Jr. Patriot Report

by John Stumpner

The Motorcycle SUV

Vehicle styles, like clothing fashions, are changing all the time. In the mid to late 1900’s, the family car was usually a station wagon. In the late 1980’s, mini vans became all the rage. Now, families move about in sport utility vehicles or SUV’s. The popularity of various types of motorcycles has changed as well. Most manufacturers offer a variety of different types of motorcycles to suit the tastes of various types of bikers. However, the most popular style of motorcycle changes just like fashionable clothing. It seems the popular motorcycle right now is the SUV of motorcycles, the Adventure Touring Bike.

Dual Purpose motorcycles (sometimes called Enduros) are dirt bikes with turn signals and are legal to ride on the roads and highways. Adventure Touring motorcycles are considered to be dual purpose by the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles. They are different from the typical Dual-Purpose motorcycle in that Adventure Touring bikes are often equipped with bigger engines and more comfortable seats. The tires usually have a more “highway friendly” tread than the “knobbies” typically found on dirt bikes. Most of the time, but not always, instead of the traditional leather saddlebags, Adventure Touring bikes will have high mounted, hard sided “panniers.” These differences make the Adventure Touring bikes more comfortable for their primary purpose, a combination of on and off-road touring. The adventure touring biker can comfortably travel long distances on a highway, then confidently explore a dirt road or trail that may be challenging for a typical cruising/touring motorcycle.

Adventure touring bikes have become popular with commuters and city riders as well. Like dirt bikes and dual-purpose bikes, Adventure Touring bikes typically have a higher stance and more nimble handling. This makes them a good choice for getting around in city traffic. And, unlike the scooters or smaller bikes typically used by city commuters, the Adventure Touring owner has a big enough bike to be able to go visit friends in the next city over or go for a ride in the country.

Most major manufacturers offer an Adventure Touring style motorcycle, including the two manufacturers with a presence in Wisconsin. Similar to the other bikes sold by Harley Davidson, the Pan American is a big and powerful motorcycle, ready to go anywhere. While a little smaller than Harley’s Pan American, the Royal Enfield Himalayan would be perfect for a less experienced and/or budget conscious rider.

Of course, ABATE of Wisconsin supports freedom of the road for adventure touring riders, like all other bikers. In fact, an adventure touring style motorcycle is the bike of choice for some of the leaders in ABATE. So, someday when you start riding a motorcycle, you’ll be able to find a bike to suit your own personal style and riding, even if that includes on and off-road touring.

John