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!

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.

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!

We sent our team into the field to test EVO Suspension. We’re really excited about this amazing step up in suspension technology and nothing illustrates the upgrade like switching from stock suspension to Touratech EVO.

Touratech Suspension Plug & Travel EVO shocks for the BMW R1200GS, GSA and R1250GS, GSA are the next generation of semi-active suspension upgrades that work with the stock BMW electronics. Re-designed from the ground up, this system features revolutionary technical innovations that provide you with a greater range of adjustment, better damping performance, and dramatically improved comfort on your water-cooled BMW R1200GS or R1250GS. Developed in a years-long collaboration between the suspension team at Touratech and renowned suspension producers JRZ and Eibach, the Plug & Travel EVO series is now setting new standards for performance and reliability.

See our full line of Touratech Suspension products for BMW Motorcycles Here.

Purging the old oil and nitrogen prior to disassembly.

As soon as we got home, I gave the folks at Touratech USA a call. Back then as now, Touratech offers high-end Extreme front and rear shocks developed in Germany and built in the Netherlands by TracTive for 2007-2013 BMW oil-cooled R 1200 GS models. Although there’s more emphasis on the company’s replacement shocks with electronic suspension adjustment (ESA) these days, Touratech still sells and services TracTive Extreme components for many ADV bikes. These components are popular among riders who like to “geek out” on manually set suspension settings and get more in touch with their bike.

After 10,000 miles, the old shock oil (on left) didn’t look too bad compared to the new slippery stuff.

Once I mounted up the Extreme shocks on my Beemer, I couldn’t have been more pleased. I wrote a full Touratech motorcycle suspension review for Rider in 2013, including a complete rundown of the shocks’ specs and features.

Suffice it to say that the rear Extreme shock solved all my load carrying and handling problems and gave the bike a much better ride to boot. For that 2013 review, however, I wasn’t aware that Touratech specifies “regular” service intervals for its Extreme shocks. That makes sense; unlike the stock shock, as usual a poor compromise between performance and longevity, better performance means using parts that may wear. For comparison, rock-hard stock tires (a.k.a. rim protectors) versus premium replacement rubber with good grip but less longevity come to mind.

The complete set of disassembled shock parts laid out for inspection. Mine also needed a new seal head and bump stop.

Touratech says that whether it’s time for shock service at 10,000 miles or 30,000 miles really depends upon how hard the shock is used and how concerned the owner may be about preventing problems on a long remote ride. Over time, shock oil breaks down and gets contaminated, seals wear, and nitrogen pressure decreases, all leading to reduced performance and longevity issues, and you don’t want to damage something like the shock shaft, for example, by waiting too long. If you’re the type who’d rather not make the call, Touratech recommends two years or 20,000 miles on its Suspension Service Center website.

In my case, the first interval turned out to be almost exactly 10,000 miles when I noticed that the lower shock seal was weeping oil – the first stage in the “weeping, seeping, leaking” progression from bad to worse. An hour later, I had the shock boxed up and ready to ship to Touratech in Seattle. Once service is complete, return shipping is included in the $150 fee ($200 for ESA shocks). In my case, it was Touratech’s slower season, so the turnaround time was only about two weeks, but it can take up to five at busier times.

              The old parts were returned neatly packaged along with the fully serviced shock –

impressive. Ready for 10,000 to 30,000 more miles.

For this conventional shock service, Nick at Touratech disassembled, cleaned, and inspected the shock body and shaft, preload adjuster, damping piston, and shims. Replacing the damping piston ring is included. If any other worn or damaged parts need replacing (like the bump stop and seal head on my shock), Touratech only charges the cost of the parts – all labor is included. The remote reservoir did not need servicing, but oddly, the retainer ring for the lower clevis had come partially adrift, so Nick replaced the lower clevis, retainer ring, and circlip for good measure. The gang at Touratech had never seen this happen before; must have been that big jump…

Once the shock was reassembled with fresh oil and nitrogen, Nick carefully boxed it up and shipped it back, and I was riding the BMW again within three weeks. Although I hadn’t noticed any degradation in performance before it was serviced, the rear suspension felt firm, supple, and controlled, as good as the first day I installed the Extreme shock back in 2013.

Touratech also changes shock springs and services its electronic shocks and fork cartridges, all at a reasonable cost with free return shipping – all good reasons to consider putting its suspension products on your ADV bike in the first place.

For more information about Touratech Suspension, visit the Touratech website. 

Find more great reviews from Rider Magazine!

Episode 18 – After digging himself out of a sandy situation , Sterling rides some enjoyable pavement across northern Vancouver Island to Port Hardy and spends the night at a beautiful campground before his ferry ride to Bella Coola.

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

Episode 17 -After 40 days of riding and motorcycle camping, Sterling finds what he was looking for at Side Bay on British Columbia’s wild west coast.

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