2010 BMW F800R Review – Cool to be Kind

A Porsche Boxter crawls by, and it’s immediately clear where the F800R got its flat-brap soundtrack; the German idea of fast. It’s not the beguiling song, sonic drama or a whining in-line four soundtrack, the BMW F800R’s rasp of sensibility grating against its Urban attack visual design. Its hard angles rendered in slight curves, truculent looks wrapped around new-rider usability and cornering expectations coupled to linear stability. The F800R is a rolling contradiction, that works in a miraculously rideable way.

Light Adventure on BC’s Sunshine Coast

B.C.’s Sunshine coast is no stranger to riders… as a ribbon of slow moving brake lights. Great food, great accommodations, a good measure of adventure of course. And bikes… Used bikes as the guys from OneWheelDrive.Net take some used KTM 640 Adventures out for a spin. Read the Full Story Here

Gear that Sucks: AXO Q6 Waterproof Touring Boots Review

The name says it all, really, “waterproof”… or in this case not in the slightest. Spotting a deal on Axo’s entry level “Waterproof Touring Boots”, I read the reviews, pay-pal’ed up and received a set of Q6’s.

Speeding & Impoundment: The 40km/h Solution

BC’s changes to the Motor Vehicle Act aim to get tough on speeders through the mandatory impoundment of vehicles exceeding the posted limit by 40 km/h. The question is, will the new laws have the desired effect on riders?

The End of Motorcycling? Not a Chance.

Pick up a phone and talk to a PR Manager for a motorcycle company, and inevitably “budget” comes up in the conversation. In a chat, a fellow publisher is concerned over a lack of press launches this year; they boost readership, but this journalistic perk also represents a major industry expense. Adding to the gloom…

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Reconnecting With Canada : Webisode 14 – Newfoundland 2

Curbsyde’s second Newfoundland episode showcases some more amazing scenery and marine life. Joe & Flora experience some great Newfoundland hospitality, and interesting characters before making it to the furthest eastern point of the Reconnecting With Canada series; Signal Hill.

Tropic of Cancer: Beach House at the End of the World

There is a soft solid plop behind me as a lime falls from the tree, sacrificed its virgin self to the dark gods of Rum and Coke. I pick it up, set it on the table for later and seal its Cuba Libre fate. Kevin and I have reached Cabo Pulmo in the Southern Baja, and are recuperating at the beach house at the end of the world. Nine kilometers of what we’ve come to consider gentle gravel and light sand to the north of us is a line. Another latitude collected by motorcycle, the Tropic of Cancer.

Reconnecting With Canada: Webisode 13 – Newfoundland

Curbsyde’s traveling duo make it to Canada’s most eastern province of Newfoundland. A land known for it’s majestic scenery, fishing villages, and moose are sure to captivate Joe & Flora as they explore the Western side of this maritime province.

KTM “Hard Adventure” 690 Enduro R Project: Protective Thoughts

I’ve just come back from a shake down ride to Mt. Baker and back, and the KTM 690 Enduro R travel 260km with fuel to spare, which is further than my ass is willing to go in a single sitting on the stock seat. That range is thanks to the install of the Rally-Raid Products Tanks Kit (expect a full review and video of the install in coming weeks) and MotoMethod.com, who provided the shop space and tools for the install. Still, the issue of wind protection on longer rides like the run to Baker is a concern.

Reconnecting With Canada: Webisode 12 – Eastward Ho!

Joe and Flora finish Quebec with a visit to the amazing Bioparc, then the two head to Canada’s pristine maritime provinces and visit the Fairmont Algonquin’s happy canine ambassador “Smudge”. Then its onward towards the famous Cabot Trail!

Baja: Tropic of Cancer – Hazards of the Road

South of the oasis town of Mulege and rounding the corners overlooking Bahia Concepcion it’s hard not to be distracted. White sailboats, float on azure waters, bracketed by eggshell beaches, all rendered in travel brochure saturation… And then someone throws a car at you – several, in fact. The topper though is the bus.

Social Spannering with Motomethod: An Old School Shop with a New Twist

Rolling into Vancouver on an around the world tour, my BMW F650GS was in a state; the suspension pre-load was broken, the bike was stalling, there was a mysterious loss of power, the water pump was due for replacing… the list wear and tear was long and growing. I needed a shop, and what I found was something much more useful and unique: Motomethod.