About Us

From the time I learned to ride my buddy’s YZ at age 12, I’ve been hooked on motorcycles. I begged my dad for a dirt bike like a Penton or a Hodaka but instead he came home with a Honda S90. You, dear reader, can imagine my disappointment. The S90 wasn’t remotely close to what I envisioned.


  vs.   or                     What I got.........                                         What I wanted...............


Nevertheless, I had a my own motorcycle for which I should be thankful…right? Well, the lights and chrome fenders came off and a set of knobbies went on. I thrashed that bike and left it to my younger brothers when I turned 16. It was then that my dad lent me, with interest, $300 to buy a car. I came home with a Honda CL350 scrambler instead.


                                  


“Well, if that’s how you want to get around” was all the old man said. I’m sure that my mother was galled but said nothing. The Honda served me well as I learned about riding in traffic and in the rain and cold. Eventually, the colder weather was forcing me into a four wheeled vehicle so I bought a ‘70 Chevelle from my uncle....which is another story, for another time. 

The CL was sold as I got close to leaving home for basic training. I got $450 for that bike after 3 years and I can’t remember how many thousands of miles. Whoo Hoo! What a shrewd seller I was! Today, I can’t find a decent running CL350 for less than $2500. Who knew? 

Uncle Sugar sent me to Germany. There I bought a 2 year old Kawasaki 750 LTD from a guy in my barracks who was rotating back to the states.


                                    


The bike had British specs and couldn’t be brought back without replacing the carbs so, I got a really good deal as did the Captain who bought it from me for the same reason. Germany was where I learned that BMW made motorcycles. They were everywhere! On an enlisted man’s pay, they were out of my reach but I vowed that some day, I’d own one. 

It eventually took a divorce and subsequent financial recovery but, in the early 90’s I bought my first BMW based primarily on the brand’s reputation for reliability. I remember the salesman asking, “How do you see yourself using the bike?” as he tried to narrow my focus to just one or two models. “I want to travel on the cheap, with a tent and sleeping bag and see what there is to see” I responded. Later that day, after having it fitted with hard cases and a tank bag, I picked up my first new bike, a K1100RS. I made good on my statement and began my adventures. Over the next six years, that K bike saw nearly every corner of this continent missing only six states and two Canadian provinces. That is how I began my love affair with BMW Motorcycles.
 



One day, on my way to work, the transmission went out on my truck so I began driving my antique convertible (a ‘72 LeMans Sport...I love the A bodies) to work every day. Daily use didn’t agree with her and one thing after another began to crap out. First the radio quit, then the interior door handle broke off, and the old original upholstery began to tear so it wasn’t long before I came up with a great idea. My bike runs perfectly! Why not ride it to work? Since my leather riding gear didn’t lend itself to a professional look for an outside salesman, I headed to my local BMW shop for a smart looking riding suit. 

In addition to walking out with a waterproof, thermal lined, Kalahari style riding suit, I also landed my first job selling BMW Motorcycles at Global Imports here in Atlanta. I spent the next 8 years proselytizing the masses on the virtues of BMW. That's when I learned that the old adage is true, 'If you enjoy what you do, you'll never work another day in your life'. Talking to people about motorcycles all day wasn't much like work. By personally using and believing in my product, I enjoyed sales success I’d never experienced previously selling services or safety products. With all the used bikes we took in trade, I’ve had the opportunity to ride hundreds of motorcycles but in the end, I can’t seem to find more value than the BMW bikes.


It was during this time, after having ridden most of North America, I began to tour in Europe. Renting BMW's each time, highlights have included Berlin & Munich, the North Sea, the Black Forest, the Dolomites and the Austrian, Italian and Swiss Alps. By the way, Venice is probably a better destination for honeymooners rather than grizzly road weary bikers. 

After 14 years of continuous growth, the motorcycle industry took a down turn around the end of 2006. 2007 didn’t improve so, I decided that it was time to act on an idea that I’d been mulling over for a while. Many people had asked me over the years about BMW motorcycle rental possibilities in Atlanta, and with none available, it was only natural to combine my BMW experience and over 15 years of touring North America, Europe and since they’re in my back yard, the Southern Appalachian Mountains. 

Moto Hobo is the realization of a vision which fermented over many roads. I get to stay involved with BMW motorcycles, play as my work, and meet some of the friendliest folks going…..all you moto hobos! 

Safe travels, 

Mark Martin, Proprietor & Moto Hobo