A Man, A Motorcycle & A Mission: The Downshift Episode 18 

Beautiful way of life he leads. He must feel a form of freedom most of us can only dream about.

What the fuck do you mean Murph is homeless? THE WORLD IS HIS HOME. That's what all us travelers believe.

Thanks CHR, Beemers are reliable all right, tho many of the 1150's have had their fair share of issues, they're not all great. There are many other makes just as good, really. Appreciate you taking the time to watch the vid, Cheers, Murph.

you're not an idiot of the system, you're a real man who is living life at it's fullest each day at a time. You're an example of a brave genuine person who's awareness of life has evolved naturally to the point where you are living your own experiences instead of living other people's. Congratulations!

My life sucks right now. I am depressed and lonely but every time i get low i just watch this video and it gives me hope! I know that one day this would be me, riding on my bike around the world and meet new people and see new places! Murph you are truly an inspiration to me! Keep on doing what you do!

I stumbled across your video, trying to make sense of my quest. I was laid off 2 months ago. After job hunting i said the hell with it. Hopped on my 1200 sportster from Maine. 18 days, 2400 miles later im here in Lagrange, GA. I love it. Ive met so many incredible people. Currently looking for work here, so i can continue my unknown quest. Safe travels to you my friend. I'll keep my eye out for you.

BMW should sponsor this guy, Honestly!

And yes Nick, my 2004 BMW 1150 GS has given me, up till now, 80k miles of trouble free riding. Just had to replace a coil pack and that's it. The earlier BMW's were as reliable as they come. Solid bike. Murph.

As a rider (Triumph Bonneville) and a photographer this story leaves me enthralled. I'll keep my home, thank you, but what a blast to spend this kind of time doing these kind of things riding the world. Don't know how you charge your cameras and laptop, but what an awesome problem to have!

I'm contemplating this lifestyle also. Eligible to retire in February 2015 and will have a good pension and half million in savings. I've lived and traveled overseas for a good part of my life but I haven't seen enough of the US...so I have it in my head to hit the road and just travel from one end of the US to the other and from the top to the bottom. Currently outfitting my bike, DL650 Adventure, for that possibility. For all you other greybeards in a similar position and mindset...see you on the road.

I give major respect to this man, he is a true motorcycle rider which is hard to come by now adays.

Anyone know what happened to Murph? He has not posted on his blog since January 2014. Hope he's ok.....

What a story Murph....wish you all the best and miles of driving! Take care!!

"You are Great man" How wonderful you are ! say hello from korea ~

Irishrover, God man, that comment got to me, brought a tear to my eye. So sorry for your loss. He must have been in a whole lot of pain. I will be over in Ireland in May of 2013, keep in touch. Be nice to meet. Murph.

Howdy Murph, Lliam here. Spent 17 1/2 years and a half million miles later running all over the US and Canada with my Yorkie, Molly. While I've never visited Ireland, my family clan of the Burkes and the Caseys hailed from County Mayo and County Sligo. I'll go to your site and write more. I think I've got a few miles on you? I turn 68 in August. I enjoyed your video immensely. Like yourself, I listened to countless men that were envious of me and Mollys travels. A frequent statement was "I sold my bike because I couldn't find anyone to ride with." The thought of needing someone to ride with never occurred to me, as I did all of my travels alone, well, with Molly of course. Such a joy to have your home be on two wheels. :-) Thanks for the video.

no problem....I was fortunate enough to grow up around dirt bikes and cruisers and after I moved to Japan it took me a while to find a bike that fit me. A friend of mine and I picked up a pair of Cafe Racers that had been neglected for a while and fixed them up. We are taking a ferry ship from Okinawa Island To the Southern tip of mainland and start our trip north through all of mainland japan. This will all be filmed and should be out by the end of the year. Keep on keepin on.....

Vic, thanks man, appreciate the comment and invite. I WAS in NYC in Sep 2011 for the 10 yr Anniversary, had a friends apt in Chelsea to crash in. Gonna be a while before I'm back stateside. Murph.

Murph , your an inspiration to this brother who needs to spend more time on his bike . Thanks !

Hi, as a 2004 r1150gsa owner I really enjoyed this video. Great tribute to the "long way round" machine. Nice story, thanks and good luck!

Murph, thanks for a great video and for sharing this. You're doing what most people dream of and you are an inspiration. I would be honored to ride with you. God bless you and keep the rubber side down.

Murph, keep going brother, I'm lock down in life, but seeing the world from your bike. keep going I have not seen enough yet👍 Tony

Murph, Thanks for your honesty. And props on lap the biking and photography.

Just bought a Triumph Tiger and and preparing for the same fate... I've had enough of the rooted boredom of 9to5 I'm headed out... now if I could just find the courage to actually load the bike and go... I'm divorced now and I have the perfect opportunity and the kids are grown and I'm un employed. Not the best time of year to start a new lifestyle... but really when is?

Awesome to see someone living their life to the fullest. Good luck and stay safe.

Very inspiring! I hitch-hiked long distance twice when I was in my late teens. What an adventure that was. Met interesting folk and experienced a free lifestyle. Something many should do at least once in a lifetime. A bike would top that any day.

Hi and thanks again Ed. Happy to hear that I have a positive influence on your travels. keep it up my friend, explore. Take your tent and go... Murph.

Oh how true keesweep, excellent observation. Glad there are people like you out there. Thanks for commenting.

True freedom. Most people are afraid of it...Thanks for sharing your story.

The way to go Murph... I did the LA - Sturgis in 2010, boy am I envious of your adventure

of thousands of video's about bike travel, this grabbed me. rare! Gonna look some more at this guy.

Early this year before I knew about Murph up to now I've been doing some local island riding on my 100cc semi-automatic scooter (It's a norm scoot where I live) and I haven't even been to all corners yet! Gotta say this guy is inspirational.

Bloody Awesome Murph , Hope to see you in New Zealand Sometime Soon And Maybe We Can Team Up , More Than Happy To Show This Fantastic Country And Also To See Places I Haven't Been To Yet . I'll Be Following You Journey , Be Safe Man

Ricardo, many thanks for your positive thoughts, Murph.

Hey Murph, that's remarkable life story you're building, i feel glad to know there people like you living and riding out there. I sincerely wish you my best regards, and thank you for sharing. Hope you can come to Brazil sometime ! Keep the rubber side down. Cya

Having the guts to live in constant instability and adventure is truly extraordinary and a very, very rare trait, especially nowadays. Sir, you are a real adventurer and drifter! Good luck in your pursuit of happiness. Best regards

So true... Freedom on a motorcycle. I wish i could do those things as well.. I really appreciate you Murph, you got the "balls" to stay on your bike and live like this Thats what motorcylcing is all about. Take care and don't stop riding forever!

There is a bit of Bill Wilson in this story.Loved it.You just made up my mind about something.Have a great life.O.D.A.A.T.All the best from Cork City.Ireland.Ride well Ride free.

Murph....You are an inspiration....I would love to meet you someday! Thanks for sharing your life with us!!!! Cheers, Marty

Alice, I just had a meeting with Irene and Ari. Spent some time with them at their place, great. Irene has some great positive energy, a very great and happy woman. They gave me lots of gifts, some fish, some Reindeer and a pair of Moose antlers for the front of the bike :-) Best regards from Finland and thanks for the tip about them, Murph.

Thank you for your answer and always safe travels.

Murph, You are an inspiration man.. I have a 83 thousand mile GS which has been to Alaska from New York and back. But what you do is the real deal. I say also screw it all and hit the road. Good for you and all I need is courage to follow as I have nothing to loose. If you are in NY pm me I'd love to meet.

it makes perfect sense,but probably only if you have ridden a bike. This trip is worth more than any amount of millions it is priceless. Thanks for sharing ,keep cool!

Hi Greg, Well, I think the 2004 GS is the best one out there, once into 2005 they went more electronic. The 02-04 1150's are a workhorse and easy to repair yourself. I even took out the ABS unit to make it even more reliable, and it weighs 12lbs less now. They should be cheap now, look for one with low miles obviously. Murph.

Anthony, thank for taking the time to watch and comment, appreciate the well wishes. I'm in Nordkapp this month (Jan 2013) and on the way down to Helsinki and then Russia. Murph.

I've done five major tours and completely agree with this guy. there is nothing like touring.

Wow what a touching story, I so feel you Murphy.

Ride on Murphy, good luck, and God bless.... The old biker!

Hi Walter and thanks for the invite. I have not been to Atlantic Canada, so you may see me there one of these years. Keep a light on for me :-) Murph.

Murph the legend..... nice to see ya dude.

Listen to your own drum beat. Thanks for sharing it with us all. Your photography is amazing as is that BMW !

Marty, thanks so much and the pleasure will be all mine. Thanks for following along and commenting, Cheers, Murph.

Dave, thank you for that. The honesty is the easy part now. Admitting I'm an alcoholic was the hard part. Cheers, Murph.

bibik47, really appreciate the comments, glad you're back walking again, and good to see you riding again too. Stay safe out there, Murph

I have never really been on a motorcycle, but I would drop everything tomorrow and go on a adventure like this if I felt I could. You're living the dream for sure!

Hey Michael, NZ would be nice to see for sure. Appreciate you following along. Murph.

Thank you ronisprincess, happy to hear you like the vid. Pt II is on the way any day now. Cheers, Murph.

i love motorcycles and your right, i sneak out on even my dirt bike just for the ride, no worries about any problems i could get myself into for it, but to any one who thinks this is nuts you have to ride a bike, you'll understand, and if you do and still dont understand i feel bad for you, your a great person murph good luck on your travels, i wish i was in your boots

He might not have much, but he has everything. Awesome video.

Jack, thank you, I used to say the same thing of other guys that I met years ago riding around the world, hard to believe I am now the person I looked up to 20 years ago :-) Funny how life comes full circle, you think you're blazing your own path but in reality you're emulating the people that you looked up to that live in your mind all those years.

great story. amazing photos. A true road warrior, and you cant go wrong with a BMW. They should sponsor you ! Your living a life that many wish they could have.

You're so welcome... you got my full respect for living under so unusual circumstances... I hope your road ahead will be smooth and wonderful on your travel... Greetings and best wishes from Dortmund, Germany. ;)

Like it. Well done Murphy (that's your name right?). Those pictures taken - the stills - top notch. All the best from Yorkshire, England.

hi murph, I met a guy named dillon from india doing the same thing as you. I let him stay at my house for a week so i could enjoy his storys, I can so relate to you guys.keep up the good vibes and stay safe

The rock guard you are asking about is likely made by Touratech. They are a German company that specializes in off-road motorcycle accessories for adventure motorcyclists. They have a branch in Seattle, WA. I have many of their parts on my BMW GSA. Great stuff.

done the NordKaap trip from scotland , amazing sun never goes down, amazing place , 24 hr ticket inside the cliff/ great ride mate got the certificate !! love your work !

Richard, Congrats on your 23 years. Enjoy Kodiak and safe ride, Murph

Hi Liam and thanks for writing and watching the video. I only have 80k on the bike, I started out in the first year in the US putting up a lot of milage but have slowed down considerably since. I've learned that it's not about when you get to your destination, but the people you meet and what happens along the way that really counts. Regards, Murph.

All the best stories begin with "so, I got out of rehab...." lol

Lee, the 2004 1150 GS I have is a great bike, I prefer the 1150 to the 1200. I have had no major issues yet, but it's nearly at 100K miles now so I know that they're coming :-) Cheers, Murph.

Bravo, Murph! You have the courage to actually live what so many of us dream. A true inspiration.

THIS IS A WONDERFUL HUMAN INTEREST STORY! GOOD LUCK MURPH! THERE IS A LOT OF PEOPLE OUT THERE ROOTING FOR YOU!!

If you are feeling alive of how simple yet meaningful your current situation is at any point in your life then you are in the right path, i envy you sir, live life and ride safe sir.

If you've never been to Norway Murph, you should ride through. It's most beautiful. Especially on the west side of the country and in the north.

This is definetly on my bucket list....

How many people just want to pack up and head out on the road, yet never do? He said it himself, through sun and rain, good times and all the hardships I'm sure he's endured along the way, this man is living a dream. What else can you really ask for in life? I wonder how many miles his bike has on it..

Murph is right when he says that's adventure every one wants to live. But unfortunately few of us have the courage to do it. Murph has it. Let's support him if his money runs out. He deserves it.

Hi Richard, Yep, there's nothing like a long long motorcycle ride to make you feel normal and stress free. Keep on riding, Murph.

shows how fantastic BMWs are in terms of durability. And good for Murph that is really unique in our world

Hi Zack, thanks so much for replying. Glad my story meant something to you. If I get back to the US some day, I'd love to take you up on your offer thanks. Till then, good luck teaching your boy, Murph.

I'm so happy seeing your video Murph, have a nice ride Morph... If you want to come Indonesia, i would like to meet u...

Thanks Cris, love Canada, was there for a few months in 2010 at the beginning of my trip. BC mostly. Murph.

Tinderboxparts, thanks for watching and commenting. Very glad that you enjoyed the video. Charging batteries is not a problem, I have 4 sets for the D700 and 4 for the D3s, laptop has a cig lighter portable charger that if needed I can charge off the bike. Because it's a sidecar outfit and can carry more weight I have a car battery in between the sidecar and bike, a Bosch S5 winter battery for starts in -30º and below so that's plenty of juice. Cheers Murph.

Fritshits65, Sorry for such a late reply my friend. Thanks so much for your great comments. Really glad you fell inspired by this. Maybe we meet in Asia in 2014. I hope to be in Japan by then. Best wishes for your trip my friend, Murph.

This is great adventure of You,like it,hello from Bali.

Thanks Linh, appreciate the well wishes, Murph.

Great stuff Murph, love the video and I did a bit of digging and found your blog. Respect mate, sounds like an amazing journey. Fergie

Outstanding!!! Keep living the dream, Murph!

Great stuff, and yeah you know I'd walk out of my house (rented apartment) jump on my Suzuki V-Strom and live like you do. Closest I have ever got to that in reality was when I hitch-hiked around Japan in 6 weeks in 2002. Go Murph!

in many things your right, and this life is not a life and what find in the road it is bits here and there so will be out there like you all the best

The girl is Erin Hunter, Bonneville Land Speed Record Holder, the first woman to set a Land Speed record in a streamlined motorcycle at Bonneville. She is a staunch supporter of my journey since I met her there in 2010.

Hy man, sorry for my english i live in Québec a french nation.Im sober for 23 years,this summer im running 30,300 km. on my BMW GS 1200 adventure.Next summer im going to Kodiak Island in Alaska a beautiful trip(25,000km).Stay sober and the life is yours ! Take care. Richard

Hey Murf, Good to see you're reaching your goal this way. I have a Volkswagen LT 28 myself and if everything goes well We'll head for the world as well. Wish you best of luck!

Nice video... i love to ride also... long rides makes me feel good.. Going into places makes me relaxed...

Great life indeed, stay safe Murph. Enjoyed the vid !

Thanks marcel, Thanks for watching and commenting. Cheers, Murph.

Thanks Jose, appreciate you watching, Cheers, Murph.

Thanks jamdc, I do intend to try to get there, but it won't be for quite a number of years, so I will definitely be in touch. I believe Motortrend are considering a Pt II, it all depends on how things go with me. Stay tuned :-)

Hi Murph! I like your style man with all the racing patches on your jacket. Someday I would like to do what your doing. You my Hero. From Cris Alberta, Canada

What an amazing lifes' story!