When it comes to adventure riding, having the right bike is just the beginning. Whether you’re riding singletrack through desert brush or exploring historic sites deep in the desert, your motorcycle needs to be dialed in for the job. Not in a showroom kind of way—but in a real-world, ready-to-ride kind of way.
At Sivlik ADV, we keep things simple. We don’t ask you to overhaul your suspension or throw on a bunch of aftermarket gear. What we do require is a bike that’s built for off-road use, maintained properly, and prepped with the basics so it can handle the terrain we ride.
Here’s what that looks like.
Choosing the Right Bike
Not every motorcycle is meant for the dirt. If you’re riding with us, we expect you’re on a machine that belongs off the pavement. That means a dual sport, enduro, or adventure motorcycle—something that can take a little abuse and keep going.
We don’t cater to street bikes out here. You need a motorcycle that can take on sand washes, rocky climbs, and tight turns on backcountry trails. If your tires don’t belong in the dirt, your bike probably doesn’t either.
Tires Matter—A Lot
Tires are the most common issue we run into with new riders. Street tires might get you to the gas station, but they won’t keep you upright in loose gravel or deep sand.
You need knobby tires. Period. DOT-legal knobbies are fine as long as they’re built for off-road traction. We ride in places where footing matters, and your tires are the first thing keeping you connected to the terrain.
What We Check Before You Ride
We don’t mess with your suspension or start turning wrenches on your setup. That’s on you. But we do make sure your bike is in solid working order before we roll out. Here’s a simple checklist we use to keep things safe:
- Tires: Knobby tread, good condition, proper pressure
- Brakes: Front and rear in working order, no grinding or sponginess
- Chain and sprockets: No excessive wear or slack
- Controls: Throttle snaps back, clutch engages clean, levers intact
- Lights and signals: Not required for off-road, but if they’re on the bike, they should work
- Fluids: Oil topped off, coolant if required, no obvious leaks
- Parts: No dangling mirrors, loose luggage, or broken plastics that could be a hazard
We expect you to bring your bike ready. Think of it like this—you wouldn’t go on a hike with blown-out boots. Same idea here.
Ergonomics and Minor Adjustments
We’re not a shop, and we don’t make mechanical changes for you, but we will talk through comfort and ergonomics if something’s off. A lot of riders benefit from:
- Adjusting handlebars to a standing riding position
- Dialing in lever positions for better control
- Tweaking footpeg or shifter placement (if it’s adjustable)
These are rider preferences more than rules. If something feels awkward on Day 1, we’ll help you figure it out—but the bike has to show up in good shape.
Liability and Why We Don’t Modify Your Bike
We get this question sometimes: “Will you help me set up my suspension?” The short answer is no. We don’t touch your bike for one reason—liability. If something goes wrong after we adjust it, we can’t be held responsible for something we aren’t actually responsible for, but we are very happy to help you with information.
We’ll give you feedback if something stands out. But it’s your bike, your ride, your responsibility.
Be Ready, So You Can Ride Hard
We’re not looking for perfection. We’re looking for preparedness. The better shape your bike is in when you show up, the more time we get to spend riding and less time standing around fixing stuff that should’ve been handled at home.
If you’re not sure what to bring or how to prep, reach out. We’ll point you in the right direction, no problem. But once we’re out on the trail, the last thing you want is a preventable breakdown.
Sivlik ADV—Ride Where Others Can’t.
Ready to hit terrain most riders never will? Get your bike dialed in, book your spot, and we’ll see you off-road.
