EDITORIAL
DEAR FRIENDS OF SW-MOTECH,
It is with great pleasure that I present to you the second issue of our magazine, PART OF YOUR RIDE. One of the highlights of the year so far has undoubtedly been our OPEN HOUSE 2024. Originally launched in 2009, the event has grown from a modest gathering of around 200 visitors to one of the largest motorcycle festivals in Germany, welcoming over 38,000 motorcycle enthusiasts from all over the world this year.
We celebrated the 15th OPEN HOUSE and 25 years of SW-MOTECH in glorious weather with test rides, travel presentations, stunt shows, live music and a wonderful motorcycle festival feeling. We are particularly proud to offer an entire weekend where our guests, partners and friends from all over the world—united by a passion for motorcycling—can visit us on our company campus and enjoy this atmosphere. You can read more about the OPEN HOUSE on page 10.
It is this enthusiasm and support that drives us to create an even more unforgettable experience every year and to continue working on ourselves and our products every day.
Working on yourself and developing further also means being open to change. With personnel changes in the management team and our entry into the cargo bike market with the VIA brand, we are facing precisely these changes and challenges. You can find out how we are evaluating and dealing with them on page 38.
I would like to thank everyone who visited and supported us at OPEN HOUSE 2024 and everyone who does this every single day to make SW-MOTECH what it is. We are already looking forward to OPEN HOUSE 2025 and to welcoming you all again.
See you soon,
Jörg Diehl – Managing Director, SW-MOTECH
A HOME VISIT WITH JÜRGEN SWORA
LIFE AFTER THE COMPANY.
In 1999, Jürgen Swora founded SW-MOTECH together with his friends Jörg Diehl and Kai Jockel. With commitment, creativity and craftsmanship, the mechanical engineer led the company to become a globally recognized specialist for motorcycle accessories. 25 years later, Jürgen Swora is taking early retirement. We visit him at home and delve into the world of a good wrench who lets go, builds new things, looks back and brews some damn tasty beer.
JÜRGEN, YOU RETIRED FROM THE OPERATIONAL BUSINESS OF SW-MOTECH AT THE BEGINNING OF APRIL, 2024. HOW HAVE YOU BEEN SINCE THEN?
I‘ve been doing very well. I have my projects left and right and it was nice to work physically for a change after 25 years of Excel sheets, staff meetings, contracts and customer onboarding and all those things. I was able to buy a small industrial building in the immediate vicinity, which I am now converting, where I am also doing a lot myself, helping to shape and work in. And I‘ve really enjoyed doing that over the last few months.
WHAT EXACTLY ARE YOU PLANNING TO DO WITH THIS INDUSTRIAL BUILDING?
(laughs). Let‘s start with how I found it: It was a pile of garbage. So there were 40 years of collected garbage in there, that was seven tons and it had to be cleared out somehow. There was also a pigeon loft in one part of this hall, which produced some very fine things. Once we had cleared it all out, we thought about what to do now: What do
we need to demolish, what can we preserve? The aim was to retain as much as possible and now we have found a solution. At the same time, we are now building a garage for the classic cars into the hill next to this hall. It has 120 square meters, is made of exposed concrete and combining all that was quite a task. But it turned out reasonably well.
HOW OFTEN DO YOU STILL HAVE CONTACT WITH THE COMPANY AND HOW DIFFICULT IS IT FOR YOU TO LET GO NOW?
I am surprised how well it´s going. Letting go of the day-to-day business—purchasing and suppliers—I would have thought it would be harder for me. No, it‘s not difficult at all. I‘m available to anyone who asks me, but I don‘t say to myself: “Too bad I can‘t go there today.“ Because of this distraction that I have, because of this job, these new tasks, it‘s not difficult at all. Of course, there are still tasks for me as the owner and they will remain. I try to deal with them promptly and it feels like I‘m over there once a week with some kind of issue. The contact is definitely there and I also stay on the ball or keep
up to date with the development of products so that I can see what is happening and where we stand.
THE LAST FEW YEARS HAVE BEEN VERY CHALLENGING: THE CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC, THE WAR IN UKRAINE, INFLATION. DID YOU EVER THINK DURING THIS TIME: I CAN‘T ACTUALLY LEAVE NOW, THE COMPANY NEEDS ME?
The decision was that we wanted to leave at some point and we said it might be a good time when Achim turns 60 and I turn 58. If there had been a need to stay, we could have postponed it again. But it was just right. COVID was over and during COVID we had the most successful year in the company‘s history, or at least the year with the biggest growth. We found a good successor in Fabian and the way we planned it, April 1, 2024, was just right.
25
YEARS OF SW-MOTECH. LOOKING BACK, WHICH DECISION WAS THE HARDEST FOR YOU TO MAKE?
One decision kept us busy for a long time: When BMW came to us and asked if we could build the current case for the BMW R1300GS. And then we heard figures from the BMW people about how many cases they wanted. We looked into it and of course it was a lucrative business to build a lot of cases over many years. Including a new hall that we would have had to build, investments and sales development. There was a lot of discussion and after two weeks we were at the point where we said we weren‘t going to do it. And now, with hindsight, that was the right decision. We still have a good business relationship with BMW and I think that will continue to grow. And getting involved in a project of this size would certainly have been the wrong thing to do. But apart from that, decisions have always been made relatively quickly because everyone had their point of view and the right consensus was quickly reached.
25 YEARS OF DEVELOPING MOTORCYCLE ACCESSORIES, CLOSELY NETWORKED IN THE INDUSTRY. IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT HAVE BEEN THE BIGGEST CHANGES DURING THIS TIME?
25 years ago, the motorcycle market was relatively unprofessional. When I was still a student, you tried to get the cheapest components. Today, no one asks if it‘s cheap anymore, instead they ask: Is it good? Something has really happened. The motorcycle stores back then were often self-proclaimed professionals, riders who started tinkering in their garage. Today, the standard is quite high, a motorcycle costs up to 25,000 euros and people who spend that kind of money want good products. I don‘t think that existed in this form back then.
HAVE MOTORCYCLE TOURS ALSO CHANGED?
Well, I can only speak for Germany, I think it‘s different in other countries. But German riders have become older, they want more luxury, they want to travel more comfortably and that‘s why there are more motorcycle hotels. When I rode through the Alps 30 years ago, you would occasionally find a sign saying “Bikers Welcome“ —today there are ten of them in every village. It‘s completely different now, you have a certain level of comfort, you can just set off, that wasn‘t the case in the past. And nobody will ride to Africa today because of the political situation. You can theoretically go to Tunisia or Morocco. You can‘t go to Algeria, you can‘t go to Egypt, they‘re all closed. And certainly not Libya. I‘ve been to Libya twice myself, it‘s a great country for motorcycling, but you can‘t get in anymore. So something has changed there.
WHAT ARE YOUR PERSONAL TRAVEL PLANS?
Originally, I wanted to go to China via the Silk Road. Then came the Ukraine war and Iran, so that‘s closed, nothing is possible at the moment. You can put that on the back burner, I don‘t think it‘s possible in the long term. Then we changed our minds and wanted to go to South Africa as an alternative. We have Harry Pienaar, our distributor there, and we have already discussed with him which route would be better. Then came the Gaza Strip and the war there and Lebanon. So I don‘t see any possibility of making a big trip there and I also have my projects here. But I‘m certainly not going to take any big risks.
WHICH DEVELOPMENTS IN THE MOTORCYCLE INDUSTRY DO YOU FIND WORRYING AND WHICH ARE EXCITING?
I‘m concerned about the high level of technology, especially when it comes to traveling. If I have such a complex machine, with complex electronics, then it all has to work, otherwise there‘s no way forward. So if a motorcycle breaks down, you have to go to the dealer, even if you‘re in the Dolomites. It can‘t be avoided, we have to meet the emission standards, we have to meet the regulations, so that will always increase automatically, ABS also came a few years ago. It‘s essential, but that also makes it difficult. But if the electronics work, I believe that these things last much longer today and have also become more economical and safer.
SW-MOTECH PRODUCTS HAVE A CLEAR MISSION: DURABILITY, EASE OF USE AND CLEAR, FUNCTIONAL DESIGN. WILL THAT REMAIN THE CASE OR WILL SOMETHING ELSE PERHAPS BE ADDED?
I hope it stays that way, because that is our maxim, which we have made our motto and with which we have also been successful. In terms of sustainability, on a small scale of course, but we have started to switch all plastic packaging to cardboard. But of course, if I want to make a product that protects a motorcycle, it will still be made of steel.
WHERE DO YOU SEE SW-MOTECH IN THE NEXT 25 YEARS?
We have a problem ahead of us that we will have to deal with: That is the end of the combustion engine. If motorcycles are no longer allowed to have a combustion engine, then the issue of long distances will become more difficult when traveling. And at the moment, we are successful with precisely these products: Travel, long journeys, cases and bags. Today you can ride 100 km with e-bikes, maybe 150 km. Maybe you can then ride 300 km and then you have to charge again, if that‘s how charging works. So I think this is an issue that will keep us busy and limit us to a certain extent. Otherwise, we‘re on the right track if we keep working like this. However, I am also worried about the competition from Asia. Ten years ago, there were one or two Chinese manufacturers who presented something or other, and that was not good in our eyes. If you go to a trade fair today, in Milan or Cologne or wherever, the Chinese manufacturers are there and they certainly have good products. They may not have a name in the market, but what they are showing can no longer be compared with what we saw 10 years ago. And they can do it cheaper and better
than the Japanese and Europeans...well, I don‘t know about better, but certainly cheaper. And if they are successful, then there will be many more motorcycles in this small market and we will have to give up some of our sales to these manufacturers.
WHAT ARE YOUR PERSONAL PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?
The warehouse will be finished soon. I have a beer brewing system and we have developed a real passion for brewing our own beer. I don‘t know yet how far we‘ll take it and whether we‘ll do it commercially. And after 25 years of flying around the world, now is the time to do something with the family. It was always squeezed in, you had your vacation and at the very beginning I was called three times a day even on vacation. Now we have more time for that. And after all the projects, simply doing less or doing nothing would be cool too.
OPEN HOUSE 2024
FROM DEALER MEETING TO MOTORCYCLE FESTIVAL
The OPEN HOUSE event hasn‘t even started yet and early arrivals looking for a camping spot have already overflowed the two large fields set aside for moto camping. SW-MOTECH event organizers are forced to open a third area to accommodate the turnout. No one is even sure when the event started including camping. Just like most things about the completely free annual event—now in its 15th year—camping started organically, as attendees of the original intimate get together designed to help educate dealers on new product features decided it would be easier to stay on the company grounds for the weekend. →
WATCH THE VIDEO NOW YOUTUBE
Coinciding with the company‘s 25th year anniversary, the 2024 event hosted over 38,000 riders throughout the event weekend. Everything still happens on the company campus. Contributing to this relaxed feeling is the fact that there are no professional “event organizers“ running the show. Except for the catering crew, everyone staffing the event is an SW-MOTECH employee with a regular job at the headquarters. That person in a TEAM shirt giving you directions or applying your temporary bull logo tattoo might be an accountant or a machinist at the company.
This organic growth of the OPEN HOUSE perfectly tracks with the careful and paced growth of the company itself over the past 25 years. SW-MOTECH is now present in over 70 countries through distributors and has satellite offices in Spain, Italy, France and the United States.
→
38,000 VISITORS
20 LIVE PRESENTATIONS
20,000 SQM CAMPGROUND
25 YEARS OF SW-MOTECH
2 LIVE BANDS
CIRCUS TRIAL STUNT SHOW
3,500 TEST RIDES
OVER 60 EXHIBITORS
OPEN2009HOUSE
2016
7TH OPEN HOUSE
Johannes Klotz, Head of Marketing, begins leading the event.
2018
9TH OPEN HOUSE
First weekend-long event.
8 OEMs, 100 bikes, 25 vendor brands, 500 test rides happen.
JOHANNES KLOTZ
2020 – 21
Two years break due to the COVID pandemic
HEAD OF TRANSFORMATION
Johannes has been running the OPEN HOUSE since 2016 and is responsible for the development of the OPEN HOUSE into what it is today.
“The best reason for a rider to come to OPEN HOUSE is the whole motorcycle vibe. At OPEN HOUSE, you can ride. You can talk to the exhibitors. You can touch and test everything. You have moto camping, test rides, the evening party with bands— the whole package of motorcycle industry and culture.“
2009
1ST OPEN HOUSE
200 visitors, mostly just a dealer meeting.
2017
8TH OPEN HOUSE
5,000 attendees
2019
10TH OPEN HOUSE
20,000 visitors, SW-MOTECH celebrates 20th Anniversary, 1,200 test rides happen.
2023
14TH OPEN HOUSE
35,000 visitors and 3,000 test rides.
2024
15TH OPEN HOUSE
SW-MOTECH celebrates
JÜRGEN SWORA CO-FOUNDER
“In the very beginning, we had about 200 people, some sausages and a glass of beer. Now we have over 30,000 people. Nobody was expecting this kind of development for the OPEN HOUSE. In the meantime, it has become a true motorcycle event, and I would like to think, except for racing, one of the biggest motorcycle events in Germany. I‘m very proud that we have all the manufacturers and brands here. The major Japanese, European and American brands. All of them.“
ELENA IMKAMP EVENT MANAGER
Elena is one of the most important members of the OPEN HOUSE team. She takes care of all the details and problems before and during the event. No matter how big or small.
“For me, the best thing about the event is the smiles on people‘s faces.
25th Anniversary,
OPEN HOUSE 2024
The atmosphere is not only positive among colleagues, but exhibitors, security, the stage crew and the catering staff also tell us year after year that they have a good time at the OPEN HOUSE.“
15TH OPEN HOUSE AND 25TH ANNIVERSARY
2024 OPEN HOUSE kicked off with a formal send-off for two of the company’s co-owners, Jürgen Swora (from which the SW of SW-MOTECH originates) and Achim Kessler, both stepping back from day-to-day operations to enjoy retirement.
The rest of the weekend had perfect riding weather as visitors went on more than 3,500 test rides from 17 different OEMs. Joining for the first time this year was Royal Enfield, Tinbot and CFMoto. A large vendor row had booths from touring companies, helmet and gear manufacturers, tires and more. The SW-MOTECH showroom was open for visitors with a sales team answering questions all weekend. During the day, the main stage hosted presentations from world travelers and bike manufacturers showing their latest innovations and bikes. In the evening, the main stage continued with live bands. A beer garden and a trials stunt show rounded out the festival atmosphere.
2025 AND BEYOND
Next year’s 2025 event is already being planned by Elena and her team as they begin to tackle the challenges presented by the growth of the event and the limited space of the company campus. Two things are for sure, it won‘t be possible to keep doubling the camping space needed. The next OPEN HOUSE will take place from June 13—15, 2025 and there will be great motorcycle vibes for everyone again.
LONG DISTANCE VISITOR
Starting his journey from Cyprus on a ferry to Greece, Alex‘s tour had already taken him through Greece, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and then to the 2024 SW-MOTECH OPEN HOUSE in Rauchenberg, Germany. Alex planned his stop at the OPEN HOUSE as part of his trip to Nordkapp, Norway and back. His entire journey eventually covered 12,500km. Alex‘s T7 has many SWMOTECH upgrades for his trip. His favorite is the TRAX ADV cases which have proven tough and most importantly, completely waterproof. Alex‘s next planned trip is through Morocco.
YOU CAN FOLLOW HIM AT @T7PISTACY ON INSTAGRAM.
SW-MOTECH UP CLOSE AT THE FACTORY OUTLET
At SW-MOTECH, we look forward to welcoming you to our regular factory sales in Rauschenberg. These events offer an excellent opportunity to experience our extensive range of motorcycle accessories directly on site and to familiarize yourself with the quality and innovative solutions of our products.
EXPERIENCE PRODUCTS UP CLOSE
At our factory outlets, you can hold our products in your own hands and take a close look at them. This way you can make sure that the parts fit your motorcycle perfectly and meet your requirements. Take the opportunity to test the workmanship, materials and accuracy of fit of our products live.
ADVICE FROM OUR EXPERTS
Our factory outlets offer the ideal opportunity to benefit from the expertise of our employees. Our team is on hand to provide you with comprehensive know-how, answer your questions and help you find the best solutions for your needs. Whether you have specific questions or need general advice, we are here for you.
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS
At some factory sales, we offer a fitting service so that you can have the purchased parts fitted to your motorcycle directly on site. There are also attractive discounts on B-STOCK, where you can purchase high-quality products with minor blemishes at reduced prices. Barbecued sausages and refreshing drinks will be available, and the free coffee invites you to enjoy a cozy chat among motorcycle enthusiasts.
VISIT US IN RAUSCHENBERG!
Mark the dates in your calendar and take the opportunity to visit us on site. Experience our products up close, benefit from our expert advice and spend a pleasant day at SW-MOTECH.
DATES
30.08. – 01.09. Glemseck, Leonberg
31.08. Factory outlet in Germany
21.09. Factory outlet in Germany
26.10. Factory outlet in Germany
05. – 10.11. EICMA, Mailand
AN INSIGHT INTO THE FUTURE AT SW-MOTECH
At SW-MOTECH, it is particularly important to us to give young people the opportunity to get to know different professional fields and gain practical experience. Once again this year, we were delighted to take part in Quatrikum—a student internship project organized by the KasselMarburg Chamber of Industry and Commerce in collaboration with the Martin Luther School in Marburg and other companies from the district.
The students had the unique opportunity to get a taste of four different departments and actively participate. Our marketing department gave them the opportunity to put their creative skills to the test. They produced a TikTok about one of our products, demonstrating not only their media skills but also their ability to implement innovative ideas. In the development department, they were able to experience analytical thinking and problem-solving strategies, while the sales department gave them practical insights into negotiation processes and customer care. The logistics department helped them to improve their organizational and planning skills—essential competencies for their future careers.
THE ABILITY TO REALIZE INNOVATIVE IDEAS
We were deeply impressed by the students‘ enthusiasm and commitment. They approached their tasks with curiosity and enthusiasm and found creative solutions. This experience is not only valuable for the students, but also for us as a company. The Quatrikum enables us to get to know and support potential trainees and future employees at an early stage.
For us, our participation in the Quatrikum is an investment in the future—both in the students‘ future and in our own. Many of our managers come from our own ranks, and programs like the Quatrikum allow us to continue this tradition.
We hope that we have been able to help students discover their individual interests and talents and facilitate their path to their dream career. A big thank you to the entire Quatrikum team as well as our employees and managers for this fantastic time and to all the students who were our guests.
KURVEN + KNÖDEL
FOR OVER 25 YEARS THE DEDICATED BIKER HOSTS HAVE BEEN PROVIDING EVENTFUL MOTORCYCLE VACATIONS IN THE ALPS
This is not least because they are enthusiastic motorcycle fans themselves and know what curve addicts expect from a successful stay in the Alps by bike.
On the one hand, there are the unbeatable passes in Tyrol, the Dolomites and the Grossglockner region. On the other hand, there is a motorcycle service that leaves nothing to be desired, from the covered parking space, the washing area and the repair corner to the possibility of renting a motorcycle. Not to forget: the strong Alpine map with all relevant passes.
The innovative group has often been a pioneer in motorcycle services, for example with its own version of the successful tour and route planner Kurviger.de. The blog on the group‘s homepage has also generated a great deal of enthusiasm, providing great motorcycle stories from the Alps and really whetting the appetite for mountain passes and mountain adventures.
SOUTH TYROL—DOLOMITES—TRENTINO
Countless passes make South Tyrol and the Dolomites a paradise for motorcyclists. Steep cliffs with jagged peaks characterize the unique landscape. And even Lake Garda can be easily
IN ADDITION TO THE BLOG FAVORITE TOURS OF THE BIKER HOSTS DETAILED PASS DESCRIPTIONS CAN BE FOUND
Eindhoven Aachen
Liège Luik
reached from the motorcycle hotels run by biker hosts Konrad (Hotel Condor), Karl (Hotel Mondschein) and Bernd (Hotel Gran Paradis). Fascinating towns such as Merano, Bressanone, Brunico and Bolzano exude Northern Italian flair and can be integrated into day tours, as can culinary stops on mountain passes and at rustic mountain huts.
In addition to the biker hosts‘ favorite tours, the blog contains detailed descriptions of the passes, ranging from the classics of the Sella Ronda to special tips such as the Passo Manghen.
GROSSGLOCKNER— SALZBURGER LAND—CARINTHIA
Austria‘s highest mountain, the 3,798 m high Grossglockner, is the prominent protagonist of motorcycling fun with biker host Georg and his daughter Madlen (Hotel Sonnegg) and biker hosts Astrid and Christian (Grizzly Resort). However, the Grossglockner High Alpine Road is “only“ the starting signal for a firework display of bends and passes between the Hohe Tauern, the Carnic Alps and the Nockberge.
In addition to the highlights of these eventful regions, the biker specials such as the sunrise tour to the Grossglockner and a crisp 3-country tour (A-I-SLO) are absolutely worth reading in the blog, especially as you can immediately feel the tingling sensation in your hands.
Saarbrücken
Nancy
Neuchâtel
Lausanne
Genève
Euskirchen
bourg
Belfort
Besançon
Fribourg
Annecy
Trier
Bocholt
Groningen
Emmen
Enschede
Essen
Duisb.
Düsseldf.
Maastricht
Mönchengladbach
Apeldoorn
Arnhem
Nijmegen
Koblenz
Groningen
Wilhelmshaven
Emden
Oldenburg
TYROL
Cuxhaven
Bremerhaven
Bremen
Lüneburg
Lingen Celle
Strong passes, impressive valleys and a multitude of fascinating views make Tyrol an absolute motorcycling hit. Biker hosts Klaus (Hotel Enzian), Charly (Hotel Weisseespitze) and Jan (Apart Vivaldi) are at home here.
Osnabrück
Rheine
Münster
Bocholt
Essen
Minden
Bielefeld
Detmold
Hamm
Dortmund Paderborn
Bochum
Wuppertal
Siegen
Bonn
Koblenz
Kassel
Hannover Hildesheim
Wolfsburg
Braunschweig
Packed with attractive sights and interesting stops, you can experience a perfect motorcycle vacation in Tyrol. With Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Liechtenstein and Italy‘s South Tyrol, guests of the Tyrolean hosts have a choice of bends and hairpin bends in five countries. With the Silvretta High Alpine Road, the Timmelsjoch, the Hahntennjoch, the Kühtaisattel and the Kaunertal Glacier Road, impressive mountain roads can be experienced shortly after leaving the hotel.
Göttingen
Erfurt
Geißen
Of course, we also report on these in detail in the blog, with jaw-dropping deals on Kaiserschmarrn and Kaspressknödel packages.
Wiesbaden Frankfurt
Schweinfurt
Neubrandenburg
FROM THE BLOG TO THE BIKE When the hunger for passes online can no longer be satisfied online only the vacation booking with the bike hosts...
WWW.MOTORRAD-HOTEL.COM
Ludwigshafen Mannheim
Kaiserslautern
Pirmasens
Mainz Strasbourg
Heidelberg
Colmar
8 starke Bikerwirte
Baden-Baden
Stuttgart
In 3 Top-Regionen
Offenburg
Freiburg i.Br.
Schaffhsn.
Winterthur
St.Gallen
TIROL
Schwyz
Friedrichshf.
Chur
Sion Lugano Lecco
DOLOMITEN
Hotel Sonnegg**** www.sonnegg.at
GROSSGLOCKNER
České Budějovice
Grizzly Sport & Motorrad Resort**** www.grizzly-resort.at
Hotel Gran Paradis**** www.granparadis.com
DAS Mondschein**** www.hotel-mondschein.it
Hotel Condor**** www.hotelcondor.com
6 Hotel Weisseespitze**** www.weisseespitze.com
7 Hotel Enzian**** www.hotel-enzian.com
8 Apart Vivaldi www.vivaldi.at
MY WAY TO THE TRANSITALIA MARATHON
FROM AMBITIOUS BEGINNER TO PASSIONATE ENDURO RIDER
My journey into the fascinating world of enduro riding began in October 2014. At the time, I was riding my BMW R 1200 GS for my second motorcycle season and had previously only ridden on asphalt and winding roads. One gift was to change everything: a voucher for training at Enduropark Hechlingen.
“MircoUrbinati“asorganizer
THE FIRST STEP INTO THE UNKNOWN I entered the Enduropark Hechlingen without any special equipment and with the simplest of gear. I almost felt out of place among the colorfully dressed and technically well-equipped participants. My nervousness increased during the morning briefing and the participants around me looked as if they were preparing for the Dakar Rally, but to my surprise, almost all of them pointed out the word “beginner“ when asked about the grouping. The Enduropark team suggested that good road riders could also sign up for the advanced group. With a pounding heart, I decided to take this step and ended up with the participants who were not at the park for the first time.
The training was intense and I felt every muscle in my body by the end of the day. But more than the physical exertion, it was the realization that riding off paved roads offers a much more intense riding experience in the midst of nature than what I had known before. The thought of riding my own motorcycle off-road never left me in the months that followed. I was infected, wanted more and had never expected what was even possible with a heavy GS.
MOVING MY MOTORCYCLE OFF-ROAD, DID´NT LET ME LET GO
I FINISHED 32ND PLACE OUT OF 250 PARTICIPANTS
THE BMW GS TROPHY QUALIFIER 2015
Shortly afterwards, I received an email newsletter from Enduropark Hechlingen with information about the BMW GS Trophy Qualifier 2015, a competitive enduro event. The best three riders were to represent Germany in the international competition. The idea of competing with other riders during challenging tasks immediately appealed to me. I signed up and realized during the first task, the “Katzensprung“, that I was still at the very beginning of my enduro career. The other participants were literally riding in circles around me and I thought about giving up after the first lap. But I improved continuously from stage to stage and eventually came 32nd out of 250 participants. This success was a great motivational boost and at the same time an intensive training session that I strongly recommend to any ambitious rider.
Leonessa in Rieti
THE FIRST REAL OFFROAD TOUR
During a virtual car race on the Nordschleife, I met two Swiss people via the Playstation network. By chance, we discovered that all three of us rode a BMW GS and shared a passion for off-road riding. We arranged to go on a ride together in the Western Alps. This tour opened up new perspectives and unforgettable memories for me. A special experience was meeting participants of the socalled “Hardalpitour“, an event where you ride offroad for up to two days and nights. This encounter awakened a desire for more adventure and led to intensive research into similar events.
THIS TOUR OPENED UP NEW PERSPECTIVES
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THE TRANSITALIA MARATHON
In 2016, I first heard about the Transitalia Marathon, a multi-day enduro event for large offroad machines that starts in Rimini and takes in the most beautiful routes between the Apennines, the Adriatic and Abruzzo. This event pays homage to Italy‘s historic rally events, but nowadays it is much more of a touring ride among like-minded people with no competitive element. There is even a special category for older vehicle models and the special charm of the Transitalia Marathon even attracts former participants of the historic Paris-Dakar Rally.
THE TOUR STARTS IN RIMINI AND LEADS OVER THE APENNINES, ALONG THE ADRIATIC SEA TO THE ABRUZZI
When I managed to get a starting place at the Transitalia Marathon in 2016—experience shows that this event sells out within minutes—I felt the warm welcome of the Italians and their passion for motorcycling as soon as I arrived. From young to old, the participants, families and visitors at the parc fermé, a demarcated area for all participating motorcycles, were full of anticipation and sparkling eyes. Although I was taking part in the Transitalia Marathon alone, I never felt lonely for a second.
CHALLENGING OFFROAD PASSAGES, BUT ALSO WINDING ROADS FOR RELAXATION
With three riders starting every 90 seconds on a large podium, the first day of riding began with a real rally feeling. The route was wonderfully varied, with kilometers of gravel roads and some challenging off-road sections, but also winding roads to relax on. Navigation was either by GPS track to follow on the navigation device or classically by road book and tripmaster. The stages often ended in historic towns and the days were rounded off with a communal dinner and a traditional performance for the region in question. The scenery was cinematic and the Italian countryside, which you would never have discovered in this way, were simply beautiful.
I quickly realized that this would not be my last participation in the Transitalia Marathon and that I really wanted to make other riders aware of this event. In the years that followed, the “Valle on Tour“ team was formed, which counted a proud 32 participants at the 10th anniversary of the Transitalia Marathon in 2024.
Gran Sasso National Park
Antoine from the SW-MOTECH Italy Team
The motorcycle and its Importance in Italy: children also love motorcycles
THE YEARS IN BETWEEN: CONSTANT DEVELOPMENT AND NEW ADVENTURES
In the following years, I took part in various enduro events, each with its own character and challenges, but none came close to the Transitalia Marathon for me personally. The mixture of familiar organization, route length, technical challenge, breathtaking scenery and camaraderie makes the Transitalia Marathon unique.
The path from beginner to passionate enduro rider was full of challenges, but every camaraderie and every fall was worth it. The Transitalia Marathon gave me the perfect opportunity to test and improve my skills and showed me the true meaning of determination, camaraderie and a sense of adventure.
This event has deeply shaped my passion for enduro riding. The experiences and friendships I have gained over the years are priceless. The challenges you overcome and the beautiful moments you experience show that it‘s worth pursuing your dreams and never giving up.
I am looking forward to the 10th anniversary of the Transitalia Marathon with the finish line of a city tour of Rome at night escorted by the Italian motorcycle police and to many more years of adventures and unforgettable experiences. It‘s more than just a motorcycle event; it‘s a symbol of passion, determination and the joy of adventure. And every year, when I stand at the start line, I know that a new chapter of my enduro adventure is about to begin. MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE TRANSITALIA MARATHON CAN BE FOUND ON MY HOMEPAGE VALLEONTOUR.COM OR DIRECTLY FROM THE ORGANIZER AT TRANSITALIAMARATHON.COM EVERY YEAR WHEN I STAND AT THE STARTING LINE, A NEW CHAPTER CHAPTER OF MY ENDURO ADVENTURE
BMW R 1300 GS
ACCESSORIES FROM SW-MOTECH
The BMW R 1300 GS had already graced the SW-MOTECH booth at last year‘s EICMA in Italy last year and attracted a steady stream of admirers. Visitors were able to inspect the brand-new motorcycle with SW-MOTECH upgrades including crash bars, engine guards and the custom-fit carriers with luggage solutions.
The GS has now reached dealer showrooms everywhere and the demand for ergonomic adaptations, protective parts and safety enhancements is greater than ever. INNOVATIONS SPECIALLY DEVELOPED FOR THIS MODEL
SHOP THE PRODUCTS ��
BOXER PROTECTION
The boxer engine is the heart of the GS and deserves special protection. The robust steel crash bar elegantly cradles the exposed boxer cylinders. The cylinder guard further protects the valve cover from damage from sharp rocks in a fall. Both parts are finished in black, silver, or stainless steel.
HANDLEBAR SETUP
To offer additional protection for handlebars and hands, we have designed a double steel bracket custom made for the R 1300 GS. This protects the factory-fitted handguards and their integrated LED indicators.
FULL CONTROL
The gear and brake levers are in constant use, especially off-road. To withstand any punishment, we manufacture sturdy, robust lever arms from CNC-milled aluminum. The gear lever and foot brake pedal set specially made for the R 1300 GS allows you to adjust your exact foot position for optimum control when shifting, braking, sitting or standing—regardless of what kind of boots you‘re wearing.
INTERVIEW WITH EMPLOYEES
PART OF YOUR RIDE – ALWAYS.
AURELIEN SZULEK MANAGING DIRECTOR SW-MOTECH FRANCE
BON JOUR AURELIEN,
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING AT SW-MOTECH AND CAN YOU TELL US HOW YOU CAME TO US?
I have been working for SW-MOTECH for 10 years. When I started, the brand was not yet known in France, but was already very strong in Germany. Before that, I didn‘t work in the motorcycle industry, but as a consultant for many large companies. However, I always dreamed of working in this world. So when I had the opportunity to meet the four owners of SWMOTECH through a family friend, I jumped at the chance!
DO YOU LIKE RIDING MOTORCYCLES? WHICH MOTORCYCLE IS YOUR CURRENT DREAM BIKE?
For me, the passion for motorcycles is a family tradition. We are all motorcyclists, plus I lived in Paris for 30 years, so commuting on a motorcycle was a must. If I had to choose a motorcycle, it would definitely be our customized KTM 890 Adventure.
IS THERE A FAVORITE ROUTE ON YOUR WAY TO WORK THAT YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOY RIDING? DOES THE RIDE HELP YOU SWITCH OFF?
I have a commute of about 25 minutes to the office on a small road that winds through the countryside near Bordeaux. Perfect for testing a motorcycle, but as it passes through a lot of villages and slows me down, it‘s not ideal for the daily commute.
WHAT TRIPS HAVE YOU MADE BY MOTORCYCLE YOURSELF?
IS THERE A PRODUCT THAT YOU PARTICULARLY LIKE?
NEXT TO OUR DESKS ARE MOTORCYCLES
The biggest trip I‘ve done was definitely the GS Trophy in New Zealand. I had the opportunity to be part of the French team and spent two incredible weeks there! I‘m getting more and more excited about offroad travel and looking for events like the Hellas Rally. I like to alternate road trips and races, but I‘m not looking for wins.
There are many products in our range that I like. If I had to choose one, it would be the PRO Cargobag. I often wonder why people always want to use a side case when they‘re off-road on their own. This bag is very light, compact, doesn‘t need a rack and has an enormous capacity!
FINALLY: WHAT MAKES YOUR WORK AT SWMOTECH SO SPECIAL FOR YOU AND WHAT MOTIVATES YOU EVERY DAY?
I love being able to mix passion and work. We have motorcycles right next to our desks. We also have lots of opportunities to test crazy bikes and meet incredible people. And that is priceless happiness.
HI DERRICk,
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING AT SW-MOTECH AND CAN YOU TELL US HOW YOU CAME TO US?
I started at SW-MOTECH on May 16th of 2024 so I am still fairly new to the company. However, I have had an opportunity to meet with the SW-MOTECH HQ team in Rauschenberg, Germany. It was a great opportunity to meet a lot of the members of the German team in addition to discuss initiatives about the company as a whole as well as specifically the USA market.
DO YOU LIKE RIDING MOTORCYCLES?
WHICH MOTORCYCLE IS YOUR CURRENT DREAM BIKE?
I love riding motorcycles for the reason that it feels like a brand new experience nearly every time. I feel like we take for granted the environment around when you drive a car and a lot of that environment is muted when you’re within the confines of the glass and steel of a car. When riding a motorcycle, everything is so incredibly visceral and those same roads that you drove in your car and just feel so much more lively.
IT
DERRICK LAU MARKETING MANAGER SW-MOTECH USA
JUST FEEL SO MUCH MORE LIVELY
IS THERE A FAVORITE ROUTE ON YOUR WAY TO WORK THAT YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOY RIDING? DOES THE RIDE HELP YOU SWITCH OFF?
At this time I’m still hunting for my favorite route to work. Obviously, I would prefer the route with the least amount of traffic but I’m slowly finding some good roads with some nice twists and openness to them to help me fully “switch off “ from work and focus on the present and the environment around me.
WHAT TRIPS HAVE YOU MADE BY MOTORCYCLE YOURSELF?
I’ve taken a few trips around the state of Oregon by myself covering around 600 miles a day (966 kilometers). Starting in the Willamette Valley where Portland is I’ve ridden west to the Oregon coast and turned around and rode all the way to the most eastern point of Oregon where I’ve covered terrain that includes mountains, forest, high desert and open plains.
IS THERE A PRODUCT THAT YOU PARTICULARLY LIKE?
There is still a lot of product from SW-MOTECH’s catalog that I need to explore, but currently I very much enjoy the PRO Roadpack Tail bag. It has good space to bring some essential items and frees my back from having to carry a full backpack which can sometimes be a little cumbersome. In addition, the PRO Roadpack Trail bag has MOLLE attachments that would allow me to further expand my carrying capacity if needed!
FINALLY: WHAT MAKES YOUR WORK AT SWMOTECH SO SPECIAL FOR YOU AND WHAT MOTIVATES YOU EVERY DAY?
What makes working at SW-MOTECH special for me is that I get to align my personal passions with the work I do every day. I truly enjoy finding new ways to connect and communicate with people that share the same interests in motorcycling as I do. In addition, being able to enhance others and their riding experiences by educating and informing them of our products that help them achieve those goals is particularly satisfying.
ANTOINE BELTRAMONE MANAGING DIRECTOR SW-MOTECH ITALY
CIAO ANTOINE,
HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING AT SW-MOTECH AND CAN YOU TELL US HOW YOU CAME TO US?
I started my adventure at SW-MOTECH two years ago with the opening of the Italian branch. The head office in Germany was looking for someone to manage the project. Interested in this opportunity, I applied and suggested how I could organize the market. There was an immediate good feeling and we threw ourselves into this incredible challenge.
DO YOU LIKE RIDING MOTORCYCLES? WHICH MOTORCYCLE IS YOUR CURRENT DREAM BIKE?
I like riding a motorcycle because of the feeling of freedom it gives me, although I have to say that it‘s mainly the pleasure of riding that drives me. I come from the offroad world. I did this activity for years and always loved the search for riding technique. Today I would love to have a motocross bike in my garage again, maybe a Honda CRF.
I LIKE TO RIDE MOTORCYCLE BECAUSE OF THE FEELING OF FREEDOM THAT IT CONVEYS.
IS THERE A FAVORITE ROUTE ON YOUR WAY TO WORK THAT YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOY RIDING? DOES THE RIDE HELP YOU SWITCH OFF?
I live too close to the office to find exciting routes every morning, but I am in an exceptional area. Just a few meters from the office, we have very technical trails and small paths for offroad riding. When I want to get on the road, I‘m spoiled for choice: Col de la Lombarde, Col de Larche, Col de la Bonette, Col de l‘Izoard and many more. And if we want to take a trip to the sea on long summer evenings, winding roads take us there.
WHAT TRIPS HAVE YOU MADE BY MOTORCYCLE YOURSELF?
I have to admit that I‘m more of a fan of short trips. I‘ve traveled a lot in France, Corsica and, of course, Italy. But I can‘t call myself a “traveler“.
IS THERE A PRODUCT THAT YOU PARTICULARLY LIKE?
My favorite product in terms of luggage is the PRO Cargobag because it has an attractive shape: The bag can be very small and large when needed. I also appreciate our adjustable levers, which are very aesthetic and very functional.
For offroad riding, I always take a PRO Roadpack or a Drybag 80 on the seat and fender. I can stow everything I need in it and it doesn‘t get in the way when I‘m riding.
FINALLY: WHAT MAKES YOUR WORK AT SWMOTECH SO SPECIAL FOR YOU AND WHAT MOTIVATES YOU EVERY DAY?
Working at SW-MOTECH is special because it means being part of a big family. We have a great working relationship. For example, I have a very good relationship with Aurélien Szulek, who helped me a lot at the beginning and is always willing to give me advice.
But what is really special is the passion that unites us all. We are all motorcyclists and love our work. Every day we enter the office with the desire to improve the service, the product, the organization, the reputation of the brand.
I can say that this spirit is available in each of us. And the fact that our customers appreciate what we do gives us even more strength and motivation to go even further.
THE WIND IN YOUR FACE. ENVELOPED BY SOUND. THE SOUND OF THE BIKE. THE SOUND OF THE WIND. THE ROAD IS LAID OUT IN FRONT OF YOU. SENSES SHARPENED, YOU SETUP FOR THE NEXT BEND. CARVING THROUGH AND THEN ACCELERATING UP AND OUT OF YOUR LEAN. FEELING THE POWER OF THE ENGINE. MORE PULSES AS YOU RUN IT OUT THROUGH THE STRAIGHT. RIDING IS ITS OWN ADDICTION. IT DOESN‘T MATTER WHAT THE BIKE IS OR WHERE YOU RIDE IT. THE MAGIC IS THE SAME.
RIDING GEAR FROM SW-MOTECH
For 25 years, we have been serving the needs of motorcyclists around the globe. Accessories that have been thought through down to the smallest detail, for every model and every type of rider. Our focus is on custom-fit products with innovative mounting options directly on the motorcycle. Bike-specific tank rings, carriers and mounts for bags, cases and GPS devices. The availability of the products always depends on the model type and whether we have had the motorcycle in our workshop. But it can also be simple. Our wearable riding gear is not model-dependent. It is simply there for everyone. On every motorcycle. On every tour. In any weather. Directly on your body and always at hand.
MODEL-SPECIFIC ACCESSORIES. BUT IT CAN ALSO BE SIMPLE.
BACKPACKS
Backpacks have long been part of the portfolio of SW-MOTECH. However, the “Triton“ and “Barracuda“ have often been overshadowed by their smaller counterparts on the tank. This is unfortunate, because they have always performed reliably: robust, weatherproof and ergonomically designed to ensure maximum carrying comfort. In 2022, we launched the PRO Cosmo and were somewhat surprised by how well received this backpack was. New material, a flexible strap system with nice features and it was also a sharplooking pack. A backpack for all occasions, not just on the bike. For us, the success of the PRO Cosmo was a clear sign that carrying luggage on the body is a popular alternative for many motorcyclists.
So we followed up and presented the Daily WP and the Drybag 300 at EICMA 2023. Two completely waterproof backpacks that allow everyone to transport their belongings safely, comfortably and dry. Perfect for the commute to work or a long weekend tour. Equipped with numerous features to bring travel or office essentials comfortably along on your ride.
GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES
When riding a motorcycle, it‘s never a bad idea to have inconspicuous pieces of luggage so that you can transport smaller items in a space-saving manner. We offer practical bags for attaching to the leg, torso or hip for precisely this purpose. Suitable for almost every area of use and every rider: sport, adventure or retro. Commuting, touring or offroad. No problem, just strap on a bag!
The Leg Bag WP and Belt WP offer the freedom and flexibility you need for every ride. They are small, waterproof and easy to attach to your body. As a reliable companion, they equip you perfectly for any outdoor adventure, no matter how big. Thanks to individual adjustment to leg length and hip circumference, they ensure optimum carrying comfort. They are perfect for leather suits without pockets and they don‘t interfere with riding in any way.
THE BAG ON A BAG
DISCOVER OUR
The PRO Plus WP rounds out our selection of rider equipment in style. The small accessory pouch is a true all-rounder and fits perfectly with all waterproof SW-MOTECH products that are equipped with the MOLLE patch. MOLLE has now established itself as a style and functional element, enabling the individual expansion of our luggage solutions. At SW-MOTECH, rider equipment is more than just luggage—it is a promise of quality, durability and design. We understand the longing for freedom and adventure that drives every motorcyclist. Our products are made to support this passion and offer you maximum comfort, convenience and safety on every ride.
So throw on your backpack, pack your fanny pack, attach the accessory bags and set off on your journey. The adventure awaits—and with SW-MOTECH—you‘ll be well equipped for it.
MOTORRAD HOTELS: PROVEN QUALITY FOR 28 YEARS
WITH HEART, HELMET & HOME ADVANTAGE
Experimental tours in foreign climes that quickly end in a dead end? With the concentrated expertise of the MoHo hosts, these times are definitely a thing of the past! Because the original MoHo motorcycle hotels simply know what makes bikers happy. And they have been doing so for 28 years now. The specialists‘ motto is: “Life in the Alps can be a hell of a lot of fun!“ Provided you know where to go and where you are in good hands. But that‘s easy with MoHo...
All it takes is a bit of name-dropping and we have the right images in our heads and the corresponding butterflies in our stomachs: Dolomites, Grossglockner, Stelvio, Gotthard, Silvretta... or the unknown, well-hidden areas away from all the “mustsee passes“. Because let‘s be honest: how can the Alps—and especially the magnificent Eastern Alps—not be one of the No. 1 areas of longing? The fact is: in such diverse areas, the saying “good preparation
DOLOMITES, GROSSGLOCKNER, STELVIO, GOTTHARD, SILVRETTA ...
is half the battle“ comes into its own. And this is where the MoHo motorcycle hotels come into play again. Because with the insider tips from the hand-picked and certified MoHo hosts, as they call themselves, we won‘t miss any more highlights and hidden beauties. To get to know the bike experts a little better, we first have to get back to the start (right outside the hotel door, of course).
HOTEL OWNER BIKES HIMSELF
The most important thing should be made clear right at the start: The landlord bikes here. And so insider tips and plenty of expertise are the order of the day with the hosts in the 34 MoHo areas from the Allgäu to the Waldviertel, from the Bavarian Forest to Lake Garda. And the guided tours—which you can still tell your grandchildren about!—alongside your hosts, starting right on your doorstep. These guided tours are tasty regional delicacies—without any ready-made 0815 tour fast food and unnecessary detours. And we all know that: The whole thing is twice as much fun together!
MOHO
HELMETS INSTEAD OF STARS
Where motorcycle expertise is at home and like-minded people meet, you get the best touring tips first-hand. In the MoHos directly at the breakfast table, at the evening biker regulars‘ table or from the boss himself. But let‘s start from the beginning: 28 years of experience, 50 MoHo hosts, 3 countries—the original‘s figures speak for themselves. The hand-picked MoHo gas(t) providers not only share a passion for bikes and score points with their concentrated expertise, but have also committed themselves to the strict MoHo quality code. There are a few special features to note: Because at MoHo, helmets rule instead of stars or stars. What else?! It‘s nice to know that behind the “Biker Welcome“ signs there is concentrated motorcycle competence, instead of just empty lip service as is the case in many places.
STRONG GUYS WITH HEART & HELMET
If you are looking for a motorcycle vacation full of passion, home advantage, guided tours and summit happiness right on your doorstep, you can stop looking. After all, all of this is guaranteed in the original Motorrad Hotels with the “MoHo Guarantee“: the two top hotel categories of 4Helmets & 5- Helmets promise the highest quality standards and everything you need for a relaxed motorcycle vacation—from the garage to GPS data. And when the arrival and departure are simply perfect from front to back and 100% geared towards motorcycle guests, the feeling of freedom and dopamine can race around in a relaxed manner. Thanks to the helmet hotel categories, which basically have the right helmet for every character and the right all-round service for every motorcycle, choosing a tailor-made motorcycle vacation is relatively easy. It‘s best to do a quick MoHo partner check to see which helmet fits best ...
5- HELMETS: FULL COMPETENCE—100% PASSION
Fancy guided tours? Then the 5- Helmets are just right for you, because in the highest category motorcycle hotels you can start your adventure right on your doorstep alongside the hosts. But the advantage is also in the details, because the MoHo‘s are located directly on the most beautiful mountain roads, passes and lake tours. A clear starting advantage when it comes to discovering the locals‘ favorite hidden routes or the most ingenious secret spots of the regular guests.
4- HELMETS: HOME BASE WITH EXPERTISE
The hosts at the 4- Helmets homebases also know their region and are all enthusiastic bikers themselves. Top advice for tailor-made tours in the region is therefore guaranteed here too—so you can safely write off any unsuccessful tour experiments. The MoHo motto in the 4- Helmets could just as well be: “Bike happiness is the only thing that doubles when you share it.“
3- HELMETS: UNCOMPLICATED ACCOMMODATION FOR EXPLORERS
And since all good things come in threes, the portfolio is complemented by the 3- Helmets. Here, bikers will find an uncomplicated home base—whether they are just passing through or want to spend a few comfortable days discovering bikes on their own. The most important information for tours and motorcycle-free days is available at the bike info corner; a repair corner and safety bike parking spaces allow us to sleep well and dream of our next adventures.
FOR ALL THOSE WHO MOVE A LOT
OUR VIA 1.
A lot has happened since last year. The first VIA cargo bikes are on the road in Germany and are proving their worth in everyday life: Sparkasse Marburg-Biedenkopf has been awarded a special edition in Sparkasse red for its in-house service team. The city of Wetter is making a VIA cargo bike available to its citizens as a rental bike and in Regensburg, the team from Feine Frachten uses the VIA 1 to deliver goods in the city.
We have visited dealers and are gradually expanding our dealer network. On our website via-cargobike.com you will find the current list of all specialist stores where you can buy a VIA cargo bike. If there is no dealer near you, please contact us. In cooperation with the vsf dealer association, we offer you the option of delivering your VIA cargo bike to one of almost 60 service workshops throughout Germany. The vsf all.ride workshops will take care of handing over the bike to you and maintaining your bike at regular service intervals.
ON OUR WEBSITE YOU WILL FIND THE LISTING OF ALL SPECIALTY STORES
The official sales launch for the VIA 1 was on June 1, 2024. You can find all four models that we currently offer on our website via-cargobike.com:
The VIA 1 Flatbed for those who want to move large bulky loads, the VIA 1 Box with its large cargo box in which you can fit (almost) everything, the VIA 1 Family with bench seat and rain cover for transporting children and the VIA 1 Cargo with lockable lid. All four models are built on the same
base and are available in black or white. We have developed practical accessories to match your VIA cargo bike: A large bike garage protects your VIA from the weather when you park it on the street or in the backyard of your home. The waterproof tarpaulin can be attached to the twist locks on the box in just a few simple steps, allowing you to get your cargo to its destination dry. The rain cover with its large PVC windows and the padded bench seat with Fidlock three-point harnesses make the VIA Family a comfortable city cab for children.
WHEN WILL YOU BE THERE AND TEST YOUR NEW CARGO BIKE?
At the OPEN HOUSE 2024 in Rauschenberg, many visitors took the opportunity to ride in the VIA 1. The test riders were impressed by the safe riding experience and good road holding. When will you be there to test your new cargo bike?
There will definitely be an opportunity in 2024 here in Rauschenberg and at the Cargobike Roadshow in September. You are also welcome to arrange a consultation with our sales team directly on site in
Rauschenberg. For those who live further away and would like some first-hand information about the VIA, we offer an online consultation: Simply make an appointment and then start a Whatsapp or Facetime call with your cell phone. We will then show you the VIA live in our showroom and answer all your questions.
THE VIA CARGO BIKE
We have developed, tested, refined, welded, calculated and screwed. Now it‘s finished—our first cargo bike made in Rauschenberg.
YOUR KRAFTRAD.
ADVENTURE ICELAND IN WINTER
WHEN HIGH SENSITIVITY AND DEPRESSION TRAVEL
We, Irene and Joel, set off in January to embark on an unforgettable experiment on the island of Iceland. Along for the ride: our trusty companions, the R6Ronja super sports bike and Maja touring enduro. The theme of this special trip was “destigmatizing depression and high sensitivity“. At the same time, we collected donations for the “Bundesverband Burnout und Depression e.V.“ (German Burnout and Depression Association) in the style of the well-known “sponsored walk“.
THE PLAN: TO WALK AROUND THE ISLAND. AND EVERYTHING TURNED OUT DIFFERENTLY THAN PLANNED.
A lot of preparations had to be made in the months leading up to the start of the trip on January 31: Joel took care of the filming equipment, Irene booked shipping and flights and took care of the motorcycle technology. And we were already standing on snow and ice on our motorcycles with studs and spikes.
Sunshine in the freezing cold, alternating with winter storms within two minutes, so that the boxers almost scraped the ground on the straights and the motorcycles were lifted off the ground by gusts of wind.
Iceland showed us the limits and yet we couldn‘t be more humbled: Where the spikes of our tires found reliable support in the ice, we on foot stumbled and slipped all too often.
Joel‘s Maja shone after shipping with a deeply discharged battery. Dock workers immediately told us where we could go to buy a new battery—but not without prophesying: “You won‘t make it.“. Irene set off in the thickest snowstorm, found a suitable battery straight away and together we finally set off through Iceland‘s harsh winter.
“YOU WON´T MAKE IT.“
STRANGERS BECAME FRIENDS.
It felt like we were soon known everywhere. “We have seen two crazy motorcyclists.“—“Yes, that‘s us!“
Just under halfway around the island, the chain on Irene‘s Yamaha broke and the entire island‘s motorcycle community selflessly mobilized to find a suitable chain lock. We made a makeshift repair and headed back to the capital Reykjavik. By now, our mission and our contact address were well known. In Selfoss, the only Triumph dealer in Iceland riveted the chain. In the evening, we enjoyed the best dinner with Icelandic lamb and lots of vegetables: a scarce commodity in Iceland. Our friendly hosts were a Triumph couple who had experienced depression and burnout themselves. Many Icelanders told us about their personal stories or those of friends and family.
Camping at minus 20 degrees Celsius? Not really a problem if it weren‘t for the “wind“. When we woke up in the morning under a layer of snow in our tent, it was clear that we were going to treat ourselves to small hostels from now on. But even there, the harsh wind found cracks and crevices to blow through the rooms.
CAMPING AT MINUS 20 DEGREES CELSIUS?
Traveling around Iceland in winter is an adventure for all the senses, including madness. The crunching of the ice and snow under the tires of our motorcycles, the clear, almost piercing air that takes your breath away in a blizzard. And what happened to our home-made visor heaters? If the blizzard even finds its way into the helmet, not even the most comprehensive visor heater will help.
@JOELSWONDERLAND
Joel has been on the road for 2 years as JoelsWonderland. Due to burnout and depression, he dissolved his companies, sold everything and is now a full-time traveler and film producer
Irene and her team have been collecting donations for charitable organizations with their charity project “HeelsOnWheelsNRW“ since 2015 with very special tours and workshops.
IRENE SEIDLER
WHY DOES ICELAND HAVE A MINISTRY FOR ELVES AND GNOMES?
Because the country seems so enchanted. Bizarre snow formations, frozen waterfalls, but also sidewalk-high slabs of ice and unexpected piles of snow pushed us to the limits of our motorcycles and our personal limits, both positively and negatively. At minus 16 degrees and strong crosswinds, every kilometer was a struggle. Stopping or turning was impossible. And it wasn‘t the cold that wore us down: the winter storm made us curse. And yet, as experienced travelers as we both are, we were filled with pride and gratitude when we completed a tough stage in such a barren country
Sometimes the wind pushed our motorcycles over without us being present. Sometimes we slipped off when stopping on ice or got stuck on slabs of ice. But giving up was not an option.
And we completely underestimated one thing: We had known each other for barely six months and only sporadically at that. As different as our touring bikes are, our personalities are just as different. While Irene sometimes didn‘t know how to make Joel grin, Joel all too often didn‘t know what to do with Irene‘s over-energy. If Joel enjoyed a hot dog and a hot chocolate in a petrol station, it was often just too loud for Irene and she wanted to get out into the open again, no matter how cold and windy it was.
WE HAD HARDLY KNOWN EACH OTHER HALF A YEAR AND THAT ONLY SPORADICALLY
We were stuck in the Westfjords for five days due to a bad weather front: it was impossible to cross the only road over the mountain. The snowstorm, the visibility and the ice on the road were too hard. The German work-and-traveler Philipp let us stay in his hotel in the basement. We worked, slept and watched our motorcycles from the warmth.
In Borganes, we met the German expatriate Michael, who invited us straight to his horse farm. We rode the snow-covered 30-kilometre stretch in the dark separately, as Joel still had to save hard disks.
Yes, luck has a name: When you can tease your traveling companion again because he‘s back! And happiness is understanding: The movie will be released in the fall.
DO WE WANT TO TRAVEL THROUGH ICELAND IN WINTER AGAIN? DEFINITELY! IRENE WILL DEFINITELY PACK A MORE WINTERIZED TENT AND SCREW A FEW MORE SPIKES INTO THE STUDDED TIRES!
SADDLEBAGS – PRO BLAZE
A PRO FOR BLAZE
The BLAZE saddlebag system has proven that sportbikes can be outfitted with high-capacity luggage for ten years now. The unique combination of removable mounting bars and lightweight, stable, aerodynamic saddlebags can get any sportbike rider excited about the possibility of touring.
A Velcro® strap is fastened over the passenger seat and it reliably carries the weight of the two bags while the support arms provide stability. An additional safety belt with click fastener ensure the best grip and prevent the bags from swinging or flapping—even at high speeds.
NOW EVEN SIMPLER
Thanks to a technical improvement, the spacer brackets now can be more easily removed, even when wearing gloves. In the new system, the brackets are screwed on more firmly and can no longer be inserted the wrong way.
With the support of the integrated color indicator, you get direct feedback during installation as soon as the support arm is securely fitted in the bracket.
› MADE FROM DURABLE, HIGHLY UVRESISTANT 1680D BALLISTIC NYLON WITH WATER RESISTANT INTERIOR COATING
› SIDE WALLS IN DIMENSIONALLY STABLE, LAMINATED EVA MATERIAL
› REMOVABLE SUPPORT ARMS
EVEN SAFER ON THE ROAD
In order to offer the BLAZE system for even more models, we have developed a heat protection and an edge protection for the saddlebags. In future, these products will be included in the standard scope of delivery for sets for motorcycles with a particularly slim rear end or high exhaust.
ABRASION / EDGE PROTECTION
The new abrasion and edge protection ensures that the PRO BLAZE saddlebags do not leave any damage on the rear of the motorcycle. In addition, the foam rubber pad dampens persistent vibrations. The edge protection is simply glued to the bag. For the motorcycle we still recommend the use of the paint protection film included with the system purchase.
HEAT GUARD
The heat guard protects PRO BLAZE saddlebags from all hot exhaust blast while riding. The textile molding is ultra heat-resistant and matches the shape of the bags. The heat guard is attached to the underside of the PRO BLAZE saddlebags using Velcro straps.
› VOLUME EXPANSION WITH ZIPPER FROM 15 TO 20 LITERS
› A HIGH-PERFORMANCE VELCRO STRAP SECURES THE LEFT AND RIGHT SADDLEBAG AND BEARS THE WEIGHT OF THE LUGGAGE
› MAIN COMPARTMENT TO BE LOADED FROM ABOVE
› OUTER POCkET WITH COVERED ZIPPER
› MOLLE ATTACHMENT IN STRONG HYPALON MATERIAL ON THE FRONT FOR FASTENING ACCESSORY POUCHES
› REFLECTIVE DETAILS FOR INCREASED VISIBILITY PRACTICAL CARRYING HANDLE
PRO BLAZE SADDLEBAG SET 15—20 l 46.0 x 32.0 x 17.0 cm 1,500 g
PRODUCT NEWS
HANDLEBAR END MIRRORS
Style up front: The new SW-MOTECH Bar End Mirrors combine an aerodynamic, elegant design with functionality perfect for naked bikes, sportbikes and modern retro bikes. Made from forged aluminum, then anodized black with engraved logo details. Thanks to the precision adjustment, you always have everything in view with these mirrors.
FOOTRESTS
On or Off-road, footrests from SW-MOTECH offer the best grip and maximum stability. Thanks to numerous adjustment options, everyone can find the right riding position. The EVO and ION footrests are now available in black, for a more discreet look, on select models.
AVAILABLE FOR SELECTED MODELS.
ION FOOTREST KIT
Bike-specific. Stainless steel. Rubber.
EVO FOOTREST KIT
Bike-specific. Stainless steel. Rubber.
Our new Black Edition collection combines minimalist design and top quality. The hoodie, T-shirt and cap, all in deep black with a subtle black bull logo, makes a stylish statement. This new gear is perfect for anyone who values simple and timeless style. Show your horns with some SW-MOTECH style perfect for any occasion! WILL
MERCHANDISE
WHERE IS THE JOURNEY HEADING?
My name is Fabian Rhiel and I would like to briefly introduce myself to anyone who does not yet know me. After 14 years with the company, mainly in the area of development, I am delighted to now be part of the management team at a time of change and growth.
FAREWELL TO JÜRGEN SWORA AND ACHIM KESSLER
First of all, I would like to express my thanks and appreciation for Jürgen Swora and Achim Kessler. Their vision and tireless efforts have made SW-MOTECH what it is today—an internationally renowned company in the motorcycle accessories sector. Both have decided to step away from the operational side of the business and enjoy a well-deserved retirement. However, their influence and merits will continue to be felt in every aspect of our work. At the same time, I am delighted to be working more closely with Jörg Diehl and Kai Jockel and to be joining them in the management of the company.
Replacing two key figures in the company‘s history is no easy task, but the values of the company remain firmly anchored and we look forward to continuing to write the history of SW-MOTECH.
CHALLENGES IN INTERNATIONAL MARKETS
Another big challenge remains to address and fulfill the needs of international markets. We have a great team but working with colleagues from all over the world and adapting to new cultural and economic circumstances requires flexibility, openness and good communication. It‘s great to see how international cooperation is expanding and how we are growing even closer together as a team. To be successful in different regions, we rely on strong partnerships and local expertise. In this way, we can best meet the needs of our customers worldwide and at the same time benefit from the diverse experience of our international teams.
We are proud of the work of these international teams in our branches in France, Spain, Italy and the USA as well as our distributors worldwide and continue to work together to make SW-MOTECH a major player in motorcycle accessories in all our sales countries. A LOOK INTO THE FUTURE OF
THE LAUNCH ON THE CARGO BIKE MARKET WITH VIA
For me—also because of my technical background—our entry into the cargo bike market with the VIA brand is a particularly exciting new field. Cargo bikes are not only a growing trend in urban transportation, but also a sustainable alternative to conventional vehicles. With VIA, we want to launch a brand that offers innovative and practical solutions that make our customers‘ everyday lives easier while also helping to protect the environment. The development of the cargo bike was an intensive process and we are proud to be able to present our first models. The project shows how we are continuously developing and responding to new market requirements in order to actively accompany the transformation of mobility.
FUTURE PERSPECTIVES
Looking ahead, the picture is clear: We want to continue to grow, develop further and always exceed our customers‘ expectations. Innovation, quality and customer focus will continue to be the pillars of our success in the future. Together with all our dedicated employees, partners and loyal customers, we will face challenges and shape the future of SW-MOTECH.
I AM LOOKING FORWARD TO THE EXCITING TIMES THAT LIE AHEAD OF US AND I AM CONVINCED THAT WE WILL ACHIEVE A LOT MORE TOGETHER.
IMPRINT
SW-MOTECH Gmbh & Co. KG · Ernteweg 7 – 10, 35282 Rauschenberg · www.sw-motech.com
Amtsgericht Marburg, HRA 4187 · USt.ID: DE247 284 853
Personally liable: BAGS-Connection verwaltungs GmbH · Fichtenweg 19, 35066 Frankenberg
Amtsgericht Marburg, HRB 5067
Represented by: Jörg Diehl, Kai Jockel, Jürgen Swora, Achim Kessler
Photography: Alessio Corradini, Nina Bechtel, Daniel Keller, Valentin Müller, Irene Seidler, Joel Golücke, motozedz, Michael Oeser, Marlon Gesser, Jörg Künstle, Heiko Mandl, Detlev Louis Motorrad GmbH, Manuel Pale
Texts: Sebastian Lorenz, Thomas Kinzer, Valentin Müller, Irene Seidler, Alexander Trofimow, Maxie-Renée Korotin, Klaus Hinterschuster
Print: Vogel Druck und Medienservice GmbH · Leibnizstraße 5 · 97204 Höchberg · www.vogel-druck.de
Errors and omissions excepted. Technical and design modifications are subject to change.
SW-MOTECH GmbH & Co. KG is not liable for content correctness of printed ads.
