Modern four-wheel drives are capable machines and tackle most remote travelling. However, exploring the backblocks of our desert country and coastlines has its limitations on four wheels. Those almost impassable tracks by four-wheel drive with a breathtaking view hidden around the bend, can be claimed on a mode of two-wheel transport referred to as adventure riding.
Age or gender is no barrier to the thrill of riding to a secluded destination with many people now of senior years taking up adventure riding. It is a challenging yet rewarding way to explore, but thorough preparation is vital.
Bike selection
Adventure riding has really taken off recently and motorbike manufacturers are taking the feedback given to them seriously. As a result, modern motorbikes are better equipped than ever. Gone are the days where a ‘road bike’ was retro fitted with a set of ‘knobby tyres’ to tackle the off-road. A modern adventure bike draws mechanical DNA from ‘rally’ and ‘enduro’ style racing motorbikes, mainly due to the similarities of terrain and long-distance riding.
Austrian company KTM would be one of the world’s most respected manufacturers in two-wheel off-road racing and they offer a multitude of bikes to suit the serious adventure rider.
They vary from the single cylinder 690cc to the ‘beastly’ twin cylinder 1290cc. Other makes sharing a large chunk of adventure limelight in Australia are BMW, Suzuki, Yamaha and Honda. Weight is a serious consideration when dirt riding and the bigger bikes are beautiful on the more open roads but when it comes to exploring an old overgrown fire trail, they become hard to manage. Most manufacturers have options of bikes and configurations to suit open and closed terrain adventure riding.
Suzuki have two popular models: DR650 and DRZ400, ideal for adventure riding with the latter being my choice for more than a decade. Both types have earned a reputation in Australia for being ultra-reliable and easy to maintain. My choice of the DRZ400 was purely because of its responsive power in all gears, reliability and light weight compared to other makes.
Bike set-up
Purchasing an off-road motorbike is the easy part, depending on your wallet. However, customising your bike’s set-up can leave you with a headache. Weight distribution is critical and rider fatigue can be brought on by incorrect set-up.
Suspension is an often-overlooked component. Adventure riding generally includes more gear and this equals more weight which means less suspension travel.
If your suspension is not calibrated to suit the extra weight, the bike frame is more susceptible to fatigue cracking and handling is severely reduced. My current DRZ400 has a lengthened rear shock with heavy-duty coil spring and the front forks were rebuilt with heavy springs.
The bike mechanic made all the necessary adjustments to suit my weight and making allowances for the extra bulk of fuel and gear combined. For some of the larger modern, factory adventure bikes the suspension can be electronically altered.
Gear racks and storage are vital for the safe carriage of camping equipment and clothes. Check your local motorbike outlet for options. For the larger bikes, additional panniers or saddle bags are great for extra stowage but must be strong enough to handle the rigours of off-road riding. A basic aluminium frame attached to the rear sub-frame and removable Andy Strapz carry bag can safely transport essential items. Any extras that don’t fit in the ‘rear bag’ end up in a tight-fitting backpack including a hydration bladder containing two litres of water.
Once again, the adventure bike is not a one tonne ute, so pack sparingly to reduce the weight and fatigue on the frame. Every extra kilogram you add to the bike can be the difference between a struggle or a great ride.
Adventure riding involves many kilometres without refuelling. While most modern adventure bikes are factory fitted with large capacity fuel tanks, the smaller bikes, generally, are not. Don’t despair though, as aftermarket long-range fuel tanks are big business and a company based in Australia manufactures replacement tanks.
Safari Fuel Tanks Australia have been developing tanks for most variants of off-road motorbikes for decades. Their tanks are made from high-density, high-impact, polypropelene and designed for the bike owner to install with ease. My DRZ400 is equipped with a 20-litre fuel tank that cops a beating but has never left me stranded.
The tanks are made to evenly distribute fuel flow and reduce ‘tank slap syndrome’. Tank slap is when the energy of fuel swishing from side to side can have an impact on handling, particularly on loose surfaces. Safari Fuel Tanks Australia after-sales service is also second to none.
Choosing the right tyres
Tyres for adventure riding can vary dramatically but it’s important to note that they must be compatible with the terrain traversed.
Generally, an open block design, aggressive pattern knobby tyre is suitable for loose, muddy and slippery terrain. A less aggressive, close block knobby is designed for harder and smoother surfaces. For instance, if you were to find yourself on the side of wet, muddy hills in the rainforest or somewhere in the middle of the Simpson Desert an aggressive tyre is the first choice. For extended kilometres down open gravel roads of the Outback and the occasional side road, a less aggressive tyre would suffice.
While aggressive tyres offer the ultimate in grip off-road, they have a limited lifespan on hard surfaces and bitumen. Check with the bike manufacturer and recommendations for correct tyre fitting as some knobby tyres are not advised for highway use.
Tubes are just as important as the tyres for rims that require them. Heavy duty thick rubber tubes are best suited for rough terrain but are no guarantee against punctures. A rider should always carry a spare tube or two in their kit. If riding in a group, share the load so one rider carries a front tube and another a rear. At about $15 to $20 it’s cheap insurance. There is nothing more frustrating than that deflating feeling (pardon the pun) when you accelerate out of a corner and the bike sways from side to side due to a puncture.
In addition, a bicycle hand pump can be attached to the handlebars and while not as fast as a portable electric pump it weighs next to nothing and does the job.
Riders’ gear and medical issues
Anyone that rides a motorbike needs to protect their ‘noggin’ and you must have a comfortable helmet for the rigours of long-distance adventure riding. Many reputable brands offer snug-fitting helmets.
Clothing must be comfortable and protective. A fall from a motorbike, regardless of terrain, will hurt – simple as that. Dress correctly for the occasion and avoid nasty gravel rash in the event of a slide along loose dirt. A jacket with in-built elbow and shoulder pads and ventilation openings is the best protection.
I have two jackets made by DriRider, one for summer and the other for winter. The summer jacket has adequate flow-through vents that are opened by zips and a weather-proof liner available in the event of rain. The winter jacket aims to protect against penetrating bitter air and has a removable warm liner for extreme cold.
There are many sorts of bike pants available and the motocross style are a loose and comfortable fit with ‘long john’ ‘undergarment thermals added for the cold. You can fit knee pads prior to wearing pants to protect your knees from flying rocks or sticks. The motocross variety of boots add ankle support and lower leg protection.
A first-aid kit is a must in the unfortunate event of injury or snake bite. Additional is a PBL (personal locator beacon). In the event of a serious injury, carrying a PBL can be the difference between life or death. Satellite phones are an alternative at a premium cost.
Repairs and maintenance
It’s important to be aware of your bike’s maintenance schedule. You must check with your dealer or bike mechanic for the correct service intervals for oil and filter changes. For my bike, a weekend’s adventure ride will require an oil change prior and upon return to ensure a clean and well-lubricated engine.
Engines need to breathe and a bike’s power and fuel economy can be reduced dramatically by restricted air flow due to a clogged air filter. Most air filters are an oil bath style and should be clean prior to departure. For riding in dusty conditions in the desert, a spare skin for the air filter takes up little room and is definitely worth including.
A fuel filter attached to your fuel line between the tank and carburettor or EFI (electronic fuel injection) can help prevent poor engine performance or damage due to contaminated fuel from remote outlets or resupply drums.
For bikes that aren’t shaft driven, the remaining 90 per cent have a chain to make the rear wheel go round. Often overlooked, the chain is critical to a functioning bike. Tensions should be adjusted in accordance with manufacturers’ specs and correct lubrication to the links.
High-quality aftermarket O-Ring chains generally require minimal lubrication, but a good clean will ensure longevity. Be careful to not use sticky lubricants for dusty conditions as grit will bind and promote premature wear to the links.
Destination unknown: planning your trip
Adventure rides near to your town or city don’t require much planning and the old saying “a tight swag and a loose plan” is often the rule when riding close to home. In fact, part of the fun with adventure riding is the excitement of visiting places you haven’t been before and more often than not flirting with the lure of a seductive side track’s call.
But beware, as you may be heading into a maze of deviating tracks that lead you further into the bowels of an overgrown patch of forestry to the point of being low on fuel and severely geographically challenged. However, most side tracks are the pot of gold at the end a rainbow, greeting the adventure rider with gorgeous views.
For remote long-distance rides, careful planning is a must. Destinations and places of interest are to be methodically mapped out in accordance with fuel consumption and supplies. Never plan to exceed your bike’s fuel capacity and mileage. Plan trips that include refuels well within your bike’s tank mileage. This method usually works well and covers those unplanned side track deviations.
Unsupported desert trips with extended mileage between refuels will require additional fuel carriage but remember, more fuel carried will equate to heavier consumption. I prefer the added insurance of a support vehicle with fuel and food on board. Most towns marked on maps will show fuel stops and supplies.
Read your map carefully and allow for the worst possible riding conditions. Take into consideration the surfaces by referencing the trails on the map’s legend. A GPS is also a beneficial aid to navigation and for motorbikes not equipped from factory, a rider can benefit, following the coordinates plotted for your trip using GPS.
Permits and prohibitions
It’s important you are riding legally. Laws vary from state to state and communities within the territories. Permits from national parks and traditional landowners need to be obtained before travelling through restricted areas, and identifying these locations should be addressed in planning the trip. Information and payments to relevant authorities for permits are usually done online and valid for a short period of time.
Adventure bikes are road registered but this does not automatically entitle you to legal riding through some areas of national parks that are open only to four-wheel drives. If you see a sign that visually displays ‘No bike riding’, it means do not ride your bike! As tempting as the area may be, ensure you adhere to the rules and preserve the reputation that adventure riders are law-abiding.
Conclusion
We are blessed here in Australia to have almost eight million square kilometres of beautiful country to explore. From the Bight to Broome or Oodnadatta to Coolangatta and everywhere in between, there is a myriad of unchartered territory destined to be claimed by those looking for adventure.
With advice from the basic tips provided, along with careful preparation and planning, you can avoid turning your dream ride into a nightmare.
Grab the latest copy of Great Australian Outdoors magazine for more informative articles like this.
