Tag Archives: Adventure

ADV Motorcycle Trim Levels are Wrong

I just saw the news that Yamaha is adding two additional trim levels to the Ténéré 700. Needless to say, I’m in the tank for the T7 so I’m happy to see the availability of more factory performance bits. The … Continue reading

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Posted in Opinion | Tagged , , , , , , | 10 Comments

What Replaces the Legacy Thumpers?

Air-cooled 650 cc dual sport motorcycles are really long in the tooth at this point. If these bikes fade away thanks to economics and emission standards, what will replace them? Continue reading

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Adventure Motorcycles: Evolution of the Middleweight Segment

Last week, Honda and Suzuki both announced new middle-weight adventure-class motorcycles at the EICMA show in Milan. Considering my fondness for dirt-worthy touring motorcycles, I was obviously excited to hear the news; especially the new offering from Honda. With more models coming onboard out of Japan, the “middle-weight” segment is filling out nicely. At the same time, while I’m happy to see more affordable, capable, twin-cylinder options available to ADV enthusiasts, I question some of the choices manufacturers are making these days. Continue reading

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7 Deady Motorcycle Maintenance Sins…

7 deadly motorcycle sins… that I commit on the regular. Continue reading

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Posted in Gear - Maintenance - Safety, Opinion | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Harley Sportster Project: Adventure Tourer Planning

For folks not following on Instagram, I brought home a new (to me) motorcycle a couple of weeks ago. “Charlotte” is a 2006 Harley-Davidson Sportster 883 Custom with about 9,000 miles on the clock. For anyone that followed the Dirtster … Continue reading

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Triumph Scrambler Project: Stage 4 Upgrades

Somewhere in late 2020, I started writing this update on the status of Rosie the Scrambler and it “got lost in the move”. At any rate, a buddy of mine asked me the other day if I planned on posting something that covered all the stuff I’ve done to the Scrambler since I’ve had it. As I’m publishing a library of “scrammy knowledge” here on the blog, it seemed fitting to post that update here first. Continue reading

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Posted in Bikes | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

What’s a Dual-Sport Motorcycle? Part 2

In the previous edition of “What is a Dual-Sport Motorcycle?”, I outlined some ground rules and essentially drew a circle around the bikes I feel fit squarely in the segment. While talking to motorcyclists that are considering the purchase of a new dual-sport, I find that many are still unfamiliar with the breadth of models available, moreover the divide in both cost and capability between the bikes at both extremes of the range. 

With that in mind, I want to describe the various sub-categories of dual-sport motorcycles in more detail. I also want to highlight some of the models available from rarer brands. If you have the patience, I’m gonna take a deep dive into the specifications of various models. Lastly, I think there’s a demand for a motorcycle squarely in the middle of the segment that I don’t think currently exists from any of the manufacturers. Continue reading

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Posted in Bikes | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

What’s a Dual-Sport Motorcycle?

You’ve probably heard the expressions “enduro” or “Street & Trail” in the past, but today I suspect most folks use the word “dual-sport” to describe a motorcycle that’s intended for use both on and off the pavement. On and off-road … Continue reading

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Posted in Bikes | Tagged , , , , , , | 1 Comment

Icon Raiden Jacket and Pants: Adventure Gear Review

New for 2020, Icon has gone back to the drawing board for a full redesign of their Raiden gear. Now in its 3rd generation (arguably 4th), this year Icon has made a host of changes to the venerable Raiden adventure … Continue reading

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Posted in Gear - Maintenance - Safety | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Motorcycles, Social Media, and Doing It For the Gram

Over the last few months, I’ve heard multiple podcasts making mention of “fake people” on social media (in a much more eloquent fashion). While they’re correct, I can’t help but feel the tone of the message was painting social media … Continue reading

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Posted in Opinion | Tagged , , , , , , | 10 Comments