Hey Dual Sport Fans, thanks for joining me on this ride! If you're doing some shopping, please consider supporting my content though these affiliate links. It makes a huge difference for us! Rocky Mountain ATV: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/?ref=1042& Amazon: amzn.to/3Jfbfkn MotoCampNerd: motocampnerd.com/?ref=rAQ-OX06xBU2aq 10% Off First MotoCamp Purchase Code: SwankyCat
"INTENT" is everything on a bike. Manufacturer's give us a lot of choices to fit our intent but after you select a bike you still got to define your intent for the trip you're on. Riding an hour to the trails & back home requires certain things & going on a week long trip is another..... defining your intent is the trick to smart travel on your bike. With a car ya just throw lots of stuff in the trunk & go but w/ the limits of a bike you need to define your intent so you can carry the right stuff. Thanks for making my mind consider some of the many options now available for bikers. peace
Thanks for sharing your thinking on mods. I think there are 3, maybe 4 things to consider. 1- your bike’s strong and not so strong points, 2- your riding area, 3- your riding style, 4- mods are fun & some are just cool!
You might try the Parabellum windscreen on the DR650. I have the Parabellum on my Gen1 KLR and makes a big difference. It will fit the 2002 on DR650, sandly mine is a 2000.
I have been thinking about those! I'm really surprised no one makes something like my rally cowl for the DR where it's an all in one with a place to mount a GPS. There's a company that makes something really similar for the Gen1 too!
@SwankyCatProductions I just finished putting a new front tire on and balancing. New Trailmax missions front and back. Going on test ride now. They were not that hard to mount, not like everyone says.
11:57 Yeah, I’m trying to avoid adding the tech distractions, phone goes in my pocket, have an intercom to communicate with my partner… figure if we get a little lost that is part of the exploration process ; )
No kidding! I grew up without the aids of computers to tell us EVERYTHING at a push of a few buttons. Knowing your directions (N E S W ) is a biggie. Also knowing that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west is even bigger? Paper maps were the authority of the day combined with some foreknowledge planning. But, I see why a person would want to stay in coarse. I’m planning on getting a bigger gas tank and more ammo just n case I have to rely on other skills in the event that I have to live off the land and experience a real adventure. Guess I bought my enduro to escape the modern world too much. Love all serve all.
The best mod is not always what you think. Just messing around I put two Msr fuel bottle pouches on my handlebars, one for water one for Gatorade. That’s my most useful mod
Tusk Dsports rear tire all the way. It’s the best rear tire for the money if your passion is riding off road like me. Front Dsport tire works well, but the MT21 is a little more road friendly. I currently have the Tusk 2 track on the front of my Rally and it’s working out pretty well. I have many Tusk bags, luv them all. One Rigg Gear tail bag that I like a lot too tho. As far as hand guards, I’m a Zeta fan all the way. They offer some of the strongest, nicest looking, multiple colors and sizes, but most importantly, the triple tree mounts. If any of my bikes will accept triple tree mounts, it’s getting them. I do need to find a new navigation system. But an old phone mounted with a quad lock vibration dampener has been working fine, especially on my Rally where there is a convenient place to mount the navigation. Seat concepts will be getting my money for all my bikes! Lol.. My favorite aux lights are the Rigid 20521. So much light from such a small unit, and they’re 7-24 V
Definitely! The rear D-Sport is mean, cheap and still seems to hang in well enough for me on the road. Glad to hear you're liking the 2 Track! We got a set to test on my dad's Tenere, should be going on next week I think! I've never tried Zeta, but they are definitely the best looking option!!! My Tusk bags have always made me really happy too! Take care!
I feel that wearing extra weight instead of mounting it to a motorcycle only makes sense if you don't stand. By the time you carry tubes, tools, etc. that's a lot of extra weight to shift. It also raises your center of gravity if you are standing. A lot of off road riding requires shifting your body for balance, steering, etc. Ride the same challenging route twice once wearing extra weight and one mounting it down low and well (none of this flapping luggage shit). I guarantee that riding experience and skill level will improve.
If the weights attached low enough on the bike it would definitely be better. But when you're standing, the bike is doing most of the moving (side to side). So no matter where it is, you're going to have to throw it around. Where if it's on your back, you don't really need to toss it around all that much. Would be interesting to test though!
I think you will find that 99% of ADV instructors will say it is better mounted on the motorcycle. After all, the rider is the highest center of gravity....
Great job, Ben. I just sold the 22 Klr that I built from the ground up.....looking for a new project...DR 650....for a new build...maybe a KLX 300....Garth
Have you tried small saddle bags yet? I have nelson rig dual sport saddle bags for my dr650 and street bike. I cant tell they're on the bike while riding it or swinging my leg over it and they hold quite a bit of stuff. I dont have racks for them I just tape the bike up under them so it doesnt get scratched up.
That is a very good point! Saddle bags would help keep the load lower on the bike. I've got the Highland X2 reckless system and my dad has the smaller version. Generally I only stick them on for camping, but they would work well for every day items too is suppose!
Welcome to the best club out there!!! I have the Tusk kit (Tusk is a sponsor of my channel), it comes in a little red bag that fits nicely in my reckless bag system from them, but also should easily pack in any smallish bag. Here's an affiliate link to it (any purchases you make after clicking it will help support my content) First Aid Kit: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-trail-side-first-aid-kit-p?ref=1042&
Hey can u post me a link to primary gear 15t and a link to a bag he wants to buy me .I'll show u the bag hes buying me and the sprocket and if u want to post the links I'll buy them thru links , ?
I have looked at the D-Sports a hundred times, but hesitate because Suzuki recommends 120 on the back rather than 130. You don't seem to have any problems with the 130 D-Sport? I bought a Tusk top rack for the DR650 (on Amazon because RM ATV now only stocks the huge Tusk top rack). A tank bag is great, but you can't cram a 6-pack into it. I also find myself using the DR for the errands I would typically use my truck for...Running to the hardware store, etc. (I don't live in town). I have a mesh net on the top rack where I stuff a ball cap due to my crazy helmet hair, but with some rock straps, I can haul anything I used to throw in the passenger seat of the truck. My next modification will be to buy a kit to lower the pegs a bit. I am not a tall guy (I tip toe the DR with the stock seat and manage pretty well with the Seat Concepts Low seat), but I feel like my leg bend is pretty cramped with the stock pegs. I think an inch or two lower will be nice. Good call on the side stand platform.
I'm pretty comfortable up sizing tires, as long as they don't rub. I did the same on my last KLR if I recall correctly. Never really seemed to be a problem, and while this one came on the DR, it sure seems to work well as is. I LOVE running errands on bikes and snowmobiles! It was the only way I'd buy beer for a while actually! Haha. Went and got 5 gallons of gas on the TW for the mower the other day too. Makes the long trip to town much, much more enjoyable! Plus the funny looks always make me smile 😊. I'm not sure if I'll move my DR pegs or not... for some reason the rubber isolation doesn't actually bother me, or at least it hasn't yet. I have been babying it though since I keep putting off the fork seals 🤣
I didn't know about your Rocky Mountain link . So Myu sons buying me a new 15 t sprocket for my bday today , How do I use your link ? We would have bought my tires thru ur link too., I'll keep it rolling man , when we order we'll use ur link . Let me know hoe to do it , just click ur link and buy thru like that ? thanks
Yes! You just click on the Rock Mountain links either in the video descriptions, or in the top comment in the comments section that I post under most videos. Once you click it, any purchases you make from their website will help support my videos! Same thing with my Amazon links too actually. Doesn't matter what your buying, just the fact that I'm the one sending you there, gets me a small commission. I really appreciate you taking the time, thank you!!!
Come on man. Carrying the weight of tools on your back….. Just a reminder you only have one back. Keep riding with that added weight bouncing around and your riding career with be shortened. Good job pushing products. 😂
Hey Dual Sport Fans, thanks for joining me on this ride! If you're doing some shopping, please consider supporting my content though these affiliate links. It makes a huge difference for us!
Rocky Mountain ATV: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/?ref=1042&
Amazon: amzn.to/3Jfbfkn
MotoCampNerd: motocampnerd.com/?ref=rAQ-OX06xBU2aq
10% Off First MotoCamp Purchase Code: SwankyCat
"INTENT" is everything on a bike. Manufacturer's give us a lot of choices to fit our intent but after you select a bike you still got
to define your intent for the trip you're on. Riding an hour to the trails & back home requires certain things & going on a week
long trip is another..... defining your intent is the trick to smart travel on your bike. With a car ya just throw lots of stuff in the
trunk & go but w/ the limits of a bike you need to define your intent so you can carry the right stuff. Thanks for making my
mind consider some of the many options now available for bikers. peace
Definitely!!! Well said!
@@SwankyCatProductions - see what you do Swanky Cat, you make me think & that's dangerous.
Auxiliary lights. Because I hear nobody rides at night usually. Until they have too.
Haha, yeah true! They also help attract attention during the day, and look cool!
That's the first thing I add to my bike, next to tires. Night rides are the best.
Thanks for sharing your thinking on mods. I think there are 3, maybe 4 things to consider. 1- your bike’s strong and not so strong points, 2- your riding area, 3- your riding style, 4- mods are fun & some are just cool!
Yes, yep, mhmm, and heck yeah!!!
Good non bike specific run down of nice additions. Thanks.
Thanks!!!
You might try the Parabellum windscreen on the DR650. I have the Parabellum on my Gen1 KLR and makes a big difference. It will fit the 2002 on DR650, sandly mine is a 2000.
I have been thinking about those! I'm really surprised no one makes something like my rally cowl for the DR where it's an all in one with a place to mount a GPS. There's a company that makes something really similar for the Gen1 too!
@SwankyCatProductions I just finished putting a new front tire on and balancing. New Trailmax missions front and back. Going on test ride now. They were not that hard to mount, not like everyone says.
Love the XR! About to order that same front fairing for my 2021!
Nice!!! Let me know how you like it!
I'm using a rugged 8 inch Android tablet, for Nav It's the way to go.
Multifunctional, cheap and visible
Thanks Ben! You're a gentleman and a scholar.
Why thank you good sir!!! 😁
11:57 Yeah, I’m trying to avoid adding the tech distractions, phone goes in my pocket, have an intercom to communicate with my partner… figure if we get a little lost that is part of the exploration process ; )
No kidding! I grew up without the aids of computers to tell us EVERYTHING at a push of a few buttons. Knowing your directions (N E S W ) is a biggie. Also knowing that the sun rises in the east and sets in the west is even bigger? Paper maps were the authority of the day combined with some foreknowledge planning. But, I see why a person would want to stay in coarse. I’m planning on getting a bigger gas tank and more ammo just n case I have to rely on other skills in the event that I have to live off the land and experience a real adventure. Guess I bought my enduro to escape the modern world too much. Love all serve all.
Definitely! Getting lost is half the fun!
Good info man.
Thanks!
The best mod is not always what you think.
Just messing around I put two Msr fuel bottle pouches on my handlebars, one for water one for Gatorade. That’s my most useful mod
Hydration is very, very important!!!
Great as always. Fellow DR with many mods underway or in the future. I’m in Lincoln Co if you ever want to show a newbie how to ride in the HH.
Nice! Oh yeah? I don't get up there as much as I'd like but I'd be up for a ride sometime!
Tusk Dsports rear tire all the way. It’s the best rear tire for the money if your passion is riding off road like me. Front Dsport tire works well, but the MT21 is a little more road friendly. I currently have the Tusk 2 track on the front of my Rally and it’s working out pretty well. I have many Tusk bags, luv them all. One Rigg Gear tail bag that I like a lot too tho. As far as hand guards, I’m a Zeta fan all the way. They offer some of the strongest, nicest looking, multiple colors and sizes, but most importantly, the triple tree mounts. If any of my bikes will accept triple tree mounts, it’s getting them. I do need to find a new navigation system. But an old phone mounted with a quad lock vibration dampener has been working fine, especially on my Rally where there is a convenient place to mount the navigation. Seat concepts will be getting my money for all my bikes! Lol.. My favorite aux lights are the Rigid 20521. So much light from such a small unit, and they’re 7-24 V
Definitely! The rear D-Sport is mean, cheap and still seems to hang in well enough for me on the road. Glad to hear you're liking the 2 Track! We got a set to test on my dad's Tenere, should be going on next week I think! I've never tried Zeta, but they are definitely the best looking option!!! My Tusk bags have always made me really happy too! Take care!
I feel that wearing extra weight instead of mounting it to a motorcycle only makes sense if you don't stand.
By the time you carry tubes, tools, etc. that's a lot of extra weight to shift. It also raises your center of gravity if you are standing. A lot of off road riding requires shifting your body for balance, steering, etc.
Ride the same challenging route twice once wearing extra weight and one mounting it down low and well (none of this flapping luggage shit). I guarantee that riding experience and skill level will improve.
If the weights attached low enough on the bike it would definitely be better. But when you're standing, the bike is doing most of the moving (side to side). So no matter where it is, you're going to have to throw it around. Where if it's on your back, you don't really need to toss it around all that much. Would be interesting to test though!
I think you will find that 99% of ADV instructors will say it is better mounted on the motorcycle. After all, the rider is the highest center of gravity....
Great job, Ben. I just sold the 22 Klr that I built from the ground up.....looking for a new project...DR 650....for a new build...maybe a KLX 300....Garth
NICE!!! Let me know what you end up with!
Have you tried small saddle bags yet?
I have nelson rig dual sport saddle bags for my dr650 and street bike. I cant tell they're on the bike while riding it or swinging my leg over it and they hold quite a bit of stuff.
I dont have racks for them I just tape the bike up under them so it doesnt get scratched up.
That is a very good point! Saddle bags would help keep the load lower on the bike. I've got the Highland X2 reckless system and my dad has the smaller version. Generally I only stick them on for camping, but they would work well for every day items too is suppose!
Do you carry a first aid kit? If so what do you keep in it? Just got my first dual sport and I’m learning what to carry.
Welcome to the best club out there!!! I have the Tusk kit (Tusk is a sponsor of my channel), it comes in a little red bag that fits nicely in my reckless bag system from them, but also should easily pack in any smallish bag. Here's an affiliate link to it (any purchases you make after clicking it will help support my content)
First Aid Kit: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-trail-side-first-aid-kit-p?ref=1042&
Did you paint the windshield??
Nope, they come in white or red.
Hey can u post me a link to primary gear 15t and a link to a bag he wants to buy me .I'll show u the bag hes buying me and the sprocket and if u want to post the links I'll buy them thru links , ?
Is the new app Rever?
Nope, Gaia gps. Maybe I'll try Rever too. Haven't heard of that one.
I have looked at the D-Sports a hundred times, but hesitate because Suzuki recommends 120 on the back rather than 130. You don't seem to have any problems with the 130 D-Sport?
I bought a Tusk top rack for the DR650 (on Amazon because RM ATV now only stocks the huge Tusk top rack). A tank bag is great, but you can't cram a 6-pack into it. I also find myself using the DR for the errands I would typically use my truck for...Running to the hardware store, etc. (I don't live in town). I have a mesh net on the top rack where I stuff a ball cap due to my crazy helmet hair, but with some rock straps, I can haul anything I used to throw in the passenger seat of the truck.
My next modification will be to buy a kit to lower the pegs a bit. I am not a tall guy (I tip toe the DR with the stock seat and manage pretty well with the Seat Concepts Low seat), but I feel like my leg bend is pretty cramped with the stock pegs. I think an inch or two lower will be nice.
Good call on the side stand platform.
I'm pretty comfortable up sizing tires, as long as they don't rub. I did the same on my last KLR if I recall correctly. Never really seemed to be a problem, and while this one came on the DR, it sure seems to work well as is.
I LOVE running errands on bikes and snowmobiles! It was the only way I'd buy beer for a while actually! Haha. Went and got 5 gallons of gas on the TW for the mower the other day too. Makes the long trip to town much, much more enjoyable! Plus the funny looks always make me smile 😊.
I'm not sure if I'll move my DR pegs or not... for some reason the rubber isolation doesn't actually bother me, or at least it hasn't yet. I have been babying it though since I keep putting off the fork seals 🤣
I didn't know about your Rocky Mountain link . So Myu sons buying me a new 15 t sprocket for my bday today , How do I use your link ? We would have bought my tires thru ur link too., I'll keep it rolling man , when we order we'll use ur link . Let me know hoe to do it , just click ur link and buy thru like that ? thanks
Yes! You just click on the Rock Mountain links either in the video descriptions, or in the top comment in the comments section that I post under most videos. Once you click it, any purchases you make from their website will help support my videos! Same thing with my Amazon links too actually. Doesn't matter what your buying, just the fact that I'm the one sending you there, gets me a small commission. I really appreciate you taking the time, thank you!!!
@@SwankyCatProductions Oh gotcha , we'll do it that way , thanks :) . I'm tyhe birthday boy today :) 58 lol
Come on man. Carrying the weight of tools on your back….. Just a reminder you only have one back. Keep riding with that added weight bouncing around and your riding career with be shortened. Good job pushing products. 😂
larger offroad foot pegs. rubber foot pegs have no business being on a dual sport.
True! I like the IMS pegs that came on my XR for sure. I'm pretty surprised that the stock DR pegs don't bother me, at least not yet!