If you're interested in a more detailed account of the trip, my riding partner is putting out a series of videos @ youtube channel "Moto Bikepacking". th-cam.com/video/TJQzCSpcxYE/w-d-xo.html
Been riding off road for 60 years and those bikes you chose are the most versatile size for all types of off road adventure to off road competition riding ..if i have heard it said once ive heard it a 1000 times a 250 cc single cylinder is the best all around size for any type of off road situation and still fast enough to break all posted speed limits and powerful enough they are never boring..and the perfect choice for a beginner's first bike that will teach you in short time all the skills necessary for defensive safe riding . And for competitive performance riding ..service and maintenance on the level of a scooter ..can take serious falls sustaining low damage as frame material chain sprockets are the size and strength of bike twice as heavy ...making a 250 naturally over built ...load it down with all your gear and it is still lighter weight than a KLR650 never serviced and the handling of a 250 off toad bike is probably the most forgive motorcycle of all the rest as they are just heavy enough to keep their stability after encountering a road hazard but still agile and quick to respond to input of Corrections much easier than larger bikes that would not be able to avoid the same hazards ..and you dont need a tow truck if you get it hung up in mud and snow ..and your trail is exactly what your bikes where designed and built to target . I wish you guys never have to part with these bikes that made your adventure happen ..never trade them in and never sell as once they are gone there gone for ever ...and when the engine is grows old and tried buy the factory brand yamaha shop service manual that are expensive but will guide you without one mistake and learn the art of motorcycle repair ...or do it the eazy way and park it when it gets tired and buy a used unit listed in cycle trader that is identical model and year with low miles of 5k or less and pay half price and your original becomes a major parts donor of things like the frame , fuel tank all the body works that is flexible polymer plastic that are very expensive like the fenders you got laced up Alloy rims that are five hundred bucks a piece or more handlebar suspension front forks sync all the lighting in gauges brand new engine side covers in case airbox and carburetor. Not that all that stuff going to wear out from usage but it's all subject do damage every time you ride the bike and the manufacturers know that and put incredible prices on such items because they know you will pay it on the average a complete engine assembly is over half the price of an entire new motorcycle as for what you guys are doing your bike will never be obsolete ride the hell out of it and keep it forever shiny side up
Brother, from someone who has been riding for 43 years, it warmed my heart that you learned how to ride to be able to do the TAT. That is awesome! I'm hoping to do it next year for the 1st time.
Guys, you made my night. What a journey, 2 mates, 2 bikes, and the wilderness. Loved it. The bikes did very well, and I must say the tires deserve some recognition. Some of those terrains were rough. I tip my hat to both of you. Cheers.
I have seen hundreds of ADV riding videos, this is by far the best of all of them . The music, the intro, the simplicity, the drone shots...etc. Thank you do much for shaving such a spiritual journee. Brilliant. Can you please comment on how the bikes performed, fuel consumption issues and the like. Thanks a million.
Thanks, really appreciate the feedback. I just wanted to show the beauty of the western US seen by backroads. The bikes were great and I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again on the WR. It’s a great size bike for a trip like this. We each had a problem caused by the New Mexico mud that was repaired in Colorado Springs. My buddy’s fork seals leaked and my radiator fan got stopped by a chunk of mud which caused it to burn out. Other than that no probs with the bikes. I think we averaged about 60 mpg since much of the time was cruising gravel roads at 30 mph.
@@TheWilly350 thank you so much for your kind response. Am from New York City, planning to do the TAT in few month, never being off road, would a DR 650 be too heavy for such an adventure ?. I have not bought a bike yet. The WR 400 dual sport looks like a perfect size, whats your opinion ?
I would guess that I’m in the minority doing the trip on a 250. Many more people do it on a 400 or 650. Main thing is you want the bike to be reliable and have enough fuel capacity to make it between stops. You’ll be in some pretty remote areas. Good luck.
10 years ago I met some bike riders who where on this trail. I live in oregon and met them in the mountains near my house. They were about 30mil. From the coast. The conversation we had made me want a dual sport adventure bike,I have owned many dirtbikes and knew then I wanted to do this kinda thing! 3 months ago I finally decided I had to do it! We bought 3 of the more dirt leaning dual sports for me and my kids! Can't wait to hit the open mountain roads!
Bought one. Learned to ride on it. Put a MT21 front/D606 back, ASV levers and 14/51 gearing on it. Ride it through desert, mountains, rivers, singletrack, sand/mud/snow/ice - no problem. Couldn't be happier. Started my own TH-cam channel (Temple of Dirt) dedicated to WR250R adventures.
Outstanding, man! I'm sitting here, where I live and work, in Thailand... And I'm American, so this is ripping my heart out, I'm bleeding to b at home touching, smelling, breathing, living it.... Been here 7 yrs, so long to b away. From VT. Thank u, so much
I appreciate you didn't install aftermarket pipes. I'm sure others and, Mother Nature appreciated it. What a great video. So inspiring. It was also just nice to hear the bikes without music. Best kind of riding videos IMHO.
I really enjoyed and envied you guys on this awesome ride through the picturesque and rugged terrain , america really is beautiful . Regards from south africa
Two guys on a mission with through stunning scenery and the best of weather. Congratulations. I'll watch it again and make notes. Thanks for all the riding time.
What a great trip guys ! Very inspiring, thanks. I’ve got an old WR250R myself. I pretty much use it exclusively to run around the town.... I’m in London, maybe I should try a length of Britain tour now the restrictions are lifting and summer is a comin’ ! Happy trails !
Seen your Indiana tags on your bikes. KUDOS to you both from one Hoosier to another. Great video. Loved the Drone shots as well. I went to Moab in 2015 to mountain bike. Love that place.
Just watched this very entertaining video. Great job guys! A you did it all without a major injury, to me that`s the best part. Memories for a lifetime. Your grandkids will always look at you in a different way from now on.
You know, this is the single best video on the TAT in my humble opinion. First of all: great choice of bike. Then in your film there's no terrible dubstep just great music choices, plus unbelievable landscapes, nicely filmed. Look at the skies at 24:30! Damnit Utah. Really breathatking, even on GoPro. Really nice job guys, thanks so much, and greets from Berlin.
Your tires had to touch the Pacific, I totally understand, I bet that moment was filled with emotions. What an adventure, guys Congratulations on completing the TAT.
i like the cougar checking you out in co. glad you weren't on the menu. this looks like an awesome ride. if i can swing it, i think i'll look into taking the trip in '20. i'll be starting in indiana as well, but i live in the northeast corner of the state. thanks for sharing it with us. keep the rubber side down, and stay in the wind.
I made a trip in vtx 1300, 15 days 6300 miles from El Paso to Vancouver, Canada, the best experience in my life, congratulations on your very interesting trip
I rode the AR section in 2004 on a DR650. I started from home as I live maybe 200 miles from Helena. I did motels the whole way and back. I hit rain the first morning out leaving Helena but it was beautiful out late that day. In 2008 I bought a new WR250R and still have it for camping trips out west. I wonder why Sam got rid of the Nevada section of the old TAT?
One of the best I've seen about the TAT to help me get motivated and understand what the trail is like in each area. One thing, with a video this long and this type, maybe highlighting the state/area you are in at all times while you play the video would be helpful.
Wow! What an epic adventure! You guys are awesome for doing that! Definite bucket list item! Seriously, this makes me want to get out and have an adventure. Just what I needed tonight. Thank you!
Hope you enjoyed the ride looks like it Paradise Point Your final stop, I et my dog run the beach, been seeing riders from all over world come throu PO. few years back were some Ausies in Landrovers, Too bad you missed the Elk River ausome gold
Wow, that moment at the end!🥺 You definitely had to touch the ocean. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. My daughter and I are in New England, and we are planing a coast to coast ride. Maybe a year or two left of planing. You've inspired me more, thanks 😊
Truly spectacular scenery and an epic adventure. Congrats, and thanks for sharing your trip with us! Especially cool for me as I just got a new WR250R in the past week... :)
Elis Denis, you´re right,I guess! A good self-assessment, self-discipline and a clever way of riding is the only way to be quite safe on a bike! But anyway! This boys did a great trip! and they showed me fantastic pictures and Landscapes, I probably will never reach in my live. Thank you so much! And always be save, especially in this crazy times! ;-D
Ah lads that was a fab trip . my nephew planned to come to visit me in CA and do a trip but sadly he fell of his bike 3years ago . cheers guys for a lovely video .
This is the closest part of the TAT for me too! Looks like great fun! I’d like to try it on my CRF300. Taking it on the Swinging Bridges Ride in Missouri this Friday. Spent the day getting y gear arranged and test driven. Feels great.
Awesome video! Lots of crazy footage. We just got back from a 4 state 2200 mi week long trip to the Ozarks. Now I'm inspired to take it off road. Great job thanks
If you're interested in a more detailed account of the trip, my riding partner is putting out a series of videos @ youtube channel "Moto Bikepacking".
th-cam.com/video/TJQzCSpcxYE/w-d-xo.html
TheWilly350 d
Will Hester have a great trip!
Great Video and trip. What tyres are you using?
peterjfox69 Dunlop D606 front and rear. I think I’m on my 4th set now.
Been riding off road for 60 years and those bikes you chose are the most versatile size for all types of off road adventure to off road competition riding ..if i have heard it said once ive heard it a 1000 times a 250 cc single cylinder is the best all around size for any type of off road situation and still fast enough to break all posted speed limits and powerful enough they are never boring..and the perfect choice for a beginner's first bike that will teach you in short time all the skills necessary for defensive safe riding . And for competitive performance riding ..service and maintenance on the level of a scooter ..can take serious falls sustaining low damage as frame material chain sprockets are the size and strength of bike twice as heavy ...making a 250 naturally over built ...load it down with all your gear and it is still lighter weight than a KLR650 never serviced and the handling of a 250 off toad bike is probably the most forgive motorcycle of all the rest as they are just heavy enough to keep their stability after encountering a road hazard but still agile and quick to respond to input of Corrections much easier than larger bikes that would not be able to avoid the same hazards ..and you dont need a tow truck if you get it hung up in mud and snow ..and your trail is exactly what your bikes where designed and built to target . I wish you guys never have to part with these bikes that made your adventure happen ..never trade them in and never sell as once they are gone there gone for ever ...and when the engine is grows old and tried buy the factory brand yamaha shop service manual that are expensive but will guide you without one mistake and learn the art of motorcycle repair ...or do it the eazy way and park it when it gets tired and buy a used unit listed in cycle trader that is identical model and year with low miles of 5k or less and pay half price and your original becomes a major parts donor of things like the frame , fuel tank all the body works that is flexible polymer plastic that are very expensive like the fenders you got laced up Alloy rims that are five hundred bucks a piece or more handlebar suspension front forks sync all the lighting in gauges brand new engine side covers in case airbox and carburetor. Not that all that stuff going to wear out from usage but it's all subject do damage every time you ride the bike and the manufacturers know that and put incredible prices on such items because they know you will pay it on the average a complete engine assembly is over half the price of an entire new motorcycle as for what you guys are doing your bike will never be obsolete ride the hell out of it and keep it forever shiny side up
Brother, from someone who has been riding for 43 years, it warmed my heart that you learned how to ride to be able to do the TAT.
That is awesome! I'm hoping to do it next year for the 1st time.
Thank you! Make your trip happen - it’s a fantastic ride.
Guys, you made my night. What a journey, 2 mates, 2 bikes, and the wilderness. Loved it. The bikes did very well, and I must say the tires deserve some recognition. Some of those terrains were rough. I tip my hat to both of you. Cheers.
Exactly why I watch Utube, for videos like this! Great job!!
I have seen hundreds of ADV riding videos, this is by far the best of all of them . The music, the intro, the simplicity, the drone shots...etc.
Thank you do much for shaving such a spiritual journee. Brilliant.
Can you please comment on how the bikes performed, fuel consumption issues and the like. Thanks a million.
Thanks, really appreciate the feedback. I just wanted to show the beauty of the western US seen by backroads. The bikes were great and I wouldn’t hesitate to do it again on the WR. It’s a great size bike for a trip like this. We each had a problem caused by the New Mexico mud that was repaired in Colorado Springs. My buddy’s fork seals leaked and my radiator fan got stopped by a chunk of mud which caused it to burn out. Other than that no probs with the bikes. I think we averaged about 60 mpg since much of the time was cruising gravel roads at 30 mph.
@@TheWilly350 thank you so much for your kind response.
Am from New York City, planning to do the TAT in few month, never being off road, would a DR 650 be too heavy for such an adventure ?.
I have not bought a bike yet. The WR 400 dual sport looks like a perfect size, whats your opinion ?
I would guess that I’m in the minority doing the trip on a 250. Many more people do it on a 400 or 650. Main thing is you want the bike to be reliable and have enough fuel capacity to make it between stops. You’ll be in some pretty remote areas. Good luck.
@@TheWilly350 thank you.
10 years ago I met some bike riders who where on this trail. I live in oregon and met them in the mountains near my house. They were about 30mil. From the coast. The conversation we had made me want a dual sport adventure bike,I have owned many dirtbikes and knew then I wanted to do this kinda thing! 3 months ago I finally decided I had to do it! We bought 3 of the more dirt leaning dual sports for me and my kids! Can't wait to hit the open mountain roads!
Dave lambardo hope you all have an amazing trip!
Awesome....a TAT video with narration! Thank you because your travel journal is an excellent resource for researching the TAT. Thanks!!
Bought one. Learned to ride on it. Put a MT21 front/D606 back, ASV levers and 14/51 gearing on it. Ride it through desert, mountains, rivers, singletrack, sand/mud/snow/ice - no problem.
Couldn't be happier. Started my own TH-cam channel (Temple of Dirt) dedicated to WR250R adventures.
Outstanding, man! I'm sitting here, where I live and work, in Thailand... And I'm American, so this is ripping my heart out, I'm bleeding to b at home touching, smelling, breathing, living it.... Been here 7 yrs, so long to b away. From VT.
Thank u, so much
I appreciate you didn't install aftermarket pipes. I'm sure others and, Mother Nature appreciated it. What a great video. So inspiring. It was also just nice to hear the bikes without music. Best kind of riding videos IMHO.
Your video out of the ones I have watched is simply the best. Congratulations
I really enjoyed and envied you guys on this awesome ride through the picturesque and rugged terrain , america really is beautiful . Regards from south africa
You lucky buggers. I congratulate you both for taking a reasonable motorcycle on a fascinating ride
Nice controlled bail at 12:00. I wish they were all like that! Keep up the good work.
Two guys on a mission with through stunning scenery and the best of weather. Congratulations. I'll watch it again and make notes. Thanks for all the riding time.
A lot of backroads been driven. Beautiful scenery and fantastic view. Thank u.
Amazing footage. Amazing trip. Thanks for taking us along.
Yeah I agree with you, you have an amazing trip. Thanks for sharing a beautiful place and view 🙏🏽
What a great trip guys ! Very inspiring, thanks.
I’ve got an old WR250R myself. I pretty much use it exclusively to run around the town.... I’m in London, maybe I should try a length of Britain tour now the restrictions are lifting and summer is a comin’ !
Happy trails !
Seen your Indiana tags on your bikes. KUDOS to you both from one Hoosier to another.
Great video. Loved the Drone shots as well.
I went to Moab in 2015 to mountain bike. Love that place.
Just watched this very entertaining video. Great job guys! A you did it all without a major injury, to me that`s the best part. Memories for a lifetime. Your grandkids will always look at you in a different way from now on.
Thank you
Awesome!! It's on my bucket list to do the tat myself with some friends.. I want to do it on my klx 250
This looks like an amazing trip! Very inspiring! I was thinking about buying a couple of DR Z 400’s and planning a trip with my son.
Kent, have you developed a plan yet? I hope you do. Best of luck.
The switchbacks in the hills were epic :) Nice video.
Most definitely, awesome journey. So jealous, thanks for such great photography and editing.
Great video! Thanks for the hard work putting it together. Looks like a trip of a lifetime.
Epic trip...Awesome views! Thanks for the info on moto bikepacking
Wow....that was amazing and captivating ! Thanks so much for sharing with us. 😊
Thanks for sharing your video.
You live in a beautiful country, enjoy it to the full.
Ride Safe
Regards from S Africa
Clive
Thanks Clive. It was the first time I’d seen most of these areas. I hope to revisit many in the future. Cheers
Absolutely loved this video, thanks guys, proper viewing pleasure.
1 word: EPIC.
Thank you for sharing your fantastic journey.
Great video. That descent section from Ophir really brought back some memories. Riding that scree feels like you're on a moving walkway!
That was a great trip and a great vid... Thank you for putting it together. Well done, sir.
Love the trip and you've helped make a choice on the bike to use. Giant Kudos to both of you.
Fantastic video, fantastic trip. Congratulations guys.
I enjoyed this beautful ride. Looking forward to the other vidio's.
You know, this is the single best video on the TAT in my humble opinion. First of all: great choice of bike. Then in your film there's no terrible dubstep just great music choices, plus unbelievable landscapes, nicely filmed. Look at the skies at 24:30! Damnit Utah. Really breathatking, even on GoPro. Really nice job guys, thanks so much, and greets from Berlin.
Thanks so much for the feedback. I really appreciate it. The remote, western parts of the US definitely met my high expectations.
@@TheWilly350 Man, pleasure. This is something that stands up to repeat viewings, this is how to make a TH-cam video!
Awesome footage and an epic adventure. Specially like seeing places I've passed by in my past lives. Very cool. Thanks for sharing.
Your tires had to touch the Pacific, I totally understand, I bet that moment was filled with emotions. What an adventure, guys Congratulations on completing the TAT.
Wow ! Loved it ! Brilliant format and editing , thank you
I haven’t been on a bike in 40 years but now I feel like I’ve been your third man on this trip. Great work!
Thanks for taking the time to take us along! Excellent job.
An amazing journey of discovery.
That was wonderful, thank you so much for sharing your journey.
Excellent video of your trip!!!! Thanks for sharing.
That was fun to watch! Thanks for posting and making it. I have to do that trip!
Well done! I'm quite surprised a couple newbies pulled it off. Ride on! 👍
Very enjoyable; thanks guys!
Awesome video! I never knew about this until now watching this. I'm inspired. Definitely something I will plan for!!
i like the cougar checking you out in co. glad you weren't on the menu. this looks like an awesome ride. if i can swing it, i think i'll look into taking the trip in '20. i'll be starting in indiana as well, but i live in the northeast corner of the state. thanks for sharing it with us. keep the rubber side down, and stay in the wind.
Great job guys! Something I hope to do with my daughter when she is old enough.
This is an excellent video, thank you for posting.
Great video of your trip. Thanks for sharing this with us. Ride safe my friends.
I made a trip in vtx 1300, 15 days 6300 miles from El Paso to Vancouver, Canada, the best experience in my life, congratulations on your very interesting trip
Lots of pretty country between El Paso and Vancouver!
ONE OF THE BEST!!! you showed us not told us, thanks
Thanks for the video. Thinking about riding the Trans Am.
Nicely done. Thanks for not having annoying background music the whole time volume on it was just right. Thanks for posting!
Ragnaar! Haha. What a beautiful country you live in, and a great trip, video.
Awesome! Thanks for bringing us along on your adventure.
I rode the AR section in 2004 on a DR650. I started from home as I live maybe 200 miles from Helena. I did motels the whole way and back. I hit rain the first morning out leaving Helena but it was beautiful out late that day. In 2008 I bought a new WR250R and still have it for camping trips out west. I wonder why Sam got rid of the Nevada section of the old TAT?
One of the best I've seen about the TAT to help me get motivated and understand what the trail is like in each area. One thing, with a video this long and this type, maybe highlighting the state/area you are in at all times while you play the video would be helpful.
Sweet ride guys !!!
This is awesome, thanks for sharing the experience! I've been researching 250r's and found my way to your video. A trip of a lifetime.
wow. that was a great ride. thanks for bringing us along too.
Great scenery and epic ride! Thanks for sharing. Cheers!
With that music I keep picturing Daniel Day Lewis on a KTM going full throttle while firing a musket. Great video!!
Great video ... Thanks for sharing
Very enjoyable to watch! Thank you for posting.
By far the best trans america trail video yet!!!!!!!!! Thanks guys i felt like i was there everystep of the way
Great video. A good insight into the route. Loved it!!!
Wow! What an epic adventure! You guys are awesome for doing that! Definite bucket list item! Seriously, this makes me want to get out and have an adventure. Just what I needed tonight. Thank you!
well done guys,, inspiring trip,,great views!
Glad you did this. So enriching. ❤
Hope you enjoyed the ride looks like it Paradise Point Your final stop, I et my dog run the beach, been seeing riders from all over world come throu PO. few years back were some Ausies in Landrovers, Too bad you missed the Elk River ausome gold
Well done video. Looks like an extraordinary trip.
1.) Awesome job learning to ride! 2.) Epic adventure right after learning to ride!! 3.) Excellent video and perfect music selection!!!
Wow, that moment at the end!🥺 You definitely had to touch the ocean. Thank you so much for sharing your journey. My daughter and I are in New England, and we are planing a coast to coast ride. Maybe a year or two left of planing. You've inspired me more, thanks 😊
Great video 👍even better memories for life
Beautiful
That’s so cool I hope to complete a trip like this before I die!
Amazing View and amazing Trip😍 from 0:00 - 58:10. Wow... 💯
Bloody marvellous!!! Cheers
Great video guys! Enjoyed the adventure.
This is one of the best TAT videos I've seen! THANKS SO MUCH!
Awesome video, thanks for sharing.
Thanks fellas, beautiful video, majestic country. Would love to come over and ride it myself one day.
Evcellent landscape, footage and bikes.
Truly spectacular scenery and an epic adventure. Congrats, and thanks for sharing your trip with us! Especially cool for me as I just got a new WR250R in the past week... :)
Great job guys, thanks for letting the trip speak for itself
And the part that I got the most enjoyment from... you guys didn't have to use Mega Buck BMW motorcycles to get it done Lol...
It's all perspective, they don't give WR250R away.
@Last_Stach_Standing ! True that.
@@TheNutzandBoltz 6k vrs 30k
Look for C90 Adventures That guy drove from Alaska to Argentina nearly all off road on a 200 dollar 90cc Honda . And he drove from India to England
Denis Elis you are a dick! The video was awesome. When was your last 4000 mile trip you prick?
Beautiful!
Elis Denis, you´re right,I guess!
A good self-assessment, self-discipline and a clever way of riding is the only way to be quite safe on a bike!
But anyway! This boys did a great trip! and they showed me fantastic pictures and Landscapes, I probably will never reach in my live.
Thank you so much!
And always be save, especially in this crazy times! ;-D
Ah lads that was a fab trip . my nephew planned to come to visit me in CA and do a trip but sadly he fell of his bike 3years ago . cheers guys for a lovely video .
Awesome job, guys.....awesome!!👍
Well done I really enjoyed that, thankyou
Nicely done. I’m leaving Va July 8 for the TAT on DR650. Thanks for sharing your ride. I’ll check out your partners too.
How did the trip from VA go?
Thank you. A privilege to watch this, and love your choice of bike - I ride an XT225 Serow, so similar but older.
Loved the film. Les in UK
This is the closest part of the TAT for me too! Looks like great fun! I’d like to try it on my CRF300. Taking it on the Swinging Bridges Ride in Missouri this Friday. Spent the day getting y gear arranged and test driven. Feels great.
Awesome video! Lots of crazy footage. We just got back from a 4 state 2200 mi week long trip to the Ozarks. Now I'm inspired to take it off road. Great job thanks
Great video guys we’ll done