Need more info about motorcycle trips? Tons of free advice, tips, and hacks on how to become a better long-distance rider? You finally came to the right place! Sit down and enjoy the ride!
Who am I, and why should you trust me? This is a good question, isn't it? My name is Pavlin and I am a motorcycle traveler. I am just an average guy, who wanted to change his routine existence. About fifteen years ago I decided to see the world and since then I never stopped traveling. Some people said that I get crazy... maybe, but please tell me, what you did in the last 15 years? Did you enjoy every single moment of your life?
During the years, without even wanting, I have encouraged many to change their lives and finally start with their dream adventures. Who knows, I might be able to help you as well, just give me the chance!
My second channel for live streams only: www.youtube.com/@motorcycleadventureslive
Very well structured excellent guidance. Will definitivly help a lot of new riders. Motorcycle and equipment are important, but shouldn't be an obstacle. Not everything needs to be perfect or new. The mindset, the preparedness to accept that there is a learning curve and backlashes are inevitible, help. In my opinion curiosity and pragmatism of the rider helps to overcome most situations. Enjoy the wonderful surprising moments and learn to handle problems by yourself and enjoy the satisfaction afterwards. Samuel Beckett's mantra “Try Again. Fail Again. Fail Better.” is, in my opinion Not everything needs to be perfect.
Hey Pavlin! Just by "pure coincidence" I got the same combo as you (T7 + Donner's Tech Rear Luggage Rack & Grab Handles + 21 Brothers U shape bag (30l I think - color coincidentally the same - white :D). Could you show how you mount this bag to the bike in this configuration? I think my way is not the best I could get - the handles are quite wide but I cannot get rid of them as they are welcome when I need to pick the moto from the ground. Maybe there is a video about this already?
Well and perfectly said! Your comments reminded me of the book 'Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance'. hmmm, thanks for prompting that memory, going to fish it out of my bookshelf now (I know it's hiding somewhere) and re-read... and by the way, sorry to hear you had to change plans on your Africa trip, however, do reach out if you require some local advice & support from South Africa. Would be happy to help, greetings from bike to bike 🤠🏍
As a younger rider it was all about how many miles we could do, now as an older rider it is less miles and taking more time to explore along the way. Great video thanks
Advice for the American planning out his first European trip? I want to see Bulgaria and Macedonia where yhe family originated from and ride the Transfagarasan Highway in Romania. I think i will take the Tenere 700 vs my MT-07 stunt bike with the full cage or one of if the sport bikes like the Ninja ZX6R. 😂
Baby steps from me, your life coach. Ride 500 miles on a 50cc scooter. Now when you are halfway into a big trip thinking oh this is terrible, remember the scooter and suddenly it’s not so bad.
You are right on prep on a trip is super important. Just did a ride from Tzaneen rsa to Cape Town via Port Elizabeth on my trusty Suzuki 650 vstrom. Bike no issues as usual, wind and cape weather, no rain, uncomfortable wind. American friend and fellow rider fantastic. Fun ride, no camping, expensive, it arrive we ll. Carried many tools used, but all well. I always carry xcessive tools as I am the best mechanic that I know. Pavlin you are beyond the best. Cheers from sunny South Africa, come and . Pepe
Don't forget to mention you need the right job or basically money to even do it. Motorcycle costs a lot of money (new) - you don't wanna travel on beaten up bike for 1000€. It's possible but the risk is huge. Gear costs a lot of money if you don't want to ride in tennis shoes and t-shirt (even the basic one). Good luggage systems are expensive. And the trip itself can be costly if you are traveling for a long time (depends on the country of course). Visas cost money, ferries, carnet de passage, bribes, fixers etc. Mistakes cost a lot of money. That's why Pavlin has a youtube channel :D
Great advice, Pavlin That‘s exactly how I started long-distance travels… start easy: practice in advance (day or two-day trips), increase stamina… then a weekend trip (400 km on the first day, tops)…. And so on and so forth… Increasing travel range and challenging road selections step by step. The only part I skipped entirely: Group travels… it’s just too tedious and dangerous (accordion effect), and to me tying yourself into a group is the antithesis to motorcycle ‚freedom‘ the way I like it.
All good points. One needs some prep for certain. Work into it so it won't be a disaster possibly ending a motorcycle travel dream. Thanks Pavlin. I remember the thoughts and feelings I had when I started over 50 years ago. There were very limited sources of information available. At that time everybofy on a motorcycle was considered an outlaw. You couldn't get a room or even camp hardly anywhere. When the Honda Gold Wing came out it started to slowly change. It took years. All good. Take care
Hi Pavlin, I started travelling in the mid 80’s to Europe but by 90’s I was bored of Spanish rave scene and had been watching adventure programmes eg Michael Pailin and Globe Trekker. This had me hooked off I went to far away lands with just a rucksack on my back. Now 30 years on I am away to start my journey again this time on two wheels instead of my feet. My point is, just get out there don’t let time pass you buy especially 30 years 🙄 like I have, we only have one crack at life
Wow, a lot of good advice in 13+ minutes! "If you take information from wrong person, it will be wrong intel". You are definitely the RIGHT person. Thanks.
I put 150'000km on a 2008 klr before retiring it from regular duty in 2017. I started out slowly, and developed a tool kit ect by doing maintenance/repair with only what i was carrying on the bike.
If you are blindfolded by your ego,Pavlin could help to get rid of it and take you down with your feet on the earth if you listen enough. Greetings from Transylvania from an old follower.
@motorcycleadventures Following you from the beginning, in a parking lot in Germany, I have a great respect for all your works ,maybe one day we'll drink a pálinka.
Amazing channel Pavlin! Thanks so much for all the advice. I will buy a motorcycle in 3 months from now and I'm 28 years old. At the moment I ride sometimes my father's Yamaha xMax 250 scooter in the village, but that's it. I love long rides and the road and I'm so looking forward to it :D Thanks again!
Great advice. Thanks Pavlin. I have only done 3 trips so far. All in South Africa. First trip was a 8 day camping trip with visiting family in between. Prefer to stick with camping due to budget. Next longer trip will hopefully include a neighbor country. Namibia or Botswana. FYI _ my bike is a 2015 KTM duke 390. On average I do about 350km per day when on trips. Keep the videos coming. Cheers
first motorcycle ling distance camping trip was a mess, ever though I had been on many camping trips. I should just taken a short local camping trip. Now I go out on month long camping trips with better plans and shorter days.
I'm definitely a 'dip your toe in first' person. I did meet one guy who had more money than time. He bought a GS and headed for the next country over. He had a couple of get-off's, but said he was having a great time. Most people I've met have some experience in their own region before travelling their bike.
Solid advice. Would be ideal for a new rider to learn how to do basic maintenance and repair flat tyres. Maybe that's not a big problem in Europe but here in South Africa it is essential.
I agree that big engine is not helpful, but my question is something else. For a world trip, how small engine is the minimum that it's brtter to go for?
Experience teaches. I am learning that as I am now in my 60's I need more breaks, especially with her ladyship on the back. The mind is willing but the body protests more often. This is life. 'Know your limits.' Ride safe 👍
