husky4me

New update: Changed the stock paper filter for a foam unifilter... Bike performs much better, and no more stalling during cold and iddle... Getting better every day!

Thanks for sharing! Beautiful pictures!

O.Kay, I'm trading my G650X for a Gold Wing, to continue with my adventures...

Cool! Wish I had been there...

There are many options for the G650X. Luggage racks, and multiple stuff available. I'm not really interested on a lugage rack, as it is not necessary for my needs... Tourachtech has lots of options available, but they are pricie. Check this out: http://www.touratech-usa.com/shop/bmw.lasso?SubCat=G650X Also, this other sites: http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productlist/595/ http://www.hydedevelopments.co.za/products...enture/bmw.html The F800GS looks very nice also... It's heavier, but more powerful two cylinder engine, and may be more comfortable for the longer adventures... Who knows, maybe I will end up trading my bike for the 800... But, I'm pretty content with what I got right now.

Nice picture. I only looked at this thread because I couldnt beleve it was still alive. I test rode a brand new 610 Husky a couple of months ago. I liked the way it looked, but wasn't impressed with it. I thought it was equal to stock XR650L :lazy: , then I put it in 6th gear, wich was broken, I realized I was on a Husky. I was happy to get back on my 1997 XR 440 If I had a to pick between the two, I would spend the extra money and get a KTM. It was easy to see where the extra money was spent building the KTM. If I bought my bikes for atractive looks, I would be rideing an Aprillia, but I prefer to ride bullet proof OLD SCHOOL XR's I saw these 2 huskie's leave the starting line at the 2007 Baja 500, but never saw them finish. Here we go again Craig... We all can chose any bike we want or any brand we want. This brand stuff is getting so, so old, I think I'm going to take a break from SDAR site... If your Honda XR400 is so dependable, why did you have to call someone (I think Bum) to assist you when it broke down on you??? Are we going to generalize and say all XR400's are bad because yours broke down??? I have never had anything bad happened to my husqvarna TE450, and in my opinion, due to its short stroke, it more fun than the XR400. Each it's own. I don't really care, but just wanted to respond...

Hey Ken, you must be tall! Your TE510 looks small up in the picture... like something you can throw around in the trail...

Hey, good to hear from you! Hope things are going well... For the past six years I have been looking for something myself. Initially I wanted a pop-up trailer that would be able to carry to bikes on top. They did not have any in the market in 2004 when I got my regular 25 foot trailer. I managed to put my two motorcycles inside the trailer as it has a slide out room. A few months after I purchased it, Jayco came up wiht the Baja Pop up models which could carry two bikes (just like the fleetwood showed above). Now there are different companies. My R.V. is fine, but my jeep is not strong enough for the R.V. with the motorcycles, specially going up the mountains (up to Big Bear, or coming back from Desert Dash). I went to see the airstream trailer, but it's like 28K expensive.. ouch! Anyway, I'm an enthusiast for this type of thing, so if you come up with something interesting, and not super expensive, I may sell my R.V. and get it...

I am biased because I have a 06 TE450, which I really enjoy! The 08 is a different bike, as it is fuel injected and has a new frame. Mine is just a lot of fun because it's short tranny six speeds, feels very powerful, and is a blast to ride. In the road parts it vibrates a lot and is not very comfortable! I have never never had any mechanical problem with my bike. I compared mine with a DRZ400S during a Baja trip to Mike's. The DRZ owner, did not like my bike, it was too loud for him and powerful (acts more like a 2 stroke due to the short stroke). His DRZ felt very smooth, stable, but not too exciting for me... So I guess it depends on rider's preference... If you like the adrenaline of fast acelaration in a light bike, go husky or KTM... You want smooth ride, multiple parts and value for you $ probably a Jap bike. my .02 cents

It is the rider, not the machine! Problem is with many bad drivers on the road... If you ride at your skill level, are responsible, and cautious, then the risk level is not too bad... And, well some risk in life is fun, we can also get hurt in a car accident, falling on the tub, or from illness... Many people have a problem with motorcyclists. We get a bad rap. To me, it is unjust. If someone in a family kills self on a motorcycle, then motorcycles are bad, dangerous, stupid, and no more motorcycles in that family. If someone gets kill in a car accident, life goes on... The members of the family continue driving their cars to work... Does not make sense to me.... By the way, when my time comes, I rather die in a motorcycle accident than in a hospital bed with a long illness... :lol2: My worst fear is permanent chronic pain or damage due to an accident. Just like my upper back which has been hurting like crazy after my last ride... Otherwise it's cool!

Yeah! They are very dangerous! They are also much fun!

Congratulations!!! Welcome to the world of Husqvarna! You should have lots and lots of fun!!!

Good for you! I have done that in the past, felt good about it, but was not easy with the financial strain since I was the provider with two kids at the time. Eventually things worked out... I have been a psychotherapist with my own office for about 9 years now, working with kids, couples, and families. I love what I do, but I'm kind of ready for some changes... I'm also thinking about closing shop, and enage in other projects. My kids are grown, so I have more flexibility now... I'm going to keep a recent job with the County in forensic psychology, as they have a great pension plan. Good luck! Life is about changes and taking risks... just as with motorcycles and adventure riding... Something good should come up...

Hey, I don't know anything about racing or pits stops, but I can be part of the pit stop team with you in order to provide support for Stefano! Also, Joaquin and Dana, 2wheels and self can help out for Baja 250!

Congratulations Stefano! You did really well for being your fist race in the USA, and with this particular type of terrain... To me, part of the fun of life is to try different type of things and situations. So, now you got to experience racing in the U.S. desert! You learned much from this race, and I bet you will know better what to expect, and what type of training for the next race... Anyway, cool!!!! I'm still getting my upper back/neck in shape... It has been very painful after my Baja long ride, maybe I need to go to a chiropractor... I'll call you as soon as I feel better to go riding in the deep sand...

To me an adventure does not have anything to do with how big your bike is, or what kind of bike it is... Having a bigger bike makes it easier to go far away places in more comfort, but you can also go far away places in a little bike, especially if you are willing to sacrifice comfort. Lighter bikes makes it easier to do the technical trails, and they are a lot easier to pick up if you fall. But, they get really hard on the long stretches. To me the name San Diego Adventure Riders is appropriate. Some people make adventures from closer day rides, and some people like to go far away places. I just came back from a three day adventure in Baja on a 650 cc bike. Others on this site go far away places in smaller or larger bikes. Well, I'm no expert, but this is just my .02 cents. But that KTM 990 Adventure does look nice for sure!!!

Lots of adventures! Lots of fun! New riding friends! Education on riding areas! Proactive approach to the sport! Thanks Randy and Cameron for giving us this opportunity... Do we do adventure riding here at SDAR??? What do you think... Thanks to all my friends here at SDAR!

Great! I have never been to Mikes during the winter... Do they allow dual-sports bikes go up to the observatory? Last time I was at Mikes I was told they were not permitted... Thanks for sharing!

My friend Joaquin called me on Tuesday night with an invitation too tempting to refuse... Joaquin, Tona, and I, with the ongoing support of Joaquin's wife Dana on her chase pick up, embarked in another great Baja Adventure. Day One: Left Santo Domingo at noon, rode 119 miles of great trails, with lots of water crossings, rocks, extreme muddy conditions and ruts, and ended up at Mama Espinoza's in el Rosario at 10:00 p.m. with just fumes of gas left on our tanks. There are excellent views, vegetation, and great riding. It took as longer than expected due to the difficulty of the terrain due to the recent rains. It was very challenging, and just a lot of fun! Here we are leaving Ensenada on Friday from Tona's home. Start of ride, Arrollo Santo Domingo. In the first two miles of the ride, I got stuck on this deep mudpuddle, had to step into the mud, my friend Joaquin helped me, and made it through without falling. Beautiful views on the way to El Rosario. Lots of green and vegetation due to the recent rains. Lots of fun water crossings. Here's Joaquin on his DRZ400S. Someone said rocks??? Here's Joaquin going up. Someone said BMW G650X can't climb rocks??? Oh no, are we lost? Is there a gas station around here at 9 p.m. 20 miles of technical muddy terrain left... Heck, we were in good spirits! We made it to Mama Espinoza's Hotel in El Rosario at 10:00 p.m. Some fuel fumes left on our gas tanks, and very, very hungry. Second day, El Rosario to Coco's corner (my picture did not come up), to Punta Bufeo (close to Alfonsina's). It was nice to meet Coco and have a beer at Coco's Corner, then kept on going to Alfonsina's turn off. Arriving at Punta Burfeo. Beautiful place! On the way to Puertesitos and San Felipe. Beautiful riding along the coast! Finally in San Felipe! Here's Tona, Dana, and Joaquin having some fish tacos! The end of another great Baja Adventure!

I usually go to Baja only with people who really know the area, security etc... When we rode from Santo Domingo to El Rosario, we did not realize it would take us that long to finish the ride. However, we had someone in El Rosario with our route in order to get assistance if needed. There are certain areas that are more prone to crime, and drug trafic. We try to stay away... To me part of the adventure is having a bit of a risk involved, and I'm willing to take it in order to live a full life... If any body does not feel safe, then why do it. There are plenty of nice riding places on this side of the border... The road from San Felipe, Puertecitos, and Gonzaga appeared well travelled, with much patrol. The other roads where isolated. We heard a Yatch was stolen from Alfonsinas in the past month. But, then again, I heard of a murder taking place in the Corral Canyon camp ground some years ago... Well, lets not make this thread into another hijacking in Baja thread please... Going into a third world contry where there is poverty, lack of government control on crime, is always risky... but then, riding motorcycles and adventure riding is also a risky past time...

Ron, I'll make sure I P.M. you or call you if another Baja ride comes up... I like going with my friend Joaquin because he is very experienced in Baja, but due to his work schedule, sometimes makes rides without much notice... Tona is also very experienced as he has raced Baja many times (cars), and has also done work with wideopen. Great folks! Martin

Hey Ron, I don't advise traveling alone over there, but our experience was that that seccion was well travelled and patrolled. It was very scenic, and just a blast. As stated, after Puertecitos there is a paved road, but you can still go dirt and have fun! I was not the leader on this ride, so I was not paying so much attention to the spects, but I'm willing to return with a group over there. This ride was not posted because of the fact taht it came so sudden (usually my friend Joaquin will call me a day before to invite). Hey, Joaquin, come up and chat about this ride, where are you? If I remember right, I think we did about 367 total miles for the three days, from Arroyo Santo Domingo, El Rosario, Laguna Chapala, Coco's, Punta Bufeo, Puertecitos, and then San Felipe. The harderst part for me was from Santo Domingo to El Rosario due to the dirt road conditions due to the recent rains, and riding at night (119 miles in 10 hours). But it was also the most fun! Martin

Thats great Stefano! My friends Joaquin and Dana are very familiar with Baja races as they provide Chase and support to Kiosco Team. They are happy to assist you during your Baja 250 race! Maybe we can all provide support. I'll try to make it this weekend also.

Another ride update on my G650X after 3 K miles, new Touratech Skid Plate, and Michelin Baja DOT tires. I am very happy with my bike at this time, now that I have made some adjustments (skid plate, tires). During my Baja trip, the bike performed really well off-road on muddy conditions, rocks, sand, and all. Then, on the road parts, it was just very smooth and a pleasure to ride (with ample power). After 50 miles of riding on pavement, the seat does get a little bit uncomfortable, but with some rests, it's not too bad. It does need a bigger gas tank which I plan to get in the future. If you ride it on pavement at 55 or 60 MPH, it will show the reserve at about 120 miles, and finish the tank at 150 miles. But in mostly dirt, and technical, my reserve light came up at 80 miles. Going 75 MPH to 80 MPH, on pavement, the reserve will come up at about 90 miles. The thing that I love about this bike is that after doing smooth pavement, rocky terrain, muds, then I encounter some smooth sandy trails with whoops that I can jump, and this bike just becomes so much fun!!! It is a very well balanced bike, do it all, and much fun! I'm learning to like and enjoy my bike more and more as I continue to make improvements to it, and ride it more. It's not fun to crash and have it land on you. Nor is it fun to pick it up after a fall. But, during my Baja Trip, my bike worked so well that I was lucky not to have a single fall... Here's a picture in Baja with new skid plate, and micheline baja tires. I still need to put hand guards, bigger gas tank etc, etc.. but I'm broke now... By the way, San Diego BMW service Dept, has been treating me like a king! It has been a real pleasure dealing with them, after that little misunderstanding...

I had a chance to try my G650X with Micheline Bajas! I was very happy! They performed really well on dirt, mud, water, rocks, sand, beach! I liked that after going over a mud puddle, they immediately clear themselves up. I kept them at 18 psi through out my Baja trip. During pavement roads, I rode up to 85 mph with no problem. They do have a little sound, though. I did not bend any of my rims, at 18 psi. Did hit some rocks harsh, but tried to avoid most. Here's a picture: