A Beginner's Guide to Adventure Motorcycle Riding

Adventure motorcycle riding is a dream of almost every motorcyclist. It is the most fun and exciting form of riding, allowing you to explore both on- and off-road terrains. As you start riding an adventure bike, you get too much attracted to these bikes. Even the look of ADV bikes can mesmerize riders.

Considering the dual-sports nature of ADV motorcycles, these bikes are getting more popular over time. More and more riders are starting to ride these bikes. These bikes give you endless opportunities to explore places you have never visited.

Nonetheless, adventure riding is not the same as riding a standard motorcycle on roads. These bikes are quite versatile and are designed to maneuver on multiple terrains. However, riders must consider their skills and the route they are taking before going for an adventure ride.

To be safe and enjoy ADV rides to the fullest, there are numerous guidelines that beginners must follow. Continue reading this article to learn more about these recommendations and guidelines. This article serves as a detailed beginner’s guide to adventure motorcycle riding.

If you have researched adventure motorcycles, you must have come to know that they are quite extravagant. Adventure motorcycles are heavyweight and luxurious. They are also quite taller, with good ground clearance for off-roading.

Though you will find those top-end luxurious ADV motorcycles attractive, you should look for lightweight, beginner-friendly options . These small adventure motorcycles may be basic with no such top-end features, but they are light and quite capable of dual-sports adventure motorcycle riding.

Riding a heavyweight motorcycle on paved straight roads may not be a problem. However, taking an expert-level adventure motorcycle for off-roading is very challenging. As a beginner, you may not be able to maneuver, control, or balance the bike effectively.

When it comes to off-roading, there are many options for beginners. If you find adventure motorcycles too heavy and expensive, you can get a dual-sports bike. Dual-sports bikes are lightweight compared to ADV bikes . However, they are fully capable of overcoming both on- and off-road challenges.

Dual sports bikes are street-legal bikes. They are better for beginners than adventure bikes for off-road riding due to being much lighter. Some of the best dual sports bikes that you can use comfortably for adventure motorcycle riding as a beginner are:

• Honda CRF300L

• Yamaha TW200

• Suzuki DR200SE

Still, if you are more interested in adventure bikes, there are a few notable small adventure bikes ideally made for beginners . These include:

• Royal Enfield Himalayan

• KTM 390 Adventure

• Honda CRF 300 Rally

• BMW G310 GS

You must test a few adventure motorcycles before you buy one to find the most suitable one, considering your size and preferences.

Training is the most essential step for beginners to start riding a motorcycle safely. Even if you have the basic experience of riding a standard on-road motorcycle, you still need to get trained for adventure riding.

Though the basic motorcycle riding principles are the same, you need to learn several concepts and new things before you start ADV riding. Therefore, you must enroll in a reputable ADV riding institute.

Several courses are designed for riders with different skill levels. The trained and professional ADV riding instructors not only teach you how to ride but they also help you in every aspect of riding.

For example, they can suggest which ADV motorbike to choose and the best ADV riding gear, and they can share the best adventure motorcycle riding tips. You can effectively learn ADV motorcycle riding skills to help you ride safely.

Above all, getting ADV training in a group will also be a fun activity. You can make new friends during your training session with whom you can go on an adventure motorcycle tour.

The most important ADV motorcycle riding tips you can learn from the ADV training include:

• Off-roading on adventure motorcycles

• When to stand on the motorcycle pegs

• Riding uphills/downhills

• Throttle control

• Picking up the ADV bike when dropped

• Body positioning considering the riding scenarios

• Braking

• Riding in mud, water, and sand

• Adjusting your body weight and position while ADV riding

• Controlling the bike at low speeds

• Taking sharp corners

• Balancing the bike

If you are passionate about adventure riding, you can also learn online. You can find many expert-level video tutorials teaching how to ride off-road motorcycles, as well as dedicated learning materials for beginners.

Do not compromise on the gear quality if you want to become an expert ADV rider. It is like compromising on your safety. Most beginners look for cheaper options when it comes to buying ADV riding gear.

Adventure riding gear is a bit different from the regular gear you wear. ADV gear should be waterproof, durable, and breathable, as you will have to face puddles, mud, and rain. You will have to add a few additional layers of clothing for ADV winter riding.

As a beginner ADV rider, you must be familiar with your adventure motorcycle. Get to know everything about your bike. It may be the first time you are riding an adventure bike. This bike has a completely different style and feel than a standard motorcycle.

The riding style, ride position, and seat height differ in adventure motorcycles. As you will have to ride on dirt, the riding dynamics also change. You need to be more vigilant when it comes to balancing, stabilizing, and handling while performing different maneuvers on your ADV bike.

Most adventure bikes come with different ride settings. These include:

• Multiple ride modes

• Switchable ABS

• Switchable traction control system

• Adjustable suspension settings

• Adjustable seat height

• Adjustable brake and clutch levers

You can adjust the ride settings to make the bike suit you better.

Do not get distracted by your bike's display screen and settings. Pay full attention to the terrain or what is ahead while riding. Most beginners are seen getting too distracted by their phones mounted to the handlebars.

As a beginner, one of the biggest mistakes you can  ever make as an adventure rider is going alone on an ADV ride. Especially if you are planning to go deep in the woods or in a remote area, do not ever go on an adventure motorcycle ride alone if you are a beginner.

There are several consequences of going on a solo adventure motorcycle ride as a beginner. Having no one to help you in case of emergencies or trouble can be frustrating. As a beginner, you may have no idea about how to fix an issue with your bike.

Adventure riding can get tougher as you continue to ride. You may start to face several challenges on your way, which can be overwhelming for a beginner. However, expert ADV riders enjoy the ride more as it becomes more challenging.

Anything can happen to your bike during a ride. Suppose you drop your bike in the middle of nowhere and get yourself hurt, too. You will need a helping hand in such a situation.

Picking up an adventure bike is not easy. It is important to pick up your adventure bike correctly, or else you can get your joints twisted or back pain.

As a beginner, you may not be carrying the motorcycle tools and other useful stuff as they increase the load on your bike. Even if you carry the tools with you, you may have no idea how to use them as a beginner. These are a few things you must consider before planning a solo adventure motorcycle riding trip.

After getting specialized ADV motorcycle riding training, the next step is to practice harder. You should start executing the skills you have learned. As you practice, you will become better and gain experience.

However, do not go for extremely advanced riding while you are practicing. You must look for an easy route and path where the challenges are few. Also, practice with your friends who have the same interests as you.

As a beginner, you should take a slow start. Do not put your safety at risk by starting with extreme adventure riding. It is a process that can take time. You will eventually become a good ADV rider as much as you ride and practice.

Most experienced ADV motorcycle riders develop muscle memory as they continue to experience off-road challenges. They continue practicing ADV riding skills and become good at it.

Do not take the most difficult route. First, you must get familiar with the conditions. If you are not sure about what is ahead, do not take that route. You also need to learn a few things, like “Target Fixation” and master control on your ADV bike.

Expert ADV riders are very attentive. They know where they want to go. They can read the terrain effectively. Their judgments and instincts are right most of the time. All these skills help skilled ADV riders better target fixation. This is why most trained ADV riders can ride skillfully on terrains they are not aware of.

On the other hand, most beginners are not good at target fixation. They are overwhelmed by the number of challenges they face while off-roading on their adventure bikes. They usually focus more on what they are supposed to avoid, which can include an obstacle, log, big rock, puddle, or difficult sand section.

As a rule of thumb, “You must target where you want to go, not what you want to avoid.”

As a beginner, it is recommended not to pack too much for adventure rides. Carrying extra stuff you will not need on your trip can add a lot of weight to your bike, resulting in compromised handling and maneuverability.

For the first few rides, you should not go too far. Take the safest route. Get familiar with the type of terrain you will be dealing with. This way, you will know how much to pack for the adventure ride. Only carry the essentials.

There are many luggage options available for ADV motorcycles. However, if you want highly durable and functional Adventure Motorcycle Touring Side Cases and Luggage Bags, click on these links.

As a beginner, you must not go for challenging off-road terrains. It is better to first get familiar with the terrain and route. It helps in avoiding sudden dangers and obstacles.

Riding slowly can help you read the terrain better. It reduces the chance of getting stuck or hit by an object or an obstacle on the dirt track.

While planning an ADV ride, pick the route you are already familiar with. Take someone who has visited that route before. 

Riding an adventure bike, particularly in off-road conditions, is quite challenging. Even if you have good experience riding a standard on-road motorcycle, you will still find it difficult to handle this bike on dirt trails. Every riding technique or concept, including traction, clutch control, throttle control, and braking, becomes relevant. You need more balance and control to safely handle and maneuver the adventure bike. Though adventure motorcycle riding is more challenging, it is also more fun.

It depends on your riding preferences and your skills. However, the most common characteristics that the rider should be looking for in an adventure bike include:

• Weight

• Motorcycle’s price

• Engine displacement size

• Power and torque figures

• Comfort

• Ground clearance

• On-road vs. off-road capability

• Standard tech features

• Suspension settings or adjustability

Adventure riders often s tand on the footpegs while riding , especially in the dirt. Standing on the pegs provides several benefits to the rider, ensuring better control, stability, and maneuverability in certain conditions. In the standing position, riders’ bodies, particularly legs, act as shock absorbers. Riders can have a better view of the terrain ahead. They can effectively analyze and read the terrain.

Standing on the pegs also helps riders shift their body position for better maneuverability. They can also shift their body weight for better cornering and riding uphill.

Adventure motorcycle riding is the most fun and exciting activity one can ever experience. Most riders all over the world are starting to ride adventure bikes, which involve both on- and off-road adventures.

Adventure riding is different from riding a standard on-road motorcycle. Even if you have 1-2 years of experience riding a standard motorcycle, you will still be considered a beginner in the adventure motorcycling world.

You must learn all the adventure-riding-related techniques and skills to overcome challenges on dirt trails. If you are a beginner, this article is a perfect guide to adventure motorcycle riding. You must ensure you fulfill all the requirements and guidelines mentioned in this article to become a better adventure rider. This article provides a comprehensive checklist for a beginner to become an adventure rider.

In the end, ride slowly, safely, and sensibly. Do not push yourself above your limits. Always consider your skills and abilities before undertaking any on- or off-road challenge.