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

Drew Faulkner
  • 5.0 (21)
  • Sports
  • Updated 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. Tubes vs Tubeless Unscripted Shortcut: Does It Actually Matter for Adventure Riding?

    3d ago ·  Bonus

    Tubes vs Tubeless Unscripted Shortcut: Does It Actually Matter for Adventure Riding?

    Tube-type wheels or tubeless wheels? It's one of the most debated topics in adventure motorcycling, right up there with oil brands and tire recommendations. But does wheel type actually matter as much as the internet says it does? In this Unscripted Shortcut, we break down the real-world pros and cons of tube-type and tubeless wheel systems for adventure touring and off-road riding. We discuss: Tube vs tubeless wheel advantages and disadvantages. The realities of flat tire repairs on and off the trailWhy your riding style matters more than internet opinionsCommon myths about flats, punctures, and rim damageWhy wheel type shouldn't be a deal breaker when shopping for an adventure motorcycle Whatever ADV bike you're shopping for, this episode will help you decide whether tube-type or tubeless wheels should influence your purchase decision. Because the truth is, many riders spend more time arguing about flats on the internet than actually fixing them on the trail. 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

    12 min
  2. EP162: What Are The Best Used ADV Motorcycles Under $3,500?

    5d ago

    EP162: What Are The Best Used ADV Motorcycles Under $3,500?

    Can you really buy a legitimate adventure motorcycle for $3,500 or less? In this episode, Drew and Mark dig through real Facebook Marketplace listings from around the country to find the best adventure motorcycles currently available on a budget. From forgotten oddballs and ADV-touring machines to sensible bargains and serious contenders. After multiple elimination rounds, only one motorcycle earns the title of Best Adventure Motorcycle on Marketplace for $3,500 or Less Along the way, we discuss hidden gems, surprising bargains, overpriced cult favorites, and the bikes we'd actually spend our own money on. In This Episode: -The best ADV bikes currently listed for $3,500 or less. -Biggest bargains and biggest surprises. -Reliability, capability, and value comparisons.. -Which bike we'd personally buy today. Subscriber Bonus We raise the stakes with the Double-or-Nothing Challenge and determine the best adventure motorcycle available for $7,000 or less, plus several honorable mentions that didn't make the main show. What's your pick for the best adventure motorcycle under $3,500? Let us know in the comments. 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

    1h 13m
  3. EP161: How to Convert a Dual-Sport into an Adventure Motorcycle?

    Jun 15

    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

    1h 37m
  4. EP160: Who are the hosts behind Moto Adventurer Unscripted?

    Jun 8

    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

    1h 55m
  5. Unscripted Shortcut: How Much Pavement Is there?

    Jun 4 ·  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
  6. EP159: What Are the Best and Worst Parts of Adventure Motorcycling?

    Jun 1

    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

    1h 56m
  7. EP158: What Should Every Rider Know About Motorcycle Travel Safety and Security?

    May 25

    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

    1h 58m
  8. EP157: What Are Essential Adventure Riding Skills?

    May 18

    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

    1h 54m
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5
out of 5
21 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.

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