Ride and Talk - #91 Riding Colombia — Exploring the Exotic and Mysterious Roads and Trails of Colombia!

That was Reiner Fings, Product Manager for the BMW R 1300 GS Adventure. You may remember hearing him in a previous episode last year, where we discussed the standard R 1300 GS. Hi everyone I’m Shawn Thomas, welcome back to the BMW Motorrad Ride and Talk podcast. BMW Motorrad is calling this “The Year of the GS” for good reason. In all we have seen significant changes in nearly every model in the GS line-up, most notably the F 900 GS, R 1300 GS, and R 1300 GS Adventure. My producer Louise Powers and I met with Reiner during the launch of the new R 1300 GS Adventure, which occurred during BMW Motorrad Days in Garmisch. Today we discuss this newest model, new technologies, and some little known history of the GS. Please be sure to subscribe, like and comment on this and other Ride and Talk episodes, we very much appreciate your continued support! Now lets hear from Reiner Fings about the Year of the GS.

There are many amazing places to ride in South America, and Colombia is definitely among the most notable. With breathtaking mountains, cities, villages and microclimates, Colombia is a place that will provide even the most avid explorer with memories to last a lifetime. But what’s it like exploring in Colombia? Today, my producer Louise Powers and I sit down with Micho and Sara, Colombia natives who tell us what its like to ride motorcycles in their beautiful country.

What is an Expedition Leader, and what is the path to becoming one? Follow along as 8 individuals from around the world test their mechanical, medical, tour guide and leadership skills in the newest training program from BMW Motorrad.

Markus Flasch took over as Head of BMW Motorrad in November 2023. Markus was already a well-known figure at BMW Motorrad, having been at the helm of the M division when it was decided to introduce the first M motorcycle, the M 1000 RR. As the new head of Motorrad, Markus has already begun to make an impression as an innovative and decisive leader. But what is his vision for the brand, and how does he plan to implement this vision? While in Munich, my producer Louise Powers and I sat down with Markus to discuss his history, his passions, and his plans for the future of BMW Motorrad. Please subscribe to Ride and Talk and leave a comment on this and other episodes. We would love to hear from you and appreciate your feedback and support.

Coming up on the next BMW Motorrad Ride and Talk Podcast: Sitting down with HansA. Muth, one of the most celebrated designers in the history of BMW Motorrad. Take a listen! That was the voice of HansA. Muth, describing his process for designing the ever-evolving motorcycle platform. Hans’ legacy spans 50 years and can be seen even in today’s modern BMW motorcycles. Hans and I took a tour of the BMW museum in Munich, where the very first — and very latest — BMW motorcycles are on display as part of the 100 Years BMW Motorrad exhibit. Afterward, we sat down and talked about his spectacular career as a designer for BMW, and some of the twists and turns that have brought to us so many epic milestones in BMW motorcycles.

Looking back at the last 30 years, it’s hard to think of anyone who has had a larger influence on what we see as BMW Motorrad, than Edgar Heinrich. A designer with a vision, Edgar has brought to us the modern look and feel of several iconic BMW Motorcycle models. During our interview I was stricken with Edgar's knowledge and passion, but most of all the humility of a man who began with a simple love for design and motorcycles, and shaped this into what has become a legacy of tenacity, perseverance, and success.

There are many important roles that comprise the creation of a new motorcycle. But it’s hard to think of any role more critical than that of a product manager. Throughout development, this individual works with all of the people involved in the project, shaping the product from a concept to the motorcycle that we as riders ultimately see and experience. This is the role that Reiner Fings has played for many iconic BMW motorcycles, most recently the new BMW R 1300 GS. Just one day after the worldwide launch of the GS, Reiner sits down and tells us about his entry into BMW Motorrad, and the path that has led to the latest iteration of BMW’s most iconic motorcycle.

Part of the magic of motorcycle riding is meeting ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Their stories inspire us to go to new places and take on adventures that we may not have otherwise considered. Recently one of our podcast listeners suggested that my producer Louise Powers and I interview Jason Gale, a motorcycle enthusiast who lives, rides and organizes riding groups in his home country of Tasmania. This is a special interview for me, not just because Tasmania is on my bucket list of places to explore. It’s also an opportunity to share with you, our listeners, that in addition to people who work or are celebrities in the motorcycle industry, the Ride and Talk Podcast is also about hearing from those of you who have a passion for motorcycles and want to share that passion for the lifestyle we all love

Anyone who visits the USA will quickly come to realize how big the country is, and how challenging it can be to choose where to go and what to see. This is especially true for those who wish to ride an adventure motorcycle and go beyond where the pavement ends. To help solve this problem, a group of motorcycle enthusiasts founded the Backcountry Discovery Routes, a non-profit organization dedicated to charting and maintaining routes so adventure and dual-sport riders can explore and enjoy the country. Recently my producer Louise Powers and I sat down with BDR Board President Tim James and BDR Ambassador Wendy Naessens, who helped us understand the origins, offerings and a glimpse into the future of the Backcountry Discovery Routes.

Designing the newest and most cutting edge BMW motorcycles. Take a listen! Ever since my passion for BMW Motorrad began, I’ve had an insatiable desire to understand the inner workings of the company. Throughout the years, I’ve tried to piece together the journey that each motorcycle takes from concept to reality. Some of these steps are of course highly confidential, and therefore very difficult for outsiders to fully visualize. So it was very exciting for my producer Louise Powers and I to be invited to the BMW Motorrad Design Studio in Munich where we interviewed Alexander Buckan and Harry Schmidt, both part of new vehicle strategy and design. As we interview Alex and Harry, you will hear the sounds of a bustling machine shop where new model prototypes are being constructed. Together we discuss the process of developing new models, and talk about the future of motorcycles, including cutting edge electric platforms and urban mobility.