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Travellers' questions that don't fit anywhere else This is an opportunity to ask any question, and post any notice you wish that doesn't fit into one of the other sections.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

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Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



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  #1  
Old 21 Jun 2011
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Question not hint or tip.
Quick question, 9 monthish trip through americas, intend on alot of off road, I have a fair few of dirt bike hours. In what hints or tips to riding a loaded adventure bike (besides obvious) should i keep in mind?
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Old 23 Jun 2011
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weight is everything - it will turn any nimble bike into a lardy pig on technical pistes or sand - soft luggage, pack as light as you can, weight as low and as close to the centre of bike as possible, wear good protective gear, if you are planning on getting well off the beaten trails then pack a Spot or Sat phone and have good medical Evac Coverage.

same rules as normal, stand up, look well ahead, steer with feet and knees and let the bike go where it wants, expect to drop the bike at some point and that it will get beaten up.

consider changing the bikes gearing to make it easier to ride in the soft stuff, practice at home with the bike loaded and see how it rides.

If you are going to do a loop of SAmerica ship some extra tyres with the bike and leave them en route.

Suerte
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Old 24 Jun 2011
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This point would be obvious to some but I guess from your question you haven't done a lot of loaded dirt miles.

Always ride very conservatively in comparison to how you ride unloaded - if you forget yourself and start having too much fun you have every chance of either wrecking the bike (suspension, frame etc) or worse yourself. Keep reminding yourself... "not too much fun.... not too much fun....". Keep it steady!
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Old 24 Jun 2011
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It's very difficult to prep a bike for two jobs !!

Like said, weight is crucial... The more luggage you have, the more panniers, frame etc.. Keep it light and keep it simple.

Do you know where you're going offroading ? Any plans ?? You know you could be hard pressed to actually find "offroad" in the Americas these days unless you go looking for it..

As you're experienced offroad, as you know, suspension is crucial too. Don't make my mistake and have your arse dragging on a dirt bike with a too soft spring. Get it set up for you and the luggage..

As for tyres, TKC80's and the knarly MEFO's look good for offroading.

What bike are you taking ???
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Old 26 Jun 2011
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I am planning on getting a bike there. Klr, xr, xt somthing I can unpack and take day trips on, bit of fun in the dirt. No I have not done much (any) loaded dirt riding. But having a loaded road bike on a twisty mountain is frustrating, so I will get my shots and giggles out in the dirt to save my spirit.
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