Motorbike forums and social media are a great way to waste absurd amounts of time.
You can argue endlessly with people who have no idea what they are talking about.
And in the process reveal how clueless you are as well.
An example? Some of the endless debates about the true definition of adventure riding. You think
religious fundamentalists can be bad? Wait till you see these motorbike theologians in action.
The reason I mention this? Plenty of guys in the USA tell me I'm not really adventure riding.
I'm either dual sport riding. Or apparently dirt riding when we take the bush pigs into snotty
terrain. And that's when they tell me a proper adventure bike is one you can ride comfortably
on the highway for eight hours. And that real adventure riding involves a lot of highway and
some easy dirt roads. Then other guys tell me no. If it's not a multi-day ride involving camping,
it ain't adventure riding. Me? I'm not too worried about the precise definition
of a good adventure ride. 'Adventure Bike' is a marketing term. If the machine fits your purpose,
who cares what they call it? shoeb But I do like this one. Was it tough, dirty and dusty? No.
Probably not an adventure ride. If it was, did you think you were going to die. Did you die?
Bummer, that's not a good adventure ride. You didn't die? Congratulations, that's a great
adventure ride! The same deal if you got hurt. If you didn't die, that's a great adventure ride.
Did you get lost? Cool. And if you didn't die, that's a great adventure ride. Did you
get scared and wet yourself? Awesome. And if you survived, it was a great adventure ride. Ditto
if you bike broke down. If you were still alive, it was a great adventure. Did you get
laid? Well that's just the silver lining. And if you filmed it I'd like to see the footage.
It is always interesting to see some of the definitions and categories guys come up with.
But how important is it to really get the definition right?
To me, it sounds like trying to define the exact religion or belief system everyone should use.
The more you try to make everyone believe the same thing,
the more fights you'll get. The less everyone will enjoy riding. In Australia, guys regularly
ride Honda CT90 postie bikes across the desert. I'm not telling them they aren't having a proper
adventure ride. Ditto for a guy I know who has put a huge tank on his ancient two stroke Suzuki
RMX250 and smokes his way down countless dirt roads and highways each weekend.
What do you guys think? Do you have your own definition? Does it matter if some
guys think riding a GS1200 to Starbucks is an adventure. Let us know in the comments.