THE STEED

Generally, the second question I get is, "What do you take to live on a bike for that long?" Well...first off, it starts with the bike.

The BMW R1200 GS Adventure

In 2012, Cycle World called the R1200GS "the most successful motorcycle in the last two-and-a-half decades." The GS refers to either Gelände/Straße (German: off-road/road) or Gelände Sport.

This is the most versatile, reliable, and downright capable motorcycle on Earth. This beast will scream 130 MPH down the highway smooth as a Cadillac, eat through corners like a bobsled, and climb mountains like a goat. Well...close, anyway. But, there's definitely no other bike in the world fitting for this expedition round the world.

Weighing in at close to 600-lbs and as wide as a small dairy cow, this versatility is no small feat. And in this case, "BMW" could stand for "Bells and More Whistles." We're talkin' about traction control, electronic push-button suspension, on-board computer, electronic cruise control, shift assist (no clutch needed), heated grips, and more. With the push of a button, the suspension sinks lower and tightens up for navigating twisties. Another tap, and it lifts a few inches and gives way to allow for off-road riding. The center of gravity is forward and low, and the suspension squats when braking, rather than diving. That's really handy if you don't want to fly over the handlebars.

I rode the previous model back from Buenos Aires. Have rented them to tour 15 other countries. While I'll probably own other bikes in the future, I will never NOT own a BMW GS.