Adventure riding is an exhilarating and rewarding pursuit. It can take you off the beaten path, into a world of natural wonder and untamed beauty.

Learning to ride off-road on a large-capacity adventure bike can be tricky. It is much easier to learn on a lighter dual sport or dirt bike first.

Power

There are many different kinds of motorcycles, from pure motocross dirt bikes that you can fling off ramps like Evel Knievel to luxury long-distance moto-cruisers with enough comfort for a family road trip. Each type of bike has its own specific purpose and is best suited for certain types of terrain.

But, if you want to take your riding experience to the next level and truly become an adventurer, then you need something with more power. That’s where the adventure bike comes in.

Adventure bikes are designed for long rides on both road and dirt, so they usually have powerful engines that can deliver a lot of horsepower. They’re also built with a variety of features that make them more comfortable for off-road use.

This means that when you hit a bump or rut, the engine can deliver the extra power needed to help you ride over it without jarring your neck. This is especially useful if you’re on a long trip and your legs start to get tired.

One of the biggest challenges for new adventure riders is learning how to handle a heavy, large, and powerful motorcycle on rough terrain. This is why it’s important to take a training course or go on a training tour from an experienced instructor. They’ll teach you everything you need to know to ride a big and heavy adventure bike safely and efficiently on off-road trails.

Performance

Many motorcyclists find themselves in a rut of riding the same routes over and over again. Swapping your cruiser or cafe racer for an adventure bike can open up a whole new world of possibilities for you to explore.

Adventure bikes are built for rough terrain, with the tyres fitted to reflect this. The stock tyres will have a bias to road use, typically 80 / 20 or even 90 / 10. Swapping these out for more off-road tyres can make your bike much more suited for riding off the beaten track.

Aside from the tyres, if you plan to ride off-road on your adventure bike then it is a good idea to get familiar with the basics of how to control your bike. This will help you to ride safely and with more confidence. You will learn skills such as avoiding obstacles, target fixation and planning your lines. For example, if you stare at a scary rock you will likely hit it, but if you look through the obstacle to see what is beyond, you can take the puddle or rut in your stride.

It is also a good idea to always ride with someone else, especially if you are new to the sport. This gives you a safety net in case of a fall or if something goes wrong on the bike. This is particularly important when you start exploring more remote areas.

Comfort

Adventure riding can be very comfortable, and many ADV riders will tell you that is the key to getting the most out of their hobby. Aside from having a functional and well-maintained bike, there is little else required to participate in the sport. It requires a certain amount of self-restraint and a focus on exploration, not speed or the number of miles completed. The adventure riding community is very welcoming and excited to talk about routes, campgrounds, and other hidden gems around the corner. They’re also eager to share their knowledge of how to navigate difficult terrain and obstacles.

Bigger ADV motorcycles often feature long-travel suspension and a more luxurious seating position designed for long rides and overland travel. They may be heavier and less nimble off-road, but they offer more power for climbing hills, and more comfort features like cruise control and tire pressure monitoring.

On smaller ADV bikes, the seat is typically closer to the ground and more supportive. This means that the rider can feel more confident when navigating challenging terrain and obstacle crossings. It also makes it easier to stand on the pegs, a technique that is necessary for riding off-road. Standing helps to transfer weight down onto the feet and manipulate the bike to navigate rocky, muddy, or sandy sections of trail. It is the most efficient way to navigate difficult terrain.

Technology

Getting into adventure riding doesn’t have to break the bank. Smaller dual-sport motorcycles that can handle a wide range of terrain and road conditions are easier to ride than cruisers and may even be lighter on the wallet. For riders looking to go further and longer, larger ADV bikes offer more carrying capacity for camping and other gear. They also often come equipped with cruise control, tire pressure monitoring and other rider aides to help make the ride more comfortable.

No matter what you ride, it is important to find the right balance between power and agility. If you start off on too much of a high-performance bike, it will be hard to handle off-road. On the other hand, a lightweight bike will be difficult to control on rocky, uneven and gravel-covered surfaces. It is best to take a training course or join an adventure riding group to learn the basics of off-road riding before venturing out on your own. Professional off-road instructors can give you a solid foundation that no blog post or YouTube video will ever match.

In addition to being a fun way to spend time on your bike, adventure riding is also good for your mental health. Science has proven that motorcycling reduces stress and provides an intense sense of self-reliantness and sensory focus. This makes it a great hobby for those who want to clear their minds, relieve stress and experience life in a new way.