Mattman's R1200GS Adventure

RawHyde Rally in Colorado Springs

2009-09-20T16:34:00.000-07:00

In August I rode to Colorado Springs to participate in the RawHyde "Beat the Heat" Pikes Peak motorcycle rally. We tackled a few mountain passes and had a great time.This is the video. It's 5 minutes long. [Same video on each site. Pick your favorite.]

Not a Motorcycle

2008-04-19T15:10:00.001-07:00

Okay, not a motorcycle. But very cool nonetheless. I've wanted a Subaru WRX since I first learned about them. Now I still want one. Watch this short video:

Ever ridden in a snowstorm?

2008-04-18T19:43:00.000-07:00

Well, it had to happen sooner or later. I've ridden before with a few flakes falling -- more like dandruff than real snowfall. But never a real snowstorm.Until today, that is.We had a plan: go to a new-to-us pizzeria after work and pick up a few pizzas for dinner tonight. No problem, I'm found of detours when I'm riding anyway. (More saddle time!)As I started to pack up in my office it was still

First ride of the year up Cypress

2008-04-12T18:18:00.001-07:00

One of the local favourite motorcycle roads in Vancouver is the road up to the Cypress Bowl ski area. It's very close to town and relatively long (10+ km) with a few really good corners.As a rite of passage into spring I make it my habit to ride up to the ski area parking lot when the weather is warm in the city. Interestingly, this means there can still be snow at the top, which is very cool. I

First ride report of 2008 BMW F800GS

2008-04-02T15:51:00.001-07:00

Here's an interesting article: First Ride report of the new F800GS.This bike has been rumoured and anticipated pretty much since the new F800-series (F800S, F800ST) has been around. Many people, including the author of the article, believe it could be the ideal compromise between the power of the 1200 cc R1200GS and the weight of the G650X Challenge.From the article:"One thing that I am

KTM 990 Adventure vs. Buell Ulysses

2008-03-30T11:52:00.001-07:00

Here's an excellent article from Paochow.com with an in-depth comparison of the KTM 990 Adventure and the Buell Ulysses XB12X. He's owned both and gives very balanced feedback.From the conclusion, but not a spoiler:"Both of these motorcycles are excellent machines and truth be told you couldn’t go wrong with either, however selecting the best one depends on analyzing what you want from the bike."

Fun! Unboxing an R1200GS Adventure.

2008-03-30T09:35:00.001-07:00

Embedded Video

Cool Ride to Work Today

2008-03-28T10:05:00.001-07:00

Heh. Coolest ride EVAR.I left the house around 9:15 and there were a few flakes falling -- ground wasn't wet. Temp of 3C.By Kingsway / Main / Broadway it was flurries. Temp had fallen to 2.5C. There's a 'frost warning' indicator on the Rider Information Display (RID) and it was flashing. Roads weren't holding any snow -- too warm. It wasn't slippery really, certainly no more slippery than

Farkle Update

2008-03-14T16:17:00.001-07:00

First, a definition: "farkle" -- short for 'functional sparkle', typically an add-on for a motorcycle that doesn't come from the original manufacturer; usually provides increased function while adding uniqueness to the vehicle.One farkle I've added to me R1200GSA is a centerstand skid plate. This chunk of metal extends the protection provided by the engine skid plat further back on the motorcycle

SPOT Personal Satellite Messenger

2008-03-11T14:20:00.001-07:00

This past weekend was the first real-world use of my new SPOT Personal Satellite Messenger. I bought this little gadget in San Francisco a few weeks ago. Basically it does two things: gets your latitude and longitude via GPS signals and, when requested, sends your location back via satellites out by email with your status.There are three status messages:1. "OK" -- send then when you want people

What I Wore to Seattle / Tacoma

2008-03-10T15:10:00.001-07:00

Here's what I wore to the Open House at South Sound BMW in Tacoma last weekend:REI Mesh MTS Boxer BriefsHelly Hanson long underwearUnderArmour shirtMEC Merino Lightweight Zip T-ShirtMEC Polartec WindStopper fleece jacketBlackJack* electric vest (plugged into accessory socket)SIDI Discovery bootsBMW Silver Function long socksBMW Santiago jacket and pantsBMW ClimateComfort rain jacket and

My bike at the South Sound BMW Open House

2008-03-09T15:56:00.001-07:00

Yesterday South Sound BMW in Tacoma (Fife) Washington had an Open House and Vendor Fair. I rode down from Vancouver in the morning and spent a few hours at the store. Highlights for me included: - seeing all the bike there -- a virtual show-n-shine - the vendor displays -- Touratech, Rox Straps, Best Rest, Metzler, Nikwax, Ortlieb, PNW GS Adventure Rally - attending the Globe Riders "How to Pack

Local Motorcycle Ride -- Mission Round Trip

2007-06-25T23:50:00.000-07:00

Kim, Patricia and I went for a ride to a favourite area -- Mission, BC. It's east of Vancouver and is remote enough to generally have a lot less traffic. There are some nice roads, especially considering how close it is to the city.

On the way to Blind Bay, parked in Manning Park

2007-06-22T19:11:00.000-07:00

We decided to visit a friend in Blind Bay, BC (near Salmon Arm) this weekend. Me on my new Adventure, Kim on her F650GS and our friend Rob on his Buell Firebolt.This photo is of my bike on Friday evening parked in Manning Park for a break. It was chilly for June -- heated grips worked great. Poor Rob only had his summer gloves. I've always been amazed at Rob's ability to handle cold weather.Oh

Initial Impressions and comparison to R1150GS

2007-06-19T21:54:00.000-07:00

For those playing the home game, a quick recap: I picked up a new 2007 BMW R1200GS Adventure in Alpine White (white with red highlights) on Wednesday last week.As of this evening I have about 420 km on the odometer. I'm going to get over 700 km by Thursday morning for my first service in advance of a 1000km trip this weekend.(Majority of comparisons come from my almost three years with a 2001

First post!

2007-06-09T19:42:00.000-07:00

I put the deposit down on a new 2007 BMW R1200GS Adventure today. I pick it up Wednesday.