It was sometime around 2000 when I walked into the REI store in Phoenix, Arizona, to buy a kayak. What was parked under the entry awning stopped me in my tracks: a bright yellow BMW GS resting on its sidestand, a chunky, knobby tire sticking out onto the sidewalk. I had never seen a big…
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Category Archives: Motorcycle
Zenith Irfan on Being the First Pakistani Female Motorcyclist to Ride Across Pakistan
Join Overland Journal Podcast host Ashley Giordano as she sits down with Zenith Irfan to discuss the importance of being the first female Pakistani motorcyclist to ride across Pakistan, and how her father’s dream led her to embark on the journey on a 70cc Honda. Zenith also dives into her top tips for visiting the country, including…
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…
How-To Moto :: Installing Tusk’s Universal Grip Heaters
One of the joys of adventure motorcycling is the DIY nature of the sport. Sure, you can plunk down a big wad of cash for a new motorcycle with a warranty and lots of fancy gadgets and electronics (and plenty of reliability), but you can also part with just a few hundred dollars on a…
Why Adventure Motorcycles? :: Video
There is no shortage of motorcycle and automotive content floating around on YouTube these days, but one of my favorite channels that leans into the nerdier side of things is Superfast Matt. A former Tesla engineer turned full-time YouTuber, Matt Brown has wrenched on some truly wild projects over the years, including an EV-converted 1950s…
Ride On: The Best Lightweight Motorcycle Helmets
The world of helmets has evolved a long way since the leather head wraps people once wore. We are now in a time where the helmet not only provides a layer of safety but also forms a cocoon of warmth and weather protection like never before. Selecting the motorcycle helmet right for you is like…
Klim Krios Pro Helmet :: Field Tested
Photography by Jason Spafford Venturing full-time into off-road realms on a KTM 500 and swapping my modular helmet for the Klim Krios Pro felt natural. In my sixth year of long-distance adventure riding, I put the Krios Pro through its paces, charting dirt trails across Baja and the American West. Crafted from a resilient handlaid…
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…
SheADV Supports Women Adventure Riders
The SheADV organization dedicates their time and energy to “connecting, educating, and empowering women adventure riders.” Their goal is to open the doors to motorcycle adventure riding to other women. SheADV is run by volunteers who are eager to share their time, knowledge, skills, and experiences with other women riders. Created in 2015, they are…
International Vehicle Shipping with Lithium Batteries—New Regulations
Overland travelers have always pushed the limits of vehicle travel, and in many instances, their hunger for exploration has included shipping expedition vehicles to the far reaches of the globe. Unfortunately, over the past year, there have been numerous fires aboard transport ships, and two vehicle carriers were lost at sea due to fires aboard…
Alpha, Bravo, Charlie: The ABCs of Overland Convoy Etiquette
Photography by Richard Giordano, Eglė Gerulaitytė, and Lila Shaw There’s a kid driving a Corolla at 120 kph, waving a note at me with the words “I love you” scrawled across the paper. Normally, I would be flattered at this declaration of affection, but the teen’s foot is jammed to the floor, sending his beat-up…
Overland Events and Rallies You Don’t Want to Miss This Summer (2024)
Feature Image Courtesy of The Journal of Lost Time AMERICAN NORTHWEST Northwest Overland Rally When: June 20-23, 2024 Where: Leavenworth, Washington The Northwest Overland Rally caters to keeners curious about anything from winching to photography, off-pavement driving skills, or seasoning your cast-iron pot. Join a wine-tasting, whiskey-sharing, or happy hour session before the evening’s lively…
The Noobs Rally 2024: Uniting at the Ultimate Adventure for Rookie Riders
Images: Finn Joseph, Jason Spafford, and Joel Paez Venturing into the heart of Death Valley’s Panamint Springs, the beginner-friendly Noobs Rally from March 20 to 24 welcomed a diverse crowd of dual-sport, dirt-riding, and adventure enthusiasts for fun-forging camaraderie and skill-building. Hosted annually by Joel Paez (NSFW), the community gathering marked its 17th year in “denoobing less…
Overland Events and Rallies You Don’t Want to Miss This Spring (2024)
Lead photo courtesy of Weird Wild West SOUTHWEST USA Adventure Van Expo When: April 13-24, 2024 Where: Scottsdale, Arizona The Adventure Van Expo series returns for 2024 with a packed schedule of events, including the first of the season in Scottsdale, Arizona. Lively music, food trucks, vendors, and camping converge in this all-ages celebration of…
Taking the Slow Road From Arizona to Oregon
Photos by Eva Rupert and Bill Dragoo Traveling by motorcycle during the summer months is a game of chance for those of us who live in the desert. The days are hot, and the storms seem to come out of nowhere. We plot our routes through the high country whenever possible, pack our rain gear…
Better Safe Than Sorry: Transitioning Toward Moto Rider Safety
When I began adventuring through some of the 700,000 kilometers of dirt roads in South Africa, it’s safe to say I didn’t have the right kit for the job. Transitioning into dirt riding, I made do with what I had at the time with gear used for my 1994 Harley Dyna. My first true off-road…
How to Prepare for and Survive Inclement Weather While Overlanding
Lead photograph by Michnus Olivier, Piki Piki Overland More than a decade ago, we camped in a large wooded campsite in Punta del Este, a coastal town in Uruguay. Despite extensive overland travel in Africa, we were relative rookies. It was our first night in South America, the Defender had been released from the port…
Dumb or Dumber? A Half-Life Man Learns to Ride
(Great Falls, Montana)—My home state of Montana is famous for its instantly recognizable landmarks and unique history. From the rapidly disappearing glaciers of Glacier National Park (see them while you still can!) to the Little Bighorn Battlefield, where a confederation of Plains Indians routed a hapless group of US Army soldiers led by an overconfident…
The Cold Start Off-Road Riding Clinic Returns to Baja California This May
Back for its second run, and with a focus on ADV 101 skills, the Cold Start Off-Road Riding Clinic and Culinary Experience will take place from May 5 to 11, 2023, in Baja, California. Leaving from Ensenada, the 5-day ride hugs the coast to San Quintin and includes workshops on packing and planning for a…
Touratech-USA Presents: Riding Solo AZ to BC
Touratech-USA Announces a New Sterling Noren Film Grab some popcorn, get comfortable, and enjoy the ride. Sterling Noren is about to take you to Canada as no one else has. The noted filmmaker and adventure traveler has teamed with Touratech-USA on another off-pavement motorcycle travel film. Riding Solo AZ to BC follows the 2020 release…