Travis enjoyed our 9-day iteration of a 7-day tour in overly-technical form. Somewhere along the way he picked up a bizarre hunk of metal in his tire. Said metal is since removed, replaced by a plug-patch and Race Tech gold valves (because gold valves).

Tim installed crash bars on his Honda Africa Twin. He then enjoyed a shakedown run at the Soldiers Grove BMW rally complete with camping gear and other long distance riding products. Stay tuned for details regarding his 7500+ mile west coast tour!

Robin bought a 33′ toy hauler and a 2015 Ford F350 to tow it. He also attended a MotoVid track day and is writing a review of the experience. He then immediately packed up shop and headed to Soldiers Grove to meet up with Tim and friends.

Travis is revisiting his packing strategy for an upcoming motorcycle trip. Practice makes perfect. Also, his windscreen and top case mods aim to minimize buffeting and better secure whatever cargo he brings with.

Tim got out for a two-up ride with his girlfriend (a first), covering 135 miles of Wisconsin’s Driftless Area. They fast learned that the Africa Twin’s automatic transmission equates to less helmet knocking. During this ride, they saw between 150-200 deer!

Robin attempted his first iron butt challenge between Chicagoland and Daytona Beach. His return home allowed for some meandering along the Cherohala Skyway, Tail of the Dragon, Foothills Parkway, part of our 777 tour and a bit of improvised curvy roads (Garmin). He was then immediately kicked in the brain while coaching his first MSF course of the season.

Travis tackles a gasket change to address an oil leak at the transmission. His Honda NC700 is finally ready for riding now that the weather is warming up. New Handlebars, braided brake line and auxiliary fog lights are it’s newest add-ons.

Tim got out on his Honda Africa Twin for the “Madison Mule”, a group ride that’s similar to the “Frozen Snot” run. It was the first time he’s ridden dirt since his injury late last season. His latest kit covers non-industry DIY solutions, namely the Sea to Summit Ultra-Sil Dry Day Pack.

Robin is enjoying his new Beemer during this warm front, however brief. His learning of the owner’s manual continues in concert. He’s installed a few protective mods: crash bars, frame & swing arm sliders, bolt covers, tank pads, mud guards for the front & rear and a not-yet-arrived carbon fiber Fenda Extenda.

It’s that time of year again! With great anticipation, T.R.O. authors Robin Dean, Travis Burleson and Tim Clarke plow through February’s slush to attend the annual International Motorcycle Show, sponsored by Progressive Insurance. This event is definitely one for the books.

Robin was enamored by and immediately fell in love with Energica Motorcycles for their electric catalog. Travis took note of Honda’s CB1000 and Kawasaki’s KLX250, among others. Tim brought out the big guns with his camera lenses, visually documenting in hi-res.

So listen in as we discuss the 2018 IMS in all of its dizzying, open-spaced glory. The good, bad and ugly are all brought to light in this 1.5 hour podcast. Should you have any motorcycle-pertinent questions you’d like answered, ask them via our contact form or by calling (224) 358-3010.

Robin is excited about his new BMW R1200RS. Of course, this means he’ll have to sell his beloved Bandit 1200 to finance his new steed’s protection package (frame sliders, plugs and crash bars). Meanwhile, his Hawk GT feels like a new machine.

Travis keeps receiving moped parts in Victoria’s Secret clad boxes. Any lingerie that heavy is certain to invite strange looks on delivery. He’s managed to finish most of the tinker toy’s paint work while considering the option of a big bore kit.

Tim hosted his first garage night at the new house. The turnout was solid and a seat was rebuilt. A few days later, he celebrated with a mid-winter ride on his new-to-him Honda Africa Twin.

It’s pronounced “Christ-ma-hana-kwanzi-ka” but when Robin says it, you’ll hear Mikalika-Hi-Mekka-Hiney-Ho. Señor Dean’s slush puppy Hawk GT is almost road worthy, needing only a bit of mounting hardware so that the exhaust doesn’t break off at the head … again. Big changes are being unveiled in the site’s navigation and our editor in chief has the details.

Travis is taking on multiple Moto GP moped projects. He wants the world to know that cogs work with other cogs and sprockets work with chains. Also, for whatever reason, there’s a surplus of fiberglass all over his garage.

Tim is the proud owner of a raucous Africa Twin. He knows it’s raucous because, despite having a broken foot, he found a way to climb onto his new steed before conjuring it’s growl. Getting back off the bike … that’s a tale to be savored.

Robin’s reading Dreaming of Jupiter by Ted Simon, a man who once travelled around the world on a 70’s Triumph. He’s also managed to make space for his trailer in the garage. Ah … the garage (Bandit needs some wrenchin’ love).

Travis’s Pinto moped project continues. He’s rebuilding the forks (Moped forks are weird) and front wheel all while disassembling the exhaust. A ride that rocks as intensely as this demands a custom paint scheme.

Tim got his foot fixed. The cast remains. He’s shopping for completely unnecessary noise in the meantime courtesy of his new friend oxycontin.

Norman Hogeveen is a Chicagoland native who’s known for his deep love of all things Yamaha. Called “Mr. Yamaha” by anyone who knows him, he’s also a favorite tire tech for motorcycle enthusiasts from these parts. Newly announced field correspondent Margaret Dean chats him up.

Robin’s winterizing one ride that also needs minor work done in an effort to mod and winter-rock his Hawk GT. Travis got a tattoo that really just … it just warms the heart. Tim is having titanium installed and once finished, he’ll be able to run at speeds up to 45 miles per hour.

A lot is changing with The Riding Obsession podcast. It’s time to have a listen. Make it happen!

Robin’s riding season got a brief extension when he organized the inaugural TSSUBMMPOIP Arkansas rally. Sadly, he stop-n-flopped his Bandit but she’s fixable. His winter plans have a lot of momentum, especially with next year’s Spring tour already organized.

Travis is debating which tires to buy for his NC700X. TKC 80s, Shinko 705s and Avon Trail Riders are all contenders. There’s also the possibility of fork extenders and a rear shock adjustment courtesy of Rally Raids and gold valves.

Welcome Tim Clarke! Tim is a sport-touring and ADV guru that Travis met and introduced to Robin. It’s only fitting that he should join TRO’s permanent podcast … cast. Do NOT tell him to “break a leg” with this first episode (he’s already one step ahead).

We didn’t make the effort to build an interview this round. It’s been so long since our last podcast that we figured we’d just sit back, crack a brew and yap about whatever. More format changes and features are coming, so keep listening!

Robin’s been busy. Product reviews, upgrade installations and group tours are only the beginning. The short of it is, he still loves his Bandit 1200.

Travis is still recovering (he had a bit of an ailment) but managed to get some solid riding in this year. He too has added a couple of minor features to his NC 700. In his own words, each is “totally necessary and works perfectly”.