Scenic 2 Beta Progress • Dolomites • Best Custom Motorcycles • Comeback of a prominent touring bike • Garmin Instinct • Waterproof Boots

Aug 16, 2019

INTRODUCTION

The summer is flying by and while we’ve taken a few short rides, I feel like we haven’t been riding for months. Jasper has been putting his brand-new KTM 1090 Adventure to the test, Guido has been on a family holiday and I just got back from a business trip in Scotland.

The trip itself was exhausting, but I jumped at the opportunity to rent a car for the weekend, and explore the stunning Isle of Skye on the Scottish West Coast. Despite the sometimes tiny roads without opportunity to overtake, and treacherous curves, Skye is an incredible destination for more experienced riders. I have never felt so unhappy behind the wheel of a rental car…

This week’s Moto Intel Report, Guido gives an update on the Scenic 2 Beta Test, shares a video on the beautiful Italian Dolomites and discusses a rumour about the comeback of a prominent touring motorcycle. Jasper takes a detour to the best custom motorcycles and looks into some waterproof boots, while I keep time!

Now, without further ado, let’s get rolling…

Jasper, Tom & Guido

EPIC RIDES

Passo Gardena • Dolomites • Italy

The Dolomites is a mountainous region that is part of the Northern Italian Alps. It has 18 majestic peaks, its diverse landscape consists of jagged pinnacles, sheer rock faces, glaciers, gorges, forests, and valleys. It was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2009.

Because of its sheer beauty and full immersion in mountain road riding, it’s no wonder that it’s one of the most favorite regions for motorcyclists all around Europe. Almost all motorcyclists I know have spent at least one or two weeks riding there.

Above video is created by one of Scenic’s avid users, who also happens to be a professional videographer. Definitely worth seeing if you want to get an idea on what to expect from the Dolomites.

Guido

MOTORCYCLES

Best Custom Motorcycles

Ever wanted to have a truly unique motorcycle? One that really makes heads turn around when you ride by? Hiconsumption made a list of the 18 best custom motorcycle builders. They beautifully describe and compare mechanics and their motorcycles to artists. Wouldn’t it be awesome to have your own bike built by one of these visionaries? Auto Fabrica (see picture) has a very minimalist style, check out their social media channels for more great pictures.

Jasper

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SCENIC 2 BETA TEST

Progress Report

Scenic’s big update, Scenic 2, has been in beta test for the past few weeks. Feedback of the beta testers is very positive. Of course there are bugs and enhancement requests, but no ‘Show Stoppers’. If you’d like to get a preview of Scenic 2, have a look at the video I shared in the previous MIR.

I’m opening up the Beta for more testers now. If you are interested in helping me find bugs, please leave your email here. There are some things you should know before participating, so read the form carefully. Beta Spots are limited, so I might not be able to accept everyone. Just so you know.

Scenic 2 will be available as a regular update through the App Store mid September. All your purchases will stay in tact and all your data, routes, trips, etc. will migrate automatically too.

Guido

MOTORCYCLE GADGETS

Garmin Instict

While most motorcycles nowadays are equipped with a digital display or even with a multifunctional board computer, a nice (digital) watch remains a must have for adventure riders.

My personal favorite? The Garmin Instinct.

The Garmin has loads of functionalities and comes in at $265. It monitors heart rate, activity and even stress levels. The watch has a rugged design, and is built to US military standard 810G (it’s shock and water-proof till 100 meters)… and oh yea, it also measures time and date.

My only problem with the Garmin is the battery life – my colleague who wears one a daily basis isn’t complaining too much, but 10-14 days isn’t great, compared to its competitors. Get it on Amazon.

Tom

MOTORCYCLE RUMOURS

The comeback of a prominent touring motorcycle

The Honda Deauville, also known as the NT650V and later the NT700V, was a small to mid sized touring bike, produced from 1998 to 2013. I never owned one, but always liked the looks of this bike. With its integrated paniers, shaft drive, lots of weather protection and it being a high build quality and reliable Honda, it was quite popular, even though it was not very powerfull for its weight.

Now, rumour has it that Honda wants to bring back the mid-sized touring idea, this time based around the Africa Twin engine, also providing a DCT version. After the ST1300 was discontinued in 2012, this would once again position a more affordable and nimble touring model before its celebrated Gold Wing. I’ll definitely keep my eye out for this. Here’s more info on the rumour.

Guido

MOTORCYCLE GEAR

TCX Hero Waterproof Boots

The days may be getting a little bit shorter, but this beautiful season offers some of the best opportunities for getting out on two wheels. The scenery lining your favorite roads is at an all-time high and as autumn is approaching, I wanted to grab the opportunity to discuss some autumn gear which you can wear to work or to a party: TCX Hero WP Boots. On Amazon they’re claiming that they will undoubtedly make you feel like a fireman who just untreed a litter of kittens in Hugh Hefner’s yard ? Clocked from zero-to-hero in however long it takes you to zip ‘em up, the TCX Hero Waterproof Boots have a full waterproof lining, so you can ride your gallant metal steed fearlessly, rain or shine. Get your pair on Amazon here.

Jasper

PIC OF THE WEEK

Riding on clouds

As lots of you are/were on longer trips for summer holidays, many pics were sent in, making it particularly hard to choose one for the MIR this week. In the end I chose this one as it’s a bit different from the typical scenic view. It was sent in by Jo. It’s on top of Furka Pass at 2429 meters / almost 8000 feet above sea level, 10 meters / 33 feet above the clouds :). Definitely also have a look at all the other pics. Some beautiful shots in there.

What’s your most beautiful / funny / crazy motorcycle pic? Share it with us and it might be featured in the next Moto Intel Report. Here you can find al submitted pics.