Tag Archives: Touring

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2012 Honda CROSSTOURER


Would you buy this bike instead of a BMW or Triumph or any other self proclaimed ADV DS bike?  (pics can be clicked on for high resolution)

Honda has confirmed that the Crosstourer, unveiled as a concept at the EICMA last year, will go into mass production in 2012 and will be showcased at the EICMA show in November this year. Billed as an ‘adventure sports tourer,’ the Crosstourer is fitted with a 1200cc V4 engine that comes from the VFR1200F, along with long-travel suspension, an upright riding position and off-road styling cues. Dual Clutch Transmission will also be available as an option on the Crosstourer.

Has Honda developed a temptation?  For me, not sure.  Would love to hear thoughts about another attempt by Honda to enter the ADV world.  The Varadero did not seem to do too well from what I have read.  Don’t get me wrong I really like Honda bikes.  We both had 2008 Honda CBF1000′s and really liked that bike for street riding. 

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2012 BMW G650GS SERTAO – Now this looks like a fun bike to ride


When I first saw this bike on the web I was like hmmmmmmmmmmm interesting.  Riding a lighter less complicated single cylinder bike that might be able to handle ADV touring is really appealing in some regards.  I mean how many of us have wished we had a lighter bike when we get ourselves into certain situations while venturing off-road?

Not sure if this bike will be a HUGE hit for BMW but I bet there is a niche out there that will have this as their primary bike.  Not sure how it would do on a long trip but I guess as long as you don’t over load it (which is probably a good thing because Cheryl and I always slightly over pack) and make the saddle comfy it might just make the grade.  Decent price too!

Click pics for high res version! ;-)

BMW San Francisco gets credit for this info

2012 G650GS Sertão (MSRP $8,650*)

Introduction (as written by BMW of North America because we haven’t seen or ridden the bike yet)

With its new BMW G 650 GS Sertão, BMW Motorrad has added a new, sporting chapter to the history of single cylinders in the BMW GS family. Whereas the G650GS thrilled riders with its lean, wiry off-road stature, the G650GS Sertão promises even more sporting characteristics, even greater off-road capabilities, and an even stronger desire for adventure.

And all of this without any sacrafices to the established virtues of a BMW single cylinder enduro such as everyday practicality, appealing price-performance ratio, and playful riding properties.

On the technical side, the new G650GS Sertão uses the established liquid cooled, high-torque single cylinder engine of the G 650 GS with two overhead camshafts , fuel injection, and double ignition. Its 625 cc displacement delivers 50 hp at 6,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 44 ft/lb at 5,000 rpm.

The new Sertão offers greater off-road performance, optimized touring ability, and a dynamic design. While the G650GS chassis was developed primarily for county roads and light off-road use, the Sertão presents far greater off-road capabilities in the form of longer suspension travel and stiffer tuning. In addition, it is fitted with wire spoke wheels and the new color concept underscores the dynamic character of the single cylinder enduro.

Key Features

  • High-torque and low-consumption single cylinder engine with 652 cc displacement. Maximum torque of 44 ft/lb at 5,000 rpm and maximum output of 50 hp at 6,500 rpm.
  • Off-road chassis concept with long suspension travel (front/rear 210 mm or 8.3″)
  • Light dry weight of 390 lbs and wet weight of 426 lbs.
  • Fuel tank capacity of 3.7 gallons, including approximately 1 gallon reserve
  • Wire spoke wheels with light alloy rims. Wheel sizes 21″ front and 17″ rear
  • Two seat heights: 33.9″ (standard) and 35.4″ (special accessory)
  • Dynamic color concept in Aura White/Arroyo Blue with Sertão lettering and seat in black/grey
  • Black luggage rack
  • Extended top front fender
  • High windscreen
  • Hand protectors
  • Aluminum engine guard
  • Standard BMW Motorrad ABS, disengageable for off-road applications
  • Extensive range of accessories

Pricing and Equipment (MSRP $8,650)

Standard Equipment: High Windshield / Aluminum Engine Guard / Hand Protectors / Extended Front Fender

100% Options

Code Description
524 ABS (disengageable) with Hazard Flashers

Colors

Code Description MSRP
N84 Aure White / Arroyo Blue $0

Special Packages

None

Options

Code Description MSRP
519 Heated Grips $250
603 Anti-Theft Alarm $395
764 Accessory Socket $50

Standard Package (MSRP: $8,950)

Code Description
519 Heated Grips
764 Accessory Socket

Premium Package

None

Availability

The first new G650GS Sertãos are scheduled to arrive in January of 2012. Let us know if you are interested in getting your hands on one of our first Sertãos and we’ll fill you in on all the deatils.

G650GS_Sertao_Left_Water.jpg

G650GS_Sertao_Right_Water.jpg

2012 BMW F650GS SUN YELLOW


Is this true that BMW has only added one different colour for their F650GS bikes in 2012?  SUN YELLOW with a $300 package?  As well as still offering Biarritz Blue and White Aluminum?

2012 F 650 GS (MSRP: $10,155*)

Info from BMW San Francisco

2012 F650GS Sun Yellow (color N92)

Sun_Yellow_3Q_675x500.jpg

Sun_Yellow_CloseSide_697x485.jpg

2012 F650GS White Aluminum Metallic Matte (color 924)

f650gs-silver.jpg

2012 F650GS Biarritz Blue Metallic (color 847)

f650gs-blue.jpg

Sort of like the Yellow but sure looks like BMW is trying to beef up the 650 to look likes it’s big brother the F800GS.  Disappointing if this is true that BMW has not remodeled this bike at least a bit more.  We own this bike and there is no doubt it is a GREAT bike in many aspects, but that plank seat has to go. 

I guess we wait until the 2013 models come out to see if there are any more significant changes in the mid range DS series. 

Model Year 2012 Changes (US prices)

  • Base model: option 524 (ABS) added to 100% options; base MSRP up by $900 to reflect the change in base equipment
  • Standard Package: Content changes to exclude option 524 (ABS) which is now in 100% options; net MSRP change is zero ($0) since ABS is now in base model
  • Base MSRP increase: No base MSRP increase other than the changes explained above resulting from adding ABS to the base model
  • New special model: Option N92 – Sun Yellow
  • New color: N92 (Sun Yellow / Black Silk Gloss)
  • Discontinued colors: N42 (Lava Orange Metallic)

100% Options

Code Description
524 ABS (disengageable)
588 White Turn Signals

Colors

Code Description MSRP
N92 Sun Yellow Special Model: includes option 553 (high windshield), enlarged front mud guard, wheels and mainframe in granite grey metallic, black fork, nurburg silver metallic swing arm $300
847 Biarritz Blue Metallic $0
924 White Aluminum Metallic Matte $0

Special Packages

  • None

Options

Code Description MSRP
499 Low Suspension $250
519 Heated Grips $250
530 TPM (Tire Pressure Monitoring) $250
539 On Board Computer $295
553 High Windshield (only w/ N92) $0
603 Anti-Theft Alarm $395
636 Center Stand $175
774 Low Seat $0

Standard Package (MSRP: $10,700*)

Code Description
519 Heated Grips
539 On Board Computer

Premium Package

  • None
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THE MIDDLE KINGDOM RIDE – COLIN AND RYAN PYLE


The Guinness Book of World Records for 2012 is currently available in book stores globally. Canadian brothers Colin and Ryan Pyle would like to direct your attention to page 121 of the 2012 edition, so that you can view their record for the longest continuous motorcycle journey within a single country. Colin and Ryan completed their “Middle Kingdom Ride” around China on Touratech equipped BMW F 800 GS motorbikes.
Colin and Ryan are very proud that their journey has been recognized as a Guinness World Record, but that’s not the reason why they wanted to ride motorcycles around China. They planned and executed their  journey not only to enjoy riding motorcycles together in the most remote corners of  China, but also because they wanted to have a deeper understanding of the diverse landscapes, cultures and minorities that exist in China.
“By focusing only on one country, and not travelling through dozens, we were able to really dial in and understand what is going on in China, and how its rapid transformation is affecting the lives of people throughout their country. We hope our journey, and the reasons behind our journey, will raise interest among not only adventure motorcycle riders but also travellers and anyone who might be interested in learning more about what China has to offer”, Ryan says.

Colin and Ryan Pyle have a book and television show that are coming out in 2012. Both are currently being produced at the moment.

The Guinness World Record LINK.

Another great pair of Adventure riders from Canada doing amazing things on bikes.  Colin and Ryan Pyle show their passion for Adventure touring and are even working on a DVD and TV show.  Love these guys!

MK Ride Website

A Blind Woman, Two Wheels and 25,000 Miles


Truly an amazing Story!

Cathy Birchall & Bernard Smith’s Website

Occasionally a truly inspirational story challenges people to question their own boundaries.

This is one such case as Cathy Birchall set out on a yearlong motorcycle adventure to circle the world with her companion Bernard Smith. However, what makes this event truly extraordinary is the fact that Cathy Birchall is completely blind.

The journey aimed to challenge the perception of blindness…

In their subsequent voyage of learning and self-discovery, you will find the story heart warming, humorous, and emotionally honest. Ranging across the people they met onLink to the Ted Simon Foundation the road, motorcycles, and Cathy’s disability itself, you will find yourself drawn into a world never before written about. It is a fact many commentators considered this journey too dangerous to undertake while others even questioned their very sanity, thinking it madness to contemplate due to her blindness. With ominous alarm resounding in their ears, they set off alone on an eighteen-year-old motorcycle.

Despite these dire warnings, what they soon discovered was a world full of wonderful people who opened up to Cathy’s blindness; often in quite unexpected ways. Making you laugh and cry in equal measure, it is an account of the excitement, wonder, and fear stretching across their miles together as only they appreciated a simple fact.

Sometimes you need a little madness to find answers to questions you have carried with you throughout your whole life.

Watch out for the publication of this remarkable story.

Sometimes life presents you with an opportunity. They may be few and far between but they are always there at some point and you should grab them with both hands when they appear. Never be frightened by the change they represent and so make the decision to take these opportunities as you never know where they will lead nor when the next one will come along. You may not end up in a foreign land on the back of a motorbike but the world can be a truly wonderful place; life can be so rich if you have the courage to go out and grab it.

 

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2012 OVERLAND EXPO, Flagstaff, Arizona


Both Cheryl and I are thinking a trip to Flagstaff, Arizona should be one of our trips next year.  This Expo seems like a great opportunity to not only meet many very experienced ADV riders, but to take classes in DS riding, see new equipment, learn about making better videos, outdoor camping/cooking and a whole lot more.  Due to the distance we would most likely have to take at least three weeks maybe more.  Flagstaff is about a 5000 KM round trip from where we live. 

We have not taken our bikes to the Southwest yet and this Expo makes it an easy decision to put these States on our map.

2012 OVERLAND EXPO

 

2012 OVERLAND EXPO WEB SITE

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RECONNECTING CANADA – THE NORTH


Brilliant ride! Curbsyde Productions.  I follow these guys when I can…top notch videos and of course unbelievable rides. 

Curbsyde Productions

My dream job!

Our HISTORY with BIKES


Over the years it seems we have been trying to find ourselves when it comes to the type of bikes we would really LOVE.  If we had the space and money we would probably own one of each model, make etc….in any case, we have spent too much money in searching but worth it that we finally found our “TYPE” of bikes.  The “BIG” bike Dual Sport has found its home with us at least during this phase of our lives.  Although this search has been about trial and error, you live and learn. In the end I am sort of happy the Triumph deal did not go through at the end of the trip.  Leslie that is.  Although Cheryl did not mind the manual button dash I did.  For the amount of money these bikes cost these days I also look for convenience.

I have been accused of being a bit of a spoiled brat wanting an easy on/off ABS button, the ability to see my odometer all the time and ambient temperature gauge on the Tigers.  I still stand by my criticism of the Triumph bike.  After riding our Beemers I love the fact that you can toggle through the informatics by pushing a button, I like to know the temperature and most importantly the ease of the ABS on the BMW is just smart.  So, maybe this will change on the Triumph Tiger 800′s maybe not.  I am just one rider.


Our very first bike together. Single cylinder and a great intro to riding.  After 1/2 hour Cheryl all ready out grew the bike.  I grew up riding, Cheryl did not.  But it was a piece of cake for Cheryl to learn the mechanics of riding and we really thought this 500 would be around for awhile.  Only lasted a few months until we bought the Suzuki SV 650′s.  

2005 Suzuki 500

The SV650 not a bad little bike at all

2007 SV650

2008 Honda CBF1000

We both give the CBF 1000 a thumbs up.  Nice weight, great on the track, enough power, comfortable for the most part and really fun to ride.

Great Street Bike

Black was Cheryl's

 

2009 Fat Boy

Leslie's 2009 Fat Boy

Cheryl’s HD

Street Bob

Fat Boy before mods

Cheryl’s 2009 HD Street Bob. 

Cheryl's HD

That was a nice Harley but man did we impulsively buy two expensive Harley’s only to keep them for about 4 months.  This is the only real regret I feel we made when it comes to buying bikes.  If we had the money I think we would have kept the Street Bob but in the end these are really not the bikes for us.  I see Harley’s as show pieces and really one-dimensional.  I rarely see any HD riders in the rain but that is the beauty of all different makes of bikes.  What ever floats your boat I say.

So, here we are in the present and after taking the Triumph Tiger 800XC’s out for a jaunt we are still satisfied with our 2010 BMW F650GS bikes but will be seeing what is out there in the next year.  As we get more experience with DS riding we are now going to be looking for a bit more HP in our next bikes, street comfort since we ride on the street 90% for work and a bike that can handle the back country roads.

Our Beemers

 

Will our next bike be a Triumph?  Will BMW revise the F800GS?  Time will tell and it is exciting to see other companies trying to get into the ADV bike business.  Competition is good to have and will only make all companies strive to develop the best bike they can.

 

Triumph Loaned Tiger 800XC

** WARNING -The addiction to riding can be severe.  Anyone out there contemplating getting into riding in general but more specifically ADV riding, BEWARE!  It is almost all we think about….planning the next trip, saving money, figuring out how we can get a lot of time away from work…you get the point.  Addicting and just so much fun! :-)

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Glacier National Park 2010


Riding on the the Sun Road was a treat on our Cross Country trip in the Summer of 2010.  We actually had views although it took us 4 hours to do the 60 miles because of the traffic, I guess you can call us lucky that we had a nice day.  Both Cheryl & I would love to see this road closed to all traffic but bikes for one day out of the season so we can really ride the road the way 2 wheels want to ride.  :-)   Glad we got to include this on our trip!

There are so many beautiful places to travel right here in North America that we need to get to on top of the rest of the world.  So many miles or KM’s out there yet to be explored but some day.

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CARDO G4 Communication System


We use the Cardo G4 intercoms every time we ride.  I use mine while commuting especially.  Great review and to be honest we could never ride without a communication system anymore.  Been using the Cardo G4 since last summer, although not perfect they are pretty close in many ways.  One thing I LOVE about this pair is that you can up load any firmware updates from the Cardo web site when they are released.  We have only had one update since we bought them but Cardo listens to their users and  made some really good upgrades.  Take a look at this review.

Click here for the web site CYCLE MATTERS

Cardo G4 Powerset

Introduction

The Scala Rider G4 Powerset (G4) is a communication system of exceptional capabilities but it is a bit complicated. So, new users may want to set aside sufficient time to prepare mentally to absorb the extensive instruction available from Scala Rider. The G4 also requires preparation including installation to your helmet, charging, setup and configuration, and memorizing numerous button-pushing sequences to achieve the maximum benefit of the system’s capabilities.

This review will be limited to commenting on the capabilities of the G4 because Cardo Systems has done an excellent job of providing detailed instructions in the G4 “User Guide” and the tutorials on their website. So expecting readers to spend time reading yet another iteration of how-tos would be presumptuous and a waste of the reader’s time. We will try to keep replication to a minimum.

The G4 Powerset comes with two G4 headset units (and chargers) already paired so that rider and passenger can begin communicating as soon as installed and charged.

What capabilities should a new owner expect from the G4?

  1. Rider to passenger to rider voice activated communication with noise canceling microphone
  2. FM Radio stereo listening built into the Powerset
  3. Mobile phone communication using Bluetooth compatibility with Priority Management: Operators do not need to manually disconnect from intercom or music to receive incoming phone calls or GPS instructions!
  4. Stereo music streaming (wireless) utilizing Bluetooth and MP3 player compatibility
  5. Stereo music through cable=connected audio devices
  6. Bike-to-Bike (3 bikes) intercom for communication with up to two other G4 or Q2 headsets
  7. Bike-to-Bike (2 bikes – rider/passenger each bike) intercom for communication between 4 G4 headsets.
  8. Intercom connections with any G4 biker within intercom range: Click-to-Link™. No need for advance pairing or any preparation. Just “Click-to-Link” and create your own roadside social network.
  9. Receive GPS Navigation instructions and streaming audio from compatible Bluetooth devices
  10. An intercom range up to 1 mile
  11. The scala rider G4 PowerSet offers multilingual status announcements allowing bikers to maintain smooth and safe Bluetooth hands free motorcycle intercom communication while on the move. The device transmits, to your mobile phone, useful information regarding connectivity status with other bikers.
  12. Software updates can be downloaded from Cardo System’s website.
  13. In addition to the above, the headsets will automatically increase and reduce volume based on ambient noise and driving speed.
Operation

When you purchase a Scala Rider G4 PowerSet, you receive a very detailed manual and you will have all of the instruction you need to operate the G4. If you are considering a purchase, you can download the manual by clicking here.

The PowerSet system can be installed on virtually all helmets.

The G4 Headset units mount easily either by clamping to the side of a helmet via a latch that tightens with an Allen wrench, or by using a sticker surface that is included with the kit. A microphone attached to a flexible arm reaches inside the helmet. Two thin foam-covered speakers are routed to either side of your helmet above or below your helmet’s interior padding, and attached with Velcro.

The G4 features a rechargeable Li-Polymer battery that recharges via USB cable. The fully charged battery (charges in 3 hours) supports 10 hours of talk time with standby for 7 days.

Scala Rider G4 Powerset is waterproof, dustproof and certified to meet IP67 standards

Summary and Value

While value in this economic climate is a very personal consideration, Cycle Matters editors believe this product to be a very viable choice for motorcyclists aspiring for increased communication with their environment. The G4 is reliable and sophisticated while performing many communication tasks. Pricing will vary so shop around. We found a new G4 Powerset on the internet for $252.00.   MSRP is $449.95.

Consider warranty also. While the G4 appears indestructible, things do happen and any device modification will void your warranty. The G4 comes with a two-year limited warranty including customer support. Use it and don’t abuse it and you should be covered.

One final note: if you are a rider that prefers to jump on your bike and go…then the G4 may not be for you. To operate the set efficiently, operators must memorize multiple functions and sequences of button pushing. This can be a bit frustrating for some, but not all. Aptitude is a wonderful thing when it comes to operating electronics and the magic of wireless communication.

Click here for more information on this product from Cardo Systems.

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Other ADV Riders


Scroll down to the bottom of the home page and please take a look at what other ADV riders are doing from all over the world.  Very inspirational and quite motivating to embark on such journey’s. I will update other ADV Riders each time I find a site that sounds interesting so check back often.  I am certain these guys and gals would love the support.

Amazing web sites, trials & tribulations and stories.