modern touring Archives - The Two-Wheeled Tourist

Wandering Through Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma

Sending out a quick update tonight from a roadside motel as I rest up from wandering to Oklahoma. I got a late start and by 8:00 pm I decided the next motel I came upon would be my home for the night. So here I am at a motel that time forgot in Van Buren, Arkansas. Yes, I am in Arkansas on my way to Oklahoma.

You might be asking why but the answer is simple – Garmin. Apparently the fastest route to Talemina State Park goes by Joplin, MO and through Van Buren, AR. I’ve topped arguing with my GPS and just followed along. I ran out of sunlight as I approach Van Buren so here I am.

I’m just over an hour from my destination but it was shaping up to be a dark hour. I was hungry and tired so I decided to rest. The road, and my destination, will still be there tomorrow. And an early start will also get me to Sapulpa, OK while the sun’s still up so I can pay a visit to my Grandfather and Grandmother. They’ve passed away but I’m not going to tell them.

See you on the road tomorrow!

You can follow my progress by looking at this:
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6th gear

I’ve been slowly adapting to the 2003 BMW R1150R. Having ridden my 1977 R100/7 for the past 15 years, moving to something more modern has been quite an adjustment but the new bike is getting more comfortable and my confidence is increasing with each ride. I’ve commuted successfully on the bike all week and last night I hopped on the highway for the first time. The R1150R does not disappoint. The bike is very stable on the highway and in 6th gear is very relaxed. The bike handled well and was a joy to ride at highway speed. Just like Otus this motorcycle is quite at home on the highway!

Hobbs demonstrating an extra-label use of the Givi topcase

adding cargo capacity

I’ve always liked Givi products. Otus features a Givi windscreen and I have been coveting their luggage for some time. With the addition of the R1150R I needed a top case so I went with the Givi E55 Maxia 3. Givi makes a mount designed specifically for the R1150R so that was added to the order. Givi also makes a universal mount that allows me to use the top case on Otus. So, one top case, two mounts, and a couple of hours in the garage and I added 55 liters of carrying capacity to both motorcycles. Check out the pictures!