Sibirsky Extreme 2012 - The Toughest Ride of Them All

[Colebatch]

Originally Posted by ERU

Wathching that little movie an old question pop-up again in my head:

How about none of you guys are using steering dampers on your bikes?

Nice report. Keep it coming.

You dont really need it on the BMWs ... they are built stable. More effort to turn it on single track, wut we werent riding much single track. Its all gravel roads and double track - so stability is useful on this trail.

KTM 690 I think definitely needs one. Why they didnt put less offset on it I dont know - its too big to be as unstable as it is ... IMHO. They turn almost as quickly as my Husaberg.

[ROD CURRIE]

Originally Posted by Beam(st)er

Sorry Rod, can't keep this for myself...

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/70331749/Rod%27s%20dive.m4v

That can't have been me...and if it was she's slowed it down 'cos I wuz going much faster .....and I ride much more stylishly than that ...and the voices made me do it.

Shit....Rumbled for the true wanker I am

[ROD CURRIE]

Originally Posted by Colebatch

You dont need it on the BMWs ... they are built stable. More effort to turn it on single track, wut we werent riding much single track. Its all gravel roads and double track - so stability is useful on this trail.

KTM 690 definitely needs one. Its has race bike instability built into a bike that way to big to race enduros with. Why they didnt put less offset on it I dont know - its too big to be as unstable as it is ... IMHO

Prepare for a storm of protest from 690 riders W.
I can only say I've never felt it was unstable or anything like as twitchy as my old 625...now that WAS a quick steerer. The 690 feels road-stable on the dirt-the locks not anything as good as the old girl though. I can only tell it as I've found it.
I'd've let you have a go on mine if it'd run for more than 5 minutes .

[modeselector]

Originally Posted by ROD CURRIE

That can't have been me...and if it was she's slowed it down 'cos I wuz going much faster .....and I ride much more stylishly than that ...and the voices made me do it.

Ohhh - I give points on style for that maneuver...done a few myself. It's impressive your actually still in the game at this point.

[Prutser]

Originally Posted by ERU

Wathching that little movie an old question pop-up again in my head:

How about none of you guys are using steering dampers on your bikes?

Nice report. Keep it coming.

I mounted one after this trip....Not that I needed one but now it does feel more stable at high speeds.

[tee bee]

Yanas partner in crime, Zenya !

[Prutser]

As can be seen on the pictures the mud was all over our bikes.


All our bikes were carrying shit loads of that stuff.

When we were waiting for Rod to finish the last section of the track most of us used the time to clean the bikes a bit.
Using some twigs to try and get the mud from unreachable places like calipers,bash plates,chains and sprockets.



In the mean time I drove back to check how Rod was doing as I couldn't get enough of that track
We heard the KTM in the distance but it stopped after every few min. And a few min. later we heard the bike again.
MAN ROD SHOWED SOME SPIRIT THAT DAY.

[norseV4force]

Originally Posted by Beam(st)er

Sorry Rod, can't keep this for myself...

https://dl.dropbox.com/u/70331749/Rod%27s%20dive.m4v

Tool! Not Rod, the music.

[livewire]

Originally Posted by PeterJenks

This report just keeps getting better and better, thanks Guys and Gal.

...........on the edge of our seats with anticipation!!!

Peter

THIS! ^^^

[Prutser]

Originally Posted by norseV4force

Tool! Not Rod, the music.

To bad its such a short video clip Would have loved to hear more TOOL !

[Steveman]

Originally Posted by ROD CURRIE

Hi Steve.
Thanks for your kind comments. This was pretty much what I (and P who was a rock of support) did across the next 24 hours, just tore the bike to bits again, changed the fuel filter AGAIN, tried re-routing the fuel lines, checked all the electric connections and ensured everything was as it should be. I got to the stage whare I can now take all of the back of the bike -luggage racks, electrics fuel tank etc-off in about 20 minutes

Regarding our proximity to any kind of support, there were a couple of motor factors (spares type shops) locally, but these were of course largely catering for agricultural spares and the more common Russian cars-so we had to source whatever we could locally, and that was very little. The nearest KTM agent or motorcycle repair shop of any size or competence was at Barnaul-about 3-400 miles away.

Yana's husband, Hassan is a great guy and went the extra mile and more to help, running me around these shops in his van and just being a great support. I'll post a pic later-he was to become a pivotal character in this saga.

Thanks for responding Rod. I somehow knew that I will not get the answer to this puzzle today. Arrrrgh
But I'll follow till you will let us know. I love this RR, really appreciate it.
Keep 'em posts comin'

[MrPulldown]

Originally Posted by Prutser

Is that a rear shock boot in the picture? Is it for keeping the shock clean or for protecting you leg/pants from being pinched?

[roscoau]

Originally Posted by Colebatch

All except Beamster ... she had somehow enjoyed the day !

I get the impression Beamster is the quiet achiever here. While you guys have all the drama and 'fun' she's just cruisin'.

[Franck B]

Originally Posted by roscoau

she's just cruisin'.

and what about the ditch ?

[Prutser]

Originally Posted by MrPulldown

Is that a rear shock boot in the picture? Is it for keeping the shock clean or for protecting you leg/pants from being pinched?

It is a shock tube(sock) to keep it clean.