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I think it was march when I decided to quit my job to travel around the world. I was already fed up with the work and the city (Istanbul) so the timing was quite right. While I was planning the trip and getting ready for it, I had an email from my friend from the US, Prentiss. We met two years ago while me and Noah (He is on a RTW also with his 690) was having our drinks at a new year’s party. Prentiss and her brother were visiting Istanbul for new year. After spending a couple of days together, eating kokorec, and the other usual Istanbul activities, Noah continued his trip around the world with his 690 Enduro R while Prentiss and her brother Clay went back home, US. Two years later, in June 2014 Prentiss was finishing her grad school and before the chapter of professional career in her life so she needed an adventure. Then the plan was simple, we would ride from Istanbul to Tbilisi together. She bought her flight tickets and it was on. That was the first time she would be on a motorcycle, but it was going to be fun. While I was getting ready and figuring out the items I would bring on my journey, I picked up Prentiss from the airport. I went there on the bike so that would be a good opportunity to warm up Prentiss about being a passenger on a motorcycle. A couple of days in Istanbul for sightseeing and later, we were ready to begin our journey. Prentiss was interested in Cappadocia, so that was the first destination. So that was it, I was in my garage loading up the bike to start a journey around the world. I was feeling excited, as my friends were with us to say ”Goodbye”. The odometer was 1227km. while I was wondering what the final number would be? It was early in the morning around 9 am, while we were crossing the famous bridge that ties both sides of Istanbul. I was feeling great, that was the beginning of a new chapter in my life. I took the highway towards Cappadocia. I know it was going to be boring for me and Prentiss, but I was eager to be in Cappadocia quickly. On another stop for fuel, I realized that it would be wiser to arrive in Ankara and call it a day. I did not want to push Prentiss too much on her first day on a motorcycle. So we agreed to ride to Ankara and then spend the night there. Luckily another motorcycle traveler friend İbrahim Yesilyurt was living in Ankara and he invited us over to his place. We spent the night mostly talking about traveling. A few drinks and it was time to sleep because we had to get up early for Cappadocia. Saying goodbye to Ibrahim and thanking him for his great hospitality and we were on the road to Cappadocia again. Ibrahim’s hospitality together with a nice Turkish breakfast made us feel ready for the road. It was raining early in the morning, but that was not really a problem for us. We both had waterproof gear, but I wasn’t trusting Prentiss` paper looking rain jacket. <img alt=":<img data-cke-saved-src=" http:="" xladv.com="" public="" style_emoticons="" default="" smile.png"="" src="/public/style_emoticons/default/smile.png"class="bbc_emoticon" title=":)"> class="wp-smiley" src="http://www.ridemustgoon.com/wp-includes/images/smilies/icon_smile.gif" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px; font-style: italic; max-width: 100%; color: rgb(66, 66, 66); font-family: 'Open Sans'; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;" /> (The jacket proved itself later on.) We had 300 km. ahead of us, at least we would not be on the highway anymore. Ibrahim led the way out of Ankara with his car, and then suddenly the sun started to shine. Prentiss was enjoying taking pictures behind me, and I was feeling she was getting used to being on a motorcycle. While we rode about 200 km.s it was time to feed the beast with fuel, and also our legs needed to stretch. I was also curious about the fuel consumption of the 1190. I had a 990 Adv. in the past and it was still my favorite bike ever. But unfortunately the bike had really high fuel consumption. To test the 1190 about that, I started riding slower, rarely going over 120 km/h, and my average speed was 100 km./h. That was a really big surprise cause the consumption was 5.2 lt. which is really low for a 150 hp bike. I was really impressed. One hour later, we were finally in Cappadocia. We both wanted to camp in the wild. Before checking for a nice camp spot, we had a late lunch in town. Later we bought some snacks and wine for the upcoming evening. I was asking a local about camp spots, and he suggested me to ride over the hills surrounding the area. 15 minutes of light off-road riding on the hills and then Prentiss pointed our camp spot. We quickly put up the tent, and immediately started enjoying the view. The light was perfect for photography, so I didn’t wanna waste that opportunity. As it was getting chillier while the sun was disappearing on the horizon, we had a beautiful view lying under our feet. I was feeling great, camping always helps my state of mind in a positive way. While it was getting darker, we enjoyed our local Cappadocian wine. On the next day, we decided to discover Cappadocia on foot. A quick breakfast at town and we were heading to the Open Air Museum in Ürgüp. I usually get bored in museums and I have no interest in such places crowded with people. But Smurf Village could be interesting. We walked around Ürgüp till afternoon. My plan was to shoot some photos & videos around the chimneys with the bike later, but heavy rain did not let that happen. In the evening we decided to ride to Trabzon on the next day. We had more than 700 km.s to reach there, and the road from Sebinkarahisar to Giresun was twisty. There was nothing interesting in between, so I had to ask Prentiss if she would be fine on the bike for such a long distance. In the past I did about 1200 km. on the bike in a day, but I was worried for my passenger. Prentiss seemed determined and sure, worst case we could camp somewhere if she felt tired. So we set our minds for upcoming day, had a light dinner with cheese, melon and rakı, and we were ready for Trabzon.

Oh, hell yeah! Pure awesomeness!

My first post. My wife Michele is why I have a GS. She had one when I met her and got me to sell my BMW road bike for my GS so we could adventure together. And thanks to Eric Hall for welcoming a new guy like me into this group. Adventure is not new to me but Big Bikes are. Her's to a great XLADV!

Triumph Motorcycles America Announces New Tiger 800 Range ATLANTA, GA – November 4, 2014 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – The new Tiger 800 is a dynamic Adventure motorcycle designed to deliver whatever you want no matter how you ride. On road or off, the new Tiger’s riding position, handling and responsive engine give the rider everything required to enjoy every ride. Tiger 800 XRx The new Tiger 800 comes in two models. The Tiger 800 XR is more focussed to the world of road riding whereas the Tiger 800 XC has a more off-road intent. Both models have high levels of standard equipment in a range that now includes range topping “X” models. The XRx and XCx bring more technology to the segment offering equipment designed to match their purpose. Tiger 800 XCx Key Features: Four distinctive models giving greater rider choice. Rider focussed technology including standard fit traction control on all models and switchable ABS as standard for improved rider safety. First in class inclusion of cruise control on XRx and XCx models Three riding modes to control throttle maps, ABS, and traction control on XRx and XCx models Class leading, second generation, 95ps 800cc triple engine producing lower emissions and delivering a 17% increase in fuel efficiency (up from 55mpg to 65 mpg) Ride by Wire technology for smoother power delivery and lighter throttle response. New styling, improved ergonomics, and the fitment of WP suspension on XC models RIDER FOCUSED TECHNOLOGY ]Rider focused technology is what makes this new Tiger stand apart. The technology developed in the new Tiger 800 is optimized for both on and off-road riding. This includes: Ride by Wire The introduction of a full Ride by Wire system that interacts with the ECU opens up a whole new level of technology. With the inclusion of advanced ABS, traction control, selectable throttle maps, programmable rider modes, and cruise control, the new Tiger 800 leads the segment as a technological tour de force and adds new levels of active safety.] Switchable ABS The switchable ABS system is standard on all Tiger 800 models and uses the latest technology to prevent wheel lock-up, ensuring maximum confidence and control in any road condition. On the XR and XC models, the ABS can be turned “On” or “Off”. Riders on the XRx or the XCx can further customize their preferences for the ABS settings via the bikes three advanced Riding Modes. When “Off Road” mode is selected, the ABS is disabled to the rear wheel and the system also allows a level of front wheel slip. This provides the rider with a level of electronic intervention under braking whilst optimizing their off-road enjoyment. Triumph Traction Control Triumph Traction Control (TTC) is standard across all models. This feature prevents the unexpected spinning of the rear wheel, cutting the engine torque to avoid the loss of lateral grip ensuring maximum confidence and control both on or off road. The rider can select their TTC setting to either “On” or “Off” on the XR and XC models. The higher specification ‘x’ versions provide “Road”, “Off-Road”, or “Off” settings. In the “Off-Road” mode, the traction control system allows increased rear wheel slip compared to “Road” mode. Riders can configure their traction control preferences in conjunction with the 3 Rider Mode settings. Throttle Maps With a choice of 4 different throttle maps on XRx and XCx models, riders can select the optimum setting to meet both riding and weather conditions. The throttle maps can easily be changed via the switch cube to provide greater levels of control to meet changing conditions. The difference between the maps is given by the throttle opening against the butterfly position: the new engine delivers full power with all the maps, but the rider needs a different opening of the throttle to achieve the same response: The Rain map reduces the throttle response to suit wet and slippery situations. The Road map represents the standard map, extremely linear and smooth for everyday conditions. The Sport map offers a sharper and quicker response with less throttle twist required. The Off-Road map provides the optimal throttle response to face dirt tracks and unpaved terrains, perfect to suit the off-road attitude of the new Tigers. Three Riding Modes A key feature on the XRx and XCx models is the ability to configure the bike to the terrain at the press of a button. When riding between road and off-road terrains, a simple press of the mode button followed by the release of the throttle and pull of the clutch lever allows the rider to swap between Road and Off-Road settings. This automatically configures the ABS, Traction Control, and Throttle Maps with the bike still in motion to best tackle the route ahead. There are three models available: ROAD SETTING – automatically sets the ABS, Traction Control, and Throttle Map to ‘ROAD’ setting OFF ROAD SETTING – automatically sets the ABS, Traction Control, and Throttle Map to “OFF-ROAD” therefore reducing the ABS and traction control intervention allowing for a level of slip. PROGRAMMABLE RIDER MODE – this mode is fully configurable and allows the rider to select their chosen settings for ABS, Traction Control, and a choice of 4 x Throttle Maps independently. As an added safety measure, should the rider select a mode that requires ABS or Traction Control to be disabled, simply come to a stop and push the mode button and these features will be deactivated. Cruise Control The new Tiger is the first bike in the middleweight adventure sector to offer cruise control. Standard on the XRx and XCx models, cruise control makes light work of long rides reducing rider fatigue and optimizing fuel consumption. Trip Computer All variants feature trip computers. The range topping ‘x’ models add additional functionality such as journey time, average speed, average fuel economy, range to empty, and instantaneous fuel consumption. MORE EFFICIENT TRIPLE ENGINE The original Tiger 800 redefined what riders should expect from the middleweight Adventure class and the new Tiger has pushed that further. Delivering an even more satisfying, exciting and rewarding ride, the new Tiger is a more comfortable and refined motorcycle with more mpg, more agility and improved touring capability for 2015. RIDE AND HANDLING The new Tiger has a class-leading chassis, which translates to outstanding handling on the road. The Tiger gives plenty of feedback to the rider and has high stability and neutrality, putting the bike exactly where the rider wants it to be on both smooth and uneven surfaces. The XR models are fitted with Showa suspension, calibrated to ensure excellent handling on any surface. The front suspension is a 43 mm Showa USD fork, now anodised black. The rear suspension includes a Showa mono-shock which is preload adjustable, allowing easy adjustment and flexibility to tailor the suspension setting to meet the requirements of every journey, be it a spirited solo ride or a comfortable two-up with panniers adventure. WP suspension has been used to further boost the Off-Road riding qualities of the new XC models. The WP 43mm USD fork, with rebound and compression damping is easily adjustable through dedicated clickers on the fork tops. The rear suspension unit is a WP mono shock adjustable for preload and rebound damping and has a dedicated dirt protector for the RSU body. The wheels emphasize the different personalities of the XR and XC models. The new Tiger XR is fitted with light-weight cast aluminium wheels, 17-inch diameter at the rear and 19-inch at the front, measuring 4.25 and 2.5 inches in width respectively, they ensure superb handling and stability. The XC models feature spoke wheels for superior durability on rough terrain: 17-inch diameter at the rear with 4.25 inches in width and off-road oriented 21-inch diameter at the front with 2.5 inches in width. STYLE The new Tiger 800 has been given a new look with a new radiator shroud and tank side panels that have sharp lines and taut surfaces. The new bodywork gives the bike a more prone, dynamic stance but the styling isn’t all just about cosmetic gain, the Tiger’s fuel tank styling also ducts hot air from the engine away from the rider’s legs. The new “Titanium” powder coat finish on the double-tube frame highlights the rugged looks of the frame whilst the semi-matte finish on the engine combined with the bike’s black wheels and handlebars gives the new Tiger a sophisticated, premium look. Practical touches are plentiful. Alongside the adjustable rider seat height and handlebar position the bike gets a large-for-the-class 19 litre fuel tank, a quick-adjust headlight angle lever for 2-up riding, an Auxiliary power socket near the ignition switch and sump guard as standard on all models. ERGONOMICS Comfort has been improved with both versions getting changes in geometry designed to reduce weight on the wrists and to increase legroom. With both bikes also having adjustable seats and handlebars, the rider has the most comfortable and adaptable riding position in the class. ]Weather protection has been improved whilst riding thanks to the combination of the new bodywork, which keeps the iconic Triumph ‘raised shoulder’ profile along with a new fly screen. On the XRx and XCx the screen is adjustable without tools with the x models also receive newly designed hand guards to increase rider protection. SPECIFICATIONS: TIGER 800 XR TIGER 800 XRx ]HORSEPOWER 95PS / 94bhp / 70kW @ 9250rpm 95PS / 94bhp / 70kW @ 9250rpm TORQUE 79Nm / 58ft.lbs @ 7850rpm 79Nm / 58ft.lbs @ 7850rpm ENGINE TYPE Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC in-line 3-cylinder Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder ]ENGINE SIZE 800cc 800cc SEAT HEIGHT 810mm-830mm (790-810mm with low seat) 810mm-830mm (790-810mm with low seat) FRONT SUSPENSION Showa 43mm upside down forks, 180mm travel Showa 43mm upside down forks, 180mm travel REAR SUSPENSION Showa monoshock with hydraulically adjustable preload, 170mm rear wheel travel Showa monoshock with hydraulically adjustable preload, 170mm rear wheel travel FRONT BRAKES Twin 308mm floating discs, Nissin 2-piston floating calipers, switchable ABS Twin 308mm floating discs, Nissin 2-piston floating calipers, switchable ABS REAR BRAKES Single 255mm disc, Nissin single piston floating caliper, switchable ABS Single 255mm disc, Nissin single piston floating caliper, switchable ABS TANK CAPACITY 19l 19l WET WEIGHT 213kg 216kg COLOURS Crystal White, Phantom Black ]Crystal White, Phantom Black, Caspian Blue[ Standard Equipment Cast wheels Trip computer Sump guard Hazard Lights Adjustable brake and clutch levers 12v Power supply XRx Adds Advanced trip computer Road and Off Road riding modes Three configurable Rider riding mode Auto-cancel indicators Cruise control Centre stand Hand guards Comfort rider and pillion seats Adjustable screen Additional 12V auxiliary power socket TIGER 800 XC ]TIGER 800 XCx HORSEPOWER 95PS / 94bhp / 70kW @ 9250rpm 95PS / 94bhp / 70kW @ 9250rpm TORQUE 79Nm / 58ft.lbs @ 7850rpm 79Nm / 58ft.lbs @ 7850rpm ENGINE TYPE Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC in-line 3-cylinder Liquid-cooled, 12 valve, DOHC, in-line 3-cylinder [ENGINE SIZE 800cc 800cc SEAT HEIGHT 840mm-860mm (820-840mm with Low Seat) 840mm-860mm (820-840mm with Low Seat) FRONT SUSPENSION WP 43mm upside down forks with adjustable rebound and compression damping, 220mm travel WP 43mm upside down forks with adjustable rebound and compression damping, 220mm travel REAR SUSPENSION WP monoshock with remote oil reservoir, hydraulically adjustable preload, rebound damping adjustment, 215mm rear wheel travel WP monoshock with remote oil reservoir, hydraulically adjustable preload, rebound damping adjustment, 215mm rear wheel travel FRONT BRAKES Twin 308mm floating discs, Nissin 2-piston floating calipers, switchable ABS Twin 308mm floating discs, Nissin 2-piston floating calipers, switchable ABS ]REAR BRAKES Single 255mm disc, Nissin single piston floating caliper, switchable ABS Single 255mm disc, Nissin single piston floating caliper, switchable ABS ]TANK CAPACITY 19l 19l WET WEIGHT 218kg 221kg COLOURS Crystal White, Phantom Black Crystal White, Phantom Black, Caspian Blue] Standard Equipment Spoked wheels High level front mudguard Fully adjustable front suspension Fully adjustable rear suspension Trip computer Radiator guard Sump guard Hazard Lights Adjustable brake and clutch levers 12v Power Socket XCX Adds Engine protection bars Advanced trip computer Road and off-road riding modes Three configurable Rider riding mode Auto-cancel indicators Cruise control Centre stand Hand guards Aluminium sump guard Additional auxiliary 12 v power socket[ TRIUMPH GENUINE ACCESSORIES A selection of accessory packs have been developed for the new Tiger range. With a choice of Sports, Comfort, Touring, Protection, and Luggage packs, riders can personalize their Tiger to meet their own needs. LAUNCH TIMINGS The new Tiger range will be available in Triumph dealerships beginning in Spring 2015 with pricing starting at $11,399.

WASHINGTON, D.C. – December 19, 2014 – (Motor Sports Newswire) - RECALL Subject : Side Stand Pivot Bolt may Fracture Report Receipt Date: DEC 02, 2014 NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V765000 Component(s): STRUCTURE Potential Number of Units Affected: 2,180 All Products Associated with this Recall Vehicle Make TRIUMPH Model EXPLORER Model Year(s) 2011 – 2014 Manufacturer: Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD SUMMARY: Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD (Triumph) is recalling certain model year 2011-2014 Explorer motorcycles manufactured November 1, 2011, to June 1, 2014. The side stand pivot bolt may fracture. CONSEQUENCE: If the side stand pivot bolt fractures, the motorcycle may fall when parked on the side stand, increasing the risk of injury to someone nearby. REMEDY: Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will replace the side stand pivot bolt and lock nut, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin in December 2014. Owners may contact Triumph customer service at 1-678-854-2010. Triumph’s number for this recall is SB518. NOTES: Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.