Physical Hardware and Screen Engineering

The environment of an adventure bike cockpit requires screens that survive baking in desert sun, freezing mountain rain, and heavy glove strikes.

Garmin Zumo XT2

The Screen: A 6.0-inch HD multi-touch glass screen pushing 1,050 nits of brightness. It uses standard high-brightness TFT tech with a white backlight. It features dual-orientation software, allowing you to mount it vertically (excellent for seeing further down a route) or horizontally.

Rugged Armor: Built to MIL-STD-810 drop-test ratings. It carries an IPX7 water rating,    meaning it easily survives pouring rain storms, but shouldn’t be blasted at point-blank range with a high-pressure car wash wand.

Battery Life: Runs on a internal lithium-ion battery giving up to 6 hours of life—but if cranked to 100% brightness to fight the midday sun, it drops closer to 3.5 hours.

Garmin Zumo XT3

The Screen: Introduces a massive choice in form factors. You can choose the traditional 6.0-inch screen or a minimalist 4.7-inch version. Both resolutions are high-definition (1280 x 720 pixels), rendering incredibly crisp vector maps.

The Post-Mount Advantage: The 4.7-inch model includes special M8 post-mounting hardware. This allows the unit to bolt directly to your bike’s top handlebar clamps or rally towers via rigid thread bolts, minimizing screen shaking compared to long rubber-isolated arm mounts.

Battery Life: Efficiency has improved drastically. Despite the faster performance, the XT3 achieves up to 7 hours of total run time, and holds out for a full 5 hours even with the backlight pinned at 100% capacity.

Garmin Tread 2

The Screen: It is built around a robust, 6.15″ W x 3.5″ H x 1″ glove friendly screen.

Extreme Silt Armor: Carries a higher IP6X dust rating combined with IPX7 moisture defense. This makes it impervious to microscopic, abrasive trail dust or silt that can clog buttons and speaker meshes on standard electronics.

Magnetic Locking Mount: Uses a heavy-duty locking, magnet-assisted power dock. It snaps in place with extreme magnetic force, and then a physical lever locks it down so it cannot vibrate loose even on washboard dirt trails.

Battery Life: The Garmin Tread 2 provides up to 7 hours of battery life on the 6-inch model, dropping to a maximum of 5 hours if you lock the high-brightness screen at 100% capacity to battle direct sunlight. The larger 8-inch Overland configuration draws a bit more power, offering up to 6 hours at half brightness and down to 1 hour if pushed continuously at full brightness.

Satellites, Signal Accuracy, and Compute Brains

When you ride under heavy tree canopies, through slot canyons, or next to steep mountain cliffs, regular GPS chips lose signal or “drift” your position into nearby rivers or cliffs.

Garmin Zumo XT2

The Satellite Engine:Uses standard 10 Hz Multi-GNSS positioning tracking. It samples your location roughly 10 times a second using standard GPS and Galileo networks.

Storage capacity: Comes with 32 GB of internal space, which is enough for standard continental street maps and a few regional topo files, expandable up to 256 GB via microSD.

Garmin Zumo XT3

The Satellite Engine: Houses a revolutionary 25 Hz Multi-GNSS processor. This updates your absolute placement 25 times per second. When carving canyons at 60 mph, the map glides with absolute smoothness. Your vehicle icon never lags behind your physical position, and direction indicators never spin out when you stop.

Storage capacity: Bumped up to 64 GB internal storage, giving you double the room for massive geographical files out of the box.

Garmin Tread 2

The Satellite Engine: Utilizes a highly stable 10 Hz Multi-GNSS array. However, it features a special connection port for an External GPS Antenna. If you have a large rally fairing or luggage blocking your view of the sky, you can run a wire to a remote puck on your tail rack for a clear satellite signal.

Storage capacity: The Garmin Tread 2 comes equipped with 64 GB of internal storage out of the box, offering plenty of native room to hold its massive preloaded library of Forest Service trails and public land boundaries. If you want to download extensive high-resolution satellite imagery or thousands of custom GPX tracks, you can expand that capacity by adding a microSD card up to 256 GB.

Mapping Ecosystem & Trail Intelligence

Garmin Tread 2

Preloaded Land Boundaries: Natively comes with full U.S. Public Land Boundaries (BLM land, National Forest borders) and Private Land Parcel Maps for sections larger than 4 acres. For adventure riders who love primitive, dispersed wild camping, this lets you instantly check if you are legally allowed to set up camp on a patch of dirt.

USFS Motor Vehicle Use Maps (MVUM): Includes complete, preloaded Forest Service maps. This tells you exactly which dirt trails are open specifically to motorcycles, ATVs, or full-sized 4×4 vehicles, keeping you clear of illegal wilderness trails.

Trail Difficulty Ratings: Uses crowd-sourced OpenStreetMap data to apply color-coded difficulty metrics directly to dirt paths so you don’t accidentally try to ride a 600-pound adventure bike down an intense, boulder-filled single-track.

GPS Track Management & Behavior

Garmin Zumo XT2: The Collection Manager

The Zumo XT2 handles tracks using a system of “Collections”. When you import a multi-day BDR file via the phone app, you must organize the tracks, waypoints, and alternate routes into distinct folders to avoid overwhelming the map screen.

The Conversion Trap: The XT2 often tries to automatically convert an imported off-road track (a static, unchangeable string of breadcrumbs) into a route (which provides spoken turn-by-turn directions). On asphalt, this is great. On dirt, if the unit recalculates your route because it doesn’t recognize an unmapped trail, it can aggressively reroute you back toward major highways, throwing off your entire itinerary.

Best Practice: On the XT2, experienced riders disable automatic route recalculation and configure the raw track to show up as a high-visibility colored overlay (e.g., bright pink or neon green) to follow visually, rather than relying on spoken prompts.

Garmin Zumo XT3: The High-Speed Vector Handler

The Zumo XT3 uses a streamlined data architecture that separates “Tracks” (off-road breadcrumbs) from “Routes” (turn-by-turn guidance) much more cleanly than its predecessor.

Visual Route Planner: The XT3 features a refreshed on-device “Visual Route Planner”. If you are riding a custom GPX track and hit a sudden roadblock (like a wildfire closure or a washed-out bridge), you can tap the screen to drop a new point and shape a diversion route directly over the top of your custom file.

Render Performance: Thanks to its upgraded internal processor, the XT3 can display dozens of highly detailed, thousands-of-points-long GPX tracks simultaneously without causing the map to stutter or freeze when you zoom out to look at the day’s horizon.

Garmin Tread 2: The Direct Track Navigator

Because the Tread 2 is an off-road native, it doesn’t try to force your backcountry tracks into street-style navigation constraints.

Navigate-a-Track: Features a built-in function called Navigate-a-Track. When you load a raw, unstructured GPX file, the Tread 2 generates a clean directional compass indicator and off-road distance calculations along the path of that track, even if the line cuts through areas completely unrecognized by standard road maps.

Offline Independence: If you change your plans deep in the woods where you have zero cell service, the Tread 2 allows you to select any recorded track on the screen and invert it (Track Back) or slice it into segments directly on the device. It completely bypasses the need to sync with a smartphone app to clean up your data in the field.

Quick Comparison: Track Capabilities

Zumo XT2: Best for loading pre-planned routes. It requires a bit of menu digging to turn off street recalculations when riding raw off-road tracks.

Zumo XT3: Offers seamless, lag-free rendering of massive GPX files. It makes on-the-fly modifications to custom tracks smooth and intuitive using the on-screen visual planner.

Tread 2: Exceptional for pure track following. Its software treats raw dirt tracks as primary data, giving you distance metrics and direction pointers over track lines that cross open terrain with zero road data.

Peripheral Connections

Your navigation unit acts as the main control tower for your communication, safety, and power setups.

Garmin Zumo XT2

Group Ride Mobile: Uses your cell phone’s data connection via the Tread app to track your riding buddies on your screen in real time. If you lose cell service, however, the tracking drops out unless you buy a separate long-range physical Group Ride Radio antenna module.

Garmin Zumo XT3

Zumo R1 Radar Link: This is a major software upgrade. It connects over ANT+ wireless to Garmin’s R1 Rearview radar unit. When cars approach from behind on high-speed asphalt lanes, the side of your GPS screen lights up with color alerts tracking the vehicle’s closing speed.

Rider Telemetry: Works with built-in accelerometers to save a digital footprint of your cornering dynamics (lean angles) and braking forces, which can be shared via the phone app afterward.

Garmin Tread 2

Garmin PowerSwitch Integration: Natively links to Garmin’s digital 12V switch box. This lets you wire up auxiliary fog lights, heated grips, or horn upgrades to a control box, and turn them on or off digitally using macro buttons on your GPS touchscreen.

Group Ride Radio Native Build: Optimized to accept physical VHF/UHF radio antennas directly. This enables tracking and voice communication with other Tread users over miles of wilderness completely independent of cell service towers.

Pros and Cons:

Garmin Zumo XT2

PROS: + Excellent value for money; premium features without the latest generation price markup. + Superb, ultra-bright 6-inch screen that works flawlessly in direct sunlight. + Highly intuitive “Adventurous Routing” sliders for fun pavement and gravel detours. + Slim profile fits cleanly on standard adventure motorcycle handlebars.

CONS: – Off-road topographic mapping is basic; lacks preloaded public/private land borders. – Plastic snap-in mount can wear at the pin connections over years of heavy off-road dust. – Standard 10 Hz refresh rate can lag slightly during rapid, tight switchback turns.

Garmin Zumo XT3

PROS: + Blistering 25 Hz refresh rate completely eliminates map lag and icon drifting. + The 4.7-inch model is an exceptional option for minimalist dual-sport and rally setups. + Rear-facing radar support (via Zumo R1) significantly increases highway safety. + Captures advanced telemetry like lean angle and G-forces for post-ride analysis.

CONS: – Expensive entry point ($499 to $599 depending on size). – Advanced track features (lap timers, drag metrics) are locked behind a monthly fee. – Focus leans heavily toward street performance rather than hardcore wilderness mapping.

Garmin Tread 2

PROS: + Preloaded public land boundaries (BLM) and USFS MVUM maps make wild camping easy. + IP67 silt-proof rating handles deep mud, sandstorms, and pressure washing easily. + Magnetic-assist locking mount is incredibly secure on aggressive off-road terrain. + Native integration with 2-way radios and digital accessory switch boxes.

CONS: – Thick, and heavy chassis can be clunky. – Included mounting hardware is biased toward UTV/ATV roll cages rather than handlebars. – Lacks pavement-focused motorcycle software like “Adventurous Routing” or lean tracking.

Which One Should You Buy?

Buy the Garmin Zumo XT2 if…

You want the best balance of price and performance for 50/50 riding. If your adventures consist of riding highways out to the countryside, seeking out winding asphalt backroads, and tackling established gravel forestry roads, the Zumo XT2 is the logical choice. It gives you an excellent, high-brightness screen and great road-routing tools without making you pay for advanced racetrack telemetry or rugged overlanding hardware you won’t use.

Buy the Garmin Zumo XT3 if…

You ride a lighter dual-sport, want maximum tech, or commute on busy highways. The XT3 is the premium choice for two distinct types of riders. First, if you ride a lightweight dual-sport or aggressive adventure bike (like a KTM 500 or Yamaha T7) and want a small, indestructible navigation setup, the 4.7-inch XT3 bolted directly to your bar clamps is unmatched. Second, if you spend long hours on multi-lane interstates to reach your riding zones, the ability to pair a rear-facing blind-spot radar directly to your dashboard is a massive safety upgrade.

Buy the Garmin Tread 2 if…

You are a dedicated dirt purist and backcountry explorer. If your idea of adventure riding means loading up soft luggage to tackle multi-day Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDRs), hunting for legal dispersed camping on BLM land, navigating tight OHV trails, and dropping your bike in mud or silt, buy the Tread 2. Its preloaded Forest Service trail maps, land-ownership borders, and ultra-rugged IP67 chassis make it a dedicated piece of survival equipment rather than just a digital map.

If you still want to talk about GPS options for your motorcycle, feel free to call a Touratech Adventure Expert at 1.800.491.2926 or go to touratech-usa.com to chat with us.

1. Perform a Deep Winter Inspection

Winter prep starts with understanding the condition of your bike before you dive into upgrades.

Checklist:

• Check the frame, welds, and mounts for corrosion or wear

• Scan tires for cracks, flat spots, or low tread

• Inspect cables and hoses for brittleness or damage

This foundational inspection helps you pinpoint what parts you’ll benefit from replacing or upgrading.

2. Upgrade Protection & Armor

Adventure bikes take hits — rocks, branches, and road debris are a given. Enhance your machine’s resilience with Touratech protection parts.

Great Touratech options:

• Radiator guards – safeguard your engine cases and radiators from heavy hits

• Skid plates – high-strength aluminum plates to protect the underside

• Crash bars – engineered to distribute impact if you go down

Not only do these upgrades protect your bike, they can also reduce repair costs and keep resale value high.

3. Improve Suspension for Your Next Ride

Cold weather is ideal for suspension work. Take this time to inspect and upgrade your forks and shocks if needed.

• Replace worn fork seals

• Service your shock — clean, lube, and evaluate condition

• Consider Touratech Suspension for better load handling and comfort

Smooth suspension equals better stability and confidence on every road.

4. Install Comfort & Ergonomic Upgrades

Your comfort matters — especially on long rides. Winter is the perfect time to test and install enhancements.

Recommended Touratech upgrades:

• Handlebar risers — for a more upright, comfortable position

• Handguards — protect your hands and levers from branches or flying debris

• Seat upgrades — options for all-day comfort in any conditions

These make riding more enjoyable and keep fatigue at bay.

5. Tune and Replace Critical Components

Fine-tuning improves performance and reliability.

• Fresh fluids: Brake, coolant, fork oil, and engine oil

• New filters: Air and oil filters for peak engine health

• Spark plugs: Replace if they’re worn or out of spec

Use this time to clean components thoroughly — dirt and grime build up fast on adventure rigs.

6) Are the release pucks any different?

6. Battery Care & Electrical Upgrades

Cold weather can be brutal on batteries. Make sure yours is ready to charge up for spring.

• Use a battery tender over the winter to maintain charge

• Check connections, terminals, and wiring

• Upgrade to a Touratech USB/Power port for easy gadget charging on the go

A healthy electrical system makes starts reliable and accessories easy to power.

7. Clean, Protect, and Store Smart

A clean bike is a happy bike. Spend a session washing and protecting components, then store with intention.

• Wash thoroughly, paying attention to chain, sprockets, and wheels

• Apply corrosion inhibitors to bare metal parts

• Store in a dry, covered place with a breathable cover

• Make sure your Tool Kit is updated and ready for roadside or trailside repairs or adjustments

Proper storage prevents rust and keeps seals supple.

8. Plan Your Spring Adventures

Winter prep isn’t just mechanical — it’s mental! Spend time planning your next big rides.

• Map routes and research terrain

• Choose gear and luggage (Touratech panniers are adventure classics)

• Upgrade your on-bike Navigation

• Create a packing checklist

Having a plan makes spring come faster — and gives you something to look forward to every day.

Winter Isn’t Wasted Time — It’s Preparation

The off-season doesn’t have to be downtime. With a little care, quality parts, and some thoughtful upgrades from Touratech, your motorcycle will be stronger, more comfortable, and ready to take on any adventure.

Let the trails warm up — but in the meantime, get to work.

Need to speak with a Touratech Adventure Expert? Call 1.800.491.2926 or go here to chat with us!

Stepping Outside the Comfort Zone

Excitement quickly mixed with nerves. This trip was going to stretch me in a few ways:

• Riding in a foreign country on unfamiliar terrain.
• Navigating airports and customs as an infrequent flier.
• Spending a week with strangers as a self-described introvert.

But motorcycles have always pushed me out of my comfort zones—from learning to ride, to meeting new people, to taking solo trips. I’ve learned that growth often hides just beyond fear. In fact, psychologists describe the process in stages: fear zone (butterflies, sweaty palms, doubt), learning zone (seeking skills and knowledge), and growth zone(gaining confidence, setting new goals). Signing up for this tour was my way of embracing that cycle.

Tackling the Travel

Travel logistics were my first hurdle. Thankfully, Shal and Emma made it simple with airport shuttles and packing tips. I chose flights with long layovers, which stretched the journey but gave me time to breathe, find my gates, and relax. By the time I landed in Belize, my travel worries had already begun to shrink.

Finding My People

The anxiety about spending a week with new people melted away almost instantly. Despite our different ages, backgrounds, and riding experience, we connected right away—motorcycles will do that! We encouraged each other through challenges, celebrated wins, and built genuine friendships. I’m still in touch with many of them, proof that sometimes our fears are just stories we tell ourselves.

Riding, Learning, Growing

The biggest area of growth for me was riding. Muddy trails and Belizean traffic tested my skills, but with Shal’s coaching and Emma’s local knowledge, I felt supported the whole way. Each morning began with bike drills, and Shal sprinkled in tips about traction, line selection, and body positioning throughout the rides. We ended some evenings with group debriefs, reflecting on lessons learned.

By the end of the week, my confidence in challenging terrain had grown immensely. I also realized just how much I’d been relying on luck (and momentum!) rather than real skill. Now I have a list of techniques to practice at home—and a new hunger to keep improving.

Beyond the Bike

This wasn’t just a motorcycle tour—it was a Belizean adventure. Between the rides we:

• Swam beneath jungle waterfalls.
• Tubed down rivers I never imagined I’d float through.
• Explored Mayan ruins.
• Toured a cocoa farm.
• Learned about local plants and wildlife with Emma as our guide.

It was so much more than riding, eating, and sleeping. Calling it a “tour” feels too small. This was an adventure of a lifetime—one I’ll carry with me forever.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve ever wondered what’s waiting beyond your comfort zone, I can tell you: growth, friendship, skills, and memories that will last a lifetime. For me, Belize wasn’t just about motorcycles—it was about proving to myself that I could do hard things, and finding joy in the process.

So if you ever get the chance to ride Belize (or Belize + Guatemala) with Shal and Emma—take it. It might just change the way you see yourself.

For information on a similar tour, visit SheADV Events.

If you’re prepping for an adventure on your motorcycle let Touratech USA help you gear up yourself and your bike for the ride!

1. Better Control on Rough Terrain

Adventure riding often means dealing with rocky trails, ruts, washboard roads, and unexpected obstacles. Upgraded suspension systems offer improved damping and rebound control, keeping your tires planted and your handling predictable. The difference is especially noticeable in technical terrain where stock suspension may “pack up” or lose composure. Poorly performing suspension can be dangerous especially in off-the-pavement conditions!

2. Increased Comfort for Long Rides

The limitations of stock suspension make you work harder than you should to control the bike. This can lead to muscle strain and fatigue while riding. Premium suspension components soak up bumps more effectively, smoothing out the ride and reduces the physical effort needed to control the bike. The result? You’ll feel more comfortable, have more energy, and feel fresher, helping you enjoy the ride without fading near the end of the day. You might actually start playing with the terrain features instead of avoiding them!

3. Custom Tuning for Your Weight and Gear

Adventure riders often load their bikes with panniers, tools, camping gear, and sometimes a passenger. Stock suspension is set for an average rider weight of 170-180 lbs and can quickly become overwhelmed with heavier loads. Upgraded systems allow you to adjust preload, compression, and rebound for your exact loadout, ensuring optimal performance whether you’re running light or fully packed.

4. Improved Braking Stability

A tired or undersprung suspension can cause excessive front-end dive during braking, reducing control and increasing stopping distances. With upgraded springs and damping, your bike stays more level, helping your tires maintain grip and stability under hard braking—critical when you have to stop quickly and safely on gravel, sand, or pavement.

5. Enhanced Cornering Confidence & Fun Factor

Better suspension doesn’t just improve off-road performance—it transforms your on-road handling too. Stiffer springs and improved damping help keep your bike planted in corners, reduce wallowing, and deliver more precise steering feedback. You’ll feel more confident carving through twisty backroads or navigating tight mountain passes. Your ride will simply be more FUN!

6. Greater Durability, Reliability and Serviceable

Stock suspension components can fail under sustained hard use, especially when carrying heavy loads over challenging terrain. They also begin to degrade around 15,000 miles and need to be replaced at 20,000 miles. Upgraded systems are built with higher-quality materials, better seals, and superior heat dissipation, making them more resistant to wear and less prone to failure in the middle of nowhere.

When it’s time to service your Touratech Shocks we simply replace the oil and any wear items and you continue to enjoy the same shock. 

7. Adjustability for Changing Conditions

An adventure can throw every kind of surface at you in one day: smooth pavement, rough gravel, deep sand, and rocky climbs. High-quality suspension gives you the ability to fine-tune settings for each scenario—whether you’re dialing in more plushness for sand or firming things up for high-speed road sections.

8. Reduced Bottoming Out

Fully loaded ADV bikes hitting a deep pothole or drop-off can easily blow through their travel, leading to a harsh bottom-out that’s bad for your bike and your body. Upgraded suspension with proper spring rates and progressive damping dramatically reduces this problem, protecting both your components and your spine. Touratech sets the rear shock and/or fork cartridge spring rate according to your individual riding style & weight!

9. Boosted Rider Confidence

When your suspension is dialed in, your bike feels more predictable and capable. That confidence translates into smoother lines, better throttle control, and the willingness to tackle more challenging routes. Upgrading suspension doesn’t just change your bike—it changes the way you ride.

10. Increased Resale Value

A well-maintained bike with premium suspension is a strong selling point. Prospective buyers know the value of a quality suspension upgrade, and it can help your bike stand out in a crowded used market. In many cases, a top-tier suspension system retains significant value if you ever decide to sell it separately.

Final Thoughts

Upgrading your adventure motorcycle’s suspension isn’t just about comfort or performance—it’s about unlocking the full potential performance and fun of your bike. Whether you’re tackling the Backcountry Discovery Routes, riding two-up across continents, or just chasing weekend dirt, premium suspension gives you the control, safety, and endurance to go further with confidence.

Your motorcycle can only perform as well as the components that connect it to the ground. Make sure those components are ready for wherever your next adventure takes you.

Touratech Suspension is simply the best suspension made for Adventure Motorcycles. Touratech Suspension is designed, manufactured and tested specifically for ADV riding. It’s serviceable for years of use and the ultimate upgrade to your riding experience.

Right in the heart of the Sierra Nevada, near Mammoth, California, is one of the best ski resorts in the United States. And this is exactly where the Northern California BDR starts. This region has made headlines in recent years, especially with its breath-taking snow depths. Great for the skiers, but not for the planners of the Northern California  BDR, who had to wait for what felt like an eternity for the white splendour to melt at high altitudes. Now, however, the route is complete and officially open. High time to take on the full length of the route with our adventure bikes.

STRONG START

Just a few minutes’ drive outside of Mammoth, we already have flowing trails under our lugs on our way into the Inyo National Forest. Given the mountainous terrain, the trails are surprisingly sandy, taking some of us aback at first. The winding routes through sparse pine forests put a smile on our faces – while the occasional challenges significantly raise our adrenaline levels. Some sections have long hairpin bends that we would have expected to find on a motocross track rather than a forest road. Part of our group is Richie Few, an instructor from the BMW Performance Centre. I try to follow in his footsteps and use my helmet camera to capture the light-footed way he sweeps over the trails. Richie is a magician on his BMW R 1250 GS, and it looks so playful how he moves his 300-kilo load over the challenging terrain.

THE CONQUEST OF MT. PATTERSON

Adventure riders looking for riding challenges will get their money’s worth on the Northern California BDR. One particularly exciting section is the ride up Mt Patterson. Rugged would be an understatement for this section. The track is interspersed with rocks and deeply rutted by erosion gullies. There are also tight hairpin bends, enormous gradients – and thin air. We have already reached our limits several times with the large motorbikes during our summit assault when we finally pass the tree line. One last steep climb lies between us and the 3,558 metre summit, the highest point in the Sweetwater Mountains. We tackle the ascent individually and are finally able to park our bikes on the summit plateau. We enjoy the view in all directions and are a little amazed that we have conquered this summit on our adventure bikes. Not without envy, Ritchie says: “That’s not possible in South Carolina”.

“I’M GLAD IT WASN’T EVEN HARDER.”

The timely localisation of a forest fire has always been a crucial step in firefighting. Before the advent of satellite imagery and other technologies, this was done by placing a person in a small hut on a mountain who could determine the location of the fire based on a map and estimated distance. Some of these outposts are still manned in the summer months, but most are not. Nevertheless, many fire towers are well preserved and provide a great opportunity to survey the surrounding area in all directions. We visited most of the nearly a dozen towers along the route – and some of them offer the most difficult climbs I’ve ever tackled. When I get to the top of the Sierra Buttes, completely out of breath and surprised that I made it, I look at Ritchie and say, “Man, that was tough”. He grins and says, “I’m glad it wasn’t any harder.” I take this as a small token of appreciation for our driving performance.

UNCLE TOM’S CABIN

The weather changes and we find ourselves in cold rain and thick snow flurries north of Bear Valley. It’s a long, gruelling day and I’m grateful to have heated grips on my GS. Fortunately, this miserable day has a warm surprise in store. A nondescript, muddy road takes us a short distance off the main track before we set our sights on an ageing rural homestead with a few dilapidated outbuildings on a grassy wilderness. After parking the bikes, we find a place to sleep in the primitive wooden huts. Ritchie points to one of the buildings and says, “Look at that”. I seem to look confused, so he adds: “There’s a bar in there.” I say, “Yeah, right,” my voice dripping with sarcasm. Richie insists I come with him. When I open the door, I can’t believe my eyes. It’s a tiny saloon, heated by a wood-burning stove, with a ceiling littered with dollar notes that leave not a square inch uncovered.

Half a dozen people are drinking cold drinks in this warm oasis and two guys are playing music. As I struggle to comprehend this scene, I recognise the faces of the musicians. I mumble, “Holy shit, that’s Owen Balduf and Chris Wilson”. Many know Owen from his work at Long Beach BMW Motorcycles and Rawhyde Adventures, or from having serenaded many motorbike events with his electric violin. Chris is an accomplished musician and composer known for scoring Hollywood films such as Clueless and My Big Fat Greek Wedding. He has also written the soundtrack to recent BDR documentaries. Both have strapped their musical instruments to their adventure bikes and travelled here to surprise us. We hug and drink and dance as we enjoy this get-together.

The bartenders work on a voluntary basis to maintain the tradition of this special place. They tell us about the history and we learn that the name has nothing to do with the anti-slavery novel Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe. They even teach us the regulars’ dice game, which I play until I run out of one-dollar notes and head for my sleeping bag. What a night!

JOURNEY INTO THE PAST

Backcountry Discovery Routes provide deep insights into the state you are travelling through, and the Northern California BDR is no exception. This route is characterised by California’s mining history, which we experience impressively during our visit to the gold mining town of Bodie. Nestled between rolling hills of yellow grass lies a ghost town with 200 buildings left to decay. In the brief period from 1877 to 1882, Bodie was a bustling town with a population of almost 8,000. A local historian guides us through the site and tells us stories about life in this town. The walk through the remains of the Standard Gold Mill is particularly sobering and shows us the miserable conditions under which people here chased the dream of wealth.

ABOUT NORTHERN CALIFORNIA BDR

The Northern California BDR leads from Mammoth Lakes, CA to the Oregon border. It is divided into nine stages, is around 1,500 kilometres long and can be completed in six to ten days. The longest distance without refuelling is around 200 kilometres. There are motels and hotels in the towns along the route, some of which have a long and exciting history. Designated public campgrounds are located in the national forests and other towns along the route. In terms of riding, the Northern California BDR is in the mid-range of BDRs, but offers some ‘ALT Harder’ and three optional ‘ALT Expert’ sections, providing alternative routes for particularly experienced riders.

Gear up for your next adventure with Touratech USA

As I spend time getting to know Charley, he recalls being inspired by the Touratech catalogs in the early 2000’s. Inspiration that fueled his dreams of motorcycle adventure. It was not surprising that he and Ewan ended up partnering with Touratech for luggage and protection solutions for their BMW’s during their first Long Way TV show a few years later.

While nothing I’ve done can compare to the global impact that Charlie and Ewan’s TV shows have made, or had the effect that the Touratech catalog and subsequent, films and Travel Time magazines have made, I do feel good about my own efforts at Touratech-USA. For a decade and a half, we have built the Touratech Rally into the largest gathering of adventure motorcycles in the US. It features incredible riding, knowledge-sharing, and moto-centric entertainment. I’m also proud to have co-founded Backcountry Discovery Routes (BDR), which has made a big impact on inspiring people to ride adventure motorcycles in the vast public wildlands of America.

This year, BDR celebrates its 15-year anniversary. In that time, the non-profit organization has created 18 documentary films of route expeditions. With a staff of 4 employees, 9-person volunteer board and some 40 ambassadors, the organization currently provides the community with 20,000 miles curated adventure riding tracks that are available for free. The organization also offers planning resources on RideBDR.com and vigorously advocates for the interest of adventure riders.

So, it was a dream come true when Touratech brought me and Charley together to explore the Azores by motorcycles. Although, I have met Charley briefly at motorcycle shows over the years, as thousands of people have, he didn’t really know me. I also didn’t really know him other than from his TV shows that I have enjoyed over the years.

It’s completely surreal, a near out-of-body experience, when I first hear his voice crackle to life in my headset. It sounds so familiar, a voice I have heard hundreds of times over the last 20 years watching his TV shows, but in this moment, it was reality for me. We are just chatting away as I followed him on narrow urban streets leaving the city of Ponta Delgada, headed toward the North Coast. I feel like I’m Ewan, having a chat with Charley, in the headsets as we ride our BMWs to discover a new place for the first time. Never in my wildest dreams did I expect to be on a real-life adventure with Charley Boorman.

They call it the ‘Hawaii of Europe’, but in reality, it’s more temperate than Hawaii with an average high temperature ranging from the low 60’s in winter to the high 70’s in the summer. It does have similar precipitation and a lush green landscape reminiscent of Hawaii. Also, no shortage of wind!

We are early in the season, taking this trip in the second week of March, which mother nature reminds us, can be on the cold side. Fortunately for us, we are also doing a photo shoot for the new Touratech riding gear which are perfectly suited for a wild ride with unpredictable and extreme weather. Charlie is wearing the Companero World 2 suit, and I am wearing the Companero Rambler 2. Both feature multiple layers for cold weather which we experienced with temperatures as low a 4-degrees celsius (39 degrees Fahrenheit). We also stay dry with our waterproof Gore-Tex Pro Shell outer layers in the deluge of rain that douses us every day. The heavily armored suits featuring CE level 2 protection would prove to keep us both safe as we hit the ground when the challenging terrain and extreme weather exceeded our riding talent on a few occasions.

The roads are a perfect combination of twisty lanes through breathtaking lush green landscapes punctuated by blue sea and foaming white waves crashing into black volcanic rock formations. Away from the coast, we slip onto remote dirt and two-track lanes which wind endlessly through forest preserves and towering mountain-top lookouts. Saõ Miguel is an active volcano, and the terrain is a direct result of that. The black and reddish gravel is of volcanic origin and typically provides confidence-inspiring traction. However, in places, the gravel has large stones, the size of golf balls, which are a hazard to keeping the front wheel under the bike. Charley’s R1300GSA loses an argument with a set of marble-like stones and low-sides in a corner. The crashbars do their job and we are able to keep riding.

The island also features smooth dirt tracks that are comprised of volcanic ash which is fun to ride until it gets wet. When a squall comes out of nowhere, which it often does here, the smooth dirt turns to slippery clay in an instant. It feels like riding on a greased pan. I was caught out by a shallow rut that I never even saw. My front tire begins to wash out, then my back tire hits the same slippery rut and slides out to the left, putting me on a collision course with a rock wall. My F900GS and helmet come to an abrupt stop against black volcanic rock. My Aventuro Carbon Pro helmet keeps me safe. I am not injured, but I have broken the tower that supports the windscreen and instrument cluster. We get out the CruzTOOLS RoadTech kit and use the zip ties and mechanic’s to wire to stabilize the loose tower before continuing the ride.

We are treated to iconic views as we ride the rugged dirt road that follows a ridge circumnavigating Sete Cidades, the most famous caldera on the island. To our right, we see breathtaking views of the Atlantic Ocean with its stormy white-cap waves and wind-driven foam. To our left is an impossibly-steep slope that has short green vegetation with a corrugated texture that almost looks like that of a ruffles potato chip. At the bottom of the green wall are the emerald waters of Lagoa Azul (Blue Lake) and Lagoa Verde (Green Lake). This is the place you see on the travel web sites and we can understand why. It’s a dramatic landscape that is breathtaking to experience in person. This caldera is the result of land collapsing into a void left by a retired magna chamber from a past volcanic cycle. There are several on the island and this one is magnificent because of its vast size and being perfectly framed by the ocean on 3 sides as it takes up nearly the entire west end of the island.

We meet with a local geologist who has been studying the volcanos of the Azores for nearly 40 years. As we stand with him, high on a look-out at Pico do Ferro, he points out several calderas as he explains how the landscapes and geothermal features have been formed by volcanic activity over the years. He explains that the earthquake we woke up to the other morning was a 5.2 in magnitude and located about 30 kilometers from where we are standing. Earthquakes are taken very seriously here because of past tragedies, the most notable of which, occurred in the year 1522, when an earthquake and resulting mudslide buried and killed an estimated 5,000 residents. We part ways on an ominous note, as the geologist reminds us that this place is an active volcano that could erupt at any time.

Saõ Miguel features scores of sleepy sea-side villages with clusters of buildings constructed with white walls and terracotta roofs. As we roll through them, we can just sense the calm. Time seems to stand still here. Island life at its finest. The locals are laid back and have a gentle vibe. Much like the dairy cows they care for. Even in the capital city of Ponta Delgada things feel mellow. The people we interact with are pleasant and friendly. It feels very safe and welcoming. The most distinguishing of palates will be delighted with the culinary gifts of the Azores. With a very active fishery, the seafood is as fresh as it gets, the cheese is award winning, and the 500-year tradition of the Azores native Ramo Grande beef, are a highlight of our dining experience.

We see more dairy cows than people as we explore the island. Outside of the main city of Ponta Delgada, most men are wearing knee-high rubber boots. A clear indication that they work in the wet and muddy pastures of a dairy farm. Most of the farms are small family-owned operations with 20 to 100 Holstien-Friesian dairy cows. We don’t see large barns because most of the milking is done with mobile machines which allow the cows stay out in the fields. The cows are almost entirely pasture fed which is not standard in most parts of the world. The quality of life for the cows is considered quite good by dairy farming standards. Grazing pastures make up approximately 40% of Saõ Miguel by area. We see stunning seaside plots of land with million-dollar views, where a person might ordinarily expect to see luxury homes or golf courses in another part of the world. Here, the most gorgeous ocean-view landscapes are not for the rich and famous. They are reserved for the black-and-white-spotted dairy cows. These gentle giants live in idyllic cow paradise and are the heart and soul of Saõ Miguel.

The Island is completely exposed to the ferocity of the Atlantic Ocean, and this week a storm is raging. We ride through intermittent rain showers driven by gale-force winds. The island has many incredible vantage points which they call miradouros. We battle the wind as we ride a narrow dirt two-track road up to the miradoura at Pico da Cruz. We park the bikes and stagger toward the windward edge. Standing on the precipice, with our arms out, we lean into the wind while the gusts support the weight of our bodies. We lean forward at nearly 45-degree angles to the ground floating on the wind like a base jumper with a squirrel suit. Upon return to our bikes, we are shocked to see they have been blown flat to the ground. A short time later, I ride around a corner to find another motorcyclist in distress. He’s waiving furiously to get my attention as he lays on the ground with his bike. I squat down, grab the rear wheel with both hands, and lift the back of his bike up to release his right leg that was pinned under the swing arm. He tells me that he was blown over by a wind gust and has been laying there, trapped, for several minutes. This place is wild!

 While I expected warm weather and more sunshine, the reality ended up being much cooler. A few of the summit lookouts had temperatures of 40 degrees with piercing wind. Then 30 minutes later we’d be eating lunch in the sunshine in a quaint seaside village shedding our layers and enjoying the pleasant weather. Charley jokes about how we’ve experienced 4 seasons in the same hour in the Azores. Although we didn’t get the typical mild weather, we did get to fully experience the power of the Atlantic Ocean and see the wild side of the Azores. We felt alive out there and have stories that we’ll not soon forget. As for riding with Charley, he is exactly the same guy in-person that he is on tv. I enjoyed his quick wit, British humor, and zest for exploring on 2-wheels.

General Information:

Often referred to as the ‘Hawaii of Europe’ the Azores are a 9-island archipelago in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, which are an autonomous territory of Portugal. Located 870 miles west of Lisbon and about 1,200 miles southeast of Newfoundland, the climate of the islands is mild year-round. Daytime high temperatures normally fluctuate between 16° and 25°C (61° and 77°F) depending on season. The main industries are agriculture, dairy farming, livestock, fishing, and tourism. The islands have volcanic origins and are located at the intersection of three of the world’s major tectonic plates. The islands boast dramatic coastal landscapes as well as stunning geological wonders, many of which continue to be active volcanos. The vegetation is lush and green with weather that tends to be wet and cloudy. When the sun does emerge from the clouds, the colors of the island and its waters are breathtaking.

Getting there:

Major European cities like London, Paris, Frankfurt, Barcelona, and Amsterdam offer direct flights to Azores. From the USA, direct flights are available from Boston, New York, and Oakland. While each island does have an airport for inter-island travel the only ones that connect to the outside world are João Paulo II (on São Miguel Island), followed by Lajes Airport (Terceira Island) and Horta Airport (Faial Island). Seasonal ferry service runs between some of the islands but not all. We stayed on Saõ Miguel for our adventure.

Getting around:

Both cars and motorcycles are available for rent on Saõ Miguel. Personal motorcycles can be shipped to the Saõ Miguel with freight forwarders. Touratech Portugal organizes ADV Rallye events on the island which include both accommodations and bike shipping (from Lisbon) in addition to organized rides, and incredible island cuisine.

Life on the Islands:

You will be hard pressed to find a place with seafood that is more fresh and delectable. Bounty of the sea dominates most restaurant menus here. The thriving dairy industry produces award winning cheese and incredible steaks from the native Ramo Grande cattle lineage which is a delicacy. The region is also known for producing pineapple, orange, banana, taro, and sweet potato. Bars, restaurants, and coffee shops are plentiful. The locals tend to be quiet and seem accepting of visitors.

You can see the Azores Untamed Film in its entirety here.

Are you planning an adventure on two wheels? Whether it’s a weekend trip with friends or a ride through the Azores, Touratech USA has all of the accessories, luggage and gear you need. 

1. Pamir Highway (M41) – Tajikistan to Kyrgyzstan (above)

The Pamir Highway, often referred to as the “Roof of the World,” is one of the most remote and challenging roads in the world. Stretching from Dushanbe in Tajikistan to Osh in Kyrgyzstan, it takes riders through the high-altitude landscapes of the Pamirs, crossing the towering Ak-Baital Pass at over 4,650 meters. The ride features a mix of broken pavement, rocky gravel, and long stretches with little to no fuel stops or cell coverage. Despite the hardships, riders are rewarded with jaw-dropping views, encounters with nomadic communities, and a rare feeling of pure solitude.

• Distance:~1,250 km (777 mi)
• Route:Dushanbe → Khorog → Murghab → Sary-Tash
• Elevation:Peaks at 4,655 m (Ak-Baital Pass)
• Terrain:Mostly paved but rough; expect potholes, gravel, and landslides.
• Best Time to Go:June–September
• Challenges:High altitude, fuel scarcity, cold nights.
• Highlights:Wakhan Valley, Soviet outposts, mountain deserts.

2. Ruta 40 – Argentina (above)

Ruta 40 is a legendary ride that slices down the spine of Argentina, skirting the Andes for over 5,000 kilometers. It’s one of the longest roads in the world and offers a wild variety of landscapes—from the high-altitude deserts of the north to the glacial expanses of Patagonia in the south. Riders traverse barren steppe, ancient Incan ruins, wine valleys, and remote outposts where guanacos and condors are your only companions. It’s a dream ride for those craving adventure, isolation, and a sense of endless horizon.

• Distance:~5,200 km (3,230 mi)
• Route:La Quiaca → Mendoza → Bariloche → El Calafate → Rio Gallegos
• Terrain:Mix of tarmac, gravel, and remote stretches
• Best Time to Go:October–April
• Highlights:Andes views, Patagonian steppe, glaciers, Gaucho culture
• Tips:Wind can be brutal in Patagonia—pack accordingly.

3. Transfăgărășan Highway – Romania (above)

Winding its way through the Făgăraș Mountains, the Transfăgărășan Highway is Romania’s crown jewel of tarmac. Famously dubbed “the best driving road in the world” by Top Gear, this 90 km stretch is packed with serpentine curves, steep inclines, and alpine switchbacks. Carved into the mountains by dictator Ceaușescu in the 1970s, it cuts through tunnels and passes shimmering lakes. It’s a short but intense ride, perfect for thrill-seekers with a taste for dramatic scenery and buttery-smooth bends.

• Distance:~90 km (56 mi)
• Route:Bascov → Căpățânenii Ungureni → Bâlea Lake → Cârțișoara
• Best Time to Go:July–October
• Highlights:Bâlea Lake, tunnels, sheer drops, and Dracula’s Castle nearby
• Notes:It’s a summer-only route—closed due to snow in winter.

Phot0 by : Helge Pedersen

4 – The Silk Road – Central Asia (above)

Riding the ancient Silk Road is like motorcycling through a living history book. Spanning thousands of kilometers across Central Asia, this route threads together the cultural riches of China, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and beyond. Riders pass through the blue domes of Samarkand, the rugged Tian Shan mountains, and windswept desert roads dotted with camel caravans and ancient caravanserais. The terrain varies from well-paved highways to rugged backroads, making it a true transcontinental adventure.

• Distance:Variable (~4,000+ km)
• Sample Route:Xi’an (China) → Kashgar → Samarkand → Bukhara → Tehran
• Best Time to Go:April–October
• Highlights:Ancient cities, mountain passes, deserts, caravanserais
• Challenges:Border bureaucracy, fuel access, extreme climates

Photo by Lee Klancher

5. Dalton Highway – Alaska, USA (above)

The Dalton Highway is one of the most remote and exhilarating roads in North America. Originally built to support the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, it stretches from Fairbanks to Deadhorse on the edge of the Arctic Ocean. Gravel dominates the route, which winds through vast forests, tundra, and arctic plains. It’s notorious for its isolation, unpredictable weather, and slippery surfaces. Reaching Prudhoe Bay feels like conquering the end of the Earth—an adventure motorcyclist’s rite of passage.

• Distance:~666 km (414 mi)
• Route:Fairbanks → Coldfoot → Deadhorse (Prudhoe Bay)
• Best Time to Go:June–August
• Highlights:Arctic Circle, pipeline, Alaskan wilderness
• Warnings:Slippery when wet; services are few and far between

6. Karakoram Highway – Pakistan to China (above)

Dubbed the “Eighth Wonder of the World,” the Karakoram Highway connects Pakistan and China via the Khunjerab Pass, one of the highest paved international border crossings in the world. The road takes riders through the spectacular Hunza Valley, past ancient fortresses and glaciers that pour off the Karakoram Range. It’s a dramatic clash of nature and civilization where avalanches, landslides, and high-altitude roads keep adrenaline levels high.

• Distance:~1,300 km (810 mi)
• Route:Islamabad → Gilgit → Hunza Valley → Khunjerab Pass → Kashgar
• Elevation:Peaks at 4,693 m at Khunjerab Pass
• Best Time to Go:May–October
• Highlights:Baltit Fort, glaciers, the Indus River canyon
• Safety Note:Road conditions and landslides can be hazardous.

7. Garden Route – South Africa (above)

The Garden Route is a lush, ocean-hugging journey along South Africa’s southern coast. Known for its striking scenery, this relatively short ride from Mossel Bay to Storms River offers dense forests, mountain passes, golden beaches, and the chance to spot elephants, whales, and ostriches along the way. With smooth roads and abundant accommodation options, it’s ideal for riders who want nature and comfort in equal measure.

• Distance:~300 km (190 mi)
• Route:Mossel Bay → Knysna → Plettenberg Bay → Tsitsikamma
• Best Time to Go:September–April
• Highlights:Wildlife, coastlines, forests, ostrich farms

8. Mae Hong Son Loop – Thailand (above)

Twisting through the jungled hills of northern Thailand, the Mae Hong Son Loop is a motorcyclist’s playground, boasting over 1,800 curves in just 600 kilometers. Starting and ending in Chiang Mai, this route passes through Pai, Mae Hong Son, and peaceful countryside peppered with waterfalls, temples, and hot springs. It’s a rider-friendly loop, especially popular with lightweight dual-sport or touring bikes, and offers a unique blend of adventure and comfort.

• Distance:~600 km (373 mi)
• Route:Chiang Mai → Pai → Mae Hong Son → Mae Sariang → Chiang Mai
• Best Time to Go:November–February (cool season)
• Highlights:1,864 curves, rice fields, hot springs, Thai hill tribes
• Tips:Great for mid-level riders and 250cc+ bikes

9. Great Ocean Road – Australia (above)

One of the most iconic coastal drives in the world, Australia’s Great Ocean Road is a thrilling stretch of tarmac along cliffs that plunge into the Southern Ocean. This ride is a sensory overload with every turn—thundering surf, eucalyptus forests, koalas overhead, and the towering Twelve Apostles rock formations. Though it’s only 240 km long, its sweeping bends, clean pavement, and countless viewpoints make it ideal for a relaxed, scenic motorcycle journey.

• Distance:~240 km (150 mi)
• Route:Torquay → Lorne → Apollo Bay → Port Campbell
• Best Time to Go:November–April
• Highlights:Twelve Apostles, ocean cliffs, rainforest detours
• Road Quality:Excellent tarmac; watch for tourists and wildlife.

Photo by Vargis Khan

10. Manali to Leh Highway – India (above)

The ride from Manali to Leh is one of the most breathtaking and challenging journeys in the Himalayas. At nearly 5,300 meters at its highest pass, the route traverses some of the harshest conditions on earth: freezing river crossings, loose scree, snow-melt torrents, and thin oxygen levels. But the reward is immense—moonlike landscapes, Tibetan monasteries, and soul-stirring views that feel otherworldly. This is a pilgrimage route for any serious adventure motorcyclist.

• Distance:~490 km (300 mi)
• Route:Manali → Sarchu → Pang → Leh
• Elevation:Peaks at 5,328 m (Tanglang La Pass)
• Best Time to Go:June–September
• Highlights:Monasteries, passes, high-altitude lakes
• Challenges:Altitude sickness, river crossings, landslides

Gear up for all of your adventures great and small with parts, gear and accessories from Touratech. 

Muddy single trails, dilapidated bridges, hair-raising river crossings – the Touratech Test Team embarks on a spectacular journey through the jungles of northern Thailand towards the border with Myanmar. Also on board: Touratech brand ambassador Charley Boorman, who together with the team takes on the challenge of testing the fully equipped BMW R1300GS on the extreme routes of the adventurous terrain.

Decades of experience and the most modern manufacturing processes guarantee products that withstand even the toughest tests. With its dense rainforest and challenging terrain, the north of Thailand offers the perfect conditions to put the latest Touratech products through their paces. Amidst heat, mud and difficult track conditions, you can see what Touratech equipment can really do. Supported by Peera, the Thai Touratech importer, and the legendary off-road tour guide Pruchayar Chaiyasotthi, better known as “Mr. Art”, the test team embarks on an unforgettable expedition. Watch how the BMW R1300GS and Touratech accessories shine on the adventurous route through the jungles of Thailand and get exciting insights into the testing process that is essential for real adventure riders. this film is a lot of fun!