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2 Aug 2018
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Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Netherlands
Posts: 377
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AnTyx
The only kind of sponsorship that makes sense to me is prototype testing. There's a guy here in Estonia who is making panniers out of HDPE, combining the advantages of soft and hard luggage, and there is an Estonian couple going around the world right now with his prototype cases. That makes all kinds of sense. They give him product feedback, and they tell other adventurers on the road where to order a set like that.
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This is not really sponsoring. This is involving the community. Or even building a community. This really helps as people feel involved and will be more happy with the product.
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6 Aug 2018
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Join Date: Oct 2016
Location: Devon, UK
Posts: 877
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Well BMW sold a bunch of bikes off the back of Ewan and Charley, not to mention plenty that'll never get dirty. So for manufacturers sponsorship can make sense, and if somebody wanted to give me a discount worth a few hundred in return for showing a few stickers I'd certainly do it, not that I'm a major marketing influencer
It does irritate me a bit though, people going on what is essentially a big holiday and trying to get others to pay for it. I see this a lot in the racing world where people cast about looking for sponsors before they've even turned a wheel on track. It's your life and your journey folks, if you can get a freebie that's fine, if not just pay for it like the rest of us have to
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6 Aug 2018
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Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: South of the border (MN)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Des Senior
Well BMW sold a bunch of bikes off the back of Ewan and Charley, not to mention plenty that'll never get dirty.
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You know, from the Russian trip, I speculate BMW also lost sales of their big behemoth moto to smaller/lighter motos. Ewan & Charley had lots of tip overs from too heavy a moto. Their camera man abandoned his BMW and finished with a Russian moto. Sure, that's part of the adventure when you're on the adventure. But when someone else is watching on their screen, the problems those guys had with their bikes does not motivate the less adventurous to get out and buy a big BMW for a trip to the remote out back. I know KTM declined to sponsor them, which for KTM was probably a good move.
Sponsorship has a lot of obligations with it. Besides traveling & blogging, you also need to market their product to retain a good sponsorship. Marketing becomes a new component to a trip, and adding that to your trip is important to think through before you accept the obligation. There are other ways to save money; for one, ride a small, inexpensive, less than ideal moto so you can afford to go.
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Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)

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What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!

Every book a diary
Every chapter a day
Every day a journey
Refreshingly honest and compelling tales: the hights and lows of a life on the road. Solo, unsupported, budget journeys of discovery.
Authentic, engaging and evocative travel memoirs, overland, around the world and through life.
All 8 books available from the author or as eBooks and audio books
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
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