Touratech USA - The Original Adventure Motorcycle Equipment

Austin Vince agreed to ride the next BDR w/ us!!!

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January 29^th 2013 (Seattle, WA) The liquid-cooled version of the R1200GS has been years in the making, and Touratech is pleased to see that the bike has not only retained its off-road capabilities, but actually raised the bar. With 170,000 units of the R1200GS motorcycle sold world-wide, BMW has demonstrated it understands what the adventure touring enthusiast wants. They didn&#8217;t just tweak a few things with this update; it&#8217;s a completely new machine from tip to tail.

Shortly after the liquid-cooled GS was unveiled, we spoke with a few people on the development team to learn more about the character of BMW&#8217;s latest GS motorcycle, and have since put together this list highlighting twelve reasons we&#8217;re excited about this bike.

Better Traction
By having a more compact engine and transmission, the engineers were able to lengthen the swing arm to improve traction, especially off-road, while keeping the wheel-base the same.

Wet Clutch
We&#8217;re happy to have the smooth and easy shifting action offered up by the wet clutch design on the six-speed transmission. Clutch service will be much easier as it&#8217;s now accessed from the front of the bike, a big improvement over the previous models that required splitting the bike in two pieces to access dry clutch.

One hand adjustable windscreen
Finally, a windscreen you can adjust with one hand! This innovative design allows you to turn a knob with just one hand to change the position of the windscreen to maximize protection from the weather and minimize buffeting.

Exhaust moved to the right side
We recently spoke with Hans Blesse, who is currently the head of BMW Motorrad North America, about his previous post as the head of sales & marketing at BMW Motorrad, where he oversaw the liquid-cooled R1200GS project. He told us about a time their product team noticed burn marks on their trousers after a day of riding the previous version of the GS. They noted that most people stand on the left side of the motorcycle when maneuvering the bike. This is the same side the exhaust pipe was on, which burned many a pair of expensive riding pants. From that point on, the team decided to put the exhaust on the other side of the bike and the rest of the bike was designed around that criteria.

Price
The base price for the new R1200GS is actually less than the previous model, however many of the best features will only be found on premium package versions of the new GS.

Electronic Cruise Control
Great for touring, the electronic cruise control is a convenience that long-distance riders want.

LED Head light
This is the world&#8217;s first production motorcycle with a LED main headlight, which also features an integrated daytime running light. Once again BMW has introduced cutting edge technology, plus the LED day light just looks cool!

Semi-Active Suspension
Borrowing technology from the BMW HP4 superbike, the new R1200GS gets a semi-active suspension package. This Dynamic ESA (electronic suspension adjustment) not only allows the user to select riding profiles, but also monitors the movement of the front and rear wheels 100 times per second making automatic adjustments to optimize the suspension performance to fit the riding conditions.

More Power
The new liquid-cooled engine produces 123hp and 92 ft-lbs of torque at 6,500 rpm, making this bike more exciting to ride on the tarmac. Additionally, the new liquid-cooled motor achieves 6% better fuel economy over last year&#8217;s model. The new power plant also has a richer exhaust sound when you crack the throttle.

Push-button profiles
The 2013 BMW R1200GS has five riding modes (Rain, Road, Dynamic, Enduro & Enduro Pro), which optimize the Automatic Stability Control (ASC), Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and Dynamic Damping Control (DDC) semi-active suspension. This allows the rider to change the traction control, brakes and suspension with one button to optimize the bike for different riding environments. The Enduro Pro setting gives you full rear brake for sliding the rear of the bike around, while retaining a bit of anti-lock for the front. Perfect for play time!

Narrow where it matters
A bike that is narrow in the middle is more comfortable to ride and easier to handle. The designers at BMW spent many nights agonizing over small details to get the bike as narrow as possible in the middle. The result is a huge improvement in how the bike feels - while seated or standing.

Feels Light
By lowering the center of gravity and using dynamic dampening control, BMW has created a bike that feels lighter than the previous version even though the scale suggests no reduction in weight. Touratech CEO, Herbert Schwarz, rode the new liquid-cooled R1200GS on a 4,000 kilometer trip through Madagascar. Upon returning from the trip he said, &#8220;The new bike feels 100lbs lighter than the previous model even though the actual weight is the same.&#8221;

Seattle, WA &#8211; (January 24th, 2013) Touratech is excited to introduce the world's first shock absorber built specifically for long-distance touring with a fully-loaded adventure motorcycle. Right out of the box, Touratech&#8217;s Extreme Shock has the strength, features, and adjustments to go the distance, even while hauling luggage.

&#8220;We let the mad-scientists at Touratech build the shock of their dreams with this product. When we asked for the absolute highest-performance shock they could imagine, they developed the Touratech Extreme Shock. If NASA built suspension for adventure motorcycles, they&#8217;d be happy with this one.&#8221; &#8211; Matt Willson, Product Line Manager, Touratech-USA

You know the feeling - you see a pothole last minute and feel the force of the hit radiate through your body as your shock bottoms out. Well, the Touratech Extreme Shock has a Position-dependent Dampening System (PDS) that will make bottoming out a thing of the past. This shock has a secondary compression dampener that goes into action when your shock approaches the end of its stroke.

Combine this PDS &#8220;bottoming control technology&#8221; with a remote reservoir, fully adjustable high-speed and low-speed compression dampening, adjustable rebound dampening, remote reservoir, low friction seals and 50% more preload adjustment than other shocks on the market and you begin to see why this is the shock of choice for ADV riders who want the ultimate in touring performance.

Additionally, the Touratech Extreme Shock offers adjustable high-speed and low-speed compression dampening, a remote fluid reservoir, adjustable rebound dampening, floating piston superiority, and low-friction seals which add up to a highly refined shock that can be tuned with precision to meet the ride style and handling characteristics you prefer.

Over-built by design, Touratech&#8217;s Extreme Shock features heavy-duty materials, over-sized components, and 50% more spring pre-load adjustment than any other shock on the market. The preload can be hydraulically adjusted by turning the knob with your hand.
The Touratech Extreme Shock is the ultimate in suspension technology and the ideal choice for extended trips or off-road rides like a Backcountry Discovery Route. For the rider who wants absolute control over suspension set-up, high performance and durability, this is the product.
Touratech Extreme Shock, Retail $1,795

Feature Summary:
&#8226;Bottoming Control with secondary compression dampening technology which prevents bottoming out. The (PDS) Position-dependent Dampening System is like a hydraulic pillow at the end of the stroke.
&#8226;50% more preload adjustment than other shocks on the market. A generous 15mm of adjustment allows proper spring pre-load set-up for a fully-loaded adventure touring bike. Most shocks have 8-10mm which is not enough to accommodate varying quantities of long-distance luggage or even a passenger.
&#8226;Oversized 16mm high-strength shaftmade of chrome-moly steelfor maximum strength and durability.
&#8226;Remote Reservoir, made from high-strength aluminum, keeps the fluid cool and ensures pressure stability in the shock which results in better performance. The reservoir also increases fluid volume by 50% extending the life of your shock.
&#8226;Adjustable high-speed and low-speed compression dampening allows absolute control of shock tuning to give you the precise handling characteristics you want in any conditions.
&#8226;Adjustable Rebound Dampening allows you to fine-tune the ride characteristics to meet your preferences.
&#8226;Hydraulic Spring Preload Adjustment allows quick changes to be made to the preload by twisting the knob with your hand.
&#8226;A floating piston separates the air and the oil to prevent oil foaming. This technology ensures that your shock will have smooth and consistent performance even in punishing environments.
&#8226;Cold forged 6082 T6 aluminum shock body machined to exacting standards offers high-strength and maximum heat dissipation.
&#8226;High-strength stainless steel bushings ensure the mounting points of the shock will go the distance.
&#8226;Low-friction seal with integrated Teflon back-up ring maximizes performance and extends the life of the shock.
&#8226;Adjustable Shock Length, allows 8mm (-4mm to +4mm) of length adjustment to fine tune the ride height of your bike.
&#8226;Available in a range of spring rates to match the rider weight requirements.
Touratech&#8217;s Extreme Shock represents the top of the line in their suspension range. Other shocks available include the Expedition, Explore and Explore HP. Prices range from $795 - $1,795. Click HERE to learn more about Touratech Suspension.

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Our friends at Cycle World ride and review BMW's new liquid-cooled R1200GS.

http://www.cycleworld.com/2013/02/01/2013-bmw-r1200gs-first-ride-review/

For the latest adventure motorcycle news, information and events, take a look at our January 2013 Newsletter!

http://us2.campaign-archive2.com/?u=cf0730a9b43e2c5ff90fab8a4&id=fdbd49391c

2 Colorado BDR movie premieres this Friday 8th:

http://www.touratech-usa.com/Adventure/Events/



http://www.bmcwor.com/





http://www.hinshawsmotorcyclestore.com/

Cycle World has a first look at the new KTM 1190 Adventure!

http://www.cycleworld.com/<wbr>2013/02/06/<wbr>ktm-1190-adventure-first-ride-r<wbr>eview/

We're very excited to get our hands on one.

Very Cool animation highlighting the assembly of BMW's new liquid-cooled R1200GS boxer engine.

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Since the first edition was released in 1995, Touratech's catalog has evolved from a 12-page pamphlet to become the world's premiere source of aftermarket accessories for adventure-touring motorcycles. In addition to ride reports and images from numerous expeditions, the 2013 catalog includes the latest accessories for nearly every ADV motorcycle on the market. Follow the link and pre-order your copy today!

http://www.touratech-usa.com/Adventure/Blog/wRlwmH/Touratech-Catalog-The-Ultimate-ADV-Accessory

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Testing the Terra

Stay tuned for our complete Bike Build blog!
http://www.touratech-usa.com/Store/3474/Husqvarna-TR650-Terra-Strada-Parts-Accessories




#ParkedOutFront:

2013 R1200GS Tourtech Catalog pics:
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152553477925595.960656.203458255594&type=1

We asked our 'Chief Riding Officer,' Iain Glynn, for a few tire repair recommendations ahead of our weekend ride. Among the things he suggested were a proper set of tire irons, an electric pump and a digital tire pressure gauge. Follow the link and take a look at all of the items Iain suggests you carry to stay fully inflated.

http://www.touratech-usa.com/Adventure/Blog/dJCgPZ/Tire-Repair-Recommendations

<i>Ramona is German so there is a translator.

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Seattle, WA </i>&#8211; (February 7th, 2013) Renowned photo journalist and adventure motorcyclists, Ramona Schwarz, recently returned from a 1,500 mile motorcycle expedition to Madagascar where she tested Touratech&#8217;s new line of accessories for the Husqvarna TR650 Terra. Along the way, Ramona encountered a wide variety of terrain; including an assortment of asphalt, gravel, sand and mud as well as a handful of water crossings. And while the new TR650 Terra is a capable dual-sport direct from the dealer, the Touratech accessories she installed provided luggage capacity and ensured that both she and the bike completed the trip safely.

&#8220;Of course, I dropped my bike on the sandy tracks once or twice. Knowing that I could rely on the Touratech accessories I had installed to save the important parts of my bike, was a good feeling.&#8221;
&#8211; Ramona Schwarz

Among the parts installed on Ramona&#8217;s TR650 Terra were Touratech&#8217;s new &#8216;Works&#8217; footpegs, a &#8216;Pro-Digital&#8217; tankbag, handguards, a stainless steel quick-release headlight guard, skid plate, breathable seat and a Zega Pro pannier system.

Click HERE to see Touratech&#8217;s complete line of accessories for the TR650 Terra and Strada.

We would like to congratulate Simon MacArthur, winner of our 'Ultimate Navigation Giveaway.' Simon will receive a Garmin Zumo 660 GPS, pre-loaded with tracks for all three of the Backcountry Discovery Routes, as well as a Touratech Locking Mount and a copy of each documentary DVD and Butler Maps!

http://www.touratech-usa.com/Advent...?sid=950dc8f9cbfd7e4e785746b4882fe3742b000153

POTD: Muddy Madagascar!

12 reasons we're exited - 2013 R1200GS
http://2rtec.us/12Reasons

POTD: Joachim Sauer & KTM's new 1190 Adventure R.

Our friends at Ultimate Motorcycling review the RoadTech B1, a tool kit purpose-built for BMW riders.

You can learn more about the B1 here: http://2rtec.us/RTB1

http://ultimatemotorcycling.com/cruztools-roadtech-b1-bmw-motorcycle-tool-kit-review/