Expert Ducatim on motorcycle adventure traveling

Increasing popularity

The popularity of adventure riding is on the rise, and adventure (better known as all-road) motorcycles are becoming increasingly popular. The roads are filled with numerous GS, Multistrada, KTM Adventure, Ténéré, and, of course, the Ducati Desert X inspired by the former Paris-Dakar Cagiva, as enthusiasts embrace these versatile machines more and more. An increasing number of motorcyclists are realizing the possibilities beyond ordinary commuting and leisure rides, using their bikes for vacation trips or weekend getaways. And then, a sportbike, or even a pure naked bike, might not be the ideal travel companion, especially if you want to take a more adventurous route, such as a gravel path, Strada Bianca, or part of the TET route. ‘TET’ is an abbreviation for Trans-European Trail, which offers beautiful off-road routes throughout Europe, generally well-suited for beginners with little or no off-road experience.

But what should you consider when planning a weekend trip or vacation on a motorcycle? Let me share my own experience with you and tell you what I find helpful!

Planning is key

It all starts with your planning. What do you want to do? And where? Are you going to chase the good weather for a week with your tent on the back of the motorcycle? Or are you planning a trip abroad, staying at hotels along the way? Or do you choose a region and ride routes from one central location, returning each day to your B&B, campsite, or hotel? Make sure you have a plan before you set off. And if you decide not to have a plan at all? Well, that's also a plan in itself ;).

Think about how you bring your luggage

If you're going on a spontaneous trip, you should definitely consider extra luggage and the storage options. Think about using panniers or cases. Panniers are usually waterproof ‘soft’ cases, or more like bags, that you can attach to the motorcycle. The advantage of hard cases is that they are sturdy and lockable, and depending on their size, they usually offer more storage space. The downside is that they often make your motorcycle wider (and, of course, heavier). If you plan to ride off-road in a sportier way, they easily get damaged in case of a fall, which could also affect you. If, by any chance, your arm or leg gets stuck between the case and the ground, it can turn out to be quite unpleasant. That's why I consciously chose a pannier system.

Tip: a tank bag or case can be very useful for storing items like your cards and wallet for tolls and refueling. It's also handy for carrying your camera if you want to capture beautiful moments on the go, whether for yourself or for your followers back home or on social media.

Opt for good and multifunctional clothing

Over time, I've done most forms of weekend getaways and motorcycle vacations with my own bike; from staying at one hotel, going from hotel to hotel, to even sleeping in Bedouin tents in the Moroccan desert. When I go on a weekend trip, I only carry toiletries, clean underwear, and a rain set. For this, I've chosen the SPIDI Allroad H2Out. With its 3-layer system, you're prepared for all weather conditions. I've ridden with it in 40-degrees in Morocco, and thanks to the excellent ventilation, it was comfortable even then. It's just as good as my summer outfit: the SPIDI Progressive Net Windout jacket and motorcycle jeans. But the significant advantage of a modular clothing system is that you can easily and quickly change clothes as weather conditions change. And when you're not wearing the extra layers, they are very light (which is great, especially if you plan to do more off-road riding) and can be compactly stored in your panniers or cases. You could even stash them in a small backpack.

Speaking of backpacks: consider the possibilities of a so-called 'camel bag'. No more lugging around bottles of water. You won't be dependent on stops along the way anymore. It's especially handy when riding in more remote areas; you'll have your drink always at hand. It's even ideal for taking a few sips while riding.

Keep the flexibility of shoes and gloves in mind

Always wear solid motorcycle boots or shoes, especially if you plan to ride on gravel or sandy trails. The chances of slipping are higher in those conditions. When I mainly ride on the road, I prefer wearing my XPD X-Radial sneakers, offering good ankle protection and easy to walk in. I even wear them to work. However, if you're going for a more sporty and off-road experience, consider wearing adventure boots or even MX boots. The latter are true motocross boots and provide the best protection. However, they can be quite rigid, with minimal ankle flex (which can be challenging for short-legged riders on high adventure bikes, as I have learned...). They also have thick toe caps, requiring you to adjust the position of your gear shifter accordingly. Another important point is that you'll have much less feeling with your rear brake. If you usually don't use your rear brake much, let me warn you: you will use it a lot more when riding off-road. In my opinion, a more adventure-oriented boot, like the Alpinestars Toucan, is a good compromise. It has a rugged ‘MX-like’ look, provides excellent support and protection with its internal ankle brace, offers more flexibility, and provides a better feeling. This type of boot is great for average all-road travel on gravel and sand/mud paths. If you're going for (extreme) enduro riding, then you'll need MX boots and gear. But if that's the case, the advice above may not apply to you.

Always choose a well-fitted pair of gloves. For me, fit and feel are crucial. Just like with the rear brake, you'll find yourself using the clutch and front brake a lot more when riding off-road. And if you have an adventurous mindset, you'll undoubtedly find yourself tackling gravel paths. Or you might get surprised while abroad when the road simply ends, and you have to continue on gravel or sand.

Consider an off-road helmet

Helmets for off-road riding are very different compared to normal racing or touring helmets. A sun visor (also called a ‘beak’) on your helmet is very convenient, as is the open-faced visor. This not only provides a broader view but also allows you to wear motocross goggles if you prefer. Off-road helmets usually have a longer chin bar to ensure your chin and teeth are better protected in case of a fall. Safety is paramount. Additionally, these helmets typically have more ventilation than regular full-face helmets, which is beneficial because off-road riding can be more physically demanding. The increased airflow is appreciated, especially when riding at lower speeds. It keeps you cooler and more comfortable. It's definitely worth considering! And let's be honest, it also looks much cooler when you're riding your adventure bike with one of those helmets on.

Extra protection

As you venture into more sporty off-road riding, some additional protection is highly recommended. For your lower body, consider special undergarments with extra protectors and knee braces. For your upper body, there are separate protectors available, as well as the so-called armor jackets. Personally, I wear the Alpinestars Bionic Pro V2. It's a lightweight and breathable stretch undergarment with full protection for elbows, shoulders, chest/ribs, and back, along with a kidney belt. When wearing this, you'll need to temporarily remove the standard protection from your jacket as having double layers can have a counterproductive effect. Alternatively, especially on hot days, you can wear a motocross shirt over the armor. I wear the Alpinestars Racer Tactical Jersey Iron Camo (quite a mouthful for a comfortable and stretchy motocross shirt), which fits my bike and the rest of my gear very nicely. However, there are hundreds of brands and models in this segment to choose from.

Navigating in the middle of nowhere

If you're heading to areas where you're unfamiliar with the roads, it's essential to have a navigation system. There are different options with apps for your phone. Just make sure to invest in a good mount that protects your phone's camera stabilizer! Alternatively, you can go for a stand-alone navigation device. There are a few major players in the motorcycle market, including TomTom and Zumo. Personally, I opted for the Zumo XT, and recently, an improved version has been released: the Zumo XT2. It has a large screen, is user-friendly, and a bright display that remains visible in all conditions, making it great for handling off-road tracks.

Ensure you and your bike are ready

Of course, the most important aspect is to make sure your bike is in excellent condition. Check the chain (tension), sprockets, brakes, and most importantly, your tires. You'll be surprised by the number of kilometers you'll ride during a vacation of, for example, a week. You definitely don't want to find yourself stranded in the middle of nowhere with worn-out tires, or worse...

Last but not least: take good care of yourself. Resting on time and eating/drinking properly are crucial. If you're planning a longer trip, make sure you're physically prepared as well. Especially if you're not used to riding more than 100/150 km at a time. Riding 350/400 km every day for a week can be a physical (and sometimes mental) challenge. Remember that 150 km of all-/off-road riding can easily take around 5 hours. So start your trip well-trained, well-rested, and prepared. With that, nothing can stand in the way of creating beautiful memories and embarking on exciting adventures!