Sibirsky Extreme 2012 - The Toughest Ride of Them All

[Adv Grifter]

Originally Posted by Bli55

PS. Also a Loncin assembled Rotax, if I understand correctly...

It's a Rotax design originally ... now, ALL parts made in China at Loncin plant. For the new Husky, BMW designers went through the motor, made several upgrades according to Motorcyclist's Aaron Frank, who attended the Terra/Strada Intro in Spain:
Shared bottom end with G650 BMW ... but, Lighter Piston, more aggressive cams, higher compression 12.3:1. Frank said: "weak off the bottom but a zippy mid range, quick revving, good character." Over all good review.

If it holds together could be a good KLR beater.
Two major things I'd want to change:
1. Steel swing arm
2. Dual exhaust
An Alu swing arm and single can should take off 10 to 12 kgs or so.

[D K]

Originally Posted by Colebatch

If you want a cheap new bike without many mods to do this kinda stuff, consider the Husqvarna TR650 Terra (18 inch)

Hello.

I had asked this a couple of pages ago, but whats keeping the TE610 from appearing on your list?
I am amazed at how well that bike handles the highway (as well as dirt).

D

[bighaasfly]

More! More! More!

A question: how did you translate your perceived route on Google earth to your GPS? I've wondered if there is a iPad app that would allow me to drag my finger over the route I want to take on Google earth and it would, in effect, draw me a route line with GPS coordinates? I've been wanting to scout out some treks here in the states for next summer.

I'm excited Walter. Thanks for posting up your adventures! Good stuff for sure!

[Tracks1]

Originally Posted by Bli55

But as compared to X-challenge?
....higher compression ratio (12.3 vs 11.5 to 1),....How much difference do you think such compression ratio will make?

One would think the increase in compression ratio would have a significant negative impact when using low Octane rated gasoline, i.e., because the onset of Detonation increases with the increase of the compression ratio. The compression ratio increase for the TR650 over the G650 Xch is 6.956% which could easily eliminate the use of low grade fuels (more common in remote areas of the world) and if emergency used might hole the piston Thus I've removed the TR650 engine from my list of considerations.

[Colebatch]

Originally Posted by Bli55

But as compared to X-challenge?
~20 kg heavier, has higher compression ratio (12.3 vs 11.5 to 1), and only 190mm suspension travel...
How much difference do you think such compression ratio will make?

Looks sooooo good though!

PS. Also a Loncin assembled Rotax, if I understand correctly...

Well I got the impression the guy was after a new bike from the showroom, so XC is out ... but maybe I am wrong.

[Colebatch]

Originally Posted by D K

Hello.

I had asked this a couple of pages ago, but whats keeping the TE610 from appearing on your list?
I am amazed at how well that bike handles the highway (as well as dirt).

D

I dont know anything about the carbed TE610s mate ... rare as hens teeth. There is only one for sale in the UK at the moment, and it is the supermoto version.

I do have a preference for the simplicity and flexibility of EFI. But seriously, I dont know anything about that bike, what aftermarket parts you could get for it, or what I would need to do to one to prep it for a trans continental trip (Safari make a tank for the FI version but not the earlier carbed 610).

[Colebatch]

Originally Posted by bighaasfly

More! More! More!

A question: how did you translate your perceived route on Google earth to your GPS? I've wondered if there is a iPad app that would allow me to drag my finger over the route I want to take on Google earth and it would, in effect, draw me a route line with GPS coordinates? I've been wanting to scout out some treks here in the states for next summer.

I'm excited Walter. Thanks for posting up your adventures! Good stuff for sure!

Firstly, "create a path" in google earth ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhvXnILwCHQ

Then save that path as a KMZ file.

Then convert the KMZ file to a GPX file (I use www.GPSvisualizer.com)

Then import it into Mapsource or Basecamp and transfer to your device

[Colebatch]

Originally Posted by Adv Grifter

Interesting observation. I had asked Cole before about patching materials and techniques used.

Do you guys have any name brands for patch kits/glue ... and technique when trail side?

From memory we had pretty generic patching gear. I even recall us topping up our patch kits at Russian auto parts stores with new glue and patches. We typically patched tubes when possible, but had to replace them when valve stems ripped out.

[Colebatch]

Originally Posted by Wal2

totally agree.......but given the chance to go or not, but it had to be on the G650.....what would you do....

i would still go ... just pack light and take soft bags

[IceCreamSoldier]

I have enjoyed so much of this report. Thank you. Most recently the reply from the OP regarding how he came up with his tracks. But most of all, I like how the OP replies to just about every question someone asks him. I don't have a question, so I don't expect a response.....

I will say that two things swing how good vodka is .

thing one: how cold it is
thing two: who you're with and what you're doing

[Klay]

Originally Posted by Colebatch

OK ... Since the cat is already out of the bag ... This is a short selection of clips from our time in the Altai (I will put loads more into the DVD) ... The details of the story and pics will unfold over the coming days:

Amazing!

[MrKiwi]

Originally Posted by Colebatch

Firstly, "create a path" in google earth ... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LhvXnILwCHQ

Then save that path as a KMZ file.

Then convert the KMZ file to a GPX file (I use www.GPSvisualizer.com)

Then import it into Mapsource or Basecamp and transfer to your device

I know I didn't ask the question but thanks anyway, have saved this advice for later use...

[Colebatch]

The morning scenery looked even better than the previous night



And the team felt up for a little exploration before we headed back to the M52 and on to Aktash

[Packer]

Ohh, quick, phone Health & Safety, the roads department and a team of lawyers!!!! There's no crash barrier at the side of the road



Just the way the world should be in my opnion.

This report just gets better &better, thanks Team Extreme.

[RDT953]

This is brilliant, been following from the start and it just keeps getting better.