Ever wondered exactly when your BMW was built? The parts guys like to know, and sometimes BMW changes things from one month to the next. Give this handy VIN decoder (Vehicle Identification Number) your frame number and it will tell you when it was made!

BMW R80GS - complete history of one bike, how to do all the repairs it required and more. Well done page.

"I didn't see the motorcycle." This is the number one reason/excuse car drivers give when they cause an accident with a motorcyclist which has given rise to the mantra "ride like you're invisible."

A helpful thread from the HUBB on off-road travel TOOL KIT recommendations

Comparison of air filter types. Very interesting...

Tips on replacing the idler shaft lever.

"In June 2005 I started on my Journey to ride first to Alaska then to Argentina. The site has a daily blog, photos and detailed progress maps."

I bought a new BMW R1200GS in Anchorage, and didn't want (nor could really afford) a set of Jessies. I heard horror stories about breaking the standard BMW panniers later, and as I am on the road to Argentina figured I should stop somewhere and relieve myself of the worry.

Here's what I came up with, I made them in a muffler shop in Oaxaca . I can email more photos or explanations if required. Email address and other photos are on my website."

Is That Additive Really A Negative? Expose of all the oil additives nonsense. My opinion, and that of the authors: just use good old motor oil.

"I have now completely rewired my bike - except for one or two exceptions. This is an article about what I did, why, how, etc. "

Good changing and balancing tips

by Carroll Smith, Stoptech Brake Systems. Excellent article on what's really happening, and breaking in pads and disks.

Tips on repair with plastex.

Troubleshooting, Disassembly and Re-assembly. An oft-maligned starter motor, the Valeo is actually not bad, and not hard to repair. Here's a complete rebuild procedure.

Links to articles about a wide array of tech stuff from polishing aluminum to motorcycle dynamics and how to adjust the chain.

Another Valeo rebuild article, and exhaust thread care and more to come.

A bike specific dictionary that enables you to translate almost any technical bike term from English into French, German or Italian. Well worth printing out and stashing with your documents for any trip.

Figuring out the correct size wire to use when adding accessories. Also pages to wiring lights and horns etc. All for cars, but the wiring is the same, your lights don't know whether they are on a bike or a car, and the electricity sure doesn't care...

More wheel balancing info, how to, and build your own tools.

Good article on correct adjustment of the R100GS, K75 and some other similar BMW steering head bearings.

American Fastener Journal - everything you ever wanted to know about nuts and bolts - for the real techies

The Online Motorcycle Repair Course starts with basic and general bike repair stuff, and gets into lubrication, fuel, electrical, engine, frame, and more bike-related topics.

"Wondering how often you SHOULD change oil? Wondering if there is an engine problem coming up? Get your oil analyzed and KNOW!"

Clamp / safety wire anything - any size - any shape - anywhere.

Joerg Hau has a very nicely done page on how to overhaul a BMW airhead (R bike) gearbox in your own workshop, including a lot of clear photos, drawings (and links to drawings) of the few necessary tools etc.

Excellent oiled foam filters - I've been using them forever, and my G/S has had one in it since 1986. Models to fit most bikes. Recommended.

Ohlins and others general suspension setup, especially for race, but also good starter for all. (Click on Products then Suspension setup)

Charging systems for motorcycles. Wide range of electrical components, upgraded charging systems etc.

Fault finding chart for electrical problems.

Installing and modifying the Race Tech Gold Valve Cartridge Emulator in GS.