My brother and I decided to take on a ride from Yuma to Parker and back via the back-roads. I had mapped out a route via MapSource, BaseCamp and Google Earth. For the most part it was pretty accurate, and of course we had to improvise a few times. However, I did track where we went with my 276C GPS, and compared those results to what we were originally following. I've since cleaned up our route and posted it on DualSportMaps.com for others who would like to take on this adventure. My brother is sporting a late model KLR 650 with some protection and a cushy ride. We did swap out rides for a short bit, and I was shocked at just how much his KLR felt like a Cadillac compared to my KTM. I was sporting a 2012 KTM 500 EXC updated with some protection and a Tail Rack from Globetrottin. I gotta say, that rack from Globetrottin kicks butt, it was solid the entire trip, even after multiple crashes. The route that we took was shorter than what we had initially had planned. Due to time constraints, we ended up cutting out the alternate 137 mile route. We ended up just taking the highway back home to Yuma. At the end of the day we were happy to have done that, since we were both wiped out and needed a rest and a shower. Whew, we really needed a shower. Here is a picture of the GPS info that showed some stats on the route we did take: My Bro and I after we got our crap packed up and ready to hit the trail My Setup This was a bad mistake on my part. Note how the bands are located behind the exhaust. This was a bad move on my part. I ended up melting some of the netting.....not good. Our camp spot. We used the Luxerylite cots, bivvy sacks and some sleeping bags. This turned out to work quite well.. Some of the nastier terrain Argghhhh, took another soil sample.... Sheesh, that KLR is heavy Stopping to check out an old mine shaft Running out of daylight.... Apparently Harry has his own chair at the Bouse Gas station... Link to Map: http://www.dualsportmaps.com/?link=102719 <IFRAME title=Yuma-Parker height=600 src="http://www.dualsportmaps.com/embedMap.html?id=102719" width=800></IFRAME>
Thanks for the post! I will be in Bouse in March riding my DRZ 400. Rode that area last year too. Now i have new area to check out. Thanks
Sure thing. I would recommend the alternate route from Quartzsite down to the interstate. It's about 137 miles according to the GPS. We didn't run this route due to not having the time.....so, i don't know if this goes all the way through without obstacles..... At any rate, glad somebody can benefit from these routes.....
SteveO Good to hear the rack worked out for you. Always good to hear feedback especially GOOD feedback! Do you have any idea how much load you had on the rack? The cots are a nice touch to replace an air pad. And, wow! What a cock pit! Thanks !
Indeed, the rack worked VERY well. I'm impressed. As for weight, well, I don't know. i'm guessing I had maybe around 40 lbs or so. I thought about weighing it, but then got too busy with the packing etc...... One thing I noticed that appears to be missing, or maybe this is just a patent thing.....There are two rings on the top sides of the side braces, which are designed for the Wolfman style bags. These are great, and make for easy clipping of the wolfman style bags. However, there are no bottom rings for the wolfman bags to clip to. I had to take the bottom straps from the wolfman bags and wrap them around the bottom section of the side brace. This did work, but definitely made it more difficult when mounting the bags. Is there any reason why where are not loops on the bottom side of the side braces for the wolfman bags?
SteveO, how have you been? I see you went orange. Nice bike. I like your cockpit setup. If you had a fairing around it you would damn near have a rally bike. Two things that might help you: 1. Try different grips, I have found these to work great. Pro Grip Model 714 Dual Sport Rally Grips. Very comfortable on those long days in the saddle. 2. Check out this Wolfman video. It shows how to attach the luggage to a rack not made by them. They use D rings attached to Velcro. You rap them around the existing rack and then you can use the butterfly clips from their bag for easy on and off. Great idea! I am thinking of getting a set of Wolfman Expedition bags for my 950. I went with a Giant Loop (mojavi) for the smaller bikes and love it. Great for day trips and you don't even know it is there. Ride Safe.
Indeed, those grips do look nice. I may have to pick up a couple pairs, considering the cheap price of 8.99.... Great tip on the Wolfman video, I need to check that out.
