AMW Trip Reports
Germany to Arctic Circle - BMW R 45

Who Gerry Wood
ProfessionMotorcycle Mechanic
Born 1954Nationality USA
Previous travel experienceIsle of Man, UK, Germany, Austria, Italy, Holland, Switzerland, Cross US, Puerto Rico US
Previous bike travelsSame
This tripRostock Germany to Arctic Circle
Departure dateAugust 2004
Number in groupjust me
Trip duration10 days
Distance covered5,000 Km
Cost of trip (not incl. bike)1,200 Euro
Best dayRiding up the backbone of Norway
Worst/ hardest dayOne day of rain in Sweden
Favourite placeHusquvarna Museum in Sweden
Biggest headacheFear of speed trap camaras
Biggest mistakeShould have allowed more days for travel
Most pleasant surpriseSwedish Hospitality
Any illnessnone
Other trips plannedArctic circle in Finland, Hammerfest
One travel tipMotorcyle Cover proved most useful
Bike Model1986 BMW R 45
Age/ mileage on departure1986, 56,000 Km
ModificationsFound clever way to carry tools-spares over battery and in frame tube
Mods you wish you'd doneRefresh engine top end before trip
Type of baggageMetzler, older style
Tyres usednone
Number of puncturesStandard BMW bags, tank bag, small luggage rack
Bike's weak pointside stand
Bike's strong pointfuel economy
Bike problemsfelt like it was losing power by end of trip
Number of accidentsnone
Same bike again?yes
One biking tipBring tools and spare parts so that you will not need them!