Suecanada is alive and well

[suecanada]

Just wanted to say hi I'm back and was just not getting on the forum for some unknown reason. Maybe is was the winter blahs. Got to ride my wee DR200 yesterday in summer-like temps. All the snow is gone and salt too mostly but roads still have sand in the intersections. In case there is some salt residue I rode the DR..not LRB or Winston. Shhh...don't tell the 'kid' but he looks better dirty anyhow and a bit of corrosion..he's got that already.
I get so turned around riding all the dirt roads here that I put a Garmin cradle on the DR so I can use the GPS's compass feature. There is no place to put a dollar store compass away from metal- whatever messing it up.
So I'm glad to be back with my good friends!  I must remember to check and see if Sedalia has come up in the threads recently. I plan to attend if possible.

[nhmaf]

Sue!   Glad to hear from you again!

I'm planning to go to Sedalia, but haven't made any plans yet.

I think the DR200 is the right way to get back into the groove after having months out of the saddle - Our dirt road is still pretty 'squishy' right now..  I might be able to get in/out to the tarmac with the R100/7 (it has dual sport tires on it!) if I don't sink into the mud too far, but last week, it would certainly have sunk up to the exhaust and stuck there..

[steve hawkins]

If you do put a compass on your bike you will have to do a 'Compass Swing'.  Used to do it on aircraft (lumps of metal) and its an activity done on boats as well.  But you will need a decent compass with the appropriate correctors!

[suecanada]

Stew Wallace and I have decided to try and use the dollar-store for our DR200 farkling so the compasses and clocks are cheap! Sorta fun to see what can be bought..like wee insulated lunch bag for a tailbag.

[suecanada]

Oh yes....Mike, I would like to put dual purpose tires on LRB...18 inch wheels front and back. Got any suggestions? Was contemplating a Shinko tire...244's a bit too Off road maybe..but 705"s ?? TKC has some to fit but a bit extreme. Love to try the Heidenau but the front would be unavailable. Be nice to get just some a bit better for gravel roads.....OR just learn the technique and relax!!!

[msbuck]

Relaxing is the key!  Squeeze those knees and it helps.  Stand on the pegs and let the bike go where it wants.  It's hard to get used to after riding the street, but Graham and I are making progress on our little dirt bikes.  We ride in heavy sand down here and it can really throw you for a loop!  

[suecanada]

Standing on the pegs is what is recommended and it does help as the bike's movements are not transmitted to my 'chicken' brain! BUT....when I am standing i can't help but think that the ground is even farther away and is a long way down. And if something goes really sideways for Sunday it surely will take a longer time to get a foot dab in that may save the day....or not. Always have to fall back on practise, practise..or better, "perfect practise makes perfect!"

[tvrla]

It takes more strength, but just lifting your butt off the seat slightly is the best way to do it. Then you're not up so high, and your knees are bent to absorb shocks. But it is a workout.

[suecanada]

Thanks for that wirespokes....that'll help.

[tvrla]

Cool!  

Getting all your weight on the pegs also helps in bumpy turns. The bike handles better with the weight situated below the center of gravity rather than above it.

[msbuck]

Yeah, what wirespokes said.  Even if you only shift your weight to when you are in gravel/dirt/bumps, etc.  I use my knees as shock absorbers  and don't completely stand up.  Give it a try and you'll see how much it helps.  

[Semper Gumby]

Hi Sue,

You might try a Bridgestone 4.10x18 TW302.  Its a rear tire.  The biggest problem with Dual sports on the r65 is fender clearence.  If you get any mud on 'em the front wheel stops rotating and then you know what happens next.  There is one person in Austrailia or NZ that has a Dunlop K70 4.00x18 on the front but he has the fender removed.

Anothe possible is to find a R80st front end and put it on.  Then you will have plenty of 21" dual sport tires to choose from.

Good luck.

http://www.motorcycle-karttires.com/glamourindex.aspx?productID=80&LookupID=19

[suecanada]

Good ideas all..thank you!