Another WR250R

[1Arm]

I started doing a little off pavement touring this past summer on my Versys, but found I felt limited on the types of terrain I was willing to travel on with it.  The prospect of steep rocky terrain, sand, or mildly deep water crossings made me squirm (also partly because of my off road inexperience).

I wanted something lighter, better suspended, and with real DS wheels.  I want to give the OBDR a whirl, and if that is as much fun as I suspect, want to expand travels to Ut, Mt, Id and Wyo.
http://www.cycoactive.com/Adventure/Blog/XTFrro/Oregon_Backcountry_Discovery_Route_OBDR_2000

Bought my 2011 RR a couple of weeks ago and finally got it out for a couple of hundred mile jaunt to the coast.  Just beginning to get it set up for travelling, making use of the Great Basin for the time being, although it might be a little large for the WR.  Gotta have something to carry those tubes and tire irons until I get full time luggage squared away.

A little eyeballing google maps revealed a mostly dirt route to the cost that included the highest mountain in the northern coast range, excellent viewpoint anticipated.

First order of business, survive the pea soup in the valley. Gotta get some hyperlites put on the rear.


Dirt route aborted when the "low on gas" light came on.  2 gallon tank has gotta go. Detour into town and back to gravel.  Loving the litre fuel bottles stowed in the GL.



Mostly nice gravel road, a little steep mud and ruts but no worries



Sweeping views of the coast, a clear day would also allow views of several peaks in the Cascades.  Everybody's favorite Pelican Pub in the distance.



Tillamook Cheese factory to the north.



Prescribed burns blotting the scenery.



Old radar installation from a few decades past.



A paved road leads to the coast, highly recommend a trip up to Mt. Hebo on any type of bike.


High surf on the Three Capes highway.


Opted for the hundred mile paved route home, cruised easily at 65-70mph, even passed a couple of slowpokes on the pass going over the coast range.  Got between 60-70 mpg, not bad considering I'm still putting on break-in miles.

[Cablebandit]

Awesome.  I can't wait to pick one of these up.  

[scottzilla]

Nice!

[1000lbs]

Very nice  .

I'm new to the WR fold myself. The 3 gal. IMS tank got delivered today on the second week of ownership to delay that pesky fuel light a little more.  I'd love to take this thing on our annual trip to the PNW next summer.  Looks like there is quite a bit to explore up there, great pics.

[Meemuh]

I have GOT to get me some mountain riding sometime.

[1Arm]

Thanks for the comments, I couldn't be happier with the bike at this point.  I've got all winter to get it prepped for the dirt touring mode I want to use it for.  Cutting back on the crap I carry for repairs, camping etc. and packing much lighter will be important me thinks.  Haven't decided which tank to put on yet, leaning towards one of the 4+ gal units.  Pleasantly surprised that the stock seat was so comfortable for a 200 mile trip, prolly rebuild it with the foam I use on my street bike seats just to widen it a little if nothing else.
I'm pretty sure my old and slow style won't overwhelm the suspension, so hopefully a little fiddling will be good enough there.  

What I need most is to practice dirt riding techniques, I feel the advantages of standing in certain situations, but I'm definitely not smooth with shifting and braking not seated.  Of course the new challenges and all the shopping for new stuff is part of what makes the wee blue bike so much fun.

[1Arm]

Forgot the map, the road from the town of Hebo/Hwy 101 to Mt. Hebo is paved and is a great side trip to anyone touring the PCH.  

[expatbrit]

Another new WR250 owner here, though mine is (currently) an X. Loving it, even up at 6,000'.

It's not fast, but it's fun as hell. Looking to Wheelings for some dirt wheels shortly, so I can have my about town bike and my dirt bike fairly simply. (Oh, and it's FUN on a tight track!!)

[kurtw]

Nice job! I used to DS the coast range all the time when I lived out on the Oregon coast so it brings back memories. And you scored a nice day on the coast too!

BTW, the GL Coyote or Mojavi ought to be perfect on the WR depending on how much you want to carry. They don't occupy seat real estate like the GB does.

Congrats on the new bike!

[Mastros2]

Awesome.  I can't wait to pick one of these up.  

Same.  That would be a great addition to the garage  .

[Lawn Dart]

3.1 IMS on my WR - I really think that's the perfect balance for the bike between weight and range.  It should be good for just over 150 miles...perhaps a bit longer if I'm kind to the throttle.  

Great bike and I can't wait to ride mine more!    

[twotrackhero]

Nice Bike & great pics   I ride a converted YZ but I have my eye on  a WR for my next dirtbike. If your looking for a larger tank Clarke makes some decent stuff for most bikes ( http://clarkemfg.com ) . I run a 3.3 gallon in clear, awesome range and keeping a eye on the fuel is a breeze, although it's not as nice looking as a blue tank the guys I ride with say they wish they would have gone clear.

[1Arm]

Appreciate the comments and suggestions, being a dirt newb requires a fair bit of gear research to get it right the first time so as to not break the bank with bad choices.  Might end up going to the GL Coyote but I need to try and make the Great Basin work first (might be ok by positioning halfway on rear rack and half on seat).
The 3 gal tanks do seem right from a weight standpoint, but I also like the radiator protection offered by the wings on the bigger tanks and the extra capacity eliminates the need for carrying stash gas...hmmmm, really on the fence there.

Lots of choices in upgrading camping gear, packing small and light ain't cheap  The 'stich and Combat Tours aren't going to work for rough terrain workouts, so plenty of $$ to spend replacing riding gear, too.  Happily, have found a good resource with
  http://www.atomic-moto.com/  

Comments regarding what works for you are greatly appreciated

[Ack535]

I really like those WR250R's. Might have to get me one sometime soon!