When you're planning a motorcycle trip, having dependable luggage is just as important as choosing the right route. I recently had the opportunity to test the 30L Tactical Large Motorcycle Backpack from Viking Bags, and after putting it through its paces, I came away impressed. Built for Motorcycle Travel The first thing I noticed was the quality of the construction. The materials feel durable, the stitching is solid, and the backpack is designed with motorcycle riders in min

Boxer State of Mind. The best therapy on two wheels. Come ride with me.

For years, I've relied on a Cool Covers seat cover on the OEM seat of my BMW R1250 RT during the hot summer months. It made a noticeable difference in comfort, especially on long rides in the heat. Last fall, I added a BMW R1250 GS Adventure to the garage. It came equipped with a Sargent seat, which I found exceptionally comfortable. After enjoying it on the GS Adventure, I decided to install a Sargent seat on the RT as well. Since then, I hadn't used my Cool Covers seat cove

We survived The Snake — 1 valley, 3 mountains, and 489 curves. We made a lunch stop at Shady Valley Country Store before carving up more twisties through Holston Valley. One highlight was stopping at Backbone Rock, known as the “World’s Shortest Tunnel,” measuring roughly 20–22 feet long. It was blasted in 1901 for the Beaver Dam Railroad to transport timber and later converted into a roadway in the 1930s. An unforgettable ride from start to finish.

Very satisfied with the quality of the liners. I mainly bought them for the top box to help protect my helmet, and the side bag liners were a nice bonus. The fit is excellent—no need to use the Velcro strips they include, as the liners snap right into place. I would definitely recommend them.

I’ve never been completely happy with the friction zone on my BMW R 1250 RT. Then I picked up a BMW R 1250 GS Adventure and noticed the friction zone felt perfect. Friction Zone Adjustment 1250RT If you follow Quinn Redeker on YouTube, he shares a simple adjustment that makes a big difference on the RT. I gave it a try and it worked great. I adjusted mine out about 1¾ turns, and it made a huge improvement in where the friction zone engages. Definitely worth trying if you’re n

Lover’s Leap is a scenic overlook nestled between Meadows of Dan and Stuart, Virginia. Over the years, I’ve stopped there many times—especially on early morning rides up to Mabry Mill for breakfast at the restaurant that has since closed. I still miss those pancakes. The first image shown here features my previous 2016 BMW 1200RT. In 2022, the rock wall at the overlook provided a beautiful and fitting backdrop for the bike. On Saturday, February 28, 2026, a few of us returned

Electric Windscreen on a '23 1250 GSA! I upfitted the '23 1250 GS Adventure with an electric windscreen motor. I purchased the motor on eBay. The motor is built with all-steel components, even the housing. Looks to be durable, time will tell. I began by watching Mustache Moto's YouTube installation video. I did remove the TFT screen as he did not. Very simple by removing three clips with a set of long needle nose pliers. Made the installation go smoother for me. Retaining cli

With the GS911 one can now change the theme of the Start Up mode and add the Sport Screen! The Sport Screen allows for real-time DTC, Lean Angles and Brake Pressure. Looking forward to testing it out this week and see what else it has opened up. I was also able to turn off the "cruise light" mode for the front left and right turn signals. Now they will only come on when signaling. Original set up from dealer. New Start-Up and Sport Screen

Fall on Two Wheels Getaway - We had a great time! 4 days of adventure starting with Wheels Through Time Museum, Cherokee Casino, the Cherohala Skyway, the Tail of the Dragon, Foothills Parkway, Great Smokey Mountain National Parkway and the Rattler! Eats at Joey's Pancake House, Tapoco Tavern and Native Brews Tap & Grill. Has to watch out for "leaf Peepers" (slow roll'in). Where too for the Spring Getaway? !

I did something new and bought a 1250 GS Adventure bike and immediately took it to Helen, GA for the rally! There I met new friends and chose to ride the Adventure route for my first off-road run on the new bike! I had a blast, and it was a challenge on the rocky mountain trails keeping the bike up and going, but I did it without dropping the bike. Had a blast!

Sand Pit I am not an off-road rider, and I do not own an adventure bike. However, I challenged myself by taking the BMW U.A. Rider Academy Two-Day Adventure Off-Road Course . This course taught me how to traverse hills, negotiate rocks & sand, and pick up my bike while on a slope. There was much more to this course, and I got a workout after two days! I would highly recommend this course for any adventure rider and challenge yourself! Following, I visited the BMW Zentrum (mus

Putting miles on the RT this past week and meeting new riders. I rode with a fellow RT rider whose running lights (fog lights) were painted a translucent yellow. He rode behind me most of the way, and the yellow lights stood out more than his headlights. He was more visible with those yellow lights. I started researching and found that the eye’s retina more easily processes the yellow wavelengths. These bright, saturated colors are highly conspicuous and are easily seen from

32º is not the 72º I would like to be riding in. Next week looks like lower 50s, good enough for a heated jacket and an afternoon ride! While I sit here with nothing to do and no place to go… I wanted to tell you about a remarkable product that removes summertime odor from your gear. We wore a bulletproof Kevlar vest in law enforcement (now retired) . You can imagine how much we sweat in that vest during summer days. I would spray mine down daily with Febre, but it was not ge

The new BMW 1250 RT equipped with the TFT Connectivity screen has one minor flaw. The navigation runs off the BMW Connectivity App. In other words, if you do not have cellular service in some areas, you do not have navigation. It works well for me, but I lose connection in remote or mountainous regions. To correct this, I added the Garmin Zumo XT. I used the mount & RF shield from FMS Accessories for a clean OEM look. Installation was not complicated, but removing some of the

Scary Ride

Graphics on the helmet break up the dull all white scheme...

I did it! Added a 2022 BMW r1250rt to the fleet. Love the upgrades... TFT screen, automated options, LED lights and the Shadow Black 719 package. I decided to go with the 1250rt upgrade instead of the k1600gt due to the weight of the 1600gt being about 150 lbs. heavier. The 1600gt would make for a great touring bike for long distance rides, but it was not as maneuverable, especially at slower speed, than that of the 1250rt. Anyone interested in a 2016 r1200rt!

I completed the 2 Day BMW Street Survival Course (August 17-18, 2024) at the BMW Performance Center in SC. I have been riding for awhile now, but learned a lot about info I didn't have. A must for all riders, new and experienced! Following the school I took a one day tour on the K1600GT. Smooth ride and will consider for my next purchase!