On guided expeditions the bike is usually included, yet riders still choose ergonomics and class: 900–1250 cc adventure or touring with panniers. The mistake is picking “what you ride at home” without gravel, altitude, and saddle hours. Below: height, weight, clearance, fatigue, and how to match MIR fleet and catalog tours.
Adventure vs touring
Adventure offers clearance and agility on gravel; touring excels on pavement but weighs more in sand.
For medium Caucasus and Morocco routes organizers usually assign panniered adventure bikes.
Ergonomics and height
Under 175 cm — request lowered suspension or a low-frame model when booking.
A showroom sit is not a 200 km loaded day — run the checklist shakedown ride.
Luggage and weight
Organizer panniers target 12–18 kg personal load — do not overload the top box.
Heavy items low; cameras between soft layers.
Match the tour
Tour cards list model or bike class. Hard tiers need fresh off-road experience.
Bike questions — via contacts before deposit.
| Class | Surface | Rider height | Fatigue |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adventure 900 | 30% gravel | 170 cm+ | Medium |
| Adventure 1200 | 40% gravel | 175 cm+ | Higher |
| Touring | 80% pavement | 172 cm+ | Lower on highway |
| Dual-sport | Rare sand | 168 cm+ | High |
FAQ
01Own motorcycle allowed?
Rare; ask before booking — Carnet and logistics are separate.
02Automatic or manual?
Depends on fleet for that date; note in application.
03Skid plate required?
On adventure tours — yes, on organizer bikes it is fitted.
0495 or 98 fuel?
Follow country briefing notes.
05Passenger possible?
No — solo in the saddle.