Words by Nita Breibish // Photography by Nita Breibish

With big dreams comes bigger responsibility. Most importantly the responsibility to ones self, I believe, to try to see those dreams through. They wait patiently in your mind like the thought of an old friend who you just remembered forgetting to call. Like a whisper, enticing you now and again to step inside its bubble, its endless realm of possibilities, with the tempting risk of getting lost for good.

It eventually became a daily thing, this dream of travelling. No matter where I was, I had this tugging and nudging feeling to just go, somewhere, anywhere. For me riding started as an idea, to fight a fear I once had. It grew and changed as I did. It took me from one point to another, and back again, before its true purpose seemed to peek up at me. It was to be the beginning of a marriage between ground and sky. Taking me into the vastness and grandness of the world I that I am so in love with, while also taking me deeper into the journey of soul and self. It was a lovely communion, so honest.

The BWM F650GS has been the greatest gift of all time. A noble steed that will take me deep within the reality of this great dream. It makes me feel like a kid again, just oozing with pure fun. I’ve ridden many types of bikes and although all come stamped with a seal of freedom approval, nothing quite compares to being on a bike that offers the sense of both freedom and security. Something two wheel riding typically doesn’t boast. On bikes I’d ridden in the past it has been about an adrenaline rush. It was about finding the freedom within the speed. And for me, perhaps having a superhero complex one might say. But feeling remotely safe, hmmm, no. Sure there are bikes that handle better than others and nothing can take away from the safety you might find in a bike that you have named into the family, but still, strip down the emotional attachments and the truth is still apparent. Riding on two wheels is dangerous. So to find a sense of security in an insecure situation is welcome. From comfortable riding position, less torque than my past 600rr to lower height and nice weight distribution. I’ve never felt safer on the road.  Allowing me to ride for longer periods of time through more varying terrain. Simply put, taking me more places.

The bike is both solid and so flickable. Moving wherever I need with ease. Even with added luggage weight. Sure signaling with both hands was strange at first and getting use to the turning radius was kind of comical. Where at times it felt a bit like steering a boat when trying to do tight u -turns. Still, coming from a Sportbike riding position, it’s understandable. And something I’m sure will get easier with time, two weeks hasn’t proved time enough. The throttle seemed a bit lighter than what I was used to as well. Really putting my throttle control skills to the test, but so far adaptation is bearable. I’ve been told that this is something that can easily be adjusted.

The bike is a twin with an 800 engine. I’ve been told it was tuned down from the popular F800GS, which is why I’m guessing they call it the 650. Fine with me since it allows the bike to list at 9,000 CAN. It was meant to be the entry level GS, but with the weight differential it is said to handle now just like it’s bigger brother. The important difference for me is the factory-lowered option that allows a 5 foot 5-inch gal to get on and practically ride it right off the showroom floor. And it actually visually reminds me more of the 1200.

The bike has been with me for 2.5 weeks now and I’m thoroughly impressed with it.

Technical Stats:

• 798cc Vertical Twin
• 376lbs dry
• Top speed 189 km
• ABS
• Factory lowered set height 31.3 inches
• Standard seat height 32.3

We affixed the bike with all the trimmings. Why, well most importantly because it’s FUN, secondly because it requires protection just as we do while riding and three because it provides added comfort and convenience during long trips. Touratech was my one stop shop for nearly all of the added components you’ll see in the photos above and below. New additions were as follows.

1. Windscreen – This was the first thing I noticed immediately during the first couple of days out. The stock windscreen was completely ineffective. Its rise was about 6 inches high and pushed the wind straight into my neck and head area. I found myself tucking like on a Sportbike just to get some relief. This was the first thing to change. The new screen is 35omm high and 310mm wide. It replaces the old windscreen in the same position and uses the existing bolts.
2. Headlight cover guard – Although not yet truly necessary, it looks so cool. When I’m riding through rougher types of terrain or drop the bike in off road situations, this will be appreciated.
3. Mudgaurd front extension – I love the way this looks on the bike, it shortens the beak a touch and gives the bike a butchier stance. Especially since I have the factory lowered model, which gives the illusion of being longer from back to beak.
4. Hand Protectors – This is such a great addition. It takes me back to our Miller Motorsports Park ride last year on my 600rr, for the Superbike races. My hands were freezing on the way home through Montana. Cold and wet.  No matter what type of glove I was wearing once my hands were wet the wind just became added torture. Having these hand protectors are so amazing. Offering me protection not just in case of a spill, but also from the wind. In addition to the grip warmers, I’m in paradise.
5. Roll Bar and Engine Guard – More added protection for the pretty plastic parts and more importantly, the engine.

1. Happy Trail Panniers – After looking at a couple of pannier manufacturers we decided on the Happy Trail set. They had that cool stripped down look that I loved from the Touratech bags, but loads cheaper. I went with the 29 liter pair that sit just about the same width as my handlebars. No need for much more. I’m able to carry any extra gear, tools and items that I need readily available in them. They are beautifully made, water sealed, powder coated to match the BMW silver and just itching to get covered in destination decals and stickers. They come with waterproof inner liners so that I can easily pull out my goodies, without having to remove the entire case.
2. Rear Luggage Rack – For my clothes and personal items a rear luggage rack was added as well. Rock straps help to secure my 55 liter dry bag on for longer trips.

At this point the bike was set and ready for break in and so was I.

The morning called for rain, again. September 5^th and I’m 34 years old today. And I was so excited! I knew this wasn’t normal. I don’t remember the last time I truly wanted to play in the rain. I was probably 4. So it took 30 years to remember what it was like. To remember what it meant to feel free. I was so ready. Calgary’s Summer has been well, a touch shorter than past years. And for bikers here this year, feeling robbed is the title of a song daily sung. The difference for us this time is that we were going rain or shine. It was time for a little self-prep following the bike-prep. I loved the idea of being in what would normally be an uncomfortable situation and having to dig deep to find a way to endure, to adapt as all humans can in trying times. I loved the idea of letting go and opening up to the possibility of being somewhat naked from the inside out.

We set off at 9am. The steady drizzle was surprisingly peaceful. Traffic was light and the sky was unpredictable. I had about 500km on my bike from previous close to home jaunts after the bike came home.  But with the summer moving on much quicker this year, I wanted to get my break in kms done so that we could head out for one last end of season adventure.

It was highway all the way. It was about getting there that day. Rain was medium to heavy and it was near freezing temperatures. Turning on my grip warmers always feels a bit weird still, but in these conditions, easy to get over. I was layered three fold and my new windscreen provided perfect coverage from the additional rain beating. All great until the blurry spot appeared on the face shield just over my right eye. With added rain drops scattered about it seemed a bit hard to focus, still one of those things you just have to deal with.

My fingertips started to feel a bit chilled an hour in, then I remember, I’m riding a motorcycle in the pouring rain and cold and the only thing feeling it, were my fingertips? That’s when I took a deep breath and took in the fresh smell of the rain. I’m following my husband and we chat from time to time over our Scala intercom system. What a great day. We’re off to the Rockies for a night at the Rimrock Resort for my birthday. I’m thinking of a hot cup of coffee and my favorite grilled veggie and steak wrap in front of the enormous centrally located lobby fireplace. I thought to myself how even more amazing it would feel after coming in from a ride in the rain. I appreciated the destination so much more because of it. I like this. The feeling of hard work and reward is so fulfilling.

By the time we got to the resort, parked the bikes and had our time warming up, the sun started to burst out between the misty mountaintops. Looking out into the valley I knew this was just the beginning.

The next morning would grant us the opportunity to spend the day finishing up with the bikes break in. Partly cloudy skies with a chance of precipitation. With a four-hour day ahead of us we hit the big breakfast buffet at the Primrose restaurant in our hotel and were heading back towards Calgary by 11am.

We headed through Kananaskis country and up into Highwood pass. Some 7700 feet up and snow surrounding. It was so amazing. To be on bikes and see that much snow was so strange for us, even as Canadians. Something we never really imagined happening but sort of always enjoyed trying to imagine. Surely because it meant we were truly out in the world. It was another key point to the self-prep we were looking for. Gradually testing our own boundaries and limitations. And so far, none have been hit.

Stay tuned as we continue to cross borders and test boundaries.
Next stop – 9.17.2010 – Beautiful British Columbia.