Frequently Asked Questions

If you're wondering whether off-road tyres are required for adventure motorcycle rider training, the short answer is: no. For basic intro-level adventure bike rider training, street tyres are generally acceptable, and many new riders attend with standard road tyres. However, for the best experience and performance—especially on gravel, sand, or loose terrain, off-road tyres are strongly recommended. They provide much better traction, control, and safety during practical exercises and real-world riding conditions. Fitting off-road tyres can boost your confidence, improve skill development, and make your adventure rider training more enjoyable and effective. We also cover correct tyre choice and pressures during your rider training, ensuring you understand how to adjust your setup for different terrain and conditions on your adventure rides.

Our adventure motorcycle rider training courses are designed to help you build confidence, improve your riding skills, and ride safely across a variety of terrains. We cover both basic and advanced off-road riding techniques, including correct body positioning, throttle and clutch control, and safe braking on gravel and sand. You’ll also learn essential safety tips for off-road riding and practice these skills during practical sessions, ensuring you’re prepared for real-world adventure riding conditions. 📍 Training takes place at the Cradle of Humankind, just outside Johannesburg, and is open to all makes of adventure motorcycles. 🗓️ Ready to ride? You can book your training course online by visiting our Adventure Motorcycle Training page. Select your preferred date, complete the booking form, and confirm your place securely online. Once your payment is received, we’ll email your confirmation and full course details.

You don’t need to buy any new gear before attending, as correct adventure bike rider gear is thoroughly discussed during the training course. However, for your safety and comfort, you will need to arrive with the following minimum gear: ✅ Dual-sport or full-face helmet ✅ Riding gloves (thin recommended for better feel) ✅ Riding boots with ankle protection ✅ Armoured jacket & pants or modular protection Optional but recommended items include a hydration pack, casual shoes for theory sessions, a cap, and sunscreen. Need help with gear? Reach out – we’re happy to assist you. You can also check out our detailed guide on The Ultimate Adventure Rider Gear to prepare for your training day.

Yes, pillion riders are welcome, but safety comes first. Our instructors will assess the primary rider’s skill level before allowing a pillion to join during the session.

Your safety is our top priority, and injuries during our training days are highly unlikely. All rider training is conducted in a controlled environment by instructors certified in: ✅ Risk Management ✅ Emergency Procedures ✅ Remote First Aid & CPR We also provide a support vehicle equipped with medical and recovery gear. In the unlikely event of an emergency, we will get you to the nearest medical facility as quickly and safely as possible.

We understand life happens. Here’s how it works: Rescheduling (48+ hours’ notice): Free reschedule once; admin fee applies for multiple changes Cancellations (<48 hours): No refund; rebooking fee required Gift vouchers: Not refundable, but transferable to another rider 📧 Email us to reschedule or cancel

Our purpose-built adventure bike training facility is located in the Cradle of Humankind, just outside Johannesburg, making it easily accessible while offering a true off-road environment. The venue includes: ✅ Gravel loops for practising control on loose surfaces ✅ Forested trails to build confidence in varied terrain ✅ Technical sections for advanced skill development ✅ An on-site café and comfortable classroom setup for theory sessions and breaks 📍 View our training facility on Google Maps and plan your route for your next adventure with us.

No. We have a strict zero-tolerance policy for alcohol and recreational drugs.

You’ll need to bring your own adventure or dual-sport motorcycle. Popular bikes like the BMW GS, KTM Adventure, Royal Enfield Himalayan, Honda Africa Twin, Triumph Tiger or Harley-Davidson Pan America are all welcome. All makes and models are accepted. Your motorcycle must be: Registered Roadworthy Mechanically sound ⚠️ For safety reasons, instructors reserve the right to remove any unsafe or unroadworthy motorcycle from the training.

Once you’ve completed your off-road training, you’ll be ready for our guided adventure motorcycle tours across South Africa and Namibia. It’s the natural next step in your riding journey. - Explore Our Motorcycle Tours

Absolutely! Our environment is supportive and inclusive, and we have hosted many lady riders on our training days. We also offer ladies only adventure motorcycle rider training days.

Yes. We recommend removing panniers and top boxes to reduce weight and improve balance during off-road drills. Training unladen allows you to develop finer control and confidence.

R1,299 per rider for a full day of professional, hands-on off adventure motorcycle skills training. This includes practical training on various terrains, theory sessions, and guidance from our instructors to help you build confidence and skill riding your adventure bike. Want to share the experience? Add a pillion for only R399, allowing your passenger to learn and gain confidence alongside you during the training day. Book your Spot Now to secure your place and take your adventure riding skills to the next level.

Our one-day off-road training course is designed to build your skills and confidence on your adventure bike, covering essential techniques for safe and enjoyable off-road riding: ✅ Low-speed clutch and brake control ✅ Correct off-road body positioning ✅ Hill climbs and descents ✅ Riding on sand, rocks, and ruts ✅ Emergency braking techniques ✅ Bike setup for off-road riding ✅ Protection for your motorcycle ✅ Rider gear selection and advice ✅ Tyre choice and pressures ✅ Tips and tricks for adventure motorcycling ✅ Trail confidence ✅ How to safely lift a dropped bike This hands-on training ensures you can confidently handle your adventure motorcycle on varied terrain while gaining practical knowledge to prepare you for your next adventure.

Sometimes it happens – and it’s part of the learning process! All training is done at low speed and in a controlled environment. We focus on teaching safe techniques for lifting your bike and recovering confidently. Rest assured, we are not in the business of breaking bikes.

No prior off-road riding experience is required! Our beginner-friendly adventure motorcycle training course is perfect for road riders and first-time dirt riders looking to build skills and confidence. This one-day training runs from 8:00 AM to 5 PM and covers all the fundamentals in a structured, supportive environment. 👉 View Upcoming Training Dates

We keep our training groups small — maximum of 10 riders per session — to ensure personalised coaching and one-on-one feedback.

Lunch is not included in the training course price. We take a break for lunch during the day, and there is a restaurant and coffee shop on-site where you can purchase meals and refreshments. Be sure to bring water or energy drinks to stay hydrated throughout the rider training course.

Yes. To attend our Introduction to adventure motorcycle rider training course, you must be legally allowed to ride a motorcycle in South Africa. This means holding a valid learner’s or full driver’s code A license.

Hundreds of riders have completed our training course and have benefited immensely from their time with us. Many have rated us 5 stars for helping them become safer, more confident off-road riders. 📍 Read Our Google Reviews Here

No setup is required. During training, we’ll teach you how to correctly set up your adventure bike for various off-road riding conditions in Southern Africa. You'll leave with the skills to confidently adjust your bike and make smarter buying decisions.

Riding an adventure motorcycle is a physically active task – it builds endurance, strength, and balance. While no peak fitness is required, being in good health helps you: React quickly Stay alert Build riding confidence Our course is designed to suit all fitness levels and is delivered at a comfortable learning pace.

At Motorrad Adventures, our dedicated team ensures your training day is safe, rewarding, and enjoyable from start to finish. Backed by years of off-road riding and training experience, our coaches and support crew are committed to helping you build confidence and skills on your adventure bike in a supportive, welcoming environment. Learn more about our team and our story on our About Us page.

If you're wondering whether off-road tyres are required for our adventure bike tours, the short answer is: yes, you will need them for the best experience. If you are bringing your own motorcycle on tour, it’s essential to have off-road tyres fitted before your trip. Our tours often include gravel, sand, and loose terrain where off-road tyres provide much better traction, control, and safety, making your ride more enjoyable and reducing the risk of incidents. If you are renting a motorcycle from us for your adventure motorcycle tour, it will already be fitted with the correct off-road tyres suited to your specific tour and the terrain you will encounter.

We offer a carefully selected fleet of late-model adventure motorcycles, designed to suit a variety of riding styles, experience levels, and terrain. Our adventure bike rental lineup includes: BMW R1300 GS – The latest flagship GS model, offering powerful performance, refined handling, and cutting-edge electronics. BMW R1250 GS / R1200 GS Rallye – Legendary all-rounders, perfect for long-distance touring, gravel sections, and fully loaded riding. BMW F850 GS / F750 GS – Mid-weight options ideal for riders looking for a balance of agility, comfort, and off-road ability. BMW G310 GS – A light and nimble option for newer riders or those who prefer a smaller-capacity bike for easier manoeuvrability. Harley-Davidson Pan America 1250 – A bold and capable adventure bike with modern tech, impressive power, and a uniquely American character. Great for riders looking for something different without compromising off-road ability. All our motorcycles are equipped with essential adventure-ready features such as: ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) ESA (Electronic Suspension Adjustment) on select models Multiple Ride Modes (Rain, Road, Enduro, etc.) Heated grips, crash bars, panniers/top boxes, and tubeless tyres 12V/USB charging ports for rider convenience Each bike is meticulously maintained and thoroughly checked before every tour. We ensure they’re set up with the right tyres, suspension, and ergonomics for the demands of your chosen route. 👉 You can view our full range of available bikes and specifications on our rentals page here: www.motorradadventures.com/motorcycle-rentals Not sure which bike suits your skill level or riding style? We're happy to help you choose the best fit based on your experience and the tour grading.

While travel and medical insurance are highly recommended for all participants, they are not compulsory to join a Motorrad Adventures tour. However we strongly advise every rider to have comprehensive insurance coverage that includes: Medical expenses and emergency evacuation — essential since some of our routes pass through remote or rural areas where immediate medical facilities may be limited. Trip cancellation or interruption coverage — in case unforeseen circumstances require changes to your travel plans. Having the right insurance gives you peace of mind and helps ensure you’re prepared for any unexpected situation. Regarding visas: Visa requirements vary depending on your nationality and the country from which you are travelling. Many travellers from countries such as the US, UK, EU, Canada, and Australia do not require a visa for short visits to South Africa. However, we recommend checking the latest entry regulations with your local embassy or official government sources well in advance of your tour. If you need assistance or have questions about insurance options or visa requirements, please contact us—we’re happy to help guide you through the process.

We typically tour with between 6 to 14 riders per group. This allows for a more personal, manageable, and enjoyable experience for everyone involved. Each tour is supported by: A lead rider (your experienced on-road/off-road guide) A sweep rider (bringing up the rear to assist and ensure no one gets left behind) A fully equipped support vehicle with trailer, carrying luggage, tools, spare parts, and medical supplies A trained medic who rides with or drives in the support team for immediate assistance if needed This team setup ensures a smooth, safe, and stress-free adventure — allowing you to focus on the ride and the incredible scenery while we take care of the rest.

You must hold a valid motorcycle license suitable for the bike you'll be riding. Riders should be confident on both paved and moderate gravel roads. No off-road certification is required. Our guides provide on-tour training and evaluation.

Absolutely. Your safety is our highest priority. We meticulously plan every tour to follow safe, well-traveled, and tourist-friendly routes, carefully avoiding any areas known for higher crime or risk. We’ve been running guided motorcycle tours for years and have never had a safety incident—a result of our deep local knowledge, experienced guides, and thorough planning. That’s exactly why you’re choosing a guided tour with Motorrad Adventures: to ride confidently on the safest roads, backed by expert local guides who know where to go—and where not to. With us, you can focus on the thrill of the ride and the stunning landscapes, knowing you’re in capable and trustworthy hands.

Yes — all Motorrad Adventures guided tours include a fully equipped support vehicle and trailer, forming a vital part of our safety, comfort, and logistical support system. The support vehicle travels with the group daily and carries: Your luggage, so you can ride light and enjoy the journey Spare tyres, tools, and essential parts for on-the-go mechanical support A trained medic with a comprehensive trauma first-aid kit Drinking water, snacks, and space for fatigued pillions or riders needing a rest Our purpose-built trailer is capable of transporting spare motorcycles or recovering a bike that is no longer rideable — ensuring the tour can continue smoothly. While rarely needed, the support vehicle also plays a critical role in the unlikely event of an accident, providing immediate assistance and transport for an injured rider to the nearest medical facility. To further enhance rider safety, we carry satellite communications and live tracking via Garmin InReach. This allows our team to: Maintain real-time awareness of the group’s position Communicate from remote areas with limited or no mobile coverage Contact emergency services quickly if needed Together, this system ensures that whether you're riding across vast plains or remote mountain passes, you're always supported, connected, and in good hands.

We recommend booking 4–6 months in advance to ensure you get your preferred tour dates, choice of motorcycle, and first-pick accommodations — especially during peak riding seasons when spots fill up quickly. Our tours are small and personalised by design, which means availability is limited — so the earlier you book, the better your chances of securing the perfect adventure setup.

No — while light gravel experience is helpful, it’s not essential. Before the start of each tour, we conduct a familiarisation session and basic off-road skills workshop to ensure all riders are confident and safe on the terrain. To help you choose the right tour for your skill level, we use a detailed Rider Grading System, which outlines the expected road surfaces, technical difficulty, and riding conditions for each tour. You can view it here: 👉 Motorrad Adventures Tour Grading If you’re unsure which grade suits your experience, feel free to contact us — we’re happy to help you choose the best ride for your abilities.

Breakfast is always included each day of the tour, and some dinners may be included as specified in your specific tour itinerary. Unless otherwise stated, lunches, additional dinners, and all drinks are for your own account. We believe in giving riders the freedom to explore local cuisine and dining options along the route, especially in the towns and areas we visit. If you have dietary requirements, please let us know in advance and we’ll do our best to accommodate you.

For your safety and comfort, we recommend that all riders bring their own essential riding gear, including: Helmet (adventure style preferred) Protective jacket with armour (ideally waterproof and ventilated) Riding gloves suitable for varied weather and terrain Adventure or touring boots offering good ankle protection and grip Riding pants with armour or reinforced protection are highly recommended Regarding luggage, you’ll need to pack all your personal belongings into a 70-liter soft bag that fits securely into the support vehicle’s storage. If you have questions about gear suitability for your chosen tour or need help preparing, please reach out—we’re happy to assist.

Yes — two-up riding is allowed, and all of our adventure motorcycles are designed to be pillion-friendly with comfortable seating and footrests. However, some off-road or technical sections may be more challenging for passengers. In these cases, or if the pillion rider feels tired at any point, they are always welcome to ride comfortably in the support vehicle. This option ensures everyone’s safety and enjoyment throughout the tour. Our goal is to make the experience fun and accessible for both riders and passengers, with flexibility to accommodate different skill levels and stamina.

To secure your place on a tour, a 50% deposit is required at the time of booking. The balance is due no later than 30 days before the tour start date. If you book less than 30 days before the tour, full payment is required at the time of booking. Cancellations: More than 30 days before tour start: Your deposit is refundable, less a 20% admin fee. Less than 30 days before tour start or no-show: No refund is available. Please note that any refunds on cancelled bookings will be paid out 7 days before the commencement date of the tour cancelled. We strongly recommend that all riders obtain travel insurance to protect against unexpected cancellations, delays, or disruptions. For full details, please see our Tour Terms & Conditions.

Most tours cover 200–300 km per day, with some longer days of up to 400 km, depending on the route and conditions. The riding is a mix of tar and gravel roads, with a typical ratio of around 60% tar and 40% gravel, though this can vary based on the specific tour. The gravel sections are generally well-maintained farm or district roads, with some occasional rocky or sandy patches. No technical enduro riding is required unless clearly specified in the tour description. Each day includes regular breaks for fuel, photos, meals, and rest, and we build in flexibility for the group’s pace, weather conditions, and unforeseen delays. Our goal is to balance adventure with enjoyment — so while the riding is exciting and scenic, it’s never a race. If you're unsure about your ability to handle the terrain, we recommend reviewing our Tour Grading System or getting in touch for personalised advice.

Yes! If you own an adventure motorcycle that’s based in South Africa and it meets the requirements for your selected tour, you are welcome to ride your own bike instead of renting one from us. Your motorcycle should be: Mechanically sound and roadworthy Suited to the terrain and distances covered on the tour Properly licensed and insured Please note that you’ll be responsible for transporting your bike to the tour start location (unless otherwise arranged), and we may request a quick pre-tour inspection to ensure it’s safe and suitable for the journey. Riding your own bike won’t affect the support or services you receive — you'll still enjoy full access to the backup vehicle, medical assistance, route planning, and our guided tour experience. If you’re unsure whether your bike is a good fit for the tour, feel free to contact us and we’ll be happy to advise.

All accommodation for the duration of the tour is included in the tour price. We carefully select a range of quality lodges, guesthouses, boutique hotels, and country inns that offer comfort, safety, and a welcoming atmosphere. Our accommodation choices reflect the unique character of each region visited, providing a restful environment where you can unwind after a day of riding. If you have any specific accommodation preferences or requirements, please let us know in advance so we can do our best to accommodate you.

To rent a motorcycle, you need to fill out the rental agreement form on our website, provide a valid driver's license, and make the necessary payment. Once the paperwork is complete, you can pick up your motorcycle and start your adventure.