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Quick set of photos of the install I did of 1 x water and 1 x gasoline Rotopax packs (1 gallon each) underneath the OEM panniers of my 1200 GSA for my 6 month trip next year in USA + Canada. The reason for mounting them this way was to keep the weight as low as possible on the bike (the packs will not necessarily always be full in any event) and to avoid them getting in my way. So far, I have had no issues while riding, even on very tight and/or very curvy roads. In case of a fall, both panniers have been reinforced to be able to take the additional strain. Although I don't necessarily expect them to survive a more severe crash on asphalt. Rotopax are heavy duty. So no, I am not too worried about falls when off-road, or even on-road to a certain extent. And don't expect to go up in flames either. Should one Rotopax end up being damaged enough, I will simply replace it So here goes. 2 aluminium plaques were cut out to reinforce the bottom of the panniers. And were installed on the inside. Holes were drilled in the plaques to be able to access the rivets at the bottom of the panniers. Aluminium spacers were also cut out, to be fixed on the outside of the panniers. The black plastic corners on the panniers would have caused the packs to rest on them and therefore put more stress on the pack mount and especially the screw used to tighten them. Didn't mind drilling holes in the panniers. Which were never waterproof to start off with anyway ^^ And turn into swimming pools whenever it rains. And no, I was not unlucky with this set of panniers. I have another set with exactly the same problem (even drilled holes at the bottom of each pannier of the 2nd set to help evacuate the water). Pack mount and spacer mounted. View from inside the pannier. The pack mount, spacer and inner aluminium plaques are all held and tightened together. Everything can be removed in a matter of minutes. Gasoline Rotopax on. Water and gasoline Rotopax on. They are centered underneath the panniers and do not stick out from them. No chance of the right one ever touching the final drive either.

Hi all! I really need your help, but first I want to introduce you to my lifetime dream, it finally came true. After saving years and years I found a used but almost new R100GS modified by HPN (Frame Number #819). I own the bike a few days now, drove already 1.000km / 600mi and I just can't stop smiling. Some specifics: R100GS build in 1990 in Spandau, Berlin (just like all BMW Motorcycles) in 2012 the bike was rebuild by HPN in Seibersdorf, Bavaria the engine is from a R100R, its not spectacular (for me it still is), the engine is not tuned, its completely original. I will think about it, but I dont need more than 60hp offroad, and I want a engine as much durable as possible, thats my main goal here same goes for the front double discs, they are from the same R100R the R100R parts now ran 13.000km / 8.000mi, the R100GS parts got about 28.000km on the clock strengthen frame by HPN and modified to hold a centered rear shock front fork is a White Power USD 48mm with 250mm travel HPN Triple clamp to hold the fork rear shock Öhlins with 220mm travel (seat height 880mm, 1580mm from wheel to wheel) the cardan shaft is one of a R1150GS (no rear disc, i still have drums there) 43 litres HPN Poly, painted HPN mask and HPN cockpit long 5th gear (5% longer), normal first gear (its under consideration to shorten it 5%) muffler and the stainless steel rear end from Gletter (i just like the optics better than the HPN parts) The complete invoice is four pages long, I'm only listing the important things. The HPN weights about 185-195kg (420 pounds), so lost already some of her weight. On my To-Do list: skidplate (maybe 8mm from SWT Sports i need to talk to the guy) hand guard protection (maybe I can find the original HPN ones which where produced by Acerbis to my knowledge) maybe other footpegs to have a better standing, paired with some handlebar raisers a roadbook and a training to learn how to handle it out in the world crash bars if they do more good than harm the bike So, why do I need ur help? Does not every bike has a nickname? Any ideas for mine? I will create a Top10 list from all suggestions and at the end I'll let you decide what name he or she will get. All the best, Rob

Hi all, My name is Martijn, I'm from the Netherlands, and I've only recently stepped into the allroad/offroad life. About a year ago I bought a first generation Ducati Multistrada 1000DS which obviously isn't really built for offroad adventures but that didn't stop me (although it did supply me with some fun moments, for example when I arrived at an organized offroad event where they asked me if I was actually planning on riding the Multi, and after answering yes they automatically placed me in the beginners group). Anyways, the Duc was stolen last april just 2 weeks after some major maintenance including replacing the valveguides. Of course I also just put on all the farkles I wanted. Fortunately the bike was properly insured and the insurance expert was pretty realistic about the actual value of the bike, meaning I could now look for a new bike. I kept 2 lists of possible replacements for the Duc, one had some cheaper bikes (Honda Varadero, high mileage R1100GS, early model V-Strom) on it so I would have some budget for farkles, and the other had some bikes on it more at the top of my budget (R1150GS or high mileage R1200GS, Aprilia Caponord or BMW K1200S). Obviously I was fooling myself a bit there, because I ended up buying a bike from the second list and already received about 7 packages with parts and farkles in the first week after I bought the bike. So without further ado, my new bike: A 2002 R1150GS Adventure ABS in Touratech Revamp trim. For its age it's fairly low mileage, I think it's a tad bit lighter than the original, has the Xenon headlight and also came with a new customfit tankbag and Laser exhaust (original was mounted when I bought it so it's not in the pictures). I'll be servicing it this weekend as the previous owner didn't ride it much (he had a R1200GSA as well) and it probably won't be long before she gets some knobbies. By the way, the bike is a company motorcycle as I'm self-employed and I also use it to drive to clients. So that's where my nickname comes from (also on Facebook / Instragram / Twitter). When I grow up I'd like to make a living doing something with motorcycles though, and not just be the entrepreneur that rides a motorcycle. Cheers, Martijn

Hey guys! So, lately I've signed a deal with Zard Exhaust (www.zardlab.com), and they've supplied me with an exhaust for my F800GSA. Well, here's the videos I made about it: a more general one, and raw footage of how it is to have a Zard on your bike. Let me know what you think of it!

Hi All, Just got my first GS (a 2012). Ready to knock the shine off of her, so looking forward to meeting up in the So. Cal area.

BMW has a new "whale foreskin" suit out called the EnduroGuard. I had their Rallye 3 suit and it was actually very good. This one appears to have more of an enduro or off-road functionality, which I welcome given the type of riding I prefer. What do you think? Video: And another featuring Adventure Brothers' Shawn Thomas From their press release: Product Highlights: New generation suit for off-road use, waterproof Highly abrasion-resistant shell of dynatec and dynatec stretch, with a ceraspace layer in some areas, a BMW innovation in cooperation with Schoeller Textil AG 3-layer laminate with BMW Climate Membrane™ membrane, wind and waterproof, highly breathable NP2 protectors on back, shoulders, elbows, hips and knees (infinitely height-adjustable) Coccyx protector, retrofittable Extremely good all-round ventilation through many generously sized ventilation options, double front zipper as an AirVent system Lining – 100% polyester; Mesh lining in jacket and pants and 3D-Mesh on the back, breathable and elastic 8 jacket pockets, 7 of which are waterproof, men's jacket with additional breast pocket, 3 pants pockets, 1 of which is a key holder (ideal for Keyless Ride) Sleeves and legs can be opened wide, recessed cuffs provide protection in foul weather Wind guards and recessed cuffs in the jacket provides effective protection against wind and rain Waterproof storm hood integrated into the collar Leather patches on the insides of the knees for a secure grip on the tank when riding off-road Snap buttons on the jacket front are concealed to avoid scratching the tank; and hook-and-loop straps allow a variety of width adjustments and ventilation openings Reflective print on the jacket Attachment zipper: all-around and 40 cm Comfort fit Colors: Men’s jacket in grey or black, women’s jacket in grey, both pants in black Ladies' sizes: 34-48, 72-88, 18-22 Men's sizes: 46-66, 98-118, 24-32 MSRP: Jacket - $949.00 Pants - $649.00 EnduroGuard Gloves for men and women also available, featuring ceraspace and two-chamber technology, in sizes 6/6.5 – 12/12.5

Eric suggested I put this here. At this year's Sonora Rally I raced a BMW R850RR Rooney Special. Its custom built airhead rally bike based loosely on an old R65 engine, with a lot of tricks. I'm happy to describe them all if anyone is interested. Feel free to ask questions. This is the second time Ive done the Sonora on an airhead. I'll try and figure out how to embed photos later as well. Thanks for reading. Been sitting at PHX airport for 7 hours waiting for a flight home.. Had a little time to write up a thing about the rally. It's long, sorry. Ok so where to start. I had this romantic idea of building an old BmW, from scratch like the ones that used to rally in Dakar. Know it inside and out so not only could it be fixed, (by me, importantly) but it's emotions whims and secret language and could be read and I could tell and it could tell me what was happening to it as we went. Enter the Rooney special. Well long story short too late we smashed it all together with the guidance and help of Paul Rooney, the bikes paternal grandfather in engineering, and a bunch of others who shall be held responsible, later and off to the desert to test our mettle and metal. I know Bill conger wanted to go, but he was on the fence and it might have been my readiness that pushed him off it onto the side of Let Go Race. I mentioned on Facebook that we needed a crew chief and up stepped Tumu Rock. A better choice we could not have found. He would be our driver, support, babysitter, comic relief, and mechanical assistant. The Sonora rally is a special event. Not only is the organization extremely passionate in a low key way, but they are gracious enough to allow me the opportunity to take my home built machine and put it into their competition. For that I could not be more grateful. I was extremely nervous and anxious to say the least as the race drew near. Having had never enough time to sort it completely, there were still bugs to work out and it wasn't as sorted as if promised myself my next bike would be, having had a year and a half off due to knee surgery. I hoped and hoped I had thought of everything and prepared for all contingencies but really though, who can say? Mexico and the Sonora is a beautiful brutal crucible. The bike and I survived the sandblast rally in early March, so off it went in bills truck to points west. Ok, so to the hard parts: Tech inspection and registration day is spent entirely doing preventative maintenance that wasn't able to be done after Sandblast: torque the head studs (which needed to be done on this fresh motor with only 400 miles on it, very nerve wracking as I didn't want to pull the threads in the engine case) then adjust the valves.. Then figure out where on the dipstick 2.5 quarts of oil landed, as this bike has a non-standard sump. That requires draining and carefully refilling. Switch a bunch of electrics around to accommodate the rally required transmitters, and add my auxiliary fuel supply to the newly added saddlebags. This ended up taking all day among other things. Finally done and no disasters. Day one: Penasco to Liberdad. Two stages of mostly a mix of rocky piste and sandy piste. I learn the bike and it learns me. The stuttering carb issue I never figured out, but I figured out how to work around it. I pass some, and I get passed some. I can hardly recall day one now.. I know I opened two waypoints. One in the 1st special and one in the second, and took the ten minute penalty each one came with, rather than waste any more time than that searching for them. All I remember is about 40Ks from the finish, the front brake lever goes totally soft. I check the line and the master cylinder looking for leaks, but nothing. Squeezing the handle brings the pressure back up so off I go. I'm not nearly hydrated enough so I find my arms are cramping all day. Shortly after I hear the front brake grinding when I squeeze the lever and curious, I look closer to discover one of the front brake pads has fallen out due to the loss of the locating pin. That's why the loss of pressure, and return. The brake pistons pushed the remaining pad up against the disc and the disc up against the caliper. So... No front brake. Ok, just limp it in, then.. I can not remember if I packed front brake pads or not. About 3Ks from the finish, I see Bill again. I always hate to see Bill stopped and standing next to his bike.. It's not the first time. He asks for a quick tow to pull start him and I do.. To no avail, so I just tow him 13Ks back to the bivouac. An inglorious end to da one. I am happy to be able to help, though. Dave Peckham and Rally Managment Services rescue me by giving me KTM brake pads which miraculously fit, because indeed, I FORGOT YHE STUPID BRAKE PADS and we fabricate another locating pin. Thank the gods it works. I also discover while on my back underneath the bike that the pushrods tube seals have split and are leaking engine oil. A quick clean and some RTV sealant and my fears of massive oil loss are allayed for the time being. Bills bike requires a bit more loving, and the unknowns are debilitating. Much mucking about And it sort of fires up reliably, if I may combine "sort of" and "reliably" so we have no choice but to attempt day 2. Liberdad to Penasco: More sandy piste.. Everything is so soft.. Even the ground that is covered in vegetation which is supposed to be firm is somehow hollow underneath, and tires sink when you think it shouldn't. So, lots of throttle and revving for little headway.. A strange experience. A short 6K dune run and begun to think I'm in trouble.. I don't believe the bike likes soft soft sand so much and I get a little more wiped out than I prefer. But I end up making good time to the finish.. I recall now some power line roads and rocky double tracks. The thought of the big dunes makes me ver anxious.. Although I remember that the Great erg is a different kind of sand, so I am hopeful. I don't have to open any waypoints on this day, And it ends up being a good one. It's a bit unsettling to see Bill at the gas stop midday with the seat off, and him limping. I ask if there's anything I can do, but there isn't and he says get moving so I do, Although I am sadly disappointed to see bills bike in the truck when I reach the finish at the bivouac. The bike has quit, lousy bastard, and additionally, a bad landing from a 70mph launch has probably broken his ankle. After two days it's time to change the rear tire and mousse. The front is decided to be fine so is left un touched. Tumu and Bill help to do that while I do something that escapes me now. Funny how so little time has passed and so much has happened. I know I was busy as hell but I can't recall at all what it was. Day 3, Penasco to San Luis Colorado. Long 200K transit to first start in the am. I fill up before the transit and after. It's a freezing ride up the highway in between the sea of Cortez on my left and the Altair desert on my right. Another 40K's from the second fuel to the start of the special, I am concerned about fuel, and do t think I'll make it through with what I have. My crew is supposed to meet me but they had to leave after me, and were stopped for half an hour at the military checkpoint while I was waved through, so they weren't there. But lo and behold, the one and only Johnny Campbell hears my prayers said aloud and loans me the extra gallon and a half I needed, which saves my morning. Makes me feel special to have someone with that reputation be so generous to me. I start the special with a full tank, which is nice because I hit the first reserve before I made the 90 mile fuel stop. The first half of the stage is crappy choppy hard speed bumps saved to close to be any fun at all. great erg dunes are indeed much better sand. In fact, the flow is just amazing when it starts flowing. Smoothest ride ever, and all the throttle you can give it. I realize there are some dunes I just cannot hit the very top of though, and begin to look for ways around. There is always a way around, if you can manage to keep track of the tracks of the leaders. It eats up some time, and extra kilometers, but maybe not as much as if I tried to attack them head on over and over. I relearn the technique of wringing the bikes neck at high rpm to and sitting over the rear wheel to get to the top, then right before cresting, turn about 45 deg and go over it level, rather than launching like a moon rocket. This works amazing well when it works, as there are three things that can happen. Number one, not quite enough juice and you fail to reach the top. Chop throttle too soon, and my the front wheel goes over, but not the rest, which sucks because you have to dismount and drag the front wheel back over the top the way you came and try again. Very tiring. Second option, give too much throttle and launch. Landing nose first on the far side with your face in the roadbook and your ass over your head. Additionally, gas spills out the overflows while the bike is upended. Several times I fall over the high side and eat a face full of sand, eyes wide open. Since this always means the handlebars are downhill, you have to drag the tires around till they are on the downhill side (don't try to drag anything uphill, it's a worthless fruitless battle) and then go back uphill of the bike and stand it up. Very tiring. Third option is; it actually works which is still pretty tiring but is much faster and looses a heck of a lot less gasoline. I score about a 50-60% success rate. Shocked and pleased that I have very little to do to the bike after day 3, other than try to get all the sand out if my eyes. And ears. I do realize that I'm chewing through fuel much more quickly than I prefer. But what can I do? Take all I can carry and hope for the best. Last day.. San Luis Colorado Loop. We're almost home. I take these things in small bites. 180km day? Well, I say, at 18kms, I'm fully 1/10 of the way through! Only have to do what I just did 9 more times! 60ks? 1/3 done! Only 2 more of those to go! Today is a 200K run with nothing but the biggest mind blowing dunes you've ever seen. I fill up at the optional fuel stop at 30kms into it and the 160k epic until next fuel begins. Scott has a habit of putting waypoints at the very tippy top of massive sand dunes. Ten ks after the fuel stop I'm aiming for at the top of this enormous thing. Crazy story.. But Andrew and I crest one dune and fall over the other side, in the way we do, (option 2) Not 30 seconds later a four wheeler launches over the dune where we are and lands on Andrews bike, crunching is and nearly crushing Andrew. I wish i hadn't lost Tumu's GoPro in a subsequent face plant because I'm sure the video would be eye opening. Anyway, due to soft sand and soft tires. All that's really off is some tweaked forks which we banged back straight. He sets off. I tried to hit that stupid waypoint about ten times. I finally got it, but the poor bike was so overheated it would barely run, much less move forward. I got about 100yards and it went PUAHHHHH quit. Is that clutch I smell? Oh no. I think I might have fried it. I pour a little camelback fluid on it and it sizzles and spits like a proper frying pan. I think I have just smoked the clutch. Stripping my gear off, I walk up to a dune crest to find cell service, and text Scott Whitney back in LA that I think I am done for. It a minute later, Luke, on an air cooled Honda no less stops dead in his tracks just on the other side of this huge bowl between massive dunes. What's up, I ask. Blown head gasket he says. Oh shit. Well, we've got water and a space blanket, let's get comfy, we're going to be here a while. I dilly dally for nearly an hour just not knowing what to do. Finally he says, do you think you'll try to continue? That's probably not smart, I say.. But what the hell, let's see what it does. Starts up fine. Ok, let's take it around the bowl. Hmm. Seems to work as well as it did before. Damn it, I might just try it and see how far I get. Are you really done?, I ask. Yeah he says. Can I have your gas? I ask, sheepishly. Sure! So we transfer nearly four quarts from his to mine, that's how much I ate run in up and down that dumb hill! and I somehow keep going. Luke blew my mind the day before with his epic fix.. His clutch had burned (for real) so the RMS guys fixed it in camp with a leather shoe strap on day one or two. When that failed, he himself fixed it by jamming some barbed wire in there and that was still holding! (My kind of fix!) So, I ask him to check my mental process: answer me this, I says: if I don't slip the clutch. I'm not abusing it, right? If I just use it to start and don't touch it, it should be fine right? It's only used when I pull the lever in? Yes he says. So I begin to think that maybe, I might have simply overheated my poor little girl, not smoked the clutch after all. I decide to try and push on, and use the clutch as little as possible. I've never burned on a clutch out on a BMW, they are quite robust normally and I'm not much of a clutch slipper anyway- get it in gear and use the throttle is my usual philosophy, so it was actually Luke that made up my mind to press on. Thank you, Luke. Although, I decide, I will be more smart about which waypoints I decide to chase. I'm here to finish this thing, not be more stupid than just being here doing this would suggest. At 40Ks I have a nearly full tank and a heart full of optimism, and it's not even ten am yet, I don't think. In hind sight I should have taken on a little bit more, as well as the quart oil bottle we were using to transfer from his to mine. I'm all alone for the rest of the day because everyone has passed us. I follow my gut and the roadbook and the tracks laid out in the sand by my forebears. When I see a dune that looks stupidly tall, I look for a way around, and find my way to far side by looking at the shadows I make on the ground, and the shapes of the dune crests, and find the tracks on the far side. 75 ks later and about 230pm, I know I'm getting low on gas again. But I am so close to the end of the big long HP run.. I begin just barely using throttle, I am almost always in second gear because third is too fast and I was punched in the face by the handlebars once too often, and kicked in the butt by the bucking rear end even more. Third gear for the same speed would be lower tons but in addition to it probably a wash between the mileage I would get nailing the throttle and going straight vs going easy and finding my way around, the bikes handling is much much better when the back wheel is under engine load. 3:pm I hit reserve. 3:30pm I hit second reserve. I know I'm only 5-10Ks from the waypoint where there is a truck.. Not the real fuel stop but I might be able to distract the guys while I steal some or something.. I'm getting desperate. 4pm, in a giant bowl, I run out for good. It's very, very quiet. So. This is what a DNF is like. I now done 25 rallies, and never DNF'd. Even after all this I still feel like a total neophyte. Every one brings a new experience. I strip down to my underwear and hat and I climb to the peak of the nearest dune, and text Scott, after hitting rally comp "mechanical issue, need pickup" Out of gas counts as mechanical, and I definitely need to get picked up in some way. I text Scott back in LA that all I need is gas and with half a tank I'll get myself home, don't burn assets on me otherwise. He says Darren is on his way. It's so quiet and huge and immense out there. No wind. When there's so little sound, the mind invents noise. I keep hearing what I think are voices in the distance, or engine sounds. I notice thousands of caterpillars crawling up te dune, making tracks. These little guys are two inches long and the dunes are hundreds of feet high. The are unbelievably tenacious. They are literally unflagging in their effort to climb the dune. Am I like them I wonder? I hope so. I sort of hope so, and sort of not. The must have something in mind but is it just instinct for both of us? Where are they going and why? Some of them make the top and I can imagine I feel their exultation. But when they make the top and crest, they just keep going albeit twice as fast I end up falling asleep watching them in their tirelessness. I wake up to a car horn beeping and there is Darren. Like the rally god that he is, he fills my tank like manna from heaven It's now 630pm and the sun is on the horizon and I have 50ks to go. It gets dark within twenty minutes and I am slamming for home. My roadbook leads me to a deserted bivouac, and then, to a deserted finish in San Luis. I am sitting I the middle of a dusty border town with no idea where to go..I've reached the end of the book and there's nothing left. Suddenly, the rally comp lights up with the message "go four kilometers north and turn left" Another rally God to the rescue. Thank you Scott. I do this. But my attitude is now poor.. I think I've missed the award show, I obviously missed the Finish, probably dinner.. And I Dnf'd after all this damnable hard work. I'm in the center of a unknown barrio I don't know and I'm tired and hungry and depressed and pissed. Then the bike runs out of gas again. ARGH!! I look down to see the bike pouring fuel on me. Shit! I reach down to stuff the fuel line back onto the carb, and when I glance up I have a split second to realize I'm about to hit the curb on the right side of the road BAM down and tumbling I go. Shoot shot shit that hurt like hell, there is grass in my teeth and my shoulder doesn't feel right at all. &%$#@! Now all the above plus scared and in pain I go another 1/2 k and hit of all things, a toll booth. Are you kidding me. I actually pay the stupid toll, and ask the guy where the hell is the damn San Angel hotel? Oh! That's back about 2ks the way you just came from. Oh, and you're leaking gas everywhere. I look down and no shit I'm leaking gas. Very nearly in tears I turn around in the toll booth and gun it. I just want to collapse at this point. I've only been at it for 12 hours or 120 or so, but I feel like I might just finally be really to throw in the towel on this one. I find the hotel, walk in and am greeted by a greeting that changes my whole attitude almost instantly. Everyone is so nice to me. Dinner isn't over.. Awards aren't done yet.. There are still some folks happy to see me, although I can't imagine they're as happy as I am to see them. In a stunning reversal my attitude does almost a total 180. It's great to see mark Samuels win the trophy I made, and he appears happy with it, although obviously winning the Dakar challenge is far more of a big thing! As it should be. Then, the indescribable happens. I won't even try to describe it, therefore, but I have been chosen to receive the Ramsey Elwardini sportsmanship award. I no longer care about the DNF or my shoulder or the somewhat ignominious defeat. It's really hard to describe my feelings about this. I really did try my very best and I really desperately wanted to finish, and I gave it very nearly everything I could give it and it very closely resembles not actually succeeding at all, But I feel like I won the event. It's not really the kind of finish I was hoping for but it's quite possibly better. And even though I officially Did Not Finish, I still managed to finish every stage. Does the universe love irony or what? I really love the Sonora rally.. It's pretty brutally challenging, and Darren and Scott and Erin and everyone including the volunteers and especially the competitors are incredibly passionate and dedicated and love the sport and the challenge and the desert... I'm very proud to have played my part in it. I hope my role in its development means something like what its role has played in mine.

Hi, New to this board, not new to adventure touring. Having previously owned and farkled a 2014 KLX 250S, have moved up and am in the process of farkling a 2010 BMW G650GS. Looking forward to checking out this board... Ciao

Hello! My name is George, i am from Athens, Greece and now I live and work in Thessaloniki. I ride a 1200gs 2005 model. Two wheels is my passion. I started with destinations near my hometown and so far ι have visited all Balkan countries up to Ukraine, part of western Russia and south Finland, some Asian like Turkey and Georgia and most of European countries. I try, when circumstances allow it, to ride my motorcycle aiming to travel worldwide. Georgian side of Caucasus mt. Estonia, i think..

WOODCLIFF LAKE, NJ – February 13, 2017 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – BMW Motorrad USA has announced pricing and equipment updates for select 2017 models, including the next two Heritage motorcycles arriving at BMW Motorrad dealerships nationwide. 2017 BMW R 1200 GS Model Update / GS Adventure Price Change In conjunction with the product enhancements coming with the model update, the R 1200 GS base price increases by $200 (from $16,495 to $16,695 MSRP). The MSRP of the R 1200 GS Adventure, will increase by $200 as well (from $18,695 to $18,895 MSRP). 2017 BMW R 1200 GS Model Updates In showrooms March 2017. Standard Features Updated design/front panels New/Enhanced Packages Keyless Ride has been added to the Touring Package, which is also included in the Premium Package. Both packages increase by $250, with the price of the Touring Package increasing from $1,445 to $1,695 MSRP and the Premium Package increasing from $2,950 to $3,200 MSRP. Dynamic Traction Control, Hill Start Control, and Dynamic Pro Mode (a configurable ‘user’ mode) have been added to Ride Modes Pro, which is included in The Technology Package and The Premium Package. There are no package price increases associated with these enhancements. Style 1 (Rally) package ($600 MSRP) is now available with new color Lupin Blue Metallic. This off-road oriented package comes with a Cordoba Blue frame, gold calipers, Cross Spoke Wheels, Black Powertrain, Sport Windshield, bi- color rally seat and removes the center stand. To keep the center stand, standard windshield, and standard seat (for more passenger comfort) there is a passenger kit available. (Exclusive) package ($350 MSRP) is now available with new color Espresso Metallic. This package comes with an Achat Grey frame, gold calipers, and Black Powertrain. New/Enhanced Factory Options High Comfort Seat ($50 MSRP) Dynamic Electronic Suspension Adjustment (ESA) ($950 MSRP) has been enhanced with the latest generation technology including an automatic ride-height adjustment and automatic damper settings. The price remains the same. Extra High Rally Seat ($50 MSRP). Only available with Style 1 (Rally) package and only if Passenger Kit is not ordered. Dynamic Traction Control, Hill Start Control, and Dynamic Pro Mode (a configurable ‘user’ mode) have been added to Ride Modes Pro. As a result, the price has increased $50, from $400 to $450 MSRP. Passenger Kit ($225 MSRP). Adds center stand, standard windshield, and standard seat (for more passenger comfort) when Style 1 (Rally) package is ordered. Sport Suspension ($300 MSRP). Only available with Style 1 (Rally) package and Dynamic ESA. Not available with Low Suspension. Sport Windshield – Only available within Style 1 (Rally) package Off-Road Tires – Only available within Style 1 (Rally) package Comfort Seat ($50 MSRP) Colors All existing colors and Special Model Triple Black have been replaced by the following colors and style packages: Light White ($0) Lupin Blue Metallic (only available with Style 1 (Rally) package: $600 MSRP) Black Storm Metallic ($100 MSRP) Espresso Metallic (only available with Style 2 (Exclusive) package: $350 MSRP)

What's up fellow adventurers. First of all, sorry for kinda disappearing, but work, festivities, viruses (yup) got the best of me. Anyway, you probably already watched them on my channel, but in case you didn't, I've made a couple of quick videos in which I explain what I love and what I don't about my new ride, "Fleeing Dog", aka a 2013 F800GSA. Here's the vids! https://youtu.be/-21jzCnNlDI https://youtu.be/b3bxPGt4Sxo As usual, it'd be very appreciated if you gave them a little thumbs up, and a sub! Laters!

WASHINGTON D.C. – October 6, 2016 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – RECALL Subject: Engine Stalling Due to ECU Software Report Receipt Date: SEP 26, 2016 NHTSA Campaign Number: 16V689000 Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,398 All Products Associated with this Recall Model G650GS 2013 – 2016 G650GS SERTAO 2013 – 2015 Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC SUMMARY: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013-2016 BMW G650GS motorcycles manufactured March 8, 2013, to October 12, 2015, and 2013-2015 BMW G650GS Sertao motorcycles manufactured March 8, 2013, to May 23, 2014. The affected motorcycles may stall during operation due to an engine control unit (ECU) software issue. CONSEQUENCE: If the engine stalls during operation, it increases the risk of a crash. REMEDY: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will update the ECU software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin November 18, 2016. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417. Note: This recall supersedes recall 15V-537. Motorcycles that were repaired under that recall need to have their software updated again as part of this campaign. 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.

BMW Motorrad is launching the BMW Motorrad Street Air by Alpinestars, an advanced airbag system offering comprehensive upper body protection and the freedom to ride a motorbike in both on- and offroad situations. MUNICH/ASOLO – September 29, 2016 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – BMW Motorrad is launching the BMW Motorrad Street Air by Alpinestars, an advanced airbag system offering comprehensive upper body protection and the freedom to ride a motorbike in both on- and offroad situations. The technology adopted from the current Alpinestars Tech-Air® street airbag system – a system requiring no motorbike-mounted sensors. The airbag system of Alpinestars utilizes a sophisticated algorithm that detects imminent danger with the greatest precision and inflates the full upper body airbag to provide a highly effective crash protection system, ahead of the first impact. The BMW Motorrad Street Air Dry by Alpinestars textile riding jacket is designed to interconnect with the Alpinestars airbag system vest and is an essential component for the system to be fully operational. It offers instantaneous inflatable upper body protection to the back, kidneys, chest and shoulders – the most exposed areas in a crash. It is also fully independent, incorporating its sensors close to the rider’s or passenger’s body means the airbag activates without the need for a triggering wireless signal to be sent from the bike. This jacket is the first safety product to be launched under an exclusive agreement, between BMW Motorrad and Alpinestars and is available for both female and male customers in different colorways from October 2016. Key features of BMW Motorrad Street Air by Alpinestars: Full airbag inflation in 25 milliseconds for protection during crash impacts and loss-of-control situations when riding but also in stand-still situation – for example a rear impact while waiting at traffic lights. Function is independently of the need for sensors to be installed on the bike and the subsequent need to link a specific motorcycle to the airbag system. Immediately ready for use and no time is wasted in setting up electronic pairing between rider and/or passenger and motorcycle. Rider can easily switch between motorbikes without reconfiguring or reinitializing. Placing sensors near to the body means the airbag system can be used on road or for off-road adventure-touring. No need to deactivate the system if leaving the road for off-road trails or to stop in between to change settings. Changing surfaces while adventure-touring therefore presents no problem. System is protected by a durable and water-resistant casing which, when worn under a compatible outer jacket, means the airbag system is fully weatherproof. BMW Motorrad and Alpinestars offer the freedom to ride any bike on any surface at any time and can be used for on-road riding and off-road riding with any type of BMW motorcycle and also with all BMW scooters. BMW Motorrad is the only motorcycle manufacturer to have developed the complete range of rider equipment ever since the 1970s – from motorcycle helmets to rider suits, boots and gloves. In doing so, high priority is attached to maximum comfort for the rider and passenger as well as minimizing the potential consequences of accidents. BMW Motorrad has always regarded motorcycling and safety as being inseparably linked and anchored in the “Safety 360°” principle. “Safety 360°” breaks down the overall concept of safe motorcycling into three facets: safety technology in the vehicle, safety deriving from rider equipment and safety through rider training. Alpinestars has been innovating motorcycle riding technology for rider protection, performance and comfort for over 50 years. The Tech- Air™ airbag system, which forms the basis of their active safety cooperation with BMW Motorrad, is the result of Alpinestars’ intensive research and development which commenced in 2001. For decades, both companies have maintained a leading role in active and passive motorcycling safety. This new cooperation, between BMW Motorrad and Alpinestars, is now extending their position further through this joint development agreement.

A few months back my family and I scheduled a trip to Portland, Oregon to see my wife's dad who was turning 95. Frank is one of the remaining WWII vets who saw battle in Europe, including the Battle at Anzio. Frank Watts holding sand from Iwo Jima Beach. The sand was personally collected by his grandson who was in the Marines at the time. He gave it to Frank for his birthday last month (7/26), thanking him for inspiring him to serve his country. Awesome moment! We love you Frank! As luck would have it, my best friend (Steve Claus) also had to be in Portland for his father's 73rd birthday. We've known each other for over 35 years and have logged many, many off-road miles together. However, for the last 5 years, we've not lived in the same state, so we don't get to ride together. Wait! Once we take care of family stuff, this is an opportunity to ride! I called Steve and told him that we needed to rent some bikes. Of course, he was all in (as always). I did some googlin' and zero'd in on a rental company in Portland that looked like they'd be able to hook us up with a couple of ADV bikes. I soon discovered that even with 60 days notice, everyone was booked out! I guess staging in Portland and riding to Alaska is on the bucket list of just a few, and it was killing my riding plans! I dialed my butt off and found one bike, but not a pair, or dates/times that would not work. I was getting discouraged! Then, a name popped into my head; someone that I came across in running ThumperTalk.com: Uwe Deimer, the owner of AdMo Tours! Duh, why didn't I think of him first? I'm old, so it happens... Long story short, Uwe was also booked up, but he took the time to broker out a deal with a vendor in Klickitat Washington named Cascade Back Road Adventures & Rentals. I got to know the owner (Coit Stone) a bit, learning that he's a passionate off-road guy that started the business not all that long ago, so that he could live close to his mother with health issues. Not a big outfit, but he did everything promised and the two BMW F800GS machines he brought were well outfitted, maintained, and ran flawlessly. Good job Coit! We'll do business with you again in a heartbeat! Oh, and Coit delivered the bikes 100 miles each way to us just outside of Portland, Oregon for a reasonable fee, so don't hesitate to contact him if you stage in Portland. He'll make it happen. At Love's Truck Stop in Troutdale Oregon w/ Steve Claus, where we staged from. So, where'd we go? That's where Rever comes in... As luck would have it, the day we rode was the hottest all week, with temps reaching the mid 90s in some places. Being from central Florida, a welcomed retreat from the summer heat/humidity. Steve, being from high elevation and dry Colorado, didn't necessarily agree! One problem that I have in gathering content for ride reports is that I'm having so much fun riding, I don't take as many pictures as I probably should. So, I'm sure that this report simply won't do the ride scenery full justice. But, I suppose that's probably the case with most rides. Crown Point was our first stop of the day. Unusually calm winds and very, very clear. Pic is looking to the east. Steve Claus and yours truly. Pic is looking to the west, towards Portland, OR. From Crown Point to the last on-ramp to I-84 there are several beautiful waterfalls, some of which you have to hike to to see. We were out to ride, so we only took pics from the road... Steve Claus @ Latourell Falls Bryan Bosch @ Multnomah Falls Sorry, didn't notate the name of these falls. Just a couple of miles east of Multnomah falls. PS - Don't park in the dirt anywhere along the Columbia River Scenic Highway. Ranger Rick almost lit us up with some federal tickets for this "stunt"! Smooth operator Claus silver tongued our way out of it. Getting closer to Lost Lake on the NE side of Mt. Hood (Steve Claus) Lost Lake, Oregon Interesting fact! Lost Lake drains itself every year! Steve testing out some non ADA compliant wonky-ass steps Da money shot! - Lost Lake, Oregon w/ Mt. Hood in the background Solera Brewery in Parkdale, Oregon for some food, relaxation, and cold beer! Ok, no beers. They sure sounded good given the hot day, but not a good mix with motorcycles. Service was a bit slow, but we were in no hurry, food was excellent, and I really like to frequent local establishments vs. chain stores. Walk out the back of the place and there are tables overlooking a fruit tree orchard w/ Mt. Hood in the backdrop. Great setting! Timberline Lodge Ski Resort - Mt. Hood Oregon (looking south towards Mt. Jefferson) Lodge look familiar? I didn't take any pics going down the mountain b/c I had my Go Pro running. But, I later learned that they suck at filming with dead batteries. Where's the face-palm emoji? Before I forget, a big thanks to the folks at Sena for hooking us up with a pair of SMH10 bluetooth headsets. I've known how awesome they are, for whatever reason, I've never taken the plunge. Old habits I suppose. My ride with Steve really took on a whole new dimension by being able to talk and laugh during the whole ride. Don't get me wrong, it would have been fun regardless, but the Sena communicators seriously added to the whole experience. Don't wait to get some like I did. I've been missing out! We finished up the long day with a dip in the Sandy River. Water was coooooooold for this now Florida boy, but after getting used to it, it felt refreshing. Great way to end an awesome day with my best friend! But, now I'm itchin' something awful for the next adventure! It's never enough, is it? 👍 Steve, what's next? COBDR is in your backyard my friend. Or, maybe the Tennessee mountains?

Hey everyone I'm Erick, I'm 25 and live in Northern New Jersey. Right now I'm smack dab in the middle of the greatest adventure Ive ever been on. But first let's rewind a bit. Consciously or not I've been building up to this trip for a very long time. Sometime around 2013-14 I watched long way round on Netflix and ever since then the gears inside my head have been turning. At the time I had no bike, no friends with bikes, and almost no street riding experience besides riding 2smokes on back roads in upstate NY. Truthfully I had very little practical knowledge about motorcycles, so I turned to the Internet! I found out I could take a class locally for $299 and leave a licensed motorcyclist, for which I immediately reserved a spot on the roster and had a great time doing it. Even though I could already ride a bike since I've owned quads and dirt bikes the class was still absolutely worth the investment because of the experience level of the instructors (both were motorcycle police instructors). Some of what I've learned there has already saved my life. I realized that I absolutely could not at the time afford the venerable R1200GSA as my first set of wheels and that a smaller more manageable bike may be better anyway, so I set to figuring out what bike was realistic for me. As it turned out the 2014 F700GS at my local dealer was the one. She fit right, she was priced right at the top of what I could afford and she rides like a champ. I picked her up on April 28, 2015. (I left on this journey exactly 1 year and 1 day after picking up my first and currently only bike) Put down 12 k miles and Farkled her out over the next year and here we are. Literally living a dream I once had after watching long way round for the 87th time and thinking I could never do an adventure like that. So having no experience, or bike, or living in an over populated area like NJ, or not having anyone to go is not an excuse. If you want it bad enough you can make it happen for yourself any way you can on any bike that you love with whatever gear works for you. To be honest I had never been so nervous in my life as the day before I left for the trip. Though I spent a week riding solo from my home to PEI Canada in late September and that was a great little 2k mile shakedown but this trip is over 4 times longer in duration and covers much harsher terrain and climates. Needless to say there was a lot of pre trip anxiety about what to bring, how to pack and what sort of things could go wrong. I had originally planned to leave on May 1st but some good Harley riding friends wanted to go camping together before I set out. Days 1-2 April 29th was the day I left home and me and 4 friends camped for 2 nights in the Delaware Water Gap forest. Going there my gps failed me and took us to a totally wrong destination in pouring rain at 10 o'clock we finally got to the site no thanks to me or my GPS. The whole time I was racked with nervousness about the trip especially because an enormous storm was headed across the Midwest, basically crushing my entire path with 30s-50s and hard rain which would continue to plague me each day into the 5th morning of the journey, significantly slowing my progress. Having my friends there with me on day 1 and 2 was awesome it helped me get over the anxiety of the trip and transition into it. So far the trip has gone something like this: May 1 day 3 My first solo day was a total bust. I broke down my campsite in the Delaware Water Gap under pouring freezing rain, said goodbye to my friends and set out working my way southwest hoping to get into Ohio. Within 100 miles my Klim suit, my schuberth c3pro, my Irish setter boots and Mechanix gloves (both probably not the best choices of equipment) were completely soaked through. It was 37 deg F and when I realized my hands could barely operate the clutch and brake lever and visibility was down to probably 10-20% makes for a dangerous mix I decided to get off the road and dry out. I pulled into a gas station/subway restaurant where I met 3 members and a prospect of a widely known and rather infamous MC who were making their way back to Ohio. Turned out they were really friendly guys and told me about the motel 6 down the road they stayed at the night before and recommended I try there first for a room. I got 2 subs and gassed up then took a quick shiver down the road to the motel 6. The guy who owned it was an incredibly nice man he gave me a double room for 40$ and offered to comp me a free night the next day if I decided to wait out the storm. He said he would never turn a motorcyclist away in a rain storm even if they had to camp out in the lobby. He even had me park the bike under the entrance awning and placed cones there to keep cars away from the Furiosa (my bike is named Furiosa) . Once I got into my room I realized it was only 10 am and I had time to clean and dry all my gear before heading out the next day. I washed all the gear in the tub and hung it all around the room and cranked up the heat. Worked like a charm. May 2 day 4 Much better day today only on and off rain and 55 up to 70 degrees at one point. I met a fellow adventure rider I'll call him Nicolas for anonymity sake. Nicolas has been an adventure rider for 25 years and him and brother both owned 1150gs and he currently has a ktm 950. Not too shabby at all! We talked for 20 or so minutes at a rest area about places he had been that I will be going to. About an hour after talking to Nicolas I realized I had been riding through the rain smiling and thinking about nothing at all just singing along with the music inside my helmet. Absolutely care free for probably the first time since I was old enough to understand English. Potholes and gas was all I had on my mind. I managed to sprain my ankle pretty seriously today by almost dumping the bike like an idiot and planting my left foot then running it over with the touratech pannier. Despite that little incident today was a great day. I've made camp for the night at buckeye lake KOA(37$) the entire tent section is deserted and I've got it all to myself. May 3 day 5 KOA's are awesome I woke up In a drizzle got a hot shower the use of an immaculate bathroom. I start out the day under lite mist at 8 sharp headed west for NE St Louis KOA. The ride was pretty uneventful some sporadic rain this morning but it passed by afternoon and was in the mid 60s and cloudy most of the ride. I met a lot of nice people interested in my bike because if all its luggage and they would ask where am I coming from, where am I going and how many cc the motor is. The friendliness and kindness people show to a person traveling by motorcycle is incredible! I guess because they perceive it as a more dangerous and more difficult task than it really is and because adventure bikes are rather rare in comparison to other categories. Whatever the reason may be; I have yet to meet one single unkind or rude person in 5 days. Remarkable. Tonight I'm making camp at the St Louis KOA as planned and it's a pretty sweet spot to pitch a tent. Water electric and wifi for 27 bucks all under a nice aluminum awning with a BBQ and a picnic table beside it. Can't really beat that. Tomorrow should be a big day into Kansas. Thanks for reading I will try to make nightly updates from here on! Instagram- @erickbhunter SPOT Tracker

Cornish, ME (October 21, 2015) -- Adventure motorcycling is exploding, and for a big chunk of ADV riders, BMW's best-selling R1200GS is the perfect globe-trotting tool, except that it comes with a handlebar only Gumby could love. Coming to the rescue is HeliBars' new Horizon Rebel AT Multi-Axis Adjustable Handlebar Kit, just released for 2014-2016 BMW R1200GS and GS Adventure motorcycles. These uber-versatile bars adjust the big enduro's ergos in any of three planes to dial in a more controlled ride on that beastliest of Beemer adventure machines. This Horizon setup allows a highly customizable seating posture that dramatically boosts both long-distance and around-town comfort, with the taller bars making for lower-effort maneuvers in tight confines. The Rebel AT's patented, three-axis-adjustable design strikes at the heart of the GS's ergonomic quirks, which many pilots cite as the too-low and -wide stock handlebar shape. These innovative HeliBars allow wrist angle to be adjusted both forward and back -- over a generous, 7-inch range -- as well as up and down, enabling a more upright riding position, so riders are in better command of their sometimes unwieldy Bavarian Boxer. Adventurers will immediately find that optimal wrist angle in gnarly terrain or a Starbucks parking lot makes for less stress and smoother weight transfer. The Horizon bars' 30-inch width is 3 inches slimmer than the stocker, allowing pilots to make super-tight turns on the road less traveled - all the way to the steering stops -- without having to reposition themselves, which can be a real boon at low speed. As for added leverage -- which everyone craves on a 525-pound, 55-inch tall motorcycle -- the Rebel bars offer it in spades, thanks to their width and a more rearward positioning. What's more, the big Beemer's levers and controls can be adjusted in mere minutes for challenging off-road conditions, then re-tweaked when hitting the pavement. With custom adjustability like that, GS riders can make the next state line before lunch in comfort. Made from high strength tubing, investment cast alloy steel and solid, 6061 billet aluminum, the rigid, flex-free design helps riders better decipher the nuances of front-end feedback. Engineered to fit ABS and non-ABS models, the HeliBars are bolted on with high-quality Allen-head hardware. The burly risers match the grand-touring machine's stout, rugged look and require no modifications to install. What's more, they're kit is engineered to accept all factory electrical components and retain the stock hydraulic lines to minimize complexity. Engineered, tested and manufactured in Cornish, Maine, the Horizon Multi-Axis Adjustable Handlebars, and all HeliBars products, are backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee via Heli's 30-day return policy and come with a one-year warranty. Please visit HeliBars.com for more information about HeliBars' innovative product line or call 800-859-4642. Additional company-related news is available on its Facebook page and YouTube channel. Defining Features Direct stock replacement Fits ABS- and non-ABS-equipped bikes No modifications necessary for installation Position-adjustable up and down, forward and backward, inward and outward Independent wrist height and reach adjustability for ultimate rider fit and comfort Allow brake and clutch lever angles to be adjusted in minutes Taller and more rearset than stock and other aftermarket handlebars Minimized wrist, shoulder, neck or back pain caused by extending beyond the comfort zone 30-inch width allows full turns to the steering stops Improved leverage and handling, especially at lower speeds Rigid, flex-free design and high-quality construction 100% satisfaction guarantee via a 30-day return policy One year warranty Engineered, tested and manufactured in Cornish, Maine Retail Price: $595.00 More images Press release distributed by PowersportsPressRelease on behalf of Heli Modified

WASHINGTON, D.C. – October 1, 2015 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – RECALL Subject : Engine Control Unit Software may cause Low Idle Report Receipt Date: AUG 24, 2015 NHTSA Campaign Number: 15V537000 Component(s): ELECTRICAL SYSTEM , ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING Potential Number of Units Affected: 1,060 All Products Associated with this Recall Vehicle MakeBMW ModelG 650 GS 2013 – 2015 G 650 GS SERATO 2013 – 2014 Manufacturer: BMW of North America, LLC SUMMARY: BMW of North America, LLC (BMW) is recalling certain model year 2013-2015 G 650 GS motorcycles manufactured March 8, 2013, to March 2, 2015, and 2013-2014 G 650 GS Sertao motorcycles manufactured March 8, 2013, to May 23, 2014. The affected motorcycles may stall when they are idling and the clutch lever is pulled in. CONSEQUENCE: If the engine stalls, there is an increased risk of a crash. REMEDY: BMW will notify owners, and dealers will install a revised version of the engine control unit software, free of charge. The recall is expected to begin October 16, 2015. Owners may contact BMW customer service at 1-800-525-7417 or by email at [email protected]. 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.

BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy Female Team selected after international qualifying event in South Africa. Stephanie Bouisson, France, Amy Harburg, Australia and Morag Campbell, South Africa, will form the first ever female team in Thailand in 2016. Munich/Johannesburg. From 13 to 15 September at the Country Trax Off-road Riding Academy in South Africa ten female GS riders from UK, France, Spain, Iceland, USA, Canada, Brazil, Thailand, Australia and South Africa have been battling it out for the ultimate prize – a place on the first ever female team to contest the 2016 International GS Trophy in Southeast Asia from 28 February to 5 March 2016. After an intense series of 13 separate challenges held over three competition days, France’s Stephanie Bouisson emerged as the overall winner, followed by Australia’s Amy Harburg in second place, with South Africa’s Morag Campbell close behind in third. All three ladies will go on to make BMW Motorrad history by forming the first ever female team to enter the BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy – the fifth edition of which will take place in Thailand next spring. From the very start of this unique ‘qualifier’ held at Country Trax the spirit and sense of camaraderie among the ten ladies has been inspiring, given that they come from all across the globe and are united only by their love of riding BMW GS motorcycles. A worldwide search earlier this year for a trio of lady GS riders to form a team to contest the International GS Trophy finals produced a staggering 119 applications by girls from 29 different nations, all keen to show that they had exactly what’s needed to represent their country – and also their gender – in the most famous competitive off-road customer motorcycling event in the world. From the initial applications, a jury decided on a shortlist of the ten most suitable females to go to South Africa for the qualifying event. The ten girls came from all continents (Europe, America, Africa, Asia and Australasia), with ages ranging from 26 to 46-years-old. The International GS Trophy female team qualifier officially got underway on Sunday 13 September at the Country Trax Off-road Riding Academy, using BMW R 1200 GS bikes equipped with Original BMW Motorrad Accessories to protect against the rigours of off-road competition riding. After all, the tasks the girls would face would be every bit as tough as all other GS Trophy qualifying competitions, and in this case, virtually identical to the recent South Africa ‘national’ qualifying final held at this same venue. No sooner had the girls arrived than the challenges began – the first one being a race to pitch their tents for the night – against the clock. Further challenges on the first day included ‘Blindfold Cone’, ‘Fritz-garden’ (in homage to “Fritz”, the only person to complete this course with a 100 percent success record) and ‘Rope the Tree’. A welcome dinner followed but this wasn’t the end of the riding for the girls, who had one final challenge to complete – ‘The Maze’ – despite it being completely dark outside. Late in the evening the rankings were added up and the top three girls announced. Australia’s Amy Harburg had taken an early lead, while local lady Morag Campbell was in second, with Jennifer Huntley from the UK in third. Day two started early for the multi-national squad of ladies, with a photo-shoot with their respective national flags, and interviews before the first of many challenges they would face throughout the day. These included ‘The Forest’; ‘The Rocks’; ‘The Mud’ and the imaginatively titled ‘Suffer-Ring’ later in the morning, all against the clock of course. The afternoon saw the girls take on the ‘Up and Downs’ enduro skills course before the final challenge of the day, simply known as ‘The Oval’. With so many challenges completed and just about every kind of skill level tested, it was to be expected that the positions in the rankings would change dramatically. The surprise of the day was France’s Stephanie Bouisson, who not only came first overall on the day, but also leapt from fifth to first place in the overall standings. Second of the day was Australia’s Amy Harburg, who remained second overall, while in third for the day was the UK’s Jennifer Huntley, who slipped one place to fourth on the leader board, behind local lady Morag Campbell. On 15 September – the final morning of the competition – there remained only two challenges to complete, but with the stakes so high, and so much to lose (or gain), decisions had to be made on whether to take big chances or to play it safe. The first challenge – ‘Elephant Turn’ – required the girls to ride approximately 50 metres through deep sand, turn their bike around a cone and then return to their starting point. The second was simply entitled ‘Skills Challenge’ yet it was anything but simple. There were a number of tough trial style obstacles to overcome on a flowing circuit designed to expose any weaknesses in riding technique, including a 360-degree ‘coffee-grinder’ pipe, a see-saw, a log-jump, riding the pavement, deep ruts and parallel logs, to name just a few. When the challenge was completed by all ladies, the marshals and judges took their leave to collate the results, while the ten competitors all embraced and offered each other words of encouragement completely in keeping with the true Trophy spirit. Their final challenge was to strike their tents, pack their bags and await the results. The results were not long in coming, with all the competitors honoured for their amazing efforts during the course of the hard-fought, yet hugely entertaining qualifier. Commenting on this GS Trophy experience, head of BMW Motorrad Marketing Dr. Ralf Rodepeter praised all the ladies for their phenomenal efforts and commitment, stating that: “All these ladies are winners, just to have made it to South Africa to compete in the qualifier. There has been a true spirit and sense of camaraderie shown by all the competitors, who have been fighting until the end but have supported each other throughout all the challenges. For sure there have to be three lucky ones who get the chance to go to Thailand, but all ten should consider themselves winners for the way they have come together as a family and demonstrated the unique GS spirit. We truly hope that these amazing ambassadors will take this passion back to their respective countries and riding communities, and will encourage even more women to embrace the GS lifestyle.” Overall standings and points: Stephanie Bouisson (France) – 1931 pts. Amy Harburg (Australia) – 2098 pts. Morag Campbell (South Africa) – 2153 pts. Jennifer Huntley (UK) – 2824 pts. Inga Birna Erlingsdottir (Iceland) – 3046 pts. Iciar Tatay (Spain) – 3280 pts. Caroline Stevenson (Canada) – 3415 pts. Kim Krause (USA) – 4146 pts. 👍 Rosa Freitag (Brazil) – 5621 pts. Dusita Nasuriyawong (Thailand) - retired. BMW Motorrad International GS Trophy Female Team Qualification, Kim Krause (USA) Statements from the three winners: First place: Stephanie Bouisson (France). “I did the GS Trophy France qualifier event last May, and some time after this, my friends told me to try to apply for the chance of a place at this new women’s qualifying event. I thought ‘why not’ because I wanted to experience South Africa. I was really surprised to get through and was really looking forward to a great new adventure, making new friends and riding over here. To have actually won the qualifying event is incredible for me and I’m very proud to be representing all the lady riders around the world at the International GS Trophy in Thailand next year.” Second place: Amy Harburg (Australia). “I was so excited about coming here for this qualifying event. I had high expectations for myself, but it was hard to gauge what the other girls would be like until we were all together. But my expectations were definitely exceeded by the time we’ve spent in South Africa and to actually make the team is amazing for me. I can’t wait to go to Thailand and show BMW enthusiasts worldwide how these GS bikes can be ridden and what we can all do together. My team-mates are incredible so I can’t wait to be part of the first ever women’s team with them.” Third place: Morag Campbell (South Africa). “My expectations coming to this GS Trophy female qualifying event were to have fun and enjoy myself, but I didn’t realise just how much I would learn in the process. It’s been a whirlwind of people offering their help, sharing their knowledge and helping me experience a real sense of community that’s just been amazing. I think I’m still in shock really to have made it to the final three. There are five months ahead of us now before the main event so I’ll be learning new skills on the GS and keeping in touch with Stephanie and Amy. It’s going to be awesome!” EN_BMW_Motorrad_GS_Trophy_Female_Team.pdf