and we will have reached the peak of the silly marketing craze.
Love this video and your channel. I’m 58 and I started riding in 2019. The aspect that I like the most is that you don’t cave into some of the popular viewpoints and perspectives. You are who you are and share your experiences. I have a CRF250L and my favorite adventures are riding around the rural back roads near my house.
Hi bud. Good video man!
My adventure riding is riding by myself with my Honda CRF 250L.
I usually go in the woods in the morning for a really slow ride. I stop whenever I want for some water, snacks and lunches.
I also take pictures and videos... Then I return home to wash my bike and get ready for the souper with my wife.
This year I finally got my motorcycle license, it will be different... I'm finally legal on the roads as well.
I like to keep it simple.
Have a good day sir.
Nice vid and comments, i know its hard to find follrr vid but seeing the bmws enter thst parking area gave me feelings of dejavu. Feelings of dejavu. Feelings of dejavu😅
50 plus here and love adventure riding........ just give me a dirt road and thats all I want. Had a 300l but it was scary on the freeway. So picked up a 23 390 and love it. Also not heavy when I dump it off road. Had a KLR but way to heavy.
Enjoyed your video a lot. I also enjoy travelling on a lighter bike. I ride a 100 CC Bajaj platina bike which gives me superb fuel economy around 70km per 01 ltr. And its long seat has ample space for my wife and daughter too. Love From Sri Lanka 🏳🌈
This man gets it. Pop on two wheels and go have your adventure. I started 9 years ago at the age of 40 with a Yamaha TMAX super scoot. I currently have four rides and my stable now. And a few have come andgone, but the T-Max has always remained. I had a lot of resistance from family and friends when I bought that big scooter. I did my own thing anyways. And I still get grief over it from time to time. Some people just can't even fathom why someone would ride a big scooter lol alongside it I have a DRZ that I've adventurized, a fuel efficient Honda NC750X, and a brand new 4-day old triumph scrambler 400X. Let the summer adventures commence! PS At some point I would like to own an original old school trail 120. A definite bucket list item. In another 20 years that might be the only thing that I can lift lol
That's the one in my garage 😊. Not too heavy, no tech, no abs, but the necessary equipped areas like tires, suspension, and fuel deposit...capable to go where no man has gone before 💪
A little over 50 years ago, my dad bought me my first motorized bike. It was a little red mini-bike with a 3.5 hp B&S engine. Soon after receiving it, I devised a plan to load up camping gear and ride to places unknown. My mom vetoed that idea down in a heartbeat, and being that I was only 13 years old, that was a good decision on her part. But that is my paradigm of adventure. I love old country roads and exploring new places. Once I got lost in my in my own county and had to use a gps to get home. One time I crossed a wide river on a bridge I'd never been on before. The wind was blowing so hard I had to really lean into it I laughed all the way across. That's adventure. An afternoon or a week, I just love finding new places, learning new things, and enjoying the freedom of doing on my bike.
Fantastic video! I am 61 and like you I have ridden since I was 10. Raced motocross into my later teens and my first road bike was a 72 CB550. I never fell for the Harley cult status or the large group rides. I prefered to tour on daily outings solo or with the wife as a passenger. A couple of years ago I sold my Goldwing and replaced it with a 2021 CRF 300 Rally. The Rally is great but under powered for the highway sections of adventure I currently ride. I've just purchased a 2024 Honda Transalp and I am looking forward to this years riding. My idea of adventure riding mirrors yours. Safe travels.
Allan
As a fellow senior rider, I too have a different view of what constitutes an adventure ride from what is often portrayed on social media platforms. My adventures are what I refer to as 'Backyard Adventures', rides I can accomplish in a day or a long four-day weekend. They entail as much off-road riding as possible, but as I generally ride solo, I temper it with reality so as not to put myself in jeopardy, and include camping when possible.
Enjoying your posts and your perspective on motorcycling. Keep the shiny side up.
Spot on Bruce, doing the sort out at the moment.
I agree totally with your comment about NOT buying a big on specs alone. You need to ride bikes to find your own "sweet spot". What might look good on specs might be a horrible fit and ride. As I age, slower riding (and weight of the bike) is more of an adventure. Currently I ride a Himalayan. So far, it's a great fit for me and my riding style.
I just bought a 2020 KTM 390 for the same reasons, Light weight, easy to maneuver and easy to pick up if and when you lay it down.
It is correct Bruce, I started in a CB100 from 1974, in that time the perfect motorcycle for adventure, 7 years ago I bought an Africa Twin, I been doing offroad, perfect for adventures but is a heavy motorcycle, for a solo motorcycle trip, I think is better a lighter motorcycle. I restored an XR600R, (260 pounds) in which I'm planning to make AZBDR this year... thanks for your videos, keep going please!
Awesome look back:
So many parallels with me, we're twins unawares my Brother !
At 01:55 that appears to be a Honda 500 Ascot, yes ?
I test rode / nearly bought that exact model & color bike circa 1984 !
I now rock a 2008 V-Strom 650 and it's all I'll probably ever need, maybe just larger side bags, crash bars and tires for mixed surfaces.
She's the best bike I've had by leaps & bounds !
Yes it is. 500cc thumper.
@@MySeniorMoments
Thought so.
The one I test rode was owned by an out of state student from Oregon, it was in San Diego at Christian Heritage College, had to be circa 1984, bike was mint condition.
I think he had even ridden it down from Oregon but was needing a car / leaving motorcycle commuting life.
(Not unfamiliar territory, eh ?)
Problem was, I was too.
More into cars (you could take girls & buddies out lol)
I had already owned a 1980 Yamaha DT250 Enduro & Honda ATC250R.
(the former, the best all around bike I've ever ridden, hands down. The latter, a terrifyingly fast Lawsuit at the ready, on Fat tires !)
Ah, the memories. I had started on Dirt bikes (Hodaka 80 & RM250), and for fun we'd hit the Sand Dunes at world renowned Glamis, or the Painted Desert trails.
Once I met my to be wife, all that "single guy / youth group" fun gave way to a new but greatly differing reality.
Which didn't include motorcycles of any kind.
She liked water, so we did Jet Skis for a bit. The JS550 Kawasaki being the "Thumper Enduro" of the Lakes & Rivers !
Those things were a total blast, I'd have one again if possible.
Sorry for rabbit trailing, funny how one picture of familiarity can bring forth such memories.
Ride safe my friend !
David in East Texas
Great analysis! I think you have found the answer
I have a 73 cl350 ive been using for exactly what you describe you did back then. If I can tolerate the frustration and effort that comes with planning, recording, and editing, I may get around to making some videos, but like you, I prefer having no set obligation beyond enjoying and wandering, haha.
Edit "dome" to "some"
It's the adventure that matters, not the bike. That said, my R1150RS is, 😂, of course, the BEST bike you could EVER hope to head out on a roadway adventure on, 👍,while the KTM, anything, (I really like the 390 Adventure), is great for a good mix of roadway/offroad adventures. The BIG BIKE, late model BMW G/S's, are just too unwieldy. If I still had my R80G/S, I'd say that is the best all rounder, but like an idiot, I sold it after putting 75,000 miles on it.... All kidding aside, any bike can be a blast! One of the best, most fun, and most memorable summers I ever had on a bike was with my friends Honda 90 scooter, after his parents showed up to my house one day, and gave it to me for the summer, because my bud had done something to piss them off.... He didn't say what it was, and neither did they, nor did I ask: I just wanted to have the bike for the summer, the summer of my 16th year on earth! He didn't have to miss riding his scooter, because every single day that summer, we went out riding, and took turns at the helm riding it! We went to the beach, up to the mountains, out to the desert over Angeles Crest/Angeles Forest Rd, and just generally had the most awesome summer, on a Honda 90! It was a blast! There are videos on YT of folks who've ridden their Honda 90 Scooters from Alaska to the southern tip of South America, and those are a hoot to watch, so, any bike can give you the adventure of a lifetime, and besides: you never have to "grow up" as long as you ride, and can stay, forever young! Thanks for the video, bro! God bless, and safe riding!! This will be my 57th summer on a bike, the last 7 on my RS, and I can hardly wait until all the snow melts up here in the PNW!!
Good to see you out here still gettin' it. Just made 46 and I hope to get as far as you young man
Any bike you can strap gear too is an adventure bike .
Great commentary on ADV riding, and I really enjoy watching your rides in S. Oregon! Being 68, I found that handling a VStrom 650 on double track jeep trails isn’t easy, possibly dangerous given that I ride by myself, and decided to “downsize”. Seriously considered the KTM 390, however I purchased an Aprilia 660 instead, which to me is a downsize in terms of lower weight and center of gravity. Maybe in 7 yrs from now I’ll be on a 390! Looking forward to your next videos.
I live in Australia, I'm 64 and have been riding since I was 17 and for me the best adventure bike is one with shaft drive and a sidecar for exactly all the reasons you gave. I can carry everything I need in the sidecar and go just about anywhere I want without having to worry about dropping the bike and then having to try to pick it up. I have had a couple of bikes with this setup and I now own a 1982 Honda VF 750 Magna which is getting a sidecar fitted just for these reasons. I think my uncle, who was a farmer, said it best many years ago. He had a top of the range Ford Fairlane which he would use to carry all sorts of stuff in. When he was asked why his answer was " If I can't use it for everything I need it of no use to me".
To me an adventure bike is the one that fits my needs (and me) for the ride I'm going on. I have two bikes, a large street bike (Victory Cross Country) and a smallish dual-sport, or what we used to call an enduro bike. A mild dirt bike that has all the lights and horn to be legal for street riding. A DRZ400s. I did a lot of research before deciding on the DRZ and for me it's the sweet spot for my local and maybe not so local road/offroad rides I want to do with it. I am lowering it 1" to fit my 30" inseam better.
You are spot on what constitutes an adventure, everyone has a different idea. It is a personal choice. I have a Z400 and have a blast on it! I take it on the back country roads and freeway. I found smaller bikes are a kick in the pants and when I get off the bike, I have a smile on my face. In the end, enjoy what you have.
An adventure motorcycle ride is whatever you make of it... IMO it absolutely could be the ride to Starbucks for some folks and I'll not make fun of them... I've had what I'd absolutely call an ADV tour with nearly zero dirt (all the way up to a 12,000 mile month of fast canyon carving all over the US on a Multistrada with sticky rubber)... and I've had them nearly all dirt (weeks on the TAT or weekend BDR sprints on my built lightweight adv focused 701 enduro). I've had them when I stayed in a hotel every night because I was never far from civilization and I've had them when I was camping most of the time because there were no hotels anywhere near me. Can't put ADV in a box!
First bike was minibike 1974 - not really a motorcycle. But then I got a Honda ct70....whoa, hot, auto clutch, etc al! Now, it is a BMW R1200RT at age 60. I can say - it takes a lot more skill to ride adv. But I just love both tar and dirt!....Just need to be more careful these days! 🤪 Riding is my second love. I have even told myself that if I make it to 70 yo, I will start riding without a helmet..... Finally!
Wonderful video !!! Very well done. Congrats on the success of your channel !!! - I'm 62 - Been riding since I was about 5. You are more correct than you realize... Remember "THEN CAME BRONSON" ????? - I just got back from a 2 hour ride out in the Arizona Desert - on THE MIGHTY SUZUKI DR 650 !!! - And you are also correct about the $30,000 BMW ADV bike's at Star Bucks - I've never seen one off road out here in the AZ desert....
Cheers Mate !!! "subbed" 🙂
We have travel similar paths! I started on a Honda CL70 then up to Honda CL360 while in high school back in the late 70’s. Along the way while stationed at Patrick AFB, FL I had a Kawasaki KZ1100 with the Vetter package. I went bikeless all way until 2010 when I bought my first Harley…a 2009 Deluxe with 9,000 rental miles. It was a beautiful turquoise and antique white. In 2011 I went down to FL during Bike Week and rented a Harley Ultra…I was hooked. I’ve had my 2011 Harley Ultra LTD ever since. Now I’m looking at retiring at the end of March (yeah, 2 more weeks!!!) and I’m wondering what adventures I’ll be on…and whether they’ll involve the bike. The point being…any ride, drive, hike can be an adventure if it strays from the normal life activities. Doesn’t matter what you ride or drive….just do it! Great video!!!
And there it is, very well said.
I was thinking the same thing myself, but got stuck here, at the definition of adventure: an unusual and exciting, typically hazardous, experience or activity.
I checked out the thesaurus and started to wonder if I was actually doing experience rides. Experience: an event or occurrence that leaves an impression on someone.
Like you I started riding early, mini bikes in the early 70’s, dirt bikes, then street bikes. It was always a great experience. My street bikes never were equipped for camping so it was credit card, toothbrush and a few supplies. I did camp once though, on a 76 Suzuki 750 Water Buffalo. I bought the bike on a Sunday about 300 km away. Then drove it to Vancouver, two up, and we actually camped that night, July 13, 1977. My one camping bike event. Then I drove to Seattle on July 15, 1977 in mostly pouring rain. I was travelling with two friends in a car. Long story short, I hopped into the car and a buddy rode the bike as we looked for a hotel. Five minutes later the bike was totalled on a steep downhill. Compound fracture of my buddy’s leg, I sold the bike for parts, BUT still made the Led Zeppelin concert.
I did not camp on a motorcycle again till July 15, 2016 - 39 years and 2 days later on the Dempster highway on my first experience/adventure ride aboard a Ducati 1200 Multistrada.
I did love that bike except for the servicing ($$$$) and it really was not fit for purpose. I was travelling with a friend on a BMW 1200 GSA and that bike looked like it belonged there. Mine looked like a bit of a poser with its plastic panniers.
I had that bike for about 3 years when the engine started to fail. I soul searched for a while, threw the fantasy ideas out the window and bought a Honda CB500X and built it up with the Rally Raid Kit.
It is virtually perfect for me and like your experience I do tend to travel alone so reliability and being able to pick it up, is handy. I miss 140 HP, but 50 is fine.
Thanks for the video and stories.
Many good points here, thank you. You are not alone in your experience or desires for the future. All the best.
Very good points 👍
Like you my first bikes were small displacement (Honda CA92, CL175, XL250) and the XL250 was my favorite and my first new off the showroom one. Now that I am much older I still had the yearning to ride again. I tried a BMW R80-RT and R65. I liked the R65 better of the two BMWs, but they were old and needed more work than I wanted to do on them.
I was intrigued by the Africa Twin - bought a 2016 silver (not the gaudy red/white/black). I bought in new off the showroom floor in April 2017 and paid a very good price for it The modern technology was wonderful. I did imagine taking several long distance adventure rides. This bike is great for that.
But I like going off the beaten track and the Africa Twin is heavy and I consider dropping my bike on the primitive almost roads part of the joy in my adventures. With a short inseam, I was on my tiptoes when stopping. I did add a lowering kit that makes a significant difference leaving my firmly on the balls of my feet. I am in my early 70s now and not as nimble as I was back several decades ago. I haven't put that many miles in the 7 years I have owned it.
I did find a 1974 XL250 as a project bike. But I like the new technology. It is for a fun project verses a daily rider. I did long for the enjoyment of my first brand new XL250.
The CB500X fits my needs much better. It feels light and nimble. I added a top case, Bark Busters, and bigger foot pegs. The engine is closer to a 450 than 500 but larger than the XL250 that struggled to get past 70 with the much lighter me. The CB500X power is quite sufficient to move the "much greater" me easily on the interstate yet remains light enough for my backroads and unimproved "roads". The 2023 year has the built-in designs for light off-roading more than the past years' models.
My versions of adventure riding are much like yours. So is my story. This was a good video helping me come to grips that bigger is not always better.
I love the CB 500x! It’s definitely on my short list for this riding season.
Excellent video. I'm right there with you. I learned my lesson about a big heavy overloaded motorcycle and not being able to pick the damn thing up...especially at my 69 years of age. I'm looking for a DR 650 to ride all the back roads of Ecuador and stay in little communities (spread the money around). I have greatly reduced the size and weight of my gear...I think I've got it dialed in now. By the way, what is the tent that I see in the video?
Get the DR650. I just got one, age 63. Love it and will never get rid of it. Ride safe.
Bisinnna 2 Person Green Nylon Camping Tent for Mountaineering, Hunting and Traveling a.co/d/1TTFo31
Thank you regarding the tent. I will check it out.
Nicely presented and worthwhile informational viewpoints.
Graeat video and a timely one as I am considering buying a new one after riding my first and only bike - Enfield Classic 500- is 12 years old now (I rode scooters as local transportation for 30 years before that). I have ridden the bike on occasional long tours plains and in some of the roughest parts of the Himalayas in India and Nepal (same territory where Ictchy Boots started). I started riding at at 42 and even though last years was rough due to the broken back, I still managed a ride in the earthquake raveged North Indian mountains. Hope to keep doing it for a long time. Look me up if you are ever in New Delhi.
Great Channel Bruce. Fabulous content, I had your starter bike as my second bike, lol, it had knobby tires on it, lol.many years later i have a 2017 Africa Twin DCT and a 2016 CRFL Honda, look forward to more of your adventures.
I've been riding on the road for 50 years and unlicensed off road for 10 years. I've done a lot of off road riding, vintage motocross and enduro in the 1980's on a 1974 modified Yamaha DT400, I still have it. I have a 1988 HD Lowrider, had it since 1989. I used it on dirt roads to get to motorcycle rallies in the 1990's, equivalent to what adventure riding is these days. We didn't the fancy ADV bikes then, there was just the BMW R80GS back then. I still have the Lowrider, it is a bit modified now, hotted up, and has a sidecar.
In March 2023, brought a 2022 HD Pan Am Special, Enthusiast Collection, the army green version. I didn't buy it to go off road riding, I brought it as an All Roads Sports Tourer.
I love power, the Low Rider is a beast, with a hot cam, V&H shotgun pipes, massive carburettor, and it pumps out the horse power, at the expense of using a lot of fuel, lol.
The Pan Am has ridiculous power, but it has the modes to drop the power back from 150hp to either 130hp, 117hp or 80hp; and I run modes that use the 105hp, 117hp and 80hp. I appreciate what you are saying about having a smaller bike, I joined an ADV club, have been on a couple of rides, one on some very rough single trail areas, it took all my skills to not fall off and was too much work on the big Pan Am. If I want to go on more of there rides, I will need to get a smaller ADV.
I'm not selling the Pan Am, I love it and the tech that it has. I use it 90% on the sealed roads, and most of my riding is commuting in the city on our freeways, so I like the power to be able to get out of the way of stupid car drivers, everyone in the city drives too close together.
As to what is adventure riding, I think any decent ride somewhere is an adventure ride.
Regarding ADV bikes, I think they are fantastic, the roads in Australia are pretty rough, I've been bottoming out normal bikes for 50 years, and my Pan Am soaks up the pot holes and rough roads like a dream.
Enjoyed! Thanks Mate,very honest reflection.🏍🏍
Great video, adventure is what you make it!
An adventure motorcycle ride, IMHO, is any ride where you stretch a bit out of your comfort zone. Not so much to be seen as overly risky behavior. But enough to force you to learn something new. It could be a longer road ride than you are used to. An overnight trip. First time off pavement. Tackling a hill you have not done before. Venturing out onto sand. Whatever it takes challenge yourself a bit. And the type of motorcycle you do it on is irrelevant.
you are right , you dont need large engine's to go from point A to B , But i will say if you fall in a lonely area with any bike you should be able to pick it up on your own , But going off road you need to light ,But if you are doing a lot of asphalt riding , then you need a biger engine, between 450cc to 1000 cc or more you get the point
If it quickens the soul, and/or moves the spirit, it’s an adventure!
“It only takes 14hp to circumnavigate the planet, everything else is wheel spin”
🙏🏻
Great video. Glad the KTM390 is working out for you and is a better fit. I finally got a T7 last fall and rode it through the winter :-) Hopefully I can keep adventure riding for many many more years. You're an inspiration buddy. Keep it up.
So true you have nail it a fantastic video 👌💯👍
Guess and adv-bike is the one you use when in the adventure mindset. Kudos for finding your bike. Even adv/touring, as you say, sports so many different preferences so there is no best bike. I'm on a 900 now, but as the long trips wind down (and my age up) I think I'll swap to something more manageable myself. Thank you for sharing.
When I saw your video after you bought that T7, I had a feeling it would be going away lol. I like your ultimate choice, the 390 is a great bike.
I ended up with a CRF300L, you're right it's not great on the highway, but then again I don't like riding that way so it all works out. My "adventure" rides consist of exploring some old ghost town road, there's plenty of those in BC where I live. So smaller pavement roads, then graded dirt roads. Nothing hard core if I can help it.
Good choice for your style of adventure.
I too am a retired rider looking to do some adv riding and motorcycle camping. Your videos will be very helpful in preparing for this.
Good story ... thanks.
I'm with you on this. If I had a high performing GS, I wouldn't have taken it out on the dirt, much less an adventure when they cost US$ 68k in my country. At 35 in a junior role, no adventure is worth it to return home to a financial disaster.
I had way more fun on 125cc rental clunkers that I had no attachment to, that I could actually afford to be brazen with.
Glad to hear you didn’t get caught up in the marketing hype.
Noticed you have a Puig windscreen on the 390. I tried different brands without any comfortable coverage until I got the Givi Airflow. Definitely different looking, but it does the job without flexing like the Puig, because it does away with that one screw mounting bracket. And it’s adjustable even while riding.
Spot on 😊👍
I totally agree
An adventure motorcycle ride is when you get on a powerful machine, take it off road, and mess up some of the earth that we humans haven't destroyed yet. Ford streams and silt over fish eggs. Cause incredible erosion. Make lots of noise in pristine wilderness. Make any wildlife who are left flee. WHAT FUN!!!
I have followed you for a while especially, when you bought the 390 Adventure, which is what I'm riding. I have selected it due to its weight, and single-rider-ability, even though I have 30" inseam, making me the short rider. Riding local mountains, I rarely found the bike to be too tall for me, but admittedly, I have tipped over many times (on the trails, not the roads) just to get a good laugh, easily pick up the bike and hit the road with joy.
It it interesting that you have switched from T700 to KTM 390ADV, which is the vice-versa of Matt ADV, who (didn't switch from 390 but from BMW1250) but did bought his T700. It would be awesome to have you guys compare your notes, and maybe organize T7/390 ride for your followers, it would be awesome?
Kinda in the same boat. 72/3, Super Tenere & KTM 500 exc. Always looking for the light weight twin with off road capabilities. No luck yet!
If u want an New one...........
Take a Look for the the new Himi Sherpa. 1Zyl., 450cc, 40 HP, 190 kg, watercooled.
Aviable here in Germany for less than 6000€ in April or May.
ktm 390 adventure is a nightmare to work on with that trellis frame.