YouTube is blowing up with adventure riders everywhere and it’s these people who are inspiring the next generation of riders. They’re unbiased, raw and true storytellers who captivate the hearts of many aspiring adventure riders globally.
We’ve curated a list of the best YouTubers around for some genuine inspiration. These riders not only see their country but the entire world, and aren’t characters that you might expect. In fact, we’re featuring numerous adventure riders who are actually female.
Note: These aren’t listed in any particular order and are simply Frontaer’s preference. We may have even left the best until last! And besides – there are way more channels than these 12.
1. eveRide ADV
With more than 100,000 subscribers, eveRide ADV is a popular YouTuber who takes his viewers on extensive rides around North America and the world.
There are also in-depth and honest adventure motorcycle reviews which is a refreshing change. After all, most adventure motorcycling magazines of yesteryear were just too generous with their 15-minute audits instead of putting their bikes through the wringer.
2. On Her Bike
This is the personal motorcycling diary of Kinga Tanajewska. She started riding in Australia while studying here and fell in love with the sport. From there, On Her Bike was born into an epic YouTube channel with many fans.
She’s known for her raw and candid style while being humble and accommodating of others. Her accent throws off many of her viewers as she sounds Australian yet speaks multiple languages fluently.
3. MOTOTREK
If you want to truly learn adventure motorcycling, then pay close attention to MOTOTREK. Practically every lesson that you want to know is covered here and completely for free. It’s clear that Bret Tkcas really knows his stuff and has seen much of the world.
Today he spends his time as a professional ADV instructor; both creating YouTube content and sharing his love for adventures on courses and group rides. He’s certainly earned himself a reputation given the massive amount of ADV riders who watch the channel for advice towards becoming safer riders.
4. Alex Chacon
While not a full-on adventure rider, Jeremy Rhydes has certainly got a decent following of 330,000+ subscribers. He’s more of a general adventurer nowadays as opposed to an adventure rider, and combines the road with the pavement.
Jeremy became viral after several videos of him traveling the world with his GoPro and several motorcycles garnered massive attention. It’s where we first found him in 2013! While not for the older generation, many do enjoy his interesting content.
5. Motorcycle Adventure Dirtbike TV
Australians have a knack for travel and nomatter where you go in the world, it’s pretty easy to find an Australian. Despite being a small population, the entire country is big on adventures given how much space they have to explore. In fact, the dirt biking community here in Australia is huge and growing year-on-year.
Motorcycle Adventure Dirtbike TV (quite a mouthful, right?) is a raw and unfiltered look at a group of riders who love to see the country and the world.
6. Rosie Gabrielle
Much like Itchy Boots and On Her Bike, Rosie Gabrielle has a strong following who enjoy her adventures into somewhat dangerous countries. While she has created some controversey, she’s very authentic in what she shares on the channel.
With under 100 videos and over 400k subscribers, it’s clear that many people enjoy her content. It’s engaging yet raw and real. While there’s some sensationalism with her channel with draws some people away, it also draws some people to her who resonate with the message.
We have more information about Rosie Gabrielle here.
7. Sleipnir Adventures
For long-form story-telling, Sleipnir Adventures is the channel to follow. The videography is excellent and there’s hardly any audio. Just pure motorcycle adventures without the fluff.
There’s something to be said about YouTubers who keep it straight-edge and without the drama. Those that can tell a story without the words. If motorcycling on long-open highways feels like meditation to you, then this is the only YouTube adventure motorcycling channel you should be watching.
8. Jacob Laukaitis
Jacob Laukaitis isn’t a full-on adventure motorcycling guy. It’s a global traveler who just happens to have spent some time behind the handlebars. He’s certainly known for really going off the beaten track in search for true adventures into far-flung countries.
High risk is something that resonates with Jacob and his followers love to see his episodes. There is some drama which doesn’t resonate with the older demographic, but as for extreme adventures which are sometimes controversial, he’s the guy to follow.
9. Itchy Boots
Very similar to On Her Bike is Noraly who also spent some time working in Australia and is now hooked on traveling the world with her motorcycle. Many viewers of On Her Bike also watch Itchy Boots with many looking to see both riders spending a few episodes together.
Unlike many YouTubers, Noraly prefers to use long-winded episodes and a distinct lack of jump cuts and sensationalism. If you simply enjoy watching others ride with some audio commentary, then this is the channel for you.
10. RoadsUp
RoadsUp is increasing in popularity on YouTube. While they only have 10 videos, the husband and wife team genuinely know motorcycle travel very well.
You’ll find Peter and Claudia sharing their lessons learned and adventures frequently. Given the COVID-19 situation, their frequent travels appears to have relaxed yet they are certainly knowledable and routinely answer questions from their viewers.
11. Pedro Mota
For global adventures, Jake Bolles is certainly the guy to follow. He’s more of a remote-location rider with the occasional city road mixed in.
His trips certainly take him to far-flung places which are often beyond where others would be comfortable traveling. That said – he’s well rewarded and shares some advice to keep others safe on the journey.
12. Megan Kaptein
The 4th female rider on this list is Megan Kaptein who, with only 20 videos, shares her story with other female riders around the world. She ditched her glamor life for one behind the handlebars and hasn’t looked back.
Her channel is dedicated to her dear friend Gabriel Forest Khouth who sadly passed away when riding in mid-2019. This has motivated her (and indeed many of her followers) to make the most out of their short lives.
Most Inspiring Rider: Vanessa Ruck
We couldn’t help ourselves and had to add another rider, one who’s captivated our hearts through her inspirational story. This is Megan from The Girl On A Bike.
In 2014 her life changed forever when she was severely injured after being struck by a car. Coincidently, she’s #13 on our list…unlucky much?
Vanessa has since experienced 7 surgeries on the road to recovery and hasn’t let that stop her from getting a larger chunk out of life. She’s based in the UK but her various motorcycles have taken her across Europe and when she’s not riding, she’s tinkering in her incredible garage.
In Summary
Don’t get too caught up watching YouTube channels, as they can sometimes be a little disheartening. The very thing that inspires us can also hold us back.
Use these channels as inspiration, but focus on planning your own journey in the next 3 to 5 years. Whether that’s your state, your country or even global expedition – the world is open to those who are prepared for the journey ahead.
