What Is MotorBikePacking?

I am an experienced bikepacker - having logged many thousands of miles on and off the pavement across the U.S. I have also traveled tens of thousands of more miles by motorcycle - from Key West, Florida to above the Arctic Circle in Alaska - by highway and offroad on the Trans-America Trail and numerous Backcountry Discovery Routes, plus self-directed travels.

"MotorBikePacking" is a term that I invented to describe the the intersection of adventure motorcycling and bikepacking. Both involve self-contained travel and camping. Both combine our love of the outdoors, exploration, and wilderness access.

Adventure motorcycling is defined as travel cross-country, alternating between paved and unpaved roads. "ADV" riding typically includes routes that are avoided by passenger cars and street motorcycles.

MotorBikePacking is the narrow niche of ADV travel that emphasizes minimalism, often relying on small and light motorcycles.

Some motorized tourists bring everything , including the "kitchen sink". Don't be that guy! Small, lightly loaded, economical motorcycles allow us to travel farther, for less, and more often!

"Adventure motorcycling" (like Jeeps and 4x4 "overlanding") has acquired a negative connotation of excess.

"ADV" cycles often exceed 1,000cc's with prices over $30,000. And this doesn’t include thousands of additional dollars spent on racks, luggage, navigation and communication systems, and necessary protective options for offroad travel.

In contrast, MotorBikePacking has more in common with human-powered bikepacking. There are three defining characteristics:

1.    MotorBikePacking rejects the overpowered and overpriced status. Versatility and economy are the standards. We often travel on smaller and lighter motorcycles and scooters.

I have now expanded my definition of MotorBikePacking to recognize the the growing popularity of Ebike touring - where electric motors extend the range and load carrying capacity for traveling.

Likewise, multi-day adventures are now routine for ATV and UTV owners - often using the same routes pioneered for adventure motorcycles.

2.    We take pride in traveling “softly” with a minimum of gear. Whether riding small motorcycles, ebikes, or side-by-sides our camping gear is largely interchangeable with bikepackers and backpackers because we prioritize both minimal weight and bulk.

3.    Traveling lighter enables us to cover the most distance with the “lightest” environmental impact, primarily the lowest fuel consumption and least amount of noise. Of course, traveling light also compliments "Leave No Trace" camping practices.

Many may say, “MotorBikePacking is just returning to basics.” - and they would be correct! Remember when all you had to do was bungee your sleeping bag on your cycle and hit the road?

Adventure motorcycling, overlanding, or backcountry travel predates the modern, super ADV bikes and $100,000 Jeeps. It is only recently that "adventure" has been associated with the overpowered, high-tech and and ridiculously expensive vehicles and gear.

Others might state, “MotorBikePacking is a response to societal excess.”

They are also correct as the “minimalism” trend spreads to tiny homes, vanlife, the digital nomad lifestyle and now to ADV motorized travel. Adventure, fun, and memories are NOT based on the price of your ride.

MotorBikePacking.com is here to encourage the return to a simpler, sustainable adventures. In the process, MotorBikePacking.com hopes to welcome new (and returning) minimalist travelers.

By definition, “MotorBikePacking” is motorized transportation and borrows from bikepacking, backpacking, canoe tripping, and other forms of travel that are human powered. MotorBikePacking includes both offroad "adventure" touring as well as minimalist road trips on small motorcycles, scooters, and ebikes.

The GreatOutThere blog will feature articles that helps apply the knowledge of extended bikepacking to motorcycle travel. Please Follow and Subscribe to the GreatOutThere blog for ongoing articles related to MotorBikePacking.