Photography by Leander Nardin/Akela World Am I the only one who has willed my eyes to stop blinking when confronted by a vibrant sunset at the beach? I can’t bear to miss a moment. Salt particles suspended in the air cause shorter wavelengths of light, like violet and blue, to scatter. As a result, showy…
Overland News of the Week
Adventure Ready Norden 901 Expedition Motorcycle The Norden 901 Expedition is a long-distance, off-road motorcycle powered by an 889 cc parallel-twin engine paired with a six-speed gearbox and a power-assist slipper clutch, all housed on a chromium-molybdenum steel trellis frame. What sets it apart from the standard Norden 901 is the various factory-installed technical upgrades…
Adventure Motorcycling 101: In-Depth Training with Bill Dragoo
In this episode of the Overland Journal Podcast, join us from Norman, Oklahoma, with special guest Bill Dragoo in his vintage-and-modern-motorcycle-filled shop. We dive into the foundational skills and training necessary for adventure motorcycling, discussing bike selection, safety equipment, rider preparation, and more. Learn about the importance of bike ergonomics, body positioning, and the critical…
For the Minimalist Who Fancies Luxury :: Gift Guide
I’ll preface this guide by reminding one and all that the greatest gifts cannot be bought. I know it sounds cliché, but it’s true. So, during this festive season, check in with loved ones and make time away from your devices to be present. With that out of the way, who’s going to buy me…
Featherweight Gifts for Your Over-GVWR Champion
Groaning springs, nose in the air, the struggle to the top of the next hill, always bringing up the rear, thirsty at the pump—we all know that traveler in our lives who could use some gear that lightens the load. Whether on two wheels or four, reducing avoirdupois reaps many benefits, not least safety. As a vehicle’s mass…
10 Holiday Gifts for the Overlander Who Has it All
Photo by Richard Giordano We often assume that someone who “has it all” owns every desirable item—whether toys, vehicles, accessories, or other overland gear and gadgets. But as the holiday season approaches, it may be worth widening that definition. Some overlanders have everything they need and want nothing more; others “have it all” simply because…
Do It for the Kids Gift Guide
Every year, non-overlander children open their presents under the tree to find gifts that are, for the most part, useless for the rest of the year. Overlander kids are different—they live lives of exploration and deserve gifts that help fill a year with fun and adventure. I don’t remember 99 percent of the gifts I…
Field Tested :: Hipcamp and The Dyrt
Times have certainly changed. When many of us first began overlanding, there were few tools to help locate a suitable campsite, and long driving days often ended early so we could scout the surrounding area for a safe place to spend the night. The arrival of iOverlander eased much of that burden—and, some would argue,…
2023 KTM 500 EXC-F :: Feature Vehicle
Photography by Jason Spafford “I wish my bike were heavier,” said no one ever. Perhaps that was the hardest lesson learned from our four-and-a-year Argentina-to-Alaska ride. For this trip, we are determined to heed that wisdom. Embarking on our second dalliance with motorcycles after a five-year hiatus feels like a reunion with an old flame. After…
Buyer’s Guide: 8 Affordable ADV Motos – UPDATED
Editor’s note: This guide was updated in December 2025 to reflect the latest in affordable ADV motorcycles. We now have 10 motos that fit our price point of $7,400 or less. Although CSC’s RX4 is no longer available, there are new models from Royal Enfield, KTM, Honda, Kawasaki, and CFMOTO. Suzuki’s 2025 DRZ-4S was…
Aprilia and Backcountry Discovery Routes Team Up for the Lost Coast BDR-X
The name says it all: The Lost Coast. You might think California is played out and too crowded, but America’s third largest state still has plenty of remote terrain to explore, and lots of places to lose yourself—especially on two wheels. The tucked-away corner of the Golden State’s northern shoreline known as the Lost Coast…
Overland Conservation: Forests
Photography by Leander Nardin Looking back on a decade of full-time, vehicle-based travel, my most beloved nights camping in the United States have taken place beneath a forest canopy. With limited exceptions, public forest land is open for overland exploration. National forests contain maintained trail networks, established campgrounds, and vast dispersed camping opportunities. Access to…
Triumph Tiger Special Editions :: Alpine and Desert
Triumph announces four Special Edition Tigers that will hit the showrooms in January, 2026. Select Tiger 900 and 1200 models will be offered in Alpine and Desert editions, each receiving upgrades and special paint schemes. Triumph uses the GT Pro versions of the Tigers for the Alpine Editions and the Rally Pros for the Desert…
Field Tested :: Ruroc Eox Rebel Pilot Helmet and Cardo Shockwave Mesh Comms
I don’t presume to be a Jedi Knight, but I confess that every time I swing a leg over my BMW and strap on the Ruroc Eox Rebel Pilot helmet, I channel a little bit of the Force. I usually prefer a helmet with solid, bright colors rather than busy graphics, but when Ruroc offered…
EICMA 2025 Roundup
EICMA 2025 wrapped up last week with a fairly modest roll-out of ADV models and updates. Besides the bombshell from Norton, and BMW and CFMoto’s new offerings for 2026/2027, we saw the launch of the BSA Thunderbolt (likely a UK- and Europe-only model), a Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 special edition and Flying Flea EVs (but…
Overland News of the Week
Cover image by Drew Martin BFGoodrich Launches 12 Additional All-Terrain T/A KO3 Tire Sizes The rolling launch of BFGoodrich All-Terrain T/A KO3 tires continues, with 95 out of 100 sizes now available, with more to follow in 2026. The KO3s were designed with improved wear performance, increased gravel road durability, and effective snow traction while…
BMW, CFMoto, and… Norton? ADV Updates from EICMA
The worst-kept secret for this year’s EICMA show in Milan is the official debut of BMW’s F 450 GS flyweight adventure bike, but some of the particulars raised a few eyebrows. CFMoto has gone bigger rather than smaller with its new 1000 MT-X, and the real head-snapper is the return of the venerable Norton brand…
Kawasaki KLE500 ABS
The Kawasaki KLE500 ABS machines join the growing mid-sized adventure bike group with two new “Rally Inspired” ADV bikes powered by a 451cc parallel twin engine. The $6,599 standard version offers an affordable entry into adventure riding, while the $7,499 SE (Special Edition) model includes a full-color display and other amenities. KLE500 Propulsion Kawasaki boasts…
Moto News Roundup :: Kawasaki Middleweight, KTM Updates, Alpinestars ADV Gear, EICMA
In our Moto News Roundup for October, Bajaj makes some big decisions about KTM production, Kawasaki teases their newest ADV offering in the middleweight class, Alpinestars debuts new riding gear, Suzuki keeps updating the V-Strom range, and EICMA 2025 is on the horizon. Bajaj Mulls Moving KTM Production to India The continuing saga of Austria’s…
Bidding Closes October 29 for Overland Expo Foundation’s Ultimate Overland Builds
Adventure enthusiasts and collectors have just hours left to bid on two one-of-a-kind machines that celebrate the very best in overland design and engineering. The 2025 Ultimate Overland Vehicle Build and Ultimate Overland Motorcycle Build are live now on Bring a Trailer, with auctions closing October 29. The annual auction raises funds for the Overland…