No Adventure Bike? No Problem: How Any Motorcycle Can Take You on an Epic Journey

When you think of an adventure bike, you may imagine a large, rugged motorcycle built for off-road adventures, but the truth is that any motorcycle can be an adventure bike. Adventure is about the journey, not the bike. In fact, some of the most epic motorcycle adventures of the past were undertaken on road motorcycles. Check out this interview with Ted Simon and his four-year journey around the world on a Triumph.

Ted Simon and his Triumph
Ted Simon on his Triumph. Pic Credit: http://www.adventurebikerider.com

In the 1970s and 1980s, long-distance motorcycle travel was becoming increasingly popular. It drew many people to the idea of exploring new places on two wheels, and they didn’t let the lack of specialized adventure bikes from stopping them. Instead, they took whatever bike they had and hit the road.

1970's Iran. Pic Credit: packinglighttravel.com
Two-wheeled adventure through Iran in the 1970’s. Pic Credit: http://www.packinglighttravel.com

These riders often modified their motorcycles to suit their needs. They added luggage racks and panniers to carry their gear, skid plates to protect the engine, and off-road tires to improve traction on dirt roads.


Despite their motorcycles’ limitations, these riders could explore some of the most remote and beautiful places in the world. They rode through deserts, over mountains, and across rivers. They navigated treacherous terrain and encountered all kinds of challenges along the way.

Today, we have a wide range of adventure bikes to choose from, with advanced technology and specialized features designed to make off-road travel easier and more comfortable. But the spirit of adventure remains the same. With the right mindset and a sense of adventure, any motorcycle can be an adventure bike.

So, whether you have a cruiser, a scooter, or a standard road bike, be bold and take it on an adventure. You can turn any motorcycle into a capable adventure machine with a little creativity and resourcefulness. All you need is a sense of adventure and a willingness to explore the world around you.


Support the page

Hello fellow adventurer, if you enjoy the content and want to support what I do? Feel free to buy me a cup of coffee occasionally. It’s a simple way to keep this caffeine-fuelled adventure going.