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

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 the ADV community, what makes a review trustworthy, and how riders can identify genuine experience versus paid promotion.
Along the way, they highlight several creators they believe consistently produce high-quality, authentic motorcycle content and discuss what today's motorcycle community should expect from gear reviews, bike reviews, and long-term testing.
Subscriber Bonus: We go behind the scenes of our own podcast to discuss sponsorship offers, affiliate links, free gear, Spotify advertising, YouTube monetization, and the ethical decisions we face as motorcycle content creators. You'll also hear real examples of companies that have approached us, what we've accepted (and turned down), how we maintain our independence, and exactly how your subscription supports future motorcycle reviews, gear testing, and podcast production.
The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles.
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe
Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at:
https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr

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 first ride to a published article, and the challenges facing modern motorcycle media.
Chris shares insights into:
The reality of being an Editor-in-Chief at RideApart

What riders don't see behind motorcycle press launches

How motorcycle journalists balance manufacturers, readers, and honest opinions

The evolution from traditional motorcycle magazines to online media and influencers

Why storytelling and emotional connection matter more than horsepower numbers and specifications

The future of motorcycle journalism in the age of AI

Whether you're curious about how motorcycle reviews are made, interested in becoming a motorcycle writer, or simply want a better understanding of the industry that shapes the bikes we ride, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look from someone who has lived it.
The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles.
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe
Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at:
https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr

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 simply enjoy building your own gear, you'll come away with plenty of ideas to customize your motorcycle on a budget.
Topics include:
DIY luggage & storage — Ammo can panniers, Pelican cases, and homemade tool tubes

Comfort upgrades — DIY throttle locks, pool noodle passenger backrests, and budget wind protection

Garage tools & maintenance — Homemade specialty tools and chain maintenance

Bike protection — DIY skid plates, radiator guards, & headlight protection.

Roadside repairs — Creative fixes using JB Weld, Gorilla Tape, paracord, and everyday materials

Camping & travel hacks — Budget camp gear, military surplus finds, and packing solutions

If you enjoy motorcycle garage projects, budget adventure riding, DIY fabrication, or simply finding creative ways to improve your bike without spending a fortune, this episode is full of practical ideas you can use immediately.
The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles.
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe
Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at:
https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr

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, including higher highway RPM, increased vibration, speedometer changes, and why there really is no free lunch when changing your motorcycle's gearing.
Whether you ride a Yamaha Ténéré 700, Triumph Scrambler, WR250R, CRF250L, KTM dual sport, or just want to understand motorcycle sprocket changes before spending your money, this episode will help you decide if lower gearing is actually the right modification for your riding style.
In this episode:
What gearing down really means

Front vs. rear sprocket changes

Why ADV and dual-sport riders lower their gearing

Highway compromises nobody talks about

Common installation tips and mistakes

How to decide if it's worth doing on your bike

Subscriber Bonus: After the public episode, Drew shares his personal experience with four different motorcycles—the Triumph Scrambler, Yamaha Ténéré 700, Honda CRF250L, and KTM 350—including why he geared each bike down, why he returned several of them to stock gearing, and how his opinion has changed after years of riding everything from adventure rallies to hare scrambles. If you've ever wondered whether lower gearing is really worth it, this is the part of the conversation you won't want to miss.
Have you changed your gearing? What motorcycle do you ride, what sprocket combination are you running, and would you make the same choice again? Leave a comment or send us an email—we'd love to hear your experience.
The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles.
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe
Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at:
https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr

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 helmet certifications, explain what those standards actually mean for riders, and discuss why modern helmet design continues to evolve.
Finally, Bob introduces the new 6D Max Goggle System, covering its increased field of view, airflow, facial protection, and why it's generating excitement among motocross, dual sport, and adventure riders.
Whether you're shopping for your next helmet or simply want to understand the science behind motorcycle helmet safety, this episode is packed with practical insights from one of the industry's leading innovators.
In this episode we discuss:
-Bob Weber's path from motocross racer to founder of 6D Helmets
-The story behind creating the patented Omni-Directional Suspension (ODS) system
-Why rotational impacts and brain injuries changed helmet design forever
-How 6D earned credibility with professional racers including Eli Tomac
-The famous Zach Bell Supercross crash and what it meant for helmet technology
-Why 6D won the NFL's HeadHealth Challenge
-Understanding DOT vs. ECE 22.06 vs. Snell vs. FIM helmet certifications
-Why modern helmet safety standards continue to evolve
-How 6D's helmet rebuild program works after a crash
-The design and development of the new 6D Max Goggle System
-Why adventure riders, dual sport riders, and motocross racers may benefit from the new integrated goggle design
Subscriber Bonus
In the extended subscriber-only conversation, Bob answers listener questions about properly sizing a motorcycle helmet, choosing the right fit, riding with prescription glasses, how the Max Goggle works with eyewear, his current motorcycles and bicycles, favorite places to ride, and shares more stories from his decades in the motorcycle industry.
The ride doesn't end when the episode does. Subscribers get ad-free listening and access to the Bonus Loop, our exclusive extended discussion recorded after the main show wraps up. If you enjoy the podcast, come along for a few extra miles.
https://creators.spotify.com/pod/profile/motoadvr/subscribe
Enjoying the show? Want a copy of the show notes, transcripts, or just say thanks? Drop us your email and the episode number at:
https://buymeacoffee.com/motoadvr