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A quick question for anyone who also has a rally and is 6'2" with a 32" leg what front screen have you found effective? At the moment I'm getting quite a bit of buffeting from it so wanna address that before it re does my neck injury. n them back to back and decide what to take
6'2" with 32" leg implies you have a long body length which will stick you well into the airflow.
There are times when riding offroad fairly slowly in high temperatures when you will welcome all the airflow you can get, so my suggestion would be to install a clip-on deflector which in hot weather can either taken off, lowered or adjusted flat when needed. I've been using a Darkojak deflector for nine years on various bikes but there's loads of low-cost versions on eBay.
__________________ "For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Thanks Tim its funny you should mention a deflector I actually found an old one I'd bought for one of the GS's when I used to have an f800gs, gave it a whirl was quite handy today. That's a good point regarding the off road stuff.
Today was such a brilliant day on the honda CRF 300 Rally. Went out road riding continuing to run her in with the idea of going to Matlock Bath ended up flicking through adventure_bike_rider guide to green lanes while having some chips at Monyash an decided to give it a go ^_^ ended up on Houndkirk Moor doing the first of it an just through the 2nd gate. Was great seeing so many people out having fun. Gonna go back up it once I've got some better hand guards on.
First Green lane on my CRF 300 Rally. Only my 3rd in my life once was on a 1200gsa te which got stuck í ½í¹ƒ then unstuck, other was a really easy muddy one on the Himalayan by accident.
This was interesting never ridden on loose rocks before was a learning curve an lots of fun didn't drop her either woop so mission success, next step is to sort the seat and some handguards on.
Quick mobile phone photograph on my old Samsung a70
Finally got the video edited from yesterday tried to cover my thoughts on the Honda CRF 300 Rally tried to cover my thoughts mainly from a road riding point of view till I had a complete change of plans while eating my chips at the old Smithy in Monyash and flicking through the adventure bike rider guide to green lanes and spotted houndkirk Moor and Did a bit of section 1-2 on the map.
Noticed it said not to do a-b on the map for beginners but that was all numbered would that be 7-8?
It was really fun to give the Honda CRF 300 Rally a go on a green lane and im super looking forward to going on one again. Lots to learn and that's exciting as it's a new challenge, and great to learn as itl open up more possibilities for when we do the trip next year to Iceland Norway an Morocco lots to learn.
Today was a beautiful day out on the Honda CRF 300 Rally after my first go at green laning on the Honda yesterday I really wanted to have another go.
I ended up back on Houndkirk Moor at first I pulled up just for a look at the other end as I was curious where it came out, what was weird was a big pack of bikes came down while I was just taking 5 an walking up the trail a bit and it actually made me a little doubtful of trail riding so I decided to head back to the foxhole end on the road an decided to have a go there as it seemed quieter the other night.
At first I was a bit like am I capable of doing this an I had a few moments of self doubt it's amazing how it can creep up on you and grow and grow isn't it an it's something going a bit further on past the two gates, then all off a sudden things started to click from what I'd been watching on YouTube and I found myself at the viewpoint taking in the breathtaking scenery. An then I decided I'll just do a lil more an then a lil more an a lil more and before I knew it I'd completed my first full green lane. Each time I came across something stopping and thinking about which line to take then tackling it systematicly seemed to work.
It was amazing just how capable the bike was considering the terrain I was going over, can't wait to get the Rally Raid Level 1 done when I'm able.
There was some really interesting bits on it that challenged me and it is really exciting from that perspective. No drops an just kept a steady pace picking my line also found its much better to get the Rally into 2nd an modulate on the clutch
It was nice doing it at my own pace just taking my time stopping when I needed to for a break actually amazing how hot I got as well.
Didn't get any pics of the tricker bits but did have my gopro on so looking forward to learning watching it back to see where I can improve.
Eventually all the tension (Although I was trying to keep loose) melted away and I was flowing much better on the Rally the pace picked up a little and things seemed easy that I'd struggled with and felt like I was flowing over stuff.
Every day's a learning day and I'm learning alot feeling so much better about the trips we've got planned an once I get some off road training as well it's really gonna help at the moment though I'm just loving learning at my own pace.
Was great seeing so many people out having fun.
Today really convinced me on the Rally 100+ miles of b road riding and Houndkirk Moor green laning then back over the cat and fiddle in the dark. It also amazed me how much narrower the CRF is compared to the Himalayan I had when stood up (did a basic lane on that) gives such a nice feel.
I ended up doing stuff today I could have only dreamed off yesterday can't wait to do the trip next year now.
...stopping when I needed to for a break actually amazing how hot I got as well...
See what I mean? Wait until it's 30+ºC under a hot sun...
If you are totally new to trail riding about the most important thing is to not focus on what's about to happen under your front tyre, but instead to keep your vision 50m or more in front.
Secondly, the only thing that keeps you and the bike upright is the gyroscopic effect of the rotating wheels, the slower you go, the less they rotate, and the more likely you are to fall, so around 10mph should be your minimum.
And if you want some light entertainment, have a look at 2mins 40 secs on the video below.
__________________ "For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Hi Tim as always really appreciate you taking the time to reply very helpful.
Yep I totally get what you meant now! I'll be looking onto layering gear once I start doing a lot more trail riding. Even with the vents open on the Badlands I was roasting. I can see me changing the kit. It's so fun learning.
That's a really good tip on speed once I realised that yesterday I started going over things that were way more difficult alot easier once my confidence grew was a few points where i went nice and steady though an used the clutch to modulate the pace rather,than the first video where I was ping pinging off rocks it actually really surprised me just how capable the crf is, an it's light enough that if you need to push it it's easy enough to move about can understand why rtwpaul used the ktm 500 now it's amazing how things start to go aah!
Funny you should mention Ian, Tim his videos and him showing that even though he's so experienced convinced me to film my experience learning to trail ride. Showing all the bits where I'm a bit nervous and stuff as it might help inspire a few others to have a go.
Ians videos, Nathan Millward'a an Dave Darcys Motorcycle adventure dirt bike TV are excellent to watch on the Rally
Looking forward to getting some training with dad once we've got our house move done to either North Cornwall or Dumfries and Galloway.
..., the only thing that keeps you and the bike upright is the gyroscopic effect of the rotating wheels, the slower you go, the less they rotate, and the more likely you are to fall, so around 10mph should be your minimum. ...
As someone coming from an off-road riding background this is very odd to read - a useful off-road skill is to be able to stop, static balance a bike for a bit, and set off again (along with full-lock turns at less than walking pace, for example), however I'll admit that these aren't things for absolute beginners
Hi everyone hope we are all well, in todays video I managed to complete my first Green lane on my Honda CRF 300 Rally I'm a total beginner at green laning an it's been really interesting having a go.
I went to Houndkirk Moor again where I'd tried a tiny section from Foxhole through the first 2 gates, everything in my mind was screaming what's this when the bike was moving about after years spent road riding.
Firstly I rode to the other end of the trail on the road to have a little look and having a walk up a bit after two packs of enduro bikes came down I actually got a bit nervous to the point I thought is this even what I want to be doing, it's amazing how doubts and things can creep in. I decided to just relax for a bit and just collect myself then rode back to the foxhole end as I'd already muddled my way through the first bit of that the day before.
After a few moments talking to myself in my mind I set off an did a bit more and a bit more doing a small section then having a break while having a little look at what line to take, so I didn't get to tired and completed another bit an another bit then I was at the view point an progressed a lil bit more an before I knew it with a little more pace I was going over things rather than ping ponging at slow speed. An before I knew it I was having amazing fun, occasionally the self doubt creeped back in and I'd have a break collect myself and then carry on often chatting with walkers and cyclists on the green lane as I was the only one up there by this point.
By the end of it I'd managed my first Green lane not dropped the Rally and feel very optimistic about the future for this sort of riding as its opening up an entire new world of riding. Before the trip to Norway, Iceland and Morocco next year, I'll get some some 2-1 training with dad so we can learn some new skills.
Hopefully doing this video series showing from being very nervous yesterday as your mind is screaming no when the bikes moving around to starting to really enjoy it exciting times and I'm looking forward to my next go on one. Gonna order some new barkbusters later on today.
Even with the vents open on the Badlands I was roasting. I can see me changing the kit.
A high percentage of biking gear is black, but if you are headed for Morocco, the last thing you want is a jacket with black shoulders and back.
So I wear a silver Rev'it mesh jacket. Silver keeps the solar gain down, and the mesh lets air straight through. In winter days I ride with an electric jacket underneath, and on rainy days with a lightweight waterproof shell jacket on top.
One of my favourite home videos featuring Rosie outpacing my KTM 690 Enduro.
__________________ "For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
thanks for sharing Tim looks like Rosie is having the absolute time of her life in the clip looks a beautiful place to ride to.
Thanks for the tip as well that's a good idea regards brighter stuff, the badlands has got black shoulders and it was really catching the heat yesterday so could only imagine how hot it'd be over in Morocco least I can suss some of this stuff out now before next year
I wouldn't mind having a go at some classic trials one day Turbo could be a good way to gain some extra skills.
Temperatures in Morocco can be extreme, I once experienced 43ºC in October! Once the temperature rises to around 40ºC you will find you'll have to close the helmet visor otherwise it's like having a powerful hairdryer playing into your face. So other ventilation is important and the best helmet I have found is the modular (convertible) Nolan N70-2 X.
It's the only helmet I'm aware of that you can switch from full face to open face, whilst still retaining the deep visor and the sun peak, and of course it also has an in-built sunvisor. Review.
__________________ "For sheer delight there is nothing like altitude; it gives one the thrill of adventure
and enlarges the world in which you live," Irving Mather (1892-1966)
Regarding jackets, I have a silver mesh jacket for regular summer. The mesh is quite heavy grade so it's pretty abrasion resistant. Then when it gets too hot for that I switch to my on/off road Alpinestars mesh jacket which is only rated to 30kmh on pavement because it's thinner and lighter (with white shoulders). Then when it gets too hot for that, I switch to a white long sleeved t-shirt and try to avoid crashing. Then when it gets too hot for that I switch to a textile jacket with all the vents closed and soak myself in water on the inside every 30-45 mins.
Obviously this is just for my commute, can't take all that stuff on a long trip - for that my best compromise has been the Alpinestars jacket, an army surplus goretex jacket to go over it, and a good wooly jumper to go under it when it's cold.
Anyway, glad you're enjoying the Honda ... it's a good idea to clock up as many off road miles as you can now to get more relaxed. For riding guidance the trail riders' fellowship is very handy.
Thanks Turbo yep thats the plan joining the TRF this week and gonna look at the ACT as well
I wanted to wait till I had the full run in miles done to post about what I'm liking and not liking on the Rally so here we go
Yesterday marked the end of the run in period on CRF 300 Rally.
To say I'm impressed is a huge understatement the more I've ridden it the more I understand why these have been such a huge success and why they are impossible in the UK and the world to lay your hands on.
A bike that an experienced road/track rider like myself can enjoy riding like a two stroke in a sporting manner on the roads but without the vibes at UK legal speeds. Carrying corner speed and punching out of the bends to.
A motorcycle that as a beginner at off road riding gave me the confidence to complete Houndkirk Moor on my first go an without any drops, riding to and from the green lane on her. It never felt out of its depth, bottomed out etc and built confidence.
A adv that's light weight!!! Compared to the big GS and GSA I had in the past I found the weight difference very noticable to the Himalayan.
A motorcycle that with low power can sit at uk motorways speeds in comfort due to the brilliance of the overdrive 6th
A motorcycle that returns on average 94mpg no matter the riding conditions.
A motorcycle that has a fun and sporting engine while being stunningly smooth for a single.
A motorcycle that has in my opinion stunning looks and a brilliant headlight and a dash that doesn't fill with condensation.
A motorcycle that did 300 miles and 10 hours of riding yesterday around Wales as a Road adv and never felt lacking and I feel fresh the next day. This was the final test ìn my mind to see if it would cover all the riding I like to do.
A Honda with Honda reliability no issues to report so far.
All in all a motorcycle that is the perfect partner for my current travel plans.
What would I like to see Honda improve, a couple of things really that have been well covered from others I think if it came with a comfier seat more people would utterly fall in love with it as it's actually a nice road adv apart from that that in many senses is a true adventure bike in the fact it can go down any track you spot.
Finally the suspension I'd keep the seat Height where it is with rider sag and its still got more than enough ground clearance etc and that would make it accessible to more people with better dampening would truly transform it for putting luggage on from the get go.
My plan to address these things when I'm able is @rallyraidproducts
Level one Suspension which does exactly as described.
An with the seat a @seatconcepts
Comfort or Comfort XL undecided on which one.
In closing to say I'm impressed is an understatement, Content. I could only imagine how good a 350 would be still one of my favourite cc's
They might not be for everyone but for me I'm very happy with it, am I curious about other bikes, yep the T7 but at the moment for my level of off road skills and especially with my shoulder injury the 300 Rally is the right partner as its so so manageable to ride and move around due to its light weight.
Thanks Turbo yep thats the plan joining the TRF this week and gonna look at the ACT as well
I wanted to wait till I had the full run in miles done to post about what I'm liking and not liking on the Rally so here we go
Yesterday marked the end of the run in period on CRF 300 Rally.
To say I'm impressed is a huge understatement the more I've ridden it the more I understand why these have been such a huge success and why they are impossible in the UK and the world to lay your hands on.
A bike that an experienced road/track rider like myself can enjoy riding like a two stroke in a sporting manner on the roads but without the vibes at UK legal speeds. Carrying corner speed and punching out of the bends to.
A motorcycle that as a beginner at off road riding gave me the confidence to complete Houndkirk Moor on my first go an without any drops, riding to and from the green lane on her. It never felt out of its depth, bottomed out etc and built confidence.
A adv that's light weight!!! Compared to the big GS and GSA I had in the past I found the weight difference very noticable to the Himalayan.
A motorcycle that with low power can sit at uk motorways speeds in comfort due to the brilliance of the overdrive 6th
A motorcycle that returns on average 94mpg no matter the riding conditions.
A motorcycle that has a fun and sporting engine while being stunningly smooth for a single.
A motorcycle that has in my opinion stunning looks and a brilliant headlight and a dash that doesn't fill with condensation.
A motorcycle that did 300 miles and 10 hours of riding yesterday around Wales as a Road adv and never felt lacking and I feel fresh the next day. This was the final test ìn my mind to see if it would cover all the riding I like to do.
A Honda with Honda reliability no issues to report so far.
All in all a motorcycle that is the perfect partner for my current travel plans.
What would I like to see Honda improve, a couple of things really that have been well covered from others I think if it came with a comfier seat more people would utterly fall in love with it as it's actually a nice road adv apart from that that in many senses is a true adventure bike in the fact it can go down any track you spot.
Finally the suspension I'd keep the seat Height where it is with rider sag and its still got more than enough ground clearance etc and that would make it accessible to more people with better dampening would truly transform it for putting luggage on from the get go.
My plan to address these things when I'm able is @rallyraidproducts
Level one Suspension which does exactly as described.
An with the seat a @seatconcepts
Comfort or Comfort XL undecided on which one.
In closing to say I'm impressed is an understatement, Content. I could only imagine how good a 350 would be still one of my favourite cc's
They might not be for everyone but for me I'm very happy with it, am I curious about other bikes, yep the T7 but at the moment for my level of off road skills and especially with my shoulder injury the 300 Rally is the right partner as its so so manageable to ride and move around due to its light weight.
Hey Steele, great to read your posts and your level of enthusiasm about the little Honda. Although I've got a different and heavier engine stuffed into my chassis it's still a CRF250 essentially feel-wise so my 2-pence worth on a couple of things. For the seat I bought a big slab of gel and had it inserted along 3/4 of the seat length along with an anti-slip recovering, made one hell of a difference. Both our CRF's have an Ohlins ADV shock with a +1 rated spring and ride height dialled in professionally but unfortunately I have no pre-ride experience on a standard 250L for comparison so can't offer comments. The front end I rode standard for a while then went down the 'Racetech' upgrade route. Big big difference indeed which by the way I have a spare set of CRF forks that have the same Racetech upgrade sitting in my workshop that have had the stanchions rechromed and a full service, new seals etc etc by GBMX waiting for a new owner..!!
One final comment, get yourself down to North Cornwall not Bonnie Scotland, Scotland is amazing road riding but lifestyle wise Devon and Cornwall are where you need to be trust me....
Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's thelist of Circumnavigators!
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Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
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Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
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