Jeti on Tour

As I mentioned, in January I will start an Interview series with adventure motorcyclists from many countries. I've tried to include questions that go beyond the surface, focusing on the psychology of motorcycle touring.

Many of you may already know my first guest, as he puts a lot of effort into documenting his motorcycle material, which is his daily routine. Please give a warm welcome to András Kis, aka Yeti_on_tour-the Hungarian motorcyclist from Switzerland:

Adventure Bike Rider Interview:

What role does motorcycling play in your life and in your daily routine?

Hobby, means of transport, work. It has a big impact on every part of my life. 

What was the moment or experience that started your passion for adventure motorcycling?

I started riding a motorbike as an adult to make commuting to work quicker and more economical, but I soon got really into it and found that I quit my job and became a motorbike courier, and from then on it was non-stop. 

What type of tours do you prefer?

I'm not squeamish, which is what I have time for. But my current favourites are 4-7 day offroad trips with sleeping in a tent.

Solo or group trip?

I find beauty in all kinds of travel, if Mesi has the time/desire, I go with her, if not I ask around to see if anyone else is up for it. If no one comes, I don't despair.

What has been your most memorable motorbike ride to date and why?

When I took over my current bike, I did 7300km in 17 days in the first month. I hardly wanted to get off it. When the dream bike came true and I set off on a long ride on my own. I started from Switzerland Liechtenstein-Tyrol-Dolomites-Slovenia-Croatian Route 8-Bosnian mountains-Montenegro-all over-Albania-Northern Albania-Macedonia-Cosovo-Serbia-Hungary-Slovakia-Czech Republic-Germany-and back to Switzerland. I was in another dimension of joy.

How do you prepare for a long motorbike ride, do you have any special rituals or habits?

The bike is always ready to go, and I quickly throw on the weather-appropriate clothes the night before departure. I don't read much about the destinations either, because I'm not interested in the hot tourist spots, but in the deserted narrow roads and the local food, scenery and customs. My recipe is simple: in the navigation I disable motorways and main roads and set the planning to the shortest distance. I usually take an extra 30L empty cylinder bag with me everywhere I go, and tele-shop for local delicacies.

What type of bike do you use and why?

I'm currently skinning a BMW 1250GSA for the fifth year on tarmac rides, and a 950 KTM Adventure for off-road. I love them both. With the GS you can ride virtually any distance on almost any road in the utmost comfort, and with the 950 it's for where there's no road. I explore TET roads near my home.

What was your favourite bike?

Speed Triple 1050, Aprilia Tuono, 1150 GSA

Dream bike?

My big dream was the 1250 GS Adv., I've already made it come true, and in time I'd like to replace the KTM with a Husqvarna 701 Enduro. 

What equipment do you consider important to take with you that others might not think of?

Toothbrush-toothpaste, drinking bag, thunderstorm lighter, rubber gloves, thermal insulation film, knife, whistle, Victorinox Swisscard, compressor, puncture repair, powerbank, Leatherman, earplugs, rope to carry/tow, saw, spare gloves, waist harness, hiking/ sleeping bag, tent, inflatable cushion, towel, clothes, shower gel, deodorant, gas cooker, titanium mug, gas cylinder, spoon machine. If I'm on an inner tube, I'll use a spare.

Do you have a favourite destination or country you would definitely like to return to?

Scotland, France, Spain, Morocco, Italy 

What are the biggest challenges you face on your tours?

To schedule my holidays and ask for more.

What tips would you give to those who are also planning to do something similar but have not yet done it?

Just two huge clichés that you have to go because you will have money for another, not time! The other is to die with memories, not dreams.

What is the most important lesson you have learned about yourself or about life during your travels?

To appreciate where I am, where I am going, and how I live. The food in the fridge, the roof over my head, the water from the tap, the electricity from the wall.

What are your plans and dreams for the future?

I'd like to spend more time touring Africa, and the Scottish archipelago in more depth, and if you can write a dream, add the Faroe Islands and Iceland, but realistically, as an employee, it's almost impossible to spend enough time on these.