Time to pay tribute to what has basically become a "permanent fixture" in this motorcycle traveler's busy lifestyle: The Ortlieb "Moto Rack-Pack" by Ortlieb USA.

While the 2014 KTM 690 Enduro R that I picked up recently was only slightly used, the previous owner reminded me in the form of liquid weld just what can happen if the engine isn't protected. As shown in the picture below, something clearly "got in there" and punctured the clutch cover, and while the liquid weld was holding up pretty well, it was also just leaking slightly enough that it was time to just replace the cover itself.

Winter has finally cleared and some long-awaited sunshine here in Oregon made for a brief photo shoot this morning. Introducing to you: The nameless behemoth that many riders will see up close on motorcycle trips, and at rallies, races, and events in the coming years....the new RIDE Adventures Mercedes Sprinter Van.

As the original handlebar position on my latest bike just isn't tall enough for me, I've installed yet another pair of what I call a "no brainer" in the motorcycle parts & accessories world: Handlebar risers by Rox Speed FX.

Perhaps the only thing more fun about putting new parts & accessories on a motorcycle is confirming that they actually work to protect your bike!

Don't consider the incredible duration since the last blog post as a suggestion that we're "taking a break." Actually, it's projects like this one and your bookings that are keeping us busier than ever!!!

Saving a little weight often seems like a lost cause on a 500+ pound "pig" like my BMW R1200GS Adventure, but then again, every little bit helps. Some significant weight was shaved with aftermarket exhaust last year and of course heading to the gym recently has helped as well, but these last 10 pounds lost from my adventure riding setup come thanks to Shorai Power!

What should we call this technique, anyway? It's not jump-starting, as we never touched the battery, and it's not bump-starting, because neither bike wasn't actually rolling. Out of respect for the single cylinder 4-stroke thumper that started the bigger BMW, should we call it Thump-starting?