Welcome to ExploreBike Adventure School that brings you all the knowledge you need to go on a motorcycle adventure.

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Introduction

Generally

Specific details

Generally

Preload and rider sag

:STEP 1

Lift the rear wheel and the front wheel off the ground, so that it hangs freely (one wheel at a time), The easiest way is to use a motorcycle pallet or a motorcycle lift.

For the rear wheel, take a measuring point on the swing arm and one on the frame (best is in the middle of the hub and then a point directly above on the frame).

Measure this distance as R1. See picture below.

For the front wheel, a measuring point is taken at the fork crown and in the middle of the hub.

Measure this distance as F1. See picture below.

:STEP 2

Have the rider (with full riding gear) sit on the motorcycle. Then measure in the same way as the previous measurement behind (R2) and front (F2).

It is important that the driver does not keep his balance with either foot, but instead leans against a wall or similar.

STEP 3

Finally, you calculate your hang:

R1 - R2 = rear hang (you divide this by R1 and get your percentage)

F1 - F2 = front hang  (you divide this by F1 and get your percentage)

Generally speaking, there is a rule of thumb for adventure motorcycles that states that the suspension sag should be about 30% of the total suspension travel.

If you have a measured sag that is more/less than the above values ​​(30%), then you need to tighten/release the preload in the suspension.

In some cases (for heavier riders and also with heavy luggage/passengers) you may need harder springs (especially at the rear) to get the right suspension on the motorcycle. Typically, adventure motorcycles have standard springs of approx. 5-6 Nm at the front and approx. 70-75 Nm at the rear.

If you want to upgrade, there are usually tables for weight in relation to spring strength. See below examples of Öhlins springs for the Yamaha Ténéré 700:

Front fork (Öhlins FKA114)

Rear shock absorber (Öhlins YA 818)

OTHER

Note that this measurement (30%) is for adventure motorcycles which often have longer suspension travel than standard motorcycles

The correct measurements for the pendant are usually indicated in the manual for the motorcycle. The most common is to set the preload from SOFT to HARD and that this setting is specified in mm. This is because in SOFT mode the spring is "unloaded" and that when tensioning you increase the preload.

It should be pointed out that the suspension is a highly individual setting and adventure motorcycles are usually more or less loaded (water, gasoline, etc.), which means that the exact settings are difficult to achieve and that you then use the suspension setting as a check that you has a fairly correctly adjusted suspension.

Compression och rebound

The settings of return and compression are usually made from HARD to SOFT. It is usually indicated in number of clicks. This is because in HARD mode the needle in the suspension is fully screwed in and this gives a more accurate measurement position than if you were to go from SOFT to HARD. Please note that what is suitable for your motorcycle is stated in your instruction manual.

Deairing

Service

Steering damper

Upgrade suspension

Common problems

Q & A

Tire choice

Adventure

80/20 - Michelin Anakee Adventure (link).

50/50 - Michelin Anakee Wild (link).

100 - Michelin Tracker (link).

Enduro/motocross

For those of you who are interested in riding enduro or motocross with your adventure motorcycle, we recommend using, for example, Michelin's Starcross 6 medium soft (link). This type of tire has higher "studs" than FIM tires.

Rally

Rally tires often have a higher price range than enduro/motocross tires. This is due to the construction of the tire (the frame) which makes it much stronger to handle the higher speeds and other loads that occur during a rally. Examples of rally tires are Michelin's Desert Race (link) and Desert Race Baja (link). Note that the Baja is only available as a rear tire (which fits with the Desert Race front tire).

Other

One term you may come across is "FIM tires". This means that competition tires in certain disciplines must not have deeper studs than 13 mm, for example the tire type Michelin Enduro Medium (link) adapted for this.

Tube choice

Tubes

2,5 mm - Michelin Heavy Duty (link).

4,0 mm - Michelin Ultra Heavy Duty (link).

Air pressure

The tire pressures in the video above (2.0 and 2.5) are given in bar.

If you are running motocross/enduro tires on an adventure bike, you may need higher air pressure than the manufacturer has specified if you do not have a tire lock fitted. Otherwise, the tire may turn with the risk of a puncture. A personal preference is 1.2 bar at the front and 1.5 bar at the rear when enduro riding with the Yamaha Ténéré 700 or equivalent motorcycle.

Tools

List of tools and materials

Valve needle tool - there is also a smaller version that can be screwed on as a valve cover, which comes with some tubes.

Tire iron (Motion Pro, Tire Bead Breaker and Lever Tool Set) - to remove the tire from the rim edge so-called "breaking the bead".

Tire machine (Rabaconda, 3-Minute Mousse Changer).

Tire lever - workshop (Rabaconda, PRO Tire Lever).

Tire iron - field (Buzzetti, 200 mm Professional).

Rim protection (Motion Pro, RimShield II).

Rim Lock (Motion Pro, T6 Trail Bead Buddy) - to lock the tire from riding around the rim when mounting.

Tire lubricant (90% water and 10% soap) - most easily handled with a regular spray bottle.

12V pump (Stop & Go, Mini-Air Compressor).

Carbon dioxide cartridges (Proworks).

Hand pump (Topeak, Race Rocket MT).

Compressor.

Tire Repair (Proworks, Tire Repair Kit).

Tube repair (Tip Top, Motorcycle Repair Kit).

Tube fitting tool/valve puller (Proworks, Hose fitting tool).

Puncture spray (Yamalube).

Tire and tube change

For adventure riding, balancing a wheel after a tire change is of course good, but not necessary (nor is it possible to do if you don't have the equipment for it).

Tire repair

Tube repair

Motorcycle protection

Bash plate

Depending on what kind of motorcycle you have, you should make sure that the bash plate you use also protects the linkage (for situations where you drive over a obstacle).

Hand guards

Hand guards by the brand Barbusters (link) is of very good quality and fit. On the aluminum rail that is attached to the handlebar, you can have different types of plastic (larger or smaller) to protect against wind and rain. Shown below is the Barkbusters VPS with additional wind deflectors.

.

Headlight protection

There are guards that are made of transparent plastic or as steel mesh. Both variants work in terms of protection (although a steel mesh protection can let small stone chips through).

.

Chain guard

The chain guards can scrape against the chain and create noise. This is not abnormal and you may need to change chain guards that have become worn.

Suspension protection (neoprene)

Note that these should be attached at the top and bottom with double cable ties. Ensure that the inner and outer fork legs are well washed before fitting. They should be long enough to cover the entire inner fork leg and not just where the inner and outer fork legs meet.

Most often, you need to remove the fork legs to mount the cover. You should avoid fork covers with velcro as this means that dirt/dust will eventually find its way through the cover.

Shock absorber protection (neoprene)

Note that a shock absorber protection can be difficult to get on when the shock absorber is installed. The easiest way is to loosen the shock absorber and fasten the cover at the top with a cable tie, while it should be open at the bottom to let water out. Protection designed for motorcycles can be hard to come by, but protection available for snowmobile shock absorbers can be used.

Packing - generally

Packing - longer trips

Panniers (and top box)

It is important that both the side panniers and the top box are lockable. Most manufacturers have locks that can be coded with the motorcycle key, and thus avoid having to carry several different keys with you.

It is important that there is some form of protection for the locking mechanism so that dirt and dust do not get in as this can create difficulties in opening/closing the locks.

Tank bag

On the top of the tank bag there should be a plastic pocket for map storage so you can easily look at the map. You can also place the compass in the plastic pocket.

Large packing roll

This larger packing roll could advantageously be in a more visible color (yellow or orange) to be seen better in traffic. You should use static tension straps and not elastic ones which cause the packing roll to move and increase wear.

Smaller packing roll

This type of waterproof bag is available in motorcycle shops and outdoor stores. As they are fastened to the packing boxes, it is important that they are made of stronger fabric to avoid them being torn. Static tension straps should also be used here.

Packing - shorter trips

For shorter trips with less packing (day trips, occasional overnight stays), you can use saddlebags from, for example, Giant Loop (link).

These are attached to the back of the seat and usually to the foot pegs for the passenger.

A size of approx. 20-30 liters (10-15 liters on each side) is usually enough to bring tools and other equipment.

It is important that you use panniers that are specially adapted for the motorcycle, as the bags are exposed to vibrations that can rub against the fabric.

Other accessories

Side support

With a separate extra support, you can remove both front and rear wheels, in cases where you have not installed a central stand or have access to a motorcycle pallet/motorcycle lift.

Comfort seat

A good way to increase comfort for the passenger is air and gel cushions. Wild Ass (link) has three different types of pillows that come in different sizes and shapes.

Fuel filter

The filter from Guglatech (link) is pushed down into the tank and prevents debris or other objects from getting into the tank.

Backpack

Backpack

The backpack should be able to use a water bag with hose and a benchmark is that it should be around 10-20 liters in size. Klim Nac Pak (link).

Vest

An alternative to using a backpack is a so-called equipment vest. It makes the pack sit tighter against the body and distributes the weight evenly front and back. Klim Arsenal vest (link).

Clothes

Knee protection

Essentially, there are two different types of knee protection. One variant is a simple protection that only protects against blows/shocks. They are usually made of hard or soft plastic.

The second type of knee protector sits more "fixed" on the leg and also protects against twisting and overbending of the knee joint. These protections are usually more expensive than the simpler protections.

Helmet

Security classification

The helmet is the most important safety item when riding a motorcycle. When buying, you should check that the helmet is safety-classified according to one (preferably several) of the standards below.

- ECE (Economic Commission for Europe) - is a European safety standard for helmets.

- DOT (Department of Transportation) - is an American safety standard for helmets.

- Snell (Snell Memorial Foundation M2010) - is a non-governmental organization that performs tests on helmets. This is a voluntary certification for helmet manufacturers.

Boots

The difference between an adventure boot and an offroad boot is not very big these days.

In general, an adventure boot is more suitable for walking, i.e. slightly less stiff and with a thicker sole. The off-road boot usually has more buckles and is significantly stronger in terms of protection around the shin.

A tip is to try the boots together with the trousers as some boots are so wide around the shin that they sometimes don't fit with some trousers.

Gloves

Settings for the bike

Foot and hand position

Seated riding position

Standing riding position

Acceleration och breaking

Curves

Hills

Dirt and sand

Tracks

Obstacles

Water crossings

STEP 1

When you get to a water to be crossed, it is recommended that you stop and

reconnaissance the crossing before driving over.

Some smaller waterways can be judged on the fly, but when it comes to larger crossings, it can be a big risk not to reconnaissance

.

STEP 2

Go through the watercourse on foot. If you do not have waterproof boots or if the water is deep, it is advisable to take off your boots and trousers and change into a pair of sandals.

One should reconnaissance for several things:

1) Which line should be taken (to avoid running on rocks or similar underwater which can affect the balance).

2) What kind of surface is there on the bottom (to avoid the wheels digging in and getting stuck).

3) How does the water flow (if it is too fast, there may be too much pressure on the side of the motorcycle which can cause you to lose balance on the motorcycle).

STEP 3

After the reconnaissance has been completed, you choose how to cross the water. Essentially, there are three different ways:

1) Standing

2) Seated

3) Walking alongside the motorcycle (important to stand on the opposite side of the current so you can hold on to the motorcycle).

If you ride with a friend, it can be a good idea to both help each other to drive over the motorcycle. It is then easiest if you walk on each side of the motorcycle.

One factor that should always be taken into account is whether to remove your pack and carry it over on foot, with the aim of having as light a motorcycle as possible to handle.

STEP 4

After the crossing, it is advisable to check the motorcycle, and that no water has entered the air intake or dirt around the chain and brakes.

Lifting the bike

Generally

GPS

Smartphone

Smartphones are a relatively good aid for navigation. The disadvantages are that the screen usually cannot be handled with gloves and that it is more weather sensitive than a GPS. However, it is an excellent backup aid.

A good way to attach the mobile phone to the handlebar is with RAM-mounts and the holder X-grip. The advantage of X-grip is that it fits all mobile phones and that the phone is held in place with both the pressing arms and, if desired, with a rubber strap that is included (not visible in the picture).

Map and compass

Maps

Most of the maps you need can be found at www.kartbutiken.se (Sweden) or in the German store www.freytagberndt.com (link). Michelin's maps are usually recently updated and cover large parts of the world.

Compass

If you are going to travel across several magnetic zones (there are three zones: Magnetic North, Magnetic Equator, Magnetic South) you need a global compass where the needle works in all parts of the world (for example Silva Expedition Global)

Digital tools

Routes

There are a number of organizations that provide routes (gpx) for several different parts of the world. This is an easy way to get out on great roads with a minimum of your own preparation.

Please note that this type of route is usually far from both shops and gas stations and also the possibility of a easy rescue.

Kitchenware

Outdoor food

Water storage and water cleaning

Tent and campsite

Sleeping mat and sleeping bag

Hygiene

Outdoor equipment

Digital tools

Clothing

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Personal documents

Travel insurance

If you, as a Swedish citizen, travel outside the EU/EEA, Switzerland and Great Britain, you need private travel insurance. Generally speaking, you have travel insurance in your home insurance, but it usually does not cover all eventualities.

Global Rescue (link) provides good support in cases where you have an accident and need medical advice (emergency phone) from doctors, evacuation teams, travel advice (unrest) etc.

Vehicle documents

Emergency transmitter

Apple

Apple has developed a function where you can send emergency signals (SOS) using its satellite communication.

There is also a function for crash detection.

Please note that it does not work with all versions of iPhone and Apple Watch. Click on the images below for more information.

Digital tools

Tools

Skills that one should be able to do and have tools (large kit) to do:

- Fit all accessories

- Replace fuses

- Change/check/wash air filter

- Change brake pads

- Change lamps

- Change clutch cable and brake cable

- Change tire and tube

- Change chain an sprockets

Tools:

The tool list is generic and should be reviewed for a reason. Be sure to customize the list with the tools specific to your motorcycle. Tools marked with an asterisk* are suitable to have in your smaller tool kit.

- Tool bag*

- Work gloves*

- Latex gloves

- Cloth*

- Diagnostic tool + cable (if available for your motorcycle)

- Multimeter (troubleshooting the electrical system)

- Starter battery*

- Starter cables*

- Towing line*

- Fuel hose (2 m)

- Tire iron + holder*

- Beadbreaker*

- Rim protection*

- Tire tool mini (to hold the tire from sliding)*

- Tire repair (drill, hole punch, putty)*

- Tube repair (patch, glue)*

- Valve screw + valve puller*

- Pump*

- 12 V pump

- Phillips screwdriver small

- Phillips screwdriver between

- Slotted screwdriver small

- Slotted screwdriver between

- Wrench 200 mm*

- Wrench 100 mm*

- Ring spanners

- Allen keys*

- Torx keys*

- Chain breaker

- Chain press

- Spark plug wrench

- T-handle

- Ratchet shaft

- Extension for ratchet shaft/T-handle

- Bit holders and bits (hex)

- Sockets

- Spoke wrench

- Welding rod

- Water pump pliers

- Pointed pliers

- Cutter

- Mandrel

- Magnetic stick (to pick up dropped screws)

- Metal saw

- Drill (T-drill)

- Wire lubricator

- Wet sandpaper

- Multitool (Leatherman Wave)*

- Gasket cleaner + plastic piece (front suspension)

- Welding lighter

- Ruler bit (to measure the chain or suspension)

- Wire lubricator

- Cord and strap (to remove spring from central support)

Spare parts

Temporary repair material

Preparations

Daily check

Checklist

The checklist below is based on personal preference and relatively generic for different motorcycle models. Add or remove to your personal checklist.

Chassis:

- Tires (tyre pattern, tread, frame)

- Tube (valve twist, air pressure)

- Rims (rim edges damaged, direction of the wheel)

- Spokes (attachment)

- Wheel axles (attachment)

- Wheel bearings (play, friction)

- Guide bearing (play, friction)

- Swing/linkage (play)

- Front fork (leakage, deairing)

- Shock absorber (leakage)

- Chain (tension, wear)

- Gear (wear)

- Chain guide (attachment)

- Chain rollers (attachment)

Engine:

- Engine housing (attachment)

- Engine oil (level, color)

- Coolant (level)

- Clutch (play, need for lubrication)

- Air filter (dirty)

Braking system:

- Brake fluid (level, color)

- Brake hoses (leakage)

- Brake pads (wear)

- Brake discs (wear)

- Brake lever (play, need for lubrication)

- Brake pedal (play, need for lubrication)

Electrical system:

- Front light (half)

- Front light (full)

- Light horn

- Rear lights

- Brake lights

- Flashers

- Hazard lights

- Horn

- Battery (attachment, wiring)

Accessories:

- GPS (attachment)

- Mobile holder (attachment)

- Bashguard (attachment)

- Side protection (attachment)

- Engine protection (attachment)

- Hand protection (attachment)

- Lamp cover (attachment)

- Pannier rack (attachment)

- Top box rack (attachment)

- Side panniers (attachment, need for lubrication)

- Top box (attachment, need for lubrication)

- Back rest on top box (attachment)

- Lock kit (fastening, need for lubrication)

- Inner bags (wear)

- Packing roll + tension band (wear)

- Comfort seat - Wild Ass (attachment in the saddle)

- Central stand (attachment, need for lubrication)

- Side stand (attachment, stop function, need for lubrication)

Personal equipment:

- Helmet (clean visor)

Fluids and lubricants

Bike care

Risk managment

A good way to lock the motorcycle and thereby prevent theft is with a so-called brake lock that is attached to the brake handle (front brake).

The advantage is also that it is less dirty to handle than a lock for the brake disc and you will certainly not forget the lock and drive away (as a result of a broken brake caliper).

Small first aid kit

Large first aid kit

The equipment shown in the above two clips can be bought in well-stocked pharmacies and outdoor stores.

There are ready-made healthcare kits from several quality suppliers. If you buy such a kit, you should check that it contains at least what is mentioned in the film above.

A tip is to buy more medical supplies than you need during the trip and before starting the trip practice with the supplies.

If you are going to remote destinations without the possibility of medical transport and qualified medical care, it may be well worth taking a medical course.

Medications

Customize the medications you need to carry with you. The list below is good to have in a travel pharmacy.

Not prescribed

- Allergy (Antihistamine).

- Antipyretics (Panodil and Ipren).

- Athlete's foot (Lamisil).

- Local anesthesia for bites/wounds/burns (Xylocaine).

- Diarrhea (Dimor).

- Muscle inflammation (Voltaren).

- Fluid replacement (Resorb).

Prescription

With regard to prescription medications, you can contact your doctor to discuss the possibilities of taking prescribed medication with you on your trip (is only relevant if you are traveling to certain specific countries that more or less lack healthcare).

- Allergy/bites/stings (Betapred).

- Allergic reactions (Emerade, autoinjector).

- Bacterial infection (Antibiotics).

L-ABC

Digital tools

Generally

The shipping companies that specialize in motorcycle transport often have a good personal service and will help you with the documentation and preparations required.

For some international transports in Europe you sometimes need to leave it in a nearby country (not infrequently England, Germany or the Netherlands).

When it comes to boat freight/ferries in slightly more distant countries, we recommend that you search (via map) in the iOverlander app, as previously mentioned in the course. This is because some ferry lines are not always searchable and available on the internet. There are also often contact details for "agents" who can help arrange the transport.

James Cargo Services (link) specializes in, among other things, the shipping of motorcycles.

DHL (link) can be used to send spare parts or similar and has global coverage.

Camera and tripods

Optics are usually very delicate and should be stored in a soft storage bag to avoid damage.

Action camera

Drönare

A tip is to bring extra rotor blades in case any of the existing ones are damaged.

Drones often have more powerful batteries than, for example, smartphones and GPS and thus require a higher charging current. You can use the existing 12-V outlet, or mount an extra 12-V outlet intended for, for example, handlebar heating or other equipment that requires higher current.

Digitala verktyg

How to pack

The type of bags mentioned above are available in outdoor stores in a variety of sizes and models. The bags also prevent the equipment from sliding around and rubbing against each other when, for example, they are in the panniers.

The packing list mentioned in the clip above is under revision and will be added here.

Increase range

Fuel can (Givi, TAN01 2.5 L and Givi, TAN01 canister mount) - most aluminum packing box manufacturers have this type of canister or canisters with universal mounts. Some manufacturers (for example Touratech) also have mounts for water bottles, medical bags, etc.

Fuel Bag (Giant Loop, 5 Gallon) - recommend taking as large a bag as you deem appropriate. The bag itself is compact and it is often an advantage to have as much extra fuel as possible.

Cruise control

Cruise control (Photon, Black 24-30 mm) - this is a cruise control similar to a clothespin and is both easy and safe to handle.

Towing

Tow line (Klim, Tow Strap) - you can also use a normal tow line intended for passenger cars or a tension strap for load securing.

LIKE if you LIKE

We hope the course has given you inspiration and knowledge to set out on exciting motorcycle adventures.

If you like the course, you are most welcome to follow ExploreBike on social media. This allows us to continue expanding and developing the course.

Via our social media you will also receive information about updates to the course.

Greetings

Linus, Andreas, Jonas och Albin

EXPLOREBIKE COMMUNITY:

The ExploreBike Community is a motorcycle adventure forum where you can share and receive tips regarding destinations, routes, equipment, technical questions, etc.

FEEDBACK:

If you are missing something in the course or have comments, you are most welcome to contact us at info@explorebike.se or in the form below.