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With the new toolbox, Touratech is expanding its range of accessories for the BMW F 900 GS with a compact storage solution that is space-saving and easily accessible when attached to the left pannier rack.
You can never have too much storage space on a motorcycle. And if you look closely, there is actually quite a lot of it. Even in places where you wouldn't expect to find it: between the carrier and the vehicle, for example. And that's exactly where the Touratech developers have placed this practical toolbox – in the unused space on the left-hand side of the vehicle. It fits perfectly on the F 900 GS and the ZEGA carrier.
The 4.2-litre storage capacity is perfect for tools, a repair kit, first aid equipment or other items that you want to have quickly to hand when needed.
The splashing water-protected design combines a robust plastic housing with high-strength stainless steel mounting elements. It is attached to the Touratech pannier rack using special clamps. The box is compatible with ZEGA Evo panniers and can be used with or without aluminium panniers mounted. Regardless of the configuration, the fully removable, lockable lid, which is secured against loss, always allows convenient access to the contents.
At a glance: Touratech tool box for ZEGA pannier rack
Material: plastic, stainless steel
Specially designed for ZEGA Evo case systems
Robust and splash-proof
Dimensions: 33 x 9.5 x 19.5 cm
Volume: 4.2 litres
The Touratech tool box on the left for Touratech pannier racks on the BMW F 900 GS is now available. Item no.: 083-5614.
BMW MOTORRAD UK ANNOUNCES WORLD OF BMW ACTIVITY PROGRAMME FOR 2026
BMW Motorrad UK has announced its World of BMW activity programme for 2026, delivering an extensive calendar of riding experiences, training courses and guided tours designed for motorcyclists of all abilities. From skill-building and off-road exploration to international adventures, the 2026 programme continues to offer riders unique opportunities to learn, travel and experience motorcycling at its best across four distinct areas.
Scott Grimsdall, Head of Marketing & PR for BMW Motorrad UK, commented: “The World of BMW has been creating meaningful riding experiences for over 20 years, bringing together expert instruction, incredible destinations and a genuine passion for motorcycling. With more than 2,800 riders taking part in 2025, from skill development to global adventures, the programme is designed to help riders grow in confidence while creating experiences they’ll remember for years to come.”
BMW Rider Training is at the heart of the World of BMW programme, the first stop for those looking to begin their motorcycling journey. In 2025 the four UK training locations generated over 1,200 new licence holders – all proudly passing while riding confidence inspiring BMW machinery. BMW Rider Training offers structured and personalised courses for riders at every stage of their journey, with an impressive 83 per cent pass rate. The training focuses on essential road skills, safety awareness and advanced riding techniques, helping riders build confidence and progress at their own pace.
For riders keen to explore riding beyond the tarmac, BMW Off Road Skills offers immersive off-road training at the 4,000-acre Walters Arena in South Wales. During 2025, more than 1,200 customers took part, accounting for over 2,800 days of riding on a range of the latest BMW GS models. Led by Simon Pavey and his highly-experienced instructor team, which now boasts five Dakar Rally finishers among their ranks, the well-established curated courses focus on essential off-road techniques, including body positioning, braking control, hill climbs and descents, and navigating technical terrain.
Track-focused riders can refine their skills at the BMW Motorrad Performance Academy, where precision, speed and control is key. Coached by an all-star lineup of current and former British Superbike racers, the programme hosted five exclusive events last year, whose participants enjoyed the full capabilities of BMW products thanks to a safe and progressive curriculum of training. Based at Mallory Park, the BMW Motorrad Performance Academy uses track-prepared BMW motorcycles including the F 900 R, S 1000 R and S 1000 RR, providing a professional and highly-focused learning environment.
Completing the 2026 offering, BMW Motorrad Tours provides professionally organised motorcycle journeys to more than 40 destinations worldwide. In 2025, the programme delivered 33 tours, with over 350 riders creating incredible memories. From the scenic mountain passes of the Alps to the remote landscapes of Machu Picchu, each tour is fully supported with expert guides, carefully curated routes and comprehensive logistics.
With over 20 years of experience, the World of BMW continues to deliver expertly designed activities that enable riders to develop their skills, broaden their horizons and experience motorcycling in new ways.
Continue your journey and explore the full range of tours, courses, and adventures here:
Welcoming Motorrad customers with immediate effect, the Motorrad product range sits within the existing Blackpool BMW Centre, where dedicated Lloyd BMW Motorrad staff will be on hand for new and approved-used bike sales, finance and insurance, parts and garment sales, and all servicing enquiries.
Paulo Alves, Head of BMW Motorrad UK commented: “We are very pleased to be welcoming Lloyd in Blackpool to the BMW Motorrad family. As a current BMW Centre, they are perfectly placed to provide a premium experience to both new and existing BMW Motorrad customers, and are vital to strengthening our presence in the North West of England, in what is a very exciting time to join BMW Motorrad.”
Lloyd Blackpool Head of Business, Mark Powell, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to officially open Lloyd BMW Motorrad Blackpool and bring the full BMW Motorrad experience to riders across Blackpool, the Fylde Coast and beyond. As an authorised BMW Motorrad retailer, our focus is on offering exceptional products, expert advice, and a customer experience that reflects our passion for the brand and the riding community. Whether you’re browsing the latest BMW motorcycles, looking at approved used options, or seeking top-tier servicing and support, our dedicated team is here to support riders at every stage of their journey. We look forward to welcoming both long-time BMW enthusiasts and new riders through our doors.”
Lloyd BMW Motorrad will operate from their existing Blackpool BMW Car Centre, while plans are underway to develop the site and open a separate BMW Motorrad showroom in the near future.
Located at Whitehills Business Park, Lytham St Annes Way, Blackpool, FY4 5PQ, customers can view opening hours and book an appointment at:
If you are proficient on two wheels there’s a strong chance that your proficiency on four wheels will be further enhanced. In other words, the general perception is that the skills you acquire as a motorbike rider stand you in good stead when it comes to navigating the roads safely when driving a car.
There’s plenty of tempting options available if you are looking to make the switch from biking to driving. A good example of this would be when you search Buick GMC dealer Baton Rouge and check out the range of vehicles available.
If you're thinking about your four-wheeled options and how it compares to biking, here’s a rundown of how easy it is to make the switch.
Your coordination is likely to be better
You have to be totally focused 100% of the time when riding a motorbike. There’s also a lot of things that you have to coordinate to ensure that you are riding safely. Throttle and clutch control, combined with controlling front and rear brakes independently of each other, are the sorts of skills that you might take for granted while riding a bike. However, although some of these bike riding skills are not directly transferable, that sort of focus and attention to detail does tend to equate to better coordination and alertness when driving a car.
Your safety profile is better
Another positive aspect that makes it easier to switch from biking to driving, rather than the other way around, is that you will always ride your bike with a defensive mindset.
You are more vulnerable on a bike than when you are driving a car. It stands to reason that if you don’t have a metal frame around you and air bags to deploy in the event of an accident, you’re bound to feel more exposed to danger. That heightened sense of potential danger will usually mean that you automatically have a more defensive outlook. Naturally enough, this will improve your driving skills and safety profile when you have the same level of alertness about potential dangers on the road.
Weather conditions play a big part
You always have to have a keen eye of weather conditions when riding a bike. It is highly relevant to know how weather conditions will impact road conditions and visibility, and this awareness will help make you a better car driver.
You will ride your bike differently in order to adapt to extreme weather conditions, such as driving rain that will make the road surface more slippery. Far too many drivers tend to drive in almost complete ignorance of the road conditions, seemingly too confident that being in a car protects them from harm. As a bike rider, you know differently. That enhanced appreciation of the dangers associated with more challenging driving conditions on two wheels will boost your profile when you are on four wheels instead.
All these highlighted strengths and skills that you have acquired while riding a motorbike are sure to make you a better driver. That means making the switch from biking to driving should be easier for you.
With the TMACS quick-release mounting system, Touratech opens up completely new possibilities for attaching soft luggage to motorcycles. TMACS marks a real technological leap forward and meets the highest standards of ease of use, safety and off-road capability. Initially, selected tank bag models will be equipped with the innovative system.
The acronym TMACS stands for Touratech Magnetic Accessory Connection System – which already clearly outlines how it works. The central component of TMACS is a two-part mounting module. Its precisely manufactured base element can be screwed onto the original threads of the tank cap in just a few simple steps. Only longer screws are required for this; no further modifications to the motorcycle are necessary. The counterpart is permanently integrated into the base plate of the tank bag and consists of a precisely manufactured, high-strength component made of fibre-reinforced plastic.
Intuitive handling and maximum ease of use
In everyday use, TMACS impresses with its particularly simple and quick handling. Strong neodymium magnets automatically guide the tank ring and luggage into the correct position relative to each other. A spring-loaded rotary lock secures the system in place. To remove, simply pull on the release strap. The low construction height of the system also supports greater freedom of movement in off-road use and minimises the impact on vehicle ergonomics.
Proven Touratech tank bags now with TMACS
Touratech will initially equip selected existing tank bag series with TMACS as an option. Customers can choose between the classic fastening with straps and Velcro elements or the innovative quick-release fastener. The first series to feature this technology are the Extreme Edition by Touratech Waterproof, Ambato and Travel series for the BMW F 900 GS, R 1250 GS and 1300 GS models and their respective Adventure variants. Products for other motorcycle models and completely new tank bag lines with TMACS connectivity are already undergoing practical testing.
Top quality Made in Germany
The TMACS base element is manufactured in state-of-the-art machining centres at Touratech’s headquarters in Niedereschach, while the other components are produced by a sister company within the Happich Group, also in Germany. Touratech thus relies on short supply chains and transparent processes for TMACS as well, ensuring the highest product quality.
Concept with great future possibilities
TMACS is designed as a modular system and will also be used to attach other soft luggage solutions in the future. Touratech’s goal is to significantly improve ease of use and handling when mounting luggage systems and to establish a consistent user experience across all product lines in the long term.
With TMACS, Touratech is expanding its portfolio with a state-of-the-art, user-friendly solution that is just as impressive in everyday use as it is on holiday trips and adventure tours.
