When it comes to taking your motorbike off-road, it pays to know what kind of bike you’re actually driving. They’re not all made the same and fulfill different purposes, so it can be hazardous to use a bike in a fashion that it wasn’t designed for. So to save yourself from some confusion, here are the differences between adventure motorcycling and off-road.
What Is Adventure Motorcycling?
Adventure motorcycling is a way of traveling the world on two wheels, so that means you need a bike that is capable of riding long distances. Visiting karl malone glenwood will show you the wide range of bikes that are capable of enduring long trips while still keeping you comfortable. Storage is also very important since you’ll likely be carrying all of your belongings with you as well.
Although they are mostly meant for roads, some of them are capable of off-roading as well, especially if you’re going to end up on roads that are not fully paved. That means that the perfect adventure bike is going to have versatile wheels in order to deal with the variety of terrains you might be traveling on.
What Is Off-Road Riding?
Off-road riding is quite different from adventure motorcycling. The bikes are designed to be as lightweight as possible, which means less storage and more complicated mechanisms to deal with difficult terrain. They are designed with ruggedness and speed in mind, not the longevity of the ride. They are usually set up with tires designed to take on slippery mud, rocky terrains, or desert sand.
Bikes Excel In Different Areas
The first main difference between these kinds of bikes is that they are built to fulfill different purposes. As stated earlier, adventure bikes can be equipped with tires to handle somewhat difficult terrains, but that’s not what they were initially built for. For roads that are not well-traveled or are not roads at all, then the adventure cycle is not going to take you where you need to go; you’d do better with an off-road bike to complete the task.
However, if you feel as if you’re going to be driving on more roads than trails, then an adventure bike is for you. This is also for legal purposes as most off-road motorcycles are not street-legal and you could suffer the repercussions of driving one on the road.
There’s A Difference In Weight
Even just looking at the two different bikes next to each other will tell you a lot. An adventure bike is going to look much heavier than the off-road option. That’s because the off-road bike is built for easier navigation through tougher terrains, making it capable of making tighter turns on ground that aren’t as forgiving as pavement. An adventure bike, on the other hand, is more stable on the road, so it’s going to be a bit heavier.
Is Windscreen Important?
If a windscreen is important to you, then you should probably consider an adventure bike. They don’t always come with one but some allow you to attach one. This is so you can keep bugs and debris out of your face while you’re riding out on the open road. Off-road bikes, on the other hand, do not have this option at all. This is because they’re meant to be ridden at high speeds and a windscreen can dramatically affect this.
Carrying Luggage Capabilities
If you’re going on a long road trip, you’re going to want to carry your clothes and some basic supplies with you. That’s where the adventure bike comes in. They’re equipped with a lot of storage that can keep your belongings secure while you’re out on the open road. Some adventure bikes also give you the option of adding a luggage rack.
An off-road bike, on the other hand, does not have storage in mind since the bikes are designed to be as light as possible. They’re meant for outdoor trails, not traveling from point A to point B.
The Size Of The Gas Tank
Because adventure bikes are designed to be ridden long distances, they’re naturally going to have much larger gas tanks. This minimizes the number of times you need to refuel during your journey. Off-road bikes comes with much smaller gas tanks because one, they’re not being ridden for extensive periods of time, and two, a large gas tank would make them heavier and reduce their capabilities. So if you’re planning on riding off-road all day, then you’re going to need to refuel at some point,
The Kind Of Gear
The gear you need for adventure bikes tends to have an all-rounder function. They are four-season, protective, abrasion-resistant, waterproof, and zipper vents to help you stay cool. They’re meant to be comfortable and durable, protecting you from all elements and temperatures.
Off-road gear, on the other hand, is protective but is also much lighter so that you can achieve higher speeds. Because of the inherent danger of biking off-road, there are also protective points in the gear to help protect your vitals and joints.
Deciding which kind of bike to get requires you to exercise some forward thinking: which do you see yourself doing more, taking long trips on the road or going off the beaten path and taking a few thrill rides? That will help you figure out which bike might be best for you. And it’s not as if you can’t switch later on if you’re no longer interested in your current choice. In fact, there has been a steady increase in customers who use adventure bikes to make the switch to off-road, and vice versa.
So if you’re interested in taking on the open road or trail, speak to your nearest cycle dealer so that they can help you find the right bike for your needs. There are a lot of features to consider so some may not be suitable for your lifestyle. But a professional can help you narrow these down so that you’re not spending money on options that you’re never going to use.
