Minimalist Touring Thread (250cc and under)

[Jon]

Originally Posted by Outwardbound

Last weekend at Cleveland International Motorcycle show.
Lois Pryce, the Queen of Minimalist touring gives a 30 minute talk. Well attended and received.

Got to spend some time chatting with her as well one on one. Very entertaining!

[Scott_PDX]

Originally Posted by ALinUTAH

I've had my eye on this tent.

http://www.rei.com/product/827912/bi...-spur-ul1-tent

I never backpack alone, always have wife and two labradors which is why I have the palace.

The trick to this minimalism is not to think "how much stuff can I get on this little bike" but "what can I do without."

Al

Also check out the Big Agnes Fly Creek 2. I went to REI and looked at all the packed tents in their storage area and picked out the ones that had the smallest stuff sack. That was one of the smallest. The lighter the tent though, the flimsier the material. Worked great in a two week trip to Utah last summer, but I feel like I need to "Baby it" (Probabably not a bad thing).

[Leo.G]

Hey!

Here's a little photo of my last trip, last weekend..



Greetings!

[carloscyclecare]

Originally Posted by Ed@Ford

Where's that windscreen from? Slick...kinda Dakar-like!

Made the windscreen myself. Here's more about the work done on the bike.

http://advrider.com/forums/showthrea...0#post20180950

[carloscyclecare]

Originally Posted by frog13

How's the XR200 on the road?.

The XR200 does well in cruising speed on the road. Max out the rpm and vibration will take it's toll on you, this is most particularly a problem for me as I have tendonitis. Wrapping foam on the grips does help though.

[Klay]

Originally Posted by Leo.G

Hey!

Here's a little photo of my last trip, last weekend..



Greetings!

Is that a 125?

[Pete-NZ]

Originally Posted by Klay

Is that a 125?

Honda XR250 Tornado , DOHC air cooled motor..
Same motor as in the New XRE 300 , CB250R & bored out in the
CB300R...

great wee bikes.......

[Klay]

Originally Posted by Pete-NZ

Honda XR250 Tornado , DOHC air cooled motor..
Same motor as in the New XRE 300 , CB250R & bored out in the
CB300R...

Nice, wish they were available here.

[carloscyclecare]

Originally Posted by Pete-NZ

Honda XR250 Tornado , DOHC air cooled motor..
Same motor as in the New XRE 300 , CB250R & bored out in the
CB300R...

That's a nice bike. What tires are you using?

[carloscyclecare]

Usually just sleep out though...




This is just beautiful! Is that some kind of deep pit behind you?

[Pete-NZ]

Originally Posted by carloscyclecare

That's a nice bike. What tires are you using?

Shinko 705 front , rear...

[UtahFox]

Originally Posted by carloscyclecare

Usually just sleep out though...

This is just beautiful! Is that some kind of deep pit behind you?

You know, I'm not sure how deep that one is. They're often filled with water, and we never got any Sun in that alcove, you couldn't see the bottom. Wouldn't want to fall in either way, it can be pretty hard getting out of them...



This one is considerably more 'user friendly' :)

[Nanabijou]

Originally Posted by ALinUTAH

I've had my eye on this tent.

http://www.rei.com/product/827912/bi...-spur-ul1-tent

I never backpack alone, always have wife and two labradors which is why I have the palace.

The trick to this minimalism is not to think "how much stuff can I get on this little bike" but "what can I do without."

Al

Good point regarding the "what I can do without" part.

I've refined my setup over the past couple of years - getting rid of stuff that simply doesn't work for me - while experimenting with other gear. Over time - you realize there are certain items you just can't live without and they become a mainstay in your setup. Obviously, what I can't live without is likely different from what others can't live without.

With my CBR125R - just like my other bikes - the focus for me is a great night's sleep while camping (I refuse to stay in motels). I've tried many variations. The one that consistently allows me to sleep like I am at home involves....

1) A camp-time roll-a-cot (only 10 lbs) with my Nemo Cosmo Air insulated mattress (packs small, is insulated, and the built-in foot pump allows me to inflate it in about 30 seconds) on top. And a thick, comfy, warm sleeping bag on top of the mattress. The cot allows me to place my helmet and other gear underneath it - to save space in the tent. And it is a real treat to get dressed while sitting on the edge of the cot - like a bed - in the morning. I often find myself over-sleeping with this setup - because it is just so damn comfortable and cozy - I don't want to get up. And it is always great to face another day of riding when you feel so fresh and rested.

2) A Nemo Moki single-walled tent. Quick to set up. Lightweight. Completely waterproof. Packs down very small. And I never ever have to fiddle around with a tent fly again (or lose it) - not to mention the extra time it takes to drape it over the tent and peg it down.

3) Ortlieb dry tailbag and saddles. I wish I would have purchased these the first time around. Now I never have to put on rain covers ever again. All my gear stays dry all the time. I'll never go back.

4) A waterproof Kriega US20 tankbag that I plan to try out this summer. However, the Icon Urban Tankbag has many pockets, holds all my maps and little items, and easily carries two large drinks and food for the day.

5) Ortlieb saddles that carry extra clothes, chain wax, tools, sandals, mp3 player with speakers, toiletry travel bag, and various other essentials. That's everything I need.

You can read about my recent trip here:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=813500&highlight=nanabijou

[djvx]

Originally Posted by greer

Can you tell us more about the windshield? Thanks

Sarah

i did a detailed write up either in this thread or the Long Term klx250s thread. As someone pointed out earlier its the Harbor Frieght face shield, it's the better one they sell. I removed the headgear, flipped it upsidedown and used the attachment hardware from the discarded headgear to mount it to the bike. Took like 20 minutes and cost like $15.

[djvx]

Originally Posted by Crazy Canadian

Can't find that listed anywhere on their site...

See previous post