ADV Motorcycle Community: Online Forums and Resources

So, you're hooked on the thrill of adventure motorcycling? Awesome! But riding solo all the time can get a little… well, lonely. And let's be honest, sometimes you need help wrenching on your bike or advice on the best route through Patagonia. That's where the ADV motorcycle community comes in. Think of it as your extended family of two-wheeled explorers.

Online ADV Motorcycle Forums: Your Digital Campfire

Forums are the digital equivalent of gathering around a campfire after a long day of riding. They're brimming with information, camaraderie, and the occasional tall tale. Here are a few of the top forums you should check out:

• ADVrider.com: The granddaddy of ADV forums. Seriously, this place is HUGE. You'll find everything from ride reports and technical discussions to gear reviews and classifieds. It's a bit overwhelming at first, but the search function is your friend. Think of it as the Wikipedia of adventure motorcycling.
• Adventure Bike Rider (ABR) Forum: A UK-based forum with a strong international following. ABR focuses on adventure touring and offers a good balance of technical advice and ride reports. Plus, they host the Adventure Bike Rider Festival, which is a must-attend event if you're in Europe.
• BMW GS Giants: If you're a GS rider (or aspire to be), this is your tribe. Dedicated to all things BMW GS, this forum is a treasure trove of information on maintenance, modifications, and epic GS adventures.
• Horizons Unlimited: Focused on long-distance and overland travel. If you're dreaming of riding around the world, this forum is packed with inspiration and practical advice. They also host events and meetings around the globe.

Pro Tip: Don't be afraid to ask questions! Most forum members are happy to help newbies. Just remember to use the search function first to see if your question has already been answered.

Essential ADV Motorcycle Resources Beyond Forums

Forums are great, but they're not the only resource available to ADV riders. Here are some other valuable tools and websites to keep in your back pocket:

• REVER: A ride planning and tracking app that's popular among ADV riders. REVER allows you to discover new routes, track your rides, and connect with other riders. Plus, it has a built-in safety feature that can alert emergency contacts if you're involved in an accident.
• Gaia GPS: A powerful mapping app that's perfect for off-road navigation. Gaia GPS allows you to download topographic maps, create custom routes, and track your progress even when you're out of cell service. It's a bit more technical than REVER, but it's worth learning if you're planning on doing any serious off-road riding.
• Butler Maps: Paper maps specifically designed for adventure motorcyclists. Butler Maps highlight the best unpaved roads and scenic routes in various regions. They're a great backup to electronic navigation, especially in areas with unreliable cell service.
• YouTube Channels: There are tons of great YouTube channels dedicated to adventure motorcycling. Some popular ones include Itchy Boots, MotoTrek, and RideADV. These channels offer a mix of ride reports, gear reviews, and how-to videos.

Gear Recommendations for Your ADV Motorcycle Adventures

Alright, let's talk gear. Choosing the right gear can make or break your adventure. Here are a few recommendations, along with their pros, cons, and price points:

ADV Motorcycle Helmets: Protecting Your Noggin

Your helmet is arguably the most important piece of gear. Look for a helmet that's DOT and ECE certified, comfortable, and offers good ventilation. Here are a few popular options:

• Shoei Hornet X2: A premium ADV helmet with excellent ventilation, a comfortable fit, and a wide field of vision. Pros: High-quality construction, excellent ventilation, comfortable. Cons: Expensive. Price: $600-700.
• Arai XD4: Another top-of-the-line ADV helmet known for its excellent protection and comfortable fit. Pros: Excellent protection, comfortable, good reputation. Cons: Expensive, can be noisy. Price: $650-750.
• Bell MX-9 Adventure MIPS: A more affordable option that still offers good protection and features. Pros: Affordable, MIPS technology, good ventilation. Cons: Can be noisy, lower quality construction than premium helmets. Price: $200-250.

ADV Motorcycle Jackets and Pants: Weathering the Storm

Your jacket and pants should be waterproof, breathable, and offer good abrasion resistance. Look for features like adjustable vents, armor, and plenty of pockets.

• Klim Badlands Pro: A premium jacket and pant combo known for its exceptional durability and weather protection. Pros: Extremely durable, waterproof, excellent ventilation. Cons: Very expensive. Price: Jacket: $1200-1400, Pants: $1000-1200.
• Rev'It! Sand 4: A versatile jacket and pant combo that's well-suited for a variety of riding conditions. Pros: Versatile, waterproof, good ventilation. Cons: Not as durable as the Klim Badlands Pro. Price: Jacket: $500-600, Pants: $400-500.
• Tour Master Transition Series 5: A more affordable option that still offers good protection and features. Pros: Affordable, waterproof, good value. Cons: Not as durable or breathable as more expensive options. Price: Jacket: $300-400, Pants: $250-350.

ADV Motorcycle Boots: Protecting Your Ankles

Your boots should offer good ankle support, be waterproof, and provide good grip on the pegs. Look for boots with reinforced toes and shins.

• Sidi Adventure 2 Gore-Tex: A premium ADV boot known for its excellent protection, comfort, and waterproofness. Pros: Excellent protection, comfortable, waterproof. Cons: Expensive. Price: $500-600.
• Alpinestars Toucan Gore-Tex: Another top-of-the-line ADV boot with similar features to the Sidi Adventure 2. Pros: Excellent protection, comfortable, waterproof. Cons: Expensive. Price: $550-650.
• Forma Adventure Boots: A more affordable option that still offers good protection and features. Pros: Affordable, comfortable, waterproof. Cons: Not as durable as more expensive options. Price: $300-400.

Comparing ADV Motorcycle Gear: Making the Right Choice

Choosing the right gear can be tough, especially with so many options available. Here's a quick comparison of the gear mentioned above:

Ultimately, the best gear for you will depend on your budget, riding style, and personal preferences. It's always a good idea to try on gear before you buy it to ensure a comfortable fit.

Using Your Gear: Real-World Scenarios

So, you've got your gear. Now what? Let's look at some common ADV riding scenarios and how to use your gear effectively:

• Hot Weather Riding: Choose gear with good ventilation. Open vents on your jacket and pants, and consider wearing a mesh base layer to wick away sweat. Hydration is key! Use a hydration pack or stop frequently to drink water.
• Cold Weather Riding: Layer up! Wear a thermal base layer, a fleece mid-layer, and a waterproof outer layer. Consider using heated grips and heated clothing to stay warm.
• Rainy Weather Riding: Make sure your gear is waterproof. Use rain covers for your boots and gloves. Slow down and ride defensively.
• Off-Road Riding: Wear protective gear like knee braces and elbow pads. Stand up on the pegs to absorb bumps and maintain control. Lower your tire pressure for better traction.

The ADV motorcycle community is a fantastic resource for riders of all skill levels. Whether you're looking for technical advice, route recommendations, or just a friendly chat, you'll find it in these online forums and resources. So, get out there, connect with your fellow riders, and explore the world on two wheels!