@@Sidewalkchalk27 that’s just British humour. Taking the piss is a national past time - if anyone’s high and mighty, I’d say it’s GS riders themselves.....although that might be down to the seat hight 😉
There is a fine gentleman from North Carolina that took his 250 to Prudhoe Bay and back over serious mountains so I would think if it can do that, it can do the TAT. Really a fan of the smaller lighter bikes for that sort of adventure that require you to pack intelligently instead of throwing on more gear weight than the rider before putting up the kickstand.
You could literally ride a bicycle on this trip so yeah a 250cc is way more than enough. Tons of people have ridden the CRF250L around the world too. I know a guy with over 150k miles on his. 150+ countries.
Who needs Mongolia when we have the TAT in our "backyard"? Great pictures and video spliced in with the maps showing your progress. Goes to show you don't need fancy bikes or gear to enjoy an adventure. Looking forward to Part 2.
Awesome trip,guys,thank you for the inspiration. The TAT is on my "NEED to do!" list (unfortunately,getting to do it is not looking promising though,at least not the last few years...in time though :) )
What a fabulous adventure. Loved the presentation and the comments everyone has added, too. I came across this looking for information about which dual-sport to buy... Yamaha...Honda...Suzuki were the three 250 class I was looking at. But I am a heavy guy at 270#, so I may have to bump up CC size. It was great knowing the Honda did well.
Awesome! Thanks for posting! I want to do this ride! I did LA Barstow to Vegas in 2014 but it's not as long as this! Epic ride, from a fellow CRF250L owner!
I want to tour on my xr250l but am afraid of taking it on the highways - did you change the gearing on your XR or just avoid faster roads? What's your strategy with that
Wow! An old friend recently mentioned the TAT. This is the first video I've seen about it. Nice video, you put it together very nicely. I appreciated watching it. I also drive a CRF250L (& an XR650L). I think I'll subscribe and check out some more videos. Great ride eh! Nice video!
XR, I was a Honda mechanic in '79 & '80. Have had many bikes,, but just bought my first Honda, a CRF250L. This winter I'm planning out my 2022 TAT ride from east to west. Haven't thought too much about what route I'll come back on. (P.S. retired, 69 yrs old)
You vastly underestimate Honda bikes. Those tires might get ripped up and you may grow weary of the ride but the equipment should do you well. I beat the hell out of a CL 90 on jeep trails, dry creeks, agave,.... and my 750 two up 3695 miles loaded with gear but very smooth and stout of heart.
I read all the interesting comments & missed most of the video! Duh! Wondering if youse guys ever did the western half? I'll look on YT. Edit: lots of weird results when I searched "thumper bay channel"!
How the KLR actually did it compared to the two other bikes? Has it been modded? I've got a pretty good deal on a klr, but I' affraid of aged mechanics and performances compared to those exact two other bikes
Shawn Cordon Thinking about doing the second half next year. I've bought a DRZ400SM so have it and the CRF250L, and buddy bought a KTM 350EXC-F. Not sure if I'll take the 250 again or something else.
Just bought one CRF250L so far so good but the nominal gearing could be better do you gave any suggestions related to gears size (teeth quantities) for me..Thanks
At the mud hole y'all crossed @ 1:39 is where we took a bath. advrider.com/index.php?threads/walkers-ride-the-tat-on-a-xr650l.979185/page-4 Great Trip!
thanks for posting this vid, enjoyed it greatly. Im wanting to do this very ride this summer. I also have a crf250l. My main concern is mapping the route. Can you buy GPS routes for the tat? If that is what you used, is it accurate? And is it easy to follow? Alot of your pics are looking at maps. Have any problems finding gas? I dont have the larger tank. Do I need it?
Bryan Reynolds We bought the roll charts, and supplemented them with Co-Pilot which is an iPhone app. If I had to do it again, I would do it this EXACT same way. I think it worked perfect. No problems finding gas on the Eastern half, I understand the West is a little more difficult. I'm probably going to add the bigger tank when we do that section next.
Where can I get one of the TAT decals? I'm currently building out my 2000 Jeep Cherokee for a run next year and have driven half the New York leg this past summer from Brandywine WV down to where it meets up with the main trail in TN. Anyway, would like to get a couple of the decals to put on my XJ's side windows. Oh and I know many people will say if I don't do the trail on a bike it doesn't count, yadda yadda yadda. If I could I would but my medical situation prevents me from taking the trip on a bike, it would simply be too painful and risky, but in my Jeep, that's doable so outfitting it as an expedition rig.
+martyisabeliever I have both bikes. I still can't decide which I prefer. The trail seems easy enough for the XR, however I think the key is how much stuff you carry. If you can manage to not bring too much, the CRF would prove to be en easier, more enjoyable bike for such a long distance.
Gotta love the dude on the KLR. Shorts....check. T-shirt....check. Tennis shoes....check. Ok, good enough for me! I got tickled thinking maybe y'all just stopped by his place on the way. "Hey, we're going on the TAT." And he and said," hell, hold my beer. I'm ready." Only thing that would've made it better would be flip flops, lol.
That's not TOO far off from what actually happened! I predicted before we left that he would be stopping at Walmart to buy boots, but he proved me wrong. He made it the whole way... the consequences could have been pretty bad though, he got lucky.
Why does anyone think that a Honda CRF250L would be inadequate for this trip? Unless the issue is ground clearance, I don't see what advantage one would gain by riding a bike with a larger displacement engine.
Of course you haven't done the difficult part yet. I am amazed none of you had aftermarket fuel tanks on the bikes. I guess you pass a lot of gas stations on the first half of the journey.
Sat here in England ( "olde" England that is ) got me thinking you covered more miles than the distance from the very top of Scotland ( John O Groats ) to the very bottom of England ( Lands End ) and back again !!....loved the video ( and the music )
milleroo7 I'm 5'10" 160lbs so am perfectly fine on the smaller bike. We slept in hotels so that meant we could pack light (no camping gear). I can see someone bigger/heavier might not be as well suited for it though. It most definitely is NOT a powerhouse.
+Iowarail I would guess probably not. But I would imagine they may have wished for 450's. That said, I love my XRL and will continue to ride it everywhere.
Hmmm..... I'll have to put the hawk 250 to the test when I get back from deployment. They were built for use in 3rd world countries. Copy of the honda CG engine and almost identical to the CRF250. A Mexican guy rode one from Costa Rica to the US/MX border. It can handle the TAT.
Gary Christman Great to hear from you Gary, hope all is well. Meeting up with you guys was definitely one of the high points of our trip. Hopefully we'll see you out there again sometime.
I'll be tackling the TET in a few years if all goes well. I'm torn between a 690, WR, or a CRF 250. I think lightweight is the way to go if you're not doing too much motorway kms.
![[TH] FS vs BME - VCT Ascension Pacific - Lower Bracket Final](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/wnygqsR2Fig/mqdefault.jpg)
"Can a CRF250L survive the Trans-America Trail (TAT)?" the answer is obviously yes. There is a British couple who did it on Honda C90 scooters
SUPERNOVA loved the c90adventures stuff
Was literally about to type that....
Just hate how he (c90adventures) keeps acting high and mighty because of the bike he chose to ride.
@@Sidewalkchalk27 that’s just British humour. Taking the piss is a national past time - if anyone’s high and mighty, I’d say it’s GS riders themselves.....although that might be down to the seat hight 😉
A Lady from the UK (Steph Jeavons) has or is currently riding around the World on one of these. So I think it will survive this trip
There is a fine gentleman from North Carolina that took his 250 to Prudhoe Bay and back over serious mountains so I would think if it can do that, it can do the TAT. Really a fan of the smaller lighter bikes for that sort of adventure that require you to pack intelligently instead of throwing on more gear weight than the rider before putting up the kickstand.
You could literally ride a bicycle on this trip so yeah a 250cc is way more than enough.
Tons of people have ridden the CRF250L around the world too. I know a guy with over 150k miles on his. 150+ countries.
gotta believe this could be done on my Honda Trail90...Ed Marsh style. don't need to go fast.
Who needs Mongolia when we have the TAT in our "backyard"? Great pictures and video spliced in with the maps showing your progress. Goes to show you don't need fancy bikes or gear to enjoy an adventure. Looking forward to Part 2.
Well done old guys. Congratulations on reaching your goal. From an old guy!
Epic trip and great video production. Also, I love how little crap/stuff you guys took with you. Good job!
I love these small CC bike trips, A real adventure for sure. great vid.
Just when I was absolutely sure I was going to buy the 500x......damit. Thanks for putting your trip up. I hope you get to do the other half.
Awesome trip,guys,thank you for the inspiration. The TAT is on my "NEED to do!" list (unfortunately,getting to do it is not looking promising though,at least not the last few years...in time though :) )
Nice video with great views, riding, and adding in interesting things along the way! Thanks for posting!
What a fabulous adventure. Loved the presentation and the comments everyone has added, too. I came across this looking for information about which dual-sport to buy... Yamaha...Honda...Suzuki were the three 250 class I was looking at. But I am a heavy guy at 270#, so I may have to bump up CC size. It was great knowing the Honda did well.
I am an ATGATT type rider normally but think how comfortable you would be in the heat wearing sandals. shorts anf a T-shirt.
Loved the vid.
All the gear and tech toys?
Awesome! Thanks for posting! I want to do this ride! I did LA Barstow to Vegas in 2014 but it's not as long as this! Epic ride, from a fellow CRF250L owner!
I took my 2017 crf250L from NY to Arkansas on the TaT no problem! Just pack light and avoid highways on the way back and it works!
Day 5 was amazing..
Great vid guys - so envious would love to be able to ride that trail. Maybe one day!
Chris UK.
you should have made a left in Albuquerque!!! great riding and I like your video. Frank
ps., send some of that water this way..
Looks cool I know a guy that was going to do it on a WR250 haven't heard from him.
Is that even a question, its probably one of the best for the job. I rode many countries off road with it and the XR, they're great.
I want to tour on my xr250l but am afraid of taking it on the highways - did you change the gearing on your XR or just avoid faster roads? What's your strategy with that
Wow! An old friend recently mentioned the TAT. This is the first video I've seen about it. Nice video, you put it together very nicely. I appreciated watching it. I also drive a CRF250L (& an XR650L). I think I'll subscribe and check out some more videos. Great ride eh! Nice video!
XR, I was a Honda mechanic in '79 & '80. Have had many bikes,, but just bought my first Honda, a CRF250L.
This winter I'm planning out my 2022 TAT ride from east to west. Haven't thought too much about what route I'll come back on.
(P.S. retired, 69 yrs old)
Bleed red ride red, don’t underestimate the Crf250l she’s a tank!
Wow I didn't know the tat existed! Where do you find out details about the route (maps &such)?
I will tit over tat, need no maps!
Приятное,легкое путешествие в хорошую летнюю погоду.Особенно здорово смотреть зимой,клгда за окном -20.Мототоксикоз усмирять)
This looks like alot of fun i would love to do this down the road.
Mine did! It faired better than I did.
Video should be titled "Trans America Trail wearing Shorts Sneakers and a T shirt...
My main question is when you reached New Mexico on day 10 then what? How did you get back home where ever that is?
You vastly underestimate Honda bikes. Those tires might get ripped up and you may grow weary of the ride but the equipment should do you well. I beat the hell out of a CL 90 on jeep trails, dry creeks, agave,.... and my 750 two up 3695 miles loaded with gear but very smooth and stout of heart.
I read all the interesting comments & missed most of the video! Duh!
Wondering if youse guys ever did the western half? I'll look on YT.
Edit: lots of weird results when I searched "thumper bay channel"!
How the KLR actually did it compared to the two other bikes?
Has it been modded? I've got a pretty good deal on a klr, but I' affraid of aged mechanics and performances compared to those exact two other bikes
Did the guy on KLR survive with Sandals for TAT ?
Great vid
Wow! Great trip! You guys do it again next year??
Shawn Cordon Thinking about doing the second half next year. I've bought a DRZ400SM so have it and the CRF250L, and buddy bought a KTM 350EXC-F. Not sure if I'll take the 250 again or something else.
What a beautiful country.
Just bought one CRF250L so far so good but the nominal gearing could be better do you gave any suggestions related to gears size (teeth quantities) for me..Thanks
Some people are KARENS about everything
What a neat video Thumperbay, subscribing to your youtube channel.
At the mud hole y'all crossed @ 1:39 is where we took a bath. advrider.com/index.php?threads/walkers-ride-the-tat-on-a-xr650l.979185/page-4 Great Trip!
even my cb110 can cross that kind of terrain.boommmmm panesssss
thanks for posting this vid, enjoyed it greatly. Im wanting to do this very ride this summer. I also have a crf250l. My main concern is mapping the route. Can you buy GPS routes for the tat? If that is what you used, is it accurate? And is it easy to follow? Alot of your pics are looking at maps. Have any problems finding gas? I dont have the larger tank. Do I need it?
Bryan Reynolds We bought the roll charts, and supplemented them with Co-Pilot which is an iPhone app. If I had to do it again, I would do it this EXACT same way. I think it worked perfect. No problems finding gas on the Eastern half, I understand the West is a little more difficult. I'm probably going to add the bigger tank when we do that section next.
what kind of saddle bag tail bag combo is that on the blue bike sir?
oh course it could !
Where can I get one of the TAT decals? I'm currently building out my 2000 Jeep Cherokee for a run next year and have driven half the New York leg this past summer from Brandywine WV down to where it meets up with the main trail in TN. Anyway, would like to get a couple of the decals to put on my XJ's side windows. Oh and I know many people will say if I don't do the trail on a bike it doesn't count, yadda yadda yadda. If I could I would but my medical situation prevents me from taking the trip on a bike, it would simply be too painful and risky, but in my Jeep, that's doable so outfitting it as an expedition rig.
Hornet33 When got the stickers when we purchased the roll charts from Sam.
how are you guys talking to each other?
Oooooooo!Hello from Central Asia !
I’m planning on trying this trail on a Coleman mini bike
🤣🤣
Молодцы мужики!)
Cool je viens d en achté un 2015 CRF250L
Hi my friend
I see you are using the phone navigation
1. What is the application you are using
2. Where Downloading maps
MAPS.ME is a great free app that does not need a cell connection
Yes Sure that’s awesome!
Did you have to carry fuel for the CRF250L?
No not on this section. I think on the Western half it would be required though as there are distances of up to 180 miles between gas stops.
***** that's what I was thinking that I'd do - put on a bigger tank to cover it. Thanks.
I wouldn't survive stopping even after 10 days lol
song?
***** so the 250l made it no problem except for a flat? also is the bike stock??
1joetify Yes the bike was stock. Yep, flat tire was only problem... a tiny piece of barb wire got in there from one of our many 'scenic detours' :)
And why not ?
what went wrong with the rear wheel?
Honda c90 survived !
What mapping program did you use. I like that it looks like you can had notes and then print the everything off.
for the 40ish pounds diff in weight... Ill stick with Big Bro the ubiquitous XR650L.
+martyisabeliever I have both bikes. I still can't decide which I prefer. The trail seems easy enough for the XR, however I think the key is how much stuff you carry. If you can manage to not bring too much, the CRF would prove to be en easier, more enjoyable bike for such a long distance.
Of course. I did it.
You guys should have Zena's to talk back and forth, instead of this wannabe music going in the background.
'no sagging pants allowed ' that means no Hillary supporters allowed ! great video thanks.
lol
Ha
Be funny if a buncha o busa boys from Atlanta pulled up. Owners panties be in a bunch.
Lamest music ever! Couldn't stand to watch the video
Gotta love the dude on the KLR. Shorts....check. T-shirt....check. Tennis shoes....check. Ok, good enough for me! I got tickled thinking maybe y'all just stopped by his place on the way. "Hey, we're going on the TAT." And he and said," hell, hold my beer. I'm ready." Only thing that would've made it better would be flip flops, lol.
That's not TOO far off from what actually happened! I predicted before we left that he would be stopping at Walmart to buy boots, but he proved me wrong. He made it the whole way... the consequences could have been pretty bad though, he got lucky.
Not all heroes wear capes... some wear shorts and ride dual sports.
@Arthur Engle Dude, I wouldn't ride to the grocery store with your stanky attitude. Enjoy the ride, it's an adventure.
@Arthur Engle yikes
@Arthur Engle I bet you are the life of the party!
You deserve a medal just for doing it with the stock seat :)
Why does anyone think that a Honda CRF250L would be inadequate for this trip? Unless the issue is ground clearance, I don't see what advantage one would gain by riding a bike with a larger displacement engine.
Suspension. at my 230 pounds when I sat on one before it collapsed so much I was pretty sure I would break it if I rode it hard.
I weigh230 and drive mine everyday. No problems ever.
I'm planning on doing this on my tw200 in the next year, looks like too much fun
Did you do it?
Well did you?
@@alabaster4263 plans have changed I'm planning on doing it 2021
The Hawks Nest mmhm
@@yamkaw346 for real this time looking like 1 year from now. 🤣🤣
How much money did it cost you total for the trip? Also did you guys truck the bikes back? I see in the video you trucked in
Road closed signs are just an invitation!!!!!
What's with the Mexican restaurant music?
Jesus made it in the wilderness with sandals, this man did the tat in sandals.
i grew up on dirtbikes i want to do this my wife would love if i went on a trip and left her alone for a month or 2
Of course you haven't done the difficult part yet. I am amazed none of you had aftermarket fuel tanks on the bikes. I guess you pass a lot of gas stations on the first half of the journey.
Which part is the harder part? Lol. I'm planning to do the Oregon to Nevada or Colorado part(if ahead of schedule)
I'm thinking of doing a crazy ruckus ride on this trail should I and would I be the firts
Sat here in England ( "olde" England that is ) got me thinking you covered more miles than the distance from the very top of Scotland ( John O Groats ) to the very bottom of England ( Lands End ) and back again !!....loved the video ( and the music )
tommy tom I'd love to ride over there some day, looks like great riding country...
Awesome video!!
what is a weight of a biker on crf250L ? I am ca 100 kg heavy but love this honda :-)
milleroo7 I'm 5'10" 160lbs so am perfectly fine on the smaller bike. We slept in hotels so that meant we could pack light (no camping gear). I can see someone bigger/heavier might not be as well suited for it though. It most definitely is NOT a powerhouse.
yeah it's pretty heavy but also not to heavy
Whats up with the white T shirt, shorts and sandels?!!. Scary!!!
good video. thanks
wish i could do that
nice clip all around
At anytime did you wish you had a 650 to ride in that trip?
+Iowarail I would guess probably not. But I would imagine they may have wished for 450's. That said, I love my XRL and will continue to ride it everywhere.
Well done video. Nice job of telling the story with pictures.
Thanks, it's not easy making these 'somewhat' interesting. Watching helmet video gets old after awhile :)
Hmmm..... I'll have to put the hawk 250 to the test when I get back from deployment. They were built for use in 3rd world countries. Copy of the honda CG engine and almost identical to the CRF250. A Mexican guy rode one from Costa Rica to the US/MX border. It can handle the TAT.
Good stuff! Thanks for including us!
Gary Christman Great to hear from you Gary, hope all is well. Meeting up with you guys was definitely one of the high points of our trip. Hopefully we'll see you out there again sometime.
Is that a Super Sherpa?
I'll be tackling the TET in a few years if all goes well. I'm torn between a 690, WR, or a CRF 250. I think lightweight is the way to go if you're not doing too much motorway kms.
CRF300L
Outstanding!
I have a KLR250 collecting dust in the garage. I'm impressed, the KLR250 has so many shortcomings. It's cool to see one on such a long ride.
evan002 they were used by a few military forces around the world so they're pretty durable!
If a C90 can, Then you shouldn't have a problem.. Give me a break, What a disgrace!!!