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Since we've started this project bike, the most frequent question I've been getting is "so how do you like the 990 vs the GSA?" I can tell you it's been a lot of fun! I really like what is obviously better off-road handling and the highway comfort is not as bad as I expected (my Seat Concepts seat sure helps!). While I love my GSA too, I can't say that I'm missing it that much yet. There are a few interesting surprises though that I didn't expect. For example, I thought the 990 was like 100 lbs lighter or something but the specs show the dry weight is just 32 lbs lighter! Also, the 990 has loads more travel, right? Nope. Only with the 990 (R spec suspension from Konflict) has front/rear travel of 248mm/248mm vs the GSA's 210mm/220mm! My stock 990 Adventure came with 210mm/210mm; about the same as the GSA (less in the rear). The center of gravity is also much higher and that, combined with less front end feel (suspension is so good), and you'd best be light on that front brake or you're going to low-side really damn fast! Ask me how I know! The gearing is also taller than the GSA's legendary tractor gearing, but that's easily addressed with larger rear and smaller front sprockets. Bottom line: Much better in the dirt and not as bad on the highway as expected. Pro's: Lots more off-road fun, feels more powerful, nimble, suspension doesn't bottom out (my TFX Suspension on the GSA doesn't either anymore) Con's: Really tall, taller center of gravity, taller gearing, sucks gas big time when you're on the throttle. * I should note here that this switch was due to type of riding I like most. I was looking for something not similar to the GSA but 21/18" wheels, more travel and more dirt-able. The 990 has not fallen short of my expectations, I can assure you.

Hey everyone, I'm Harley from North Carolina. I come from the Harley Davidson world and really want to get into adventure riding. Currently I am looking at a 2007 R1200GS with 29,000 miles. The asking price for the bike is roughly around $9,000. What does everyone think? Is it a smart buy? And any other advice everyone is willing to give. Thanks, Harley

PICKERINGTON, Ohio -- Twenty different BMW motorcycle models will be available for AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days attendees to demo for free, July 10-12 at Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course in Lexington, Ohio, courtesy of BMW Motorrad. "We recently launched five new models and are proud to offer them and many more for attendees of AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days to demo," said Sarah Schilke, BMW Motorrad national marketing manager. "BMW has a huge line-up this year and this event will be a great place for riders to determine which of our many different models best fits their riding style." Bikes available to demo include the R 1200 series and the S 1000 line, the GS Adventure models, K 1300 and K 1600 touring models and the popular the R nineT. Rides will leave between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Friday, July 10, through Sunday, July 12. All riders are required to provide: Valid driver's license showing a current motorcycle endorsement DOT-approved helmet and eye protection Long pants Long sleeve shirt Gloves Over-the-ankle boots To ride any of the models, riders must be at least 21 years old. For models rated with more than 125 horsepower, the minimum age is 25 years. Passengers are permitted, but must wear all required protective equipment. For 2015, AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum. AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is a fundraiser for the facility, which houses the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame and other thematic exhibits that celebrate motorcycling's heritage. The museum was founded in 1990 to provide a permanent home to the AMA Motorcycle Hall of Fame, which celebrates and preserves the rich tradition of motorcycling in America through the recognition of the sport's greatest heroes. Proceeds from AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days are donated to the American Motorcycle Heritage Foundation, a 501©(3) non-profit organization tasked with funding the operation of the museum and Hall of Fame activities. AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days is the home of the AMA Vintage Grand Championship, which includes road racing, motocross, hare scrambles, trials and dirt-track racing. Another top attraction is North America's largest motorcycle swap meet with parts, bikes and memorabilia from all eras. Bike shows bring out examples of some of history's most beloved motorcycles, while stunt shows, such as the American Motor Drome Wall of Death, and demo rides of current production bikes keep attendees entertained. Seminars feature some of the country's leading experts on numerous motorcycling topics. It all adds up to one of motorcycling's premier events. Learn more, see photos and read stories from past AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days at www.amavintagemotorcycledays.com. To receive the latest news and updates about AMA Vintage Motorcycle Days, see www.americanmotorcyclist.com/vmdupdates or search for the hashtag #AMAVMD on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Employees Ride Their Motorcycles to Work in Show of Support for Charity Ride Woodcliff Lake, NJ – May 15, 2015…Employees of BMW of North America, L.L.C. welcomed Dr. Hans-Henning Buetzow to BMW’s corporate headquarters today and gave him an official send-off for his charity motorcycle ride that will traverse 50,000-miles and raise an anticipated 50,000 euros for children in need throughout the world. Dr. Buetzow will complete his Ride of Smiles journey aboard a BMW R 1200 GS Adventure motorcycle. His route, which will trace a symbolic 50 on the world map, will take him across North, Central and South America as well as Australia and New Zealand. His goal is to raise at least 50,000 euros for four charitable organizations: Doctors Without Borders, Christian Blind Mission, United for Africa, and Sternstunden, the Bavarian TV and Radio Broadcast. “We are delighted to welcome Dr. Buetzow to BMW today to give him a proper send-off on his long and ambitious journey,” commented Kris Odwarka, Vice President, BMW Motorrad USA. “I am confident that the bike is up to the task; and I’m sure Hans is too, judging from his previous adventures!” Mr. Odwarka thanked BMW employees who rode their motorcycles to work in a show of support for Dr. Buetzow. “Imagine your commute times 1,000, and you can understand what Hans-Henning is about to do. We wish him a safe and prosperous journey.” A resident of Heidelberg, Dr. Buetzow is an experienced and enthusiastic motorcycle tourist, who has been traveling the world on two wheels since 1989. Impressed by the enormous hospitality and joy of life shown by the people he meets on his travels, he was inspired to give back to those less fortunate through his Ride of Smiles. Donations can be made directly to the four charities or via the Ride of Smiles website (www.ride-of-smiles.de). For more information on Ride of