One thing that can be said about adventure bikes is that they are very capable machines right out of the dealership. But if the type o riding they are going to be subject to involves taking them much further than a run-of-the-mill dirt or gravel road, some useful mods can be applied to these bikes. These modifications would not only improve their off-road capabilities but also help protect the bike’s more vulnerable parts that become even more exposed to potential damage in more serious off-road scenarios.
We’re going to try and provide a rundown of a few of the most important mods to do on your motorcycle and explain their function and why they are important. Depending on how the motorcycle is going to be used most of the time, some of these are crucial to preserving the bike, making it go further than previously possible, and making the ride safer overall. They’re also pretty inexpensive, especially considering how much money they may end up saving if things go awry.
Hand Guards Are Cheap And Can Save You Some Grief
Hand guards not only provide some wind protection for when riding on the road at higher speeds, and a fitting cosmetic look, but they also protect the brake and clutch levers. It is not uncommon for an inexperienced rider (and sometimes even experienced ones) to drop his or her bike while maneuvering or simply riding at low speeds while off-road. When the bike tips off, one of the first things that hit the ground are the levers, and they are quite sensitive and break rather easily. Hand guards are a cheap, easily replaceable mod that will help prevent that.
Skid Plates Will Keep Your Bike's Private Parts Safe
While some dual-purpose motorcycles already come with this next mod, a lot of them don’t. Skid plates are useful to protect the bike’s radiator and other sensitive parts that can be damaged by little pebbles that fly around often while riding off-road or even if the bike hits an obstacle like a big rock that’s higher than the motorcycle’s ground clearance. Skid plates can save the rider a lot of money and frustration while venturing off-road since if the bike is irreparably damaged, the rider could be stranded in the middle of nowhere with the nearest help several miles or hours away.
Foot Pegs Must Be Adequate
The right foot pegs are of paramount importance when riding off-road. A lot of bikes come with rubber foot pegs, and that makes perfect sense on the road. But sometimes when riding in wet weather or through mud, they can get pretty slippery, and that is entirely undesirable. For off-road riding, the rider will ideally be well-equipped, with adequate protective gear, and off-road boots. These work best with upgraded, wider, metal foot pegs, as they will keep the rider’s feet firmly planted on them, inspiring more confidence in the rider and improving his ability to control the bike.
Where (Or How) The Rubber Meets The Road
Another modification that should be considered right away with an ADV is the tires, most dual sports and ADVs come with all-terrain tires that perform adequately on road, and also on light dirt or gravel roads. But as mentioned before, if the motorcycle will be used on more difficult and intense off-road scenarios, off-road tires, also known as knobby tires likely be the first option. They can ride on the tarmac responsibly until the rider reaches the targeted off-road destination. This is an upgrade that makes a world of a difference off-road, but requires careful consideration, for using them on paved roads means they will wear out faster than all-terrain or regular road tires, and they won’t be as safe since the surface of the tires in connection with the tarmac at any given time is limited.
When off-road riding, oftentimes riders will deliberately choose to use a lower tire pressure than what is recommended by the manufacturer. A lower tire pressure in the dirt increases the surface area of contact with the ground but if your bike is particularly powerful this could sometimes cause the rear wheel to spin faster than the tire. So to remedy that while still being able to keep a low tire pressure, rim locks should be used.
Deciding Whether To Travel Light Or Not
The final recommendation is luggage. Depending on how long the adventure will last, full luggage options should be considered. These would be side bags and trunk. However, if that much space is not needed or desired because of the added bulk or weight, a tank bag could be an excellent choice to carry essential tools and items while venturing into the wilderness. A simple backpack is always an option too, but most will prefer to leave that weight off of their backs as it can become a problem on longer off-road rides that require a lot of stand-up riding. Also, when considering luggage options, try to favor waterproof bags.
Other than that, it’s important to make sure the route is planned, and one is not simply venturing into the absolute unknown as that could end up backfiring, not to mention being potentially dangerous for the rider. It is always prudent to not ride alone when going off-road either. Having a buddy to serve as a backup in case something goes wrong is always better than having no support at all.