Looks like the dirt section is not used all that much but thought I'd post up anyway.
Just picked up a dirt bike earlier this week and have been piecing together the gear to go with it.
I'm totally new to dirt, haven't been on it at all yet but looking forward to putting in the time to get the hang of it. Any other newbies out there want to ride or anyone in general willing to ride with a less experienced rider hit me up, I'm anxious to get out there.
Cheers,
Scott
That's awesome SL. I think this section is going to get more use here shortly. Winter or after a rain are prime times for dirt riding. It's cooler and there's less dust. I bought TB5's previous bike and Rich just picked up a 250 also. Oh yeah, we'll be riding a lot this winter!
Do you have a truck to transport it?
Quote from: GreenMachine on September 19, 2014, 10:11:08 AM
Do you have a truck to transport it?
I got a trailer that holds two bikes with the deal and I have an old truck that I've been storing in the Bay Area that I've sent to a mechanic to get looked over and buttoned up since it's been sitting for some time. I hope to pick up the truck in a week or two. Then I should be fully ready to go.
In the mean time I may just rent a pickup from U-Haul to tow the trailer to nearby trails if I get to impatient to wait two weeks to start riding (which is highly likely). They have the $20 in town rentals, if I keep it close it shouldn't be too much.
Hell yeah dude, now you're talking, congrats. So much awesome riding in our area. I don't get bummed out when the street riding season winds down, because it means the dirt season is just about to start! I park the dirt bike all summer and only ride in the winter when it's nice and cool.
As far as gear, my one piece of advice is go all out with the boots. They are by far the most important piece of gear, imo. The good ones aren't cheap. In fact, they are pretty damn expensive (http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/sidi-crossfire-2-srs-boots). But it's worth it not break your foot by bashing them on rocks; which will happen all the time.
Riding dirt is totally different from riding street; the learning curve is steep. You'll have to get used to the bike moving around a lot and most of the direction change is done with body english and throttle, rather than just counter steering. But the skill set obtained will make you a better rider overall. Have fun!
Quote from: dub on September 19, 2014, 11:07:48 AM
Hell yeah dude, now you're talking, congrats. So much awesome riding in our area. I don't get bummed out when the street riding season winds down, because it means the dirt season is just about to start! I park the dirt bike all summer and only ride in the winter when it's nice and cool.
As far as gear, my one piece of advice is go all out with the boots. They are by far the most important piece of gear, imo. The good ones aren't cheap. In fact, they are pretty damn expensive (http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/sidi-crossfire-2-srs-boots). But it's worth it not break your foot by bashing them on rocks; which will happen all the time.
Riding dirt is totally different from riding street; the learning curve is steep. You'll have to get used to the bike moving around a lot and most of the direction change is done with body english and throttle, rather than just counter steering. But the skill set obtained will make you a better rider overall. Have fun!
Thanks, I'm excited and looking forward to it. Part of the reason for getting a dirt bike right now was to extend the riding season and another reason is to improve overall skill and of course it just looks like fun.
I figured the boots would be really important in dirt riding. I got some Alpinestars Tech 7's, not totally all out but hopefully will do me for now until I can upgrade in the future when I'm not spending so much money at once.
SL, you're joining good company.
QuoteRossi hosts MotoGP champ Marquez, world-class riders at MotorRanch - 09/19/14
(http://a2.fssta.com/content/dam/fsdigital/fscom/MOTORS/images/2014/09/19/091914-motor-marquez%20rossi%20moto.vadapt.955.medium.0.jpg)
Following his victory at Misano on Sunday, Valentino Rossi invited MotoGP World Champion Marc Marquez and a host of Grand Prix stars for a day of riding at his impressive MotorRanch facility.
Rossi and Marquez were joined by the likes of Francesco Bagnaia, Leon Camier, Loris Capirossi, Luca Marini, Andrea Migno, Franco Morbidelli, Miguel Oliveira, Mattia Pasini, Tito Rabat and Bradley Smith for a day of dirt riding.
Just a few kilometers from Misano — the scene of Rossi's superb victory and the uncharacteristic Marquez crash which saw him end up 15th in the race on Sunday — the riders reconvened at Rossi's MotorRanch dirt circuit on the outskirts of his home town of Tavullia.
The nine-time World Champion regularly rides and trains at the purpose-built facility, which is also a training ground for the young riders of the VR46 Academy. Marquez is a keen motocross rider in his spare time and spent the day riding a Honda CRF 450 alongside Rossi and their racing colleagues. - Foxsports.com (http://www.foxsports.com/motor/story/rossi-hosts-motogp-champ-marquez-world-class-riders-at-motorranch-091914)
(https://pbs.twimg.com/media/Bx6KnBKIUAAAkKO.jpg)
Sl, congrats on the dirt bike. We will definitely get out riding together. I have a trailer that will hold 3 so can pick you up on the way out of town if you need. I am hoping that my registration will be completed in the next week or so. I am on take two with the DMV, sort of a pain having to do all the paperwork via mail to DMV in Carson. Was missing a OHV decal registration form last go around.
I'm thinking my first ride on my bike will be up Peavine via the gravel road from Stead in the next few weeks. I will post up when I go, you would like it. Its an easy ride and cool views. Good introduction to what you got yourself into!
Quote from: RichVee4 on September 20, 2014, 07:11:59 AM
... Its an easy ride and cool views. Good introduction to what you got yourself into!
Wrong! The only proper introduction is scary death cliffs and rocky hills where if you crash you break an arm or something. Right TB5? :|)
Quote from: RichVee4 on September 20, 2014, 07:11:59 AM
Sl, congrats on the dirt bike. We will definitely get out riding together. I have a trailer that will hold 3 so can pick you up on the way out of town if you need. I am hoping that my registration will be completed in the next week or so. I am on take two with the DMV, sort of a pain having to do all the paperwork via mail to DMV in Carson. Was missing a OHV decal registration form last go around.
I'm thinking my first ride on my bike will be up Peavine via the gravel road from Stead in the next few weeks. I will post up when I go, you would like it. Its an easy ride and cool views. Good introduction to what you got yourself into!
That would be great! I'm sorting out all the DMV stuff right now too. The bike I got was a California bike so I have to change the title on top of getting it registered in NV.
Silly amatures! Should have bought TB5's bike. It's inclusive. :chilling
Here's the link to NV OHV site, if you don't already have it. The local DMV offices don't handle the OHV reg so you have to mail everything to Carson City. I got my VIN inspection done at Big Valley Honda.
http://nvohv.com/
GM, What bike is TB5 selling?? Thought you bought his old bike.
Yes, past tense. It's in my garage.
Quote from: RichVee4 on September 21, 2014, 03:20:32 PM
Here's the link to NV OHV site, if you don't already have it. The local DMV offices don't handle the OHV reg so you have to mail everything to Carson City. I got my VIN inspection done at Big Valley Honda.
http://nvohv.com/
Thanks, I was familiar with it as well as the no DMV thing. Lame, would be nice to go down to the DMV or wherever and just knock it all out in one shot and walk out with a sticker.
Now I'm debating to just leave it a CA bike for the title. I still have an address in CA I can use and being an 01 should be able to get a green sticker for it. Either way I have to go get it inspected and I'm being held up by not having my truck here yet. I'm going to have to go get it sooner than later as I'm itching to get on the dirt!
That is so cool SL 8)! What these guys aren't telling you is that the learning curve in riding the dirt involves lots of crashing, so be prepared to get beat up a bit :)! Trust me, if they say they have never crashed, or only crashed a couple times, then they are still newbies in the dirt ;)!!
Mel
Quote from: Mel on September 25, 2014, 10:55:47 PM
That is so cool SL 8)! What these guys aren't telling you is that the learning curve in riding the dirt involves lots of crashing, so be prepared to get beat up a bit :)! Trust me, if they say they have never crashed, or only crashed a couple times, then they are still newbies in the dirt ;)!!
Mel
I figured as much which is why I've been piecing together all the gear I can to minimize injury.
I think that's what I meant when I said the learning curve is steep.
I crash at least 2 times every single time I go riding in the dirt.
Sounds like you're doing it right Dub ;)! Crashing in the dirt is how you learn and that's a fact 8)!
Mel
I just hate it when I crash before lunch and squish the sandwich in my pack.
I like to crash within the first ten minutes to get it outa the way. I'm planning to ride on Sunday if anyone is interested. Probably ride moon rocks. I actually don't consider peavine to be a good beginner area. Lots of rocks. I mean everywhere! That is unless you stay on the main road, but then you might as well be on the street. Your much better off learning in softer terrain.. Like moonrocks:).
I did a short ride up Peavine today to test out the bike and gear. Made some adjustments to foot controls but overall happy with gear and feel of bike. No crashes so guess I didn't push hard enough or am that good :) Would consider a moon rocks ride Sunday, but do you know if there is cell signal out there? I am on call this weekend so need to stay in cell range.
You'll just have to crash twice as much on the next go around.
I think Verizon phones work out there, but not AT&T.
I'm not even thinking about dirt riding this weekend: too hot for that yet.
TB5 are you still thinking about a moon rocks ride Sunday? I will have a pretty good idea of my work schedule Sunday by 8am. If work is quiet, I could head out after 8 and ride for a few hrs. Morning temps should be comfortable for riding, afternoon might get a little warm.
I take it this is not going to happen.
Hey Rich, sorry I forgot about this thread. I'd be happy to show you around. Let me know when is good.
No prob, that's what I figured. Instead the dog got a nice ride and swim at Boca so she was a happy girl.
Next time we need to make an official thread to kick off the dirt season right.
I was thinking the same thing. I think the temps are dropping next week so I'm planning to ride street this weekend. High 60's is perfect riding. SSA moonrocks day sounds good
Finally got out and rode today for my first time. Got back with my truck last night, anxious to hit the dirt for the first time I loaded up the bike at lunch and sneaked out of work for a few hours and road up Peavine. I don't know about the few rocks thing, I seemed to fine plenty. I left from the Raleigh Heights area, that may be why, and didn't reach the fire road until about the last third up to the top.
I had a blast though, dropped the bike once when I stalled going up a steep (for me) loose rock section and again at the very top trying to maneuver the bike to lean on something while I looked around (I guess I should probably look into getting a kick stand). The second drop did something though because when I went to get going the throttle didn't have any spring back so it would stay open unless you closed it manually. Then on the way down I took my first and only spill, playing around trying to power the back end around a tight corner, probably getting ahead of myself and past my skill level, just too anxious to spin the tires and slide around something I don't get to do on the street. The good thing about the crash was my throttle started to work correctly again, the bad was I bent my handle bars.
All and all had a great time my first time out and look forward to many more rides.
Thanks again to Rich who helped move the process of registration along taking me to get my vin verification, if it weren't for that I'd be waiting around another week.
The bars probably aren't bent rather the forks are just twisted in the triple clamps. It happens often when you crash a dirt bike. Loosen the lower triple pinch bolts, hold the front wheel between your legs and wrench back and forth on the bars. Snug the pinch bolts back up and everything will be straight again.
Quote from: dub on October 16, 2014, 08:46:22 PM
The bars probably aren't bent rather the forks are just twisted in the triple clamps. It happens often when you crash a dirt bike. Loosen the lower triple pinch bolts, hold the front wheel between your legs and wrench back and forth on the bars. Snug the pinch bolts back up and everything will be straight again.
Thanks, I'll try this out. This make sense as I kept looking to see how or where the bars were bent but couldn't figure it out so it's probably what you are saying.
Thanks for the advise Dub, what you said worked! Saved me from getting new bars which wouldn't have solved the problem anyway.
On the throttle sticking it turns out that I cracked the throttle tube, looks like I'll have to get a new one of those.
Anyone use the aluminum throttle tubes over the plastic? Seems if I'm going to be dumping this thing often the aluminum may be more durable, any downsides to them or reason to use plastic instead (other than the price)? Seems pretty straight forward but this is all new to me so who knows what I may be overlooking.
Throttle tube is a pretty easy fix; they aren't very expensive.
Does your new bike have hand guards? Good ones with a full aluminum backbone? That should save damage to the controls.
Quote from: dub on October 17, 2014, 09:12:01 AM
Does your new bike have hand guards? Good ones with a full aluminum backbone? That should save damage to the controls.
Not yet, I was just looking at them when I was in the moto shop and looking at ones that didn't have the full backbone but now understanding their purpose other than just protecting your hands from branches and such I'll look more into getting a good set with the full aluminum backbone.
Congrats on your first outing and you even had a chance to try out your crash gear. That terrain you rode is not beginner level so good job for making it to the top.