If you read my two previous articles about using your smartphone to run Android Auto on your motorcycle, you know that I consider the Garmin BMW Navigator VI a poor alternative to a smartphone. I recently upgraded the smartphone that I use with my S1000XR to a Motorola G6. Continue reading How To: Android Auto 5.5 for Navigation & Entertainment on a BMW S1000XR Updated
Even though I am 190cm (6 ft 3 in) tall, I found myself on my tippy toes at stop lights. Shorter riders necessarily are in a worse position, ergonomically. For many reasons, the S1000XR is a fantastic bike both on the highway and off road. However, virtually all riders will have a better riding experience if you lower the height of the S1000XR from the original design. This article by Jerry Skene explains how to do so using an adjustable lowering link kit from Soupy’s Performance. Continue reading How To: Lowering Your BMW S1000XR
The Denali Dual-tone horn is a great replacement for the wimpy BMW horn. On my K1300S, I have the all-in-one version. S1000XR owners need the 2-piece version of the Denali Split Dual-tone Horn because space is tight in the S1000XR’s engine compartment. I also purchased the Denali S1000XR mounting brackets, the Denali plug and play cable, and the Denali wiring adapter for the horn. Continue reading How To: BMW S1000XR Horn Upgrade
S1000XR owners need the 2-piece version of the Denali Split Dual-tone Horn because space is tight in the engine compartment. I also purchased the Denali S1000XR mounting brackets, the Denali plug and play cable, and the Denali wiring adapter for the horn. Continue reading How To: BMW S1000XR LED Lighting Upgrades
The word is generally accepted to mean a combination of “function” and “sparkle”, hence, farkle. Motorcycle enthusiasts may install accessories, called farkles, to customize their machine. Here are my preferred farkles for the S1000XR. Continue reading How To: BMW S1000XR Farkles
I kept reading great reviews about the BMW S1000XR. Moreover, the S1000XR is significantly more advanced than the K1300S: it has electronic instrument panel, clutch-less downshifting, ride modes, and cruise control. After my buddy Jerry bought one, he raved about its performance. So, without even riding it first, I purchased a mint condition 2016 model Continue reading 2016 BMW S1000XR Review: A New Journey Ahead
At the 2016 I/O conference, Google announced that Android Auto would expand from a headend unit-centric solution to a mobile phone-centric solution. This will let drivers whose cars do not support Android Auto to have a similar experience directly on their mobile phone. For motorcyclists, there’s a similar benefit because Android Auto now can be used on the motorcycle. Continue reading How To: Using Android Auto v2.0 on a Motorcycle Updated
First, let’s acknowledge up front that all motorcycle-specific GPS units are both obsolete technologically and horribly overpriced. For years, I had a Garmin Zumo 650. The screen was dull and slow to respond to touch. The processor was very slow to process that input or to recalculate routes. The Bluetooth audio pairing was always flaky, particularly for phone integration. The software was antiquated even compared to cheap Garmin car units. Online trip planning integration tools were primitive. Exporting routes from Google Maps required a hack to GPX waypoints that never routed the same way in the Garmin. The included audio app is near useless. Continue reading How To: Using a Smartphone for a Better Navigation System for Motorcycles
One of the first things that Jerry taught me about motorcycle riding is to always wear protective gear. It doesn’t matter how hot the weather is. Always wear not only a helmet but also a high visibility jacket, pants, boots and gloves. After riding for almost seven years, I still follow his advice. It is better to sweat while riding than potentially deal with avoidable medical bills later. Continue reading My Motorcycle Riding Gear
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