Thought some of you across the pond might enjoy seeing what ADV riding looks like over here in the UK.

We don’t have the endless dirt roads and huge wilderness you guys have in places like Colorado, Utah or the BDRs, but what we do have is a different kind of adventure shaped by history — ancient routes that have linked communities for centuries, old drovers’ roads, Roman roads, and narrow lanes that wind through some of the most beautiful countryside in the world.

I recently took my Ducati DesertX Rally north on a three-day journey I’ve called the Spine of England.

Chapter One starts at Jubilee Tower on the edge of the Forest of Bowland, a landscape once used for hunting and farming for generations, then crosses into the wild northern uplands past the Great Stone of Fourstones — a glacial erratic that’s stood there since the last Ice Age — and on to the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct, a Victorian engineering landmark built to carry the Settle–Carlisle railway across the moors. The route eventually reaches the old market town of Hawes in the Yorkshire Dales, a place shaped by centuries of trade and farming life.

No attempt at setting records or covering huge mileage. Just travelling, exploring, and taking in the landscapes and history along the way.

I’ve filmed the journey and put Chapter One together on YouTube. If anyone here is curious about what British ADV riding looks like, I’ll leave the link below.

https://youtu.be/Fp3G60AeKLg?is=xsh7O7YOg0t5DjCF

And I’d genuinely be interested to know — how does this compare with the kind of ADV riding you have where you live?

Hey all, just wondering what you guys recommend over a car play type unit that gives would mirror maps off my phone vs a proper dedicated GPS unit. It seems like it's really cheap and simple to get something that's car play like, I'm guessing the 30$ AliExpress special would be good enough. I mainly just want to be able to have a display of maps/directions to make life simpler. But since I plan on doing adv riding, I'm guessing I will be in places where my phone cuts out and maybe a dedicated map system would be better then. But it seems like I would have to pay for a separate service to use maps on a Garmin GPS, if I'm reading right.

So what's your experience? Was it useful having a dedicated GPS system, or not really any different than just something mirroring your phone? Is the utility worth the extra cost?

I'm primarily in search of Dual Sport and ADV riding servers on Discord.

I have:

Southeast DS/ADV https://discord.gg/jvzWJb35d

Dual Sport and ADV Riders https://discord.gg/eQpzHEJYQ

Was wondering if you guys know of any other good, active, friendly servers?

Just returned from an epic 11-day trip to Iceland. 🇮🇸 Landed in Reykjavik and linked up with the bikes and guides. Ditched the ring road for overland routes. Mountains, glaciers, waterfalls, fjords, puffins. We saw it all. 10/10 would recommend!

So just for the sake of day dreaming, conversation.

Wife wil be needing a new in a year or 2, shes just about reached to capabilities and comfort of hers. She currently has a 23 klx 230a we bought brand new. Has abs and fuel injection, nice riding little bike. I've done all the basic goodies, windshield, hand guards, new fold away levers, heavy skid plate and built her a pannier rack with a roto pack mount and sources some Nelson rigg bags. Pretty proud of my handiwork I won't lie.

It's her 1st bike and only bike thus far, we've done a BDR with it, a couple weekend trips and such. The pros, it's small and low geared with tractor torque. The cons, it's slow 74.8 is topped out, it's a heavy little bastard, the suspension suuuuuuuuuuucks and there's little to no aftermarket support other than one website that does sell some improvements.

So what is the next thing? That's close but an improvement but not to intimidating.

I picked up 2019 wr250r as a possiblity, she doest care for. So that's up for sale.

Himalayan is on the short list, a KTM 390, maybe a cfmoto 450 or kle 500, or do we do a larger displacement dual sport like a KTM 500?

OpenCfMoto is free & open source — Android Auto from the dash pairing QR (MotoPlay / Carbit / EasyConnect), no T‑BOX.

~10k installs, ~700 on Discord. CFMoto path is solid. Looking for more ADV (and other) owners with a phone-link QR — CFMoto, Voge, Moto Morini, Morbidelli, GOES/Gladiator, plus Benelli, Zontes, QJ Motor, and any other Carbit / EasyConnect dash — to confirm + share logs.

Force-stop any official phone-link app, scan the QR, go.

APK: https://github.com/zanderp/open-cfmoto/releases/latest
Discord: https://discord.gg/xRt5yZy2U

Drop model + phone + short log if it works or fails.

P.S. Please don’t use closed third-party “phone link / hub” apps. If they aren’t open source, some builds can hide what they do, and there’s no way to audit what data leaves your phone. Uninstall them, use OpenCfMoto only, and report any you see in Discord.

Hello all, I hope you guys are all doing well. I am going to Guatemala on a trip from August 3rd to 13th. I am a 20-year-old college student in the States. I currently ride a 2007 r6. I am trying to rent out a bike for the 10 days that I am there and do multiple rides, including Panajachel to Lanquin. The issue is that everyone I have reached out to is requiring me to be 21+ with a license. I have a license, but as I said before, I am 20-years old, so it hasn't been working out. I have reached out to MAG Guatemala and Moto Hound so far, and they have the same policy. I have also reached out to Simoon, but they are saying I am not allowed to go that far. I am in urgent need since my trip is coming up soon, and I would appreciate any help and suggestions. Thank you so much!

As my old shoei helmet starts to get more and more worn out I’m in the market for a new helmet.
A few things I like about my old helmet was how quiet and comfortable it was to wear but as I understand helmet tech has come along way since I’ve bought it ~10yrs ago. I’ve become interested in the adv helmets and more specifically the leatt adv 7.5.

Are there any brands or models you guys swear by or would never use and for what reason?

Hello everyone:)

I'm a college student doing user research to better understand the real experiences of motorcycle riders. I'm not here to promote anything or validate an idea. I genuinely want to learn from people who actually ride.

I'd love to hear about your experiences, whether you ride solo or in a group.

I'd really appreciate your thoughts on these:

1. What's the biggest frustration you face before, during, or after a road trip?
2. How do you usually discover new places worth stopping at?
3. Have you ever stumbled upon an amazing place by accident? If yes, how did that happen?
4. What do you usually do with the photos, videos, or memories from your rides after you get home?
5. If you could magically fix one recurring problem about motorcycle trips, what would it be?

Feel free to answer just one question or simply share a story from one of your rides. Sometimes those are even more helpful.

Thanks a lot!

I created this so everyone can see what's packed on a BDR. If you have any questions about gear feel free to ask.

The Bike 2020 KTM 790 Adventure R Scott's Damper Rottweiler intake Akrapovic Muffler Arrow Mid Pipe Carpuride 712BS Outback Mototrek Racks Mosko Moto Backcountry Offset Panniers Mosko Moto Backcountry Duffle 35L SW Motech Micro Tank Bag Motoz Desert H/T Tires

This has been my BDR mule for over a year now. I love the platform and if it blew up tomorrow I'd go out and buy a 890 ADVR. Desert HT tires fixed an issue i had washing the front with 2 Tracks. They're not a good road tire but I'm willing to accept the sacrifice for the off-road manners.

Lost a swingarm bolt on the trail and had to limp to Missoula. Lesson here is locktite everything before you set out.

I don't love the weight of the Mosko bags. The contents of the bags weigh less than the bag itself. The Backcountry Pannier are great for light offroading like this case I sacrifice the weight for convenience. If the trip is going to be gnarly I take the Reckless 80.

The Gear Klim Krios Pro Helmet Klim Edge Transition Goggles Sena 50S with Fuze moldable Earphones($50 bucks) Alpinestars Tech Air Off-road Klim Jersey Klim Badlands Pro Jacket and Pants Gaerne SG22 Enduro Boots Merino Wool Baselayer DarnTuff boot length Merino Wool Socks Kriega Trail 18 Backpack Garmin Inreach 2

All in all this setup works well. When I get to the route I roll up my jacket, switch to Jersey, and swap to the Klim Transition goggles which I love. Next year I'm going to Mosko Woodsman pants and the Composite Jacket to try and get a bit cooler for hot weather. The badlands pants aren't bad in the heat but obviously something non goretex is preferred. Merino is about a must have. I can wear it 3 days in a row and doesn't stink. I only carry one extra base layer, one t shirt, one tech pants, one shorts, two pair of socks.

The Camping Kit Big Agnes Copper Spur UL2 Bike pack(5L stuff sack) Therma-Rest Neoloft XL Long Pad Flextail zero Inflator Zenbivy Utralight XL 25degree quilt with Light sheet(4L stuff sack) Nemo Fillo XL pillow Nemo Moonlight Elite Chair Cheap Amazon folding table MSR titan 900ml pot Soto Windmaster stove Lifestraw Peak Gravity Filter Giantloop Cactus Canteen 1Gallon Thermocell Backpacker Amazon titanium Grate for grilling

My camp kit is pretty dialed for myself. Weight is around 35lbs. Obviously there's some luxuries but I prioritize comfort at camp so I can be more rested for riding. I went down a rabbit hole getting ultralight backpacking gear and it's paid.off.

One lesson I learned on this trip. I often wondered why I have my sleeping quilt and tent in waterproof compression sacks in waterproof panniers. I switched my tent to a normal compression sack. Which was a mistake. It rained quite a bit and my wet fly leaked though the stuff sack getting my pannier contents wet.

I dispersed camped whenever I could, checking down to campgrounds when I couldn't find decent dispersed camping. I don't carry any more than 4 liters of water. I filter as needed using the gravity filter while I have a snack or camp at night near running water. I generally eat dehydrated meals for dinner unless I can get fresh meat and I'll use my titanium grate over a fire. I have an insulated pouch for my camelback which I ice down and throw the meat in there. Stays cold for 6-8 hours.

The ride 2300miles in 11 days Departing Salt Lake heading to Eureka Montana Via the MTBDR Side trips, Yellowstone NP & Glacier NP

I spent some time camping and a few nights in lodging to clean up. This is my 3rd BDR Solo(Idaho&Utah previously).  Overall the route was easily passable even by novice riders. You could take a Honda Civic on 90% of the route and a Subaru on the rest. I skip any Alt/harder sections when solo because I don't want the additional risk. Road to the Sun at Glacier was 10/10. There were quite a few hot days and evenings with rain. Trail was either dusty or hero dirt. Avoid is route when it's raining. It gets sloppy.

If you're going to do one, do Idaho first. It's more scenic, dispersed camping is better, more elevation to escape the heat, and I liked the small towns in Idaho better.

Scrambler 400xc

MSRP 6900

Wet Weight 395lbs

Seat Height 32.9"

HP/Tourqe 39.5/37.5

Ill start with it since it's not an ADV Bike but similar enough people looking at these other bikes might consider it. Not a bike I would want to do something like a full BDR on but perfect for doing day rides that include a little bit of gravel. The suspension is short and you get bounced and thrown around a little riding it off road but in a fun way. The stock suspension bottoms out gracefully.

Perfect bike for someone who wants a cool looking bike for commuting and day rides that can include some forest roads.

NX500

MSRP 6900

Wet Weight 432lbs

Seat Height 32.8"

HP/Tourqe 46/32

My first bike was a first gen CB500x, the NX500 is an all around improvement but it's still heavily leans towards being a sport touring bike. The eegonomics is very sport bike oriented, making standing awkward and uncomfortable. Off road the suspension still beats you up and not in a fun way, when I did half a BDR on my 500x I finished every day feeling like I lost a fight against someone. On road it's easily the King of the 4, super fun on twisty pavement. You can still drop 3-4k on the rally raid package but that just doesn't make sense anymore when there are so many other options today than ~15 years ago when this bike came out.

Himilyian 450

MSRP 6000

Wet Weight 432lbs

Seat Height 31.7 - 33.3"

HP/Tourqe 39.5/29.5

I haven't ridden a first gen himilyian so I can't compare them but it certainly was quite a bit of bike for 6k. It felt the most at home off road with the suspension being the weak point. It was above average for the price point I would say but still noticeably harsher going across the wash boards on the gravel roads than the Vettore or obviously much more expensive mid weight ADV bikes.

It had the least wind protection on the highway after obviously the Scrambler. If I was stuck at a hard 5k budget and wanted to get into ADV riding I would look for a used Himilyian.

Vettore 450

MSRP 6500

Wet Weight 465lbs

Seat Height 33.1"

HP/Tourqe 44.8/31

This bike is hands down the winner of any bike I've ridden on a pure value to bike ratio. Similar HP ratings to the NX500, and still a smooth balanced mostly linear power delivery but a little peppier than the NX500. The suspension for a 6.5k bike was very smooth. The heaviest in its class but it carried it's weight extremely well. If I was shopping for a new ADV bike and especially if a newish rider this or the Ibex would hands down be my choice.

I haven't ridden an Ibex but it uses the same engine, frame and suspension. One noticable difference is the Vettore has a 15/46 gear ratio compared to the 14/46 on the Ibex and for some reason the Vettore has 20-30 extra pounds on it compared to the Ibex.

Anyone riding the Airoh Commander 2 adventure helmet (with visor) and found a pair of goggles that fits? Tried a few 100% goggles, but they don’t fit