MSRP Meet the Member – October 2025 – Dan Naperman
Welcome to the MSRP MTM section where each month we will profile a member of the MSRP chapter! Our FIRST member to be profiled is Dan Naperman. Dan was gracious enough to respond to my series of questions, noting that, “they made me tickle memories that I have not thought of in a long time, and that made [him] smile.”
I have to admit that as I read through Dan’s responses, I, too, smiled quite a bit. I am really excited about this new section of our website, and I am hopeful that you will enjoy reading and learning about your fellow members each month.
Without further ado, please read on to meet “the pie guy” – Dan Naperman!
Core Riding Questions
- What was your first motorcycle, and how did you get into riding?
In 2007 with rising gas prices, it seemed like everyone was switching to motorcycling and the PA Motorcycle Safety Program (MSP) courses were always packed. A friend, who happened to be an instructor, worked with the program to hold a special course to accommodate some friends he knew were interested, but were not able to get into the regularly scheduled courses. I had never ridden a motorcycle prior, but within 10 minutes of the first range day I was hooked. I started shopping for motorcycles when I got home that day. After finishing the course and getting my license, I quickly snatched up a 1995 (I think) Suzuki Intruder 800 that was for sale locally. I learned a lot on that bike; most notably that the riding position of a cruiser was not for me!
- What are you riding now?
2020 BMW R1250GSA
- What’s your favorite kind of ride—back roads, long tours, rallies, or something else?
I feel like I've done it all. From ice cream runs to forest service roads, from cross-country treks to single track in the dirt, from errands to overnighters. I like it all, but I think my favorite type is multi-day camping trips where you're in a new location each night. With those trips, every day brings a new adventure. Oh, and rides that involve pie...cannot forget about those rides!
- Do you have a favorite destination or route in PA (or beyond)?
US 250 from Staunton, VA, through the George Washington & Jefferson and Monongahela National Forests to Huttonsville, WV, is one of my favorite, curvy mountain roads. Either that or Marengo Road.
- What’s your most memorable ride or road trip story?
I rode to the 2015 BMW MOA national rally in Billings, MT. On the way, my riding partner and I and some friends that were making the trek in their truck spent a night at Sage Creek Campground in Badlands National Park. It is a primitive campground with vault toilets and no water/showers. We spent the evening eating Mountain House Chili Mac with Beef and staring at the most spectacular view of the Milky Way that I have ever seen and may likely never see again. I fell asleep that night listening to coyotes calling in the distance.
Get-to-Know You Questions
- What’s your go-to ice cream flavor? 🍦
In a dish? Mint chocolate chip. As a shake? Strawberry. But, to tell the truth, I think I'd rather have pie.
- If you could ride anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I'd love to do a motorcycle tour through the Alps.
- Do you have a “dream bike” you’d love to own someday?
I really, really, really like my GSA and I do not see getting rid of it anytime soon. That being said, I can envision a garage with a Beta for off-road riding and a R1300GS for road riding and touring.
- What’s your favorite piece of gear you never leave home without?
This is a toss up between my Klim Badlands Pro suit and my GPS, whether Garmin Navigator VI or Chigee AIO-6.
- Any quirky habits, traditions, or “good luck charms” when you ride?
No.
Club Connection Questions
- How did you first hear about Mid State Riders of PA?
Marty reached out to me and said he was working on a BMW MOA Charter Club.
- What do you enjoy most about being part of the group?
Over the years, I had phases where I focused on group riding, touring with a partner, gravel and dirt riding, and solo riding. I like the comradery of MSRP and getting back into group riding. Especially if there is pie or ice cream involved!