Rainbow Trail

Hi,
I'm planning a trip to Colorado in September. Part of our planned route is the Rainbow trial. I'm trying to decide wither to ride my KTM 640 or KTM 400 MXC. I'd like to take my 640 so I can just ride out there instead of haul. Can anyone tell me if the rainbow is to much for my 640? I'm a pretty experienced rider and I've had it in some pretty rough stuff in Arkansas, but I'd rather not tear it up as this is my main dual sport bike. The rainbow is the only questionable portion if our route.

Thanks!

<iframe width="420" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/eIyUtM3swOU" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

my google fu is strong today!


I know of some folks who took a 950Adventure up Pearl Pass, and some crazy guy who tried Calico on a 950 SE...so I gueiss it's a matter of how much pain you like.

I brought my 2000 KLR650 on the first and supposedly hardest 15 miles of it. Unfortunately I broke off my rear brake pedal in the first 7 miles. I figured who really needs a back brake so I kept going. I then broke off my right foot peg. I stopped after that. I never fell just hit them on the narrow side hill trail. If you are a competent rider you should be able to do it on a 640, but it would be more fun on a small bike.

Just because you probably can do it on your 640, doesn't mean you should..plus if you are going to do the whole thing, your body will appreciate tossing around a lighter bike for those 100 or so miles!

Check it out:

Bergs Over the Rainbow
http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=820748

Thanks for that link, ramz. That was a most excellent story and pic collection.

Go with the 400. It's the wise choice. I would never ride a 640 on the Rainbow Trail.

Thanks guys! That's exactly the advice I was looking for. The video and the pictures from the ride report put it in perspective. I could ride my 640 on those trials if I had to. But I don't have to, cuz I'll be riding my MXC 400 based on ya'lls advice.

Thanks Again!

I need a smaller bike. I absulutly have to ride the rainbow soon
Shawn

If you're willing to ride the 640 to Colorado from Missouri, then I'd say the Rainbow would seem easier by comparison, IMHO, having crossed Kansas 3 times last August. Nebraska ain't no picnic either.

Toto. I don't think we're in Kansas anymore

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Sorry I didn't chime in on this earlier...I hope you had a great trip.

Here's a trip report with maps, pics and GPS tracks to download:
http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=1764060

Rainbow Trail is a great ride and adventure!

-'Stick!

You have a smaller bike. Let's go!

nice ride report and photos!