Moto Adventurer Unscripted: Real Conversations for Motorcyclists, Adventurers and Outdoor Explorers

Drew Faulkner
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Moto Adventurer Unscripted is a long-form motorcycle podcast on adventure riding, dual sport culture, and real-world ADV travel. It goes beyond surface advice into how riders build skills, plan routes, choose bikes, manage costs, and navigate events like rallies and dual sport gatherings. With an Appalachian focus, it explores terrain, the machines, and the community. Expect unfiltered discussions about meeting riders, preparing for trips and events, and building the skills and gear setups that make every ride smoother, safer, and more fun.

  1. EP161: How to Convert a Dual-Sport into an Adventure Motorcycle?

    3 days ago

    EP161: How to Convert a Dual-Sport into an Adventure Motorcycle?

    Can a lightweight dual-sport motorcycle become a true adventure bike? In this episode, we explore the philosophy behind converting dual-sport motorcycles like the Kawasaki KLX300 into capable ADV machines, focusing on the priorities that matter most: comfort, range, reliability, flexibility, and long-distance capability. We break down the essential modifications that deliver the biggest return on investment, including protection upgrades, tires, luggage, seats, windscreens, navigation, lighting, accessory power, and larger fuel tanks. We also discuss the more debated upgrades such as gearing changes, ergonomics, heated grips, mirrors, throttle locks, highway pegs, and stator upgrades, along with larger investments like suspension and exhaust modifications. Finally, we compare the cost and performance of a converted dual-sport against a purpose-built adventure motorcycle and discuss the unique challenges of turning an enduro bike like a KTM 500 into a travel machine. If you’ve built your own ADV conversion, join the conversation and let us know what upgrades were worth it—and which ones weren’t. Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at: https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr

    1hr 37min
  2. EP160: Who are the hosts behind Moto Adventurer Unscripted?

    8 Jun

    EP160: Who are the hosts behind Moto Adventurer Unscripted?

    With a wave of new listeners joining the show over the last year, this episode turns the spotlight onto the co-hosts themselves. Mark and Drew step out of their usual roles and reintroduce themselves to the audience through a conversation about where they started, how they got into motorcycles, and how years of riding have changed their perspectives on adventure, community, and life.Mark interviews Drew to unpack the origin story behind Moto Adventurer; from cruiser motorcycles to adventure riding, and from a simple idea into a website, rally, routes, and podcast community. Along the way, they explore expectations versus reality, memorable turning points, how riding priorities evolve, and what lessons carry forward after years in the ADV world.Then the conversation flips, and Drew interviews Mark about his own riding background, route philosophy, navigation habits, memorable experiences, and how his outlook on adventure motorcycling has changed over time.This episode is part origin story, part reflection, and part behind-the-scenes look at the people behind the microphones. For subscribers, the conversation continues with bonus content covering podcast insights, host perspectives, and stories that don’t usually make it into the public episodes. In this episode: Meet the hosts behind Unscripted The journey from cruisers to adventure motorcycles Why Moto Adventurer was created and how it evolved Mark’s riding background and route-building philosophy How adventure riders grow and change over a decade Expectations vs reality in ADV riding Motorcycle navigation and route planning Building community in modern adventure motorcycling Subscriber-only bonus discussion & behind-the-scenes stories from the podcast Whether you’ve been listening since the beginning or just found the show recently, this episode is a chance to get to know the people behind Unscripted, and the experiences that shaped how they ride, host, and think about adventure today. Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at: https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr

    1hr 55min
  3. Unscripted Shortcut: How Much Pavement Is there?

    4 Jun ·  Bonus

    Unscripted Shortcut: How Much Pavement Is there?

    “How much pavement is there?” After a decade of hosting ADV rallies and creating routes like the Bluegrass Regional Adventure Passageway (BRAP), it's the question I get asked more than any other—and one of the hardest to answer. Are riders asking about tires, difficulty, comfort, legality, or whether they're about to have the best ride of their life? In this short episode, I break down the many meanings hidden behind this seemingly simple question, explore the different types of riders asking it, and explain why pavement percentage might be one of the least useful ways to judge an adventure route. Along the way, we'll have some fun with one of ADV riding's most common—and most misunderstood—questions.

    10 min
  4. EP159: What Are the Best and Worst Parts of Adventure Motorcycling?

    1 Jun

    EP159: What Are the Best and Worst Parts of Adventure Motorcycling?

    What are the best and worst parts of adventure motorcycle riding? In this episode, we debate the real pros and cons of ADV riding—from the mental reset and freedom of exploring off-road to the fatigue, risks, and challenges of handling big bikes in tough terrain. Whether you ride a dual sport or a fully loaded ADV bike, this is an honest look at what makes the experience so addictive—and so demanding. We also break down modern ADV technology, maintenance realities, and how social media is impacting the places we ride. From trail access and environmental concerns to cost, gear, and rider culture, this episode covers what every adventure rider should consider before heading off the pavement. Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at: https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr

    1hr 56min
  5. EP158: What Should Every Rider Know About Motorcycle Travel Safety and Security?

    25 May

    EP158: What Should Every Rider Know About Motorcycle Travel Safety and Security?

    In this episode, we explore motorcycle travel safety and theft prevention with a retired police officer and experienced rider. We break down how motorcycle theft and opportunistic crime actually happen on the road, and what riders can do to reduce risk while traveling—whether commuting, touring, or riding long distance. Topics include how thieves select targets, the role of visibility and rider behavior, and the environments where riders are most vulnerable, including cities, highway stops, hotels, gas stations, scenic pull-offs, and camping areas. We also cover practical motorcycle security strategies such as locks, covers, GPS tracking, parking choices, and how to avoid common mistakes that increase risk. The conversation includes real-world advice on situational awareness, de-escalation, and when it’s best to simply leave a situation. If you ride motorcycles, this episode will help you better understand how to protect your bike, your gear, and yourself—without overcomplicating your travel or becoming overly cautious. Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at: https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr

    1hr 58min
  6. EP157: What Are Essential Adventure Riding Skills?

    18 May

    EP157: What Are Essential Adventure Riding Skills?

    Stop fighting your adventure motorcycle and start mastering the trail. In this episode, Andy Janik from Heavy Enduro joins us to reveal the secrets of Adventure bike setup, body positioning & training at home. Whether you’re facing muddy climbs, soggy logs, or steep descents, learn the technical "small tweaks" that reduce fatigue and turn a rut-filled nightmare into a smooth ride. If you want to transition from "surviving" the trail to truly dancing with your bike, this technical deep dive is your blueprint for success. What You’ll Discover: The Ultimate Bike Setup: How adjusting levers, bars, and tire pressure directly impacts your control and prevents arm pump. Body Position Mastery: Why peg weighting and fore/aft movement control the bike better than the handlebars—and how to stop "white-knuckling." Clutch & Friction Zone Drills: Practical exercises to improve slow-speed balance, tight turns, and full-lock figure-8s. Trail Tactics & Obstacles: Expert strategies for crossing logs, navigating deep mud, and conquering technical hill climbs. Recovery & "Getting Unstuck": Pro techniques like the "paddle walk" and smart gear selection to save your energy when the trail wins. Vision & Line Choice: How to train your eyes to look further ahead and stop reacting to obstacles too late. Stop the guesswork and start riding with confidence. Tune in to learn why the difference between a struggle and a success is often just a few inches of movement and a better understanding of your machine. Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at: https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr

    1hr 54min
  7. EP156: How to Improve Adventure Motorcycle Endurance and Fitness

    11 May

    EP156: How to Improve Adventure Motorcycle Endurance and Fitness

    The ride started with a full tank and high hopes… but 300 yards into a muddy section, you’re already exhausted, picking up your bike for the fourth time, and wondering if you’re actually as fit as you thought you were. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. For this round of Moto Adventurer Unscripted, Drew sits down with Jason Winn, a seasoned off-road racer and fitness enthusiast who recently made the jump into the world of adventure motorcycles. We break down why so many riders hit the “endurance cliff” during off-road and dual sport riding, and what you can do to fix it without living in the gym. What You’ll Learn: Why adventure riders get tired so fast (and what’s actually happening physically) How fatigue impacts control, decision-making, and safety on bigger ADV bikes The most important muscle groups for off-road riding: legs, core, grip, and endurance How strength and technique work together to prevent arm pump and burnout Real-world skills: picking up your bike, getting unstuck, and riding through low traction How riding itself acts as cross-training, and what the gym can’t replicate The top 2 fitness priorities that give the biggest return for riders Common mistakes riders make with training, pacing, and technique How nutrition and hydration impact performance on long rides A simple 30-minute training approach for riders with limited time Whether you’re riding gravel roads, tackling technical trails, or just trying to last longer on your next adventure ride, this episode will help you build the fitness, skills, and awareness to stay in control when it matters most. You don’t need to be an athlete, but improving your fitness is one of the fastest ways to level up your riding. Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at: https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr

    1hr 33min
  8. EP155: 9 Essential ADV Riding Roles: How to Mold Your Group into a Mission-Ready Unit

    4 May

    EP155: 9 Essential ADV Riding Roles: How to Mold Your Group into a Mission-Ready Unit

    In the Appalachian backcountry, a group of friends on motorcycles is just a rescue mission waiting to happen. But a Unit? A unit is an unstoppable force. On this episode of Moto Adventurer Unscripted, Drew & Mark break down the tactical blueprint for transforming your riding crew into an elite exploration squad. We’re moving past the "follow the leader" mentality and diving into the nine essential archetypes required to assault the most unforgiving terrain in the East. From the technical precision of The Cartographer to the undaunted recovery power of The Closer, we explore how to assign roles based on temperament, skill, and the gear you carry.  In this episode, we cover: The Command & Control: Why every mission needs a Cartographer, a Chatterbox, and a Radar. The Technical Support: The life-saving utility of Fixer, Stitch, and Scorch. The Logistics: How Cookie, The Watchman, and The Closer keep the mission from collapsing when morale hits zero. "Casual has left the chat. The pavement is behind you. It’s time to start operating as a unit." Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at: https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr

    1hr 4min
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Moto Adventurer Unscripted is a long-form motorcycle podcast on adventure riding, dual sport culture, and real-world ADV travel. It goes beyond surface advice into how riders build skills, plan routes, choose bikes, manage costs, and navigate events like rallies and dual sport gatherings. With an Appalachian focus, it explores terrain, the machines, and the community. Expect unfiltered discussions about meeting riders, preparing for trips and events, and building the skills and gear setups that make every ride smoother, safer, and more fun.

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