By Matt Lewis

As the Marketing Manager for Touratech-USA, I’m asked at least once a day, “How can I get sponsored?”

Sponsored riders represent the Touratech brand across the far reaches of the planet. These adventurers provide us with awesome images, words and videos from locations around the globe, (usually with the Touratech logo prominently displayed). In exchange we help them equip their bikes so they’re ready to take on the challenges of world travel.

We receive hundreds of proposals each year for sponsorships. These sponsorship requests range from small items like hand-guards and banners to discounts on parts and complete bike-builds.

We read every sponsorship request that comes into Touratech-USA, but just a very small percentage of them are granted. Most are the same rides going to the same places, just different riders.

So the real question is:   How can you differentiate yourself from other riders?

Here are some tips in no particular order:

1)   Build a large social media following (over 10,000)

2)   Have an original idea for a motorcycle adventure

3)   Create amazing links: Sweet youtube videos, photos and/or stories

4)   Submit a pitch that is different and creative

5)   Did we say, have an original idea for an adventure

6)   A true commitment to the Touratech brand

7)   Have a sponsorship relationship with a bike manufacturer (BMW, KTM etc.)

8)   Share your a plan to evangelize the Touratech name on your travels

9)   Please DO NOT call the Touratech-USA offices regarding sponsorships

All of those aspects are terrific, but not all of them are necessary. Each case is different, and we consider each proposal on its own merits.

I usually ask myself:

Do people want to know about this?

Is this project going to create great content?

Is this project going to gain popularity?

Is this person going to be an ambassador or simply receive our parts and then not follow through with their promises?

What makes this project different from the rest in this stack of proposals?

Touratech-USA loves having riders on the road as ambassadors of our brand. We’ve chosen to sponsor obscure, new riders, experienced riders and world famous travelers. If you think your story is different and you believe people want to follow your adventures then send us a proposal.

• Please include photos, links and any other info you think will help to share your message with us.

• Please be very specific about what you want from Touratech and why

• Please be specific about the details of your trip

• Please be very specific about Touratech’s benefits

• Be original and creative

Send your stuff to: matt.l@touratech-usa.com

Number 2:

Comparing KTM’s 1190 Adventure R and 990 Baja Edition

(317,000 views)

From 2013: In this video, the guys at Touratech give you the straight scoop on what it’s like to ride KTM’s new 1190 Adventure R.  Over the course of three days, Touratech’s General Manager, Paul Guillien, and ‘Chief Riding Officer,’ Iain Glynn, switched bikes alternating between the KTM 1190 Adventure R and the legendary KTM 990 while riding in the mountains over a variety of terrain.

Camping off of the motorcycles gave them a chance to feel how the bikes handle when carrying full luggage and allowed time to sit around the campfire and reflect on the differences between these bikes. 

Number 3:

Touratech’s Essential Accessories – KTM 1190 Adventure

(211,000 views)

From November 2013: Electric anticipation surrounds the shipment of KTM’s new 1190 Adventure R. Replacing the tried-and-true 990 Adventure, KTM’s new 1190 is a 150hp, gravel-eating adventure motorcycle offering precise handling, class-leading braking, and a suspension capable of handling even the most extreme off-road conditions.

Number 4:

Oil & Water: Comparing Two 1200’s (184,000 views)

From June 2013:
In our opinion, there’s really no better way to compare two things, than to put them side by side. It’s an excellent opportunity to observe obvious differences and to note the things they have in common. So when BMW introduced their new water-cooled R1200GS motorcycle, naturally we wanted to compare the new bike with the one it would be replacing, our much loved 2011 R1200GS. For the comparison test we headed south to the lonely roads and back country byways of Utah to spend a week riding the bikes both on and off-road. There was only one rule for the week-long comparison, we had to switch bikes each time we filled the gas tank.

Our youtube channel just hit the milestone of 6,000,000 views! That’s huge and to commemorate this occasion, we’d like to share with you the 6 most watched videos ever on our channel! 

Number 5:

2013 BMW F800GS Bike build (171,000 views)

Our youtube channel just hit the milestone of 6,000,000 views! That’s huge, and to commemorate this occasion, over the next week we’d like to share with you the 6 most watched videos ever on our channel! Check in with us and see the rankings!

Here you go:

Number 6:

Colorado Backcountry Discovery Route – Trailer (136,000 views)

Backcountry Discovery Routes are hugely popular with riders around the world. Sterling Noren is not only a talented filmmaker, but he’s also an expert rider and part of the BDR team. In 2012 the team rode, mapped and shot the Colorado route. This video is the preview posted prior to the documentarys release.

“It was a wonderful motorcycle expedition and I think we’ve created a classic adventure ride. Viewers of the film will get a taste of what awaits them in Colorado — spectacular scenery, historic mining towns and exhilarating adventure riding on what is arguably one of the best rides in the country.” — Sterling Noren, Producer, Noren Films

The water transport bags feature a wide mouth opening for easy filling or adding ice, and has a smaller spout for drinking or washing.  The nylon straps with quick buckles make it easy to attach to your gear, or hang from a tree branch or handlebar for usage.  By adding the optional shower nozzle attachment, you can transform it into a quick and easy campsite shower. The food-grade coating on the inside of the bag ensures your drinking water will be safe at the end of the day.

Touratech Upper Crash Bars offer the most protection for your Africa Twin because they are designed to take the impact of a fall and transfer the forces effectively around your motorcycle.

Fairing, radiator, and front fork repair is expensive and can put an end to your trip. Invest in Touratech upper crash bars and give your Honda the protection it needs to go the distance.

The compact and narrow design of the Touratech crash bars maximize manueverability when off road or traveling in the backcountry. The heavy duty one inch diameter stainless steel tubing and tig welded construction offers superior strength and maximum protection. These stainless steel upper crash bars won’t rust and will remain corrosion free and looking great on even the most serious adventure expedition.

The designers at Touratech payed close attention not to spoil the nice lines on the Honda Africa Twin’s fairings.  These crash bars perfectly match the Honda’s lines and accent the aggressive look of the Africa Twin.

Riders of big bikes have the ultimate resource available to them in the Touratech Adventure Experts. This team of pros can answer virtually any question you might have about adventure motorcycles. They ride them, they build them and they live and breath motorcycles. The fearless leader of the Touratech Adventure Experts is Kimmo Lasilla, V.P. of Sales and Customer Service. He’s been with Touratech for over 12 years and sets the tone for the team.

Bikes owned: 50cc moped, 50cc scooter, 1981 Suzuki GS850, 1996 BMW R1100GS, 2007 BMW G650Xchallenge, 1999 Yamaha TTR250, 2009 BMW F800GS
 
Years riding: about 20
 
Bikes in your garage: 2009 BMW F800GS
 
Countries ridden: 5; Finland, Germany, Switzerland, France, US
 
Favorite ride: Utah Backcountry Discovery Route
 
Favorite bike: 2016 Honda AfricaTwin?
 
Years at Touratech: 12

 
Tent nights last year: 12
 
Favorite Touratech item: ZegaPro Panniers
 
Favorite event: Touratech Rally West
 
Must have: Dreams!
 
States ridden: 6; WA, OR, CA, AZ, UT, ID
 
Years in industry: 12
 
First bike: Helkama Raisu 50cc moped (in Finland)
 
Biggest day (most miles): about 400
 
Longest ride: about 2500 from Phoenix, AZ to Seattle, WA via UTBDR