When I was asked to do an article in the form of a ranking of adventure and dual-purpose motorcycles, like a good soldier I said yes. After laying the foundations for my ranking, I discussed it with friends, and the opinions were so varied that the ranking lost all meaning.
The “adventuress” category is too broad to clearly establish an objective and above all realistic ranking. If 100 people were asked to draw up a ranking, I’m almost certain there would be 100 different results.
So I contacted my editor-in-chief to suggest another type of ranking.
I suggested a top 5 list of aspects to consider when buying an adventure bike. A ranking remains subjective, and opens the door to hours of discussion between enthusiasts. In fact, I hope that after reading this text there will be good discussions and reflections that will be even more helpful to those shopping for a new adventure bike.
5 – Don’t ask on social networks
When embarking on an adventure, THE one thing you shouldn’t do is get everyone on the Internet involved in your project. You’ll get everyone’s opinion based on their preferences, not yours. Do your own research. Manufacturers’ websites are full of relevant information. The web is also overflowing with comparative videos between model A and model B. These are often useful. Videos that review the condition of a bike after long-term use also give a good idea of what to expect if you decide on the reviewed model.
If you still have questions after your research, ask questions directly to people who own the model you’re interested in.
To make the right decision and the right choice, you need to know what you want. But beyond knowing what you want, you also need to know what you don’t want. Experience or not, it’s normal to ask questions to better guide your choices. If after all your research there are a few points of confusion, ask specific questions about the model that appeals to you.
4- Establish your budget
From the smallest dual-purpose bike to the most high-end adventurer, there’s sure to be something for every budget. It’s essential to establish a budget when buying a motorcycle. As this can be a major investment for some, it’s important to remember that if you’re dreaming of riding in the worst possible conditions, your bike’s “new” condition is likely to disappear pretty quickly. Falls, rubbing branches, all leave their mark…
It’s essential to include a sum for protective accessories in your initial budget, and perhaps a few dollars for replacement parts.
In this case, the used market can be an interesting avenue. Because a second-hand adventure bike will probably already be equipped to take on the trails. It’s also possible that a used bike already has a few scars on it… so it’ll hurt less when you add more!
Don’t limit yourself to the new market. Used is often an option chosen by many new adventurers.
3- Self-evaluation
Whether you’re a new rider fresh out of the Transport office with license in hand, or a motorcyclist with 30 years’ experience on the road, self-assessment is very important.
Adventure bikes, by their very nature, have very different characteristics from road bikes. The size of the wheels and the suspension’s high travel are just a few of the details that require a good self-assessment of your riding skills.
With saddle heights often dizzying, the question of rider size often comes up too. If, like me, you’re more of a mini than a giant, it’s important to evaluate yourself. With experience, however, this criterion can be set aside.
If you’re buying a first-time adventurer or a dual-purpose bike, it’s important to be comfortable once you’re on the bike.
Adventuring on trails for pleasure or to discover a hidden corner requires good physical fitness. Mud and rocky hills are no picnic. That’s why you need to assess your physical condition. The bigger the bike, the more energy it will require if it ends up on the ground.
2- Establish your needs and objectives
It doesn’t matter which destinations you’d like to visit by motorcycle, it’s the possibilities of the roads you’ll take to get there that make adventure motorcycling so versatile. However, not all motorcyclists want to suffer to reach their destination. So it’s essential to set your goals.
Riding on asphalt and gravel roads doesn’t require a motorcycle equipped for rallying. In this case, good touring skills are required. If you’re planning to use your bike as a means of daily transport, good handling and a user-friendly format will be options to look for.
There’s also the aspect of maintenance intervals to consider. Some brands require more frequent servicing. In the case of an adventurer, if you often ride off-road, it will require more attention. Make sure you’re able to meet its needs. So, if you’re not the type to get your greasy hands dirty, choosing a motorcycle from a dealer with good after-sales service is worth considering.
1- Know your preferences
Once the information has been found, the budget established, the self-evaluation done honestly and the objectives clear, it’s time to listen to yourself and let your tastes speak for themselves.
There’s no one better placed than you to make THE decision. Don’t let your brother-in-law’s advice get in the way. Now is the time to choose according to your tastes.
Normally, the final decision is made once you’ve climbed on the bike in the showroom and everything’s there…
Riding position, seat height, color, brand, equipment, price. In short, everything you want is there. It’s like love at first sight. At that precise moment, you’ll know you’ve found it.
You’ll be riding that bike, so you know what you want and what you’re looking for, based on the criteria you’ve established. So, once you’ve found it, it’s time to get out the checkbook!
Conclusion
There’s no such thing as a perfect bike. In fact, yes, the perfect bike is the one that meets your needs and makes you happy before, during and after each ride.
In my opinion, it’s impossible to find the perfect bike by asking everyone else rather than yourself. Especially when it comes to adventure and dual-purpose motorcycles. We often use our selection criteria to tell others what they should buy. We want to share our experiences, both good and bad. If the bike I own meets all my needs, it’s only natural that I want to share my happiness and encourage others to make the same choices.
I often think of my motorcycle as a travel partner, more than just a motorcycle. So I choose according to my own needs.
Nevertheless, a bit like when you meet your soul mate… even if it’s perfect happiness, there will still be certain compromises to be made…
