Brand NEW, 16 inch lightly tinted F800GS (2013- ) shield which includes the BMW OEM bracket you need….
MSRP $189 USD, I am asking $140 USD – PREFER local PICK as shipping would be VERY costly.
We have adjusted the rake angle so it’s close enough to be effective, yet it still provides an ample amount of space between the rider and shield. These replacement shields incorporate a subtle reverse curve with a wider surface that pushes the air up and over the rider. The result is a shield that reduces or eliminates the torso blast and turbulent buffeting effects that’s associated with others. Continue reading “BRAND NEW CEE BAILEY STILL WRAPPED 2013 BMW F 800 GS Touring Windshield”
We’ve recently been caught in the grip of a particularly cold blast of winter weather. So it bears repeating, from a previous Touring Tip, some of the additional risks of riding in cold weather. Here are seven worth keeping in mind: Continue reading “Touring Tip: Risk of Winter Riding”
Gary & Deb from Anchorage, AK are heading out on their own ADV soon. We stayed with these guys while on our trip to Alaska in 2011 while the Triumph Tigers that we borrowed from Triumph Canada were in the Motorcycle Shop getting worked on for 4 days. Great hosts, they love ADV riders and are about to embark on their very first LONG ride themselves. Why not check out their thread on the ADV Riders Forum and track them when they post their SpotWalla page too? Have a great time guys…we are envious you are getting out ont he road. Be safe and as the old saying goes…””KEEP THE RUBBER SIDE DOWN”.
Prologue – We’ve been meaning to get on the road and stretch our legs sooner, but couldn’t bear to leave our best friend Duke the wonder dog behind. This situation changed this past November when at age 13, cancer had Duke on the ropes and we eased his passing and had him transitioned into eternal rest. I mention Duke’s passing because several of the ADV crowd have stayed with us on their journeys and have played with him – Duke was a memorable pal to many and is dearly missed.
Rest in peace, Dukie boy.
Yamaha Super Ténéré XT1200Z Bike Build – Touratech is celebrating the arrival of Yamaha’s new Super Ténéré XT1200Z by building a project bike. We’ve added ergonomic upgrades, bolted on the essential protection items and given it luggage solutions that enable the bike to hit the road for extended travel. Follow
This is a really good video showing 2 riders who are just regular guys enjoying a Yamaha Super Tenere and a KTM 990. Wes is funny about riding the Yamaha off road. This is really worth watching the entire video….one of the better one’s out there I think because they actually show a dump and accident. Real stuff. Enjoy.
Both Yamaha and KTM have dominated the legendary Dakar races for decades. Wes and Grant do their best not to fly off a ridge while taking the KTM 990 Adventure and Yamaha Super Ténéré deep into the Angeles National Forest’s system of fire roads, trails and creeks. For more on motorcycles and adventure, visit http://hellforleathermagazine.com
You be the judge….is this a good review of the three BIG ADV bikes out there? No Triumph Tiger Explorer 1200? I guess we will have to wait for that review later.
Really liking this bike! Cheryl always loved the retro looks but not me. Recently though they are growing on me and might have to take one out for a ride! Get rid of the dual seat, add a skid plate and some other Farkles and perhaps a very cool DS bike…..not expensive!
If you LOVE ride reports as I do….check out what Alex did for his adventure. He left back in April 2011 and just came home this month, December 2011 to the Pacific Northwest. Amazing story, amazing RR…show casing what ADV riding is all about. The ups and downs! This guy took everything in stride! Also, I sold him one of our Rev It jackets right before he left…who knew what an online celebrity he would become. Great Job Alex, glad you made it back safely and I hope you read this post! 😉
We have learned that the tool kits that come with many bikes just suck. So, we started out our new and improved tool kit for our Beemers with a Cruz Tools kit and have since added many other might need extras from our own garage. We feel the Cruz set up provides a good foundation and the quality of their tools are pretty decent.
We are getting hits on the BLOG from all over the world…if you get the chance please comment on the first “sticky” post and let us know who you are and where you are from. I can see Africa, Asia, Great Britain, South America, South Pacific, North America and more on our map.
Neither one of us have ever used a DS helmet mainly because we are on the highways for work. We always thought that the beak would catch too much wind and make for an uncomfortable commute and/or ride on pavement for long stretches.
Any thoughts from those out there that wear this type of helmet?
This helmet is also being called the XD4 but on the Arai web page it is called the Tour X4. Not sure which is correct. 😉
The XD-3 has been the benchmark helmet for dual sport riding since its release. The Arai XD4 Helmet moves that benchmark 1 step up with the next evolution adventure helmets. All the details have yet to be released, but there are several upgrades and changes!
New comfort headliner, with micro fitting 5mm peel away temple pads.
Fully removable/replaceable/washable interior: Comfort head liner, Cheek pads, Chinstrap covers.
Dry-Cool technology keeps you dry and cool for greater comfort.
Patent pending, New FCS (Facial Contour Support) cheek pad design, also with a 5mm peel away micro fit feature.
New shell shape for better aerodynamic stability at higher street speeds.
New exhaust ports added to the top diffuser vents.
New chin vent with more intake ports.
Visor brow vents on the new visor.
We will have a Arai XD4 Helmet review as soon as we can get one in stock!
Because we like this bike we are posting it here. We used to own a Honda CBF1000 and for a street bike the Honda was such a great bike to ride. Although we do not have a bottomless budget, if we did we would probably own this bike as part of our collection. Would be nice to be able to own at least one bike in each class wouldn’t it? 🙂
When the BMW F 800 R debuted in 2009, it expanded on the Bavarian motorcycle manufacturer’s popular parallel twin line. This smaller BMW roadster provided riders with agility, sporty performance and impressive fuel mileage (about 55 mpg).
Already a proven success, BMW returns for 2012 with the BMW F800R with the same chassis/engine as previous models, but a visual makeover.
Speaking of this makeover, BMW says “even more than before, the sporty flair and agility of the BMW F 800 R is now reflected in its highly dynamic design. The front side trim sections have been redesigned.
“They also serve as radiator covers and are now finished in body color, as are the front mudguards. What is more, the spring of the rear spring strut is finished in red to highlight the sporty character of this naked bike. The Sport windshield finished in body color and the white direction indicators are now part of the standard equipment of the new F800 R.”
The 798cc, liquid-cooled, four-valve parallel twin features a “spontaneous” response and produces 87 horsepower at 8,000 rpm, and 63 ft. lbs. of torque at 6,000 rpm. The motor features 12:1 compression ratio, and six-speed transmission.
The BMW F800R features an aluminum frame and dual swing arm and a 59.8-inch wheelbase, and carries a ready-to-ride weight of 437 pounds.
Stopping the 2012 BMW F 800 R dual 320mm Brembo discs up front squeezed by four-piston calipers, with a single 265mm disc out back.
Following are the highlights and color options for the 2012 BMW F 800 R. As of this writing, the MSRP has not been reported.
2012 BMW F800R Highlights:
New: Newly designed front side trim sections in body color.
New: Front mudguards in body color.
New: Spring of rear spring strut finished in red.
New: Sport windshield in body color (now as standard).
New: White direction indicators (now as standard).
Compact, sporty naked bike with high level of riding dynamics and agility.
Liquid-cooled parallel twin with a capacity of 798 cc, 4-valve technology, DOHC cam follower valve drive and unique mass balancing.
Output 64 kW/87 bhp at 8000 rpm, torque 86 Nm at 6000 rpm.
Excellent pulling power for maximum riding fun on country roads.
Manifold injection with electronic engine control.
Torsionally stiff aluminum frame and dual swing arm.
Dry weight/road-ready weight: 389/437 lbs..
Fuel tank positioned under seat for optimum center of gravity.
High-performance Brembo brake system, optionally with BMW Motorrad ABS.
This is an advertisement for Rawhyde Adventures DVD but I thought I would post it just in case some out there might actually want this DVD to learn off-road riding techniques especially on the BMW GS bikes. All techniques and skills can be utilized of course on any DS bike as well.
Cheryl and I have really been thinking about taking one of the Rawhyde courses. We could always learn how to be better, more skilled and safer off-road riders. I think one of these days we will do just that….take some time out of vacation days and sign up for an off-road course. Can’t lose by doing this real life practice and education.
Yesterday I posted a poll asking what bike you would buy. It was quickly brought to my attention I over looked 3 other contenders, maybe 4. I mean there are more models out there than Triumph, BMW, Yamaha and Honda in the ADV market right? I feel a bit embarrassed that I did not include the Ducati Multistrada, Moto Guzzi Stelvio, and at least one of the KTM ADV bikes so I am including the 990R.
I have seen all these bikes but never really thought about buying one. Not sure why but one thing that stands out at least for the KTM bikes is the seat height. I think my legs would be flopping in the wind the seat seems so high. As for the other two models, not really sure why I have not looked into them more. I like the looks of the Stelvio but not so much the Multistrada. Is it all about looks or how reliable and functional a bike is?
What do you think?
In this market as someone commented probably the most reliable, bullet proof and most bang for your buck is the Suzuki 650 V Strom with ABS. What makes us buy the bike we do when some of the “experts” say something like the V Strom has it all for the money?
I think it is human nature to want to explore and find things out for ourselves. Researching is good but in the end it is about how a bike makes us feel regardless of what others might say.
I do like how they have redesigned the V Strom. Looks less bulky andmore streamlined.
SUZUKI 650 V STROM
So, here are 4 more ADV contenders to spice things up. Some of us all ready have an allegiance towards one make, brand or model while others are researching their hearts out trying to figure out what to buy. None of these bikes are cheap, well, maybe the Suzuki could be considered affordable. So, buying a new bike is an investment and most likely will not be taken lightly. I doubt the average rider is rich and for those who are “rich” I bet it still isn’t an easy decision unless you are Jay Leno and can afford a museum of bikes. 🙂
Happy bike hunting and whatever bike you end up on, I bet it will put a smile on your face.
Why this BLOG? When I talk to my buddies who do not understand ADV riding addiction they get a glazed look on their face when I try to explain the overall feeling I get when we ride. Even other riders out there who own cruisers or sport bikes don’t get why we ride in the pouring rain, camp out, get dirty, don’t wash our bikes and go places where we might run out of gas. This blog allows me to just not have to explain….I think most of the readers get it. Just that simple, ADV riding is all about freedom, the unknown, trials and tribulations, challenges and of course spectacular views, people we meet and getting to places as far off the beaten path as possible.
Advgrrl Motorcycle Adventures & More 