This month, we're riding along with Tom Bonamici, who owns two very distinct motorcycles: a 1973 BMW R60/5 with a family history and a 2006 Honda XR650L that represents a return to his motorcycling roots.
The BMW comes with a special story -- Tom's uncle put an impressive 91,000 miles on it before hanging up his helmet and selling it to Tom for just a dollar. Tom acknowledges he still has 88,000 miles to go before catching up to his uncle's legacy. This passing of the torch represents the kind of two-wheel heritage that many riders dream about.
Meanwhile, his Honda XR650L marks a return to familiar territory. Tom began his motorcycling journey on a '97 XR650L, logging 9,000 miles of adventure around Oregon and Washington. Despite experimenting with several other motorcycles including a BMW R100GS Airhead, KTM 690, and Husqvarna 501, Tom eventually circled back to the XR650L for its simplicity, capability, and reliability.
Tom's approach to modifications is practical and purposeful. The BMW remains largely original with just new shocks, a Corbin seat, taller handlebars, and electronic ignition. His XR650L features the essentials for adventure riding: skid plate, rack, Warp 9 triple clamp and bar risers, Renthal bars, Maier lever guards, LED turn signals, bigger pegs, and a full FMF exhaust.
As a product designer by profession, Tom brings his creative skills to his passion. He's currently crafting a complete set of custom bags for his XR650L, including rackless rear drybags, a fender tool kit, and even a matching backpack -- merging functionality with personalized design.
Tom's adventures span from intense solo journeys to shared experiences. He fondly recalls a 10-day solo dirt road expedition circling Oregon where he encountered amazingly remote country and even had to escape a flash flood in the middle of the night in Malheur County.
Another memorable trip took him and his buddy Hunter on matching BMW R100GS Airheads from the West Coast to Southern Colorado, then up the Continental Divide and back from Montana to Oregon -- a two-week adventure showcasing the reliability of these classic machines.
Tom and his partner Karen have also explored internationally, renting a Moto Guzzi in Italy for a two-week tour that proved an ideal way to experience the country.
Looking ahead, Tom and Karen are considering eastern Europe for their next fly-and-ride adventure. Closer to home, Tom and his Backcountry Discovery Route (BDR) companions are excited to tackle the Northern California BDR this year, having already completed most of Oregon, Washington, and Southern California routes. New Mexico remains high on Tom's list of places to explore further, with back roads waiting to be discovered in what he considers one of his favorite places.
Thank you, Tom, for sharing your bikes and adventures with us!
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