Good morning!
After watching the Dakar, I'm inspired to see if I want to take up dirt biking and potentially enter a rally.
My background: In my 40s, riding for 19 years, I owned a DR650SE which I took down to Patagonia, and have even taken a KTM 1190 ADV R onto the rocks in Moab. Presently, I'm on a Brutale 800RR.
First step, I signed up for Garrahan's off road training to see if this is really the path i want to take.
Next though, bike: There are two aspects, the riding, and getting to know a bike well enough mechanically that I wont face surprises down the road/trail.
To gain more experience riding, I want a something with low maintenance that I can spend the maximum time riding and not wrenching on it. The obvious candidate seems to be a Yamaha WR250R but if there is a less work alternative, I would love to hear about it.
As for wrenching and next step, a KTM EXC-F 500 seems likely (I have owned 3 KTMs). Unless a Honda or Yamaha 450cc has significantly easier or lower maintenance?
Would love to hear thoughts and alternatives!
After watching the Dakar, I'm inspired to see if I want to take up dirt biking and potentially enter a rally.
My background: In my 40s, riding for 19 years, I owned a DR650SE which I took down to Patagonia, and have even taken a KTM 1190 ADV R onto the rocks in Moab. Presently, I'm on a Brutale 800RR.
First step, I signed up for Garrahan's off road training to see if this is really the path i want to take.
Next though, bike: There are two aspects, the riding, and getting to know a bike well enough mechanically that I wont face surprises down the road/trail.
To gain more experience riding, I want a something with low maintenance that I can spend the maximum time riding and not wrenching on it. The obvious candidate seems to be a Yamaha WR250R but if there is a less work alternative, I would love to hear about it.
As for wrenching and next step, a KTM EXC-F 500 seems likely (I have owned 3 KTMs). Unless a Honda or Yamaha 450cc has significantly easier or lower maintenance?
Would love to hear thoughts and alternatives!