dual sport

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Let me know what you have and we'll talk.

 

I'm an AGATT guy, and it saved my life when a dumb person pulled out from a side road and then stopped, blocking the road. I hit them just behind their rear tire & flew like Superman for a ways. My right boot's buckle broke & that foot was swollen, but nothing broke there. My helmet got scraped very badly, which was better than my head getting pulped. My gloves saved my hands; I lost no skin whatsoever. My pelvis broke in three places, but no gear would have prevented that. My overpants went through 3 of the 4 layers on the right knee & saved the kneecap. My jacket got roughed up, but my chest & back were fine.

When I start riding again I will be a AGATT guy again.

 

I'm planning on purchasing a 13' Honda CRF250L for my first bike, the price is right and it rides nice!

 

Good trail bike.

 

good choice

 

Hopefully Honda produces these for the public!

http://expeditionportal.com/vehicules/motorcycles/honda/2452-honda-releases-crf-rally-450.html

 

Looks badass. Also looks kind of heavy. Wish they'd post some specs.
I'd rather they bring the e-start XR400 SMs over here, or revamp the 650R.

 

I just bought a 2012 klx250s and my first ride in sand dumped it on my ankle and hit pretty hard. What is a good mx boot that will last me a while?

 

My Taco's only competition..[/IMG]

 

That can get you places you could NEVER get to in the Taco.

 

Indeed Sir. We are planning a trip to Terlingua in March. Lots of riding out there.

 

I really like the Big Bend area of Texas, lots of good riding and unlike some (my wife) I like the desert scape. Just a closet geologist. I put the first 800+ miles on my WR250R in February of 2010 and hardly left Big Bend National Park.

As for the boot question, it really depends on what your use is going to be. I am a dualsporter so waterproof is not negotiable. Currently I am lusting after Gaerne Oiled Balance as they have a wide toe box that my old feet require. I have TCX Infinities but feel that a little added protection is needed for riding the WR. The Infinities are great for the street riding I do on the DL1000. Lots of choices to consider.

 

Alpinestars or Sidi.

 

Well sitting in my garage is a 2003 KLR 250 that I just scored. From what I have been told it needs carb cleaned and new battery. Now that hunting season is coming to a close it will be my winter project with intent to ride like the wind..LOL come spring.

Funny part is I have not been on a bike in 20 years. My parents used to ride but I just kept myself on 4 wheels. So at the age of 47, I'm diving into the dual sport bike thing....Oh my...

My question is this, when looking at helmets, I see a big price jump from in the $100s to the $400s, I guess, like most things you get what you pay for, but for someone "trying it out" what is the big difference in the helmets and would a DOT approved but inexpensive helmet work OK.

 

I crashed pretty hard with like a $60 helmet, and my head was fine. That being said, after my accident I sprung for a $400 Aria helmet.

I've had many cheap helmets, and safety aside the aria is much more comfortable and I can wear my glasses without issue. A lot of cheaper full face helmets don't have a lot of room to get your glasses in there without feeling like they are getting bent out of shape. If I could do it again I would have saved all the money I spent on cheap helmets and just bought a good one to begin with.

 

I've had my share of helmets. Any helmet is better then no helmet. Just make sure you get a full face one that fits.
If all you can afford or want to spend on one is $100 or so, then cycle gear has plenty that will suit you.
I had an aria, it wasn't like some holy grail of helmets. Just a helmet.

Find one that's comfortable to you and wear it. Even if you're in a state that doesn't require it. If you plan on riding off road, get boots!!! Can't begin to tell you how many times my foot/ankle would of snapped if I didn't have my boots on.

 

Webbike world has a lot of helmet reviews. Price alone is not a good indication of quality. I have an Arai XD $500 and a Caberg Ego $250 The Caberg is my favorite. Pick out something from their reviews that you like, find it at a dealer and try it on. Try a few other brands and styles on. Take time with it on your head be especially perceptive on any pressure points no matter how slight. They will not go away and will become uncomfortable if not pain full after several hours. Thanks the dealer for stocking a variety of helmets, buy it there. I would suggest not buying your first helmet from mail order. Wait until you have an idea of what your head shape is and what brands/styles fit your head best.

 

i would say fit and comfort are the important factors
besides using it PROPERLY.........

 

If you have a 10 dollar head buy a 10 dollar helmet. Just one of those dirt bike sayings like plaster makes you faster. There is some truth to it though...the helmet thing. I was lucky enough to get a shoei for half price cause the store was closing. Shoulda bought every one they had coulda made money on every one. For the high price you get light weight and good ventilation and when I'm on the street doing 50 and turn my head the visor doesn't try to twist my head off. None of this is completely night and day but it sure is nice. All that being said I would still have a hard time dropping $500 on a helmet but for $250 I couldn't pass it up. Best helmet I've ever had.

 

I've been an active Dirtrider since 1969 and always had very good equipment.
Now at almost 58 and made the switch to Dualsporting I had to rethink a few things. I still have top of the line boots but when choosing a helmet I just couldn't swing the big buck D/S helmet. I did my research and tried on many helmets. I chose the GMax GM11. I love having the option of using goggles or the face shield OR both.