BMW Motorrad is the most successful manufacturer of large-capacity touring enduros, but unless you’re an avid do-it-yourselfer there hasn’t been an Adventure variant class midsize bike based on the F800GS to parallel the R1200GS Adventure… until now.

Mid-day riding the Bradshaw Trail and Red Canyon just south-east of Palm Springs, and I’m struck by a “hot weather” realization, the Macna Alpine Pants I’ve paired with the Geo jacket have vents. Not just vents, but 3D mesh vents mid-thigh. Hitting 50+ kph in the sand washes, standing there is a lovely cooling vortex sweeping my thighs and around to my buttocks.

“We’ve canceled beverage service for this flight due to turbulence”, the pilot announces. For the duration of the flight the twin-turbo prop is batted around by the wind like a cat toying with a mouse. My broken left clavicle moves in ways that are wrong… I should have made a more concerted effort to find the painkillers back in SeaTac.

A number of eyebrows were raised when BMW sold Husqvarna to Stefan Pierre of KTM, a mere five years after BMW acquired the Italian dirtbike mark from MV Agusta. BMW’s move makes sense in light of today’s announcement of a long-term cooperation agreement with India’s TVS Motor Company, positioning BMW for reentry into the sub-500cc market.

We’ve been big fans of Barkbusters’ Storms for adventure riding, but not everyone needs a plastic umbrella of coverage per hand.  Luckily, Barkbusters has introduced their new JET line for 2013 – an affordable handguard solution for dual-sport, trail and enduro bikes.

Perhaps you consider yourself jeopardy friendly, a risk taker, an extremist? If so might I suggest a new undertaking, because no matter how hardcore you are, you are squat compared to a volunteer Mexican ambulance driver.

“There’s some ruts,” comes Kevin’s voice over the Interphone F5 communicator. We’ve done the tough stuff, and right now we are riding from the Panaderia to the beach with a brown bag of fresh baked goods for breakfast. I divert my attention from Kevin riding ahead to the road directly in front of me. I look up, and it all goes wrong.

Nicky Hayden spices up a date with yet another supermodel, by sneaking out with Ducati’s new 2013 Hypermotard. How that boy must suffer… from Ducati marketing’s slightly cheesy scripts. Still the new Hypermotard steals the show; with 20 more bhp and 9lbs less weight than the outgoing, air-cooled 1100s.

As any of the leather chaps and jacket cruiser set knows, there’s a fine and uncomfortable line between motorcycle gear and what’s worn in the local fetish scene. Now, Puma’s Ducati Gear has made the jump from metrosexual to kink… And, from a marketing perspective that’s not a bad thing.

While it’s not going to win points for cinematography, Motorcycle.com has posted a video review of the 2013 liquid… Er, “Precision” cooled BMW R1200GS.

Celebrating the manliness of adventure motorcycling with craft cocktails and artisan food awaiting you at camp seems a bit incongruous, but that’s what the “Wilderness Collective – Legendary Adventures for Men” offers up.

Short documentary shot on super 16mm relating the hopes and desires of those who go for a road trip.

To say I’ve been anticipating Rally Raid Products UK EVO 2 690 Adventure R Kit is an understatement. For rougher riding, like that offered in British Columbia, the 690 Adventure R is a mythical beast that the dualsport and adventure market keeps asking KTM for, and KTM keeps ignoring. So, it’s great to see Rally Raid UK answer the call, especially given the quality of their previous tank kit.

Press day at the Long Beach Progressive International Motorcycle show, and flocks of journalists are shepherded booth to booth for repeat product announcements and unveilings already disclosed at the European shows. With the impact of the reveal thus stolen, what becomes relevant?

Our late return of Triumph’s Tiger 800 XC (video) reveals more than a pattern of constant truancy and tardiness, it provides commentary on the form of adventure bikes and the nature of testing them compared to other types of motorcycle.

The MoJavi Saddlebag meets the need for dual sport and adventure riders who only want the essentials for day rides. With a crash-proof, tree-proof and possibly bomb-proof universal strap system th MoJavi will accommodate inner tubes, tools, tire pries, fluids, a bit of lunch, a emergency blanket and other “save a ride” necessities to make a day out safer and more comfortable.
Available from: Giant Loop in the US or MotoOverland in Canada.
Price: $219.00

A guide to more than 30 of the world’s best journeys for the adventure motorcyclist. The each route includes a first-hand account from someone who has made the trip together with comprehensive information on what to expect in terms of riding conditions, the best time to travel, choice of motorcycle, the history of the route, sights along the way, climate information and all kinds of other practical advice, all accompanied by top-class photography and detailed maps.
Price: $25.71
Available from: Amazon

The SPOT Satellite Connect turn’s a smartphone into a satellite communications device capable of sending custom email and text messages, updating progress, checking-in online, requesting help, or sending an SOS. That last one is the unit’s show piece, as the unit provides a GPS location to the GEOS International Emergency Response Coordination Center (IERCC), who can then coordinate a rider’s extraction.
Price: $149.95
Available from: Twisted Throttle