Dirt Bikes and Tundra

I’ve ridden an Africa twin, a T7, and an 890 adventure rally edition. The ktm was my favorite bc of the suspension, but the price tag on those are insane. T7 would be my choice if I wanted an adventure bike, but I dislike street riding because of how stupid some drivers are. I did a few sections of the NorCal bdr with two of my friends and my dad (they were on ADVs, I was on my 500). I think I had more fun on a dirtbike compared to the others, except for the ride back home on the street. Who would’ve thought going 85+ mph on the street while riding on mousses and unbalanced knobbys would be uncomfortable! I rode my dad’s 890 in some sandy washes and it’s hilarious how different it is compared to a regular dirtbike. Advs are super fun and the sounds they make are beautiful, but I’ve found my 500 can do everything at a pretty high level other than long distances on the street.

 

I've ridden my 300 on the highway and around town enough to know it isn't enjoyable. I don't even like riding it on dirt roads for more than 10 or 15 minutes. Seems like the midsize ADVs would still be fun offroad while being much better on forest roads and street. I'm leaning towards the t7 or even something smaller like an ibex 450 or the new ktm 390 adventure.

 

Sweet! This place is east of lake Oroville on hwy 70, off of Concow road. The trails are pretty well hidden and not on the map, at least not on Gaia. Definitely bring GPS

 

Why don't you get an actual dirt bike? Do you need something that's street legal?

 

I have an actual dirtbike. Something good on the street that can still go in the dirt and do longer trips would be fun

 

Welp. Myself and some buddies just booked our camp spot and tickets for MX of Nations in October. Can’t wait to see who is representing USA this weekend when they announce it at Ironman

 

All I know about them is you shouldn't ride alone on one and better have the stregth to lift it back up if you lay it down.

We were riding trails at Lovell Canyon near Pahrump NV and came across a little guy struggling to lift this big ass'd bike ... don't know how long he was there but damn he couldn't do it or get anywhere near getting it upright. We helped him and he was on his way.

 

Checking out some new trails in SE Utah. Lotta trees

 

Learned to not to try to use a dirtbike key once it’s slightly bent. Lock picking set came to the rescue.

 

Got the 350 SX-F out on the track the other day. It was evident that I need more seat time!

 

I'm headed out to South Dakota and Montana starting on Labor Day weekend. I'm pretty excited. I haven't ridden any of those areas before.

 

Just got back from 10 days of riding ID/WY. There’s a little spot with switchbacks from hell - those and the following mile of trail and obstacles kick my ass every time, but it’s so much fun.

 

White Sulpher Springs

 

Go for a dip in the hot springs, right in town. We've got some land in the Castle mountains, love that area!

Spa Hot Springs Motel | White Sulphur Springs MT https://share.google/3geNGIOitp4vxDrV5

 

Embrace middle age: buy an ADV

 

I live in the black hills, send me a message if you need trails info

 

I'm going out there with a group that goes every year, they have everything planned out it appears.

Thanks for the offer though.

 

They better have Upton, WY in their plans. Have fun buddy

 

I meant to reply earlier but I’ve been crazy busy. I’m not a tech and you are probably more mechanically inclined than I but….

When the bike is cold and the front tire is off the ground do the pads drag or does the wheel spin freely? If so, sounds like the piston is seized up or the master cylinder may need a rebuild?

If she spins free I would make sure the reservoir isn’t overfilled. Then I would check the free play in the brake lever. Sounds like it is acting up only when it’s hot.

Nothing should be wrong mechanically with only 12 hours, but things happen.


Then I would try to push that caliper toward the rotor with your hands to see if that piston moves in nicely, it should. Either way, make sure you pump the brake lever after to seat the pads.

While there I would check to make sure those pads move freely on those pins. I use SilGlyde to keep them lubricated. I have had little rocks and dirt get all sorts of clogged up in that area. Also, check your OEM parts diagram to make sure if the bike has some type of spring to separate the pads that it is in fact in there.

That’s all I got! Good luck and keep us updated!

Example of free play for a Brembo system on a KTM. I know your Kawi will be different, but for an idea….

 

I didn’t realize you got hurt, hope you feel better! Keep us updated with both!