Road trip to pick up new-old bike, DR350S

[auggius]

I finally got a dual-purpose bike to take advantage of the forest service roads and trails around here (Kootenays, BC). My wife and I went on a road trip to Penticton this weekend to pick up a 1996 Suzuki DR350S.

The funny thing is that it's my old bike! I originally bought it used in 2001 when my wife was in Europe. I kept it for a couple of years, but living in Vancouver I didn't ride it for it's intended use, just commuting and the VFR was better for that. So I sold it to my brother-in-law. Last year he lent it to his friend to learn on. His friend's car blew up so he couldn't afford to buy it. I've been looking for a dual-sport bike since spring but not much available here except converted dirt bikes. So I jumped at this opportunity much to my wife's chagrin.

I rode it 425km home today without any problems. In fact it did a lot better than I thought it would. It maintained highway speed and didn't get blown around. We just had to take a short break every hour to give my butt a break. One big thing is that my knees don't get sore and stiff like they do riding the VFR. It'll need a new rear tire very soon, but it did come back to me with a Clarke oversized tank and flatslide / pumper carbs (?).

I'm looking forward to exploring some gravel roads and trails around here. I'll be doing it slowly since I don't have any off-road riding experience.

Anyway, since it doesn't exist without pictures, here it is at the Anarchist Mountain lookout just outside Osoyoos:

[Kootenanny]

Good one, Doug.  Glad you got it home OK.

I'll be seeing you sometime this week, I hope...maybe I'll get a chance to ride the new DR??

[auggius]

Hey Geoff, I should be home during the day this week so stop by anytime. Yeah, you can take it out for a ride. I think Tammy secretly (okay, not so secretly) hopes that someone will take it for a ride and just keep on going.  

[bubba zanetti]

Those are fabled dual sport bikes with very reliable engines. About the perfect size for our neck of the woods. As you found out, extended highways are not its forte but, offroad, I hear it shines.

Congrats.  One word of advice .... armor and especially knee pads as in the dirt, you will fall down.  

[auggius]

Thanks Bubba.

So talking about gear, how well will an Aerostich RC suit (w/ the standard hard armour, Aerostich back and thigh pads) and Combat Touring boots do for off-road riding? it's been my gear of choice for street riding forever it seems. I have a red/black 1 piece for street (matches the VFR) and a black/black 2 piece which I used for riding the DR back. Just wondering if it'll be too hot.

I do have an HJC dirt bike helmet from when I first owned this bike, but I think my Arai Quantum is better suited for highway riding.

I tried on some dirt riding boots last year but they didn't fit under the Aerostich.

Any other gear suggestions?

[bubba zanetti]

You will cook in the RC. Dirt riding raises your body temp because you are working more on the bike. Unless you are riding in October, you need to think about different gear. The combat boots are OK but offer little protection for your toes and ankles. Ebay is full of used gear. I got offroad boots for $40.

I wear armored shorts under vented cordura pants, armored mesh type jacket and Kneepads and I sweat tons.