'Adventure may hurt, but monotony will kill you.' (Anon)
I have used the ear plugs made by this company since I began riding. Over the years I have used several of their products. Their service is excellent and the client-attention very impressive.
The Heidenau has become my rear tyre of choice. It is a true 50/50 split of on-/off- road capability. It is more of a tyre than I am a rider, if you see what I mean...
Note the very deep tread and chevron pattern (good water / sand dispersal, and it’s quiet too). The grip on all surfaces is extremely good and gives me confidence to tackle trails that would otherwise put me off. In the sand of Baja, this was critical... ‘cos often there was no alternative!
I pair the Heidenau rear tyre with the more common TKC80 front tyre (below). The TKC80 front is a more off-road biased model (40/60), which is particularly reassuring for sand or trail work. Unlike the TKC80 rear, the front gives me acceptable endurance - about 9,000 miles - although it always tends to ‘go off’ by about that mark.
They have their limits in rivers... erm, about 15 inches of water is your max, but what were you doing in the river anyway, Ed?
This is soft, comfortable and comprehensive. I wanted armour I could wear with a motocross shirt in the desert, or under multiple layers in the mountains. After quickly falling in love with the back-protector, I soon added the jacket and leggings to my gear list.
I ought to give a nod to kit items that have worked really well on the adventure, as well as things that have not. This isn’t a complete guide, but a few words may be of interest to some, particularly those planning their own trip.
1. Ultimate Ear Hearing Protection
I became deaf in my right ear at the age of 3, after a bout of mumps. Either that, or someone in my family whacked me really hard. Anyway, I've got to look after what hearing I have left.
I have used the ear plugs made by this company since I began riding. Over the years I have used several of their products. Their service is excellent and the client-attention very impressive.
I have particularly liked the Soundear model, which has tiny speakers inside and allows you to listen to music, or your GPS, radio and phone calls if you have that set up. I listen to lots of music and podcasts on long riding stretches and would now panic if my ear plugs were lost!
2. BMW Motorrad dealerships
I’m on my fourth set now and they keep improving (to better withstand the abuse I deal to them). The nice folks there even gave me a discount this time around, but I’d have recommended them anyway...
With the exception of one outfit (TW, you know who you are), the BMW Motorrad dealers have provided me with outstanding service and assistance. Yes, they probably charge a little more than some, but the attention to detail and customer service is, in my experience, good value for money.
Typically I roll up with little or no warning, yet the guys and girls pull out the stops to help me. I’m usually back on the route very quickly, and the whole experience is low-stress. Add to this all the tips, recommendations and local knowledge that they provide free of charge and you understand why I like calling in at the dealers!
Oh, and of course the bikes themselves are awesome beyond words.
Roll of honour includes the BMW dealers in the following cities: Anchorage, Salt Lake City, Mexico City, San Jose, Medellin, Lima, Santa Cruz, Santiago, Buenos Aires, Montevideo, Rio.... Hell, I should buy shares in brand.
3. The Heidenau K60 Tyre (Rear)
Tyres are important, and I don’t skimp on cost. I want the best for my needs and go to lengths to make this possible.
The Heidenau has become my rear tyre of choice. It is a true 50/50 split of on-/off- road capability. It is more of a tyre than I am a rider, if you see what I mean...
Note the very deep tread and chevron pattern (good water / sand dispersal, and it’s quiet too). The grip on all surfaces is extremely good and gives me confidence to tackle trails that would otherwise put me off. In the sand of Baja, this was critical... ‘cos often there was no alternative!
Even on the long slab sections when my heavy loading has worn through other tyres very quickly, the K60 has proven long lasting: twice the wear of the TKC80 rear, I would guess.
I pair the Heidenau rear tyre with the more common TKC80 front tyre (below). The TKC80 front is a more off-road biased model (40/60), which is particularly reassuring for sand or trail work. Unlike the TKC80 rear, the front gives me acceptable endurance - about 9,000 miles - although it always tends to ‘go off’ by about that mark.
Even pushing the bike hard on mountain A-roads, I’ve never felt the off-road tread pattern to be limiting. Others may ride their bikes closer to the limit, and find it wanting, but for my riding circumstances it is a great match.
4. Sidi ‘Adventure’ Boots
These things have taken a pounding, but are still going strong. They are close to motocross boots in terms of protection (a little lower on the shin, admittedly), but give you the advantage when it comes to running for the first beer, walking up stairs to the fourth floor of a hostel, or jogging round the corner to see what the road is like. Their (relatively) light design has won me over completely. Further, they’ve proved 100% waterproof and warm - even after hours of torrential rain.
They have their limits in rivers... erm, about 15 inches of water is your max, but what were you doing in the river anyway, Ed?
I do give the leather a ‘feed’ now and then, but that’s more of a long term investment. Even when neglected, they still seem up to the toughest of terrains. I gave the right boot a bit of a kicking in once particular ‘moment’, which tore a bit of stitching across the top of the foot-section. Five minutes in the local shoe repairer and the boot is back in business.
Top bit of kit.
Edit: After 50,000 miles the wear and tear is starting to show. Not enough to replace them yet, but a few more seams are lifting, cracks appearing and leaks seeping just a little. Still, I think they'll get me home!
5. Body Armour by Force Field
This is soft, comfortable and comprehensive. I wanted armour I could wear with a motocross shirt in the desert, or under multiple layers in the mountains. After quickly falling in love with the back-protector, I soon added the jacket and leggings to my gear list.
After being worn day after day the top became 'holey', but this was replaced by the manufacturer at cost price. I'm certainly going to be using this kit in the future.
I've had spills and drops wearing the protective material, and always bounced back. The fact that this armour can be re-used is a bonus in such circumstances.
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