Adventure or Dual Sport?

I grew up riding dirt bikes and my first street legal motorcycle was a 1978 Yamaha DT 175 Enduro.  I spent more time riding off road with this motorcycle and the nice part was I didn't need to load it in the back of the truck to get it to the dirt.  While the enduro wasn't as capable as my MX was, it was easier to get to the dirt and I rode it much more as a result.  Thus the charm of the enduro, which was "re-titled" as a Dual Sport sometime later.

One of my current motorcycles, a 2008 Kawasaki KLR 650, that's been upgraded significantly for travel, is splitting the difference between what many consider a Dual-Sport and an Adventure motorcycle.  It splits the difference in weight and power, with the big advantage being a lower cost then the Adventure motorcycles and more comfortable for long rides then a Dual-Sport.

As much as I like my KLR, I love the big Adventure motorcycles and one will be in the garage sooner then later.  The decision will come down to one of the 1000+ cc bikes vs. one of the 800cc bikes.  The larger bikes have power, comfort and sportbike like handling, while the "smaller" 800cc machines are lighter, more manageable off road and are have more then enough power to move down the highway at above legal speeds.  I view the larger Adventure style motorcycles as the best "do it all" motorcycle style on the market.

The Triumph Explorer XC - A big, fast and comfortable motorcycle that manages off-road better then it's size and weight would indicate.

Then again, there's the new Ducati Multistrada 1200 Enduro that's in the same weight category as the 800cc motorcycles and has a maximum of 160 hp on tap...

For a great perspective on Adventure vs. Dual Sport motorcycles, check out the Bike Bandit Blog at The Blurring Line Between Dual-Sport and Adv.

Gerald Trees

Dream Your Ride

Vancouver Island, British Columbia Canada - Something For Everyone

Vancouver Island, British Columbia is my home and it’s an amazing playground for motorcyclists and motorcycles of all styles.

Located on Canada’s west coast, Vancouver Island is the 43rd largest island in the world.  It has a length of 290 miles (460 km) and is 50 miles (80 km) wide at the widest point.  The city of Victoria is located at the southern tip and is one of North America’s popular vacation destinations.  Unfortunately many visitors only experience Victoria, leaving the rest of Vancouver Island waiting to be explored.

As Spring is just around the corner and Summer is only a few months later, consider heading to The Island for some fun on two wheels.  If you're from the USA or the UK, you're in luck as the Canadian dollar is "cheep" and your currency will take you further.

I have the good fortune of riding this road every day.

Vancouver Island is loaded with lakes of all sizes

West Coast weather can be wet at times, however still worth riding in.

A view from The Wild Pacific Trail on the west coast of Vancouver Island

Ocean inlets can be found in many places

If you like dual sport or pure off road, Vancouver Island has hundreds of miles of logging roads and single track to explore.

The east coast waterway.

Mountains abound on the Island too.

Of course there are other activities, like kayaking.

We also have one of the largest concentrations of Bald Eagles in North America.

Come visit Vancouver Island and enjoy all that it has to offer.

I forgot about corners... Vancouver Island has roads with lots of corners.

And yes, the city of Victoria is on Vancouver Island too...

Gerald Trees

Dream Your Ride