REGISTRATION

Q: I registered but can't logon. How do I get in?
A: After you've registered you should have received an email notification with a link you need to click so that you can be verified. The verification system is one of the ways we are trying to keep spammers out so we can have a secure, hassle-free site. You will need to check both your Spam or Junk folders of your email client. If you have registered but have not received an email verification, please email the XPLOR devteam and we will address the issue.

Q: I'm nervous about inputting my VIN. What is BMW doing to ensure my privacy?
A: We respect your privacy and are committed to protecting the security of your personal information. Rest assured that BMW Motorrad will not rent or sell your personal information to anyone. See full details on our privacy page.

Q: Why should I join BMW XPLOR?
A: XPLOR is the most comprehensive resource available for BMW motorcycle riders and the center for events and other invaluable resources that will only get deeper and richer over time. Whether it's forums, tech tips, ride routes, events, or shamelessly glorifying yourself by building your very own in-depth rider page, XPLOR is an invaluable tool that will help you enjoy your BMW motorcycle like never before. It's the only user-defined motorcycle community web site in existence. If you love BMW bikes, and want to take part in stuff like GS rides and track days and other great activities, joining XPLOR is a must!

Q: How do I update my motorcycle and personal information?
A: Go to http://register.bmwXPLOR.com and fill in your username/password on the right and click "Update". From there you can update all of your motorcycle and personal information

Q: I own a motorcycle but it's not a BMW, can I still join?
A: Technically yes, as we welcome all riders, however we recommend that you actually or eventually become a BMW rider to fully benefit from many resources available on BMWXPLOR.com. Many activities on our forum are open only to BMW riders.

Q: I own an older BMW motorcycle, is BMW XPLOR still for me?
A: You bet. We absolutely welcome XPLOR riders who own classic and vintage models. It's part of our heritage and there are some very cool older bikes that we all love. XPLOR is for people who own BMW motorcycles, no matter how old. An R 32 or a K 1200 R Sport, it doesn't matter - just own a BMW bike and you're in!


PHOTOS

Q: How do I upload a photo?
A: Once you're logged in, click on "Edit my pictures". On that page there is a field titled, "New Gallery: [ ]". Insert a name into that field and click "Save". You've just created a gallery. From your new gallery, you can upload, delete, move, add captions, etc...

To begin click on the black square. On that page you can add a description to your gallery or rename it. To add photos click the "Browse" button and search your computer for the picture you'd like to upload. Add as many photos as you'd like.

Q: How do I delete a picture from my personal gallery?
A: Once you've logged in, click on "Manage my pictures" from your rider page. If you click (don't right click) on the photo, you'll go directly into the gallery and the words, "DRAG" and "DELETE X" should be on the top of the pictures. Click (don't right click) "DELETE X". From there you can delete, move, rotate pictures or individual galleries.


PRIVATE MESSAGES

Q: My private messages inbox tells me that I have 300 PMs and have exceeded the limit and must delete some. My inbox is empty so how is this possible?
A: Try emptying your Trash. Your total amount of PMs includes messages in your trash as well as messages in your 'sent' folder.


EVENTS

Q: How do I add an event?
A: Go to the New Event page and fill in the event information. After submitting, an event administrator will review it and, if applicable, will add it to the online calendar. If you are the creator of this event, you can always go back and edit it, add pictures, blog about it, and add a map of the ride.


RIDES

Q: How do I create a Ride?
A: Go to the MAP MY RIDE page. You don't need your hi-liter to map out this ride. Just use the XPLOR on-line interactive map. It's basically a huge map you can scroll around in to route exactly where you want to ride.

Here's how you can map your ride:

1. Find the area you want to map by dragging the map and using the zoom and direction buttons, or enter a street address, city, or zip and press "Go".
2. Begin plotting your ride by clicking on the Start button to the left. Click where your starting point would be on the map, then click where your first turn would be. Repeat until you've mapped all the turns.
3. You can hit the 'Undo Step' button at any point if you make a mistake. You can also drag the markers to make adjustments. By clicking on the markers a bubble pops up which you can use to indicate points of interest like a great restaurant, or scenic overlook. Then you can go back and edit your ride, add some descriptive text or a picture, and print it out at any time.
4. Save your route by entering a name for it and pressing "Save." The next time you or anyone else is looking for a ride near your neighborhood, they will see your pin. Don't forget to add tags (one word descriptions of the ride) so your fellow XPLOR members can search and find your ride.

Upload a scan:
If you have a map that you've scanned or some other directions for the ride you are submitting, you can search for it on your home computer here. Then attach the file and upload it to the XPLOR website.

You can do this simply by pressing the Browse button and selecting the image file on your computer then hitting the return key. Then name your ride and hit the Upload button.

You can go back and remove or replace your scan at any time. You can add a Google map to go with it, add some description text, and print it out at any time.

Upload Directions:
If you just have written directions for the ride you are submitting, you can add it here and upload it to the XPLOR website. Begin by naming your ride then typing your directions in (or copy/paste from another text file.) Try to make these as clear as possible. Don't forget to add tags (type of ride, city, etc.) so your fellow riders can more easily search and find your ride. Hit the Save button.

You can go back at any time and edit or remove your directions. You can also add a Google map to go with it, or add a scan, and print it out at any time.


MISC

Q: What's a tag?
A: A tag is a (relevant) keyword or term associated with or assigned to a piece of information (like a picture, article, or a video clip), describing the item and enabling keyword-based classification or searches of information it applies to. Tags are usually chosen informally and personally by the author/creator of the item. For example, someone may upload a picture from their trip through Moab, Utah on their R 1200 S, they would then add tags such as R1200S, Moab, Utah, and twoup to that upload so it is searchable.


Q: What's a blog?
A: Blogs (web-log) are your online journal or diary. A typical blog combines text, images, and links to other blogs, web pages, and other media related to its topic. The ability for readers to leave comments in an interactive format is an important part of it as well.