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!

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. 

 

Off road motorcycling demands a high degree of physical stamina, control, and coordination. Each of our appendages – hands and feet – are doing completely different things. Motorcycling also requires tremendous mental acuity and focus. I wanted to train in all of this and have fun doing it!

My solution? I bought an electric drum kit! WOW! This is quite an experience. I’m a total beginner again. When I bought the e-drum kit I thought to myself, “maybe I should practice a bit before I take lessons.” That made me laugh at myself, because moto students often ask, “Am I good enough to take your class?” With this in mind, I immediately signed up for drum lessons!

 

 

It’s only been a few weeks and I’m having a blast! I’m learning to use my right and left hands and feet independently of each other. Sometimes my right hand is playing a cymbal at 8 counts per measure, while my right foot is playing bass; and the left hand is playing snare alternating at 4 counts per measure each. On the bike I’m very coordinated. On the drums, not so much. I’m learning, getting better each day, and having so much fun!

 

 

So, what does this have to do with motorcycle training and riding?

1. Everyone is a beginner at some point. Be patient. Don’t take yourself so seriously, laugh out loud if you goof up. Then try again.

2. Take lessons from a professional. The great thing about working with brand new riders is they usually do not have bad habits that need fixing!

3. If it’s too cold to ride you can still find ways to train:

   • Static balance on the bike in the garage

   • Up-level your fitness at the gym with the SheADVantage training program

   • Improve agility by taking dance class – great for fitness, balance, and it keeps your brain sharp

   • Increase strength, agility, and learn how to fall by taking a martial arts or gymnastics class

   • Learn to play the drums

   • Train your brain and learn better line choice analyzing moto videos

   • Improve your visual acuity and peripheral awareness using free online resources

   • Watch moto videos and pretend you’re riding, using clutch, throttle, and brakes. (Seriously! You may look and feel goofy but it’s fun, especially if you make moto noises!)

   • Be creative! Anything you can do to increase strength (especially core), agility, coordination, mental focus, and visual acuity helps!

   • Meditation calms the mind and increases focus and clarity. There are lots of different ways to meditate, including moving meditations like ‘Labyrinth circles’

   • Practice, practice, practice. You’ll get so much doing something for 15 minutes each day!

4. Journal about the riding you did last year. What worked? What did not work for you? This is not about beating yourself up. It’s about learning what works for you.

5. Use the power of good habits to create the outcomes you want. Whether it’s meditation and journaling, working out, good nutrition, or getting enough sleep. Good habits and self-care make you better!

Give yourself the grace to be a beginner and learn. Whatever you do, have fun!

 

 

While motorcycles anchor us, it’s the connections and the collective spirit that defines our community. After covering nearly 12,000 miles on two wheels this year (that’s four rear tires with a little tread left to spare, if you’re counting), with fuel stops in ten western states, countless campsites, and a wealth of great memories, the truly shining moments for me are the shared ones.

Swapping stories around the fire, BDR adventures with friends, grabbing a bed and shower at another rider’s house, tackling a flat tire— together. Whether you realize it or not, each of us inadvertently contributes to this vibrant community— be it showing up at a rally, stopping by the dualsport meetup for a beer, or posting a glossy picture of your GS on that mountain pass.

Sometimes it’s the small gestures (tossing a tank bag granola bar to your riding buddy) and casual interactions (throwing a biker-wave while standing on the pegs) that weave the fabric of an incredible community. Other times, building community is an intentional act, like the work we’ve been doing with SheADV this year.

 

 

 

 

Originally started in 2016 by Touratech, SheADV has been kept afloat by Shal Wilson ever since. Speaking of shining moments, 2023 marked a significant chapter for this organization dedicated to empowering women on two wheels. We cranked up the energy this year, hosting and attending events and providing more all-women’s rider training than ever before. We achieved some of our aspirations and missed the mark on others. But, if adventure riding teaches you anything, it’s resilience and we’re going strong— fueled by the excitement of what the new year holds.

So, again in the spirit of the season, here’s to the ladies— whether we’re counterbalancing around cones in class or spitting dust on a day ride, there’s something super-special about sharing motorcycles with other women. Needless to say, we’re stoked to see more of you out there.

 

 

 

 

And to all the men out there, I would never leave you out of the accolades— you’re fantastic as well. In all my years of being a girl who likes doing dude-things, I’ve yet to come across a finer group of guys than those who ride adventure bikes. Sure, a shared interest in riding brought us together, but the longer I’ve been immersed in this world, the more evident it becomes— beyond the bikes, it’s the remarkable individuals that define ADV motorcycling and the camaraderie we share is truly something special.

So when you’re sitting around this winter, checking your battery tender, itching for spring, and feeling all contemplative, give yourself a little pat on the back for the times that you gave a wave to another rider, pulled your tire kit out on the trail to help a stranger, and hung out around the rally campfire swapping stories.

 

 

As the new year rolls in, here’s to all the trails that await us in 2024, to being the lone rider and part of this awesome ADV community, alike. Cheers to getting after it, finding the next adventure, coming home dustier, happier, and wiser than before… hopefully with dry boots. Wishing you all an awesome year ahead!

P.S. — If you’re looking to be reminded of how great this community is, I highly recommend hitting a rally or two this year and a couple of my favorites are on the horizon. The Desert Adventure Rally, that Sterling Noren and I host in Bisbee, AZ, is happening from April 9-14 (https://www.thejonquil.com/desert-adv-rally). And the inimitable Touratech Rally, which is chock full of ADV-inspiration, is happening June 27-30 in Plain, WA (https://www.touratechrally.com/). Hope to see you there!

Eva Rupert is a SheADV board member,  rider, adventurer, event planner and curator of energy and awesomeness.

This class is an in-depth, deep dive into the Zumo XT2. Get your GPS Unit out and get better at motorcycle travel today!

The new Zumo XT2 Motorcycle Navigator from Garmin is a fantastic tool for the hardcore traveler or the weekend warrior. It’s an updated and larger screened version of the popular Garmin Zumo XT Motorcycle Navigator.

GPS expert and rider of all things with two-wheels, Eric Archambault is Touratech’s “Go To Pro” when it comes to navigation training. 

Shop for the Zumo XT2 Here

Eric Archambault is one of the original members of the Touratech-USA race team, with an impressive second place finish in the Adventure Bike class at the 2014 Stumpjumper abroad a KTM 950 Adventure. His love for two-wheeled racing spans many disciplines, from west coast desert racing to east coast hare scrambles, navigation rallies to minimoto racing. He now lives in New Hampshire where his riding is focused on running laps on the woods course in his backyard and racing vintage Vespas and obscure European minibike at local kart tracks.

Screen Size

As mentioned above the Zumo XT2 features a larger 6” screen, in contrast to the Zumo XT’s 5-1/2” screen. Both are glove friendly, high definition, glass style screens, the modern standard that was introduced on the Zumo XT. After spending almost a decade relying on a Garmin Montana 600 with an almost industrial resolution 4” screen, both of these screens seem huge and modern to me. Honestly if they aren’t side by side I can’t tell the difference at a casual glance.

 

 

Power Cradle Wiring

While both cradles use the same plastic mount, and both the Zumo XT and Zumo XT2 will fit either, the power delivered has changed. This is worth noting if you are upgrading, you will want to swap your Zumo XT cradle for the Zumo XT2 cradle. Since the Zumo XT2 uses a 12 volt battery there is no longer a small box on the wiring loom to drop the power down to the lower voltage of the Zumo XT. This will allow easier and cleaner wiring into the motorcycle, especially if you are just adding a power plug to move the cradle between motorcycles. 

 

 

Smartphone Integration 

This is where the biggest change has been made. On the phone side of things Garmin’s “Tread” app replaces the “Drive” app used on the Zumo XT. The “Drive” app was basically just installed on your phone to provide the connection to your phone’s wireless network and other smartphone integration (music and calls most notably), there wasn’t much you could do on the app itself. The “Tread” app is also used by Garmin’s other off-road motor vehicle GPS units (the Overland and Tread), and provides many features found in Garmin’s “Explore” app that is used by many of Garmin’s current handheld GPS units and fitness watches. Saved tracks, waypoints, and routes can be shown or hidden, modified, and created, then these changes will be pushed to the GPS unit. Basically this is mirroring the functions you can do on the Zumo XT2 unit itself. While Garmin has made huge improvements over the last decade making their GPS units more user friendly, almost everyone is going to be more comfortable and quicker making changes on their phone.

 

 

Software

Overall the basic operating system seems to be the same between the two units, with some menu changes. Garmin has added more notes within menus and more shortcuts to different menus, nothing is more than a few clicks away on the Zumo XT2. One of the big changes I noticed was the lack of “Ride Modes” or “Profiles” on the Zumo XT2. I suspect this was a feature not used by many in the past, and even less with most cars having their own integrated navigations systems and folks no longer moving one GPS between their motorcycle and car. Personally I did use this function quite a lot, probably from my time on older units that required maps to be switched depending on what I was doing. That being said the Zumo XT2 has a lot of shortcuts to make map layer changes and routing changes, I can’t say the lack of “Ride Modes” is a major detraction.

 

 

Track, Route & Waypoint Management

The Zumo XT uses the familiar system of management for tracks, routes, and waypoints, with separate managers for each. This has been Garmin’s system since the earliest handheld GPS units that I used (the GPSMap60) almost twenty years ago, and still is used for Garmin’s handheld GPS units such as the Montana 700 series. 

By using the Tread app on the phone side of things (as mentioned above), on the Zumo XT2 the management of tracks, routes, and waypoints are all done using the “Explore” tool on the GPS unit. There are still separate shortcuts with the traditional names that also bring you to same “Explore” tool. A neat function of the “Explore” tool is all of the tracks, routes, and waypoints can be placed into “Collections” similar to how you can in Garmin Basecamp on the computer. These collections can then be show or hidden as a group, making it very convenient to declutter your map of planned trip data when you don’t need it shown.

The only downside of the “Explore” tool is that individual tracks and waypoints can’t be shown or hidden, only collections have that option. While this is great for big trips, such as one of the many epic Backcountry Discovery Routes, it did take some getting used to for smaller one-off things. I worked around this by making a collection just for showing select tracks and waypoints, and moving them into and out of that collection as needed, much the same way I used to select to show or hide tracks and waypoints individually. Depending how you currently use your track and waypoint managers this may not be an issue for you. Honestly for me, it was just a slight rethinking of my methods for the small things, and I was able to really leverage the “collection” based show and hide for bigger trips and projects.

The new version is available in the same Bare Aluminum, Silver Anodized, and Black Anodized finishes as before.

 

 

 

Group Ride

During my testing I didn’t have the opportunity to ride with someone else using a Zumo XT2, so was unable to use this feature. For years a feature like this has been a campfire wish at Touratech Rallies for use on group rides. I know Garmin has offered a similar feature in the past, and has been using the Tread app on other platforms for a few years now, I suspect they came through with a well designed tool.

 

Closing

Both the Zumo XT and Zumo XT2 are great GPS units, and the difference is more than skin deep. Garmin definitely increased the smartphone integration on the Zumo XT2 with the one-two punch of the Tread app on the phone and the Explore tool on the GPS. I suspect we’ll see this pairing further mature and have increased capabilities as time goes on. The Zumo XT is the ultimate iteration of the classic Zumo platform in terms of off-road navigation due to its large, modern screen. Users of previous generation Zumo GPS units will be at home with the familiar track and waypoint mangers and functions. 

When selecting between the two the question I’d ask would be if the new features the Zumo XT2 offers are something you are interested in, would use, and are willing to spend the time to learn. If you don’t like change the Zumo XT is there, and has a very comparable screen, but with the menus and mangers you already know. 

You can learn how to use your Zumo XT and/or Zumo XT2 in one of our GPS Immersion Classes Here.

 

Eric Archambault is one of the original members of the Touratech-USA race team, with an impressive second place finish in the Adventure Bike class at the 2014 Stumpjumper abroad a KTM 950 Adventure. His love for two-wheeled racing spans many disciplines, from west coast desert racing to east coast hare scrambles, navigation rallies to minimoto racing. He now lives in New Hampshire where his riding is focused on running laps on the woods course in his backyard and racing vintage Vespas and obscure European minibike at local kart tracks.

 

Check out Navigation products (including the Garmin Zumo XT/XT2) Here

 

When I step on to my mat, I claim it as “my personal space” where I can drop into my body and out of my mind.

When left to its own devices, my mind seems to take over with all the thoughts. When I say this, I don’t just mean unhealthy thoughts. While thoughts of doom and gloom, loneliness or fear of the unknown take up residence more often than I’d like, my mind is just as busy thinking of new things to try, create and start-up. While these so-called “good thoughts” keep my life full of adventure and joy, I do need some down-time!

Yoga means “union” in Sanskrit. The union of mind, body, man and nature and, ultimately, the union of individual consciousness and universal consciousness. Deep, I know, right? But oh so important to the development of ourselves and our world! Could we be contributing to the evolution of humankind every time we straddle our trusty steeds? Maybe?! What I know for sure is that I have experienced a similar union of mind & body when I hit the forest roads and trails here in the mountains of Colorado. The two are delicately connected as I make my way from pavement to dirt and traverse varied terrain all while taking in beautiful vistas and breathing deeply the fresh air of the great outdoors.

 

 

When we ride, there isn’t much room for ruminating thoughts or for staying stuck and spinning on the challenges we’re currently facing or difficult situations we find ourselves in at work or home. No, our minds and bodies are fully engaged in the act of riding. Anyone who rides understands there are a dozen different things we must hold focus on, such as our posture on the bike, our balance on two wheels, the movement of the bike underneath us as we navigate technical terrain, and keeping track of our riding buddy behind us.

All of this focus and awareness of our body, our bike, the people, wildlife and objects around us, as well as our fellow riders, leaves very little space for thinking about anything else. In yoga, I refer to this as dropping into our body and being present with what is. Surely you’ve experienced this yourself. Nothing else exists or matters when you are in the zen of riding your motorcycle.

 

 

The focused thought needed for riding on the trail isn’t conducive to pondering the amount of stress you were facing at work yesterday nor will it leave space for worrying about how you’ll pay your bills on Monday. Your mind is singularly focused on the road ahead of you, the bike underneath you, and the glorious landscapes all around you.

The enjoyment we experience tackling a tough terrain or pushing our edge ever so slightly to make it up a hill or through a water crossing edges out the space in our mind that was previously occupied by worry, sadness, grief or anxiety. As yoga teachers, we often guide students to “find your edge” in a pose. Finding, or exploring, your edge involves understanding the balance between challenge and ease. I encounter this principle every time I ride. I consciously take on a challenge that I haven’t faced before and live the mantra “Better every ride” whether it’s taking on a new terrain or adding to my endurance with a longer ride in miles or hours, at the end of the ride, I take stock in knowing I’ve challenged myself, accomplished something new, lived my mantra “better every ride” and pushed myself to an edge where comfort and courage intersect. This is where growth happens in a yoga practice and I have found the same in my moto journey.

Mindfulness is a mental state achieved through focusing our awareness on the present moment. One could say that we can ride mindlessly, however, I would argue that is when errors happen and accidents occur. I choose to ride mindfully. How does riding stack up to meditation you ask? Meditation is actually a generic term that encompasses various forms of attention practices including moving meditation which is how I would describe what I experience when riding. Riding a dual sport or adventure bike requires a focus of attention and connection between the mind and body I don’t experience driving my truck or hiking on the trails.

Years ago I found peace and solace, challenge and growth, health and healing through yoga. Today I am finding the same through riding and motorcycle adventures – what a grand surprise!

Christine Kathryn is a rider, yoga teacher and part of the SheADV leadership team. Find out more about SheADV Here!

Touratech Lower Crash Bars for Husqvarna Norden 901 will fit the Norden Expedition after some modifications to the stock skid plate. Touratech upper crash bars attach to the Touratech lower bars once installed.

These instructions are provided to assist customers who wish to make the skid plate modifications. Some people may want to use a professional fabricator or installer to attempt this project as this is not just a simple bolt-on solution.

The following images show interference areas (circled in red) between the Touratech Crashbar inner mounting bracket and the factory Norden Expedition skidplate.

The areas marked with a blue X need to be removed from the aluminum skid plate.

Yellow circles show areas of factory skid plate that have had material removed. Use a grinder, file, or sander to smooth the edges.

The top edge of the skidplate will need relief cuts to avoid interference with the portion of the crashbar that bolts to lower radiator mount. This can be done with a half-round file or sanding drum.

The factory skidplate spacer can be cut and repositioned to align with the three countersunk mounting holes in the bottom of the skidplate. Follow remainder of Touratech instructions for installation. https://cdn.touratech-usa.com/09-414-5155-0.pdf

Three countersunk flathead bolts for the bottom of the skidplate are not included with the Touratech crashbar kit. You will need to source those three bolts locally.

Touratech offers crash bars in Electroplated Stainless Steel finish (shown here) #414-5155, or Black Epoxy Coated Stainless Steel #414-5156. Link to purchase: https://www.touratech-usa.com/store/Lower-Crash%20Bars-Husqvarna-Norden-901

Upper crash bars can be added #414-5162 (SS) or #414-5163 (Blk). Link to purchase: https://www.touratech-usa.com/store/Upper-Crash-Bars-Husqvarna-Norden-901

Call 1 (800) 491-2926 or email sales@touratech-usa.com with questions.

Episode 8 – Riding Solo AZ to BC: Motorcycle Camping in a Dust Storm on the Black Rock Desert Playa

After waking up in the Sierra Nevada Mountains of California I head north to Nevada and camp on the Black Rock Desert during a windstorm.

Touratech USA is once again proud to support rider and filmmaker, Sterling Noren as he embarks on another epic solo journey on his BMW R1250GS. This season he travels over 8000 miles from his home in Arizona and to beautiful British Columbia and  back. It’s a terrific adventure and one that every rider, no matter the experience level or bike genre should watch.

Touratech parts on the trip include:

Zega Panniers

Crash Bars

Rallyeform Skid Plate

Aventuro Carbon 2 Helmet

www.touratech-usa.com

Launched in 1990 by German world travelers Herbert Schwarz and Jochen Schanz, Touratech became the world’s first adventure-motorcycle-focused aftermarket accessories brands.

The products, highlighted by Zega pannier systems and motorcycle protection for the top-selling ADV models, garnered the worldwide attention of serious long-distance tourers and weekend warriors alike.

Soon Touratech shops began spreading around the globe. To date, Touratech is now represented in 45 countries, including the USA, where stateside operations called Seattle home. Due to the brand’s popularity among American riders, Touratech decided to spread its ADV love to the East Coast, opening another shop in Brookfield, Connecticut.

The store allows something many ADV riders crave before purchasing—hands-on time with higher-priced items such as the Zega Evo Pannier system or Garmin GPS units or trying on Touratech Adventuro modular helmets or Klim gear. The shop acts as a storefront with many of Touratech’s latest products on display, including crash bars, skid plates, suspension, luggage, GPS, and of course, apparel.

But it’s not only Touratech products; many other brands associated with Touratech are sold at the Touratech East shop, including Garmin, CruzTools, Backcountry Discovery Routes, Sidi, Ram, Butler Maps, and others.

The shop also doubles as a distribution center, which reduces shipping times and costs for customers east of the Mississippi; all customers west of the Mississippi receive their products from the Seattle shop.

The storefront also has a few adventure motorcycling experts on hand to answer any questions.

 

We talked with the man who helped get the shop on 67 Federal Road up and running and now manages it, Steve Pospolita.

The central Connecticut native has spent over 30 years in the automotive/powersports/motorcycle industries, including much time with products like Holley Performance Products. He also spent 16 years at a popular motorcycle magazine and has a huge passion for the Touratech brand and its products.

Speaking of the opening of the Touratech-USA East, Pospolita, General Manager of Touratech-USA East, says “The popularity of ADV bikes has exploded recently. The versatility and comfort of ADV bikes are finally being recognized. New England and east coast riders are realizing the potential of riding ADV bikes on and off-road. Riders love when a company caters to their passion, and Touratech does just that. The company is now represented on the east coast, becoming a destination for many riders up and down the east coast.”

Although the store has only been open for two months, it has already become an ADV stopover for many travelers. Pospolita says part of Touratech’s goal is to have the shop become a stop for long-distance travelers, and many have already made the store a stopover on their ADV treks. The store was recently visited by a group traveling from Florida to Canada and a solo rider traveling from Pittsburgh to Maine. “We also get regular customers from Albany, New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. The word has spread quickly!”

 

Although the shop doesn’t provide parts installation, Pospolita has a toolbox in the back to help out. He has provided wrenches to customers who have installed parts on their motorcycles right outside the door’s entrance.

Customers experience a wide display of products, including a fully kitted BMW R 1250 GS and Yamaha Ténéré 700. The store has sections dedicated to models like the KTM 1290 Super Adventure and Harley-Davidson Pan America. There’s also a red display with basically every CruzTools available and a green stand dedicated to the Backcountry Discovery Routes, including Butler Maps, DVDs, and stickers that long-distance travelers crave, among other things.

The back of the store acts as a distribution center that gets a visit from delivery service trucks twice daily—products come in just as quickly as they are shipped or sold within the store.

Speaking of the success of the store so far, Pospolita says, “We’ve had a soft launch and only open a couple of weeks, but the positivity is flowing—something expected of adventure riders with happy attitudes. So far pannier cases and riding gear—especially gloves—have been the top sellers. And many are happy they can come touch a product before making a purchase. That’s just the nature of this type of product-based market. We just heard a customer quote at the front counter ”everything I need within 150 miles of my house. Oh yeah!”

Looking to visit? The store follows the same schedules popularized by automotive and motorcycle dealerships within the New England area, offering a Tuesday through Saturday.

 

Touratech-USA East, Brookfield

67 Federal Rd.

Brookfield, CT 06804

 

Phone: (800) 491-2926

 

Store Hours:

• Tuesday–Friday:9:30 a.m. – 6 p.m. ET
• Saturday: 8:30 a.m.– 5 p.m. ET