Take water!! I like the easy to moderate byways! I tried a difficult rocky byroad, did maybe a mile.....my body was wasted! It can go from easy, enjoyable to difficult, disaster very quickly!! Great honest review!
I disagree. Just because something is hard, doesn't mean it's not worth doing. In fact, most things in life worth having or doing, are extremely difficult, and require hard work and sacrifice: • Getting your Masters degree (or higher) extremely difficult. • Becoming a Master Welder, Plumber, Electrician or Mason. Hard work and sacrifice! • And yes, even becoming a Master Trailrider on an Africa Twin! I forget the guy's name, but he's got a bunch of short videos of him jumping the Africa Twin over boulders, doing stoppies (downhill), and all kinds of crazy tricks (on an Africa Twin!). Is it harder with an adventure bike? Maybe. Or maybe it's just different, because the weight is different. You adapt to the bike you're riding, and adapt to the environment you're riding in, with that bike. But ALL of it is worthwhile experience. Excellent job doing what it took to get yourself out of that situation!
@Jeremiah_Johnson139 your words are wise for young people! In 49, overweight, 25 years a steering wheel attendant(hgv)! I'm pushing myself to do byroads! The more I do, the better and more confident I am! I have to consider risk! The strata florida byroad is in the middle of Wales(uk) noone about possibly for weeks! The risk of falling crossing the stream was high due to the rock formation! A wise person knows when to call it a day! I was alone, hadn't told anyone where I was! I have beaten my demons to be where I am today! Haven't had a drink for 25 years, gave up smoking tobacco and weed 2 years ago! It was very difficult, but I was determined to finally turn a page and better my life! So yes, some hard things in life are worth doing!
Another rule broken in addition to the tires: Drop the tire pressures. That’s exactly why off-road bikes have 17 or 18 inch rear wheels…for that contact patch. Can take it all the way down to 15-18 psi. And pack a tire pump (like a Road Morph) to pump them back up once back on the pavement. Awesome video! Just not seeing a lot of the ADV crowd messing with their tire pressures as of late.
Thats just the reality. Anyone who has ever been on the dirt knows that these arent the ideal bikes for this terrain. Doing highway all day at 85mph sure, but this? nah.
I have owned this bike for 4 years and would like to make a few points. Firstly Ian, you are so correct about the tyres. Even on gravel roads the stock tyres are shit. I ride in that environment all the time and run Tractionator rear and Duelventure front and in that type of conditions that's a minimum. Secondly, you Have to turn the wheelie control OFF as so as you hit any dirt. Ive ridden up steep gravel roads and have had the wheelie control interfere and I don't mean turned down to 1 it has to be OFF. Highlight wheelie control and hold the centre toggle switch left for 2 seconds. In this situation I would have turned the traction control OFF completely(use the same process). Third, in this situation a manual bike may have been easier. Turn the rider aids off and modulate the clutch at the contact point. This will help you control slippage and once you start gaining momentum then you can then release the clutch. Fourth, you have a touch screen. Don't use it. As with all touch screens, the more you use it, the more it deteriorates. Your fingers will smudge and scratch it and it will become less responsive the more you poke at it. Also it won't work while you moving. The left switch gear can control everything on the screen. Learn how to use it. You can control everything from it while you are moving other than turn the ABS OFF. Fifth, The 'GENIUS' at Honda who invented Wheelie control and put it on an adventure bike needs to be sacked! It may have a purpose on a super bike, but not here. When off road it is an obtrusive piece of crap technology. Early on I have been traveling up steep forestry roads and it interferes. When its on the IMU thinks you are doing a wheelie and cuts power. Very un-nerving.
I had a Pan America (560 lbs) and always rode alone. I tipped over once and couldn’t lift the bike back up by myself. I waited 45 minutes before someone came along to help me. Now I have a KLX 300, much more fun and less stress
I have a Tiger 900GTP and when it went down, I realized this wouldn't be fun and it was three of us that picked it back up off a rut. I picked up a KLX300SM and put TKC80s on it just for this reason, then I realized I have to truck my KLX two hours to get to the trails. I pretty much given up. I'll just use the big ADV bikes more for touring now.
@@dino5254i think both bike is a best option, 1 for fun in twisty small trail road, 1 for tourinf with some offroad capibily, I cant keep up with my friend riding hypermotard with klx230😅😅😅
@@dino5254 This is exactly what my riding partner and I did except he bought a KTM690 to my KLX300. However, we did not like riding an hour plus to get off-road, so we sold the small bikes and now just tour on the 900 GTP and his 1250 GS
Great video thanks Ian on the realities of bigger adventure bikes, lone rides and trail selection. Your humbleness regarding your own riding ability is refreshing too. Thanks
Thank you for sharing this. Most of us are not expert riders and we just want to go explore then we make the wrong turn and WOW. Truly appreciate your honesty.
The weight was a main reason I sold my Africa Twin. I held back on some routes to avoid getting stuck by myself. A lighter bike gives me much more confidence and the ability to get myself out of problematic situations.
It's the exact reason I swapped to the new TransAlp....but now I don't know if it was worth the power drop......I'll have to wait for more off-road miles to get a proper opinion.....but I think my next move may be a large Adv and a smaller bike(KTM 350 or something) for trail riding
This is a great vid, Ian. We all need to see this. My bike (800DE) is great off road until it isn't and that weight becomes very apparent. Preparation and have some talent to spare... is probably the key. Thanks for putting yourself through that, for us !!!
"Too big rocking moto" 😉 Thanks for sharing this: Very important to show it to the world that reality often is different than shown in manufacturer's marketing clips where Tarres, Birch or Riemann riding these big bulls... 👍 Thanks!
In another video you were asking for the use case for the Honda CRF 300 rally. Well, here you have it 😉. For people like you and me who like to venture out on their own the weight of the bike is THE main factor in my point of view. The rally with an aftermarket rear shock is a wonderful bike for that.
I ride solo a lot so I carry a bike lift that works great. It’s basically a breakdown pole (3 poles) with a foot on one end and a strap ratchet on the other. Using a round tool tube mounted on the back of the bike high above the chain guard to store.
An excellent “what not to do” video. Picking the right tool for the job is essential! People complain about these bigger bikes but some of us have to travel long distances to get to places and have really thought about what type of riding I’m going to do. If you can afford two or more bikes then that’s really the only answer.
Thanks a million for posting this, showing how a big adventure bike actually performs in a place like this. Much appreciated! May I suggest you do a follow up video taking the exact same line with an enduro bike to show the difference that makes? That would be valuable and educational. :)
I think the best thing is to take a seat for 10mins. Ok when you're in your 20's and can pull and shove all day but being older I run out of steam pretty quickly these days.
I'm far from expert off-road, which is why I got the DCT version (base model / 2020) - I didn't have to have perfect clutch control... wouldn't stall, I could focus on obstacles / throttle / brakes - it's worked really well for me. My experience with other bikes has been when working through low speed obstacles, stalling the engine would most often result in losing balance and falling over.
The heat has been brutal in So Cal. It doesn’t even cool off much at night. I’ve found the effects of exerting myself in such conditions to be almost cumulative over the years. I do not tolerate heat well at all now. Be careful man, it’s a fine line between being ok and then suddenly being in trouble due to heat.
I feel you, Ian. In the last 25 days I did 2000 km on my F650GS Dakar, most of which on very rough enduro-like ground. In the beginning it was quite good on my Mitas e07 tyres, but I wore them out towards the end and it got very difficult. I dropped the bike maybe 15 times, even bent the whole cockpit / front fearing to the left. Got it fixed of course, but I learned some good lessons. This is my first season off the pavement and I am enjoying it very much. New tyres are on their way and the fun shall go on
Well, that’s one crazy ride and on that Africa twin with the road tires they are top heavy, hope you’ve gotten over your cold. Thanks for the video. Looking forward to the next one.
I finally sold my Africa twin after several incidents like this over the course of 20,000 miles. I replaced it with the transalp 750 which is not as quality of a bike, but it’s much easier to handle off-road because it carries its weight lower.
Even with different tires that washed out rut would be difficult to navigate, a lighter bike would have just been easier to pick up, probably would have dropped that too with that line. But you got it out of there...this is testing 😁, don't be too hard on yourself, good tips though👍
I’ve dumped my XR 650 L over a couple times. It’s very heavy to get off the ground. I would be terrified of taking a bike this heavy off-road by myself, one wrong move and you’re done!
Your a brave man for hitting that kind of terrain with them stock tires, lol! Been there and done that, I'll be keeping my AT on fire roads, lol. Great vid 👍
Ian, I felt for you when you swore and your breathing was so heavy. This is the EXACT reason I ride a dual sport over an adventure bike. I'd love a mile munching, comfy ADV, but I insist on riding a bike I can pick up after I flop it on a trail (I've picked mine up sweaty, breathing hard, and a bit tired without issue).
Well done, Ian. I've been riding for nearly 20 years - all road until about 2 years ago. Have offroad MTB skill and have had big and powerful road bikes, so I bought a 1050XT. It was a great road tourer, but it was just way too BIG for anything fun offroad. I've sold that and bought a 450MT and wow! This thing is capable, fun and light! Small bikes are so more usable.
Thanks for that / I have been riding road for about 10 years and contemplating off road off the back of decades of MTBing. good advice to get something lighter
I had a Tiger 800xc that took me many wonderful miles, and a few truly awful ones. All hail the big bore single cylinder dual sports outfitted for adventure riding.
Loved that you shared this experience. I have a 1200 GSA and my biggest fear is putting it into some trail that ends up like this and then I have no way to turn ir around and go back.
I learned off-road riding techniques from a good friend who raced AMA Pro Enduro back in the 1980s. His best advice, "You are always better off going faster than slower (right up 'til that moment you crash)". I heeded that advice and didn't crash much...
Hi there Ian, I carry a Moto Winch, climbing rope, carabiners, pulleys, and small waterproof cards with instructions on my beast (Super Tenere). A lot of those "bypass trails" in our "Hemet" area are brutal even for a heavy dual sport bike. I'm very familiar with that trail you are on and am blown away at taking that huge beast there. I'm assuming that fallen tree was cleared some time ago. I attempted Big Bear Run back in 2015 when I was sick so I can relate. Glad you are OK and thank you for sharing.
As always, choosing the right tool for the job is key. I used to ride enduro competitively and can't really see the charm in spinning the rear tyre of my 1250gs on gravel...it's just nasty. Glad you're safe buddy ;)
As an ATAS owner who's dabbled in a little bit of riding on stuff like that (fully loaded, to boot), that's hill looked gross. Totally agree on being able to have someone help you.
Great video, I very much enjoy your bike videos. Watching videos like this make me miss my AT DCT a LOT. I hope to get another one someday soon. If you ever make it up to the southern idaho area, It would be real cool to meet you.
Man, that looked like quite the handful. I’ll stick to the gravel roads for my adventures, I think. Thanks for doing the work but please, please, stay safe.
I have been there on my ATAS a few times and yes it is way heavy after a couple of falls. Good job getting thru it. Seems like you think the DCT does help. Mine is a 21 ATAS and I do love the bike, just not on washouts like those.
I’ve rode over 50 years and still suck. Haha. You’re a great rider so that should really help people make a decision on what they ride and where. Good job bud.
I have a CB500X and been riding with people with Africa Twins on gravel and dirt roads. They usually can have a higher speed on gravel roads because of better suspension, larger wheels and more engine power. But as soon as it gets a little technical they have to slow down where I can go faster because they are so afraid of tipping over. Sometimes I had to stop and wait because suddenly they lost control and fell. If you are not two persons to lift it can be difficult. I can lift the CB500X alone without problem.
Expert is a reletive term and it would be safe to say you are highly skilled. I laugh at how I actually thought I could take my v strom in the dirt. Luckily I came to my senses and dont even think about it. The KTM 390 is even on the heavy side at my age.
I have a '07 DL1000 and there is no way I take that bike on that single track! Dirt roads/fire trails no problem. At age 65 no way I waste my limited energy.
Hi Ian, thanks again for another fantastic video. Can you please confirm the difference in weights between the two bikes? I suppose it would be ~30kg: 10kg for the DCT + 8 for the electronic suspension + 10-12 for the Adventure trim. And yet the Adventure felt lighter right? Thanks
Ian this video rocks (no pun intended) thanks so much for doing it! The reason IMO is because when we're riding these big bikes off road (that's what some of us bought them for after all) it is SO easy to think you're fine right up until you're not! In this case you knew what was ahead but many times we don't. Before you know it you're in a world of shit (especially if alone). None of us would choose a route like that on purpose (you did to demonstrate which is fantastic and again thank you!) but something that looks doable can turn into that and only until you're F'd do you realize it's too late to turn back. Great example of how it can happen and then how to keep calm and problem solve your way out of it. I have no doubt you're a top echelon "normal" rider, even as a very good (perhaps even "expert") rider we are still leagues below the abilities of an actual pro rider. My point with that is it's actually more enjoyable (not to mention realistic) to watch someone with "normal" (although quality) riding skill set handle situations like this (vs watching pros do shit that defies reality). Thanks for what you do - love the reviews but also with respect to the point I'm trying to make - love the riding segments (and videos) too! Stay healthy and keep up the great work brother!
This is mostly a great demonstration of how to sweat a cold out😆. That’s exactly why I got rid of my AT. I do a lot of solo off road and it’s a bear to pick up. My ‘23 KTM 1290 SA-R is WAY easier to pick up, mostly because of the low fuel tank position.
That’s when I leave those type of trails to the dual sport. Too many time have I done the same as you with an adventure bike where it takes the fun out of riding.
I switched from the new KLR650 to the DR650 for this very reason. Had some sketchy and difficult situations exploring. 100 lbs lighter, the DR feels like a mountain bike by comparison.
I went from a 250 Rally to an AT1100...No way I can go where I used to go. Tbh, I miss the little Rally, except it wasn't up to doing two up. Other than that, I really enjoyed the utter simplicity of it.
Thanks for your great series of videos on the Africa Twin. I'm interested in the DCT, but I would prefer having the ability to switch to a more traditional manual clutch and gear shifter.
Learned to turn the key off after my bike fell over on the kickstand while idling. Would not start luckily I turned key off to cycle it before my battery died
nothing wrong with those tires, its the pressure thats wrong ; for such difficult terrain drop pressures to 1.2 or even 1.0 and you golden. I ridden in muddy/grassy track on street tires with those pressures and was ok excluding deep ruts ofc, but still managed to overcome it. But outside of ruts i was surprised how much grip you have from low pressure alone and basically zero tread ;
I've been hankering after an AT for a while .... until I test rode one recently. A fantastic bike but top heavy and overall heavy. I'll own not be good enough to be certain I didn't drop it, what with the height and balance. Picking it up would be painful.
5:00 Thats a weird kind of quirk my bike has as well, just turn the bike off and on again and it starts up immediately. Honestly I didn't think the default tires were too bad on most terrain. Just when you get into very sandy or very muddy situation they are absolutely terrible and you slide all over the place. Especially laterally what you see here as well. 9:12 for the standard bike, a decently thick bashplate, and lower engine guards are a must. I didn't get upper guards, and although I have dropped the bike pelnty times now, there's zero damage on the top fairing. From what I have heard that is not true for the ATAS version, you will also need upper fairing protection for that model. Same thing with the 'handguards' (if you can call them that, more like air shield). Immediately tossed them and got proper barkbusters.
As someone who just did legs 3-6 of the Oregon BDR on a 2015 R1200 GS Adventure w 50/50 Motoz Tractionator tires, while everyone else in my group was on KTM 890's or smaller, all running full knobbies, I can attest that even with all of that weight, better tires would have made a ton of difference. I made it on that pig with those tires, but it was a struggle!
This bike is too heavy for offroad, would not recomment riding alone. I am the former owner of 22' 1100L DCT, I sold this bike because the DCT annoyed me (jerkiness when coming to a stop, slow manouvers were jerky too). I think that I made a mistake by choosing a DCT over a manual version. If they improve the bike in the future, I will consider buying again but with electronic suspension and manual transmission. I hope they create e-clutch version too.
Kudos for showing the shit we get into Ian. Going back? OK. BTW buddy 20 PSI in the rear tire will get you out easier. Don't go any lower and avoid big rocks.
I don't care what they call these bikes, it is stupid to take them anywhere that causes you to crash them. I am always seeing people saying "Oh no, I just dropped my brand new adventure bike and broke something" and I think "You're an idiot".
Agreed. This vid should be compulsory viewing before any riders consider these monsters for any dirt riding. You need at least 2 riders, maybe 3 on a ride if this happens. Also pretty poor manners to subject a loan bike to such potential damage.
Light is right, approx. sub 400lbs that still can slow lane highways at 55 mph & yet has a little more power for passing or avoiding when going full throttle. KTM 390 Adventure or something similar comes to mind …. And difficult to find, LOL !!!
Traction control is not a helper in such situations, it's a hindrance. You are stacking the operation of traction control on top of clutch slippage which is the proper traction control in enduro situations and the outcome is chaotic. Turn TC off and use your clutch to modulate power at the rear wheel. On a DCT bike clutch slippage is replaced by applying and modulating the rear brake. P.S. Momentum is your best friend for any loose terrain, especially uphill.
Post a video riding your 500 on the same trail, going up and down the ruts and turning circles i put 3 M protective tape on my covers, which adds temperature indicator when the tape melts. always have water
good on you,, for talking about the elephant in the room,in this case the 500+ lb afrika twin,now this is truth in advertising,not Toni Bau bouncing around on an afrika twin,,these are starbucks cruisers,and the real adventure begins off road and you have to pick it up.....
Tips to not be a dumb ADV biker like me:
1. Don't ride alone in remote areas 2. Tell someone where you are going 3. Carry a satellite communicator 4. Use the right tires 5. Get a lighter bike
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Take water!! I like the easy to moderate byways! I tried a difficult rocky byroad, did maybe a mile.....my body was wasted! It can go from easy, enjoyable to difficult, disaster very quickly!! Great honest review!
I disagree. Just because something is hard, doesn't mean it's not worth doing. In fact, most things in life worth having or doing, are extremely difficult, and require hard work and sacrifice:
• Getting your Masters degree (or higher) extremely difficult.
• Becoming a Master Welder, Plumber, Electrician or Mason. Hard work and sacrifice!
• And yes, even becoming a Master Trailrider on an Africa Twin!
I forget the guy's name, but he's got a bunch of short videos of him jumping the Africa Twin over boulders, doing stoppies (downhill), and all kinds of crazy tricks (on an Africa Twin!).
Is it harder with an adventure bike? Maybe. Or maybe it's just different, because the weight is different. You adapt to the bike you're riding, and adapt to the environment you're riding in, with that bike. But ALL of it is worthwhile experience.
Excellent job doing what it took to get yourself out of that situation!
@Jeremiah_Johnson139 your words are wise for young people! In 49, overweight, 25 years a steering wheel attendant(hgv)! I'm pushing myself to do byroads! The more I do, the better and more confident I am! I have to consider risk! The strata florida byroad is in the middle of Wales(uk) noone about possibly for weeks! The risk of falling crossing the stream was high due to the rock formation! A wise person knows when to call it a day! I was alone, hadn't told anyone where I was! I have beaten my demons to be where I am today! Haven't had a drink for 25 years, gave up smoking tobacco and weed 2 years ago! It was very difficult, but I was determined to finally turn a page and better my life! So yes, some hard things in life are worth doing!
😂 👍🏻🍻
Another rule broken in addition to the tires:
Drop the tire pressures. That’s exactly why off-road bikes have 17 or 18 inch rear wheels…for that contact patch. Can take it all the way down to 15-18 psi.
And pack a tire pump (like a Road Morph) to pump them back up once back on the pavement.
Awesome video! Just not seeing a lot of the ADV crowd messing with their tire pressures as of late.
Rare to see an accomplished bike channel show how difficult it is to do endure with a heavy bike. And it is difficult.
Thats just the reality. Anyone who has ever been on the dirt knows that these arent the ideal bikes for this terrain. Doing highway all day at 85mph sure, but this? nah.
I have owned this bike for 4 years and would like to make a few points. Firstly Ian, you are so correct about the tyres. Even on gravel roads the stock tyres are shit. I ride in that environment all the time and run Tractionator rear and Duelventure front and in that type of conditions that's a minimum.
Secondly, you Have to turn the wheelie control OFF as so as you hit any dirt. Ive ridden up steep gravel roads and have had the wheelie control interfere and I don't mean turned down to 1 it has to be OFF. Highlight wheelie control and hold the centre toggle switch left for 2 seconds. In this situation I would have turned the traction control OFF completely(use the same process).
Third, in this situation a manual bike may have been easier. Turn the rider aids off and modulate the clutch at the contact point. This will help you control slippage and once you start gaining momentum then you can then release the clutch.
Fourth, you have a touch screen. Don't use it. As with all touch screens, the more you use it, the more it deteriorates. Your fingers will smudge and scratch it and it will become less responsive the more you poke at it. Also it won't work while you moving. The left switch gear can control everything on the screen. Learn how to use it. You can control everything from it while you are moving other than turn the ABS OFF.
Fifth, The 'GENIUS' at Honda who invented Wheelie control and put it on an adventure bike needs to be sacked! It may have a purpose on a super bike, but not here. When off road it is an obtrusive piece of crap technology. Early on I have been traveling up steep forestry roads and it interferes. When its on the IMU thinks you are doing a wheelie and cuts power. Very un-nerving.
As a owner of 23' Adventure Sport ES manual clutch i say you hit every point .
Totally agree.
I had a Pan America
(560 lbs) and always rode alone. I tipped over once and couldn’t lift the bike back up by myself. I waited 45 minutes before someone came along to help me. Now I have a KLX 300, much more fun and less stress
Why not both 😅😅😅 1 for long day ride touring with some trail capabiliy, 1 for fun offroad ride
I have a Tiger 900GTP and when it went down, I realized this wouldn't be fun and it was three of us that picked it back up off a rut. I picked up a KLX300SM and put TKC80s on it just for this reason, then I realized I have to truck my KLX two hours to get to the trails. I pretty much given up. I'll just use the big ADV bikes more for touring now.
@@dino5254i think both bike is a best option, 1 for fun in twisty small trail road, 1 for tourinf with some offroad capibily, I cant keep up with my friend riding hypermotard with klx230😅😅😅
That’s what worries me about some of the places I take my Vstrom. I still go there, but I worry, too😅
@@dino5254 This is exactly what my riding partner and I did except he bought a KTM690 to my KLX300. However, we did not like riding an hour plus to get off-road, so we sold the small bikes and now just tour on the 900 GTP and his 1250 GS
Ian, dropping off his press bike at Honda: Rings the bell, runs away.
😹😹😹facts
Great video thanks Ian on the realities of bigger adventure bikes, lone rides and trail selection. Your humbleness regarding your own riding ability is refreshing too. Thanks
Thanks for that!
I’m 62. I love the ergonomics of adventure bikes… on the road !
Im with you
65. Ditto.
Same here. 6'2" 67 years old.
Thank you for sharing this. Most of us are not expert riders and we just want to go explore then we make the wrong turn and WOW. Truly appreciate your honesty.
The weight was a main reason I sold my Africa Twin. I held back on some routes to avoid getting stuck by myself. A lighter bike gives me much more confidence and the ability to get myself out of problematic situations.
totally understand!
Honda did a great job with the graphics. They look great now and will age really well.
It's the exact reason I swapped to the new TransAlp....but now I don't know if it was worth the power drop......I'll have to wait for more off-road miles to get a proper opinion.....but I think my next move may be a large Adv and a smaller bike(KTM 350 or something) for trail riding
@@pinnick85 what about cf moto Mt 450.. is it a scrap or something or a good vehicle.. what's your opinion?
Dr 650.
I love these types of difficult scenario situations on big adventure motorcycles that you’ve done Ian
This is a great vid, Ian. We all need to see this. My bike (800DE) is great off road until it isn't and that weight becomes very apparent. Preparation and have some talent to spare... is probably the key. Thanks for putting yourself through that, for us !!!
"Too big rocking moto" 😉 Thanks for sharing this: Very important to show it to the world that reality often is different than shown in manufacturer's marketing clips where Tarres, Birch or Riemann riding these big bulls... 👍 Thanks!
In another video you were asking for the use case for the Honda CRF 300 rally. Well, here you have it 😉.
For people like you and me who like to venture out on their own the weight of the bike is THE main factor in my point of view. The rally with an aftermarket rear shock is a wonderful bike for that.
That was great to watch !! This is so real ! Even the heavy breathing is real . There is nothing fake here thanks Ian your channel is great .
You need a Honda trail 125 for this terrain!
Glad you made it out and thanks for sharing.
I ride solo a lot so I carry a bike lift that works great. It’s basically a breakdown pole (3 poles) with a foot on one end and a strap ratchet on the other. Using a round tool tube mounted on the back of the bike high above the chain guard to store.
Hi
Did you buy it ?
@@SomewhereInside yes. it was about $250 I think. it’s been a while. Several companies offer one (motorcycle hoist) Take a look at ADV Motorad
An excellent “what not to do” video. Picking the right tool for the job is essential! People complain about these bigger bikes but some of us have to travel long distances to get to places and have really thought about what type of riding I’m going to do. If you can afford two or more bikes then that’s really the only answer.
Thanks a million for posting this, showing how a big adventure bike actually performs in a place like this. Much appreciated! May I suggest you do a follow up video taking the exact same line with an enduro bike to show the difference that makes? That would be valuable and educational. :)
I think the best thing is to take a seat for 10mins. Ok when you're in your 20's and can pull and shove all day but being older I run out of steam pretty quickly these days.
Agreed. That's a good strategy particularly if you're already frustrated and tired.
I'm far from expert off-road, which is why I got the DCT version (base model / 2020) - I didn't have to have perfect clutch control... wouldn't stall, I could focus on obstacles / throttle / brakes - it's worked really well for me. My experience with other bikes has been when working through low speed obstacles, stalling the engine would most often result in losing balance and falling over.
The heat has been brutal in So Cal. It doesn’t even cool off much at night. I’ve found the effects of exerting myself in such conditions to be almost cumulative over the years. I do not tolerate heat well at all now.
Be careful man, it’s a fine line between being ok and then suddenly being in trouble due to heat.
Heat is a killer for sure. RIP to the German riding through Death Valley at 126f.
I feel you, Ian. In the last 25 days I did 2000 km on my F650GS Dakar, most of which on very rough enduro-like ground. In the beginning it was quite good on my Mitas e07 tyres, but I wore them out towards the end and it got very difficult. I dropped the bike maybe 15 times, even bent the whole cockpit / front fearing to the left. Got it fixed of course, but I learned some good lessons. This is my first season off the pavement and I am enjoying it very much. New tyres are on their way and the fun shall go on
Well, that’s one crazy ride and on that Africa twin with the road tires they are top heavy, hope you’ve gotten over your cold. Thanks for the video. Looking forward to the next one.
I finally sold my Africa twin after several incidents like this over the course of 20,000 miles. I replaced it with the transalp 750 which is not as quality of a bike, but it’s much easier to handle off-road because it carries its weight lower.
Even with different tires that washed out rut would be difficult to navigate, a lighter bike would have just been easier to pick up, probably would have dropped that too with that line. But you got it out of there...this is testing 😁, don't be too hard on yourself, good tips though👍
I’ve dumped my XR 650 L over a couple times. It’s very heavy to get off the ground. I would be terrified of taking a bike this heavy off-road by myself, one wrong move and you’re done!
This is the shit I come here for! Mess ups and crashes! Thanks for sharing!
Your a brave man for hitting that kind of terrain with them stock tires, lol! Been there and done that, I'll be keeping my AT on fire roads, lol. Great vid 👍
This video reminded me why i got a 701 last year to augment my Africa Twin. That's some Type 2 fun, right there.
Wow! This so close to home! Yes....a great ride can certainly go south....quickly.
Great video!
Ian, I felt for you when you swore and your breathing was so heavy. This is the EXACT reason I ride a dual sport over an adventure bike. I'd love a mile munching, comfy ADV, but I insist on riding a bike I can pick up after I flop it on a trail (I've picked mine up sweaty, breathing hard, and a bit tired without issue).
Well done, Ian.
I've been riding for nearly 20 years - all road until about 2 years ago.
Have offroad MTB skill and have had big and powerful road bikes, so I bought a 1050XT.
It was a great road tourer, but it was just way too BIG for anything fun offroad.
I've sold that and bought a 450MT and wow! This thing is capable, fun and light!
Small bikes are so more usable.
Thanks for that / I have been riding road for about 10 years and contemplating off road off the back of decades of MTBing. good advice to get something lighter
I had a Tiger 800xc that took me many wonderful miles, and a few truly awful ones.
All hail the big bore single cylinder dual sports outfitted for adventure riding.
Loved that you shared this experience. I have a 1200 GSA and my biggest fear is putting it into some trail that ends up like this and then I have no way to turn ir around and go back.
I learned off-road riding techniques from a good friend who raced AMA Pro Enduro back in the 1980s. His best advice, "You are always better off going faster than slower (right up 'til that moment you crash)". I heeded that advice and didn't crash much...
The part I left off (after the ...); I did break a few bones back in the 1980s (when I was in my 20s and healed faster). 😉
Hi there Ian, I carry a Moto Winch, climbing rope, carabiners, pulleys, and small waterproof cards with instructions on my beast (Super Tenere). A lot of those "bypass trails" in our "Hemet" area are brutal even for a heavy dual sport bike. I'm very familiar with that trail you are on and am blown away at taking that huge beast there. I'm assuming that fallen tree was cleared some time ago. I attempted Big Bear Run back in 2015 when I was sick so I can relate. Glad you are OK and thank you for sharing.
You are a trooper no doubt!
As always, choosing the right tool for the job is key. I used to ride enduro competitively and can't really see the charm in spinning the rear tyre of my 1250gs on gravel...it's just nasty. Glad you're safe buddy ;)
Love your channel! But Dude you do some crazy stuff.
As an ATAS owner who's dabbled in a little bit of riding on stuff like that (fully loaded, to boot), that's hill looked gross. Totally agree on being able to have someone help you.
Great video, I very much enjoy your bike videos. Watching videos like this make me miss my AT DCT a LOT. I hope to get another one someday soon. If you ever make it up to the southern idaho area, It would be real cool to meet you.
Ian back at Honda dealer. "Scratches? It was like that when I picked it up".
Schadenfreude makes this one of the best bike videos I’ve seen all year😊
😂😂
There's just something Badass about choosing dualsport to be your choice. No frills..gets the job done No matter what the terrain.
Thank you for your honesty. Subscribed.
Man, that looked like quite the handful. I’ll stick to the gravel roads for my adventures, I think. Thanks for doing the work but please, please, stay safe.
Another great review...cheers👍
Hallelujah!
Honest - real world representation of an adventure bikes limitations.
Great work 👏
I have been there on my ATAS a few times and yes it is way heavy after a couple of falls. Good job getting thru it. Seems like you think the DCT does help. Mine is a 21 ATAS and I do love the bike, just not on washouts like those.
I’ve rode over 50 years and still suck. Haha. You’re a great rider so that should really help people make a decision on what they ride and where. Good job bud.
I have a CB500X and been riding with people with Africa Twins on gravel and dirt roads. They usually can have a higher speed on gravel roads because of better suspension, larger wheels and more engine power. But as soon as it gets a little technical they have to slow down where I can go faster because they are so afraid of tipping over. Sometimes I had to stop and wait because suddenly they lost control and fell. If you are not two persons to lift it can be difficult. I can lift the CB500X alone without problem.
Great points
Expert is a reletive term and it would be safe to say you are highly skilled. I laugh at how I actually thought I could take my v strom in the dirt. Luckily I came to my senses and dont even think about it. The KTM 390 is even on the heavy side at my age.
I have a '07 DL1000 and there is no way I take that bike on that single track! Dirt roads/fire trails no problem. At age 65 no way I waste my limited energy.
This is awesome! If anything is going to happen, it’s going to happen out there! 😂
Wondering if this is a DCT? The bike needs a winch. 🤘
Hi Ian, thanks again for another fantastic video. Can you please confirm the difference in weights between the two bikes? I suppose it would be ~30kg: 10kg for the DCT + 8 for the electronic suspension + 10-12 for the Adventure trim. And yet the Adventure felt lighter right?
Thanks
Ian this video rocks (no pun intended) thanks so much for doing it! The reason IMO is because when we're riding these big bikes off road (that's what some of us bought them for after all) it is SO easy to think you're fine right up until you're not! In this case you knew what was ahead but many times we don't. Before you know it you're in a world of shit (especially if alone). None of us would choose a route like that on purpose (you did to demonstrate which is fantastic and again thank you!) but something that looks doable can turn into that and only until you're F'd do you realize it's too late to turn back. Great example of how it can happen and then how to keep calm and problem solve your way out of it. I have no doubt you're a top echelon "normal" rider, even as a very good (perhaps even "expert") rider we are still leagues below the abilities of an actual pro rider. My point with that is it's actually more enjoyable (not to mention realistic) to watch someone with "normal" (although quality) riding skill set handle situations like this (vs watching pros do shit that defies reality). Thanks for what you do - love the reviews but also with respect to the point I'm trying to make - love the riding segments (and videos) too! Stay healthy and keep up the great work brother!
thanks!
This is mostly a great demonstration of how to sweat a cold out😆.
That’s exactly why I got rid of my AT. I do a lot of solo off road and it’s a bear to pick up. My ‘23 KTM 1290 SA-R is WAY easier to pick up, mostly because of the low fuel tank position.
This is a good test of this automatic transmission. Do you have to use the clutch to stop and start when it’s automatic mode?
No. DCT makes things like this much easier/safer. For all intents and purposes it's like driving an automatic car. No clutch at all.
That’s when I leave those type of trails to the dual sport. Too many time have I done the same as you with an adventure bike where it takes the fun out of riding.
Something you learn real quick with a big bike is that you can’t Billy goat up a trial.
I switched from the new KLR650 to the DR650 for this very reason. Had some sketchy and difficult situations exploring. 100 lbs lighter, the DR feels like a mountain bike by comparison.
I went from a 250 Rally to an AT1100...No way I can go where I used to go. Tbh, I miss the little Rally, except it wasn't up to doing two up. Other than that, I really enjoyed the utter simplicity of it.
Thanks for your great series of videos on the Africa Twin. I'm interested in the DCT, but I would prefer having the ability to switch to a more traditional manual clutch and gear shifter.
Learned to turn the key off after my bike fell over on the kickstand while idling. Would not start luckily I turned key off to cycle it before my battery died
nothing wrong with those tires, its the pressure thats wrong ;
for such difficult terrain drop pressures to 1.2 or even 1.0 and you golden. I ridden in muddy/grassy track on street tires with those pressures and was ok excluding deep ruts ofc, but still managed to overcome it. But outside of ruts i was surprised how much grip you have from low pressure alone and basically zero tread ;
I've been hankering after an AT for a while .... until I test rode one recently. A fantastic bike but top heavy and overall heavy. I'll own not be good enough to be certain I didn't drop it, what with the height and balance. Picking it up would be painful.
5:00 Thats a weird kind of quirk my bike has as well, just turn the bike off and on again and it starts up immediately.
Honestly I didn't think the default tires were too bad on most terrain. Just when you get into very sandy or very muddy situation they are absolutely terrible and you slide all over the place. Especially laterally what you see here as well.
9:12 for the standard bike, a decently thick bashplate, and lower engine guards are a must. I didn't get upper guards, and although I have dropped the bike pelnty times now, there's zero damage on the top fairing. From what I have heard that is not true for the ATAS version, you will also need upper fairing protection for that model.
Same thing with the 'handguards' (if you can call them that, more like air shield). Immediately tossed them and got proper barkbusters.
As someone who just did legs 3-6 of the Oregon BDR on a 2015 R1200 GS Adventure w 50/50 Motoz Tractionator tires, while everyone else in my group was on KTM 890's or smaller, all running full knobbies, I can attest that even with all of that weight, better tires would have made a ton of difference. I made it on that pig with those tires, but it was a struggle!
hmmm ... I was thinking about doing BDR alone on AT or GS ... may be not.
Glad you got out of it ... eventually.
Love your content mate
Will you be doing a review on the tenere 700 extreme?
This bike is too heavy for offroad, would not recomment riding alone. I am the former owner of 22' 1100L DCT, I sold this bike because the DCT annoyed me (jerkiness when coming to a stop, slow manouvers were jerky too). I think that I made a mistake by choosing a DCT over a manual version. If they improve the bike in the future, I will consider buying again but with electronic suspension and manual transmission. I hope they create e-clutch version too.
Big bike for that well done
14:03 - is it really in "neutral" when you put it on the side stand on the slope?
Momentum is your friend. Good video.
LOL! Good job. MOTOZ Tractionator Adventure next time. Good work getting it out.
Ian, you need to get your test rides in around 6-8am.
this was about 8 or 9 am. it was already close to 100. this summer has been super hot.
Hopefully, we get to talk about reaching the limit of our talents.
My 2017 AT DCT with all the full crash guards, bags on but empty, & full tank of gas is 627 lbs. Its all good till I drop it.
So scratch up an Ibex 450 with good tires for my first ADV Bike instead? I have no one to ride with but am fairly strong and backcountry savvy.
Kudos for showing the shit we get into Ian. Going back? OK. BTW buddy 20 PSI in the rear tire will get you out easier. Don't go any lower and avoid big rocks.
Very different from what they show in the commercials, eh?
I don't care what they call these bikes, it is stupid to take them anywhere that causes you to crash them. I am always seeing people saying "Oh no, I just dropped my brand new adventure bike and broke something" and I think "You're an idiot".
Agreed. This vid should be compulsory viewing before any riders consider these monsters for any dirt riding. You need at least 2 riders, maybe 3 on a ride if this happens. Also pretty poor manners to subject a loan bike to such potential damage.
Light is right, approx. sub 400lbs that still can slow lane highways at 55 mph & yet has a little more power for passing or avoiding when going full throttle. KTM 390 Adventure or something similar comes to mind …. And difficult to find, LOL !!!
Waiting for your next videos on LIVING WITH GS as you told in last one.
Traction control is not a helper in such situations, it's a hindrance. You are stacking the operation of traction control on top of clutch slippage which is the proper traction control in enduro situations and the outcome is chaotic.
Turn TC off and use your clutch to modulate power at the rear wheel. On a DCT bike clutch slippage is replaced by applying and modulating the rear brake.
P.S. Momentum is your best friend for any loose terrain, especially uphill.
How thorough is Ian?!
Great riding but gets but kicked.
Next day goes back with a *heavier* DCT and shows how it’s done! 🏁
Sold my AT because it is too top heavy. The bike is very capable if you are willing to deal with the physical challenges you'll face.
Hi which type is good for that kind of terrain ?
Do DCt can do the job better thn a manual or vice versa? Thanks
Post a video riding your 500 on the same trail, going up and down the ruts and turning circles
i put 3 M protective tape on my covers, which adds temperature indicator when the tape melts.
always have water
That bike earned a Awesome Players MC sticker
7:50 This is when you get the shovel and ramps out of the back of the 4WD lol.
And that's why a big bike is totally impractical to adventure riding...and yet the manufactures still sell the dream...and we keep buying....?
I had an AT for 2yrs, ultimately I sold it and bought a 300cc 2 stroke.
good on you,, for talking about the elephant in the room,in this case the 500+ lb afrika twin,now this is truth in advertising,not Toni Bau bouncing around on an afrika twin,,these are starbucks cruisers,and the real adventure begins off road and you have to pick it up.....
Did you take the vstrom 800de there yet? Curious...😊😂
Indecision gets the best of me... Well, you too.
“Everything about this is wrong.”Wow, that was a harsh toke. You really took one for the team on this one.
I feel you may have destroyed a significant percentage of sales for this bike.☺
Are you wearing your baja s4 in this video? Is it good in that kind of heat?
yes and yes
@@BigRockMoto Thanks Ian , are you aware of klim launching an upgraded baja s4 soon?