Which motorcycle to ride for a trip or even just daily use, that is the question? All one needs to do is google the question and you will have your answer. Well, you will have every answer, reason, debate, video/article comparing every make and model of bike available. Honestly, it’s fucking overwhelming. On top of that, simply read the comments section and you will have every Tom, Dick, and Harry telling you which bike they would use and why. Keyword is, “would”. Most want to insert their opinion by telling you what bike is best and for you. Thing is, most don’t seem to have much, if any, boots on the bike experience in the field that is being talked about. There will always be a battle over brand marks; “BMW is better than KTM”, “Hondas are so easy to fix”, “KLRs are bulletproof”, blah blah blah. I could go on at length about my complaints but instead Ill just take “an opportunity to shut the fuck up“.

End of the day its YOUR trip, and whatever bike you choose to ride is your fucking choice. Whether it be a Honda, Kawasaki, BMW, or KTM,n its your ass in the seat and your ass alone. My thoughts since you asked… If it has two wheels, runs, gets you where you want, and you enjoy being on it is all that really fucking matters. I know I did and I couldn’t feel better about it. Some people spend $10 on shoes some spend $100. One person likes Coke while the other prefers Pepsi. All I can say is buy one, ride it, and smile ear to ear baby!

My Scooter of choice and why…

After all my countless hours of research I personally have chosen a 2017 BMW f800gs.

I narrowed it down to 3 motorcycles that fit what I was looking for. They were; Triumph Tiger, KTM Adventure, and BMW GS. I chose the BMW simple because I wanted to be like Charley and Ewen! Kidding of course. However there is a reason that those two chose BMW, they are reliable. After all my research I came to the same conclusion, BMW Motorcycles are reliable and will last. So far it has been my experience. Luckily we have a wonderful family owned and operated BMW Motorcycle dealership, Sierra BMW, here in Reno, NV.

What I wanted… I wanted a bike bigger, and a bit heavier, than my previous KLR 650. The trip I took in the States with that bike was wonderful but when windy, which happened regularly, I would have to fight all day leaning just to keep it vertical. As well, I wanted something with a little more power to it. There is something to be said about powering past a a semi or RV up hill with just the bend of the wrist. The 800 wont blow your hair back but it feels so stable when jamming at 80mph.

Why the 800 and not the 1200… To be honest I didn’t even know BMW made an 800 before I stated doing research. On the road I had seen a million and one 1200s and a handful of 650s. Once I discovered the 800 I quickly fell in love with it. What I liked or like about it over the 1200 is simple really. One, it is simply smaller in size both engine but also just regular body mass. When I stood by the 12s my only thought was how big they were. The first thing I noticed was the giant gas tank that sat atop with two protruding piston heads sticking out the sides. Nothing wrong with that, I just simply wanted something a little more streamlined. The 800 still has the tried and true, “parallel-Twin” but instead it is packed into the frame with of the bike. The gas tank sits under the seat instead of on the top on the bike behind the handle bars. I loved the idea of the center of gravity being under my ass instead of in front at chest height. I looked at the “Adventure Model” which has a 6gal gas tank instead of a 4gal. It also comes with engine guards, and pannier racks, and a bigger front fairing of plastic. I had the wonderful privilege of having Lane Swall, General Manager of Sierra BMW, help me out and walk me through both models of the 800s. I told him, “I want to camp off my bike. I would like to be able to ride 200 miles of tarmac, turn off at a fire road, and follow it till it ends. I don’t ride single track dirt and go super fast. I want something that’s “easier” to pick up solo if I drop it. He told me to go with the standard 800. It has less plastics to break and replace when dropped. He also suggested I could mount a Rotopax on the bike for an extra added gallon or two of gas. I am so happy I did! I love my bike. The feel of how it rides, the size of it, the way it handles and the look of it.

What I added…

• Camel Tank: (an added 1.7gal gas tank that mounts between the back right pannier and bike. Super simple and easy to install. No drilling in gas tank and siphons right out. Also the Camel Tank drains first and then your regular tank. This leave your hardwired gas gage reading true and untouched.

• BMW Panniers & Top Box: I love them simply because they are keyed with the bike! Same key for the ignition and the panniers. I also like the hard style. When I drop the bike like an asshole in an empty parking lot they help protect it. More importantly for my travels, local or abroad, I wanted to be able to have everything completely lock up and secure. Soft panniers seem great I just didn’t like the idea of being able to slice them open. I bought a pair of Saddlemen lid organizers. Love them. I glued extra velcro to the organizers and the lids and they stay nice and snug. What is usually wasted space in the panniers is now full of my little needs like, head lamp, shit tickets, shaving kit, tent repair kit, paracord, etc., all nicely organized and easy to get to when needed.

• Rotopax: Originally this was bought and mounted for a 1gal gas can. I used it for a while and liked it but after discovering and using the Camel Tank I bought a Rotopax water can instead. Camping where I do and the way I do it is always nice to have a gallon of drinkable water the minute I hop off the bike at camp. I also carry a water filter but after riding through a few spots in Arizona and Utah I realized there isn’t alway a clean running water source near by. I also like the idea that I don’t have to fill bottles or a bladder to jam into my already full panniers or carry on my person.

• Sargent World Sport Performance Seat: As most know when buying any bike the stock seat is usually so uncomfortable. I originally tried a comfort touring seat from Touratech but I did not like the feel of it nor the fit. I sat really far off the lines of the bike, looked weird and made me feel the guts under the seat were exposed to the elements. My Sargent seat fits perfectly and is very comfortable. Every ass is different so get one you like cause it will make your riding so much more enjoyable!

• Touratech Zega Pro Quick Release Bottle Holder: I bought 2. One I mounted on the back right hand side of the back right pannier for my MSR stove fuel bottle. Fucking love it. I love not mixing the gas in with my sleeping stuff, food, electronics, etc.. I stopped using canister gas and stoves because outside of the states those onetime use canisters get pricey as opposed to a giant bottle of white gas. The combo works great. I mounted the other bottle older on the front left side of the left pannier. In this one, as of now, I put a water bottle. I use a 40 Hydroflask. It’s holds the weight no problem and it doesn’t obstruct the case unlocking and opening. Its nice to hop off the bike and have ice cold water on a 100 degree day just a reach away. As I ride the America’s this holder might evolve into another stove fuel canister or a thermos full of hot water for mate! Either way I recommend the bottle holders. They free up space and help keep whatever it is separate from you equipment and clothes. They also pop off easily when not being used.