NEWS | Touratech in Asia

The adventure riding lifestyle has long been supported by a global community. In addition to Europe and North America, there is another particularly active pole of this movement: The Far East. Travelling adventurers should not hesitate to explore this fascinating part of the world and meet like-minded people - the local Touratech distributors will be happy to help.

When you think of Asia or even the Far East, dreamlike images of palm-fringed beaches, magical mountains, golden temples and dense jungles spring to mind. However, only very few European adventure riders in realise that the countries of Asia are not only attractive travel destinations, but that there is also an extremely lively Enduro scene in numerous countries in the Far East.

The attachment to motorbikes is traditionally particularly strong in Asian countries, where the motorised two-wheeler is the most important means of transport of all. Unlike Europe, where motorbikes were relegated to a shadowy existence for decades as prosperity increased, many in Asia have remained loyal to two-wheelers even though they have long since owned a car. The big adventure riding boom of the 2010s therefore fell on fertile ground in Asia and led to the development of a very active scene with dedicated riders. Shared experiences with like-minded people are particularly popular, which is why Enduro travellers like to join together in groups. The riders are also very proud of their machines and identify strongly with their lifestyle. The riders from Asia now take their bikes on discovery tours around the globe themselves. For example, Touratech Thailand is organising a trip along the Adventure Country Track (ACT) through the Pyrenees in cooperation with Edelweiss Bike Travel. The adventure even received a slot on Thai television's main evening programme.

Touratech is active in this interesting market with nine distributors in China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Taiwan. The distributors are deeply rooted in their respective markets and therefore have a high level of credibility, which they can utilise to raise awareness for the importance of high-quality equipment. This is because the Asian markets are still heavily characterised by cheap, low-quality, copied goods from China, which is why it is important to create opportunities where riders can experience Touratech products live and "experience" the difference to cheap goods. To this end, Touratech distributors organise local travel events, off-road training and other events around their locations. These regular events have developed into important meeting points where the scene continues to network.

Touratech Thailand is particularly active. The team there, led by off-road enthusiast Peera, has even created its own off-road park where touring Enduros riders can master a wide variety of challenges. However, the Touratech distributors are not just contact points for local adventure riders. All travellers from further away are also very welcome. With genuine Asian hospitality, they can receive help and support in all situations. Whether it's a repair, the procurement of spare parts or tips on special routes - the dedicated teams are happy to help. A local guide for individual discovery tours can also be hired with a little advance notice. Many Asian Touratech distributors also offer the hire of fully equipped touring Enduros. So it's high time to explore the beauty of Asia in the saddle of an Enduro. The magnificent nature offers plenty of opportunities for real adventures and the encounters with the friendly people are always worth the trip. The report on our test ride in Thailand (Thailand unleashed) provides some inspiration.

TOURATECH THAILAND

Touratech Adventure & Enduro Park

The Touratech Adventure & Enduro Park, a state-of-the-art training ground for off-roaders less than 100 kilometres from Suvarnabhumi International Airport, has been open since 2020. The park, considered to be the most extensively equipped site in Southeast Asia, is divided into three zones: On the “trial field”, visitors can learn basic riding techniques as well as advanced vehicle control. In the Enduro-Cross area, the previously acquired basic techniques are consolidated using a wide variety of obstacles. The adventure course simulates obstacles such as those encountered on challenging Enduro tours. There are sections with mud, sand, rocks, water, steep climbs, tree trunks and ditches. The Touratech Adventure & Enduro Park has been designed with the expertise of top international riders such as Chris Birch, Graham Jarvis and Tim Coleman. The high-quality equipment of the facility with toilets, showers, lockers, dining rooms and motorbike washing facilities makes the stay comfortable. A hire fleet with the latest adventure bikes is also part of the comprehensive offer. Enduro riders from Europe are very welcome.

Touratech Adventure & Enduro Park

Nong Irun, Ban Bueng District, Chon Buri 20220, Thailand

www.facebook.com/TTAdventureEnduroPark

Influencers as important multipliers

The importance of social media for communication within the adventure scene is even more pronounced in Asia than in Europe. Influencers with a large audience therefore have a correspondingly large influence. Touratech Thailand works proactively with important multipliers in the scene and provides them with expertise and material for their activities. Important partners include TheGaijinTrips with 1.04 million subscribers on YouTube and 730,000 followers on Facebook or the motorbike-enthusiastic actor Puri Hiranprueck, who has 926,433 followers on Facebook and 503,000 YouTube subscribers.

TOURATECH JAPAN

His participation in Team Japan at the 2014 BMW GS Trophy in Canada inspired businessman Taro Mizutani to take over the distribution of Touratech products in his home country. Now extremely successful as a distributor of high-quality motorbike equipment, Taro remains infected with the racing virus. The crowning achievement of his sporting activities to date was his participation in the Africa Eco Race 2022. Taro battled his way through the deserts and semi-deserts of North Africa over 6,500 kilometres in the footsteps of the original Dakar, before finally crossing the finish line at the legendary Lac Rosé just outside Dakar in 28th place overall. Yumi is another rally enthusiast who is part of Touratech Japan. At just 1.53 metres tall, the power woman started off-road riding only four years ago and has been working on improving her riding technique - and the control of her R 1300 GS - with incredible discipline ever since. Yumi prevailed in the national qualifier for the 2022 GS Trophy, but did not receive a ticket to Albania due to the regulations, which did not allow for a Japanese team this year. Yumi took the setback in good sporting spirit and continued to train rigorously. And that she did with great success, as Yumi qualified again and will compete for Japan at the International BMW GS Trophy in Namibia in September 2024.

https://www.facebook.com/touratechJP

TOURATECH PHILIPPINES

Travel Event & More

Touratech Philippines also demonstrates pioneering commitment to the local touring Enduro scene. The enterprising team not only shares its extensive knowledge of the adventure sector with a wide audience at trade fairs, but also celebrates the lifestyle of motorbike travelling at its own events. The Touratech Philippines Travel Event, which took place at the end of March this year, has become an important date in the calendar of the local scene and inspires visitors every year with workshops, presentations and rides on adventurous trails.