TOURATECH INTERNAL | PRODUCTS BY RIDERS FOR RIDERS

TILO JENTZSCH, PORTFOLIO-MANAGER: „With fire extinguisher and oil can“

Tilo Jentzsch has been involved with motorised two-wheelers for almost as long as he can remember. With this enthusiasm, the Portfolio Manager keeps a close eye on the entire range and is an important link between sales, development, purchasing and production.

The first time he rumbled along a country lane on a Simson Schwalbe was at the age of nine, and at 13 he had his first motorbike. Motorised two-wheelers have always played a major role in Tilo Jentzsch's life. And there was always something on the bikes that could be worked on and improved. “When I was 16, I discovered my enthusiasm for wrenching and tinkering. However, the poor bikes suffered quite badly at first,” Tilo recalls. During his studies, he then made the motorcycle driving license and from then on could be found at many motorbike meetings with his MZ. Later, he switched to an Africa Twin.

With this enthusiasm, it was no wonder that Tilo looked for a job in the motorbike industry after completing his studies. “Around 20 years ago, I came across the first adventure case from BMW. I wondered who had built this ingenious thing. It eventually turned out that this aluminium case had been developed and built by Touratech. I was thrilled,” reports the now 46-year-old. From then on, a poster from a motorbike magazine with a motorbike equipped by Touratech hung above his desk. ‘I said to my colleagues at the time: ‘I'm going to work there one day’.”

And that's what happened. Tilo has been working at Touratech since 2007 and after several positions in the company now works as a Portfolio Manager. “In this position, I keep an eye on the entire product range, especially with regard to the life cycles of individual products or even entire product groups,” Tilo explains his role. “I create the requirements planning for the production and purchasing of Touratech parts. I coordinate and document the product fitting tests for new vehicles and ensure that the information flows as smoothly as possible between the departments. I am also the contact person for the Federal Motor Transport Authority (KBA) and the TÜV,” he continues. “And if necessary, I have a fire extinguisher in one hand and an oil can in the other,” he adds with a grin.

When Tilo is not working with motorbikes in his day job, he likes to take his BMW F 800 GS on long tours. “That's the best way for me to clear my head,” he says. Long distances are Tilo's thing. One of his favourite experiences on two wheels was taking part in the ‘1000 km through Germany’ rally. “Riding a motorbike with like-minded people for a day and a night, navigating and solving tasks - I haven't done that in far too long.” Also on Tilo's bucket list is a trip to Georgia, a country he last visited when he was six years old. Next time, of course, he wants to go there by motorbike.

As you would expect, Tilo's bike is equipped with all kinds of Touratech accessories. At first glance, one notices the Desierto F fairing, and then there's a fat light bar, an engine guard and a comfort seat. A complete suspension system from Touratech Suspension is also a must. In addition to off-the-shelf products, Tilo's GS also features some prototypes. The transitions between work and leisure are fluid when you turn your hobby into a profession. And when it comes to rider equipment, Tilo has a clear favourite: “With the Compañero Ultimate, I always have the perfect suit, no matter the weather!” he enthuses.