Equipped with both my Canon EOS 7D and the GoPro HD Hero 2, I was well equipped to document the ride, however, due to my technical dumbness, I was not able to capture any video this time, only still photos. Below are some samples – please make sure you visit the Photos page for all of the pictures from Vårsleppet!

Vårsleppet 2012 - Ready to start from Jæren MC

Vårsleppet 2012 - A short pit-stop in Egersund

Vårsleppet 2012 - Perfect conditions for a motorcycle ride

The video was shot using the GoPro HD HERO2 action camera mounted on the left side of the bike and on top of the top box on the back of the bike.

A quick wash was obviously required after riding the bike during winter

Time for a pit-stop to enjoy the view

I snapped a photo of the logo on the case, and after visiting the BMW GS Emotion website, I contacted Lorenzo from Firence, Italy. He received my e-mail inquiry, and promptly responded with instructions on how to proceed. After a quick PayPay money transfer, the goods were swiftly shipped home to me in Norway. Dealing with Lorenzo and BMW GS Emotion was a great experience, and I can highly recommend both the aluminum case and doing business with Lorenzo! Please check out BMW GS Emotion on Facebook!

The package sent from Lorenzo at BMW GS Emotion in Italy

The case came with a nice thank-you letter, installation guidelines, BMW GS Emotion business cards and stickers

The BMW GS Emotion aluminum case and mounting parts

The BMW GS Emotion aluminum case mounted on my bike

Fits perfectly, looks great, and boosts excellent build quality

Build quality and fit is perfect and really tight. This is the top mount

Front mount

The case seen from a different angle

It definitely looks like an original BMW Motorrad accessory

In order to tighten the locking nuts inside, I had to "build" this tool

It was pitch dark when I got home from work today, so an actual test of the camera’s capabilities – and comparison to the HD HERO (1) – will have to wait a bit. To cater for your curiosity, however, here are some pictures from the unboxing.

The new GoPro HD HERO2

Even the package boost quality

The GoPro HD HERO2 camera is out in the open

I can't wait to do a comparison against the original GoPro HD HERO

The battery and the rest of the accessories for the GoPro HD HERO2

As with the GoPro HD HERO, I got the Motorsports bundle

I can't wait to go to bed and study the GoPro HD HERO2 user manual

One of the main reasons for my upgrade - the 3.5mm audio jack

The unboxing of the GoPro HD HERO2 is completed - sweet!

The purchase

Compared to the TomTom Rider II, the Garmin zumo 660 is expensive. I spent some time browsing for the best price, and I bought mine from Komplett.no due to my impeccable  previous shopping experiences (not the cheapest alternative, but definitely the best shopping experience!). Using their pickup-point delivery model, I could collect my device close to where I work a couple of days later.

A positive thing to mention about the Garmin product is the “what is in the box”-experience. It is quite amazing to see how much stuff they have thrown in. In this area, Garmin beats TomTom.

The Garmin zumo 660. I wonder what is in the box?

The Garmin zumo 660 and all the accessories in the box

Connecting it to the bike

When it comes to connecting a GPS unit to the bike, the clever engineers at BMW have already thought this out for us. Underneath the headlight there is an unused connector available for plug and play use, e.g. for GPS units and other low voltage devices. I contacted Motorhuset and purchased an original BMW Part No. 83300413585 and used it to connect the cables from the cradle to the power of the bike. Using this connector I have power to the cradle only when the ignition is on.

The original BMW Power Connector is placed under the headlight

The unused BMW Power Connector

Ask your local BMW dealer for original BMW Part No. 83300413585

BMW Part No. 83300413585

Ready to connect

A temporary connector between the BMW part and the Garmin cable

The unit

So far I haven’t had a lot of riding experience with the zumo 660, although I used it on my Weekend trip to Bergen and Sognefjorden trip in August 2011. I did a little bit of route planning on the device itself, which turned out to be OK for smaller trips – but I would not advice it for real adventure trip planning. For that I would recommend doing all of the route planning on a computer and transfer data to your device – but that turned out to be rather difficult.

But all in all, I am happy with Garmin zumo 660 GPS unit itself.

The software

However, in all other aspects, I must say that Garmin has turned out to be a huge disappointment. Problems unlocking maps, software/browser compatibility, speed of map updating process, the MapSource solution, … Need I say more? Garmin, I really believed you could do better than this!

It should not come as a surprise that maps provided by Garmin for use in MapSource are locked. You will need to unlock them online. However, the process is not straight forward. Perhaps I am plain stupid, but I had huge issues with these things.

• First of all, Garmin, or more precisely,  the My Garmin website, has serious compatibility issues. Neither Internet Explorer 9, Firefox 5.01 nor Opera 5.1 were accepted. The only browser working for me was Google Chrome. Shame on you Garmin!
• The the unlock map process which is a nightmare. There are so many unlock codes, product keys, registration codes and mismatching instructions. Garmin, please make this more streamlined and easier to understand!
• MapSource, the software from hell! Seriously, as a map tool, I am sure MapSource is great (I admit to not having used it enough yet to be qualified to evaluate it fully), but as a year 2011 software solution, MapSource is crap! Garmin, were you sleeping in class when usability, standards and conformance were being discussed?

All in all I am hugely disappointed with Garmin in this respect, mainly colored by my frustrating experience unlocking my maps. I did however, after quite a few mail correspondences with the Garmin Norway support team, end up with a great solution. My initial problems are now solved, and what remains now is for me to learn to use MapSource – and to accept its flaws as a software product as such.

Conclusion

I gave Garmin a chance with zumo 660 after a good presentation from Garmin Sweden at Adventure Days 2011. BMW has adopted Garmin in their Navigator device, which should be a good thing. My first impressions of the GPS unit itself, mounting it on the bike and the riding experience are quite good. The “package” from Garmin, however, has in no way been a positive experience.

Garmin zumo 660 mounted and in use on my Bergen and Sognefjorden weekend trip

I will give Garmin a second chance. My problems are now solved, and I will genuinely try to learn to use both the Garmin zumo 660 device and the MapSource solution in order to provide a more thorough evaluation at a later stage. After all, it is already mounted on my bike, I am slowly getting used to it (after the switch from TomTom), and I think it looks real good on the bike!

Stay tuned for more!

The purpose of this trip was at least two-fold, with one definite highlight being the “surprise” reunion with Evan and Sumie who I got to know while studying in Australia between 2001 and 2004. Currently living in Berlin and Barcelona, they were in Norway this week on holiday, and together with another former student and friend of Evan’s, and now my work colleague at Capgemini, we organized to meet and catch up over breakfast since I was already in Bergen. Very nice indeed!

Aussie Reunion - Evan, Tommy, Sumie and myself

So why was I in Bergen? Well, this visit coincided with another errand I had scheduled to drop of a package (something I sold through Finn.no that could not be sent by mail). It was my first time ever in Bergen, and the impressions were quite strong on me

What is wrong with women in Bergen? Proper riding boots, if I may suggest

Being a motorcycle photo adventurer, I also had another purpose of my trip – to ride the magnificent Sognefjorden. So, after leaving Evan, Sumie and Tommy to do some proper sightseeing in Bergen, I got on my bike and continued north.

Riding along Sognefjorden - here at the beautiful Esefjord close to Balestrand

What I have heard about Sognefjorden all turned out to be true. It is magnificent. Although the weather could have been better (I am not complaining, only stating facts), I really enjoyed the ride and the scenery. I made quite a few stops along the route, although far from enough stops to capture all the impressions “on film”. Striking sights are around every corner.

Self portrait

You can’t really see it in this picture, but trust me, I was smiling all the time while riding along Sognefjorden!

Sunday, the last leg of my trip was only a short ride from Stord and back home. While waiting for the ferry at Arsvågen I met a fellow GS rider from Germany who was on his way back home from his Nordkapp ride. His mate, who was riding a Moto Gussi, had experience some electrical issues and was forced to leave his bike at Nordkapp and catch a flight back home to Hamburg. I feel sorry for him. The guy I met had done 7000 km during this trip alone, without even a hitch from his 1150 GS.

A fellow GS-rider on his way back home to Hamburg in Germany after visiting Nordkapp on his 1150 GS

More photos are added in the galleries on my Photos page.

Sunday 31 July 2011 I decided to be a tourist in my own “backyard”. I got up early and caught the ferry from Lauvik to Lysebotn at 9 AM to enjoy the magnificent scenery of Lysebotn.

On my way to Lysebotn; waiting for the ferry at Lauvik

The trip towards Lysebotn was especially exiting this day since there had been reports of a massive land slide the previous morning. Although I bet it was scary, I would have loved to have been there when the rocks came rumbling down the side of the mountain creating a small tsunami at Lysebotn.

A picture of the area where the massive land slide took place on the morning of 30 July.

Debris from the landslide was visible in many areas on the fjord.

Debris from the landslide floating in the fjord

From Lysebotn I drove the 21 hairpin bends to the top. The road winds its way up the mountainside from Lysebotn, and continues over the high mountains to Stavanger via Sirdal. The road was built early in the 1980′s and it is a fantastic ride on a motorcycle on a beautiful day like this.

A session of mountain hiking was also included in the trip – a 3 hour hike to the Kjerag plateau where I was rewarded with this splendid view from 1 km above sea level.

The magnificent view of the Lysefjord from the top of Kjerag

More photos are added in the galleries on my Photos page.

After catching up with some fellow BMW bikers at Adventure Days 2011, I was encouraged to consider becoming a member of BMW MC-klubben Norge (The Norwegian BMW Bikers Club). I took me some time before I checked out their website (www.bmw.mc.no), but eventually, on Wednesday July 20th I signed up.

I am not quite sure what to expect from this membership yet, but at least my first “interaction” with the club has been a very positive experience. Friday July 22nd, only two days after signing up, I received this “welcome gift”:

Welcome gift from BMW MC-klubben Norge

Apart from the invoice for NOK 500,- (including NMCU-membership at NOK 250,-) I received a nice welcome letter signed by the chairman, a BMW MC-klubben Norge leaflet and a sticker, and the two published editions of the BMW MC-klubben Norge magazine. All in all, a very positive first-impression that convinced me that the invoice was worth paying. Now I’ll just have to see what the future will bring. What will change now that I am a member of BMW MC-klubben Norge I ponder?

Adventure Days 2011

In my previous post I wrote about my planned route to Adventure Days 2011, however, I ended up doing some minor changes. Changes for the better I like to believe.

Day 1

First of all, I left home only an hour or so after completing the 91 km dirt bike ride Nordsjørittet. I did the race in 4 hours 11 minutes – including a puncture – so I am happy! I got my motor ready to go in no time and left Bryne in beautiful, warm summer weather.

Packed and ready to leave for Sweden and Adventure Days 2011

I cruised through the afternoon and ended up in Dalen where I spent the night.

A short coffee break close to Suleskar on my way to Dalen

I was quite tired after the ride (both of them!), and food prepared outside the tent has never tasted this good!

Getting ready for dinner

The Tur Mat meal “Pasta Bolognese” is highly recommended!

Pasta Bolognese - yummy!

At the camping ground I met up with a fellow biker who gave me some valuable advice on where to go the next day to find nice motorcycle roads.

The camping ground in Dalen

The Helsport Nordmarka 2 tent is ideal for motorcycle rides – only 2,3 kg. If you are really good friends, it will fit two people OK. It could be yours for only NOK 999,- from XXL.

A really good sleeping pillow

The Ajungilak Air Pillow was a really nice addition to my travel equipment. Strongly recommended at only NOK 199,- from XXL.

Day 2 – Sunday 12th June

Sunday I woke up to another beautiful morning and got on my bike at around 9 am. My trip continued from Dalen towards Seljord where I turned east towards Bø – based on advice from my biker friend the previous night. From Bø I went north towards Notodden along splendid motorcycle roads. From there my trip continued through Kongsberg, Hokksund, Hønefoss and Jevnaker. From Jevnaker I went north on the east side of Randsfjorden – these roads are magnificent motorcycle roads! From Dokka I went through Moelv and Hamar, continued through Elevrum and ended the day at a camping ground in Trysil. After preparing yet another great meal outside my tent, I went for a nice dirt road ride near the Trysil ski resort which was beautiful.

Camping near Trysil

Dirt road riding near the Trysil ski resort

Self portrait overlooking the numerous cabins at Trysil

Day 3 – Monday 13th June

Finally, on the third day, I crossed the border to Sweden. I intentionally chose not to ride the fastest route, but to enjoy the ride and get the most out of the trip. However, it felt good to be back in Sweden!

Crossing the border to Sweden

My Norwegian map will no longer help me while in Sweden

A Swedish mailbox

Finally there! My brother Tommy, Marius and Marcus (right)

My most recent nephew - Eric (22 days old)

Motorcycle riding with uncle Edgar

My route to Adventure Days 2011

I will be leaving home Saturday afternoon or Sunday morning (depending on how well I do after the Nordsjørittet), and I will spend a couple of days with my brother’s family in Vallsta near Bollnäs before leaving for Säfsen and the Adventure Days 2011 on Thursday morning. I will return back home on Sunday, hopefully making the whole trip during the day in order to be back at work Monday morning.

Adventure Days 2011

Adventure Days is a non-branded event arranged by Touratech Nordic and BMW Motorrad, in collaboration Säfsen Resort. Adventure Days is an event designed for touring, off-road and adventure motorbikes but it is open for most types of bikes.

The experience is everything

Here are some of the activities to take part of:

• Motorcycle riding in fantastic environments
• Guided gravel & asphalt tours
• Rider training on gravel
• Exciting presentations by motorcycle adventurers
• GPS seminars
• Excellent accommodations and great food
• Meet hundreds of like-minded!

Since this is my first time at Adventure Days, I am really looking forward to it. It will be an adventurous journey that I am really looking forward to, especially since I am going to combine it with a visit to my brother’s family and my newborn nephew Eric!

Stay tuned for more information, pictures and videos from Adventure Days 2011 here on My GS Adventure!

More info

http://www.adventuredays.se/?lang=en

• BMW Motorrad Enduro Aluminum Bash Plate
• Touratech Break Fluid Reservoir Cover (rear)
• Touratech ESA Sensor Protection (set)
• Wunderlich Instrument Surround
• Touratech Windscreen Spoiler
• Touratech Throttle Potentiometer Cover
• Touratech Headlight Protector and Anti-Glare Shield Set
• Touratech Manifold Exhaust Flap Protection
• Touratech ABS Sensor Protection, front
• Reyno Radiator Grill
• Going Continental

And here are some pictures from the modifications project. Enjoy and ride safe!

The long awaited order from Touratech arrived from Sweden after just a couple of days - sweet!

Parts and tools are lined up for a day of modifications work

The bike lined up and ready to be stripped down and worked on

While I was at it I also turned the direction of my handle bar risers to suit my riding position better

The right-side section of the The Wunderlich Instrument Surround is in place

Stripping the bike down to install the Reyno Radiator Grill

My first ride testing the new Continental TKC 80 and all other modifications

This extremely sturdy bash plate is specially designed for off-road use, and adds a considerable adventure feel to your bike. It is one of those original accessories that I think really adds a potent look and feel to the GS Adventure motorcycle.

Pictures

The original BMW bash plate that comes pre-installed on the GSA

BMW Motorrad Enduro Aluminum Bash Plate - What's in the box?

Getting ready to install - and I admit that I had a peak in the manual

The new BMW Motorrad Enduro Aluminum Bash Plate installed

With this guard you prevent the brake fluid reservoir from being tampered with. In the case of an accident the guard gives the back brake fluid reservoir a better protection and you can drive on with a fully functional brake.

Pictures

The unprotected rear break fluid reservoir

The Touratech Break Fluid Reservoir Cover (rear)

The Touratech Break Fluid Reservoir Cover (rear) installed

Sturdy protector for the ESA sensor plugs made in stainless steel. This set protects the sensitive sensor from damage and effectively helps prevent a possible failure of the ESA system.

Pictures

The unprotected ESA sensor connector plug

The unprotected ESA sensor

The ESA Sensor Protection (set) from Touratech

The ESA sensor protector in place

Here’s a sharp upgrade in an area that’s in constant view while riding. The instruments can be hard to read on occasion because of glare and these instrument visors can help plus they add a strikingly good look. Machined of billet aluminum and then bead blasted and finally anodized, these visors have a beautiful finish. They simply attach to the instrument panel with a bit of commonly available, clear silicone. Everything needed is furnished, including easy to follow instructions.

Pictures

The original BMW instruments on the GS Adventure

The Wunderlich Instrument Surround

The right-side section of the Wunderlich Instrument Surround is in place

Both parts are in place and it is looking good!

All in place and looking good

The small, discrete spoiler effectively reduces airflow when riding at high speeds yet is easy to remove for off-road and even around town. This is designed specifically for the R1200GS Adventure. I am about 191 cm tall, and to me this spoiler really made a difference when it comes to wind noise. If you struggle with the same issue, I strongly recommend this product.

Pictures

The original BMW windscreen without the spoiler

Installing the Touratech Windscreen Spoiler

The Touratech Windscreen Spoiler in place