I’ve looked everywhere trying to find headlights similar to the ones in this picture to put on my XR650R, if anyone can find similar it would be greatly appreciated if you dropped a link
The mighty klr250 and I went for a swim myself and the bike went completely under before this picture 😂
Hello :)
I’m familiar with riding dirt bikes in the desert and on trails but the biggest bike I’ve ever ridden on was a 125. I’m a short woman and want something I’m going to feel comfortable with riding on the highway, but not too big to where it will be overwhelming as I haven’t ridden in a few years due to some injuries and just want to get comfortable back on a bike.
My highway usage will be 20ish miles or so each way so not too far and it will likely always be in traffic (California commute lol) but I still want it to feel okay going at least 65-70 mph if I need.
Please help 😭
(Also I will be practicing for a while on normal streets before even attempting the highway lol)
As hilarious as this fail was - myself and the bike went completely under for a few seconds lol this photo was taken after I wrestled it half way out
I got the spark plug out and kicked all the water out of the hole. I know these old jap 250s basically run on piss and vinegar but I’d rather do all I can to not mess it up.
So far I’ve drained the oil , got all the water out, cleaned out the air box and replaced filter, drained the gas tank and will refill.
Next step is put new spark in and put the gas tank back on. My buddy recommended considering flushing the engine with diesel due to the mud and shit in that water.
Video for reference, is this normal? Happens on both boots so I’d imagine they aren’t both bad but is there an adjustment to fix this?
Hey there all,
The title basically says it all, I have been wanting to do this trip and I’ve kept putting it off for years, but I’ve had enough and I’ve set myself the requirement to start training and prepping for next year leaving on May 29th 2027
I am 21, and a fairly seasoned rider with about 30k km of off pavement travel on my bike and plenty of other experience with cross country racing and mx
My main questions I’m looking for experienced input for are these:
#1: Should I get and build a dual sport specifically for this journey or use my bike I have now?
My 2014 f800gsa is a great bike and has been really good to me on all my trips, but it weighs north of 600lbs when loaded for a few weeks and is starting to show its age with all the abuse it’s gone through. I’m planning for about 2000$ worth of work on it to make it new for this trip. There are more upsides and downsides, but I want to keep this post shorter so people actually read it lol.
#2: what kind of budget should I operate off of?
right now I’m operating on a 65$ a day budget, I have means for more but I also don’t want to blow my entire savings. This accounts for food and a tank of gas a day (about 25L/450 km, this will differ greatly per day) and a room/shower every 7 days. I have 2k set aside for pre trip mods/repairs, and 1.5k set aside for emergencies in case I need to pay a local to throw my bike in the back of his truck or repairs.
In all it’ll be right around 10k total
#3. What kind of spares should I bring?
Currently I have a spare set of tubes, patch kit, spare chain, a few spare bolts that I know sometimes work themselves loose, 2 spark plugs and a toolkit (I’m currently ordering one that contains more full-sized tools) spare clutch, brake, and shift levers. I will have a spare fuel bladder although i shouldn’t need it because of my decent range.
#4. Should I pack comfortable, or pack light?
Of course living off my bike for several months would be much more enjoyable if I packed heavier, but that would make the technical and tougher portions of the track way harder. I’m just curious if anyone has done an ultralight trip and if it’s worth it.
If anyone has suggestions for other things or considerations I’d love for your input, I’ve been planning this for a while so I think I’m all set as far as planning and gear goes, but you always miss something.
Planning a trip for the CDT in 2028. Former rider and looking to purchase a bike in the next 3 months to start building, training, and taking smaller trips on to get familiar with the bike, relearn technical skills, get familiar with gear.
It will be and my dad and a times brother.
Dad has done about 1/3 of CDT on mnt bike.
Brother has completed CDT on mnt bikes.
We have also completed multiple backpacking trips.
I'll also finally
Im am debating between thr DR and KLR.
I'll leave out any non bike specific upgrades and gear
As a rider im 6' 6" not the lightest either
I'll be upgrading all springs to black.
The DR im looking at the below upgrades
Stator
Fuel tank
Possible gearing upgrade
Seat
Additional electronics (Ham radio operator wanting to do some DXing while im out)
Frame mod/ strenghting for the rear packs.
Honestly worried about how I will feel on this bike after 3 weeks of riding. I love how simple the bike however
KLR upgrades below
Seat
The bike feels much more comfortable to me.
Is the DR something i can mod enough to feel as well as the KLR?
I bought the Best Dual Sports ECU mapping and was curious about sending it in before break in. I already installed a 14” delkevic slip on, I’m going to remove my secondary throttle plate, run an 02 dongle delete, and a KDX snorkel. I’m still following all break in procedures(varying rpm’s, letting bike get to operating temp before riding, and early oil change.) Has anyone went this route with zero issues? if I have to wait then I will, I already contacted them and they said to send it in when I was ready, but if I can go ahead and do it now and break it in with everything installed, I feel like that would be the best option. Thanks!
So my bike keeps hydrolocking, I’ll start it and it’ll start for a second then it will turn off and hydrolock right away, I’ve replaced the fuel petcock and I’m working on the carb right now is there anything else that might be an issue?
Spent a day riding with friends up in the ADKs. Started in Saranac, took the trail to Lyon Mnt, then to Wolf Pond, to the Power lines and up to the Trailside for lunch. Did some riding around loon lake as well.
Hey all,
I’m purchasing a husqvarna fe501s, and am curious what a ballpark estimate would be all in to convert it to a supermoto? I’m tracking tires, wheels, front brake, sprocket, suspension and new chain. Am I missing anything?
I already have a vortex ecu and am going to uncork the intake/ exhaust and eventually put the full FMF exhaust on it
The part behind the front mouth vent, which holds the cheek pads in, fell off my brand new Arai XD-5. It looks like there's just one splotch of adhesive that was holding it on. This helmet is just a week old and now I don't think I can trust it. I contacted Revzilla to return it as defective and they refused, saying it was Arai's problem. I tried calling Arai yesterday, but their number just hangs up (maybe because of the holiday weekend?). I can probably glue it back in, but I definitely shouldn't have to on a new helmet. Has anyone had this experience?
My makeshift shop did the trick in removing bearings and the seal from the rear wheel. Haven’t yet pulled everything from the sprocket assembly or front wheel, but there’s always tomorrow. Oh - I filled the dewalt rolling box with water and use the ratchet straps to minimize energy loss when using the slide-hammer puller, and I — of course — used heat. Did a decent cleanup and reorg after finishing up. Happy 4th.
Looking to get some loading ramps two brands seem to get mentioned quite a bit, Titan ramps and Black Widow ramps. I’m looking at 10ft long ramps to make it easier to load my bike, especially if I need to push it up on the bed if it’s not running. I’m just looking for opinions and recommendations in regards to user experience build quality and reliability of these two brands and any other brand ramps you might have info on. Thanks.
Happy 4th of July everyone! Morning rip up to Santiago Peak.
Hey, as the title says - grip came loose and can spin around on my 2026 AS. They are the stock heated ones. Is this something I can fix my self or something warranty should fix?
Did a lot of research and decided on a 300L Rally. Found a 2025 with 300 miles for about $2000 less than what it was at the dealership with all the fees, etc. Enjoying it
Hi all,
After riding street bikes for 30 years, I recently bought a used DR650 to be able to enjoy some gravel roads in British Columbia where I live.
I’m strictly ATGATT and I’m aware that going off road requires a very different skill set than road riding. That said, I am looking to buy some boots.
I’ve done a ton of research but I seem to go around in circles. Some people say to NEVER buy ADV boots as they don’t provide enough protection, others say that MX boots are too stiff, are hard to shift with and absolute overkill unless you go hardcore off-roading.
My plan is to ride on forestry service roads which are mostly gravel, riddled with pot holes and some rocks. To get there I’ll also need to ride on road (mostly highway).
In the foreseeable future I won’t do single track or harder stuff.
So… all of you who have been doing this for a while, which kind of boots would you recommend for my purposes?
Thanks in advance!
EDIT:
Wow, thanks so much for taking the time to comment and reply to my post. So much helpful feedback (and tales of caution).
Reading through all of it, I think I’ll go with the safe route and buy some MX boots. I trust that you all are right that I will get used to braking and changing gears with my leg instead of the foot. 😁
Again, thanks so much for all your comments. I really appreciate the dual sport community of this subreddit.
I'm looking at getting a CRF with ABS.
People around me are selling models that are a couple years old with 5 to 10,000 km on it for $6800-7000 CAD.
Right now the current year models are discounted at the dealership for $8000-8200 cad including all freight and fees.
To me it makes sense to spend $1, 000/1500 more to get a new bike, but clearly these ones must be selling at these prices still. Am I missing something? Is there some benefit to having a bike that's already broken in? Is it worth the 1000$?
