» SCOT HARDEN RIDING TIPS

Intro: Following is an interview I gave to a European publication for someone just starting out in the world of Adventure riding. Its a good place to start my tips column. Stay tuned, more tips are on the way.

UG: What kind of advice can you provide for someone preparing for an extended trip on his motorcycle? What should he definitely keep in mind, what is important and should not be forgotten?

Planning any extended m/c trip, especially an Adventure trip is an exercise on many levels. First, there is the technical execution, the preparation of the motorcycle, performing the necessary routine service operations (i.e: checking oils, fluids, brakes, tires, bolts, and the overall technical condition of the motorcycle). The KTM Owners handbook provides excellent information on how what to look for and how to perform these operations. The best way to ruin any long distance trip is to suffer mechanical problems along the way. Even minor mechanical problems, ones that with some effort can be overcome, will cause delays and force one to alter from one’s planned route and destinations. If you’re like me, a well executed Adventure trip means covering long distances (600-800K per day) and getting into the most remote areas possible. Having a properly conditioned motorcycle, gives one the confidence to take on such rides. In addition the proper technical care will also assure the highest performance possible from your machine. The 950 Adventure is an amazing motorcycle, as a street bike or as a dirt bike. The performance threshold built in provides sufficient motivation for me to make sure its working at its best possible level.

Second and of equal importance to the care and feeding of the machine is the preparation of one’s personal equipment and riding apparel. Using proper safety equipment that is protective and comfortable at the same time is essential. Check weather reports and climate conditions in the areas you plan to visit. Adventure riding means being prepared for every condition possible. Your selection of riding gear must be adjusted to fit the demands of Mother Nature. There are many great suppliers of riding gear these days, including KTM’s own Hard Equipment line. Look around. See what other guys use and recommend. Look for items that are multi functional. Space and weight are always issues on any Adventure ride. This is an area where proper research and networking with your peers will lead you to the best riding gear solutions for you.

Finally, and without question for me the most important part of planning any Adventure ride, is the dream and the inspiration that lies behind the motivation to plan the ride in the first place. Why do you want to get away? Maybe you are inspired by some distant place you have read about, maybe you saw it on TV, maybe as a child you heard of such a place and have longed to see it one day, maybe it’s the people/culture, maybe it’s the geography, maybe you don’t even know why you want to go there but its now stuck in your head and won’t leave you alone. This is what Adventure riding is all about. When planning such a trip such I must look inside and see what compels me to make the journey. Is it something I want to do alone (My best adventure ride ever was a solo effort). There is a lot to be said for spending some quality time by yourself. Then again, a shared experience can be exquisite as well. Planning the trip with a buddy or a small group of buddies can be just fantastic. The energy that develops from the common bond and shared camaraderie is what makes Adventure motorcyclists so unique. One thing I recommend against is planning Adventure rides with groups of more than 5 riders. For my taste five is the limit. More than five and the riders have to adjust to lowest common denominator. Large groups are fine for Rallies, festivals and other organized events but not for serious adventure excursions.

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