No GPS Tour: THE MOVIE (2021) // Triumph Speed Twin 1200 solo road trip

Merry holidays! This is all six episodes of the No GPS Tour edited into one full-length movie. Hopefully this will reach a lot of people who've never seen the original series, and be a worthwhile rewatch for those who have. The eagle-eyed Van Famm may even notice a few small tweaks...
So why release this now? Simple, because I didn't get to take a big moto trip in 2022, but I still want to share travel content like this! It's hard to prioritize motorcycling and YouTubing now that life is back to normal(-ish). Of the ~3,500 miles I rode in 2022, I'd say about 2,500 of them were strictly for everyday transportation, not for fun or for travel. While I can't make any promises, I'm aiming to get two or three solid bike trips on the calendar in 2023. This is my favorite type of video to make; I'm incredibly proud of the No GPS Tour, and I know I've got even better work ahead of me. Ride safe, and I'll see you all in the new year!
Get in touch: [e-mail]
Support the channel: www.buymeacoffee.com/vanblamm
#fortheride
0:00 Intro
1:35 Idaho
44:48 Wyoming
54:17 Montana
1:20:45 Wrap-up

[@VanBlamm]

ATTENTION: The electrical problems seen in this video were resolved about a week after filming. To find out what was going on and how it was fixed, watch this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXzKm2mYpLZ6h7M

[@johns1139]

I can’t believe there are reviewers out there saying that the Speed Twin isn’t good enough for touring.

[@beardedricotheold2640]

"omg it worked, let's get the f out of here" is probably the most relatable line for that situation

[@adrianboutsias2437]

This is easily some of the best motorcycle content on YT. I can't even begin to imagine the amount of work put into this. Thank you for creating this masterpiece!

[@e93bausch]

I'm one of the old guys who grew up using paper maps. GPS is great but not for a motorcycle trip, at least not how I like to do it. I like to plan my route, the roads I want to ride, because on a bike the journey is the point. Electronic navigation fights me every step of the way wanting to take me the quickest route when I want to ride the fun roads. Hell sometimes the road I want to ride is the destination like the Blue Ridge Parkway trip I took earlier this year. I could not even figure out how to do that in Google Maps.

[@VanBlamm]

Oof, I sure love Google maps, but man does it suck at sticking to nice roads

[@julianperry5141]

I'm hearing ya buddy. Everytime I go visit my brother wgo lives about 350km away for the weekend, I tack on an extra 100km just to ride some wicked roads on the way.

[@ginoasci2876]

@@julianperry5141😂😂😂. Extra miles because of a GPS, support to be the other way around. Ride safe !

[@pmdinaz]

I use maps, wife uses gps. She does a LOT of u-turns haha BTW, it is not lost on me how much effort you put into your videos. Stopping to place cameras, drive by, stop and pick em up...nice work, man.

[@wsjwsj2743]

Doesn't this guy get tired? Salute to him

[@ethereal_synapse]

I love watching your trips, it makes me more confident regarding the “tourability” in the T120 I just picked up.

[@brianmilthorp6690]

My son and I did the Lolo from Missoula through to Cresent City California in June of this year. He used the GPS for local roads and negotiating through the Portland freeway system. I carried a series of traditional maps for the big picture. He was on his 2022 Speed Twin, I was on my 2011 Tiger 800.

[@conrad152]

Excellent video, you really add to the viewing experience with the quality of the drone and POV riding footage. The scenery was magnificent and the Speed Twin looked beautiful, Triumph should employ you to promote the Speed Twin ; you have a wonderful eye for picture composition.

[@VanBlamm]

Hah thank you!

[@ugeen-sc3fu]

Greeting from Thailand, I do watching till the most last minutes and just show what you've asked.

[@petersimmonds4319]

I like maps because they give you a more complete overview and the map does not zoom in and out completely change the place names it is willing to give you. No failures apart from the navigator of course 😊

[@nathansatran2507]

I feel pretty fortunate to have the Beartooth Pass right in my backyard! Rode it a couple of times this year with my Vulcan. Can't wait to ride it next year since I'm ordering a Speed Twin tomorrow!

[@VanBlamm]

You're going to have an awesome time!

[@JohnCunningham-sy5ug]

41 years of trucking across the US of A paper maps only. Never got lost people were always telling me to go to Hell 😅. Getting lost is part of the fun .

[@willhorsley2105]

Van Blamm back with a bang!

[@Slycarlo]

VB, your channel is way underrated, you deserve more! The videos you produce are very entertaining and I do not get bored watching them. The videography is superb coupled with the breathtaking scenic view of the continental United States is just amazing I wish I could be right there driving those open wide roads. Keep up the good job VB.

[@VanBlamm]

Thank you SC!

[@janniuphilipp]

Sooooo damn good! Many thanks to Van Blamm! 😊

[@nashrider]

Amazing videography, editing, storytelling... you have all the skills and talents to be a million-subscriber motovlogger. Please create content consistently.

[@petersimmonds4319]

Loved your one on camping I have all the kit so much to forget so much to go wrong loved it you left it all in. What was that small magnetic tank bag looked good. 😊

[@VanBlamm]

Thanks! The tank bag is the Fly Racing Mini: amzn.to/3TOZV4g

[@keyanasapp879]

Dude - I LOVED watching this! Inspired and excited for my great Texas trip this spring :)

[@Bankabalder]

Thank you for keeping filming and sharing. Great video and beautiful scenery. Must been an amazing trip. I enyoyed watching this post like your other ones. Dont stop with what you are doing.

[@VanBlamm]

Thank you!

[@VVoltz]

I realized I never watched the last video. What a great adventure full of cool places to ride on, snarks (“hydrate or dietrate” LOL) and beautiful photography! The last part and the whole “is he going to make it?” situation made the trip even more gripping and exciting, even though I am sure it was not fun being in your shoes at that moment. Thanks for posting!!!!

[@VanBlamm]

Thank you sir! Glad you enjoyed it

[@petersimmonds4319]

I always ask people for directions enjoy the interaction if time allows

[@JiuJitsuCowboy1]

Sick ‘stache, man 🤙

[@triumph-owner]

I have a 2011 Bonneville 865. Used for touring nz. Looking to upgrade to the speed twin 1200. Your video has made my decision easier. Great footage too

[@VanBlamm]

That'd be a terrific upgrade. You might give up just a little bit of comfort, but you'll gain a lot more in performance.

[@lesjones7617]

Thank you!

[@whatsstefon]

I grew up without electrical aids at all on bikes. I still ride without them. However, I am about to receive and review a Beeline. This will be interesting. I’m a little pleased to see that it’s not just me that dons the rain gear and the clouds part, the sun shines, and the threat of rain is non existent, making you wet anyway from sweating putting on the gear and removing it. Sheesh! 😂 Map reading was taught in school here in Australia. I don’t know if they do it these days. I guess every kid has a new iPhone or Android phone, so it’s probably as futile as learning to drive a stick shift manual gearbox car. Mine is, hence it’s theft proof these days. Hahahahaha.

[@albertnagy3515]

Great job on the movie,, V B....nice to watch it this time of year....surely a trip you will always remember...have a great new year.......

[@WileyFox01]

There was a recall for wiring harness problems effecting these serial numbers VIN SMTD31GN3KT918702 through VIN SMTD31GN6LTAB9140, on bikes, produced October 04, 2018-April 15, 2020.

[@lupoz77]

Really a great video. It's inspiring. Beautifull landscapes

[@stratolestele7611]

GPS/Nav is great for avoiding wrecks, where applicable.

[@frankmlchaelglasscock6539]

And bye the way a fantastic video top notch 👌💯👍

[@wltrlg]

Much needed excellent Christmas entertainment😂❤

[@VanBlamm]

Ho ho ho

[@Brunow007]

good job, loved every moment! thumbs up!

[@VanBlamm]

Thank you!

[@ajmiller8887]

Man, I watched the whole thing! This was really good. I recently got my first ever bike-Triumph T-120 Bonneville. I got about 1,000 miles on it now. I really want to do a long ride like yours. I love how you did it. Really fun to watch.

[@VanBlamm]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it! The T-120 is awesome and probably would have been even better for this trip than the Speed Twin. You're going to have a blast traveling on it. Welcome to the fold!

[@Accurize2]

Excellent video. You have a natural ability for this format of motorcycle vlogging. Keep it up. I look forward to watching many more of your adventures. 🙏

[@TotalAnomy]

Mr. Blamm, since you do a lot of highway riding, I recommend you install an 18T front sprocket like I did on my speed twin. It's like having a 7th gear (in fact, the new 5th gear becomes almost identical to the stock 6th)

[@VanBlamm]

I'm planning to go up one tooth soon. Do you notice a loss of low-end grunt by going up two teeth?

[@TotalAnomy]

@@VanBlamm I've seen some people say that 18T will have that effect and honestly, that's a bunch of baloney: -18/42 is 12.5% longer than the stock 16/42. Well guess what, the T120, bobber, speedmaster 1200 etc all use 17/37, which is 20% longer. I don't see anyone complaining that they can't get off the line with those bikes -you've had a street twin, right? At 18/42, the first 5 gears of the speed twin are almost identical speed-wise to the 5 gears of a street twin -except that with a speed twin, you obviously have way more engine torque at any point in the rev range -obviously, with 18/42 you have 11.11% less torque at the wheel at any given gear/rpm combination when compared to stock. But if that's all you care about, then just set up your bike so that 6th gear tops out at 50 mph, that way you'll have loads more torque at the wheel at any given gear/rpm furthermore, some would recommend against 17T because with the chain having 102 links, it falls into the "same tooth/same link" problem. But honestly, I don't know how bad that really is since for instance, Triumph designed the street twin and a couple other bikes with a 17T / 102 links combination oh, and check out the gearingcommander website, it's a great resource for planning such modifications (plus studying different bikes to give you perspective on this stuff)

[@That_Paul_Guy]

Enjoyed the vid! I probably found your channel by searching for content on the Speed Twin. Reminds me of when I did mini tours on my Speed Triple. I have a Multistrada but I miss the simplicity of lesser technology. I think the idea of navigating by map is a great idea and there are some great map makers still.

[@rogerdemers9660]

Hello Van. Being 67 yrs old. I don't use GPS for guidence. But I bring my phone with me mounted on the Bike 2022 Bonneville. So when I get lost or turned around GPS can get me back on track. Its fun to just loose yourself on the Ride.

[@h.nguyen4193]

back in the day when you go oversea's and ask people directions they will give you directions in a North to south way to travel. But in the United States people give you directions in the Right to Left, up and down way of travel. Its super interesting. Scientist think this is so because overseas the direction is dictated toward the movement of the Sun. So people know where north and south is at all times. but in America people have no idea where north and south is located directly where they're standing.

[@VanBlamm]

It is true, in America the sun rises to the right and sets to the left

[@990Hyper]

Wow, this is a proper MOVIE! Terrific amount of work to put it together . Very well done, you got a new subscriber . Today was quite a bad day for me, your long , beautiful and relaxing trip report did definitely made my day 👍

[@johnmctaggart3]

I love how you describe this bike. I owend a daytona 71 it was a blast to ride at 18. Had a 600 BMW owned it for 15 years great bike. Then a 650 Seca had that bike over 12 years . Went with out one for 25 years but road f4i yz 600 did not enjoy them. Bought .y t100 2013 4000 miles on it. Road tec tires and etc pads help this bike out ten fold. Road the blueridge what a blast 600 miles of just pure enjoyment. 5 days riding the dragon and surrounding areas with some very fast riders. They were impressed with my machine performance. And sound. ❤this bike.

[@asanrushid4981]

Hi There! I always enjoy watching your videos. Merry Christmas!

[@VanBlamm]

Thanks, you too!

[@daveo9844]

Awesome trip bro 😎🍻

[@VanBlamm]

Thanks!

[@MegaKane84]

Cool movie

[@Spaceinvaderzim]

I watched this like 3 times already💯🔥 i love to watch trips on a speed twin, i have the 2021 version basically completely the same bike and im planning on taking a solo no gps ride like you ,get out there and see the world 💯 thanks for sharing

[@VanBlamm]

Thank you, I'm glad you've enjoyed it!

[@lesjones7617]

Always bump in 2nd!

[@richardvonschrenk]

Love your channel. A suggestion, why don't you get a sheep skin cover for your seat ? I used one for when I did longer rides, saved my ass .

[@cedriccanonici277]

Oh...thank you, really thank you for not usine a GPS or other "tracker"👍 This is probably the best way to travel and discover , the best way to have surprises...good or bad. 😉 The roads seems to be as beautifull as the countryside 🤩

[@InTransit8911]

I watched this series in chunks previously, but never back to back. Really enjoyed this! Hope to see you out on more trips in 2023! Any plans to go to the Pacific Northwest?

[@frenchwm]

Excellent trip movie man! I’m in Richmond, VA so seeing this trip out that way was pretty inspiring man. Looking to get a speed twin as well. I’m at the part where the drama starts and your bike didn’t start at the station. What fixed this in the end?

[@VanBlamm]

Thank you! It all turned out to be just a dying battery

[@bobman7881]

Nice video I enjoyed it you dont seem to fear hitting a deer driving fast

[@Accurize2]

I never knew Wyomimg was so black and white.

[@TriumphLover]

You have to put a VB sticker in my garage. Minus the prize😉

[@beardjuice14]

COOL CONTENT

[@Yurii_Ko]

Hi, great video! What kind of helmet do you wear?

[@farleymusclewhite411]

GPS certainly makes sense on a bike. Personally, I don't mind getting lost and trying to figure it all out the old fashioned way. Technology bad, old ways good. lol

[@suryasvlog9446]

Hey man! you got great content on your channel! I've watched most of your videos before I finalized and went ahead with the purchase of Speed twin 1200. Amazing bike!! I just have one question. Do you experience a subtle vibration on your foot pegs and handle after 5-6K RPM? This is something I've noticed after my first service and it's the case in all of the gears. Just want to know if it's something I should worry about or is it common across all the Speed twins! Thanks in advance and safe riding!

[@pnwet_rider]

A little Breaking Bad/ Better Call Saul tribute there

[@farleymusclewhite411]

Thoroughly enjoyable and well-made video. Thanks man, you saved me a ton of $. In fact I didn't even have to buy a Speed Twin because I feel that I have experienced your trip. It's hard to believe that your videos aren't as popular as Itchy Boots, who routinely gets over a million views a week. I guess most riders are men and would rather watch a bleach-blond with blue contacts (I know I would), but you've got it going on with the music and the drone overviews - Great Job! Anyway, I hope you get the viewers and credit that you deserve. Thanks again.

[@VanBlamm]

Thank you! Every view counts, so I appreciate you watching and am glad you enjoyed it.

[@julieb5434]

Man is this a disrespectful and mysogynistic comment. Itchy Boots may not be your cup of tea but the insults are just low class. Glad to not know you.

[@ginoasci2876]

I had fun watching this. What make and model motorcycle trailer do you have there? That’s a nice trailer.

[@VanBlamm]

Thanks! It's a Kendon single ride-up trailer. Makes life real easy.

[@ginoasci2876]

@@VanBlamm : thanks van. Hey, I found my motorcycle battery dead today. I bought a cheap solar battery trickle charger. The charger put out 18-20 volts even on a cloudy day. I WAS happy. Battery tested at 12.31 volts. Hooked it up, four days ago, checked the battery today and it was at 7.61 volts. Fk’n dead, wasn’t happy no more. I was fk’n pissed lololol. Jumped it with my truck. NEVER AGAIN. Fk the Chinese. I won’t even fk a Chinese girl now. Got a new triumph scrambler 1200xc. Love this bike. My second choice would have been the street twin 1200. Stay safe !

[@richardsanders3567]

Been there done that in my yoof it’s no great hardship till you get lost a bit

[@mikealls8938]

Hi love the video. Just wondering what jacket you've got on,thx

[@VanBlamm]

Thanks! Rev'It Flatbush. Sadly discontinued. I've had it since 2016.

[@mikealls8938]

@@VanBlamm okay thanks anyway. Cool jacket!

[@ianhesketh5580]

Where did you learn how to edit your videos? I’m impressed on the footage. Keep up the good work, ride safe. Cheers.

[@VanBlamm]

Thank you! I took a class at my local public broadcast station on how to use Premiere Pro and a few basic editing techniques. The rest has all come from observation; I'm always paying attention to the editing of every video, movie, and TV show I watch

[@km55111]

hey man just got my speed twin in the DC area, any tips for ownership or mods that made a big difference for you?

[@blanvamm296]

This is the same as the videos you posted last year! I want my money back!

[@rcbirn]

VB, I enjoyed watching it our road trip. I’m planning to sell my current road bike and zeroed in on the speed twin which drew me to your channel. Btw, tell us more about your gear. You covered the bags, grips etc… but what about your backpack, jacket, gloves, cameras. Even a list in your description with Amazon affiliate links and make a few $ in the process?

[@VanBlamm]

Thanks, I'm glad you enjoyed it! I use my gear for a long time, so pretty much all of it has been discontinued. Here's what I had in this video. Jacket: Rev'It Flatbush. Pants: Speed & Strength Dogs of War (original version). Summer gloves: Scorpion SG3 short cuff. Wet/cold gloves: Rev'It Boxxer H2O (original version). Boots: Tourmaster Solution WP. Cameras: GoPro Hero7 Black, GoPro Hero5 Session, Sony a6300. Drone: DJI Mavic Air.

[@frankmlchaelglasscock6539]

I have never used it and I was a long haul truck driver for 50 years in Canada and USA and all over Europe and the middle east east block and north Africa i am 74 and still ride motorbikes and I don't like electronics on trucks or motorbikes

[@julieb5434]

Ahh Idaho, the state that eschews guard rails. Not your nanny state. Very pretty but I wouldn’t want to live there. Oh, and I grew up with maps. The problem with maps is they don’t tell you where you ARE. Like, if there are no street signs or they are hidden from view by trees, etc, no map is going to help you out. So, I use GPS to help me know where I am, and paper maps for any additional location that Google Maps doesn’t have. Or if you like to meander, Google Maps is not the best.

[@ivanlucian2005]

Hi there. how is the wind without windscreen on long trips on these kind of bikes? i just bought a brand new speed twin 900 and want to make a big trip in the summer with it and have no idea if i should buy the big windshield from triumph or i can make without any screen

[@VanBlamm]

Congrats on the new bike! I am really not bothered by wind blast at all, in fact I don't even really notice it at speeds below 80mph. I used to have a Street Twin (which is now called the Speed Twin 900) and rode it from DC to NYC in complete comfort, all on the freeway. Small windscreens don't do much anyway; wind protection is kind of an all-or-nothing deal if you ask me.

[@ivanlucian2005]

@@VanBlamm thank you for the answer brother. Take care

[@randytaylor535]

Great video and that looked like an amazing trip. Thanks for sharing.

[@johnmctaggart3]

I love getting lost on trips so don't use either. Lol

[@mikealls8938]

What mirrors are those ? Thanks 👍

[@VanBlamm]

CRG Hindsight Lanesplitter

[@mikealls8938]

@@VanBlamm thanks is this a straight fit ?

[@MastaKeahi]

Was the bike dying because the altitude?

[@VanBlamm]

No, the battery was just at the end of its life. Messes with all the electronics on its way out.

[@lesjones7617]

Try a Lithium-Ion Battery in your Bike!

[@TriumphLover]

This a repeat? 2021

[@TriumphLover]

I'll give you 10 fingers lift

[@gcrichlow17]

Your shifts sound clunky, might be time for an oil change

[@TriumphLover]

You need to get that super thanks so we can get you some cash, like for a broken drone god forbid 😉

[@VanBlamm]

Coming soon ;)

[@johnmctaggart3]

Ur battery dude

[@Jay-tf2bx]

"Promosm"

[@larryb.1884]

I'll bet long math is a struggle for you too.

[@VanBlamm]

That would have been a much more boring video though.

[@randytaylor535]

What are your thoughts on the fuel capacity?

[@VanBlamm]

I can get about 130 miles out of a tank when riding around town, 160 when riding in the mountains, and close to 200 on the open freeway. That range is great for me, because that's about as far as I'd want to ride without taking a break.