Just about middle of 2008 I switched to a more capable BMW motorcycle, the F650GS. The F650GS that I got is another used motorcycle. I guess I really don't mind used motorcycles as long as I know their backgrounds. This one is a 2005, a bit newer than my BMW F650ST.
Still a "650" but there is quite a big difference between the 1997 F650ST motorcycle, a road species, and the 2005 F650GS, a more "all around" motorcycle series. I must admit the BMW F650GS is a totally different "animal." It rides very differently than the older ST with its center of gravity being lower thanks to the fuel tank being positioned under the seat instead of located between the rider and the handle bar (as in standard motorcycles). This newer 650 series also has a "Dakar" version that is more capable off road, and some of these motorcycles had taken part in the Paris-Dakar races.
Needless to say I was ready to try out my BMW F650GS motorcycle and take it touring.
Friday, September 11, 2009
Thursday, September 10, 2009
My first lessons in motorcycle adventure touring
I've was riding for almost 1 full year in the Los Angeles area before I actually took the big plunge. My local rides were around 22 mile commute (round trip). The trip, on the other hand, was a 740 odd mile (round trip) up the California central coast to Morro Bay (spring 2008) where the group has reservation at a campsite. I didn't think anything of it having made the same span in about 4 to 5 hours in a car, how bad could it be? This was what I learned:
1. Motorcycles and cars are very different with regards to long distance travel: cars are relatively comfortable whereas on a motorcycle one has to contend with wind, noise, lots of vibration, the elements and putting up with... cars and trucks!
2. In motorcycle touring where your destination is a campsite you literally ARE going camping... on a motorcycle! You have to pack enough gear, including cold weather gear and camping related equipment such as tent, sleeping bag, etc. Asking others in the group that had prior experience is a must. Most of all plan ahead and be prepared.
3. Even though we had breaks in between checkpoints (typically 70 miles) there were long durations where one's "derriere" gets very numb because of vibrations and sitting in one spot. One would learn how to alternate "cheeks" to help with the hotspots and legs stretched while riding.
4. My wrists hurt badly, especially for the right one, for being on the throttle and the other on the clutch constantly. I would later learned how to do a couple of simple stretching exercises to help alleviate the problem.
5. The weather during this ride was cold and with windchill became unbearable at times. Plan ahead with the correct clothing for weather is a must.
What I did correctly:
1. I thoroughly checked out my BMW F650ST motorcycle before the trip: battery water level, oil level, coolant, etc., basically all the regular maintenance stuff and suffered no mechanical problems. However, I learned something about the BMW F650ST motorcycle... it tended to overheat when I'm in low gear (1st, 2nd, 3rd gear-going slow) too often and for long durations (as it happened when we were in the mountains). I learned to watch that temperature overheat light!
2. Before the trip my brother and I decided on an intercom system, one set of radios each. It worked beautifully! And were the savior when people in the pack became separated. I rode tail while my brother rode lead and we stayed in constant contact. Besides that, the radios helped kill boredom on those long stretches when you have someone to talk to, keeping you alert and not fall asleep. Sure better than hand signals.
It was definitely a motorcycle adventure (and endurance) tour (lasted one weekend) and was extremely fun. Learned a lot about myself and my BMW F650ST motorcycle in the process.
1. Motorcycles and cars are very different with regards to long distance travel: cars are relatively comfortable whereas on a motorcycle one has to contend with wind, noise, lots of vibration, the elements and putting up with... cars and trucks!
2. In motorcycle touring where your destination is a campsite you literally ARE going camping... on a motorcycle! You have to pack enough gear, including cold weather gear and camping related equipment such as tent, sleeping bag, etc. Asking others in the group that had prior experience is a must. Most of all plan ahead and be prepared.
3. Even though we had breaks in between checkpoints (typically 70 miles) there were long durations where one's "derriere" gets very numb because of vibrations and sitting in one spot. One would learn how to alternate "cheeks" to help with the hotspots and legs stretched while riding.
4. My wrists hurt badly, especially for the right one, for being on the throttle and the other on the clutch constantly. I would later learned how to do a couple of simple stretching exercises to help alleviate the problem.
5. The weather during this ride was cold and with windchill became unbearable at times. Plan ahead with the correct clothing for weather is a must.
What I did correctly:
1. I thoroughly checked out my BMW F650ST motorcycle before the trip: battery water level, oil level, coolant, etc., basically all the regular maintenance stuff and suffered no mechanical problems. However, I learned something about the BMW F650ST motorcycle... it tended to overheat when I'm in low gear (1st, 2nd, 3rd gear-going slow) too often and for long durations (as it happened when we were in the mountains). I learned to watch that temperature overheat light!
2. Before the trip my brother and I decided on an intercom system, one set of radios each. It worked beautifully! And were the savior when people in the pack became separated. I rode tail while my brother rode lead and we stayed in constant contact. Besides that, the radios helped kill boredom on those long stretches when you have someone to talk to, keeping you alert and not fall asleep. Sure better than hand signals.
It was definitely a motorcycle adventure (and endurance) tour (lasted one weekend) and was extremely fun. Learned a lot about myself and my BMW F650ST motorcycle in the process.
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Arai XD3 helmet
Since I'm going over a number of my equipment, I wanted to mention my Arai XD3 motorcycle helmet. I have ridden with the XD2 helmet and have to admit that it could be a bit noisy at higher speeds even with my earplugs in. That, however, has been remedied with the Arai XD3 motorcycle helmet. It is a lot more quiet even with the peak visor attached!
That brings me to the next point... the new visor on the XD3 has been re-designed new vent openings for better airflow over both the face shield and helmet. It looks even more integrated to helmet than the prior version and the proof is that there are less whistling noises, hence making a more comfortable ride.
The helmet vents for Arai XD3 are in the same positions as that for the XD2, but this time around Arai included fairings that allow more airflow into and out of the helmet. The result is a slightly different look and better efficiency. I have ridden with this helmet up to 85 mph, only then did I actually feel that wind tugging. Mind you, I do have a tall windscreen... for a rider exposed directly to that slipstream the wind resistance on his motorcycle helmet may prevent him from reaching such speed. Nevertheless, I feel the new Arai XD3 motorcycle helmet is a good improvement over the old XD2 for its comfortable and noise quieting features.
That brings me to the next point... the new visor on the XD3 has been re-designed new vent openings for better airflow over both the face shield and helmet. It looks even more integrated to helmet than the prior version and the proof is that there are less whistling noises, hence making a more comfortable ride.
The helmet vents for Arai XD3 are in the same positions as that for the XD2, but this time around Arai included fairings that allow more airflow into and out of the helmet. The result is a slightly different look and better efficiency. I have ridden with this helmet up to 85 mph, only then did I actually feel that wind tugging. Mind you, I do have a tall windscreen... for a rider exposed directly to that slipstream the wind resistance on his motorcycle helmet may prevent him from reaching such speed. Nevertheless, I feel the new Arai XD3 motorcycle helmet is a good improvement over the old XD2 for its comfortable and noise quieting features.
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
Cargo netting
Elastic cargo netting is something that's actually pretty handy to have with your motorcycle. I picked up one of these at the local motorcycle superstore not too long ago. They cost around $12-$15, came in a plastic pack and have 6 nylon coated hooks that are connected to the net. The net itself is made of the same material as bungee and is very elastic.
Since they're elastic you could strap down anything, even items that are oddly shaped. Really handy for the commute to keep your backpack on the back of the motorcycle instead of having to wear it, or for those motorcycle touring trips to strap down loose items that you can't seem to pack anywhere.
Since they're elastic you could strap down anything, even items that are oddly shaped. Really handy for the commute to keep your backpack on the back of the motorcycle instead of having to wear it, or for those motorcycle touring trips to strap down loose items that you can't seem to pack anywhere.
Monday, September 7, 2009
EMGO trunk
To increase my ability to carry extra clothing, tools, etc., I decided to go with the EMGO motorcycle trunk for my F650ST. The trunk that I bought was at a very affordable price, around $60. The kit came with an ABS plastic trunk that's 16.5"W X 12"D X 11"H (large enough to fit my helmet), an adaptor plate, 2 rails, fasteners (screws and nuts), keys for the trunk and instructions.
The instructions that came with my kit were a bit lacking with regards to adapting it to a BMW motorcycle... as you can see here. The fasteners and adaptor plate gave me a bit of trouble when trying to mount it to my BMW F650ST motorcycle but with a little bit of playing and reversing the screws, I was able to get everything to work. Even with the "finagling" the whole process took about 30 minutes, not too bad.
Looks pretty good too! The last step I did was to add Solas reflector tapes to my trunk for cars to be able to see me better at night.
The instructions that came with my kit were a bit lacking with regards to adapting it to a BMW motorcycle... as you can see here. The fasteners and adaptor plate gave me a bit of trouble when trying to mount it to my BMW F650ST motorcycle but with a little bit of playing and reversing the screws, I was able to get everything to work. Even with the "finagling" the whole process took about 30 minutes, not too bad.
Looks pretty good too! The last step I did was to add Solas reflector tapes to my trunk for cars to be able to see me better at night.
Sunday, September 6, 2009
F650ST windscreen
...Or the lack there of.
The stock BMW F650ST motorcycle does not have a windshield. What it has is a front instrument cluster cover that serves as wind spoiler, so to speak. What I found was that at higher highway speeds the rider is exposed directly to the airstream and for me that caused a lot of fatigue from noise and buffeting because I wear a helmet that has a visor.
Fortunately, AeroFlow offers their F650 AeroScreen. I'm 5 feet 5 inches and their standard height windshield (16 1/2 inch high) is perfect for me. The windscreen came with instruction, screws and washers. Installation was relatively easy. I just removed the 4 screws from the instrument cover and line up the holes to that of the windscreen. Since the holes are located on the lower portion of the windscreen, when the first screws go on, the AeroScreen tended to tilt backward making things a bit difficult. But a bit of tape to hold it down did the trick. I also found the longer screws that were provided by AeroFlow better than the original screws in this case since the thickness of the windscreen necessitate their use.
Riding with the AeroFlow f650 AeroScreen is very good at high speeds. Wind is deflected right over my helmet while the contours on the windscreen's sides deflect the airstream around my hands when they're on the handle bar. I found myself being not as cold riding in the winter time, while in the summer there was enough air diverted between the windscreen and instrument cover to keep me cool.
The stock BMW F650ST motorcycle does not have a windshield. What it has is a front instrument cluster cover that serves as wind spoiler, so to speak. What I found was that at higher highway speeds the rider is exposed directly to the airstream and for me that caused a lot of fatigue from noise and buffeting because I wear a helmet that has a visor.
Fortunately, AeroFlow offers their F650 AeroScreen. I'm 5 feet 5 inches and their standard height windshield (16 1/2 inch high) is perfect for me. The windscreen came with instruction, screws and washers. Installation was relatively easy. I just removed the 4 screws from the instrument cover and line up the holes to that of the windscreen. Since the holes are located on the lower portion of the windscreen, when the first screws go on, the AeroScreen tended to tilt backward making things a bit difficult. But a bit of tape to hold it down did the trick. I also found the longer screws that were provided by AeroFlow better than the original screws in this case since the thickness of the windscreen necessitate their use.
Riding with the AeroFlow f650 AeroScreen is very good at high speeds. Wind is deflected right over my helmet while the contours on the windscreen's sides deflect the airstream around my hands when they're on the handle bar. I found myself being not as cold riding in the winter time, while in the summer there was enough air diverted between the windscreen and instrument cover to keep me cool.
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Preparation
The first long touring ride on my motorcycle didn't happen until six months after I got my motorcycle license. Even then, in the intervening months before that motorcycle trip I did a lot of local city street riding and had lots of frequent hops on the freeway, trying to get fully acquainted with my F650ST mount. At Edwards Air Force Base where I used to work, they called this "currency." Only in staying current with a vehicle and mentally thought out procedures could you minimize mishaps.
I developed my own set of procedures. 10 years observing what worked for jet planes I figure should also work for my motorcycle and me. So I tried to put in as much "cockpit" time as I could, learning all of my BMW motorcycle's quirks. When I rode I picked out "escape routes" mentally, in case cars cut me off, be it by shoving me out of my lane or boxed me in... I even memorized where the fuel switch is located and which way to turn it if I need to switch to reserve, etc. Too anal with safety and procedures? Not for me, because I wanted to make this a lifetime endeavor.
During one of those months, while parking the motorcycle and at slow speed, I dropped it! Yeah, if you think you'll never drop your motorcycle? You will. It's an inevitable thing for two-wheelers.
A couple of things are in my favor though. First, my BMW F650St motorcycle is used. Nothing broken, only scratches, no problem. Sure, it had some marks from previous owners, so what's a few more? Plus, now I could truly call it mine. Second, I had watched a video on how to pick up a BMW F650ST motorcycle not too long before this... so knowing the procedure really helped. Within a few minutes and a leg-press later my BMW was up on its kickstand. The engine was flooded but that was remedied with a wide open throttle start.
There's something to be said about being prepared.
I developed my own set of procedures. 10 years observing what worked for jet planes I figure should also work for my motorcycle and me. So I tried to put in as much "cockpit" time as I could, learning all of my BMW motorcycle's quirks. When I rode I picked out "escape routes" mentally, in case cars cut me off, be it by shoving me out of my lane or boxed me in... I even memorized where the fuel switch is located and which way to turn it if I need to switch to reserve, etc. Too anal with safety and procedures? Not for me, because I wanted to make this a lifetime endeavor.
During one of those months, while parking the motorcycle and at slow speed, I dropped it! Yeah, if you think you'll never drop your motorcycle? You will. It's an inevitable thing for two-wheelers.
A couple of things are in my favor though. First, my BMW F650St motorcycle is used. Nothing broken, only scratches, no problem. Sure, it had some marks from previous owners, so what's a few more? Plus, now I could truly call it mine. Second, I had watched a video on how to pick up a BMW F650ST motorcycle not too long before this... so knowing the procedure really helped. Within a few minutes and a leg-press later my BMW was up on its kickstand. The engine was flooded but that was remedied with a wide open throttle start.
There's something to be said about being prepared.
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