Podcast · Leisure & Travel

Moto Adventurer Unscripted: Real Conversations for Motorcyclists, Adventurers and Outdoor Explorers

by Drew Faulkner · English · Leisure & Travel

Moto Adventurer Unscripted is a long-form motorcycle podcast on adventure riding, dual sport culture, and real-world ADV travel. It goes beyond surface advice into how riders build skills, plan routes, choose bikes, manage costs, and navigate events like rallies and dual sport gatherings. With an Ap

New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 6 min
Latest: 12 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

12 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 10 minNew

EP178: Public Land Access & ADV Road Closures What Riders Can Do (Ad Free)

A road closes. A trail disappears. And sometimes, by the time you hear about it, it feels like there's nothing you can do. On this episode of Moto Adventurer Unscripted, Drew and Mark talk with Scott Jones, Central States Representative for the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA), about motorcycle road closures, public land access, Forest Service roads, and how adventure and dual-sport riders can protect their riding opportunities. With decades of experience in motorized recreation and land-use advocacy, Scott explains how closures happen, why public comment matters, and how riders can…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

E177 · 5 Oct 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
EP177: Stop Paying the Shop: ADV Maintenance You Can Do Yourself
Motorcycle maintenance doesn't have to mean a trip to the dealership and you don't need a fully equipped workshop to start turning wrenches on your own adventure or dual-sport motorcycle. In this episode of Moto Adventurer Unscripted, Drew and Mark work their way through the basics of ADV motorcycle maintenance, from the simple jobs most riders can handle in the garage to the repairs that start getting a little more involved. We talk about why the owner's manual and maintenance schedule should be your starting point, setting up motorcycle ergonomics, building a useful toolkit, chain cleaning…
E176 · 28 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
EP176: What’s Your Flavor of Adventure Motorcycle Riding?
What makes an adventure motorcycle ride a great ride? For some riders, it’s the destination. For others, it’s the road, scenery, food, challenge, people, or simply getting away for a while. In this episode of Moto Adventure Unscripted, Drew and Mark break down the different “flavors” of adventure motorcycle riding and explore why two riders can take the same route and come home with completely different ideas of what made it fun. The conversation covers destination riders, road collectors, photographers, history buffs, wanderers, campers, endurance riders, challenge seekers, rally riders,…
E175 · 21 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
EP175: Adventure Motorcycle Suspension Setup: What Do All These Clickers Do?
Adventure motorcycle suspension can seem like black magic. What do all those clickers actually do? What is SAG? How do preload, compression damping, rebound damping, and spring rate affect the way your ADV motorcycle handles? In this episode of Moto Adventure Unscripted, Drew and Mark break down adventure motorcycle suspension from the ground up and explain what riders actually need to know before spending money on suspension upgrades. We start with the basics: what suspension is supposed to do, the difference between springs and damping, and how preload affects your motorcycle when you add…
E174 · 14 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 6 min
EP174: Motorcycle Crash & Recovery: Getting Back on the Bike
What happens after the motorcycle crash? In this episode of Moto Adventurer Unscripted, Tyler joins Drew and Mark to talk openly about a recent motorcycle crash, the injuries that followed, the recovery process, and what it actually feels like to get back on a motorcycle after a hard hit. Tyler walks us through a high-side crash on wet, freshly paved asphalt in Arkansas, the decision to ride another 600 miles toward home, and eventually discovering he had three fractured ribs and a collapsed lung. We talk about motorcycle gear, helmet replacement, motorcycle repair costs, riding partners,…
E173 · 7 Sep 2026 · 1 hr 6 min
EP173: How to Train at Home: Backyard ADV Drills & Skills
Want to become a better adventure rider without waiting for your next big trip or paying for a training course? Your driveway, backyard, field, or even an empty parking lot can become an ADV motorcycle training ground. In this episode of Moto Adventurer Unscripted, Drew and Mark break down practical adventure motorcycle skills and drills you can practice close to home. We talk emergency braking and rear-wheel lockups, learning how your ABS and rider modes actually behave, mastering clutch and throttle control, walking and maneuvering a heavy ADV motorcycle, getting comfortable riding while…
E172 · 31 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 15 min
Red River Scramble 2026: The Ultimate Kentucky ADV & Dual Sport Rally Guide
Red River Scramble is back for 2026, and we're breaking down everything you need to know before you point your motorcycle toward Red River Gorge, Kentucky. Drew and Mark take you inside this grassroots, choose-your-own-adventure motorcycle rally—from what the Scramble is all about to where to stay, what to expect at Lago Linda Hideaway, how to meet other riders, and what kind of riding you'll find throughout the region. We'll break down the different route difficulty levels, from scenic gravel and easy adventure riding to intermediate terrain, advanced ADV routes, and dedicated dual-sport…
E171 · 24 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
EP171: How to Prepare for a Group ADV Motorcycle Ride
Group rides can be one of the best ways to get into adventure and dual sport motorcycling—but they can also go sideways fast when riders show up without understanding the ride, terrain, pace, or expectations. In this episode, Drew and Mark break down what you need to know before joining an ADV motorcycle group ride , whether you're a new adventure rider or an experienced rider looking to make group rides run more smoothly. We cover how to choose the right ride, understand terrain and difficulty, estimate mileage and fuel requirements, and match your skill level and motorcycle to the group.…
E170 · 17 Aug 2026 · 1 hr
EP170: 7 Mistakes That Ruin Adventure Motorcycle Trips More Than Breakdowns
We spend a lot of time worrying about flat tires, broken chains, and dead batteries—but are mechanical failures really what end most adventure motorcycle trips? In this episode, Drew and Mark break down the mistakes that are far more likely to ruin your ride than a breakdown ever will. From poor fitness and dehydration to bad weather, unrealistic expectations, group ride drama, and simple planning mistakes, they share hard-earned lessons from years of adventure riding, rally organizing, and exploring the backroads of Appalachia. Along the way, they discuss: Why your body can fail before your…
E169 · 10 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 3 min
EP169: 2 Years of ADV Riding What Surprised Me, What Changed, and What I Learned
What really changes during your first two years of adventure riding? This week we're joined by Roy, who shares his journey from brand-new ADV rider to confidently tackling challenging terrain throughout Kentucky and Appalachia. We discuss the lessons that surprised him most, the mistakes he made, the gear he wishes he'd bought sooner, and how his confidence evolved after two seasons on an adventure bike. Expectations vs. reality as a new adventure rider The biggest surprises after buying an ADV motorcycle Learning to ride mud, gravel, and rocky terrain*How tire choice changed everything…
E168 · 3 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 11 min
EP168: Can You Still Trust Motorcycle Influencers: The Cost of Losing Authenticity
Can you still trust motorcycle influencers? As YouTube creators and social media personalities increasingly replace traditional motorcycle journalism, riders are left wondering where honest reviews end and sponsored content begins. In this episode of Moto Adventurer Unscripted, Drew and Mark discuss the state of motorcycle YouTube, adventure motorcycle influencers, dual-sport content creators, sponsored gear reviews, affiliate marketing, clickbait, free products, and the growing challenge of staying authentic while creating motorcycle content. They examine how influencer culture has changed…
E167 · 27 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 4 min
EP167: Behind the Curtain: The Motorcycle Journalism Industry with Chris Cope
What really happens behind the scenes of motorcycle journalism? In this episode of Moto Adventurer Unscripted, we sit down with longtime motorcycle journalist Chris Cope to pull back the curtain on the motorcycle media industry. Chris is the former Editor-in-Chief of RideApart and founder of Dancing the Polka, where he combines motorcycle storytelling, reviews, and reflections on the culture surrounding riding. We explore what life is actually like running a major motorcycle publication, how manufacturer press launches work from a journalist's perspective, how motorcycle reviews go from a…
E165 · 20 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 5 min
EP166: DIY Motorcycle Mods That Actually Work: 50+ Garage Hacks for Adventure Riders
What happens when two adventure riders compare every cheap motorcycle modification they've ever built, borrowed, or stolen from the internet? In this episode, Drew and Mark share 50+ DIY motorcycle mods, garage hacks, roadside repairs, and budget upgrades that actually work. From homemade luggage and comfort improvements to trail-side repair tricks, camping gear, tool hacks, and motorcycle protection ideas, this episode is packed with practical solutions that can save you hundreds of dollars without sacrificing reliability. Whether you ride an adventure bike, dual sport, ADV touring bike, or…
16 Jul 2026 · 9 min
Is Lower Gearing Worth It? The Truth About Changing Your Motorcycle Sprocket Unscripted Shortcut
Is gearing down your motorcycle really the best $30 off-road upgrade, or is it one of the most overrated modifications in adventure riding? In this episode of Moto Adventurer Unscripted: Shortcuts, Drew Faulkner takes a practical look at one of the most common modifications in dual-sport and ADV riding: changing your final drive gearing. Learn what "gearing down" actually means, why so many riders swap front and rear sprockets, and the real-world advantages for technical trails, hill climbs, rocks, and slow-speed control. More importantly, we discuss the trade-offs that often get overlooked,…
E164 · 13 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
EP165: Motorcycle Helmet Safety Explained: 6D Helmets, DOT, ECE & FIM Standards with Bob Weber
What actually makes a motorcycle helmet safer? Is it the certification sticker, the materials, or the technology inside? In this episode of Moto Adventure Unscripted, we sit down with Bob Weber, founder of 6D Helmets and former publisher of Dirt Rider and Motorcyclist magazines. Bob shares the story behind creating 6D Helmets, explains how the patented Omni-Directional Suspension (ODS) system manages both linear and rotational impacts, and discusses how that technology has helped shape modern motorcycle helmet safety. We also break down the differences between DOT, ECE 22.06, Snell, and FIM…
E164 · 6 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
EP164: Motorcycle Encyclopedia Volume 2
In this episode of the Motorcycle Encyclopedia , Drew and Mark dive into the "cult of personalities" that makes the riding community so unique. We are unpacking the essential motorcycle slang and biker jargon every rider needs to know, from the "functional sparkles" we bolt onto our bikes to the treacherous road conditions that catch us off guard. Whether you are a veteran or a new rider, mastering this motorcycle phrasing is key to navigating the social and technical nuances of the road. Essential Motorcycle Jargon Defined Farkle : A "functional sparkle" referring to any aftermarket…
1 Jul 2026 · 17 min
20 Adventure Routes & OHV Parks Every Midwest Rider Should Know: Unscripted Shortcut
Where can you legally ride an adventure motorcycle in the Midwest? It's one of the questions I hear more than almost any other, so in this Shortcut episode I'm putting everything on one map. From public OHV trail systems to private riding parks, scenic day loops, and multi-day adventure routes, there are far more opportunities in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana than most riders realize. In this episode, we cover: Public OHV riding at Wayne National Forest, Pike State Forest, and White Sulphur OHV. Private riding parks including Ride The Holler, Hidden Spring Ranch, Rush Off-Road, Wildcat, Haspin…
E163 · 29 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 51 min
EP163: Rain Riding Decisions: When Should Adventure Motorcyclists Stop?
Rain riding is part of adventure motorcycling, but when does riding a motorcycle in the rain become dangerous? In this episode, we discuss adventure motorcycle rain riding, heavy rain, thunderstorms, hail, standing water, poor visibility, and the critical decisions riders face when conditions begin to deteriorate. We share some of our worst rain-riding experiences and break down the factors that help determine when it's safe to continue riding and when it's time to find shelter. We cover both on-road and off-road adventure riding, including temperature changes, traffic conditions, water…
24 Jun 2026 · 12 min
Tubes vs Tubeless Unscripted Shortcut: Does It Actually Matter for Adventure Riding?
Tube-type wheels or tubeless wheels? It's one of the most debated topics in adventure motorcycling, right up there with oil brands and tire recommendations. But does wheel type actually matter as much as the internet says it does? In this Unscripted Shortcut, we break down the real-world pros and cons of tube-type and tubeless wheel systems for adventure touring and off-road riding. We discuss: Tube vs tubeless wheel advantages and disadvantages. The realities of flat tire repairs on and off the trail Why your riding style matters more than internet opinions Common myths about flats,…
E162 · 22 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 13 min
EP162: What Are The Best Used ADV Motorcycles Under $3,500?
Can you really buy a legitimate adventure motorcycle for $3,500 or less? In this episode, Drew and Mark dig through real Facebook Marketplace listings from around the country to find the best adventure motorcycles currently available on a budget. From forgotten oddballs and ADV-touring machines to sensible bargains and serious contenders. After multiple elimination rounds, only one motorcycle earns the title of Best Adventure Motorcycle on Marketplace for $3,500 or Less Along the way, we discuss hidden gems, surprising bargains, overpriced cult favorites, and the bikes we'd actually spend…
E161 · 15 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 37 min
EP161: How to Convert a Dual-Sport into an Adventure Motorcycle?
Can a lightweight dual-sport motorcycle become a true adventure bike? In this episode, we explore the philosophy behind converting dual-sport motorcycles like the Kawasaki KLX300 into capable ADV machines, focusing on the priorities that matter most: comfort, range, reliability, flexibility, and long-distance capability. We break down the essential modifications that deliver the biggest return on investment, including protection upgrades, tires, luggage, seats, windscreens, navigation, lighting, accessory power, and larger fuel tanks. We also discuss the more debated upgrades such as gearing…
E160 · 8 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 55 min
EP160: Who are the hosts behind Moto Adventurer Unscripted?
With a wave of new listeners joining the show over the last year, this episode turns the spotlight onto the co-hosts themselves. Mark and Drew step out of their usual roles and reintroduce themselves to the audience through a conversation about where they started, how they got into motorcycles, and how years of riding have changed their perspectives on adventure, community, and life.Mark interviews Drew to unpack the origin story behind Moto Adventurer; from cruiser motorcycles to adventure riding, and from a simple idea into a website, rally, routes, and podcast community. Along the way,…
4 Jun 2026 · 10 min
Unscripted Shortcut: How Much Pavement Is there?
“How much pavement is there?” After a decade of hosting ADV rallies and creating routes like the Bluegrass Regional Adventure Passageway (BRAP), it's the question I get asked more than any other—and one of the hardest to answer. Are riders asking about tires, difficulty, comfort, legality, or whether they're about to have the best ride of their life? In this short episode, I break down the many meanings hidden behind this seemingly simple question, explore the different types of riders asking it, and explain why pavement percentage might be one of the least useful ways to judge an adventure…
E159 · 1 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 56 min
EP159: What Are the Best and Worst Parts of Adventure Motorcycling?
What are the best and worst parts of adventure motorcycle riding? In this episode, we debate the real pros and cons of ADV riding—from the mental reset and freedom of exploring off-road to the fatigue, risks, and challenges of handling big bikes in tough terrain. Whether you ride a dual sport or a fully loaded ADV bike, this is an honest look at what makes the experience so addictive—and so demanding. We also break down modern ADV technology, maintenance realities, and how social media is impacting the places we ride. From trail access and environmental concerns to cost, gear, and rider…
E158 · 25 May 2026 · 1 hr 58 min
EP158: What Should Every Rider Know About Motorcycle Travel Safety and Security?
In this episode, we explore motorcycle travel safety and theft prevention with a retired police officer and experienced rider. We break down how motorcycle theft and opportunistic crime actually happen on the road, and what riders can do to reduce risk while traveling—whether commuting, touring, or riding long distance. Topics include how thieves select targets, the role of visibility and rider behavior, and the environments where riders are most vulnerable, including cities, highway stops, hotels, gas stations, scenic pull-offs, and camping areas. We also cover practical motorcycle security…
E157 · 18 May 2026 · 1 hr 54 min
EP157: What Are Essential Adventure Riding Skills?
Stop fighting your adventure motorcycle and start mastering the trail. In this episode, Andy Janik from Heavy Enduro joins us to reveal the secrets of Adventure bike setup , body positioning & training at home . Whether you’re facing muddy climbs, soggy logs, or steep descents, learn the technical "small tweaks" that reduce fatigue and turn a rut-filled nightmare into a smooth ride. If you want to transition from "surviving" the trail to truly dancing with your bike, this technical deep dive is your blueprint for success. What You’ll Discover: The Ultimate Bike Setup: How adjusting levers,…
E156 · 11 May 2026 · 1 hr 33 min
EP156: How to Improve Adventure Motorcycle Endurance and Fitness
The ride started with a full tank and high hopes… but 300 yards into a muddy section, you’re already exhausted, picking up your bike for the fourth time, and wondering if you’re actually as fit as you thought you were. If that sounds familiar, this episode is for you. For this round of Moto Adventurer Unscripted, Drew sits down with Jason Winn, a seasoned off-road racer and fitness enthusiast who recently made the jump into the world of adventure motorcycles. We break down why so many riders hit the “endurance cliff” during off-road and dual sport riding, and what you can do to fix it…
E155 · 4 May 2026 · 1 hr 4 min
EP155: 9 Essential ADV Riding Roles: How to Mold Your Group into a Mission-Ready Unit
In the Appalachian backcountry, a group of friends on motorcycles is just a rescue mission waiting to happen. But a Unit ? A unit is an unstoppable force. On this episode of Moto Adventurer Unscripted , Drew & Mark break down the tactical blueprint for transforming your riding crew into an elite exploration squad. We’re moving past the "follow the leader" mentality and diving into the nine essential archetypes required to assault the most unforgiving terrain in the East. From the technical precision of The Cartographer to the undaunted recovery power of The Closer , we explore how to assign…
E154 · 27 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 45 min
EP154: How Dangerous Are Motorcycles?
In this episode, we deconstruct the "donor cycle" myth by diving into the latest NHTSA crash data to separate cultural fear from statistical fact. While motorcycles are often labeled as uniquely dangerous, the data reveals that rider behavior—specifically licensing, sobriety, and roadway wisdom play a far larger role in survival than the bike itself. We challenge common misconceptions about weather and highway travel, highlighting that most fatal incidents occur on service roads in clear conditions. By comparing rider risks to those faced by everyday pedestrians, we shift the narrative from…
E153 · 20 Apr 2026 · 1 hr 42 min
EP153: The Motorcycle Encyclopedia - Volume 1
Join Drew and Mark as they delve into the fascinating world of motorcycle slang, revealing the humor and culture behind terms like “LARPing,” “chinesium,” and “road pizza.” This episode uncovers how language shapes rider identity and community, offering insights into technical jargon and playful insults that define motorcycle culture. Whether you're a mechanic, casual rider, or just curious, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the stories and techniques that make this vibrant community unique. Discover how terms like “trail breaking” and “quick-shifter” evolved, and why “Kool-Aid” branding…

About Moto Adventurer Unscripted: Real Conversations for Motorcyclists, Adventurers and Outdoor Explorers

Moto Adventurer Unscripted: Real Conversations for Motorcyclists, Adventurers and Outdoor Explorers is a English leisure & travel podcast from Drew Faulkner. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: Drew Faulkner
Language: English
Category: Leisure & Travel
New episodes: Weekly
Typical length: 1 hr 6 min
Latest episode: 12 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1508467065
Rights: Drew Faulkner

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