Great story Billy, love your low key attitude that's what got you to Port Orford. If anybody is at all cindering doing the TAT after watching this my advice and I think Billy would agree, is do it. Don't over think it, don't over plan it, just start the ride, if you are paying attention the trip will educate you as you go. Also don't obsess over the motorcycle either, in 2018 I did the same route solo on a 1971 Honda CL 350. I have also done the Continental Divide Route (Canada to Mexico on dirt) on the same bike. Get out and ride, your only regret would be not doing it!
Got a very pretty 2001 for 3300 Euros in Holland, just two months ago. My guess is they cost less when new, quite remarkable for non vintage, or is it?, dirt bike.
I stumbled on this video by doing research on doing an adventure ride using my 2002 xr400. I just discovered ADV and BDE rides a month ago, also by you tube mistake. This is an awesome video and I really appreciate you putting it out there. Billy Thanks for sharing your adventure! At 67 I am committed to doing some adventures while I still can. Can’t wait to watch more of your videos!
If you go I won’t to go with you guys. I’ve been riding 47 years, MX, cross country’s, enduros and trials. On 40th new bike (2020 DRZ400S). I’m serious. please get ahold of me. I’m in. Thanks for sharing your videos with us. I in joy every one of them. Thanks again.
I'm inspired to get my DR350r ready to do this now. Chose it over XR400 due to 6th gear. My bike doesent burn oil but I bet it would after a few days strait redlined on the highway.
I met Billy and his crew while riding the TAT with my buddy this past summer. We first ran into them at a campsite in MS. Those guys were truly having an epic adventure and I’m glad to have crossed paths with them. If you are on the fence about riding the TAT, jump off it and go. Enjoy the ride
Man, listening to Billy's chat with you Ken was unreal!! It's one of those journeys you imagine as a kid!! 48 minutes went quick hearing you both chat! Bloody awesome story👍
Great story and adventure! Living in the Midwest I had always thought a cool bike trip would be to follow the Mississippi river from northern Minnesota all the way down to New Orleans! Maybe that could be Billy's next trip!
Thank YOU so very much for the wonderful entertainment & interesting info. YOU provide. Life is about exploring one’s interests & overall contributing to humanity in a wholesome & positive way. I’m Proud of who you are… & I LOVE how you are. -Todd
WOW WHAT A GREAT INTERVIEW.. YES KEN THIS SHOULD BE A MUST DO FOR YOU AND JR..GREAT FOR YOUR CHANNEL.. WELL I HOPE I SEE YOU AND JR IF YOU COME UP FOR THE REST OF THE GILLESPIE COLLECTION..HOPE YOU AND THE FAMILY ARE DOING GREAT ..GOD BLESS BROTHER !!!
I’ve been looking at XR400’s on Craigslist and now the Pan American trail is on my bucket list. I think I would want to take longer though. Sounds like they didn’t have time to explore. Not that you wouldn’t see enough the way they did it.
I loved the XR I bought a brand new XR600 in 1997 and raced it in NETRA Enduro’s right out of the box.. just some heavy for springs it was as competitive as my later model KTM‘s
Great interview! I’ve been following several riders of the TAT this summer on TH-cam and Facebook. It’s definitely an epic adventure I’d love to do someday
He will never forget that trip and the bike he did it on👍 nice work. You should do it Ken! Take jnr too. Not so sure the CR500 would be so wise though.... think you would look and feel like you had Parkinson's after the 2nd day lol. If you did pull it off on the CR500 I would hail to you sir😉
Great Dirt Bike Spiritual pilgrimage story here, unforgettable trip like a rite of passage for U.S. Dirt bike riders. A heavier flywheel & a bigger tank & gearing on a CR500, 'cos i the aches would be blown awaY by daily memories for 8000 miles!! You would be mixing gas and haulin' ass a very long way - but Wot a ride, an experience of a lifetime do! That's a lot of Kicks for one right boot Tho! Great to read this on my first night in the Tabernas desert in Spain to avoid the mud- with a two stroke in the back of the van. This makes me feel im living my life at 57 for the right reasons! Really good feel here, thanks for sharing K.K.
1 Of the WORST Mistakes i have EVER MADE was Part-Exchange an XR400 r4 [On UK 55 Plate] 1 of the LAST Made. I part-Exd the Beautiful XR400 In for an BRAND NEW Yam WR250F [2016 Model] Yes an OKish bike BUT the XR400 would be worth a LOT in the UK right now. I only Got a Newer Bike for the Electric start [Because i have Chronic Lyme Disease] So basically Dis-Abled. IF i knew back then what i KNOW NOW i would NEVER [Even today] Get rid of it. Honda SHOULD bring back Honda XR400 But with an Electric start and Fuel Injection and LEAVE it at that.
I loved the XR I bought a brand new XR600 in 1997 and raced it in NETRA Enduro’s right out of the box.. just some heavy springs and it was as competitive as my later model KTM‘s
I’ve been looking at XR400’s on Craigslist and now the Pan American trail is on my bucket list. I think I would want to take longer though. Sounds like they didn’t have time to explore. Not that you wouldn’t see enough the way they did it.
Let’s GoTAT. I’m riding a 03 XR250R. 52 years old. Getting a trip planned with some old friends. Great quote. You’ll be dead a lot longer than alive.
Great story Billy, love your low key attitude that's what got you to Port Orford. If anybody is at all cindering doing the TAT after watching this my advice and I think Billy would agree, is do it. Don't over think it, don't over plan it, just start the ride, if you are paying attention the trip will educate you as you go.
Also don't obsess over the motorcycle either, in 2018 I did the same route solo on a 1971 Honda CL 350. I have also done the Continental Divide Route (Canada to Mexico on dirt) on the same bike.
Get out and ride, your only regret would be not doing it!
Man I feel the xr400 is such a unicorn! Stupid reliable and good support for it! But crazy hard to find
Not hard to find
Just they don't go for less of 3500us$. Californi is few for sale craigs list.
Picked a 99 xr400r today super excited:D
Got a 99 for $1100 last week
Got a very pretty 2001 for 3300 Euros in Holland, just two months ago.
My guess is they cost less when new, quite remarkable for non vintage, or is it?, dirt bike.
I stumbled on this video by doing research on doing an adventure ride using my 2002 xr400. I just discovered ADV and BDE rides a month ago, also by you tube mistake. This is an awesome video and I really appreciate you putting it out there. Billy Thanks for sharing your adventure! At 67 I am committed to doing some adventures while I still can. Can’t wait to watch more of your videos!
Just bought my second xr400r after 20+ yrs of 2strokes, forgot how much fun they are 😍 still need a 2smoker in my life though 😂😂😂
What a great bike of choice. I’m a 1999 xr400 owner in the uk and really get what your saying.
If you go I won’t to go with you guys. I’ve been riding 47 years, MX, cross country’s, enduros and trials. On 40th new bike (2020 DRZ400S).
I’m serious. please get ahold of me. I’m in.
Thanks for sharing your videos with us. I in joy every one of them.
Thanks again.
We might do this like Forrest Gump and start an offroad revival event cross country
@@KaplanCycles hell yeah. I’m in Oklahoma so when you pass through I’ll get in line. But let’s wait till late spring. Lol
Ok next summer!
That would be awesome!
@@KaplanCycles I’m serious I’m in.
My high school graduation gift was a 98 xr 400 man rode the piss out of it raced it submerged it completely under water it was bulletproof
I grew up on XRs. Great bikes. Still regret selling my XR400R.
get a drz400 great bike.
I have both. Best of both worlds. Ended up finding another XR400R. Still have my DRZ400E.
I'm inspired to get my DR350r ready to do this now. Chose it over XR400 due to 6th gear. My bike doesent burn oil but I bet it would after a few days strait redlined on the highway.
Loved this story Ken! You and Jr. gotta do it, and vlog the whole thing! It would be epic. CR500's with saddle bags! How cool would that be! 🤘
Now that is a brilliant idea loads of us all on bikes get sponsored all monies to the museum I would defo be up for that 💪💪👍
As someone whos from Idaho, we appreciate it... :)
Thanks for that sit down. I picked up a Klr 650 this summer and found out about the t.a.t. It is on my list thanks to your encouragement Ken.
I met Billy and his crew while riding the TAT with my buddy this past summer. We first ran into them at a campsite in MS. Those guys were truly having an epic adventure and I’m glad to have crossed paths with them. If you are on the fence about riding the TAT, jump off it and go. Enjoy the ride
Man, listening to Billy's chat with you Ken was unreal!! It's one of those journeys you imagine as a kid!! 48 minutes went quick hearing you both chat! Bloody awesome story👍
Absolutely a KAPLAN filmed TAT trip!
Great story and adventure! Living in the Midwest I had always thought a cool bike trip would be to follow the Mississippi river from northern Minnesota all the way down to New Orleans! Maybe that could be Billy's next trip!
that be one for the bucket list that probly most people couldnt handle but would be fun to try
WOW MIND BLOWN ! I NEED TO DO THIS ON MY XR650l
Drove across the country, no license. That was the best part!
Hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha hahaha!
Thank YOU so very much for the wonderful entertainment & interesting info. YOU provide. Life is about exploring one’s interests & overall contributing to humanity in a wholesome & positive way. I’m Proud of who you are… & I LOVE how you are. -Todd
What a kool journey! I need to take one of my XR400's and do something similar. Nice interview!
Great vid as always Ken! You and the fellas from Kaplan cycles should take this trip!
Sold my mint XR 400 to Ken Kaplan titled keyed ignition turn signals horn 2003 he absolutely loved it when he saw it!
WOW WHAT A GREAT INTERVIEW.. YES KEN THIS SHOULD BE A MUST DO FOR YOU AND JR..GREAT FOR YOUR CHANNEL.. WELL I HOPE I SEE YOU AND JR IF YOU COME UP FOR THE REST OF THE GILLESPIE COLLECTION..HOPE YOU AND THE FAMILY ARE DOING GREAT ..GOD BLESS BROTHER !!!
I’ve been looking at XR400’s on Craigslist and now the Pan American trail is on my bucket list. I think I would want to take longer though. Sounds like they didn’t have time to explore. Not that you wouldn’t see enough the way they did it.
This is my new favorite TH-cam channel.
Great interview, but Billy's audio was too low/echo'y, would suggest a clip on mic. for guest in the future. Ride on...
I loved the XR I bought a brand new XR600 in 1997 and raced it in NETRA Enduro’s right out of the box.. just some heavy for springs it was as competitive as my later model KTM‘s
Couldn't of picked a better bike to trust then the old XR , unbreakable.
This is amazing Billy!! I would love to see a vlog of your stuff! Ken go for it!!
Great interview! I’ve been following several riders of the TAT this summer on TH-cam and Facebook. It’s definitely an epic adventure I’d love to do someday
You shoukd do more interviews like this ken. Wow what a great journey. Before i die i need to do somthing like this
Sounds like a great journey, thanks for sharing the great story.
Right on! Would be awesome to see more interviews with New England guys!
So Cool! Living the dream for sure!
Hi grenny 🥰 🐾
I would love to see you and jr. ride the TAT. That would make some great video and just a really cool trip to see you fellas rip thru.
What a great experience it would be on a CR500. Do it Ken
He will never forget that trip and the bike he did it on👍 nice work. You should do it Ken! Take jnr too. Not so sure the CR500 would be so wise though.... think you would look and feel like you had Parkinson's after the 2nd day lol. If you did pull it off on the CR500 I would hail to you sir😉
Sounds like you had a riot. Wish my health was up to it. I have been researching it for a couple of years now 👍
I compare the Tat to climbing Everest probably 70% misery but worth every bit!
Sounds like an amazing trip congratulations 🇦🇺❤️👍🇺🇸
That bark from that dog 🐕 👌 😳 🤣 😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Awesome man love to do something like that
100% 500 2-stroke coast to coast
BRAAAAAPPP!!!!!!
That's so Awsom, I would love to do something like that. !
Awesome story
Wow great story
Make time too do it ken👍👍👍👍
Honda execs were STUPID to discontinue the XR400. Just look at the success of the DRZ400. Honda could have sold a TON of XR400s!!
Hell yeah well done!
Totally awesome!
So awesome!!!!!!!!!
very cool
Shnappa dappaaa!!!🎠💨💨💨💨💨
Valve seals?
Forest gump style right there.
RUN FORREST......RUN!!!!!
Ride Forest, ride 😂
Do it, take the trip. Do you have a link to contact Billy?
Ken, some paramotors for the farm would be sweet. Flying dirt bikes
KEN GET ON THE TAT BROTHER. WHO BETTER TO DO IT THAN THE KING OF MOTORCYCLES 😅
Yep Idaho and mt
Hell yeah!
Deserve a medal for going that far on a dirt bike lol
Great Dirt Bike Spiritual pilgrimage story here, unforgettable trip like a rite of passage for U.S. Dirt bike riders. A heavier flywheel & a bigger tank & gearing on a CR500, 'cos i the aches would be blown awaY by daily memories for 8000 miles!!
You would be mixing gas and haulin' ass a very long way - but Wot a ride, an experience of a lifetime do!
That's a lot of Kicks for one right boot Tho!
Great to read this on my first night in the Tabernas desert in Spain to avoid the mud- with a two stroke in the back of the van.
This makes me feel im living my life at 57 for the right reasons! Really good feel here, thanks for sharing K.K.
My gears are turning brother. My klr650 pr XR650L would be a better cross country mount but the cr500 would make quite the statement!
I want to do the TAT on the new 300l. Dream for me.
👌
1 Of the WORST Mistakes i have EVER MADE was Part-Exchange an XR400 r4 [On UK 55 Plate] 1 of the LAST Made. I part-Exd the Beautiful XR400 In for an BRAND NEW Yam WR250F [2016 Model] Yes an OKish bike BUT the XR400 would be worth a LOT in the UK right now. I only Got a Newer Bike for the Electric start [Because i have Chronic Lyme Disease] So basically Dis-Abled. IF i knew back then what i KNOW NOW i would NEVER [Even today] Get rid of it. Honda SHOULD bring back Honda XR400 But with an Electric start and Fuel Injection and LEAVE it at that.
👍💪🇦🇺
Billy's only 34? That doesn't make sense, his younger brother would be that age.
🐾👍🏻
Did he just say a suzuki dr is more reliable than an xr? 🤔
That's what I was thinking. Red is the most reliable period!
App-u-la-chun not app-u-lay-shun
Apple pie & chevrolet!
E
Awesome Bill killer .an.
Yawn
This was cool. I followed their adventures on Instagram last summer. Loved it. Heading out July next year myself maybe on estart xr400r 🙌🏻🇺🇸
I loved the XR I bought a brand new XR600 in 1997 and raced it in NETRA Enduro’s right out of the box.. just some heavy springs and it was as competitive as my later model KTM‘s
I’ve been looking at XR400’s on Craigslist and now the Pan American trail is on my bucket list. I think I would want to take longer though. Sounds like they didn’t have time to explore. Not that you wouldn’t see enough the way they did it.