FAQs

My favorite bike?

My Existential Motorcycle Crisis: A Four-Way Love Pentagon (It's Complicated)

Let's be honest, folks. We've all been there. You know, staring into the abyss of your garage, surrounded by gleaming metal and rubber, and asking the big questions. Like, "Which of these magnificent machines is truly my soulmate?" For me, that abyss currently contains four potential partners in crime, and frankly, I'm having a full-blown existential motorcycle crisis.

Exhibit A: The KTM 890 Adventure R – The Orange Overachiever.

This bike is like that super-fit, globetrotting friend who always has a better adventure story than you. It's the equivalent of a caffeinated cheetah in a Dakar rally. It laughs at rocks, sneers at sand, and politely asks if you'd like a wheelie while traversing a mountain pass. It's brilliant, capable, and makes me feel like I should be wearing a sponsorship patch.

Pros: Unbelievable performance, top-tier electronics, and a suspension that makes potholes feel like a gentle massage.Cons: Makes me question my own athletic abilities, and the sheer power can be intimidating (especially when I accidentally twist the throttle thinking it's a volume knob). Also, orange is a very loud color.

Exhibit B: The Honda Africa Twin – The Dependable Diplomat.

Ah, the Africa Twin. This bike is like that reliable, well-traveled uncle who always has a wise word and a thermos of hot tea. It's comfortable, capable, and exudes an air of "we've got this" no matter what the terrain. It's the kind of bike you'd trust to take you to the ends of the earth, and then politely ask if you'd like to stop for a scenic photo.

Pros: Smooth, predictable, comfortable, and built like a tank. It's the ultimate adventure touring machine. Cons: A bit heavy, and sometimes I feel like I'm riding a very polite cruise ship. Also, it's so sensible, I sometimes wonder if it judges my impulsive snack choices.

Exhibit C: The Modified Suzuki DR-Z400S – The Rowdy Rascal.

This little beast is like that friend who's always up for a spontaneous dirt road detour and a bit of hooliganism. It's light, nimble, and makes me feel like a dirt bike god (even though I'm probably just flailing). It's the perfect bike for exploring tight trails and unleashing my inner dirt demon.

Pros: Light, agile, and ridiculously fun. It’s like riding a caffeinated squirrel. Cons: Not exactly comfortable for long distances, and the seat feels suspiciously like a medieval torture device. Also, my modifications budget is now officially a black hole.

Exhibit D: The Modified Honda CRF300L Rally ABS – The Pint-Sized Powerhouse.

This bike is like that enthusiastic puppy who's always ready for an adventure, no matter how small. It's lightweight, fuel-efficient, and surprisingly capable. It's the perfect bike for exploring local trails and pretending I'm a mini-Dakar racer.

Pros: Light, nimble, and incredibly fuel-efficient. It’s perfect for exploring tight trails and learning new skills. The ABS is a life saver. Cons: The small engine means highway speeds are… interesting. And the seat is... well, it’s there. My modifications budget is also a black hole, just a smaller one.

The Verdict (Or Lack Thereof):

So, which bike is my favorite? Honestly, I have no idea. Each one offers a unique riding experience and fulfills a different need. The KTM is for conquering continents, the Africa Twin is for comfortable exploration, the DR-Z is for unleashing my inner hooligan, and the CRF300L is for exploring everywhere, including really difficult terrain.

I've come to the conclusion that I'm not choosing a favorite. I'm embracing the chaos. I'm a poly-motorcyclist. I love them all, in their own unique and slightly insane ways.

Perhaps the real question isn't which bike is my favorite, but rather, which bike is best for today's adventure? And honestly, that's a question I'm perfectly happy to answer with a different bike every time.

What are the best months to ride in each western state?

Planning adventure or dual-sport motorcycle rides across multiple states requires balancing weather conditions to avoid snow, cold temperatures, and other seasonal challenges. Below are recommendations for the best months to ride in each state—California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, and Montana—while avoiding snowfall, unmelted snowbanks in high mountain passes, and temperatures below 45°F, or excessive heat. These suggestions focus on optimal riding conditions, considering elevation, regional climate variations, and typical weather patterns. For more details, see  [LINK]