Hopefully in 2025 I can finally concentrate on touring and all-around adventuring. So many issues these past few years have been getting in the way. Especially two significant breakdowns: as in the shaft and final drive and stator failures – 2021 & 2023 respectively.
2024 was a bit difficult on a personal level. Many things proving to be both an unwanted and unnecessary time-consuming distraction. Mostly resolved now thankfully.
So, with the future looking brighter now, I can concentrate on my biking once more thankfully.
I’m also sticking with my BMW R1200GS. No need for an ‘upgrade’ right now, nor the expense required; money I can use to tour is a better investment presently. Besides, I own it outright (always have) which makes the case all the more compelling to keep it.
Also, after having fitted the Denali lights and horn etc, and a good few other additions to the ‘bike, I just don’t want to faff about changing it all over!
Lone Rider Moto Tent
I have bought myself a new Lone Rider Moto Tent for 2025. I am really looking forward to using it actually, and it will certainly be an improvement over my current tent.
I’m not too fussed about having the bike inside the tent, certainly not as a routine event. I may have it in the tent though in extremis: kids running amuck, security, or severely inclement weather etc.
The large porch area is much welcomed and anticipated. So, I genuinely feel this tent will be a game-changer for me. Plus, with my being well over six foot tall the extra headroom will be much appreciated.
Ideal for me as a solo camper. Luxury for one indeed.
Review to follow…. I know it’s been reviewed by many already.
Dunlop Roadsmart 4
Still loving the Dunlop Roadsmart 4’s. I much prefer them to the Continental Trail Attack 3’s (which were good too) I inherited; but this is very subjective of course, and it’s only my personal opinion.
I’m genuinely interested to see how they do in terms of mileage, as I’m not one to hang about shall we say.
BMW Connected Ride Navigator
Currently I am using a BMW Connected Ride Navigator for my routes. It’s a very good unit to be fair, and it is a much nicer unit than the Garmin 6 that it replaced.
The BMW CRN is a nice unit, but very expensive. Also, I found the lack some key features sorely lacking.
Such as no speed indication, and crucially, no ‘safety camera’ integration.
Using my mobile phone is not my preferred choice these days. I used to use a Quadlock wireless charging head for the mobile, but it just didn’t work out for me really. The product was faultless I hasten to add, but I was struggling finding a suitable location for it; the tankbag and/or touring screen proving the to be the decider here. Crucially though, I prefer the ‘phone in an inside pocket nowadays.
I have lots of routes and tours in the planning stages, along with the ones good to go. I like to run to my own itinerary, so this planning is important to me, as well as being enjoyable. Most of the routes are fairly short for 2025 – as in a night or two – as I have many places within that range I want to explore.
Edit: As of December 2025 I have since sold this unit, and replaced it with a Chigee AIO 6 MAX.
GoPro to DJI
I am also going to buy another action camera in early 2025 in the guise of the DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro. Also, I am going to add the DJI Mic Mini; a fabulous pair of tech items. Decision made though, so roll-on springtime.
I will relegate the GoPro Hero 10 to a secondary role; it’s still a great camera of course, so I shall not be retiring it.
Same sentiment for my drone. I shall be keeping my DJI Mavic Mini 2, as it too is hardly used, and still performs its duties as intended.
I’m not a pro drone flyer in any way. I really do enjoy flying it though, capturing 4k video and hi-res images with it.
Social Media
To my dismay I had to delete my Facebook page of three years. There were many background reasons behind this decision.
Either way it is not a big drama, as I was happy enough to restart with a [new] page; I’m keen to park the matter and make progress anew.
The YouTube channel is going to be rebranded, as I only put a temporary banner in place to just ‘get by’ with.
I like Instagram despite not having used it very often. But that is going to change for the new season, and I shall be more active there for sure.
Twitter? I may ditch that later-on, as I am not a celebrity, and I don’t expect to become one any time soon! LOL! But I just don’t use it to any meaningful effect on a personal level. I use it mostly to read the musings of others.
Finally, the bike will need a major service / shaft check in 2025, in about a thousand miles or so. Valve check this time, so it’s a big one in the spring; it has to go to BMW rather than the independent workshop I usually visit due to the recall schedule for the shaft issues.
So, whilst this is not an exhaustive list of details, there’s plenty for me to get stuck in to.
