How tough is it?

[Rupert Jordan]

Does anyone have any experience with the WC (non adventure) doing some serious off road miles?

I've started doing a bit of green laning on my 2013 TE and I'm wondering about doing the Trans America Trail.

The ORS bikes seem okay with the punishment, but they're relatively low mileage when they're retired, and they never carry much weight. I'm also wondering if the cast wheels will cope, and if my Vario panniers are up to the job (probably not).

Thanks.

Rupert.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

Have a really good think about doing the TAT on a GS. It will be tough enough for sure but I did it a few years back on an 1100 and it was very difficult because of the size of the bike in the conditions. I've done it since then on a 640KTM and it was not only easier, but much more enjoyable. You will have everything from thick and slippery mud , sand, deep gravel, boulder strewn tracks and river crossings to deal with a big GS is really too big.

If you do decide to do it on the GS and it is do-able, get wire wheels as you will destroy the alloys, think about soft luggage as you won't break your legs when you bin it (which you will do plenty of times). You will destroy the vario's by day 3 I would suggest and if you want hard panniers, go for something a lot tougher.

Not trying to put you off mate but really think about it and a 650cc bike is much more suited

 

[Rupert Jordan]

Ah, that's what I was beginning to suspect. Thanks. I do love the bike and what it's capable of, but I could probably buy something smaller for the price of a pair of new spoked wheels.

 

[Perspicacious]

I'm not having a crack Sgt Bilco, but the G in GS is there for a reason. I'll confess to not mashing my current WC on the dirt (it's only got 700km on it) but my last GS did thousands of dirt kilometres through central Australia and what we laughingly call High Country. I once rode down the Zeka Spur Track (Google it) in muddy snow, and have only rarely been as frightened. I was VERY pleased to make it to the bottom.

The GS will do it. You will drop it. It is no dirt bike: technical tracks are beyond mortal riders like me but better riders seem to cope. But rough dirt tracks are fine.

Courage my friend, courage. When you're courage fails you, do it anyway.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[Engineer]

It is well 'ard - I managed to ride all the way up Frome Hall Lane in Stroud on Saturday two up with luggage!!!! not just the first bit but the whole way!!!, there is mud and grass and stuff and it must be at least 1 in 3 - got all the way back down on Sunday too - I was well impressed.

 

[mrtee43]

Didn't Claudio find it easier going, riding his replacement ( much lighter) Russian bike on the Charlie and Ewan epic ?

 

[Engineer]

Didn't Claudio find it easier going, riding his replacement ( much lighter) Russian bike on the Charlie and Ewan epic ?

Yes he did - it isn't rocket engineering to understand that a 250kg bike is going to be a bit of a pain once you are off-road compared to a 150kg bike - the difference is equivalent to a carrying a big fat tosser on your back or not.

 

[Clifton]

Bilco's point is right on. I would consider picking up a used KLR 650 or Suzuki DR650. There are always used ones in pretty nice condition out there for $3,000-$3,500. A KLR comes pretty well equipped with a large tank, rear rack, and semi-ok seat. You'll probably want a 5 gallon tank for the DR and a seat. Both should get a skid pan and soft luggage.
Heck when you finish the ride leave it at a dealer to be serviced and sell it to someone here on the forum, they can ride the TAT back the other direction.