RLINK For REVER
Do you travel to distant lands or perhaps just to the Starbucks around the corner? Well, either way, I have just the thing for you, especially if you like that extra sense of security along the way. Several years ago, I was introduced to the REVER motorcycling app, which tracks your rides and shows you local rides in your area. There is also an ability to share your routes with others.
More recently, REVER introduced a motorcycle security tracking system, which connects directly to your motorcycle. This system syncs with your telephone and sends you updated alerts if your REVER unit detects movement, vibration, or a low battery. So, imagine if you were hanging out in a less than desirable area… you can have some reassurance. Should someone attempt to steal your ride, or take parts off, you can run outside and handle business… or just call the local authorities.
I’ve been testing the generation one (1) version for roughly eight (8) months now and have observed a ton of positives and few negatives regarding the system.
The main positives are obvious, including the aforementioned ability to receive alerts via text messaging for security purposes. Something else that is worth a mention is the fact that you can upload your routes and also live share your routes directly with family and friends.
The only serious downside I’ve noticed about this unit is the battery current draw. I run this in parallel with the BMW audible alarm. Through testing, I have learned that when the motorcycle is not being ridden daily, the current draw is very intense, and will cause your battery to be so low that you cannot start your motorcycle. This will occur within approximately four to five days. Now, keep in mind I am running two systems, so if you only use the REVER system, you will likely have different results. I like redundancy and I like my coffee black.
If you already have the REVER app, you probably pay for the premium membership, which unlocks all of the features. This system is one of the included features with that membership. The device retails for $250 and I will post a link below.
On a side note, the generation two (2) system has been released. It is all-inclusive and takes up less room. I found out that when running my Rally seat (which is how I did my install video), I can install the system quickly and easily. However, when switching back to stock or my other aftermarket seats, I could not fit the unit in the same location and needed to reroute it further back under the tail section. This added a little more inconvenience and an extra 30-45 minutes to the install time.
If you are not mechanically inclined, I would highly recommend allowing your dealer to install the unit, which will probably run you 1.5 hours of service.
I look forward to seeing further advancements of this system and hearing positive outcomes from theft prevention and recovery!
Ride safe and see you out on the road.
Posted in Gear Review & Thoughts and tagged #adventure, #alarm, #bmwmoa, #bmwmotorrad, #explore, #klim, #madeforadventure, #makelifearide, #motorcycle, #spiritofgs, #travel, #xladv, rever, rlink by admin with comments disabled.
Muc-Off cleaning solutions
Hello, my fellow riders! Whether you’re a Moto guy/gal or bicycle rider, I’ve got some awesome cleaning supplies to introduce today!
Ever since I can remember, I’ve been keeping things “old school” with liquid soap and water when it came to my vehicles or two-wheeled machines. I was never one of those guys that went out and thought about a soap specific cleaning aid. If soap and water were good enough for my old man, then they were good enough for me… right? Well, yes and no. Over time, companies like Muc-Off developed specific products which help clean up and protect our most prized possessions.
I was given the opportunity to review Muc-Off’s snow foam and high performance waterless wash and I have to admit I was skeptical at first.
Video of product in action – Youtube
The snow foam is a PH neutral pre-wash solution. Yes, you heard me right: You spray it on over the mud and grime, wait about five minutes, and spray it off without having to scrub the bike. I actually have a high pressure sprayer of my own, which I used for this, but they do have a compact portable unit, which I will discuss in a later review. The formula is designed to significantly reduce the possibility of damage to paintwork and protects wax treatments.
Now, for the waterless wash, this is your go to spray-on/wipe-off for those in-between heavy wash days. If your bike is dusty or lacking that shine, spray this on and wipe off with a microfiber cloth for a nice, quick and easy clean. I’ve used this on my truck, moto, and mountain bike and it works great. The price is pretty comparable to what you would spend in a automotive store and if you sign up on the website, they send out a coupon code for 15% off.
Keep checking back, as I will be testing the full range of their products in the coming weeks, along with the specially designed portable pressure sprayer.
Until next time, ride safe and I will see you on out there!
Posted in Gear Review & Thoughts and tagged #adventure, #bmwmoa, #bmwmotorrad, #camping, #campinggear, #explore, #klim, #klimgear, #klimlife, #madeforadventure, #makelifearide, #motorcycle, #mucoff, #outdoors, #review, #spiritofgs, #tires, #travel, #xladv, CRF250L, R1200GS by admin with comments disabled.
Flying Tent
Next up for the adventure camping gear review series is the “Flying Tent.”
It is not an every day occurrence to hear about a tent that flies. Well, today is a new day and an Austrian company made it work in a pretty genius fashion. They combined the best features of a tent and the comfort of a hammock and transformed it into a Swiss army knife of camping possibilities.
I encountered this company a couple years ago when they were running a startup campaign, but did not take the plunge at that time because frankly, the price. The product comes with a hefty price tag of $299.99 and with so many tried and true tents on the market, it was difficult for me to justify taking a gamble on this new company at that level of investment.
My old, faithful tent and small pocket hammock had always done the job; however, this hybrid product definitely sparked my interest. On Black Friday 2018, the company released a special promo code, which brought the “Flying Tent” down to a slightly more reasonable price.
I placed my order and was pretty excited to receive the item. The first thing I noticed was the low, flat profile in its collapsed state. This made it simple to pack on top of the motorcycle top pannier. Removing the system and setting it up for the first time was definitely a challenge. Anything that comes with instructions and requires a me to watch a YouTube video is usually more work than I’m willing to do. However, I was able to handle it and it wasn’t so bad.
I know what some of you are probably thinking… “What if you don’t have any trees around you?” Well, that’s the beauty of this system. It’s a 3-in-1 shelter, so you can go from hammock, to ground tent, to poncho in a matter of seconds to suit your terrain. The major plus side is that the inflatable mattress and cot can be left at home when using the “Flying Tent” as a hammock. This saves a significant amount of weight and space on the bike.
The rainfly is completely removable, which yields great ventilation and fantastic star gazing. A mosquito net surrounds the entire hammock with a very large entrance.
So, if you’re still reading this, you can see that this product has a ton of pros. With regards to cons, I felt they could have skipped the small zipper pocket inside the liner by where your head rests to sleep. Next, the tree tie straps are very short for wider trees and you will likely need to buy larger ones. Also, the break down process, including stowing the item back inside the carrying pouch, takes some practice. Unfortunately the bag rips easily (I know this because mine ripped on the first attempt). I also learned that customer service is available, but was easier reached through Facebook than email. After addressing my concerns about the bag ripping via our favorite, old school social media platform, a replacement was shipped to me.
Here’s a recap of pros/cons.
Pros:
Fun
Versatile
Space/weight saving
All hardware included (stakes, guidelines, etc.)
Cons:
Zipper inside the liner where you lay
Storage bag
Small tree tie straps
All things considered, I’m satisfied with my purchase and love all of the options that the product provides. So if you will be flying (ha!) solo for upcoming adventures, this just might be the hammock/tent you’re looking for.
Till next time, ride safe!
https://www.flyingtent.com/america/
Posted in Gear Review & Thoughts and tagged #adventure, #bmwmoa, #bmwmotorrad, #camping, #campinggear, #explore, #motorcycle, #travel, #xladv, 2WheelAdv, hammock, tent by admin with comments disabled.
PackTalk Slim by Cardo Review
Alright… hello adventure riders and motorcycle enthusiasts! Today, I want to talk to you about the PackTalk Slim by Cardo, for which I’ve recently had the opportunity to conduct a thorough review of how the system works.
So I was given a unit to demo on my KLIM Krios helmet. This particular helmet had not yet been tested for compatibility with fitment. The Cardo folks just weren’t sure if it would work with my helmet, so they went out on a limb to see if it would.
I received the unit in the mail and immediately started installing it. The installation process was pretty easy with only a slight hiccup and that was getting the wire placement the way my nitpicking brain wanted it. What makes this different than the other units is the fact that it has a separate battery and communicator module. The communicator fits on the side of the helmet like any other unit, but is super thin and streamlined, while the battery module sits on the rear section of the helmet. This adds a superior balance, in my opinion, and makes it so much more comfortable to use while riding for extended times.
The unit fits very well with just a slight gap on the communicator module backside. I am willing to state that Cardo could just list the unit as compatible with the Krios helmet on their website, but I will leave that up to them.
My next step was getting it charged. Normally, I would update the unit with the latest software, but I wanted to test it right out of the box. I hopped on a plane and arrived in California. Once there, I jumped on a brand new BMW R2018 GSA. It took me less than five minutes to figure out how to pair my phone with the PackTalk Slim. I headed off and I spent four wonderful days riding around California to test out the unit in various terrains. Unfortunately, I did not have an opportunity to take advantage of the DMC technology for communication with other riders. However, upon my return home, I was able to connect with my local riding group and take advantage of this feature.
While riding in California, I streamed music and took full advantage of the natural voice feature, which allowed me to say, “Hey Siri” for my list of full iPhone commands. It should also be mentioned that it works for “Hey Google” as well.
The battery life far exceeded my expectations. I went roughly a day and half between charges. The manual states that the battery will last up to 13 hours and I believe that to be factual. Perhaps if I was running with 15 riders on DMC, it might drain quicker, but I don’t ever plan on riding 13 hours in a day.
Another great feature is that you can have a private conversation with someone in your group using the PackTalk Slim. For example, I sometimes ride two-up and if we are connected with 13 other PackTalk units, I might want to have a quick private conversation with my passenger or perhaps someone else in the group. When the private conversation is over, we can hear and speak to everyone again with a simple click of a button. I’m also able to stream music to other riders or easily tune to FM channels in the area where I’m riding. The unit has universal connectivity, so if you are riding with a buddy who loves their Sena and another buddy who loves their eBay special, you can all be connected! No more hating on each others’ communication systems because they don’t pair.
The only downside I see, which is more of a personal issue, is that the Slim is unable to be switched to another helmet without a hassle. Since I ride multiple bikes and some helmets are used for specifics like Moto Vlogging or riding my dirt bike, I wish I could easily pop out the unit and pop it into another helmet. I should mention that I have four helmets, which is overkill, I know, but they are like underwear for me and somedays I just want some lace…
Overall, I’m extremely impressed with this unit and how easy it is to control the features. The learning curve is super fast unlike some of the other models. I will be keeping the Slim on my primary long distance touring helmet for sure!
Till next time ride safe and I will see you out on the road!
Posted in Gear Review & Thoughts and tagged #askforcardo, #bmwmotorrad, #motorcycle, #xladv, 2WheelAdv, Cardo, PackTalk, R1200 GS, R1200 GSA by admin with comments disabled.
Motoz Tractionator GPS Tire Review
Hello 2018!
What better way to start off a new year than with a set of new motorcycle tires for the upcoming riding season?!
I bring you my latest semi long-term test review of the Motoz Tractionator GPS tires. I equipped these tires on my 2014 BMW R1200 GSA back in August, 2017 and set my sights on some curvy roads. My goal was to challenge these tires in wet/slick conditions and determine their cornering abilities. I packed my bags and headed north to Lorton, VA and started my way down through the Shenandoah National Park. I got exactly what I wished for because it rained non-stop for the next several days.
Besides the rain, the leaves were changing colors and falling off; thus, providing me with an even greater challenge of riding untested tires on curvy roads, in wet conditions, and also on a leafy surface!
Having had 30k miles of experience with the direct competitor (Heideanu K60 Scouts), I wanted to focus on identifying the riding characteristics of the Tractionator GPS tires in comparison. I have always heard rumors about the K60 Scouts being slippery as hell on wet roads and never thought much of it, as I drive all the time in torrential Florida rain and had never experienced an issue. It wasn’t until my recent trip to Alaska, riding two-up on a straight road to Kennicot, that I fishtailed and fully understood the slippery horror others using the K60 Scouts had experienced before me. With pure luck and cheeks puckered, I managed to keep us upright and push on.
With that experience in mind, I continued on to the Blue Ridge Parkway to further test the handling of the Tractionator GPS tires. Getting used to them and feeling more confident, I made my way down to the bottom of famous Tail of the Dragon. I started my first run moderately and pushed harder on the following runs.
Check out my YouTube video from Tail of the Dragon:
The Tractionator GPS tires claim to be 50/50 with an option of the rear tire being reversed for even more traction off-road. I would rate them as a solid 60/40 road configured and a 50/50 off-road configured.
What I can tell you is that these tires perform well in all conditions with the possible exception of ice since I tend to stay away from frigid temps if I can help it. They are by no means a full road tire or hardcore motocross tire, but rather are a good all around adventure tire for those seeking the ability to jump on and off the road with confidence. I managed to rack up just under 4,000 miles and the Tractionator GPS tires show no signs of wearing out anytime soon. If I had a crystal ball, I would estimate these will last a total of 8-10k miles on the rear.
Price Comparison:
Motoz Tractionator GPS – Front $139; Rear $210
Heideanu K60 – Front $154-195; Rear $189-285
For years, consumers have had limited tire choices for the larger displacement motorcycles which offer both on-road and off-road manners. The Motoz Tractionator GPS tires are a win in my book and I will continue to use them for my long distance adventure travels.
For more product information, click the link below:
http://pacificpowersports.com/products/motoz-tires/
Till next time, ride safe and keep adventuring!
Posted in Gear Review & Thoughts and tagged #adventure, #bmwmotorrad, #madeforadventure, #makelifearide, #motorcycle, #xladv, BMW R1200 GSA, motoz, Motoz Tractionator GPS, R1200GS by admin with comments disabled.
KLIM TK1200 Karbon Modular Helmet
Hi there!
As Mrs. 2wheeladv, I am #blessed with the opportunity to travel the world two-up, and have also had the privilege to start testing out some gear of my own! What better time to do so than on the 2017 Arctic Circle or Bust Tour?
I traveled for a total of 2.5 weeks and spent 12ish days on the back of the Beemer. I took in the breathtaking sights, sounds, and smells of Alaska, The Yukon, British Columbia, Alberta, and Montana. It went from freezing cold rain to hotter than the Canadian wildfires, so I had a wide range of experiences.
Rock climbed to the top of a glacier and ticked off a few friends in the meantime? Check.
Rode the Denali Highway in all its dusty glory? Check.
Saw a deer saunter through our campground? Check.
(Deer said, “No pictures, please!”)
Tested out the new Klim TK1200? Double check.
Not gonna lie, it was a bit daunting to test out a new helmet on such a long journey, but it worked out swimmingly with zero regrets.
Pros:
-Lightweight and did not get caught in the wind (thus, no sore neck). I did not experience wind turbulence as I have with other helmets.
-Great at temp control due to the easy to operate vent adjustments (kept cold air out and cool air flowing during hot days).
-Loved, loved, loved the transition lens (one less screen to have to finagle with and kept my fair skin protected from the sun, as well).
-Chin strap clasp was easy to hook and release in a jiffy, which was much more convenient for me when hopping on and off the bike to see the sights, as compared with the annoying traditional loop and lock strap on the Shoei and most other modular helmets which have cramped my style in the past.
-Quiet helmet when compared to my previous modular helmets.
-Reasonably priced at $599.99, especially considering all of the features that this helmet has to offer.
Cons (which were not really cons, but rather minor, personal preferences):
-Difficult for me to wear my cheap-o earplugs due to the snug fit around the ears/cheekbones when pulling the helmet over my head. It is unclear if the issue would have been improved had I brought along a pair of those fancy, schmancy custom ear plugs like the hubs wears.
-Fogging would have been a major, but fixable, issue in the cold rain if I had been driving (anti fog spray or pin lock would be needed, which I did not bring along on this trip).
Overall, it is a versatile helmet and is also good looking too. 😉
Till next time, ride safe!
With our new Colombian friend.
Posted in Gear Review & Thoughts and tagged #adventure, #bmwmotorrad, #klim, #klimgear, #klimlife, #klimwoman, #motorcycle, #TK1200, #travel by admin with comments disabled.
KLIM Kodiak Suit Review
It can be tricky to find great gear, and it is expensive to buy and test out different products only to find that the gear does not work for you. I am hopeful that this review will save you some cash by helping to provide you with valuable insight with an informed rider’s point of view instead of the usual, “this is awesome, buy it” sales pitch.
Here’s my take on it:
I recently acquired the full Kodiak suit and embarked on an 8,200 mile journey, which started in Tacoma, WA. I headed north to Prudhoe Bay, AK, and eventually ended my journey at the 2017 BMW MOA Rally in Salt Lake City, UT.
I was able to test this suit in a wide array of climates ranging from windy and chilly while far north and at high altitudes (30 degrees), to hotter than than the Canadian wildfires (90 degrees or more), as well as straight through the dreaded, nonstop Alaskan RAIN (for 700 miles-ish).
One of the exciting things about taking this suit on the trip was that it was a newly released model, and I had not tested this suit prior to leaving for Alaska. I was betting four weeks of my comfort and protection vastly on KLIM’s reputation for producing quality, high-end motorcycle gear.
I was able to use three layers to control the temperature comfort of the jacket when needed. However, you will need to keep in mind that this is more of a form-fitting jacket so if you’re beefy (which I am not at 6’1” and 175 lbs.), you will be limited on the layers. The pants provided plenty of room for three layers; although, I only needed to use one layer on my trip.
On the ferry leaving Dawson City.
Since the jacket is more form fitting, it cuts down on the extra weight and bagginess. When compared to my Badlands Pro using my very advance weight scale (holding one jacket in each hand), it feels a ton lighter.
The suit lives up to the slogan, “guaranteed to keep you dry.” Several days in a row, I experienced hundreds of miles of relentless rain. Each time I would stop for a break, I would check my under layer for leakage. To my surprise, I was dry each and every time!
The one and only flaw that I noticed with this jacket while riding in the rain was that the cuffs do not open very wide, and thus, I could not tuck my heated gloves inside the jacket which caused them to become wet on the inside.
Exploring Valdez, AK.
The protection aspect of the Kodiak was exceptional and what I have come to expect from KLIM’s gear range.
At first, I was a little skeptical of the durability on the leather inserts for the knee area and elbows. In the past, I have traditionally ridden with my Badlands Pro suit which has endured huge amounts of abuse, but has kept on chugging. It turns out that the leather on the Kodiak is pretty darn durable. While on this trip, I had to change my buddy’s tires several times and was worried that the leather would get damaged while working on my knees in the gravel. It held up without any issues. Another first-hand experience of the suit’s durability and injury protection is when I flew off of my R1200 GSA during an off-road, downhill section and landed pretty hard. Of course, this was not on purpose. I joked that I would be filing a police report so I could get my gear replaced, but after washing it, I could not find any damage to my suit (nor to myself, besides perhaps my ego)!
The video from that crash is linked below:
Whether you are city riding or embarking on an epic touring adventure, this is, in my opinion, one of the best suits currently on the market for functionality, fit, and protection. I find the jacket looks great on and off the bike. I can ride to my local Starbucks, jump off the bike and still look good while sipping my iced grande Caramel Macchiato.
As a final thought, if you are in the market for a new suit, first consider your riding style and seek out the gear that best suits it. If you don’t know your riding style, start riding more! As for me and my recent adventure, this suit takes the cake.
Till next time, ride safe!
I made it!
On Dawson City Ferry
Found a companion along the way!
Overlooking Dawson City.
Posted in Gear Review & Thoughts and tagged #bmwmotorrad, #klim, #motorcycle by admin with comments disabled.
2017 KLIM Kodiak Jacket & Pant
Below, I have included specifications from KLIM for the Kodiak:
KLIM’s Kodiak: The Touring Survival System
Engineered to bring a more refined fit to the KLIM lineup, the Kodiak collection enters the touring world in a sleek and tailored style built for abuse. Featuring fully armored KLIM Technology to battle the weather, abrasion and travel’s most troublesome obstacles, KLIM’s Kodiak is the high-mileage touring king.
Designed for riders looking for the ultimate in precision fit, Kodiak is built on a base of GORE-TEX® Pro Shell GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY® main body fabric. Integrated perforated leather overlays in high-abrasion zones add functional style while muted corporate branding finishes the rugged and durable look. Functionality is the core of any KLIM product and the Kodiak has more than most. Each piece comes equipped with genuine YKK® zippers, D3O® CE-rated level two armor, intelligent ventilation ports and functional cargo carrying pockets. Each piece also features Black 3M™ Scotchlite™ reflective material.
Kodiak is a name that should be taken seriously. As one of the most remote regions of the American frontier, it has a wild and unforgiving reputation. KLIM built the world’s most functional and aggressively tailored touring apparel to honor this region. After all, in Kodiak, there is no pretending or hiding behind claims. Out there, it’s simply perform or perish. And KLIM is riding on.
KODIAK JACKET
WEATHERPROOF/DURABILITY
•GORE-TEX® PRO SHELL
•GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY®
•PERFORATED LEATHER OVERLAYS ON SHOULDERS AND ELBOWS
• MUTED TONAL BRANDING
•YKK® ZIPPERS
ARMOR
•D3O®CE LEVEL 2 ELBOW ARMOR
•D3O®CE LEVEL 2 SHOULDER ARMOR
•D3O®CE LEVEL 2 BACK PAD
•SPACER MESH CHEST PADDING
CARGO
• 2 EXTERNAL CHEST POCKETS
• 2 EXTERNAL HAND POCKETS
• 2 INTERNAL ZIPPERED POCKETS
• 2 INTERNAL OPEN STASH POCKETS
• 1 EMERGENCY INFO CARD POCKET ON FOREARM
• 1 HIDDEN PASSPORT POCKET IN LINING
• 1 GPS TRACKER POCKET ON CHEST
• 1 WATER RESISTANT NAPOLEAN POCKET
VISIBILITY
• BLACK 3M™ SCOTCHLITE™ REFLECTIVE MATERIAL
VENTILATION
• 2 CHEST VENTS
• 2 SIDE VENTS
• 2 BACK VENTS
• 2 BICEP VENTS
• 2 FOREARM VENTS
• SNAP BACK COLLAR
FIT/STYLE/COMFORT
• ACTION BACK TAILORING
• REMOVABLE INTERNAL KIDNEY BELT
• ADJUSTABLE ARM STRAPS
• JACKET-TO-PANT CONNECTION
KODIAK PANT
EXTERIORFEATURES
• GORE-TEX® PRO SHELL
• GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY®
• PERFORATED LEATHER OVERLAYS
• YKK® ZIPPERS
• MUTED TONAL BRANDING
ARMOR
• D3O® CE LEVEL 2 HIP ARMOR
• D3O® CE LEVEL 2 KNEE ARMOR
• SLIDER SYSTEM TO HOLD D3O® IN PLACE
• PORON® XRD® TAILBONE ARMOR
CARGO
• 2 CARGO POCKETS
VISIBILITY
• BLACK 3M™ SCOTCHLITE™ REFLECTIVE MATERIAL
VENTILATION
• 2 FRONT THIGH INTAKE VENTS
• 2 BACK THIGH EXHAUST VENTS
FIT/STYLE/COMFORT
• ELASTIC BACK WAISTBAND
• REMOVEABLE KLIM® SUSPENDERS INCLUDED
• JACKET-TO-PANT CONNECTION
About KLIM
KLIM® Technical Riding Gear is a global leader in designing, developing, sourcing and distributing the most advanced powersports apparel for the snowmobile, motorcycle and off-road rider. Utilizing the world’s highest technologies in waterproof, breathable, durable and comfortable materials, like GORE-TEX® products, KLIM® offers gear for the most demanding riders. Driven by the continual feedback and input from dedicated test pilots and passionate customers, KLIM® strives to do one thing above all – improve the riding experience without compromise. For more information, visit www.KLIM.com.
*All images have been provided by KLIM.
Posted in Gear Review & Thoughts and tagged #bmwmoa, #bmwmotorrad, #explore, #klim, #klimgear, #klimlife, #madeforadventure, #makelifearide, #spiritofgs, #xladv by admin with comments disabled.
2016 Honda CRF250L Bike Build For Less
2016 Honda CRF250L
Awesome Bike Build for Less
I picked up the CRF250L back in October and immediately started researching and reaching out to companies who I wanted to be a part of the build list. I attended the AIMExpo in hopes of landing some contacts with companies who wanted to make this happen. Everything seemed to be going well… I had parts ranging from oil all the way up to exhaust lined up. I went home from the show feeling confident this was going to happen. I called and emailed my newfound contacts, but to my surprise, all I got were crickets. I mean nothing, not even a call back or a reply to my emails.
Seeing that I wanted to get the CRF250L build done sooner rather than later, I used the power of Google and eBay to shop around for parts. In the long run, it probably turned out better doing it this way, as the bike was more personalized.
2016 Honda CRF250L
My parts build list & cost:
Race Tech complete suspension upgrade – Retail: $1215, discount: $940 (http://www.racetech.com)
Seat Concepts comfort seat – Retail: $279, discount: $250 (http://www.seatconcepts.com/store/)
Precision rear rack – Retail: $94 (http://www.pmracks.com)
Cyclops LED headlight – Retail: $65, discount: $59 (https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com)
Hammer Head folding shifter – Retail: $46, discount: $29 (http://soloracer.com/dualsportparts.html)
FMF Q4 exhaust – Retail: $390, discount: $292 (http://www.eBay.com)
FMF Megabomb header – Retail: $275, discount: $218 (http://www.eBay.com)
Barkbuster “Jet” hand guards – Retail: $85 (http://www.pmracks.com)
Digital voltage meter – $5 (http://www.eBay.com)
Battery tender – Retail: $12, discount: $8 (http://www.eurocyclesoftampabay.com)
Glyde by Gerbing heated auxiliary plug – Free (I had a spare)
Flatlands Racing bash guard – Retail: $110, discount: $100 (http://www.CRFonly.com)
Flatlands Racing radiator guard – Retail: $60, discount: $50 (http://www.CRFonly.com)
Labor on Rach Tech install – $200
FMF Carbon Heat Shield – Retail: $90, discount: 70 (http://www.Rockymountainatv.com)
Total retail: $2,926, total w/discounts: $2,400
Race Tech gold valve and spring.
FlatLands radiator guard and bash plate.
Honda vs. Yamaha vs. KTM:
You might ask why I didn’t buy the Yamaha WR250R or a KTM? Well, it’s very simple actually… Cost vs. reward. I knew going into this that I wanted a specific set of options. The Honda CRF250L was OTD at $5,500, w/options $7,900, whereas the Yamaha WR250R was $8,200 OTD, w/options approximately $10,600, and the KTM from a 250-350 was going to be around $9,000 OTD.
KTM makes a great product, but I’m not into servicing the bike every other weekend and wanted to focus on keeping the cost down. The Yamaha was also a nice bike, but by adding the options that would have been required to make it acceptable to me performance wise, it would have put the build at $10,600! I might as well buy a KTM 690 at this point. The CRF250L vs. WR250R torque and HP is comparable at stock.
Some stats:
The CRF250L base has a claimed 23hp and 16lbs of torque. After my install of the FMF, it added approximately 4hp without the programer or airbox mod. The FMF also removed approximately 8lbs of added weight over the stock which helps balance out the radiator guard and bash plate addition.
FMF Megabomb Header and Q4 Exhaust.
So, taking the performance data and cost as well as knowing the superior round the world reliability, can you see why I went with the Honda CRF250L? Multi-purpose dual sport for $8,000 or spend $2,000 more to ride blue and be butt hurt wishing I had a just bought the 690 KTM.
The build did not take any real technical skill except installing the front suspension. I wasn’t about to count and measure all the washers needed for the gold valve kit. After speaking with FMF, I decided not to buy the EJK. Their rep was pretty confident that unless my intention was to race this bike, the slight gains would not be worth it. Which I was glad to hear, as I’ve spent all my lunch money by now. The Q4 and Megabomb kit are designed to run effectively with stock programming.
PMRack.
In the end, the bike looks and sounds amazing. Would I buy it again? Absolutely! I have an upcoming trip planned in the mountains of North Georgia to put this bike through its paces.
Until next time,
Ride safe!
Posted in Gear Review & Thoughts and tagged #bmwmoa, #bmwmotorrad, #explore, #madeforadventure, #makelifearide, #spiritofgs, #xladv, CRF250L, Honda by admin with comments disabled.
Wilcox Boots
Hello fellow Adventurers!
So a few months back, I saw an ad come across my Facebook feed for Wilcox Boots with a nice picture of mud, dirt, and the great outdoors! I decided to click on the ad and within a week found a pair at my door step.
The company was originally a Kickstarter design which I thought was pretty cool. What really caught my interest in purchasing these was the well done company video, expressing the quality, handmade workmanship, and “Made in North America” brand.
I was in the need for a good pair of American-made leather boots and these looked like they would fit the bill. The price was on the high end at $190.00, plus shipping, but I decided to take the plunge.
I now emphasize “Made in NORTH America” because I misunderstood the video by assuming the boots are made in the good ole’ USA. I later found out the footbed was made in Connecticut and the boots were made in Mexico.
Initially, I was pretty upset and almost sent the boots back because I really wanted to support the American workforce. However, I decided to put them on and was instantly blown away by the glove like feel on the interior and comfort of the footbed. They come pre-waxed which aids in the waterproofness and smooth finish.
I have since spent many days and long hours in these boots, which included roughly 10 hours straight walking around the 2016 AIMExpo. I can say these are the most comfortable boots I have ever owned. The quality and workmanship is second to none. With new designs and colors coming out, I know these will not be my last pair!
Relaxing after a long day at the AIMExpo!
In the end, I’m extremely happy with my purchase and highly recommend them for anyone looking for a great all around boot!
Below is a link to the site and they have provided a coupon code “2wheeladv” for 25% off.
http://bit.ly/2f0sq8F
Posted in Gear Review & Thoughts and tagged #bmwmoa, #bmwmotorrad, #explore, #madeforadventure, #makelifearide, #spiritofgs, #xladv by admin with comments disabled.