The trail bike thread.

[Bill Douglas]

Lets see some trail bike pics

Jeff, any Honda XL650 pics?

[ckelly78z]

Between my son and I, we have 2 matching late 80s Honda XR200 dirtbikes that run and handle well. I recently picked up a really nice 2000 Kawasaki KLR 250 with low miles from my BIL. It is fully street leagal, and I plan to run it on short local, trips and along our farm lanes, and wooded trails.

I'll try to post some pics tommorow at work.

[Bill Douglas]

Thanks. Actually... I'm thinking of buying a year 2000 to 2005 Honda XR400. Something road legal that I can ride to trails and do fire breaks, and bulldozer type tracks in forests. There is a mountain track called the Molesworth Station trail that I intend to do in 6 or 8 months time.

[Jandrews]

KTM 525EXC Great all around fun bike.

[LakeCleElum]

My latest XR650L Pic.....Augered in Shoulder First at 40+ MPH 2 months ago.....2 surgeries later.....Worst case Doc has ever repaired......Drilled holes for 11 pins; most ever B4 he did was 8...I've seen cleaner Shotgun wounds....Can't even pick my nose yet.......Happy times...

[Jandrews]

Dang Bob, what happened? I had a pretty nasty one about a year ago and my tailbone is still sore. Numb spot about the size of my fist over my tailbone still there.

I continue to ride off road (at age 50), but that last crash sobered me up a bit. I need to dial it back a little so I don't do some permanent damage.

I always like to hear about how others' crashes happened so I can hopefully avoid same.

Get well soon.

JA

[LakeCleElum]

Originally Posted by Jandrews

Dang Bob, what happened? I had a pretty nasty one about a year ago and my tailbone is still sore. Numb spot about the size of my fist over my tailbone still there.

I continue to ride off road (at age 50), but that last crash sobered me up a bit. I need to dial it back a little so I don't do some permanent damage.

I always like to hear about how others' crashes happened so I can hopefully avoid same.

Get well soon.

JA

John - Was on a single track road near my cabin at Lake Cle Elum....Usually no one up there mid week.......Very rutted road, one line down the middle.....I wick it up a bit....Kinda a straight, but vision blocked by a tree...When I see the guy coming at me, we're only about 50 ft apart.....I brake hard and go into the rut.....Been riding up there since 1970......Worst crash in 50 years and 650,000 MC miles......Sux.....

[Bill Douglas]

Argh, Bob, doesn't look good.

I used to be the man of steel, now I'm more like the man of custard. But I would like to get back in to trail riding bikes. I like the idea of a street legal Honda XR400R

[ckelly78z]

Last fall, I was riding about 15 mph and the dog ran out in front of me, I swerved to save the dog, and went over the handle bars for a faceplant and 4 broken ribs. It was hell catching my breath, picking the bike up, kick starting it, and returning to the house. I felt sore for about 6 weeks.

[syncroid]

Bob...one word...OUCH!

[asphaltgambler]

Two I've had - sold this year:

1973 Suzuki 185 2-stroke all original



Early production (72 - K0) 1973 magnesium case Honda XL 250 4-stroke

[creaturecat]

wishing you well on the shoulder rehab, Bob.

[pete3799]

1973 XL250. Bought it brand new when I was just a pup.
Haven't fired it up yet this year. I'll be 62 this year.....maybe I should sell it.......nah...I've had too much fun on that scooter.

[Jandrews]

Bob, just curious, given your extensive riding history.....How will this injury affect your future riding, if at all? Will you do anything different? Just wondering, since as I mentioned, my latest crash was a game changer for me with regard to how aggressive I ride. It's either dial it back, or pay big time at some point.

Hope you heal and get strong again soon.

JA

[LakeCleElum]

Originally Posted by Jandrews

Bob, just curious, given your extensive riding history.....How will this injury affect your future riding, if at all? Will you do anything different? Just wondering, since as I mentioned, my latest crash was a game changer for me with regard to how aggressive I ride. It's either dial it back, or pay big time at some point.Hope you heal and get strong again soon.
JA

JA - Good question and something I've had a lot of time to think about:

1) Give up the more difficult "single track" sections? With tall suspensions these days, there are times you need to dab a foot and there is nothing down there.

2) Had lots of close calls with Deer/Elk near my house at dusk in Sept/Oct. Have to leave the bike home more?

Have an easy dirt ride scheduled a week from today.....Leaving July 8 for a trip thru Tahoe and western Colorado.....Have to take it easy for sure...Working hard at the PT......Thax for the thoughts....

[on2wheels52]

Mine are all trail bikes
Some just require bigger trails.



Jim

[jhynesrockmtn]

The current stable of "trail bikes" are bigger dual sport, 1150GS and Vstrom. This pic is from a weekend trip through Montana last summer before my son reported to Ft. Benning.



Several years prior, a pic from a weekend trail riding and camping with the dogs. Those were the best of days. Honda CR250Rs.

[aigel]

Mmmmm. Timely thread. I was just thinking that it is time to get an "Enduro" to take on camping/hunting trips. I have a truck and slide in camper, so adding some powered wheels for short trips from camp would be nice. Any of your bikes used such way?

What is a good, reliable and light bike generally available with street plates that can do at least some dirt road duty in the national forests? It also needs to hold a 6'+ 200 lbs guy without looking like the circus bear riding a tricycle.

Thanks

G

[creaturecat]

my 850 enduro

[aigel]

I guess weight at 250 lbs or less would be great. Is that XT250/255 and similar territory?
2008 Yamaha XT250 dual sport

I think old XT500s are cool, but >300 lbs, drum brakes and $$$.
1979 Yamaha XT500 XT 500



Thanks!

G