I have been riding on and off for most of my life (37 years old) but not a lot of single track riding. The new neighborhood I moved into has a few guys that are pretty big into it. About 6 months ago I traded a street motorcycle for some dirt bikes for me (DRZ400) and the kids and it started to snow ball from there.
One of my friends was organizing a ride to Green River/Moab area for this last weekend so it was time for me to get a more serious bike. Other than the DRZ, I have always liked the "different" bikes and so the search was on.
I came across a 2010 FE450 and on a whim bought it. I say whim because I really didnt do that much research before getting it.
I took it on a very easy ride with my boys and it started overheating (1st gear following them up a trail) so it was time for some upgrades. Competition map, fan kit, blue ice and FMF exhaust (plus hand guards and pegs).
All of this was done in a hurry to be ready for the trip.
We had 13 guys and for the most part they were all above average riders so the trail selection was on the more advanced side (for those aware of the area, we did Marys, Red trail, Dead Cow Wash, etc).
I COULD NOT BE MORE HAPPY WITH THIS BIKE!!! :bounce3:
It chugged at 1 MPH and climbed like a mtn goat. Lofted the front wheel to clear large obstacles in a moments notice. Rode wheelies in 1st - 4th gears easier than any other bike I've owned and on the way back to the trailer down the fire road a few of us raced (Aprilia 550, KTM 530, KFX450, WR450) and the KTM and I were exactly the same in 5th gear (about top speed for every one else) but when we both hit 6th, THE MIGHTY HUSSY WALKED AWAY! I clocked 96 MPH 8O on the speedo.
First day we did 75 miles and the second we did 85 miles.
The additions now needed for the bike are...
radiator guards, risers/riser bars, new rear tire and a softer seat :moon: .
Any suggestions on the abovementioned items?
One of my friends was organizing a ride to Green River/Moab area for this last weekend so it was time for me to get a more serious bike. Other than the DRZ, I have always liked the "different" bikes and so the search was on.
I came across a 2010 FE450 and on a whim bought it. I say whim because I really didnt do that much research before getting it.
I took it on a very easy ride with my boys and it started overheating (1st gear following them up a trail) so it was time for some upgrades. Competition map, fan kit, blue ice and FMF exhaust (plus hand guards and pegs).
All of this was done in a hurry to be ready for the trip.
We had 13 guys and for the most part they were all above average riders so the trail selection was on the more advanced side (for those aware of the area, we did Marys, Red trail, Dead Cow Wash, etc).
I COULD NOT BE MORE HAPPY WITH THIS BIKE!!! :bounce3:
It chugged at 1 MPH and climbed like a mtn goat. Lofted the front wheel to clear large obstacles in a moments notice. Rode wheelies in 1st - 4th gears easier than any other bike I've owned and on the way back to the trailer down the fire road a few of us raced (Aprilia 550, KTM 530, KFX450, WR450) and the KTM and I were exactly the same in 5th gear (about top speed for every one else) but when we both hit 6th, THE MIGHTY HUSSY WALKED AWAY! I clocked 96 MPH 8O on the speedo.
First day we did 75 miles and the second we did 85 miles.
The additions now needed for the bike are...
radiator guards, risers/riser bars, new rear tire and a softer seat :moon: .
Any suggestions on the abovementioned items?
