The ABR Podcast

Adventure Bike Rider

The official podcast from Adventure Bike Rider magazine. Join the ABR team and guests from the world of motorcycling for news, views, and plenty of laughs as we explore the world of two-wheeled travel. Find out more at www.adventurebikerider.com.

  1. 04/03/2025

    ABR Festival: Answering your burning questions about the UK's biggest motorcycle festival

    Hello, I’m James from Adventure Bike Rider and welcome to this special edition of the ABR Podcast, which is dedicated to answering your burning questions about the ABR Festival in June. These are the questions you’ve asked us more than others, the questions that are keeping you up at night as excitement builds ahead of the greatest celebration of adventure biking ever held. And joining me on the podcast to answer them is one of ABR’s longest-serving staff members, the font of all festival knowledge, and one of my favourite people on the planet. Our Head of Customer Service, Abeer El-Sayed. Background Held in the stunning grounds of Ragley Hall in Warwickshire, the ABR Festival is the largest motorcycle festival in the UK. It brings together thousands of like-minded riders and the motorcycle industry to make new friends, share stories, and enjoy three incredible days of biking action and festival entertainment. Over 50km of the festival site is made up of custom-built off-road trails, including the Bridgestone Trail and TRF Trail, which are built for bikers to explore the best of this amazing corner of the Warwickshire countryside. The world's biggest bike manufacturers will be bringing fleets of their own machines for guests to take part in what's best described as the world's biggest test ride. Last year, over 10,000 demo rides we taken across the weekend of the ABR Festival, all free of charge to attendees. The best riding skills schools can be found on-site, offering free tuition throughout the weekend to riders of all abilities, from those who've never ridden off the tarmac before to trail-riding veterans who would simply like to brush up on their technique. Each school brings its own machines that guests can use free of charge, so riders won't have to risk their own bikes while they're learning. This June, more than 20 of the finest cover and party bands will be bringing the party to the BikerHeadz Stage and Bridgestone Stage, including one of the best AC/DC tribute acts in the shape of Let There B/DC, funk and soul kings, The Detroit Collective, Ibiza DJ Krystal Roxx, plus the man crowned in Memphis as the world's number one Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist, Ben Portsmouth. Inspiration is at the heart of the ABR Festival, and we aim to encourage every biker to get the most of this incredible passion for two wheels that we all share. Visitors to ABR will be joined by some of the biggest names in adventure biking who will be on hand to share stories of intrepid travel across the globe, provide practical advice on how bikers can take their riding to the next level, and show off their incredible riding skills in the GoPro Display Arena. The comfort of all guests on site is our highest priority, so we offer Grade-A facilities to ensure everyone feels clean and refreshed throughout their stay. What does that look like? Well, ABR spent more money per head on premium flushing toilets and hot shower units than any other UK festival in 2024. Ticket holders will also find a huge selection of delectable street food to keep their energy levels up, plus 20 bars offering reasonably priced pints, soft drinks and cocktails, to keep them refreshed. All this combines to ensure anyone joining us will have the greatest weekend they've ever had on two wheels. The 2025 edition of the ABR Festival takes place from Thursday 26th to Sunday 29th June. Saturday and Weekend Tickets are available in extremely limited numbers and can be found here - https://www.abrfestival.com/tickets/

    23 min
  2. 02/12/2025

    Adventure biking off-road across Italy on the ACT with Edelweiss Bike Travel

    Have you ever dreamed of exploring Italy's iconic White Roads (Strade Bianche) by motorcycle through remote Tuscan hills and endless miles of vineyards. Are you curious about what it's really like to take a motorbike tour in Italy? And do you want to know what it takes to ride the Adventure Country Tracks (ACT) route through the country? If the answer is yes, then you've come to the right place because in this episode of the ABR Podcast, Billy reveals to ABR Editor James what it's like ride Italy's White Roads, or Strade Bianche, as he explores Central Italy by motorcycle. He also explains what makes Italy so special for motorcycle touring, what the trails are like along the ACT Italy route, and discusses the pros and cons of group motorcycle tours compared with solo bike. In a bid to explore what could arguably be called Europe's best motorcycle touring destination, Billy rode across the spine of the country on a Ducati Multistrada V4 S, following the Adventure Country Tracks Italy route as part of Edelweiss Bike Travel's ACT Centre of Italy Unpaved tour. With countless off-road trails, incredible stretches of tarmac, and a wonderful culture to experience, it was a sensational trip. And of course, there's the Italian food which is guaranteed to make your motorbike textiles bulge at the seams come the end of a summer tour. Want to experience adventure riding in Italy yourself? Then head over to Edelweiss Bike Travel's website to find out more about their ACT Centre of Italy Unpaved tour:https://www.edelweissbike.com/en/motorbiketours/upc-act-centre-of-italy-unpaved Video breakdown:Part 1 Italy's White Roads (Strade Bianche): 00:00:00 Part 2 Motorcycle touring in Italy: 00:12:54 Part 3 Solo travel or organised tour?: 00:29:23

    38 min
  3. Honda Transalp Ride Along

    08/29/2023

    Honda Transalp Ride Along

    This podcast was taken from the audio of the Honda Transalp ride-along video by ABR The Honda Transalp proved a capable machine for James back in February in its press release in Portugal. But how does this new mid-sized adventure bike from Honda fare for the everyday ride? To find out ABR Editor James puts his review of the Transalp to the side, forgetting the magnificent twisting turns and Dakar rally tracks of Portugal. For the measured and predictable country, and green lanes of Stratford Upon Avon. All to find out how this bike handles the everyday ride. This video wouldn't have been possible without the help and support of our friends at Halvarrsons. Halvavarrsons offers elite motorcycling gear for any adventure biking conditions ensuring you're weather-resistant and safe. Check out the jacket and gloves we used for this review, the Gruven Jacket and Ljusdal gloves below. Gruven Jacket: https://halvarssonsmc.com/product/gruven-2/ Ljusdal gloves: https://halvarssonsmc.com/product/ljusdal/ What did you think of the Honda Transalp? Is this the mini Africa Twin that bikers were anticipating? Or is it a dependable workhorse that strikes out on its own, carving its own status among Honda's catalog of iconic motorcycles? Let us know in the comments below. Don't forget Early Bird tickets for the ABR Festival 2024 are available. Save £40 on your weekend tickets right now with an Early Bird Ticket. Available at www.abrfestival.com Cheers, _Bits from us_ 🏍️ *Grab your tickets for the festival here:* https://www.abrfestival.com/tickets/ *Grab your trail access tickets here:* https://www.abrfestival.com/tickets/ *Grab your ABR merchandise here:* https://www.adventurebikerider.com/product-category/merchandise/ *Checkout our Podcast the ABR Garage here:* Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/abr-garage-adventure-bike-rider-podcast/id1549248581 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Bh7mIJPEC9cHivMFFKvUo?si=25386000471a4a41 *Be sure to follow us on Facebook:* https://en-gb.facebook.com/adventurebikerider/ *Be sure to follow us on Instagram:* https://www.instagram.com/adventure_bike_rider/?hl=en

    41 min
  4. 07/14/2023

    Itchy Boots & Ryan F9 at the ABR Festival | The Ultimate Motorcycle Adventure ABR Garage Episode 17

    Itchy Boots & Ryan F9 join James in the ABR Garage for this very special episode live from the Bridgestone Campfire stage at the ABR Festival 2023. The aim is simple, what is Itchy Boots & Ryan F9's ultimate motorcycle adventure? To make this adventure special, we go through what bikes to take, where to go, and what adventures we want to happen along the way. If you're planning your ultimate motorcycle trip this is a must-listen from the garage. Itchy Boots & Ryan F9 are true motorcycle YouTube titans with years of experience in the saddle. So, take it from the best and start your ultimate motorcycle adventure with this episode of the ABR Garage. Available from all the places you get your podcasts. #itchyboots #ryanf9 #abrfestival #adventurebikerider _Bits from us_ 🏍️ *Grab your tickets for the festival here:* https://www.abrfestival.com/tickets/ *Grab your trail access tickets here:* https://www.abrfestival.com/tickets/ *Grab your ABR merchandise here:* https://www.adventurebikerider.com/product-category/merchandise/ *Checkout our Podcast the ABR Garage here:* Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/abr-garage-adventure-bike-rider-podcast/id1549248581 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Bh7mIJPEC9cHivMFFKvUo?si=25386000471a4a41 *Be sure to follow us on Facebook:* https://en-gb.facebook.com/adventurebikerider/ *Be sure to follow us on Instagram:* https://www.instagram.com/adventure_bike_rider/?hl=en

    1h 3m
  5. 04/28/2023

    The best tyres for your adventure bike? | ABR Garage Episode 16

    We sat down with tyre expert Gary from Bridgestone and picked his brain about the best tyres to use for your adventure bike. Adventure bikes are designed to be ridden on the road as well as off it, and a key part of adventure riding is tyre choice. We spoke with Gary about what tyres he would recommend for all riding conditions as well as drawing from his experiences as a seasoned off-road rider. James and Gary also discuss different bikes and what setups they require as well as picking the right tyre for you. Thanks to Gary and the folks at Bridgestone we hope this episode of the ABR Garage helps you when it comes to tyres. If you like what you see hit that subscribe and bell icon below and join the ABR YouTube channel for all your adventure biking needs.  @bridgestoneEMEA  #bridgestone #tyres #tires #motorbike #podcast _Bits from us_ 🏍️ *Grab your tickets for the festival here:* https://www.abrfestival.com/tickets/ *Grab your trail access tickets here:* https://www.abrfestival.com/tickets/ *Grab your ABR merchandise here:* https://www.adventurebikerider.com/product-category/merchandise/ *Checkout our Podcast the ABR Garage here:* Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/abr-garage-adventure-bike-rider-podcast/id1549248581 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Bh7mIJPEC9cHivMFFKvUo?si=25386000471a4a41 *Be sure to follow us on Facebook:* https://en-gb.facebook.com/adventurebikerider/ *Be sure to follow us on Instagram:* https://www.instagram.com/adventure_bike_rider/?hl=en

    42 min
  6. 04/19/2023

    Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition: the toughest bike launch ever we've ever been on | ABR Garage Episode 15

    After returning from the international press launch of the Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition in South Africa, Alun declared it was the toughest adventure bike launch he'd been on in 12 years of testing motorbikes around the world. And Alun wasn't alone in his assessment, with Dakar Rally winner Cyril Depres also impressed with the challenging route Husqvarna provided for the assembled journalists which saw them ride for more than 300 miles over two days of adventuring. But how did the Norden 901 Expedition perform on the mix of technical trails, sweeping gravel roads, twisty coastal tarmac, and more? What makes the Expedition worth spending and extra £900 over the price of a standard Norden 901? And could South Africa help Alun get his trail riding mojo back? Find out all this and more in the latest episode of the ABR Garage, the podcast from Adventure Bike Rider, in which James debriefs Alun on his return from the Norden launch. WHAT IS THE NORDEN 901 EXPEDITION? The original Norden 901 hit dealerships here in the UK in 2022, and less than a year later, the manufacturer has released a new model, called the Expedition. It shares the same engine, chassis, wheels, electronics, and more with the standard bike, but has been designed to offer greater comfort and performance over long distances, whether you're riding on or off road. Let us know what you think of the new Husqvarna Norden 901 Expedition in the comments section below. And be sure to hit that subscribe button for more content from ABR.

    57 min

About

The official podcast from Adventure Bike Rider magazine. Join the ABR team and guests from the world of motorcycling for news, views, and plenty of laughs as we explore the world of two-wheeled travel. Find out more at www.adventurebikerider.com.