There's no doubt that BMW's new water-cooled R1200GS is a capable adventure touring motorcycle. With 125hp, spoked-wheels, dynamic suspension, cruise control and an assortment of other options, the new GS is everything we expected it to be, and then some. But there's always some room for improvement. Luggage and protection items are an easy upgrade and will transform the R1200GS from adequate to extraordinary.  Touratech's Zega Pro pannier systems provides safe and secure storage, both on and off the bike, while crash bars and an Expedition skid plate protect the most important part of any motorcycle, the power-plant. Additional accessories, such as a stainless steel headlight guard and radiator guards will keep road debris from damaging important parts, while a larger sidestand foot will keep the R1200GS upright in everything from soft sand to loose gravel. 

Following the widespread success of the boxer-engined GS Adventure models, BMW Motorrad has decided to continue the “Adventure” range into its mid-sized enduro, the F800GS. Priced competitively in the marketplace and below the full-sized R1200GS, the F800GS has proven itself popular in a variety of adventure motorcycling circles around the world. The F800GS Adventure is equipped with the same liquid-cooled, 85hp parallel twin engine as the standard F800GS, but features an larger fuel tank with an additional 8 liters of capacity. 

Check out Irish Murph's adventures on his site: http://wherethehellismurph.blogspot.com/

The story of the Bultaco brand is about as cool and inspiring as the motorcycles they produced. It started in the mid 1940s, when a road racer named Francisco Bulto co-founded the Montesa Company and began work on a light weight 95cc bike. The small two-stroke had no rear suspension and was far from ground breaking, but its moderate success was enough to spur on the design of a successor that featured a 125cc engine and a semi-enduro suspension for the 1951 International Six Days Enduro race. Unfortunately, by 1957 the company was facing a difficult financial position and made the decision to withdraw from racing. Outraged, Bulto resigned with several other employees, and founded a new company, called Bultaco, in less than 6 months. Named after the Spanish word for whiplash, the Tralla 101 took seven of the first ten places in the Spanish Grand Prix just two months after being released, kicking off the Bultaco legacy and laying the foundation for bikes like this awesomel 1973 Alpina.

The Expedition Portal team takes a brand new 2012 Suzuki V-Strom on an adventure through the Bradshaw Mountains just South of Prescott, Arizona. With a 19" front wheel, standard ABS, factory hard-sided panniers and a powerful, yet economical motor—the V-Strom looks great on paper, and we haven't even gotten to its starting price of under $10,000. Curious to see how the bike does through water crossings, high speed dirt, and technical terrain? Watch the video to find out.

For more information on the 2012 Suzuki V-Strom, check out their website here. [link]

If you're looking for an event to check out this weekend in the San Francisco Bay Area, and you just happen to want it to involve motorcycles—be sure to stop by Aerostich at 655 Bryant Street between the 16th and 24th. Aerostitch will have exiting events planned (including adventure/touring & travel night this Sunday, the 18th) in addition to having their full lineup of great gear and accessories for you to check out. Incase you're in need of alterations or fitting for the Aerostich gear you've had for years, or the gear you've just purchased, they'll also have staff on-site to handle your needs.

Helge Pedersen, Founder of GlobeRiders Motorcycle Adventures, author of 10 Years on 2 Wheels and renowned adventure motorcyclist, is preparing to ride his newly outfitted 2012 BMW R1200GS Adventure from Seattle to Tierra del Fuego, what will be the first GlobeRiders trip of 2013.

Ahead of his expedition, we sat down with Helge to talk about his bike, some of the accessories he installed and his forthcoming 15,000 kilometer trip to Tierra del Fuego.

Curious about what goes in the World of RawHyde Adventures?

http://www.rawhyde-offroad.com/

There are many reasons not to buy a Moto Guzzi. They’re heavy, unrefined, not particularly reliable, the dealer network is minuscule, the aftermarket support nonexistent, and to add insult to injury, they’re expensive. So, why would anyone own one? There is no simple answer to that question. The Moto Guzzi brand casts a bewitching spell over would be, and desperately want to be Guzzi riders. Maybe it’s the allure of owning a hand crafted Italian machine that is so appealing. It could be the raspy siren song emanating from the exhaust, or the unmistakeable and iconic placement of the cylinder heads. Even the name makes you want to raise your chin when you say it––in your most flamboyant Italian accent.