For All You Dirty DS Minded FJR Riders On This Forum!

[ShinyPartsUp]

Honestly, I could get your Harley Davidson UltraClassic over that bridge, no problem. Seriously. Unless the bridge was much more loose than in the video..

If you could just get a HD Ultraclassic down to that part of the world, I would be impressed.

Looks doable sittin behind your computer though!

Wowser, I just went back and looked at that river crossing for the 3rd time; muy peligro. However, I'd let Don Carver take my H-D FXD across that bridge!

If it's your HD and not mine, I have no trouble giving it a shot. But I'd wear a life preserver just in case.

You got insurance?

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

BUMP

We've had an influx of new peeps signing up, so I thought I would advertise there are still a couple slots available for this trip.

Don: I finally had a chance to try out the D606 tires, both front and back. I think you will be pleased when you use them in Mexico.

Impressions of the D606: Noisy on tarmac, but grip is more than acceptable. I didn't air down but I was still impressed on even old overgrown logging roads/trails. In loose gravel they are much more confidence inspiring than more street-oriented dual-sport tires. In deep (2 feet or so) extended muddy puddles they tracked through with ease, but did not keep the cold muddy water out of my boots. :blink:

In slick mud (inch thick icing on dirt roads with minimal or no gravel) they did great. I didn't go through much thick mud (one section was only 6 inches or so) but it was less frightening than my imagination. A plus waslooking back and seeing knobby tracks in the mud -- cool. Even steep muddy hills were handled with ease. I turned around when my mirrors iced over and the road was blocked by a gate from Roseburg Forest Products saying "Mount Baldy Area". At least I had an idea where I was.

I never went down, but I keep trying. Over 30 miles and mostly @ 30-40 mph, and the KLR did well except for the suspension. In corners the front D606 bit and tracked well. I had to stop with gusto for two forest rats, a logging truck, and a fallen tree limb right around a bend. They don't stop like other tires I've ridden, of course (I've never ridden on knobby type tires before this set) but they didn't get squirrelly with a hard braking exercise.

I think these are the tires I will run permanently. If I take La Poderosa Diabla to Mexico, I'll fit the stockers back on for the highway ride (should have enough rubber left), then swap them out for fresh D606's when I get to Arizona.

I found out the Trans-America Trail goes by my house (within 20 miles) on its way to the Ocean. No maps exist for the west to east route. My research says the most poorly mapped section is the Western Oregon section, because of so many logging roads and trails being blocked by blow-downs, slides, etc. Sounds like a fun ride this summer to try to find sections of it, now that my confidence is building. The maps are east-to-west and sold by section (pricey), but I may spring for the Oregon section. I don't understand why, but people on ADVrider say the maps are not reversable to go West to East.... <_< huh.

I put a set of used (scored in as-new condition on ADVrider last week) Rox risers on and only did a couple miles of pavement today; I stood on the pegs and couldn't believe the difference in comfort and confidence having the bars up and slightly back. It made a huge difference in riding like that.

I have a Moose shift lever coming in the mail. Heavier duty and 1 inch longer for my size 13 boats.

Question: I have heard mention of peeps running a wire from a drilled hole in the rear brake lever to the frame/bash plate. The purpose is to direct roots, branches, etc. around the brake pedal, rather than wedge in and bend it. Anybody do this? Is there a farkle or is this a home-brewed do-it-yourself project? What gauge wire? Is it necessary for something like Mexico?

Thanks for reading. Sorry if it got too long.

 

[beemerdons]

Very nice report, Shiny! You have me convinced to go with the Dunlop D606's. I do not know about the wire trick. You might PM Don Carver for the answer to this!

https://www.azbeemers.org/forum/index.php?topic=2094.0 Shiny, also bumped this over at our AZ Beemers Forum; maybe we can get more Kraut Krap to ride along!

"BUMP REMINDER: There are still two openings left for this Copper Canyon Expedition, see rural and primitive Barrancas del Cobre in Mexico before it is developed!

I have mi Salma Hayek, BMW F650 GS Twin, all prepared for this trip! Lower gearing, Touratech guards, Touratech fenders, BMW tank bag, bar risers and full bash plates. Just before leaving for Mexico I'll reinstall the stock small windscreen and mount up Dunlop D606 knobbies. Arriba, Hai, Fiesta; Mas Caminos y Mas Amigos!!"

 

[charismaticmegafauna]

Impressions of the D606: Noisy on tarmac, but grip is more than acceptable. I didn't air down but I was still impressed on even old overgrown logging roads/trails. In loose gravel they are much more confidence inspiring than more street-oriented dual-sport tires. In deep (2 feet or so) extended muddy puddles they tracked through with ease, In slick mud (inch thick icing on dirt roads with minimal or no gravel) they did great. I didn't go through much thick mud (one section was only 6 inches or so) but it was less frightening than my imagination. Even steep muddy hills were handled with ease.

In corners the front D606 bit and tracked well.

The Dunlop D606 is well liked by many dual-sport riders -- however, many lesser knobbies work well and offer smoother ride when used in most d-s riding where severe mud/nasty is avoided.

Having said that, the bigger and heavier the d-s bike -- the more serious the hook-up necessary to terra-firma. The rear isn't as much of a necessity as the front -- you can often get the rear to hook-up by exploiting the big 4-stroke single's well-spaced power pulses; but, when the front goes away -- well, you may be lucky to save it?

I found out the Trans-America Trail goes by my house (within 20 miles) on its way to the Ocean. No maps exist for the west to east route. I don't understand why, but people on ADVrider say the maps are not reversable to go West to East.... <_< huh.

I think the T.A.T. route sheets are set up in an enduro trip-tik type format with direction arrows and very accurate mileages between instructions? Although it may be possible backwards -- it certainly would increase the difficulty. The somewhat similar Continental Divide Dual-Sport ride is oriented/mapped North-to-South -- and, well difficult enough to follow in standard format, many have done it backwards.

I stood on the pegs and couldn't believe the difference in comfort and confidence having the bars up and slightly back. It made a huge difference in riding like that.

Standing on the pegs lowers the Center of Gravity for the whole package -- bike and rider unit. You'll become a much better off-road rider by standing on the pegs -- especially in the rough-stuff.

Try riding that way as much as possible. Your quads will complain at first but your riding will be better for it.

(edit: lowers C.O.G. of m/c relative to whole bike & rider unit)

Question: I have heard mention of peeps running a wire from a drilled hole in the rear brake lever to the frame/bash plate. The purpose is to direct roots, branches, etc. around the brake pedal, rather than wedge in and bend it. Anybody do this? Is there a farkle or is this a home-brewed do-it-yourself project? What gauge wire? Is it necessary for something like Mexico?

It would be a small, twisted/braided cable/wire connected to the ends of either/or shift lever/brake pedal (across to the frame) to keep grass/weeds/brush from collecting in the "V" between those levers and the frame and causing the levers to function poorly. Enough slack is required to afford full-travel of the lever/pedal.

I don't think that 'mod' would be necessary in the dry/desert Southwest -- just not that much small vegetation. A really good rock bash-plate, however...?

Thanks for reading. Sorry if it got too long.

You're welcome. No problem.

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

Thanks for the feedback Charismatic. I won't quote every point for brevity.

Between my weight and the KLR's heft, I think the D606's work well. And I'm only running streets long enough to get to the trail heads.

I'm not sure a wire running between brake and/or shifter to the frame is necessary here, but I wonder about the jungle sections and rocky river bottoms and such of the Mexico trip. More research is needed. I ran across a premade farkle at one point somewhere, but lost the link. It seems innocuous if not needed, so I might do it "just because".

My skill set is IMHO still beginner status, as I only have 500 miles or so under my belt. Having a hell of a time. My knees and compressed spinal disks have been my biggest limiting factor to standing on the pegs, but I'll be doing more in the relatively rougher stuff -- everybody gives that advice and agree with you.

The TAT and Continental divide info you gave was news to me. Even if I decide not to find the TAT, I may go with my original plan of figuring out a back route to the Wild Rogue River and National Forest to the coast -- a similar area close to the TAT. As well as a route through the Umpqua Forest to Crater Lake and beyond.

Back on point: I need suspension upgrades, a frame bolt upgrade, and various minor bits and pieces before this devil can make it through the Mexico trip.

Don: Nice post on AZ Beemers -- should get somebody interested. I had lunch with Gregory today on his way through town. I tried talking him into Mexico, but I suspect you talked him into that Ireland trip in '11 instead.

 

[beemerdons]

Son of a Bitch, Shiny! Is gregory also an Irishman? That'd go a long way towards explaining why he is as screwed up as You, I and Old Michael are! Aye and Begorah!

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

Son of a Bitch, Shiny! Is gregory also an Irishman? That'd go a long way towards explaining why he is as screwed up as You, I and Old Michael are! Aye and Begorah!

hell if I know, but he's good peeps and screwed up, so he'll do!

 

[fjrrider]

Question: I have heard mention of peeps running a wire from a drilled hole in the rear brake lever to the frame/bash plate. The purpose is to direct roots, branches, etc. around the brake pedal, rather than wedge in and bend it. Anybody do this? Is there a farkle or is this a home-brewed do-it-yourself project? What gauge wire? Is it necessary for something like Mexico?Thanks for reading. Sorry if it got too long.

Yeah what cmmf said.

I run one on my KTM 530, but then again I ride in Arkansas, mucho vegatation, vines, roots, snakes, small rodents, (no joke on the snakes) you get the picture anyway.

Its a very cheap farkle, 10 bucks maybe, you can buy one (easiest) or make it yourself. I think it would come in handy for where you live now, maybe not so much down in Mexico.

 

[beemerdons]

Question: I have heard mention of peeps running a wire from a drilled hole in the rear brake lever to the frame/bash plate. The purpose is to direct roots, branches, etc. around the brake pedal, rather than wedge in and bend it. Anybody do this? Is there a farkle or is this a home-brewed do-it-yourself project? What gauge wire? Is it necessary for something like Mexico?Thanks for reading. Sorry if it got too long.

Yeah what cmmf said.

I run one on my KTM 530, but then again I ride in Arkansas, mucho vegatation, vines, roots, snakes, small rodents, (no joke on the snakes) you get the picture anyway.

Its a very cheap farkle, 10 bucks maybe, you can buy one (easiest) or make it yourself. I think it would come in handy for where you live now, maybe not so much down in Mexico.

Thanks cmmf and fjrrider, was unknown to me riding offroad in the Sonoran Desert of the American Southwest and Mexico. No jungle where we're riding to, ShinyPU!!

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

Question: I have heard mention of peeps running a wire from a drilled hole in the rear brake lever to the frame/bash plate. The purpose is to direct roots, branches, etc. around the brake pedal, rather than wedge in and bend it. Anybody do this? Is there a farkle or is this a home-brewed do-it-yourself project? What gauge wire? Is it necessary for something like Mexico?Thanks for reading. Sorry if it got too long.

Yeah what cmmf said.

I run one on my KTM 530, but then again I ride in Arkansas, mucho vegatation, vines, roots, snakes, small rodents, (no joke on the snakes) you get the picture anyway.

Its a very cheap farkle, 10 bucks maybe, you can buy one (easiest) or make it yourself. I think it would come in handy for where you live now, maybe not so much down in Mexico.

Thanks cmmf and fjrrider, was unknown to me riding offroad in the Sonoran Desert of the American Southwest and Mexico. No jungle where we're riding to, ShinyPU!!

Hell, I got that really wrong. I thought we were going to hit roads/trails that had just been bulldozed out of jungle, etc. I don't have a clue how I got that wrong. I'll have to go back and read the original threads/info.

I've read so much in so many places over 8 months I must have gotten it screwed up.

CMMF and FJRRIDER: Thank you.

 

[beemerdons]

Here you go, Shiny! Take a ride on "El Chepe" from Creel to Mochis. When the camera pans over the trestles to the valley floor, that is where we will be riding; mi Amigo! We start in pine trees, riding through chapparal and mesquite, to pampas at Golfo California.

 

[beemerdons]

Hombres, when it is freezing cold here in Phoenix at 69 degrees, all I can think about is riding South to Mexico hearing James Taylor singing "Mexico"; "Mexico" Lyrics:

Way down here you need a reason to move

Feel a fool running your stateside games

Lose your load, leave your mind behind, Baby James

Oh, Mexico

It sounds so simple I just got to go

The sun's so hot I forgot to go home

Guess I'll have to go now

"Americano" got the sleepy eye

But his body's still shaking like a live wire

Sleepy "Señorita" with the eyes on fire

Oh, Mexico

It sounds so sweet with the sun sinking low

Moon's so bright like to light up the night

Make everything all right

Baby's hungry and the money's all gone

The folks back home don't want to talk on the phone

She gets a long letter, sends back a postcard; times are hard

Oh, down in Mexico

I never really been so I don't really know

Oh, Mexico

I guess I'll have to go

Oh, Mexico

I never really been but I'd sure like to go

Oh, Mexico

I guess I'll have to go now

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

Thanks for the link Don. Uhh, is that the same pampas grass we have up here with serated knife-like grass? :blink:

And thanks for the song/poem. cool.

 

[Old Michael]

Question: I have heard mention of peeps running a wire from a drilled hole in the rear brake lever to the frame/bash plate.

....you oughta run a wire from your nuts to your chin.

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

Question: I have heard mention of peeps running a wire from a drilled hole in the rear brake lever to the frame/bash plate.

....you oughta run a wire from your nuts to your chin.

Would that keep you from jamming your jaw somewhere beyween them? If so, DONE!

 

[beemerdons]

Question: I have heard mention of peeps running a wire from a drilled hole in the rear brake lever to the frame/bash plate.

....you oughta run a wire from your nuts to your chin.

Would that keep you from jamming your jaw somewhere beyween them? If so, DONE!

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Boyne OM and SPU: Papa Chuy is repeating himself here. Save your vitriol, calumny and maliciousness for the damn English! Don't repeat 1690! If we had stayed united behind Good King James, no infighting, we would have defeated the Pommie Bastards under Evil King Billy!

 

[fjrrider]

Hell, I got that really wrong. I thought we were going to hit roads/trails that had just been bulldozed out of jungle, etc. I don't have a clue how I got that wrong. I'll have to go back and read the original threads/info.I've read so much in so many places over 8 months I must have gotten it screwed up.

CMMF and FJRRIDER: Thank you.

Let me do some more looking around SPU and see if I cant find some more youtube videos of the routes down in Mexico. I'm sure I can find something! :lol:

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

Hell, I got that really wrong. I thought we were going to hit roads/trails that had just been bulldozed out of jungle, etc. I don't have a clue how I got that wrong. I'll have to go back and read the original threads/info.I've read so much in so many places over 8 months I must have gotten it screwed up.

CMMF and FJRRIDER: Thank you.

Let me do some more looking around SPU and see if I cant find some more youtube videos of the routes down in Mexico. I'm sure I can find something! :lol:

Evidently it wouldn't take much to confuse me RIDER

OK, I found brake snakes for as little as $4. For the price it makes sense to put one on eventually.

My Shoei DS helmet came yesterday, and Moose heavy duty folding shifter is due today. I ordered and just picked up from my local hardware store stainless hardware ($12.00 for four bolts to replace the rusting steel ebay crap? :blink: ). Next is handguards, a rear brake reservoir mount from billet and upgraded bolts for the frame.

Then the pricey suspension upgrade and boots.... that might be a while.

How are other folks' mental or physical preparations going? I'm off to watch the train video again... I may even have a cerveza as I take the family out to Si Casa Flores Restaurant tonight. Dos Equis anybody?

 

[rickcorwn]

Well boys and girls tomorrow at 0600 I leave for Copper Canyon :yahoo:

There will be 6 of us from the Mid-west heading down 2 of the party have been to CC 5 or 6 times before the rest will be CC virgins. Once we get to Chihuahua we will be hooking up with Atruro (if you've read enough ADV ride reports about Mexico you may have heard him mentioned) and 2 of his friends. So we'll be traveling with 2 experienced Gringos and 3 Mexicans, should be a hoot. A full report will follow our return. Adios

 

[ShinyPartsUp]

Well boys and girls tomorrow at 0600 I leave for Copper Canyon :yahoo:
There will be 6 of us from the Mid-west heading down 2 of the party have been to CC 5 or 6 times before the rest will be CC virgins. Once we get to Chihuahua we will be hooking up with Atruro (if you've read enough ADV ride reports about Mexico you may have heard him mentioned) and 2 of his friends. So we'll be traveling with 2 experienced Gringos and 3 Mexicans, should be a hoot. A full report will follow our return. Adios

Better take lots of photos and bring back advice for me. Is it an organized tour or just guys getting together and getting along?

Envy!!!