Delurk

[txgryph]

Been reading the board on and off for a while, then decied to register after being reminded about the group from the VSRI Texas area. I picked up a used '05 Wee-Strom 2 weeks ago to go with the '83 BWM R80ST that I've been riding since my return to 2 wheels after a break of a few years.

I'm looking forward to exploring more gravel and dirt in the hill country than I could with the street tired ST. Especially once I learn a little more about riding in dirt and loose surfaces.

Tom

[Tourmeister]

Welcome to the site. I would advise getting the guards to go on the sides of the Strom The first thing to learn about riding in the dirt is that you will fall down, probably more than a few times... Those guards can make a big difference in any repair bills! Also, if the bike does not already have them, I would invest in a good set of hand guards that have metal bars in them, not just plastic. Not only will this help protect your control levers, it may save you from some broken fingers. If you decide you might like some knobbies, the Conti TKC-80's are good. They are great on the road and do well in the dirt, so so in the mud. You will also want to adjust your controls on the bars so that you can ride comfortably while standing up. This includes shifting gears and braking while standing. Standing can make things MUCH easier when riding in rough or loose conditions. Get good protective gear. Knee and hip pads/armor are a must. If you fall, you will almost always hit one or both... trust me

[Squeaky]

...and don't let Tourmeister scare you. What he says is all true and from experience, but I'm sure he meant to add "have fun with it" to his post.

Congrats on the Wee. If you don't plan on going far, don't top off the tank and then head straight for the loose stuff. The bike gets more top heavy with added fuel.

[Gilk51]

Originally Posted by Squeaky

...and don't let Tourmeister scare you. What he says is all true and from experience, but I'm sure he meant to add "have fun with it" to his post.

TM is all "doom and gloom" - why else would he trade for a KLR?

Congrats TxG!

[txgryph]

Originally Posted by Tourmeister

Welcome to the site. I would advise getting the guards to go on the sides of the Strom The first thing to learn about riding in the dirt is that you will fall down, probably more than a few times... Those guards can make a big difference in any repair bills! Also, if the bike does not already have them, I would invest in a good set of hand guards that have metal bars in them, not just plastic. Not only will this help protect your control levers, it may save you from some broken fingers. If you decide you might like some knobbies, the Conti TKC-80's are good. They are great on the road and do well in the dirt, so so in the mud. You will also want to adjust your controls on the bars so that you can ride comfortably while standing up. This includes shifting gears and braking while standing. Standing can make things MUCH easier when riding in rough or loose conditions. Get good protective gear. Knee and hip pads/armor are a must. If you fall, you will almost always hit one or both... trust me

I was thinking the place to start would be www.dirtbikeschool.com and go from there. I was plaining on the 'engine' guards, and hand guards. Knobbies will just get me further into trouble than the trailwings I think, at least for now. I can already ride comfortably standing, I could probably make it better. I've got full street gear.

Oh, and I know about VSRI and have seen but don't follow Stromtroopers.

Tom
VSRI 4257