ranks
Apr 16th, 2006, 3:31 pm
Well, since I've had the R1200GS, its been mainly asphalt, with some gravel/dirt. (Around here, most non-paved roads are gravel, not dirt).
Since I have NO previous experience (at any age), riding dirt bikes, I've done quite a bit of reading. I've been waiting to find some folks to ride with, so as not to get into too much trouble all by myself.
Today, I finally got it OFF ROAD (Jeep Trail, not singletrack). It did way better than I thought. I was definately the limiting factor. Had a little bit of sand, a couple of rocks to climb up, some deep gullys to navigate, but otherwise hardpack.
It is a handful to say the least off road. I only went off road about 2 miles, and dirt/gravel about 30. By the time I was done, thought I had done 300-400 miles of pavement.
I have to get into shape ! I also need to get some TKC-80's, but the Tourances only have 5200 or so on them, and looks like 1/2 to 1/4 left !. I did bring an air compressor and air them both down to 20psi for the dirt/gravel/jeep trails, then back up to 40 for the trip home.
Having limited experience, take it for what it is worth, but my feelings are as follows:
1) Its NOT a Dirt Bike !!!!! (Can't repeat it enough !)
2) It handles dirt/gravel (as long as gravel isn't too deep) great !
3) Deep Gravel, sand over 1", mud (Stay AWAY !!, unless you have knobbies, and more skill than me)
4) It is EVERYTHING I wanted from a dual sport. I am not afraid to take that road that isn't paved !, I can even venture off road, as long as I take it easy.
The quandry is....do I also get a small DRZ or KLR or something to do more dirt ?
Time will tell, but I definately have alot more to learn, and alot of fun with this bike !!
I just wish I had taken my camera....and no...I didn't fall !! (Hooray !!)
Since I have NO previous experience (at any age), riding dirt bikes, I've done quite a bit of reading. I've been waiting to find some folks to ride with, so as not to get into too much trouble all by myself.
Today, I finally got it OFF ROAD (Jeep Trail, not singletrack). It did way better than I thought. I was definately the limiting factor. Had a little bit of sand, a couple of rocks to climb up, some deep gullys to navigate, but otherwise hardpack.
It is a handful to say the least off road. I only went off road about 2 miles, and dirt/gravel about 30. By the time I was done, thought I had done 300-400 miles of pavement.
I have to get into shape ! I also need to get some TKC-80's, but the Tourances only have 5200 or so on them, and looks like 1/2 to 1/4 left !. I did bring an air compressor and air them both down to 20psi for the dirt/gravel/jeep trails, then back up to 40 for the trip home.
Having limited experience, take it for what it is worth, but my feelings are as follows:
1) Its NOT a Dirt Bike !!!!! (Can't repeat it enough !)
2) It handles dirt/gravel (as long as gravel isn't too deep) great !
3) Deep Gravel, sand over 1", mud (Stay AWAY !!, unless you have knobbies, and more skill than me)
4) It is EVERYTHING I wanted from a dual sport. I am not afraid to take that road that isn't paved !, I can even venture off road, as long as I take it easy.
The quandry is....do I also get a small DRZ or KLR or something to do more dirt ?
Time will tell, but I definately have alot more to learn, and alot of fun with this bike !!
I just wish I had taken my camera....and no...I didn't fall !! (Hooray !!)