In recent years I have been able to make a lot of trips on the motorcycle and I have been able to expand my equipment. I'm quite picky when it comes to picking out stuff. After days of research on the internet, fitting in shops and reading the experiences of others, finally I decide to purchase. And even after that, I first try it in practice to make sure that something is 'travel-worthy'.
The most important and most expensive purchase was the motorcycle. A BMW R1200GS LC Rallye. Deliberately not the latest 1250 model, but the model whose engine has been in production almost unchanged since 2013, and thus has been proven to be durable. Just as important if it becomes your home for a year. I also deliberately did not choose the thick 'adventure' version with the extra large tank capacity, because this version is already more than heavy enough and I only want extra range when I really need it.
This machine has a lot of electronics and a lot of kilos on the hips and is therefore perhaps not the most ideal bike to ride off the beaten track. But it is the most solid, robust and comfortable bike you can spend a whole day on. And oh well, my electric car has been running virtually trouble-free for 10 years and, with the exception of Central Asia, BMW Motorrad dealers can be found in many countries.
LS2 MX436 Pioneer
My flip-up helmet is not nice when the sun is high in the sky right in front of me, so an enduro helmet had to be added because it has such a handy sun visor so you rarely get the sunlight directly in your eyes. And for indirect sunlight, the built-in sunglasses are fine.
ALBRECHT BPA 400
This communication system is suitable for installation in most universal helmets. Great to enjoy music while driving and have the option to talk to a passenger or answer the phone. If I feel like it, of course.
I will wear my motorcycle clothing almost every day for a year so it should not only be comfortable, but also safe. My choice is a so-called adventure suit: robust, warm, waterproof and airy when necessary. Of course with protection on knees, elbows, shoulders and back. But of course it also has to be beautiful. The blue color of the sleeves suits my bike nicely and the light color protects against the warm sun.
Rev’it! Offtrack jacket
A jacket that consists of three different layers and is therefore adaptable to all weather conditions. Since I will be riding a lot in hot areas, I thought ventilation was very important and this jacket has many options for that.
Rev’it! Offtrack pants
The pants also consist of three layers, although I never actually use the rain or winter lining. Despite the ventilation options, I prefer to wear long thin underwear underneath so that the pants don't stick when it's hot.
Forma Adventure boots
These supple and waterproof all-road boots are really comfortable and offer good protection for the shins and ankles. The sole is a little too soft to be able to stand on the footsteps for a very long time, but that softness increases the comfort enormously during a short walk.
REViT! Kinetic gloves
It is often tempting to ride without gloves because it feels nice and cool and increases the contact and feeling with the bike. However, protection is also of great importance here and if you can with a good grip and without getting sweaty hands, that temptation can be resisted well.
Carrying luggage on a motorcycle is often quite a challenge because I have too much stuff or too little storage space. The weight of everything I will be carrying with me must also be manageable, so that the motorcycle remains drivable and can still be lifted after a crash. For this reason, many travelers replace the standard BMW side cases with the aluminum version, which are larger, lighter and easier to repair. My bike was already equipped with the plastic ones and replacing it would take a big chunk out of my travel budget, so I've been using the plastic version with complete satisfaction for several years now.
BMW Variocases
Handy lockable cases that can be enlarged or reduced with an ingenious system and can be attached to the motorcycle. Unfortunately a bit on the heavy side.
Variocase inner bag
I sometimes use these bags to avoid having to drag the vario suitcases to the overnight place. However, they do not go with me on my world trip.
My entire luggage does not fit in the two side cases, so I travel with one large and two small extra bags. These bags are also very robust and completely waterproof. If I need something on the road, it is also easier to take it out of a bag than of a side case.
SW Motech DryBag 350
The straps with buckles make this bag easy to carry and attach to the motorcycle. I have this on the saddle behind me.
SW Motech DryBag 250
The slightly smaller version fits exactly on a Vario case. To secure the bag properly, I have fitted the suitcases with a Wunderlich vario suitcase rack.
Not everything I take with me fits in a suitcase or bag. I tie my folding table and tripod somewhere loosely between the bags and the groundsheet of the tent and my rain suit are often dirty or wet and I stuff them between the bags.
Wunderlicht Elephant tank bag
I use this tank bag for the small items that are often needed on the road. The bag can be quickly clicked on or removed from the filling opening of the petroltank with a special bracket.
Desert Fox Fuel Blatter
I don't think a jerrycan for extra petrol is useful because you also carry it with you when you don't need it. And that's for most of the journey. Empty, this bag takes up little space and can hold 6 liters of petrol. Good for approx. 100 extra kilometres.
To film my trip I use a GoPro that I mounted on the helmet with some mounting materials from China. I also have different mounting points on the motorcycle so that I can occasionally change the shooting angle and thus make a varied mounting.
GoPro Hero 7 Black
What a great camera this is. Perfect image and truly unparalleled image stabilization. Unfortunately, connecting an external microphone is difficult.
GoPro microphone adapter
Connecting an external microphone (which I have mounted in my helmet) to the GoPro is not easy. That has to be done with this adapter, but it is almost as big as the GoPro itself! Fortunately, they have solved that differently with the new version GoPro.
Purple Panda Lavalier Microphone Kit
This small microphone has excellent quality and was easy to install in the helmet.
Sports windshield
On the bike I like to sit with my head in the wind. Especially when it's warm and it will certainly be during my upcoming trip. So I immediately replaced the high standard windshield with the so-called rallye version. Also looks much better.
Navigating on the motorcycle is always a thing. I've been doing this for as long as I can remember with Garmin navigation, but actually I've always been dissatisfied with it. Bad screens, slow calculations and if you are used to a telephone, it seems as if you are working with a device from 10 years ago. That changed with the BMW Navigator IV (also from Garmin), which can also be operated from the steering wheel. However, this much too expensive device turned out to be hopelessly unreliable. I've had three and luckily I was able to replace them under warranty and then decided to switch to the globally acclaimed Garmin XT. What a relief! Finally navigate with the manageability of a smartphone. Unfortunately, without control from the steering wheel, but the great navigation more than makes up for that.
Touratech Garmin Zumo XT navigation holder
With this lockable navigation holder I don't have to worry that the Garmin XT, which can be easily clicked off, is gone if I leave the bike unattended for a while.
Garmin Inreach Mini
This satellite receiver has worldwide coverage, even in the farthest corners of the world. This allows me to send short messages or an emergency call and my loved ones can follow me.
You will have to drink regularly along the way. For my engine I like petrol of excellent quality and for myself I like water that doesn't make me sick. The quality of both will be very different in different countries, as for the water it is easily solved by buying water in closed bottles. It's a bit different with gasoline. Sometimes it is stored in lemonade bottles or watering cans by clandestine sellers and sold from home.
Guglatech Fuel Filter
To filter dirt and water from petrol, I have fitted the petrol tank with a filter. This filter is easy to remove and clean if needed.
camelbak
A backpack disturbs me in movement and my jacket in ventilating, so I prefer not to wear it. I have mounted a tank bag on my motorcycle so this 1.5 liter water bag can be stored nicely in it so that I can drink on the road without taking my helmet off.
Because the first part of my trip will mainly be camping, a large part of my equipment consists of camping gear. Stuff that I have tested, supplemented or replaced in recent years so that I am sure that they will comply for a year. Everything should be light, small and handy, but also solid and comfortable. Especially that is something I had to experience experimentally, although reviews from previous users also help enormously to form an image.
Robens table
After a camping trip without a table, I soon found out that this would become an indispensable piece of equipment. Collapsible but unfortunately just too long to fit in a suitcase or bag so it will be loose on the back of the luggage.
Helinox Chair One
There are many types of folding camping chairs, but there is really only one that meets all requirements in terms of weight, durability and comfort. And after a day on a motorcycle saddle, this is a relief.
Camping is the cheapest way to spend the night, especially in the first part of my journey. Preferably in a quiet spot by the water or in the woods, but wild camping is not allowed everywhere. The advantage of a campsite is that there is water, sanitary and electricity available, which makes an overnight stay a bit more luxurious.
Carl Denig Scorpio
The low weight and small storage size make this the ideal trekking tent. Although it remains a challenge to get dressed in the morning without being able to get up. In this two-person tent I have enough space for myself and my equipment.
Exped Synmat 9L
No good day without a good night's sleep, so I went for the most comfortable air mattress available. With built-in pump so I don't have to blow my lungs out. And also foldable into a small and light package.
But even if I don't camp and use a hostel, guest house or hotel, I want to use my own sleeping gear to make sure I sleep in a clean bed.
Nomad Traveler Compact II
This sleeping bag consists of two parts so that it is easy to adjust in terms of thickness to a hot night or a cold night in the mountains.
Sheet bag
If it's too hot for a sleeping bag or if I prefer my own sheet to that of a hotel or guest house, I use this sheet bag. Wonderfully cool silk that can be folded into a fist size.
On the way I want to be able to make a cup of coffee or a small meal. There are various solutions for this and for me the petrol burner is ideal because I always have petrol available.
MSR Whisperlight
Connect the burner to the petrol bottle, pump a few times to build up pressure, and my one-burner stove is ready to cook.
Decathlon cooking set
With this pan set I automatically limit myself to cooking one-pan dishes, my speciality, but I'm already looking forward to Asian cuisine.
For the preparations of my travels I looked a lot at vloggers, bloggers and social media on the internet and enjoyed them immensely and learned a lot from them. I like to travel alone, but I still experience it as a loss that I can't share my experiences with someone at that moment if I wanted to. By making videos and describing my journey on social media, I not only have a virtual travel companion, but I also keep the home front informed about my adventures. Beyond that, I would also love it if others would follow me on my journey!
MacBook Pro 13″
I use the MacBook to edit all the video material and to keep in touch with social media. Besides, it's also my traveling home office.
Panasonic Lumix DMC-LX15
You can take beautiful photos with every smartphone these days, but then I still miss the possibilities that a 35 mm camera does have.
Many things I have with me use energy from a battery and they all need to be charged. Because I will not have access to a socket every day, I would like to have a large supply of energy with me to be able to charge photo and video equipment. This can be done by charging the large power bank that I have with me or by using the electricity generated from my motorbike while on the road.
PrimaPhoto Gear TriPod
With this camera tripod I can take pictures or videos of myself if I want to have my hands free. For example to ride a motorcycle. 😉
DJI Mavic Mini
A very small and light drone that takes up little space in my luggage, but can still provide spectacular footage.
Many things I have with me use energy from a battery and they all need to be charged. Because I will not have access to a socket every day, I would like to have a large supply of energy with me to be able to charge photo and video equipment. This can be done by charging the large power bank that I have with me or by using the electricity generated from my motorbike while on the road.
Power Oak K3
With this 133Wh / 36,000mAh power bank I can charge my Macbook 1.5 times or the iPhone even 10 times. Enough energy to get through two days without a socket.
Belkin USB-C Charger
While driving, I can charge the large power bank or other USB-c devices with this car charger.
Of course, something on the motorcycle can also break along the way. The tires are subject to the most wear and in countries where one cannot find a motorcycle company on every street corner, it is handy to be able to carry out minor repairs yourself. That's why I carry the equipment needed to replace or repair a tire with me. The compressor is also necessary to be able to change the tire pressure for driving on unpaved roads, as soft tires provide more grip.
PoweRocky Creek MotoPressor Pocket Pump
This is the smallest and lightest compressor available. Fits in the palm of your hand but inflates a tire effortlessly.
Motion Pro BeadPro Tire Bead Breaker Lever
These tire levers make it easier to remove a tire from the rim.
