Adventure Bike (ADV)

An adventure bike, often shortened to ADV, is a motorcycle designed to cover long distances on tarmac as well as on gravel roads and trails. Typical features are long-travel suspension, an upright riding position, a tall screen, a large fuel tank and mounts for panniers.

The class ranges from light single-cylinder machines that are close to enduro bikes to heavy twins built mainly for touring. Smaller wheels and road-biased tyres suit asphalt; a 21-inch front wheel and knobbly tyres work better off-road.

Before heading into rough terrain, fit a bash plate, crash bars and handguards, and learn to ride standing up. A lighter, simpler bike is usually easier to handle on bad roads than the biggest model.