Adventures with Blitzen

I took a quick jaunt up Flagstaff today on Blitzen, my '75 R90/6.    It was a beautiful October evening for a ride.

Meanwhile in Russia

Here's how one Russian biker handles litter bugs.

Riding in January

The first year I lived in Boulder, I thought I'd winterize my bike.     Oops, rookie mistake.

There is at LEAST one day, every single month of the year, which is perfect for riding.     Today, January 19th,  was just such a day and it started with a double dose of Dizzy's.    Oh, yes!

The roads we took are also a popular cycling route.    It was up 63rd and over to 75th to Hygiene.     Zig-zag north west to Carter Lake.    Continue north to Horsetooth Reservoir,  before dropping down into Ft. Collins.     Return some other creative way, or circle back.    

Nice rolling terrain with some curves, staying low to stay warm (60 degrees today!), and watching for sandy spots.     If you want to wipe the smile off my face, you're going to need a chisel.

Bike Update
As far the K went, it was smooth.   Before the ride, I popped the brake pads out, cleaned them, and applied some caliper lube on the back side of the pads.   I was getting a squeal from the pads and this seemed to do the trick.

The throttle is feeling a little sticky, so it's probably time to lube the linkage.    Since I bought the bike, the throttle has been stiff and doesn't return.    It's not an urgent issue, but it's something I will address soon.  

Otherwise, the bike performed fine.   The new rear shock continues to work perfectly.    

What Cycle World Is Not Telling You

Here's a recent video review by Cycle World of the big adventure bikes;  KTM 990, BMW R1200GS, and Yamaha Super Tenere.

Don't you just love how they gush over each of the bikes, while only hinting at a few of the down-sides?   I wonder if they're worried about their advertising budgets.    Ooh, but look at the bike-porn action shots.   Drool...

What They're Not Telling You
Since we have no advertising budget at risk, hell we don't even get loaners to test, it's easy to tell you what they're not telling you.   Some people call this the truth.

Money, Money, Money
A fully equipped BMW R1200 GS will be around $18,000 out the door.   It's also an older design and BMW is getting set to release the new model, which will likely be water cooled.   The GS Adventure is really the model to have, it's arguably better setup for off-road and with a massively larger fuel tank, it's better for adventure travel.   Expect the price for an Adventure to be closer to $20,000 or more for a fully set-up with panniers, bash plates, and other farkles.  

The Super Tenere and KTM are 25-30% less expensive than the BMW.   Fully set-up, the gap may be even greater.   Don't kid yourself, that buys a lot of fuel, tires, valve adjustments, and oil changes.  

If past trends hold true, the BMW may have the lowest depreciation rate over your ownership period but that could change when BMW releases the new model.  Used KTM's, even with low mileage, have crappy resale values.  Thus, the overall cost to own one might be higher than the GS.   Yes, you can use that to help convince your spouse.

KTM's also have much higher maintenance requirements, and not just because it's chain driven.  Remember, it's pretty much a gigantic, somewhat high-strung dirt bike.   You might also note that high mileage KTMs are somewhat rare on the used market, but you'll easily find a plethora of high mileage BMWs.    Factor maintenance into the cost of ownership.

Off Road Capability 
The vast majority of people will look at the ruggedness of the BMW and think it's a continent conquering off-road machine.  Over the years, BMW has done a fantastic job of cultivating that image.  Seeing the GS, some bystanders may even imagine Charley and Ewan, rolling across the vast landscape. 

The truth is that even the upgraded Adventure model is horrid off-road compared to the KTM.   As my dirt-bike riding friends like to say, the mighty GS makes a fine road bike.


There is no comparison.  The KTM is much better when it comes to trail riding.   I have a lot of friends who have KTM Adventures.   They rave about the power, occasionally take them off-road but rarely on single-track.   They usually have a real dirt-bike for that.  So ask yourself... are you really going to take your KTM into Dakar like conditions?    Probably not.  Any of these bike will handle a forest road, or even a mild four wheel drive trail, and get you to your campsite.  


Fuel Economy
Wheel spinning power has a tradeoff.  It's called fuel economy.

Those same friends who chatter on about the superiority of the KTM get pretty quiet when I ask about the fuel mileage.   If you're on the throttle, expect fuel economy in the 20's and otherwise in the mid 30's.   The BMW and Yamaha are good for another 10mpg.    Some reviewers are even claiming high 50's for the Yamaha on the slab.

I don't know about you, but higher fuel economy makes a difference.   Maybe it's only a few bucks, but it feels better knowing that I'm not sucking down gas.   In the rest of the world, motorcycles are looked at as smart transportation because they're cheap and get fantastic fuel mileage.   Here in the states, the motors keep getting bigger and brains keep getting smaller.  

Seriously, Which One? 
If you're seriously considering any of these, be sure to check out all of them.   Don't be surprised if you find fit/finish, ride, and ... emotional appeal to be radically different.  Take a test-ride.   Consider the full ownership cost.   Then make your decision.

More Reading
R1250GS Threadfest (Adv Rider)
Yamaha Super Tenere Review (Eastern Dirt)
KTM Adventure Review (Motorcycle USA)

Haulin' Ass [Review]

So you've got your dirt or dual sport, but you need a way to haul it between trails?  


A lot of folks say, "just get a trailer."    But then you've got to worry about greasing the axles, having a spare tire, and dealing with the always pesky problem of trailer lighting. 

Here's a lower cost alternative.   Get a hitch mounted rack for your bike.   


There are a lot of options out there.  Here's a review of a cheap Harbor Freight model, written by Modette. 

Harbor Freight

http://www.harborfreight.com/400-lb-...ier-99721.html

I paid total $142.00 with shipping and tax, I used coupon code DIsc20 for 20% off. I bought this so I could be lazy and not have to get the trailer out when its just me. 


I ride a 2001 Honda XR650R that is plated and has a 6.3 Gallon tank added. I guess my bikes weight is around 300lbs.  


Assembly: You will probably need to drill out a few of the holes as they don't line up. Also washers are lacking with this kit, might want to pick some of those up too. I also used Red Locktite on the various bolts to make sure nothing would come loose.





Had to drill one of these holes out some as it did not line up with the aluminum.


All put together





Here is the ramp attached to the unit in storage mode





On a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee with factory hitch package you can see the bead and the anti-sway device does not clamp down well.


Loading: Funny how the pictures show one guy loading the motorcycle (a heavy KLR650 at that) which be heavier then my bike. However the instructions clearly state to never load alone and always have a minimum of TWO people. Huh!!! 


Of course I need to load alone its why I bought this, and based on the picture I assumed that was OKAY (I can say its what I plan to do). I guess know your bike, I have man handled mine on single track hard trails so loading was not a big deal on a 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee 5.7L. I will say practice loading and unloading before you NEED to use this. (from the practice I know with my 6.3 gallon tank I can lean the bike against the vehicle with no damage being done to my vehicle). 


I would say unloading is harder then loading, you got to get that front tire up out of the "cup" area of the rails, best to have the bike in gear and use the clutch to brake. I found that to be extremely hard to do, I held the bike upright with my right hand, and I used my left hand to turn the tire out of the cup area (that worked best).


Driving Manors: I have only tested the bike loaded around my local area on 35mph streets. It does move some, but seems pretty stable. On my Jeep the anti-sway does not work the best as my hitch has a bead around the end of the hitch receiver, so the anti-sway does not lay flush, this is probably okay just make sure if yours is the same to tighten the bolt very tight, put a piece of electrical tape around the end, this will stop the nut from falling off should it come loose from the bolt and you loosing the pieces.


Design: The rear (on the towing vehicles side on the hitch carrier) strap hook points are flimsy, they will bend up. I'm thinking use ratchet tie downs and go to the safety chain hook area of your hitch to the bike...very solid then, plus this will help keep the hitch from moving around even more within the receiver.





The tire cradle/cups for lack of knowing what to call them seem flimsy. One knob/handle already did not want to turn the bolt but instead screw the handle off the bolt. I'm not sure if this is even really needed to use, I guess it is suppose to stop the bike front tire from sliding around, but its not going to go anywhere. I'm not sure on the front tire PIN either, another safety thing I guess to keep the front wheel from hopping up (if you have it ratcheted down good it should not go anywhere anyways). Plus the Pin might damage the rim/spoke, so I'm unsure of that.





I'm thinking of instead of letting the front wheel drop down to leave the pin in and add a wheel chock to the front of this unit (use the bolt holes given for the tire clamp unit that seems flimsy), true it means I would need to back the bike off the lift, but that would not be a big deal for me or my motorcycle, if this is going on a tall truck, I could see that being a big deal to back down. I actually think it might make it easier to load and unload.Which brings me to ramp height, its fine for MY vehicle a stock height 2005 Jeep GC Limited, but that ramp is very short, the whole hitch carrier does flex down when loading and unloading...but I could see the ramp being too steep on a taller vehicle.


Towing with my 2005 Jeep GC 5.7L: It works great. I don't even notice the bike back there. The front of the car is slightly up from rear sag but I am rated at 750lbs of tongue weight. So with hitch I am around 360lbs, not that bad really. Also the instructions say not to go over 55mph... not sure I will follow that myself, I'd get run off the road here in CO with a speed limit of 75mph. I think as long as you drive sanely and safely you probably be okay. Obvious the vehicle will drive different with that rear weight back there so just realize that.


Another con is no tail lights, your vehicles lights will not be seen thus you will not be to code and a danger. I picked some up at my local Wal-Mart's store for $29 with flat 4 connector to wire on and mount. If you were going to go long distances might be a good idea to relocate the license plate to the hitch unit...most cops probably would not notice or say anything but it does give them a reason to stop you. Your call, but do realize needing to see tail lights and rear plate is required under every states laws. 


More thoughts and comments on other products...

Night Rider

3 AM Ride

as posted by talkingxbird

Dude, That's Just How I Roll [Accessorize]

Like My Farkles?

This late model Honda Gold Wing has been farkled with not one, but two big gulp sized cup holders, an ash tray, and a cigarette lighter.   Don't forget the shiny chrome handle bar grips.  Oy! 

Goodbye KLR 650

My 2007 Kawasaki KLR650

A few months ago, I sold my 2007 KLR.   After several years of bliss,  it was time to move on.    Here's a few summary thoughts.

1.  Age Doesn't Matter.  Introduced by Kawasaki in 1987,  few modifications were made during the 20 year production run of the first generation KLR.  An older bike is just as good as a newer one, assuming it's been well maintained.

2. It's Cheap.   Bikes priced below $2,000 routinely pop up on Craigslist or online forums.   Shop around and you can pick up a bargain.  Few bikes provide as much bang for the buck.


3.  Go Anywhere.   This bike is a swiss army knife.   You'll be hard pressed to have as much go-anywhere fun with a KLR, especially for so little money.   It doesn't do anything particularly well, mind you, but you can ride everything from highway to single-track (and I did).   And when you drop it on the trail (and you will), parts are inexpensive too.

3.  Mods Galore.   There are tons of aftermarket products available and like the KLR itself, most are reasonably priced.    Mods range from making the engine more bullet-proof (doohickey), adding horsepower, adding luggage capacity, installing better lighting, or improving on-road or off-road manners.    You name it, it's available.

4.  An Global Community of Creative Owners.    KLR owners love to maintain and modify their bikes.  They also like to do it for as little as possible, and then tell you all about it.    KLRWorld and KLR650.net are two popular online forums.  (I'm guilty ).

5.  Crude build quality.   Everything is functional but build quality is crap.   Yes, the KLR650  was designed for abuse.   It was also conceived in the 1980's and built to a price point, and it shows in the form of cheap plastic switches and various bits that have a habit of rattling off (invest in a tube of low strength loctite).

6.  It's a Big Pig.    No fooling, this bike is a heavy and while porkiness poses few issues on-road, it can be handful on the trails.  I'm 6'2", in reasonably good shape, and I weigh over 200lbs.  Over the course of a long ride, the mass of a fully fueled and armored KLR would start to wear me down.     If you're used to a light dirt-bike, you'll be surprised by the effort needed to ride the KLR off-road for long periods.

7.  Surprisingly Thirsty.   I routinely got mid 40mpg, which isn't particularly impressive for a 650.  The bike could have used a sixth gear, I suppose.    In contrast, BMW's much better built (and much more expensive) F650GS is reputed to get 60+ mpg.    But then again, I think I care about fuel economy more than your typical rider.

8.  Rugged Looks.  I was pleasantly surprised how often I'd get compliments about the looks of my KLR.   I think the black/silver color combination of the 2007 was particularly attractive.   Perhaps the knobbies and a plethora of protective guards gave it a bit of Mad Max appeal.

9.  Soft Suspension.    Kawasaki seems to have designed this motorcycle for a rider who weighs about 160lbs.   Sadly, people have gotten larger and heavier since the 1980s.   The rear spring didn't hold up very well to a heavier rider, especially when weight was added for luggage and racks.  The sagginess was a little disappointing and if I kept the bike, correcting this with either a stiffer spring or a custom shock/spring would have been an upcoming mod.

10.  Deep Market.    If you're concerned with a bike retaining value, consider depth of market.   The more interest in a particular bike, the easier it will be to sell the bike down the road.   One quick way to gauge depth of market is to count the number of advertisements on Craigslist.  Keep an eye on how long it takes these ads to disappear.   Around the front range of Colorado, the KLR is one of the most popular bikes around because a lot of people want to explore old fire roads or trails and camping off a bike.  It's an easy bike to sell.

Overall, the KLR provided three years of reliable performance and many miles of dual-sport happiness.   When I sold it, I also got a price near what I paid for it.   Of course, I also maintained it religiously and added the most desirable farkles.  The new owner got a very well cared-for machine and I hope it gives him many years of joy.

Side Of The Road [Spotted]

Love the old BMW's. I spotted this one on 55th street in Boulder.

Ran out of gas.