Tell me more about taking a 1200 off-road, please.

[Giles]

I am a fan of training. My take on this, is that if you're starting something new, learn the building blocks and foundations properly so they become second nature, and the only way you know how. That way you start off on the right foot, and don't learn bad practices from the start.
I follow bikers that are truly, truly shit riders from time to time , and when I stop them for a chat they tell me they've been riding for years !! And like wise, Sometimes I follow a really nice rider, good lines, good acceleration sense, good planning, and they tell me they've only been riding for two or three years. They've clearly been taught well .
If you know nothing (and hey, there's nothing wrong with that - I've never been errrrr, skiing for example..) then good tuition from the very start is essential. Then, go out and build on that on your own, with the confidence that your basic skills are sound and correct.

 

[Timolgra]

Plenty of advise here mate.....just ride it on easy tracks and with commitment

 

[ExpatinIstanbul]

Cheers everyone, lots of good stuff here.....keep it coming. It looks as though I'll be taking off on the weekend of the 15th, to follow a route The Venturer (a Turkish member on here) took last year. It looks mostly to be unpaved roads, but nothing beyond a relative beginner....so I hope. It's going to take a bit of a different mindset, as my preferred riding environment is heavy city traffic, but I'm planning on taking it easy and giving myself some honest reviews of how I've done at each stage. I will, as requested, post photos of the bike on its side at various scenic locations.

 

[Brian ROSEN]

I think that, out of a sense of common decency, the original poster should go thrash the tits off his 1200 around some Turkish quarry,desert or Byzantine enduro site and post up some before/after photo's of his bike....and eventually the repair bill!!!

 

[sharkz]

I think that, out of a sense of common decency, the original poster should go thrash the tits off his 1200 around some Turkish quarry,desert or Byzantine enduro site and post up some before/after photo's of his bike....and eventually the repair bill!!!

i know i should be working but... was just enjoying new "EWAN AND THINGY" series on youtube when i came across this moron. who is he?

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[jpooch00]

i know i should be working but... was just enjoying new "EWAN AND THINGY" series on youtube when i came across this moron. who is he?

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Here's his bio. He's some half-assed actor, apparently.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charley_Boorman

 

[Mav]

Get some decent boots, don't be afraid to drop it or get muddy.... and practice, practice, practice... and when you think you've done enough, practice some more. Nothing beats hours in the dirt

 

[Pathologic]

Don't be shy

Hi dave,

Don't go off roading alone unless you have back up very close. Take some friends. Its more fun and there is someone there to help pick up the bike, take photos and take the P**s out of you forever more.

I have taken my SE off roading a bit. It is fine. Lots of good advice already. Keep in higher gears except when going down steep hills

Look up the techniques for lifting the bike and make sure you know how to do it. On the BMW off road course they teach you to cover the brake and clutch with the first two fingers and hold the bars with the other two. It does seem to give greater control and stop you grabbing a fistfull of brake at the wrong moment.

My 2p.

Regards,

Path.

 

[Mark8303]

Positioning

Sit well forward to keep the front wheel 'loaded' it helps grip. Push out the inside leg when cornering, it looks 'motocross' but it works and the bike tips into the corner easily. Lift the elbows, it forces the hands into the best position for the loose stuff. On the straight bits stand and lean forward, it helps stearing (& all the other benefits already posted) and allows a good view of what's comming at you. Most important of all STOP when you feel tired or fatigued or you will fall off. And off course have fun