KLR and I make our dirt debut: Todd Lake-Sisters, OR

[sagerat]

Two buddies have '08 KLRs and I took my '05 on a challenging USFS road between Todd Lake and the hamlet of Sisters, OR. Imagine gravel quickly giving way to deep ruts interspersed with rockfields interrupted by sand with several switchbacks and elevation changes thrown in for a good measure. Did I mention the creek crossing?

The road is about 20 miles long and my pals are dirt riders from way back. Me? You can count my dirt rides on both hands and have several fingers left over. Still, no way to get learned but to do it or attempt it.

Of the tips I have read here and on KLR.net, the ones that came in the most handy were drive the outside knee into the gas tank while weighting the outside peg. The other was to get off your rear and stand on those pegs.

I concentrated on keeping my chin and eyes up and forgetting I had a front brake.

It was all 1st and 2nd gear, but who knew that you could have such fun while rarely surpassing 20 mph? Indeed, the bulk was in the 10-15 mph range. The torque was fun, although in some cases 1st was too low and 2nd was too high.

I even managed my first stream crossing which showed up at the base of downhill left curve. The bow hunters who were camped by the creek gave me a standing ovation after I successfully forded.  I'm surprised they didn't hear me talking to myself in the helmet about "stay light on the bars, knees into the tank, knees bent and butt back."

So thanks again for all the pointers you guys have provided for we dirt newbies. I had the front end wash out two or three times, but I managed to save it through some weird mambo of body english, adding throttle, and looking ahead.

As street rider, all I can say is it's taking a while to get comfy with a bike moving around loosey-goosey beneath me, but I'm getting there.

And KLRs rock.  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

 

[sagerat]

For some reason no matter how much I downsize or crop the photos, they remain too large.

However, you can see them over at KLR.net.  

I really need to start a photobucket account.

[mtrider16]

Its a lot easier to find the photos when you put a link in your thread.   

I see Idahosam is posting up his trail.  I need to get to Idaho.

David

[TexShadow]

I really need to start a photobucket account.

Try webshots.com. Four alternative sizes for each photo. 100-600 pixels.

TS,
former Corvallis-ite.

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Two buddies have '08 KLRs and I took my '05 on a challenging USFS road between Todd Lake and the hamlet of Sisters, OR. Imagine gravel quickly giving way to deep ruts interspersed with rockfields interrupted by sand with several switchbacks and elevation changes thrown in for a good measure. Did I mention the creek crossing?

I'd like to know more about where this road is  

[Mac]

I'd like to know more about where this road is  

Its in Oregon. Can't cha read?  

[Mrs. DantesDame]

Its in Oregon. Can't cha read?  

Yeah - that's why I said "more"  







smartass...    

[Mac]

smartass...    

Got me pegged in one DD.

[sagerat]

The road is FS Road 360 from Todd Lake and turns into USFS Road 16 aka Three Creeks Lake Road near Three Creek Lake.  To get there from Bend, go W on Cascade Lakes Hwy and past USFS 45 start looking for the signs to Todd Lake, which comes in from the N or righthand side of the Cascade Lakes Hwy.  

Or if your going N-S, in Sisters, OR, get on Elm and take it S out of town and follow the signs for Tam McArthur Rim/Three Creeks Lake.  The turnoff for Todd Lake is pretty well marked.  Famous last words, I know.  

[Bombauer]

So is staying off the front break really the way to go?

I know for road riding, many suggest forgetting you have a rear break, and going all front.  

Thoughts?

[Mac]

For me, riding agressivly in the woods, I stomp the rear brake to let the back tire step out a little bit setting up for the turn while using some front brake to help bleed off some speed. Using either front or back in a straight line should be fine. Avoid the front brake while actually in the corner.

[Bombauer]

I think I see, so you're trying to take advantage of the slide?

[Mac]

Yes. Just like backing it in in GP or flat track racing, except you're on the brakes not the gas.

[sagerat]

I've been either not using the front brake at all (turns) or being very, very light (straights).

[Mrs. DantesDame]

I've been either not using the front brake at all (turns) or being very, very light (straights).

That's what I do , but I'm a n00b at this and am always willing to listen!

[marc11]

It's not just the turns, the front brake will take you out in the straights too in the dirt...TRUST ME  

When using the back brake and the rear starts to step out you can use the front brake lightly to bring it back into line, but you have to use care, too much front, even a touch too much will lock up the front wheel.  At least on the dirt you can feel and react to the front lock up as you normally have more feel and warning but not always.

Case in point, I was going down a hill, loose dirt, had too much speed, rear brake locked up, rear end started to come around, still picking up speed.  I tapped and I mean TAPPED the front brake, next thing I know I am on my back sliding down the hill.

For me, in the dirt the back brake and engine braking do most of the work, with the front being used on an as needed basis with extreem care.  I lightly squeeze and let go, lightly squeeze and let go of the front brake.

[Bombauer]

  Excellent thread people!  Good work.

[Mac]

I disagree. If you're braking in a straight line with good tires on decent soil, you can safely use the front brakes pretty agressively. You will have to use your own judgement as to what constitutes good tires and soil, but its not a given you'll crash if you use the front. Don't be afraid to push a bit to better your skills.

[marc11]

I disagree. If you're braking in a straight line with good tires on decent soil, you can safely use the front brakes pretty agressively. You will have to use your own judgement as to what constitutes good tires and soil, but its not a given you'll crash if you use the front. Don't be afraid to push a bit to better your skills.

Yeah so define "good tires and good soil" then?  Sure, have at it, but I am telling you, as I have seen just this past weekend, buddy on a KTM in front of me, heading in a straight line, had "good' tires and we thought we were on "good soil" grabbed a bit too much front brake and washed the front end out.

I am not saying you will crash 100% of the time, I am saying the use of the front brake in the dirt, regardless of dirt or tire condition has to be done with care and one should learn how to feel when the front end is locking up, otherwise, yes, regardless of dirt or tires you will end up on your ass.

So my point is, in the dirt you should not expect to use your front brake as you do on the street.

[arkansawyer]

The front brake has to be treated with care on any surface from dry pavement to slippery mud.  It's always your best friend, but don't abuse your best friend.
I agree with Mac on using the rear brake to back the bike in and get the bike pointed.  After that, feed the clutch and throttle.  A bike does not steer well with a locked rear tire.  It does very well with a spinning rear tire.

[jeepinbanditrider]

Got a link to the thread over on klr650.net