7 Dual Sport Beginner Mistakes YOU Need to Stop Making
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- Опубліковано 9 лип 2024
- Are you guilty of these common dual sport beginner mistakes? All dual sport beginners face a learning curve, and these motorcycle tips for beginners will hopefully help some of you beginner dual sport riders avoid some of the pitfalls that I fell into (sometimes literally) when I was a beginner dual sport rider. These dual sport tips for beginners will help you avoid common new dual sport mistakes like not wearing the right gear, not wearing enough gear, not riding with other people, not communicating where you'll be (or how you'll communicate if you get into trouble), riding alone, and not using a communication device like a Sena to enhance your group dual sport riding experience.
There are a ton of motorcycle riding tips videos out there, but there aren't a ton of them aimed at new dual sport and adventure motorcycle riders. This isn't an exhaustive list of all the issues you might run into out there in the backcountry, but these dual sport basics will hopefully be enough for you to avoid some of the early motorcycle mistakes I made.
Chapters:
00:00 Intro
1:05 Not Wearing Enough Gear
2:36 Wearing the Wrong Gear
3:52 Not Standing up
5:11 Not Replacing Stock Tires
6:40 Not Communicating
8:01 Not Riding With Others
9:58 Not Using Comms
#dualsport #dualsportmistakes #dualsportbeginner
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I can relate 100 percent to "I might want to go riding Saturday, but I won't know until Saturday". Which is why I ride alone.
Exactly. Where are we going? How far? Where’s lunch? I have to be home to take my wife out. Can you prep my bike? I can’t leave to this time. 300 miles or nothing. I can’t stay overnight at a beautiful 1/2 million dollar cottage after 300 miles of off road getting there, my wife would be pissed! You stopped at a BAR! Omg, 2 beers, you’re going to crash for sure!
This is the 3rd time you stopped for a smoke or to piss. How much further. Blah bla blah.
I just can’t stand it. I’m not doing the Baja 1000, I want to jam with no plan. No worries, we’ll make it home when we get there, so throw your watch in the swamp!
I've accepted the risk of riding alone and go prepared for most things. I strongly dislike riding with others, having them race ahead, talk down to me, brag themselves up and pretend to know everything about everything (people just suck). I stop frequently to admire scenery and don't want to have to hear "Why are we stopping again!?"
I feel like you're just riding with the wrong people. Plenty of non-assholes out there, but it did take me some time to find them.
$2000 for a used bike and some gear, now that's the easy part, finding someone to ride with....yeah we'll see about that.
I hear ya... I would classify myself as mid-range aggressif rider... if I ride with careful riders its boring, if I ride with the crazies (I mean this in a good way) where they jump everything and are relentless at trying absolutely anything (ok these are the over the top crazies)... well thats not my cup either... so finding a similar riding buddy is challenging, so I'm a Lone Ranger...
There's probably a club near by that would take you in. Or maybe you could start one on you tube?
Finding a Unicorn Girlfriend that also likes to dirtbike... they exist, but yeah.
Most dual sport riders aren’t allowed in the real motorcycle GANGS. Gang sounds better than clubs or groups.
@@Chautauquas717 yo I ride the same way. Gravel roads all day! Western NC
I’m always riding by myself lol everyone backs out the day before
Sorry to hear that
Same brother you in so cal? 🤢
Reuse Garage no I’m in N.C.
@@reusegarage7390 I’m in socal. What’s your insta?
Sebastian @nikolivander hit me up msn my buddy’s got one to 🥳
I've been riding pretty much non stop my entire life. 50 years with a bike underneath me. From motocross, dual sport, street, a couple of Harley's, and now (at 65) back to dual sport on a KTM 500 EXC-F. I just can't get it out of my system nor do I want to...These were excellent tips and great advice. 👍
Thanks for another great video. As a lifelong rider looking to get back into singletrack riding after many years on pavement and fire roads, these videos are super valuable. Well, all but #7. One of the reasons I love riding is that I don't have to talk to people. One of my best riding buddies is a super-great guy for so many reasons, but he will not. shut. up. When the visor comes down and we start the bikes, I get a great conversation-free interlude. Thanks again.
"Nuts to butts" is now in my (pitifully limited) vocabulary, thanks to the Dorkside!
lol happy to help expand your vocabulary.
Thanks for gear reassurance. Sometimes feel like a dork wearing all that gear.
I tell people falling down at 45 is not like falling down at 25. There are consequences.
You gotta protect yourself for sure
I'm 55 and my knees hurt !!
I messed up my ankle on my last drop, totally agree on the boots part. I was wearing hiking lowcut shoes and my leg got stuck in a hole and ripped the front of my ankle open. Been 4 months and it still hurts and is never the same.
Ya... if I waited for friends to ride, or only ever rode with someone else, I'd rarely ride. How about instead - "If you ride alone, be prepared." Tool kit and the knowledge to use it effectively. Cell phone and PLB or SPOT and the knowledge to use it. Medkit and the knowledge to use it. Leave someone you trust with your plan for the day and at what time they should start worrying when you don't come back. Start your exploring with short close to home trips and build the confidence and know-how slowly. Thanks for sharing your experiences.
I agree. Riding within your limits is pretty key if solo riding. Going slow and steady aint such a bad thing- you can still tackle new trails if careful and see new things. Go harder only if you have a buddy. Be self aware that if off grid, you may need to get yourself out. Knowledge of self, bike and ability to problem solve is required.
Great advice. I've been considering replacing my stock tires and this was good for confirmation.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and what you've learned along the way.
Thanks for watching!
Dork, like your channel. Some great adventures here. Got myself a DRZ400SM this spring after searching a long time. Dual sport bikes are not easy to find around the Black Hills. Got all the mods done and enjoying the ride. Converted it to an S model. Love this bike. Sadly, no body to ride with, but that is alright. Still having fun. Stay safe and be the Dork you are.
Perfect reasoning re: bar risers. I absolutely think that the more aggressive position without risers is beneficial, but you nailed it. You're not going to get to the point where you feel that position is advantageous, but you ARE going to stand more often when you DO need it, with risers. That's a great example of cost/benefit or risk/reward analysis, and something we should all do in more ways, instead of slipping back into anecdote and cliche.
Hey bud, thank you so much for making this video. I have rode street bikes over 30 years and just now bought my first dual sport. Thanks for your tips 👍
Thanks Dork. I hear you. I've got full gear and it's paid off a few times now. Trying to find people to ride with is always tricky. Look forward to more.
Thank you for posting the links to all that gear. Makes it easy for me.
Great video. Dad had us in ithe back country since we were little. Always stressed safety, communication, ppe, clothing, food, snacks, water etc. Thank you for putting this out not only for begginers but also the stubborn seasoned rider/outdoorsman etc.
Man you have such a friendly and understanding demeanour. I don't even have a dual sport (yet) and I've watched a lot of your videos already. Really interesting stuff.
Thank you very much!
Very good advice. Thanks.
Great tips, thank you.
As someone new to this, all of these are great suggestions. Having the right gear though is definitely the best comment. At the start I was terrified of falling off, but having solid armour (its cheap, you don't have to go for an expensive MX set), made my early drops and falls painless and gave me much needed confidence.
It's nice to fall off and not get hurt and realize it's not a big deal if you're well equipped
@@DorkintheRoad I think the other thing which was golden for me was 'Look up'. Those first few lanes and trails I did I can remember looking at every rock and log in front of my wheel. Sure enough, managed to hit everyone. As soon as you look up and let the bike worry about the stuff underneath it, all that anxiety melted away. Gear up, stand up, look up would be my top 3.
@@GavCritchley "Gear up, stand up, look up"....brilliant.
Great advice... thanks !!
Riding a 2013 DRZ400s...Let me start by saying I have learned so much from you and I really appreciate all the time you put into your channel. KNEE PADS...get some! It would have saved me a lot of pain and suffering. My first outing in Talladega NF, I fell off I sprained my ACL and have been in recovery for almost a year before I could get back on my bike. I made most of your "mistakes" and learned my lesson. No knee pads, rode alone, was sitting when should have been standing, no comm and out of mobile range, ride in my hiking boots and leather work gloves, and, and and! :) This newb is still learning. THANK YOU!
I'm laid up with a major shoulder rebuild so I have lots of time on my hands to watch videos. I'm hoping to get riding again someday and am planning on getting more use out of my '07 Yamaha xt225 on mountain roads/trails, etc... Really enjoy your channel and have been getting some valuable tips. I used to ride dirt bikes before there was much in the way of safety equipment (yeah- old f@#t)- open faced helmets, blue jeans, the same leather gloves I used building fence. and clear welding goggles. I'm liking the new safety stuff!
Looking forward to more vids!
Subbed! I just bought a XR650L cominging from a ZX-11 and I'm already having so much fun that I don't miss the speed. Love your videos man and I hope to see you on the trails someday!
Good tips thank you
My personal favorite, the group of 1200 GS riders all going by standing up on a nice smooth fire road....love it! ATGATT
I have a GS Adventure and that always struck me as goofy. I sit until standing is needed, unless I’m just stretching or airing out. Why waste energy?
I’m also in the introvert camp. On the other hand, I’d love to not ride alone, but I’m a retired 60yo newb and like to ride during the week. Rode with a friend once, and it was great and felt much safer, but he works and has a lot of stuff going on, so I ride alone most of the time, off-pavement.
Great advice thanks. I need to find a group to ride with. My skills are rusty though so I've been practicing offroad at Nellis Dunes near Vegas. I own a DRZ400s and love it.
Excellent!
Damn good advice and video 👍
I am 66.
I ride with friends, or at an organized dual sport event a lot.
But....I am at the point, in my riding career, that I won't wait for someone to ride with, when it is time to ride.
A lot of my riding buddies "can't get away", to ride.
So..... Not my problem.
I ride alone many times.
But when I ride alone, it tends to be more of an exploration, or re-con ride, for future adventures.
I always have all of the gear, and communications that I can.
To me, a large part of it, is confidence in my abilities , and bike.
When alone, I always ride, well below my skill level, and enjoy the time out there.
This outlook has never failed me.
It's not a race, check your ego, just have fun.
Lol the knee pad advice is so so true. You’re so correct on riding gear
This video is chocked full of QUALITY advice. . . And quotes. 😂😂
Thanks for watching!
Great advice
Very good advice and informative video. Good job 'ya dork'... 😉
Thank you! 😃
Some great tips man! Love it! The tip I would give a new rider is to take an off-road riding class. You'll learn more in a one day class than a month of riding by yourself.
I'd love to do that myself sometime soon.
@@DorkintheRoad The motorcycle magazine "Cycle World" used to print great "how to" articles in the 70's: 1) How to do a jump, 2) How to corner off a berm, 3) How to wheelie over a fallen tree, 4) How to cross a creek, 5) How to power slide, 6) How to go up hill, 7) How to go down hill, 8) How to ride standing up, 9) Counter steering, 10) Trials riding techniques and many I am sure to have forgotten. I was 11 years old and immersed myself in that and other riding magazines with yearly subscriptions. I learned most everything I know about riding from reading those articles and then trying it in the field. There are probably some excellent books if you look for them.
I've ridden alone and with friends. Definitely prefer with friends. I've almost been stranded by myself and that is NOT a good feeling. Actually met my current riding buddy by following him like a creep because he had the same bike and was going somewhere I hadn't been before. We're great riding buds now. Don't be afraid to try and make friends even if you're being a little weird haha
I missed the mistakes we shouldn’t make because I kept moving around while watching this video so the Stormtrooper in the background can’t shoot at me.
Best video ever!! Pushed me to buy protective gear I'm lacking :-)
Always happy to provide an excuse to go gear shopping
Great tips ! I am the same as you ( as a non social characteristic) not that I am anti social but I do live in a rural area and my friends and family are just nowhere near me , so my riding is ALWAYS by myself , and I do limit myself to just local dirt roads and mild trails ( plenty of fire roads and ORV/ snowmobile trails and good scenery to explore ) the best thing I can do is carry a SPOT locator and send a text message to someone that will know I’m out .
Good video sir. Your cat looks like a cool bugger.
50+ years riding. And I learned way more when my brother talked me into riding Trials. I had been riding both on and off road for 40 years. But when I got on a Trials bike and rode a few obstacles I was a complete uncoordinated dufus. However I quickly got some balance and learned new skills that greatly improved my riding.
Great advice, agree with all 👍
The first 100 miles I put on my new bike, I didn't leave a 10 mile radius of my house. All just exploring the woods, trails, and fields. Mostly below 4th gear. I ride it like a two wheeled tractor. And that's just fine with me.
Haven't even bought a bike yet... past the I wanna phase, but still in the dreaming about buying phase:( I think this was extremely valuable and I appreciate your time to make it!
Same boat!
Paused at 8:51 to LOL at "nuts-to-butts"... I'm a child! Can't help it.
Not standing up is what ended my riding forever. I had been riding with a few people all day on some gravel forest roads and after 12 hours on the bike I had gotten lazy. Went around a like 110 degree turn that off camber with piles of gravel on the outside edge. Got into that gravel and lost control. Went down and the frame hit my tibia right below the knee. Broke it in 7 places. Required 2 plates and 17 screws. I had all the gear on but if I would have been standing all that would have happened most likely would have been some grass stains.... Took me 2 years to get over that one.
Yeah the whole locating issue; if you do what all the herd do and put your cell on your bike, you get thrown off your bike and your leg is broken, guess what? You don't have your cell near you because you threw yourself yards away from your bike. If its in your pocket, its on your person while you made a dumb decision. At least the smart people can then find the dumb. You are the smartest guy on these channels. You are anti social for a reason, but you communicate like a professional. Not once did I hear you say "dude" to communicate and you know what the listener needs to hear instead of simply hearing yourself. You know what I mean? Yes, you do. ;-)
Thanks, man. That's a nice compliment.
I keep my inReach in my pocket for this very reason. I do run the phone on the bars sometimes but just so it's easy to access for taking photos. I'm hardly ever riding where there is cell service anyway. Satcom is the way to go.
I love your channel thanks
the most real to life good stuff . reminds me of raising my kids . As you explain but why perfectly
My first time dual-sport riding off-road was alone because I don't know anyone who rides any motorcycles, unfortunately.
Basically, I got stuck in some super deep mud that was almost like quicksand and my chain fell off. I couldnt find anyone to help and after struggling for the better part of an hour, I was too tired to do much else. After a break and some food and water, I started walking the ~2 mile trail out and was lucky enough to find another rider who was able to help me get the bike out of the mud and up on a stump so I was able to fix the chain and get out of the ORV area.
Riding alone can be very dangerous, and I got super lucky... I need to find some people in my area to ride with
Great advice 😊
Thanks!
Fantastic channel …Love the Star Wars props & stickers. MTFBWY
My 250l Is 3 weeks old today....Thank you for motivating me to buy new tires. Offroad its like riding a RC car...throwin grass not mud.
That list is on point, as I've done all of those mistakes😄. Can't over- emphasize the importance of leg protection. Get the same stuff or at least the same level of protection MX-riders use. On road boots, and the built in knee pads in pants are not enough. If you ride off-road you WILL wash out the front wheel, or lowside at one point or another. Perhaps even multiple times during a trip. Also get barkbusters or similar to save your hands, and hopefully the clutch and brake lever. Having a spare clutch lever with you doesn't hurt either if you are going a long way from home.
great tips!
Thank you!
Communication? I heartily agree. I started with a pair of SENAs. Spendy, but worth it. My bro, fresh out of the riding course. If not for the constant communication and the guidance, speed recommendations, obstacles, and other communication, we would both have been miserable over the 3 days/600 miles we spent together.
8. Workout and build your core strength; it will make you more agile on the bike, standingsitting, and also help you when you need to pick up the bike. It's a fitness investment that pays back quickly.
9. Eat light before and during any longer ride.
Hey, just found your channel. Exactly what I was looking for. I'm switching from a track bike over to my dual sport, and clearly, I've got some things to work on.
I'm getting close to 60, and I've seen first hand how important it is to take care of hips and shoulders in order to stay mobile and active. I've always got my body armored up. A leg injury can wreck my season, but a hip injury can wreck my retirement.
I'm looking forward to exploring all your content. I'm a bit jealous of you pacific northwest riders... I'll just have to enjoy if vicariously. I got started on motorcycles riding those Cascade Mountain highways. It never occurred to me that all those logging roads were a different kind of adventure.
I walked outside for 2 hours and couldn't find a rock. We don't have rocks around South GA. There are some in North GA however. Regardless, it's never a waste to have good protective gear. I need some now and will order some soon. Take care Dork, liked and already subbed. Good content keep it up!
No rocks? Sounds heavenly.
These are good. Yelling at my boy to stand up all the time and then he complains about his butt hurting the next day! I would also say that riding alone isn't a mistake. I've only ever ridden alone because it's exhausting to think about talking to someone I don't know. On that note, if you ever come down to Utah and want to venture into the San Rafael Swell, I'd be more than happy to socialize this one time.
I ride by myself all the time, too. Not saying it's a mistake to ride alone necessarily, more it's a mistake to not also consider riding with others occasionally.
I ride all the time alone primarily because I am a hermit and do not even know anyone else that has a dual sport bike. I have only been riding off road on a WR250R for 1.5 years, so my skill levels are beginner. I did ride out to Chicken Corners near Moab and did fine. Being in northern Utah, I would love to find other riders for safety sake, but am nervous about being too much a newbie, and oldie (64) to ride with others. Still, if I could find the right group, it would be fun. . . . .
Riding alone reduces the chance of a breakdown by at least 50%.
@@makesen I am 58, and also a beginner on a WR250R. I feel your pain, but if you push yourself to find others, it will be hugely worth your effort.
Many people actually enjoy helping others, and you can always help a more advanced rider pick up their bike, or ride back for the truck, or go get help, or carry some gear, etc.
Yep, can't understand people who complain about standing, much less tiring than wearing your butt out! I make an exception for my son, for probably the same reasons as you, but he's the only dependant I want on my hands, most others will not take responsibility for themselves, nevermind any of the planning, navigation, preparedness etc. You need a damn good reason to take on a burden. Friendship may cut it? Regards
I took my brand new (to me) and first dual sport bike out for a ride today and within 10 minutes of leaving the pavement I had dumped the bike in the dirt...and banged my knee. It's like you know what you're talking about or something :p
Subbed :)
A video just for me??? I bought my very first dual sport, a WR250R, two weeks ago. Dork has been saying so for years and I finally gave in! I've been riding it 50 miles away to a real off-road area and have been just staggered by the amount of stuff you need to buy, learn, adjust, etc., to really do this properly. Dirt is not street - who knew? XD
Boots (O'Neal) and armor were first. I text people each hour or two to say I'm alive. Emergency tube changing supplies are next. Been solidly thinking about better tires, SOS, communicator, and not riding alone. I can buy more stuff now that Dork gives his blessing!
Always happy to provide an excuse to buy more moto gear!
Good 👍 advice for young players , I don’t use bar raisers and when standing I cannot get into the attack position enough. I do put them on my road bikes as I have a stuffed shoulder and bringing the bars back to stop 🛑 pinching nerves in my shoulder. And riding alone when I do this I also don’t ride hard .
Regards
Paul from Australia 🇦🇺
Hey, why you got To call me out like that with this whole knee and elbow pad situation?! Good video! And you’re right on all of it. Thanks for the reminder! I’ll stop being dumb! 😬 The animal tails parading past you were cracking me up!
Dude, that was the least of it. I edited out several references to people who don't know right from left 😂
That garmin inreach is no joke. I’ve seen guys camping near the arctic circle texting their wives back home.
On #3 I had it explained to me like this, your feet know how to balance a lot more than your butt does.
Makes sense to me
I must ride alone... Secret desert gold location!! I'm 60 ,in shape,and I'm sold on the drz 400! This should be fun...king fu to BIKE transition. If I SEE it I can do it.watching your vids help.thanks!!
Good luck out there!
As an introvert, I really struggle with rule no. 6, but I think you're really right. In Australia, we have so much wilderness to explore on our bikes but it would be so much safer in a group. Great set of advice Dork. Thanks for the video!
If you have a satellite comm link it isn't so bad. Supposedly new iPhones will offer satellite messaging for emergencies. It's better to go with someone but that is still an option if you really don't want to deal with a riding partner.
I definitely gear up on all surfaces, but off-pavement I go even further. Pretty hardcore MX boots, hard armored “dirt shirts” with significant chest, shoulder, elbow, and back armor, full leg protection, etc. I’m a relative newb, and I sometimes feel like a stormtrooper/poser, but I remind myself that it’s even smarter to wear all this stuff *because* I’m a beginner. I’ll still wear it as I gain experience, but now it’s even more important because I’m somewhat more likely to do something stupid and come off the bike.
My wife is a bargain hunter,& she found some gear called Alfa. The jacket,pants,& gloves were $180 for the set & was really nice & fit very well. Pretty happy with it
Sitting through pre video ads, subbed for the channel name
Excellent
I learned the hard way always to do a walk around the bike before you leave. Chain tension oil leaks and headlights and turn signals. Also look for backed out bolts and screws. Also don’t cheap out on gloves
i skipped your intro and I was happy that I did.
Good stuff. Especially about boots....lots of guys/gals leave the show room with their new bike thinking only about a helmet for protection. One other thought; I wish instead of saying: "stand up when you ride, and consider getting bar risers", that instead you said; "learn to properly stand and sit correctly, and make sure your bike is set up properly to you." I would have progressed much faster if I had started out with proper body position for standing and sitting and proper bike set up. After a few months I started researching and asking expert riders to learn proper body position and then things got so much better. Street riders and newbies will tend to sit too far back, with their arms in, and their toes out. And when they stand they are too upright, and therefore think they need risers, which for a tall rider, usually risers make it worse.
"Little Dork,"...I love it!
Good advise mate. Sixty year old man in Australia and hard to find someone else to ride with. No cell signal ten minutes from town. Come to think of it I could drop on my home patch and no one would know. Still got to try though. Wear your gear boys!
Hey "D", You should create a video or get assistance on getting a video on selecting the right bike, and the options a buyer should consider when fitting a bike for dual sport. Risers, lowered pegs, different seat, New bars...tank size, mirror location. "Fitting" a bike is knowing what will need to change on a bike to get the best fit for that rider.
I use similar analogies when talking about gear or no gear . Like just go outside and walk into the road and just lean back and fall onto the pavement . If you're not in the hospital now try it with all the gear possible and see what happens . Worst case scenario is some scratches to some gear and not a fractured skull elbow shoulder etc .
The riding buddy thing is my biggest hurdle . Good idea to find a forum and get to know local dual sport riders . Once again great video . Oh almost forgot .... I FINALLY GOT MY TENERE 700 !!!! so stoked . It's a little different than I was thinking it would be , it feels a little heavier than the 2018 Africa Twin standard version with DCT that I was sitting on in February . I may want the lower seat as it's a tad high . Really like the way it rides on the road so far , smooth and buttery . Although the throttle is very sensitive and the manual says to shift through the gears at every 7 to 8 more mph until 5th gear . It says you should be at 37mph in 5th and then the whole rest of the gear range can be used in 6th . That to me is strange . 1st gear to 5th up to 37mph . Hit 6th and it's 38mph to 110 ? I watched Shaaf ride the T7 and he definitely wasn't riding it like the manual says and he was sounding great going through the gears . Anyway I will rant again soon , take care !
Jealous of your T7. Enjoy!
@@DorkintheRoad
Well I opted for 48 more months on the transferable extended warranty . That added 1500 to the cost , ouch , but I figured with a new model bike it might have a kink or 2 down the road and I don't want to be stuck with a big expense then . Didn't go for all the other add ons they offered . They wanted around 3000 for 3 years of what would be almost free service on it . I took a good look at the maintenance schedule and saw that I would probably waste up to a grand if I did that so I said no thanks .
At the end of the day I am into it for just shy of 15,000 . They did an added markup of 1370 just to uncrate it and set it up , dang . I thought maybe 700 or so would cover that , so I was kinda pissed at that . But what can I do , just say ef you guys and walk away from my "I think this is my dream bike" bike ? They had me , arrgh .
Hey the Africa Twin standard version with DCT is still on my radar so but I think I better concentrate on paying off the bill on the Tenere first . I already bought a full set of Outback Motortek upper and lower crash bars for it but it was an impossible nightmare trying to install them . I was so pissed after spending 4.5 hours trying to get it all together and that one long engine bolt just wouldn't seat no matter what I did . I had to take the right side plastics off to get a ratchet in there to try and work that bolt , no dice . Then doing my best not to take an axe to my garage , I did kick a few things out across the driveway , I undid the set up and tried the bolt all by itself . It did go in but not super easy . That sealed the deal , they were going back . Made a stink about it on their utube video and a couple others but I talked to the part owner/owner ? and we had a good conversation . They've sold 150 sets so far and I am the 3rd guy with a problem so it's just most likely a variance in spec from the manufacturing process . They allow up to 4mm in some areas of the assembly line build . He's going to try them on 2 Teneres he's getting this week for rentals . The ones that are coming back he will try and put them on the rentals .
So now I guess I will try SW Mototech or AltRider . Wish I could go ride but we are getting hammered by these fires in my area . Had to rescue my aunt from the northern edge of the fires above Santa Cruz . It's unbelievable what's happening . We had insane orange lightning 2 Sunday's ago around 1am to 8am . It started a bunch of fires in Northern California and the worst ones have surrounded us .
So far my aunt's place is okay I think but it's not over yet . So many people have lost everything , one of my best friends might have lost his house .
Wow , that was a rant , my apologies haha . Oh and you're dead on about changing the tires , I have video of me going tumbling off my DR650 partly because of the stock tires . Truth be told I would have hesitated hiking the part of the trail I made the misfortune of choosing to ride up . It got steeper and steeper and I knew I was going to take spill but I gave it my best and actually made it 25 feet from the crest . Man I even ranted more , sorry haha .
Love it...but I'm a solo rider, as a female most guys don't want to ride with. But I'm learning to work on the bikes, and I will have the satellite phone, for the RTW tour. I LOVE the humidor and the bar, totally digging your garage, or who knows could be the living room lol
This is an excellent list! I would add one to the list, and that is some simple system for hydration. Where I live in BC riding is a summer activity, and I am an old fat guy that sweats just watching hard work. Once I get dehydrated and have that headache I need a cold shower and AC for hours in addition to electrolytes to feel right again. Being dehydrated makes me a worse, and therefore less safe, rider. I bet it is as bad as drinking. Less coordinated, poor risk assessment and decision making, etc.
I am totally comfortable on pavement and gravel roads alone, but I much prefer to ride difficult terrain with others. And remember, your Barkbusters are wear items, like tires and brake pads! If I ever get two seasons out of a set I will have become an intermediate rider...
Totally agree. Can't underestimate the importance of hydration.
I always carry plenty of water, but all it took was one off-pavement ride that made it inconvenient to stop and get the water out of the tail bag, and I knew I needed a hydration pack, and to pull out the chin curtain from my helmet so I could easily drink in those conditions. Makes a huge difference!
good job
Felt the bit where you went on about being antisocial and then admonished yourself. That’s pretty much what I’ve got circling in my head about reaching out to a club/group to ride with. Just haven’t made that last step. This was another bit of encouragement.
I brooke my knee 😬😭 throwing my self on that rock ! And i have no friends ...😐😶😒 thks for the tips may the force be with you! And i subed
I didn't even notice that cat until my 2 year old daughter next to me started yelling "KITTY CAT!". HAHA It also means I was really paying attention to your words, lol.
Sena communicator: at 1st i was like meh but now they are on all my helmets! we use them like crazy
"rider down" " log in road" "branch" "slippery dirt" etc
I’d also recommend starting on a mountain bike if possible. The heavy dual sport dampens the terrain a bit quite a bit and there’s a large margin of error mixed with a good bit of speed. This typically equates to falling less but more brutal wrecks when you do fall.
A mountain bike (especially rigid or hard tail) will force you to get really good at weight distribution and balance techniques while simultaneously developing lower speed balance because naturally you’re going way slower than you would on a dual sport. It’s lighter, more sensitive to the terrain, and forces you to refine technique as well as respect the power of a motorcycle.
It feels like I strategically hacked the dual sport learning curve by started on a mountain bike first
For me it started on a bmx as a kid to me the drz is just a big bmx
Yeah, I was never a great mountain biker, but I’m glad I did a decent amount of in when I was in CO many years ago. I feel like a lot of off-pavement riding on my DRZ comes somewhat naturally due to that. I’m still a beginner, and am not doing anything particularly difficult, but I know I’d be more intimidated without the MTB experience. Riding a dual sport is like full-time downhills!
First time I wore kneepads 40 years ago I was cruising along about 35 racing my buddies on a rocky dirt road, front end kicked out and I went flying in the crawling position and I remember thinking, this is gonna hurt, I landed on all fours and I was amazed, absolutely no pain!
I really feel the antisocial part. More so, the older I get. I loved my 7 passenger AWD minivan when that's what I needed. Now I'm appreciating the solitude of the bike. Even removed the passenger pegs. I do have people to ride with.
Fortnine has a great video on stock tires for dual sports and how they are made and where they are made....Not all Dunlop's and Metzler's are created equal.
I figured out that when planning to ride with someone or multiple people, just meet them at the start of the ride. If it's at the edge of town or at a trailhead don't travel with them. It makes things so much easier.
Yeah that's a good protip
Hello, what is the grey colored bike model on video cover? (photo on nature and green mountains)
What kind of range do you get with your two way communicators?
i used to never sit down on my mountain bike so i'm glad i'm properly trained haha
V V V good job , mate ....... I wish you give your kids the same and train them to be good Riders. God bless.
I would love to see you dedicate an entire video to the sena headsets. And I know Cardo is just as good. I am part of a large riding group we all have the same headset.
There are countless benefits to having them. Including being able to direct a slower Rider from the rear and let them lead the ride.
Sometimes I get tired of leading all the time. And it's nice to put somebody else in front of me that has a headset.
This could easily easily be a 20 or 30 minute video.
See my above comment. Lexin is a good mid price range alternative.