I finally got a chance to go off-roading the first time with my
new KLR. This is also my first off-roading experience on any
motorcycle except for dirt bike school last weekend. We started out
Peoria, AZ and
went all the way to Wickenburg, AZ via Castle Hot Springs. It gave
me a chance
to practice every aspect of the dirt bike school and some of things we
weren't suppose to practice
like target fixation. Even when you
know
about target fixation, it can be hard to avoid. Near the end of our
ride,
I came to a section that transitioned from somewhat hard-pack to a
sandy wash
bottom while also making an stiff left turn. Just to right of the
turn apex
was a sandy ridge about 10" high left from the last rain storm. I
knew
I had to turn sharp to avoid the ridge, but like a dummy, I stared
right at
it and thats where I knocked the shine off the KLR. Luckily
I landed in a patch of weeds
No injuries. I did tweak the
front-end
alignment, but that should be easy to fix.
Overall, the KLR was a blast to ride off-road. With loads of power
at any rpm and a deep suspension, it was a breaze to ride. Climbs
like
a mule
A bit uneasy in the sand though. I'm still getting used
to the
feel of off-roading and letting the bike do its thing while going
over the
bump and ruts. Coming from the street bike world, any loss of
traction
is a sign to worry, so its hard getting used to always having partial
traction.
-Glen