At Moto Adventurer, we believe the value of a product review comes from real-world experience and editorial independence.
We test motorcycles, motorcycle gear, accessories, technology, apps, and other products relevant to adventure and dual-sport motorcycling. Our goal is simple: put products to work in the conditions our readers actually ride in and tell them what we honestly think.
To maintain that independence and the trust of our audience, the following guidelines apply to product-testing relationships with manufacturers, vendors, and other companies.
Product Selection
Moto Adventurer retains the right to select the specific product or model we believe is most appropriate for testing and most relevant to our audience.
Testing Period
Products will generally receive a minimum of 60 days of real-world testing from receipt of goods before a review is considered.
Testing may include normal street riding, long-distance travel, adventure riding, dual-sport riding, camping, gravel roads, and off-road conditions as appropriate for the product.
The actual testing conditions will depend on the product and its intended use.
Editorial Independence
All reviews and editorial coverage published by Moto Adventurer are independent.
Manufacturers and vendors do not have editorial control over the content of a review and may not require a particular conclusion, rating, opinion, or outcome.
We do not accept scripts or requirements that dictate what a review must say.
Our responsibility is to our readers first. That means we will discuss both the strengths and limitations of products we test.
Coverage Is Not Guaranteed
If, after appropriate testing, a product does not prove to be a good fit for our audience, our riding segment, or our editorial standards, Moto Adventurer may choose not to publish coverage.
In those situations, we generally believe that publishing nothing is preferable to publishing unnecessarily negative or disparaging coverage simply because a product was provided for testing.
Expectations and Deliverables
If a vendor has specific expectations, requests, deliverables, deadlines, links, social-media requirements, or other conditions associated with a product-testing arrangement, those requirements must be provided in writing by email and agreed upon by both parties before the product is shipped.
If an agreement cannot be reached before shipment, neither party is obligated to proceed.
Shipping
The vendor is responsible for shipping products to Moto Adventurer for testing.
If the vendor requests that a product be returned following testing, the vendor is also responsible for return shipping expenses or other necessary arrangements.
Whether a product is retained by Moto Adventurer or returned following testing is determined by agreement with the vendor.
Compensation
Moto Adventurer does not accept or require cash payment in exchange for a positive review or favorable editorial coverage.
Products provided for testing are provided with the understanding that coverage is not guaranteed and editorial conclusions cannot be purchased.
If a vendor is uncomfortable providing a product under those conditions, Moto Adventurer may, where appropriate, discuss the possibility of purchasing the product at a discounted rate for independent testing.
Affiliate Links
Affiliate relationships are considered separate from product testing.
Moto Adventurer may use affiliate links when we believe the product and company are a good fit for our audience. The decision to use an affiliate link is entirely at the discretion of Moto Adventurer and is not guaranteed as part of a product-testing arrangement.
Use of Moto Adventurer Content
Vendors are welcome to share or link to published Moto Adventurer reviews.
However, the use of Moto Adventurer’s original photographs, written content, graphics, or other editorial material in commercial advertising or marketing materials requires prior approval and may require separate compensation.
When editorial content is legitimately shared with permission, appropriate attribution and a link to the original Moto Adventurer article are expected.
Photographs and other original creative work remain subject to Moto Adventurer’s ownership and usage terms.
Disclosure of Product Testing Arrangements
Moto Adventurer believes transparency with our audience is important. When a product is provided by a manufacturer, vendor, or other third party for testing or review, we may disclose the nature of that arrangement in the resulting editorial or podcast content.
Moto Adventurer may, at its discretion, disclose some or all of the specific terms of an individual product-testing arrangement when we believe that information provides useful context for our audience. This may include, for example, the length of the testing period, whether the product was provided at no cost, or other relevant terms of the arrangement.
Regardless of what details are disclosed, receiving a product does not provide the manufacturer or vendor with editorial control or guarantee coverage, a positive review, or any particular outcome.
Policy Changes & Exceptions
Specific terms for an individual product-testing arrangement may differ from this general policy when mutually agreed upon in writing before the product is shipped.
From time to time, Moto Adventurer may make exceptions or establish alternative arrangements based on the product, company, circumstances, or nature of the collaboration as to benefit our audience.
Moto Adventurer 