The Essential Guide to Any Motorcycle Traveler - Online Course: rtw-adventures.com/online-course-1.html

When most youtubers, magazines are pushing high end expensive motorcycles, gear, accesories etc this channel is probably the only one which keeps it real and focuses on what is truly important - travelling.

Stop buying and start riding! BEST ADVICE EVER!!!

I read on a forum: "We modify our bikes with things we don't need, pay them with money we don't have, tot impress people we don't know." I think this is often the case.

Mr. Motorcycle Adventures- You make a lot of good sense. A wise and experienced rider once told me that most modifications to a motorcycle make it worse, and he is not wrong.

I really like your practical approach Pavlin. One more thing I would like to add is that trade-in value of the bike with modifications might be much lower than the all-stock bike.

Stop buying and start riding! You're the best!

Refreshing to hear that you don't have to spend thousands on things you don't need. Great footage. That 3 minutes made my time. Like a sip of fresh air in my rainy day.

Thanks for the video brother it was quite informative. Good job and please keep it up. Pleasure of riding a bike is more important than spending too much time looking for proper bike to ride.

The real adventure rider will ride on whatever he has and with whatever he has, because adventure begins with YOU !

Some good information to help the less experienced fall victim to the marketing hype and what is actually worth doing. Love the spare clutch cable fitted in position ready to be connected. What you are telling us here Pavlin is that it's no use getting older, if you don't get wiser. I'm still carrying pistons, valves and gaskets around! Excellent video, I always learn something from your life experience and get a smile from the fact that I have obviously been into some of the same holes as you, the same ones no doubt that the youngsters will find on their own path through life. Many thanks and please keep them coming, great work much appreciated.

Thank you Pavlin for your honest and straight opinions of the reality of adventure motorcycle!!!

I think you had just as much fun riding the other bikes. The best adventure bike is the one you already have! Brilliant as ever Pavlin.

Ralph Waldo Emerson” said! “Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail”. Maybe he was an adventure motorcycle rider too! I so agree with you Pavlin, Stop Spending Start Riding! Absolutely Correct. It’s all about the adventure not the bike. It’s the great experiences we have when riding any bike that really counts! Great Channel, Excellent Advice. Keep Riding, Keep Winning!

The only things I do on any new bike is to make it fit me, and make it fit for on/off road. I never touch suspension or exhaust etc. I figure that if Mr Honda or Mr BMW and the rest of them can’t get that right with all the millions they spend on development me in my garage playing around with a few spanner’s isn’t going to improve anything. Thanks for another great video. Also I know you enjoyed all your trips no matter what bike you were on.

This is my favorite video from your channel, and I've seen almost all of them. Keep up the great work. Thank you and safe travels!

I am amazed at your candor at admitting the failings side of some of your mods as well as your successes. HOW valuable this honest appraisal is. Also, as far as I can see, the main thing you did NOT pack during your travels was.....a shaver? LOL? Excellent advice/video as always and no. Its NOT about the bike, its about the ADVENTURE :) Seer

Aftermarket filters are great marketing. K&N has really fooled people into believing they need a washable air filter that lets bigger particles through. The only way to keep it half decent is to make sure the filter oil is applied properly. I was leaning that way, but I'm back on plain jane paper OEM filters that have a bigger filtering surface and leave much smaller particles through. I don't buy the performance arguments, it basically means you're sacrificing your cylinders for a bit of performance that may or may not be noticeable in most use. The high altitude argument I can understand. Dusty environments, yes, a washable filter is good, as long as you can oil it again and make sure it captures as much as possible, all to avoid sacrificing your engine. And yes, the air filters can be bulky things taking up a lot of space. I have a CB500x and the filter is a big box. The screws are also a pain to reach, I need to find a better solution. :) I agree about the other things. The exhaust I'd only do for weight, although shaving a few kilos of my gut would be a better weight saving. :)

The thing is, most of us like to adapt our bikes to our own needs. At the risk of sounding sexist, I think it's genetic in men. Can't help ourselves. But I have learnt that in reality unless it makes a significant improvement stock is best. And easier to get spares for. And the money goes on travels. She is happier with this too! Good video. Happy travels

cash bars to protect bike, tail bag to carry stuff, 50/50 tires to go where I want to go. thats all, i want more, who doesn't. love your channel. My 09 klr needs some go fast and +hp stickers.

The message is loud and clear... Love this video !

I made a lot of modifications, but I have spent hell of the time and many conversation with my father who is an engineer prior applying any changes. Often it is tempting to change some parts, but when you properly analyze cons and benefits you may decide not to go through it. I have modified steering as well, rise the bad and bringing it closer, making proper mounting points for my hard cases (I do love them and they are good for the purpose I am using my bike for - cross-country medical deliveries) . I did redesigned and fabricated my windscreen, instrument panel to include Android GPS, GPS antenna amplifier and mobile antenna repeater, Huge 330L top box and 2 x 35L side boxes, electrical and rear suspension from 1200cc bike (I run XJ600S) to hold my heavy back safe. Also a lot of led lights, indicators in front and back, HD cameras, TPMS and many other things that are making my life as a courier easier. Almost all changes were non structural for suspension except the rear suspension. I am way bigger than Pavlin so I had to compensate to my weight. Kind Regards

Absolutely hit the nail. Over the winter everyone who is not riding its preparing and making modifications to their bike. If you didn't have time to do it - When you seat on bike and ride it... you realize that you wanted to ride not modificate. Ride more - think less.

I only modify the things i will need not the things that look good , heated grips,fog lights,sheepskin seat pad , taller screen, power sockets....thats about my lot :)

Hi, Pavlin! You are getting better and better! Not only at practical advices but in making videos also! The channel is really helpful for the motorcycle world! :-) PS: I like your new microphone (or new case?) - it sounds very good! ;-) Ride safe!

Good advice I just put myself on a dr200s, as a returning rider who has no dirt experience, I thought a bigger bike might be sort of dumb, I wanted the air Cooling and the carburetion as opposed to injection, and I have no plans to make any modifications until I've got some seat time in Most common reaction Why such a small bike? It won't do the highway I understand sometimes you have to use highways to get where you're going, but that's not what I bought a motorcycle for

I like the idea you rode yours and made changes when you thought it was necessary...instead of what I see so many do and buy a motorcycle engineered and built to work one way brand new, then without any seat time on it drop thousands in making 'necessary changes' so it is suitable. I rode my current bike for a year before I made any changes, thinking about what I would change, and why along the way that first year. You offer really good advice to riders out there. I hope they heed your kind, well thought out words.

⛽ Another great video. I like when you point the finger and say: - stay with me ! 👍👍👍👍👍

great video .. interesting ideas & good honest advice as usual!

Don’t overthink it, just ride. Stay off the forums where you get infected with farkleitis. Handlebars, footpegs, and things that customize the bike to your body size are all you need.

Поредното страхотно видео. Благодарение на теб открих истинското предназначение на мотора, а именно да пътуваш, да обикаляш по различни места и да се наслаждаваш на това. С нетърпение чакам следващото видео. Ride SAFE!

Brilliant video as always. Great advice thank you. Of course, when buying second hand you can often, I think, benefit from all of the modifications others have paid for.

Very interesting Pavlin. I am glad you made this video especially since the one you did a long time ago on the modifications that you have done to your teneree.

I ride a 2003 sport-touring bike and the only add-ons I did was extra lights as the stock lights is not good. Also a electrical plug for charging my phone from the bike. Plus a washable air filter. That is it.

Another great video, thanks Pavlin

Fantastic video dear Friend love it. Really enjoyed. Thumbs up. Wishing you good health and beautiful Time. God bless you.

Great video again and good points made. I've got to say that for majority of time a stock bike is totally good for the job. Adding trip items and spares is always good and folding pegs and levers is a great tip too but overall major modifications are just a waste of money in most cases. I've gone on all types of terrain on my Explorer, even on stock road tyres, and it worked really well for the type of bike it is. The other problem with customising your bike too much is that if the part fails on a trip then it might be harder to get a replacement part, but stock parts should be easier to source and delivered to you too. I think a lot of riders put too much emphasis on loading their bike with the 'best' parts but fail to really see what is important, which is keep a steady pace and make the right decisions, keep rolling and learn to fix the things you can fix...and reach the destination in one piece. Just keeping it basic usually works best for me. Cheers

Well said. I was considering changing the suspension. Luckily I have a good, independant dealer who told me that a) it would cost me more than my bike is worth and b) that it is not ideal to change the whole setup and balance of the bike. So no change of suspension. What I did is change my seat. I can do this because during my horse riding time I learned a lot about leather and types of foam and other cushioning material (layering). I used a gel pad, but not the fat type which is typically used for bikes. I inserted a thin one (0.5 cm) used for horses with holes in it. Works much better - not as squishy and allows for airflow.

Best (and cheapest) modifications I've found are to identify things that are useless and chuck them in the trash! :)

Another fantastic video with great practical advice sharing your knowledge and adventures great great video your 3min clip is so cool man... Im jealous all the great places u have been..... As u say get busy riding.... Safe journeys my friend

Right on! Ride on! And one added note: if/when you sell you bike w/ all the mods, don't expect to get a $ more for all you spent. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

You've said before its the trip, not how you get there. I think you enjoy riding as much as you can and sharing your joy.

Servus Pavlin Another Great Video.Thank you so mutch Take care

That was one hell of a trip

Well You make it obvious, that for active people is time like magnet for experiences. And it is nice when its shared. Thank You.

Pavlin, Again another excellent video from you. It's what we have come to expect from you, practical common sense suggestions with good sound practical advice. You always confirm and prove your statements or suggestions based on your own experience which you share with us. I fully agree with everything you say. We can spend a small fortune on impractical and sometimes useless modifications just because some manufacturer tells us it is great and we need it. This will make the bike perform much better or faster! The money would be much better spent on a full service on the bike and the purchase of spare cables or new tyres for the long journey! When I need a reality check on some point on the bikes, or to remind myself of something, I recheck your videos and they put things into perspective again! Spend the money on fuel and ride the bike. Thank you as always for another excellent worthwhile and educational video.

Thanks Pavlin your experience and advice is as always priceless.

Really liked the camera angle from the airbox.

This is a very good, honest and informative video. Thank you for the advice.

One ☝️ of my bikes , I did quite a lot of mods on my Yamaha TDM 900 , I put a Suzuki VStrom 650 2006 front forks , wheel guard on . Forks same diameter as TDM,s - so didn’t need to change the triple clamps. I put braided lines on , a Brake adopter from SV racing parts and a fork brace and upgrade front brakes to Honda CBR600RR ( why did I do this well main reason is standard TDM rim is 18 inch and VStrom 19 inch ) WAY better for tyre selection- plus use it for light off road .Front travel increased 10mm and rear going to fit the VStrom rear shock also a 10mm increase in travel . Better for off road and will bring the wheel base back in I call her the Yamasuzuki 😂😂😂 in Australia we don’t have to worry about changing the pipe and taking the BIG heavy cat left in .

Много добри пояснения.Браво напълно си прав за всичко.Още от офф роуд форума се чудех на някой от модификациите ти по предната вилка.С нетърпение следя повечето ти изяви.Тази година и аз се сдобих с в стром 650 xt и мисля да попътувам с него,мислех за накакъв тунинг на предницата но аз съм 75 кг и след това видео определено не мисля да пипам нищо.Благодаря ти за съветите.Поздрави от България!

Modifications that do not alter the integrity of the motorcycle are good, a few add on parts to make the motorcycle more comfortable and extra protection. When you start modifying the engine or frame is when things start to get tricky and open up a whole can of worms, keep the main parts of the bike standard is the best way. At the end of the day reliability is the most important thing.

Very interesting info. I knew that catalytic converters for cars were expensive but did not know muffler units for bikes were expensive. Thanks.

i believe that the only needed modifications should be for comfort..you can travel with almost any bike as long as it is reliable..i love your channel

Great video, as always :) But I would like to point two things: 3:25 suspension travel is same as before when you lower legs by tripple clamp. It is also common and easiest way to lower bike for short rider :) 10:41 - spare clutch cable already installed is great idea! But I think you should secure it with electrical tape to prevent water getting inside cable. It would be so bad to discover that it is rusted and stucked when you need it :D Have a nice trip to australlia! :D

The very last statement is best advice. Stop buying/modifying and start riding. As an engineer, I always tell people not to mess with things unless they really really understand what they are doing. It takes 10's or 100's of expert engineers, many months of long hours and lots or try and error to create product that is safe and ready for use. One can spend lots of money to make things worse. As for riding, I know guy who bought his first motorcycle in the same time as I did. His bike was around $4k on the road and he spent another $500 to change muffler. A year alter, I asked him how many miles her put on his bike. He said 250. In the same time I put 5k miles on my bike (and another 5k miles on other two bikes). After couple thousand miles, I spent $300 for better windshield and rear box setup based on my riding needs. I also had to replace tires after 4k miles after getting screw in the rear. OK that sounded wrong. Anyway, that was another $200 but, stock tires were 80% gone and sucked to start with. The only reason I put only 10k miles was because I had no time to ride more.

I have the same bike and same riding philosophy. On my bike I change only front suspension...actually not the whole suspension...only progressive springs in stead the original...huge difference for 120eur.

I don’t ride this type of bikes but I like to see such a great Bike video👍 Thanks for this impressions

Yes I did notice you weren't riding your own motorcycle in the video clip. I watched your entire Himalayan experience (made me subscribe) and I gathered that you fully enjoyed it so I'm guessing you had as much fun on a different bike as you would have had on your own. The only downside to riding other bikes is the tick list. You haven't riden your bike in that country 😉. But time plays a big part in that dilemma. Great video, thoroughly enjoyed it as usual. Thanks 👍

Great video, the main thing with motorcycling is to get out there and enjoy yourself. Your recent experience with the Lifan's showed that specialist adventure bikes are not necessary, nice yes, but you can have great adventures on really simple basic bikes.

Thanks for sharing 👊😀👍

Loved the ending video.

Excellent insights from your experience

In answer to your question about enjoying your trip any less because you were not riding your own bike. I don’t think that you enjoyed your trip any less because you were not riding your own bike. You have made some great points about the perception of needed upgrades. I’m guessing that the average rider buys upgraded parts based solely on the marketing of the advertisers and not their own experiences. I say that based upon all the parts that I still have on the shelf that I bought early on because I thought that I needed them after listening to the shops and video advertisers selling parts. Generally speaking I have found that upgrades are not necessary if the riders skill level does not come close to reaching the bikes OEM potential.

Today i just skidded on road where the metro lines were done. As there is bad maintenance of road. The skid was so horrible. Lucky is bike saved me helmet riding gears all were at right place right time. This video ensured that Stop changing Start riding. 👍.

Oh, one other thing, my BEST mod of all time and pretty much required for long distance travel on Every bike (except my Triumph Thunderbird RT) is the hospital bed cushion inspired, adjustable/ inflatable (and transferable from bike to bike) seat cushion. Thousands of miles on it and rides like new. NOTHING on an adv bike improves the adventure, more than a comfortable rear end :) Seer.

I find extra lights in front extremely useful. In west europe its safe to drive a motorcycle but in east europe its different. We do not have many motorcyclists so people are not used to be aware of motorcyclists. I had a lot accidents and the last two I had were almost deadful. Then i decided to put extra 2 lights in front. And since then i didnt have any problems on the road. So for me these lights were extremely useful :)

Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Very practical, as always. Aftermarket traders may not be very happy to watch this 😁.

Pavlin once again thanks for your practical approach ..Brilliant

One of the great things about your channel is the idea that you can travel on any bike, especially when you took the Lifan through the high mountain pass. That said, I DO think you would have enjoyed some of those trips more on your bike that fits you better and that you're more used to. I feel the Lifan was uncomfortable for you because it was too small, and you did not enjoy riding the Honda. I think the Himalayan was a great bike for you in those conditions. You have great adventures, but you would have enjoyed them more (maybe just a little) on your own bike. Looking forward to seeing you ride the KLR and learning how it works for you.

The only thing I did - 5 gallon tank for DR650. My range increased to 300 miles. Yes, I needed range few times: Atacama, Utah, Bolivia. If you want lighter bike - just buy lighter bike (but no less than 400cc).

I WILL LOOK FOR YOUR RECOMMENDATIONS ABOUT RIDING SAFETY GEAR (CLOTHING)! YOU ALWAYS HAVE EXCELLENT INFO, RECOMMENDATIONS, AND COMMENTS!!!

Danny!! Live and learn.. Sorry about all that loss about time and money.. 💰

The key to balancing suspension is to have the front and rear suspension compress and rebound at comparable rates. Now that doesn't necessarily mean at the same speed or same travel in inches like in your case. however, just dropping the forks at the triple clamps does NOT change anything except giving the bike a lesser rake in standing position. Please approach a suspension specialist and re-valve both your front forks and rear shocks so that the dampers are effective. you have to agree that motorbikes are not granted a special and unique benefit to escape the laws of the physics. all the best.

I agree that in most places one is not far from a gas station. However, in my case how far do I want to travel out of my way to the gas station? I have a DR 650 and elected to mount a gas can instead of a side case. This allows me extended travel in areas in western Canada where I would have to go 30 to 40 k out of my way for gas and then back to where I want to ride. That’s a waste of time and money. I still have room for all my camping gear. I carry less than you. The older I get the less need there is for stuff. I’ve only been riding and camping for 50 years. Spend less ride more is excellent advice.

Excellent advice! Though I had managed to keep the modifications to my 2006 R1200GS to some reasonable level (lighting mainly, it came with hard panniers and protective bars), I recently went a little crazy when I found a highly modified 05 being parted out...bought Hyperpro shocks, OEM tubeless wire wheels, and Leo Vince Ti exhaust for about 50% off retail. At least I have kept my 93 XR650L stock...well, except for the big tank, stiffer forks springs, seat, pegs, handle bars...=D

Spotted another mod you didn't mention: the arrow taped to your windscreen in part of the video. Is that to remind you to stay left in countries that drive on the wrong side of the road? Brilliant!

We all think that we are smarter then the motorcycle OEM engineers and manufacturers when changing exhausts, air filters, engine maps suspension and so on. These manufactures have spent millions on R & D to produce a well balanced machine. The only problem is that I can't help myself. LOL

Thanks for your honesty cheers 🇨🇦

Great video, stunning scenarios !

Thanks for more common sense! Best wishes!

Awesome video 👍

cool Video now i want to jump on my bike and travell around :D

About muffler again I agree! Is not worst it ! I always stick with original on our if my bikes! And my currunt bike is Aftica twin 1000. I love ❤ original tube!

Great video as usual. Yes so called mods need deep research first Make a out takes video of unseen footage of ur trips ...be good !!

Very good video sir. My bike could need that power commandr for some better fueling. Dont care about the power thats a bonus. And an lighter exhaust, the standard weights a tonn. If you have a good but old bike(as example my 04 vstrom) it may be worth it to upgrade some key component to get it up to a more modern standard, ore what?

You were trying to say "don't do anything to your bike, it's good enough" in a nicer way.

Another brilliant vid. Thanks Pavlin ...... dunno if I’ll go the USD forks now.....🤷‍♂️

In My experience, 90% of modifications are for yourself. Not the bike. It dosen't care if you buy change levers, handlebar, fairings, seat, aftermarket exhaust etc. Suspension and tires is worth an upgrade when they need to be changed. Only break pads is worth an upgrade, as they are cheap, and can make a Huge difference in breaking feel and bite.

Very helpful advice.

Great video clear and to the point advice

Great video as always- short and very informative! Could you share your thoughts and calculations or separate video- do you modelling scenario by leaving bike in the middle of nowhere, when rescueing and repairing bike price is too high without possibility bringing it back home.. I mean that bike by itself is gone..(destruction by fire, by water huge damage) or even stolen but rider healthy to continue the trip like plan B

The seat of my R6 is hard like hell, I need to stop every 30/40 minutes riding. But is not designed for long travelling, is a race bike. The same unnecessary money spending happens also for the track guys, buy this and buy that, when they can't even ride properly on a track.

Hi Pavlin - PLEASE explain the number 5 on your side cover - again you give good advise

Well done!

I never understood the whole petrol debate. Especially for the people who live and travel in Europe. No way anyone would ever need 450km fuel range

Hi, ver very useful and important Video! About suspention I agree 100% couse when you start you cannot stop and it cost you a lot and you not satisfied 100%! Better change a bike that 100& right! 😄

Hei bro where are you from? Your english is very clear and in the end you say "tchau" , are you brazilian by the way? Cause i am and i like your videos so much

Buenas Compañero. Agradecer tus videos y tu canal, ya que me entretiene y me ha animado a viajar. De echo, he cambiado mi visión de la moto. Acabo de comprarme una XT 660 Z del año 2010 con 40000 kms, con la intención, si me gusta, de vender mi otra moto, la Yamaha XT 1200 ZE ST. Con ello intento abaratar costes y ganar ligereza. Mi pregunta es la siguiente, veo que en tu moto no llevas defensas metálica. No son necesarias? Estoy de acuerdo en no añadir pesos innecesarios a la moto. Gracias de antemano. Un saludo.

There are guys riding around the world with some 30 yr old 125 cub, there are also guys doing the same thing on a GS with all the farkles you can imagine, and for some cases, even super sports. Lol. Different strokes for different folks. Ride whatever makes you happy.