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

Moto Adventurer
  • 5.0 (23)
  • Automotive
  • Weekly

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. 4d ago

    EP182: Cold Weather Motorcycle Riding Tips: Batteries, Tires & Staying Warm

    Cold weather motorcycle riding brings a whole new set of challenges. From dead batteries and falling tire pressures to freezing hands and fogged-up visors, there's a lot more to riding through fall and winter than simply putting on another layer. In this episode, Drew and Mark discuss how to prepare your motorcycle and yourself for colder temperatures, sharing practical tips, affordable solutions, and lessons learned from years of year-round adventure and dual-sport riding. Tire Pressure & Winter Traction: Why cold temperatures affect tire pressure, how tire compounds perform in the cold, and the hidden dangers of road salt, gravel, and black ice. Motorcycle Batteries & Cold Starts: Recognizing a failing battery, using battery tenders, and why Drew and Mark aren't fans of lithium motorcycle batteries in cold weather. Heated Motorcycle Gear: Heated grips versus heated gloves, electric jackets, and understanding your motorcycle's charging system. Staying Warm Without Breaking the Bank: Layering strategies, merino wool, affordable base layers, waterproof riding gear, and wind protection. Hand Guards, Handlebar Mitts & Windshields: Practical ways to block cold air and make winter riding more comfortable. Helmet Visor Fogging: Pinlock inserts, breath deflectors, heated visors, and other ways to maintain visibility. Cold Weather Riding Safety: Adjusting your riding habits for shorter days, freezing temperatures, changing road conditions, and unexpected hazards. Subscriber-Only Extended EpisodeDrew and Mark continue with winter motorcycle maintenance, fuel storage and stabilizers, heating a cold garage, tire-changing tricks, heated gear controllers, corrosion prevention, and whether owning a dedicated winter motorcycle makes sense. Whether you're commuting through freezing mornings, planning a late-season ADV ride, or trying to squeeze a few more weeks out of your riding season, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you ride longer and prepare for winter. The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles. https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe Gear up for your next motorcycle camping adventure and help support Moto Adventurer Unscripted! Shop Moto Camp Nerd through our link below; we earn a small commission on qualifying purchases. https://motocampnerd.com/?ref=qwrnffwy 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

  2. 6d ago ·  Bonus

    EICMA 2026 Best New ADV & Dual-Sport Bikes Ténéré 400, Himalayan 750 & More

    EICMA 2026 delivered a huge wave of new adventure motorcycles, dual-sport bikes, and off-road innovations. But which ones are actually worth getting excited about? In this special after-hours bonus episode of Moto Adventurer Unscripted, Drew and Mark sit down to discuss their favorite new motorcycle announcements from EICMA 2026, share their first impressions, and debate which manufacturers are getting it right—and which might be missing the mark. Mark's biggest surprise is the Sherco 450 Sahara, a rally-inspired parallel twin that could signal a new era for lightweight adventure motorcycles. Meanwhile, Drew has his sights set on the Yamaha Ténéré 400 concept and Beta RE 330, two bikes that could bring real off-road capability to a more manageable adventure platform. We also dive into the Royal Enfield Himalayan 750, Kawasaki KLE 650, CFMOTO 550MT, Ducati DesertX Rally, and plenty of other new motorcycles expected to shape the 2027 adventure and dual-sport market. In this episode: Yamaha Ténéré 400: Could this be the lightweight adventure bike we've been waiting for? Sherco 450 Sahara: Rally-bike performance, impressive specifications, and the future of 450cc twins. Beta RE 330: A new challenger to the Honda CRF300L Rally. Honda Africa Twin Enduro Sports: Genuine off-road improvements or clever marketing? Ducati DesertX Rally: A smaller engine, longer service intervals, and a surprising price change. CFMOTO 550MT and Kawasaki KLE 650: More choices in the increasingly competitive middleweight ADV class. Royal Enfield Himalayan 750: Could it become one of the best values in adventure touring? Moto Morini, Kove, Hero, Benda, and other emerging challengers. Electric off-road motorcycles from Dust Moto, Zero, and Royal Enfield. The possibility of a new 450cc twin-cylinder Dakar racing category. New motorcycle riding gear from KLIM, LS2, Sena, Schuberth, and more. Beyond the new models, we tackle a bigger question: Are smaller adventure motorcycles finally getting the power, suspension, and off-road capabilities they deserve? And with Chinese and Indian manufacturers introducing increasingly competitive motorcycles, how will the established Japanese and European brands respond? This isn't just another EICMA spec-sheet recap. It's an unscripted conversation about the motorcycles we'd actually want to own, the ones we'd pass on, and where adventure motorcycling might be headed next. Join the conversation: Which new motorcycle from EICMA 2026 has you the most excited? Is there something we overlooked? Leave a comment and tell us what you'd put in your garage! For motorcycle specifications, photos, EICMA coverage, and more adventure riding content, visit: https://motoadventurer.com/ The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles. https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe Gear up for your next motorcycle camping adventure and help support Moto Adventurer Unscripted! Shop Moto Camp Nerd through our link below; we earn a small commission on qualifying purchases. https://motocampnerd.com/?ref=qwrnffwy 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

  3. Nov 2

    EP181: How to Start Adventure Riding for $200 a Month?

    Think adventure riding is too expensive to get into? Think again. In this episode of Moto Adventure Unscripted, Drew and Mark break down what it really costs to start adventure riding on a budget, including how to get on a motorcycle for around $200 a month without spending a fortune on gear and accessories. We compare affordable adventure motorcycles and dual-sports, from the Kawasaki Versys-X 300 and Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 to the Honda CRF300L Rally and smaller-displacement bikes. We also look at used motorcycle deals, essential ADV accessories, budget-friendly riding gear, and the hidden costs that can make a seemingly affordable motorcycle much more expensive. From helmets and boots to luggage, tool kits, dealer fees, sales tax, insurance, and financing, we cover where your money actually goes—and where you can save without sacrificing the riding experience. In this episode, we cover: Affordable new and used adventure motorcycles and dual-sportsHow to budget for a motorcycle payment around $200 per monthEssential ADV gear and accessories versus nice-to-have upgradesBudget-friendly helmets, boots, jackets, pants, and glovesDealer freight, setup fees, sales tax, and other hidden motorcycle buying costsMotorcycle financing, interest rates, insurance, and monthly expensesYou don't need a fully outfitted adventure bike or premium gear to get started. The key is choosing the right motorcycle, prioritizing essential equipment, and knowing where your money is best spent. What did we miss? Tell us in the comments how you'd build an adventure riding setup on a $200 monthly budget. For Subscribers: Drew and Mark dig deeper into the real costs of adventure riding, with practical strategies for finding motorcycle deals, avoiding unnecessary upgrades, and making your budget go further. We also break down the numbers behind motorcycle financing and discuss where ADV riders waste money. The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles. https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe 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

  4. Oct 28 ·  Bonus

    Flyweight ADV: Is a New Flyweight Class Small-Bore ADV Trend Emerging? | Unscripted Shortuct

    Is a flyweight ADV motorcycle segment emerging? In this Moto Adventurer Unscripted Shortcut, Drew Faulkner explores the growing presence of small-bore motorcycles at adventure rallies across Southern Ohio and Eastern Kentucky and asks whether a new corner of the adventure riding community is taking shape. From the Yamaha TW200 and Honda Grom to the Honda Trail125, XR150L, and Kawasaki KLX230 Sherpa and DF, small, affordable motorcycles are showing up alongside 600-pound adventure bikes on the same trails. Riders are discovering that adventure riding isn't always about horsepower, suspension travel, or covering ground as quickly as possible. Sometimes, it's about slowing down, exploring the woods, and getting more smiles per dollar. We look at the evolution of lightweight adventure motorcycles, the crossover between dual-sport and adventure riding, and how manufacturers like Honda and Kawasaki are expanding their small-displacement offerings. Are these bikes simply filling an existing niche, or are riders building a distinct flyweight ADV community around accessible, low-speed adventure? Are you seeing more mini motos and small-bore bikes at your local ADV events? Is flyweight ADV a real emerging segment, or are we just putting a new label on an old idea? Share your thoughts and join the conversation. Topics covered: The rise of small-bore adventure and dual-sport motorcyclesHonda Grom, Monkey, Trail125, XR150L, and Kawasaki KLX230 modelsThe Yamaha TW200 and the appeal of farm-bike-style explorationAffordable motorcycles, fuel economy, and smiles per dollarHow small-bike riders are joining the broader ADV communityWhether flyweight ADV deserves its own category The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles. https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe 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

    Flyweight ADV: Is a New Flyweight Class Small-Bore ADV Trend Emerging? | Unscripted Shortuct

  5. Oct 26

    EP180: How to Get the Most Out of an ADV Rally | Red River Scramble Recap w Tallboys & Trackmasters

    What makes a great adventure motorcycle rally experience? Drew and Mark are joined by James and Trevor from the Tallboys and Trackmasters Podcast for a Red River Scramble recap packed with dual sport riding stories, hard-earned lessons, and advice for getting the most out of your next motorcycle rally. We get into the practical side of rally preparation, from choosing your crew and finding accommodations to checking your bike, packing trail tools, and getting your GPS or phone navigation ready. We discuss GPX routes, fuel range, route planning, changing weather, unexpected injuries, and why having a flexible plan is often better than trying to control every detail. Then we get into the riding. Hear about the challenging gravel, rocky trails, sandy sections, singletrack, and unexpected terrain that make adventure riding in Kentucky's Red River Gorge area so memorable. We recap highlights from the Red River Scramble, including the Dango Death March, Harding's Hammer, Sheltowee Trace, and bonus trails that pushed the limits. We also share stories about questionable cabin driveways, local food stops, trail repairs, and the unpredictable moments that make a rally memorable. But a great motorcycle rally is about more than miles and trails. We talk about meeting other riders, making new friends, enjoying the local communities, appreciating the work rally organizers put in, and adapting when the weekend doesn't go according to plan. In this episode: How to prepare for an adventure motorcycle rally Choosing a riding group, lodging, and rally expectations GPX files, GPS navigation, fuel range, and route planning Motorcycle maintenance, trail tools, and basic medical preparedness Handling changing weather, injuries, mechanical problems, and difficult terrain Red River Scramble highlights from the Red River Gorge region of Kentucky Why meeting people and enjoying the journey matter as much as the riding Whether you're planning your first dual sport rally or you're a seasoned adventure rider looking for your next event, this episode offers practical advice, plenty of laughs, and a reminder that the best rally experiences often happen when you leave room for adventure. For Subscribers: We continue the conversation with more behind-the-scenes stories, additional rally experiences, and a deeper discussion of the challenges and mishaps that can happen when adventure riding doesn't go according to plan. The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles. https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe 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

  6. Oct 19

    EP179: The Luddite’s Guide to ADV Technology: What’s Actually Worth It?

    Adventure motorcycles are packed with more technology than ever, but which features are actually worth paying for? In this episode of Moto Adventurer Unscripted, Drew and Mark take an honest, often skeptical look at modern adventure motorcycle technology to separate genuinely useful features from expensive gadgets. We break down the pros, cons, and real-world value of motorcycle electronics and rider aids, drawing on our own riding experiences to explore what makes sense for everyday ADV riders, commuters, and long-distance travelers. Topics include ABS and off-road ABS, traction control, lean-angle-sensitive rider aids, wheelie control, hill-hold control, tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS), ride-by-wire throttles, selectable ride modes, electronic cruise control, quickshifters, auto-blippers, electronic suspension, and TFT displays. Is electronic cruise control worth the upgrade? Do you really need a quickshifter? Are modern rider aids making adventure bikes safer, or just more complicated? And what happens when all that technology breaks in the middle of a ride? We weigh convenience, safety, cost, complexity, and reliability to figure out which features improve the riding experience and which ones we could happily live without. What motorcycle technology is worth the money to you? Leave a comment and let us know which features you love, which ones you hate, and where Drew and Mark have it completely wrong. Subscriber-Only Bonus Episode Drew discusses installing AUXBEAM LED auxiliary lights on his Yamaha Ténéré 700, along with podcast updates, subscriber merchandise, and the realities of dealing with failed motorcycle electronics. We also dig into KTM immobilizer issues, roadside troubleshooting, and what happens when modern adventure bike technology lets you down. Plus, we look at where adventure motorcycling might be headed next. The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles. https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe 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

    EP179: The Luddite’s Guide to ADV Technology: What’s Actually Worth It?

  7. Oct 12

    EP178: Public Land Access & ADV Road Closures What Riders Can Do

    A road closes. A trail disappears. And sometimes, by the time you hear about it, it feels like there's nothing you can do. On this episode of Moto Adventurer Unscripted, Drew and Mark talk with Scott Jones, Central States Representative for the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), about motorcycle road closures, public land access, Forest Service roads, and how adventure and dual-sport riders can protect their riding opportunities. With decades of experience in motorized recreation and land-use advocacy, Scott explains how closures happen, why public comment matters, and how riders can influence decisions before access is lost. Topics include: Fighting road and trail closures: What to do when you learn a route may be shut down. Forest Service vs. county roads: Who controls a road and how closure procedures differ. Public hearings and comment: How to make your voice heard and influence decisions. The Tower Ridge Road dispute: How historical legislation and public access factor into a proposed closure in Indiana's Hoosier National Forest. The Explore Act and public land access: How federal legislation and land-management policies affect roads and trails. Seasonal closures and responsible riding: Why closures happen and how illegal riding can threaten access for everyone. Building alliances: Why working with clubs, hikers, mountain bikers, equestrians, and other user groups matters. Keeping riding areas open: How volunteers, grants, and community involvement can help maintain access. SUBSCRIBER-ONLY BONUS The extended conversation explores the Kaywood Road dispute on the Daniel Boone Backcountry Byway, federal land-use rules, and practical ways riders can organize and advocate for continued access to public lands. Want the full conversation? Subscribe to Moto Adventurer Unscripted for the bonus discussion and more subscriber-exclusive content. Whether you ride an adventure motorcycle, dual-sport, or dirt bike, this episode explains how road closures happen—and what you can do to help keep riding areas open. The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles. https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe 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

    EP178: Public Land Access & ADV Road Closures What Riders Can Do

  8. Oct 5

    EP177: Stop Paying the Shop: ADV Maintenance You Can Do Yourself

    Motorcycle maintenance doesn't have to mean a trip to the dealership and you don't need a fully equipped workshop to start turning wrenches on your own adventure or dual-sport motorcycle. In this episode of Moto Adventurer Unscripted, Drew and Mark work their way through the basics of ADV motorcycle maintenance, from the simple jobs most riders can handle in the garage to the repairs that start getting a little more involved. We talk about why the owner's manual and maintenance schedule should be your starting point, setting up motorcycle ergonomics, building a useful toolkit, chain cleaning and chain adjustment, checking battery voltage, changing motorcycle oil and filters, inspecting and replacing brake pads, and knowing when a maintenance job is simple enough to tackle yourself and when it's probably time to let somebody else do it. If you've ever thought, "I'd like to work on my own motorcycle, but I don't know where to start," this one's for you. Topics include: DIY ADV motorcycle maintenance Reading your motorcycle owner's manual Motorcycle maintenance schedules Motorcycle tools and torque wrenches Chain cleaning and chain adjustment Motorcycle battery maintenance AGM vs. lithium motorcycle batteries Motorcycle oil changes Oil filter replacement Air filter maintenance Brake pad inspection and replacement Motorcycle ergonomics and setup Knowing when a repair is beyond your skill level Building confidence working on your own motorcycle The rabbit hole gets deeper in the subscriber hour. Drew and Mark get into chain maintenance, including the good advice they follow, the advice they sometimes ignore, and what happens when maintenance gets neglected. Then they go considerably deeper into the jobs they're willing to tackle themselves — including valve checks, valve adjustments, top-end work, and engine disassembly — and the motorcycle repairs that even experienced riders would rather pay someone else to do. The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles. https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe 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

    EP177: Stop Paying the Shop: ADV Maintenance You Can Do Yourself
See All (195)

Trailer

5
out of 5
23 Ratings

About

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.

Information

You Might Also Like