Good equipment is essential to the success of a long road tour. BMW's RT is a first-class sport-touring motorbike. It is the best bike I have owned. My RT is stock except for PIAA lights, Areoflow headlight protector and Bill Mayer's saddle [BMS]. It never really got dark during my ride due to daylight savings time and the effects of the summer solstice, but the PIAA's improved my visibility toward other drivers. I believe the unusual triangular light pattern created by the PIAA’s catches the attention of other drivers, thus making me more visible. The Airflow headlight protector is a must- have addition when riding in the “great north”. The many miles of gravel roads in Alaska and Canada will assure that you and your bike will take serious flack. The shield paid for itself on this trip alone. I could not have done it on the “comfort seat”. I used the stock seat on my Mexico rides and suffered after two hundred miles. I really got my return on my investment with the Bill Mayer saddle. I rode for sixteen days and averaged five hundred miles per day. It was not only that I was not uncomfortable with the BMS, I actually was comfortable on that saddle, all day, every day!  It is a must for touring and I would not leave home without it. If you decide to buy a BMS try to go to Rock’s shop. It’s a hoot. Rock is a real character. He is a great guy, seriously interested in fitting you to the product. He is a fun guy to be around and his saddle makes motorcycling more enjoyable.       

 I managed to break my tinted face shield at my very first fuel stop only two hundred miles from home. I stopped at Hansen’s BMW in Medford Oregon for a replacement. They are a great group of folks. Jason is the resident Arai expert and should be the poster boy for exceptional customer service. They hooked me up and I was back on the road.

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