Ford, like all auto builders, finds itself in a sticky moment. The worldwide landscape of personal mobility appears to be at a tipping point toward widespread electricification, but political and market-driven constraints, along with advancements in hybridization, have prolonged the use of the old technology, perhaps beyond its original lifespan. Sometimes, major shifts in a…
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Kawasaki’s New KLX Flavors :: Sherpa S and DF
In a world awash in complex, hulking, and too-powerful ADV bikes, there is something enduringly appealing about a low-displacement dual-sport. Its simplicity, light weight, and nimble capability in a wide range of conditions evoke the authentic spirit of motorcycling. Kawaski is one brand that is stubbornly hanging on to this original ethos, both in its…
The Defender Octa and Land Rover’s Return to True Adventure
“But would you drive it across Africa?” That was the question journalist and fellow adventurer Dustin Beatty tossed my way as we rolled back into base camp in Grand Junction, Colorado, dusty, exhilarated, and fresh off a day of pushing the new Defender Octa through its paces. For me, that question isn’t hypothetical. It’s the…
2026 Scrambler 400 XC Coming from Triumph
Triumph adds to their 400cc lineup with the 2026 Scrambler 400 XC, a dirt-worthy version of their current 400 X model. The new machine’s price is $6,695, an $800 increase over the X. Chief Commercial Officer of Triumph Motorcycles Paul Stroud said this about the new model’s world debut: “The Triumph Scrambler 400 XC has…
Women’s-Only Off-Road Class Is a Go for XOverland’s Big Thing Event
On Sunday, July 13, 2025, as the featured “Big Thing” overland weekend concludes, the XOverland Ranch is offering a women-only technical training course—a dedicated space designed to build driving confidence, refine recovery techniques, and foster genuine connection among women who share a passion for adventure. Hosted at the picturesque XOverland Ranch near Three Forks, Montana,…
Toyota Has NOT Yet Confirmed a Compact Pick Up for the US
Even though Toyota Motor North America is edging closer to a long-rumored return to the compact pickup segment, it has not yet crossed the line that would make the program officially real. Over the past two weeks, two of the company’s most senior regional executives have spoken with unusual candor about a small, unibody pickup…
Smart Air Vest from Dainese :: Field Tested
The Dainese Smart Air vest is their latest innovation in air bag safety systems suitable for multi-surface motorcycle riding. Worn over or under a jacket, the lightweight vest is designed to protect back and chest in the event of a crash. D-air to the Rescue The Smart Air employs the company’s race-proven D-air technology in…
Slate Auto Drops a $20,000 DIY Bombshell
Let’s get this out of the way up front: Slate Auto’s brand new electric pickup is not available with any kind of AWD or 4WD system. Yet. However, the under-$20,000 projected asking price (after federal EV tax credits) for a base model “Blank Slate” and its unmatched modularity and options for owner customization are extremely…
Slate, Canoo, Telo :: New EV 4x4s or Vaporware?
A mega billionaire, a recently bankrupt manufacturer, and a plucky startup have all made waves recently with news about interesting EV 4x4s. Perhaps the most intriguing is the alleged sub-$25,000 pickup from the mysterious Slate Auto, which TechCrunch reported earlier this week is backed by the financial might of Jeff Bezos. The once-promising EV concern…
First Drive :: 2026 Honda Passport TrailSport
Most of us in the overlanding scene want a vehicle that can get us the absolute furthest away from civilization. We want lockers, beefy tires, a 40-degree approach angle, and if it doesn’t run on diesel, then forget it. For the rest of the population, there are the soft roaders. These all-wheel-drive SUVs won’t tackle Devil’s…
Field Tested :: Leatt ADV Gear and Carbon Helmet
Leatt, known for their innovative motorcycle protection equipment and clothing, is taking on the adventure touring market. Their 7.5 ADV line for 2025 comprises DriTour gear for wet weather, FlowTour for warm rides, and MultiTour for all-season exploring. We selected MultiTour gear for its flexibility, pairing it with warm-season 7.5 X-Flow gloves. Leatt’s 9.5 Carbon…
Lexus LX700 Overtrail :: A Pinnacle Overlander
Few vehicles capture the spirit of overlanding like a Land Cruiser: rugged, capable, worldly, and trusted. For North America, Land Cruisers have been sold since 1958 and were available as the pinnacle overlander of choice for 62 years until the last Heritage Edition 200 Series left dealer lots in 2020. This left a significant void…
Howl R1 Campfire Launches as the Most Portable Fire Pit Yet
In an era of increasing burn bans and rampant wildfires, the traditional wood campfire is quickly becoming a thing of the past for much of the year. Enter the Howl R1 Campfire, a bold new contender in the portable fire pit market. Promising extreme packability paired with a big-flame experience that’s often absent in compact…
Pan America 1250 ST :: One for the Road
The Pan America 1250 ST is Harley’s answer to riders who love the original Pan America’s Revolution Max 1250 engine but aren’t so interested in off-pavement travel. In the Motor Company’s lingo, these would be “Adventure Sport” riders. Base price is $19,999. Vroom! The V-Twin is certainly capable of blurring the scenery with a…
Field Tested :: Ultimate9 evcX Throttle Controller
The contemporary 4×4 is a high-tech wonder, packed with a staggering amount of computing power that controls nearly everything in the vehicle: from operating cabin mood lighting and hands-free phone calls to crucial driving functions like fuel delivery and anti-lock braking. Even the humble gas pedal operates via ones and zeros, relaying driver input through…
SW-Motech Rolls Out Luggage and Protection for the Royal Enfield Himalayan 450
The Royal Enfield Himalayan 450 has quickly become a favorite among adventure motorcyclists, offering a blend of rugged capability, modern features, and an attractively low price of entry. RE’s biggest improvements to the bike include its new liquid-cooled parallel-twin engine that doubles the horsepower of the old Himalayan and the fresh design of the twin-spar…
2025 KTM 390 Enduro R Debuts
KTM’s 390 Enduro R is a new machine intended more for play than adventure, but that won’t keep some adventurers from slapping on saddlebags and going camping with it. Others may want to tote the 350-pound bike on their overlanding rig to explore the territory around their bivouac. In any case, the 390 Enduro R…
More New Garmin Nav and Moto Tech for 2025
Garmin has recently expanded its offerings for adventure enthusiasts with the introduction a revised and updated version of its popular Montana 700 series handheld GPS units and the all-new zūmo R1 Radar system for motorcycles. These devices are designed to enhance navigation and safety for off-road travelers and motorcyclists alike. Garmin Montana 700 Series Handheld…
Overland News of the Week
Six Moon Designs Launches Ultralight Freestanding Lunar Orbiter Tent The latest one-person tent offering from Six Moon Designs features steep sidewalls, two doors and vestibules, and excellent ventilation courtesy of 20D No-See-Um mesh. Suited for backpacking, bikepacking, or any activity where a comfortable, lightweight ground tent is required, the Lunar Orbiter weighs 2 pounds with…
Speed on Tour :: Triumph Icons Events Coming to a City Near You
Triumph Motorcycles is offering riders a unique opportunity to get a sneak peek at its impressive 2025 model lineup. On a limited number of dates in cities across the US, the British bike manufacturer will host its Triumph Icons Tour showcasing new bikes like the Scrambler 1200 Icon Limited Edition, the Tiger 800 Sport, and…