BMWMCCWA

Anyonerecommend a riding school SOR where I can learn off road skills ?

Tried Eleite but no-one returns my calls or emails,

as far as I know, there is no-one that teaches off road skills.

there are a couple of DVD's that teach dual sport techniques that are quite good ( I have a copy of both if you wish to borrow them ) apart from that it's a case of get out there and ride, slowly challenging yourself until you reach your comfort level, then go a bit more to learn new skills

What about WCTBS West Coast Trail Bike Safaris, John Staines offers some beginner rides and basic coaching I think?
On hassle is that they are based at Kirrup but the plus is its a nice bit of the country to ride in

DVD"s only give you an idea of how you should ride.
You need to get out there with someone, that might/or thinks they know how to ride and have them watch you and follow you
along the trail.Giving you advice. One on one would be best.
Everyone has there own style of riding, so maybe you could ask someone in the club who does similar style or type of riding you want to do.
Nothing beats hands on training.
This does 2 things. 1st: Gets you use to your bike and how it handles or how it doesn't if its a 1200
2nd: Gets you bike fit, This is probably the most important because when you get tired when riding you make mistakes.

Ahab

On Mike's comment "go with someone who knows/think they know what they are doing".

I did that and followed Bowe down a rocky track against my better judgement. Left that same track with a broken leg........

Great advice Mike.......

Cheers,

A quick summary, I had a fazer1000, got knocked of in Italy last September, moved to oz in jan this year, wanted a bike that would allow me to see more of the country. I went to Iceland last year and did a few hrs off road on a 800 Tiger XC, enjoyed it.

Bought a GSA over here and am booked on the course at Kirup next month, I wanted to try and get some more off road experience in before I trash my bike on the course, or at least reduce the chances of trashing it.

I fancy being able to take the beast off road, and being able to feel comfortable with loose gravel, it just feels very unnatural, and with my off last year, I'm still a little nervous. Yet completely fine on Tarmac.

Was hoping there was a place nearer to Perth that thought off roading.

CAdams wrote:Cheers,


I fancy being able to take the beast off road, and being able to feel comfortable with loose gravel, it just feels very unnatural, and with my off last year, I'm still a little nervous. Yet completely fine on Tarmac.

Beast is exactly what you have. Not comfortable in gravel, change your tyres.(Yet completely fine on Tarmac.) so is my grandmother. When you fall off the horse, get out there and wring its neck. It is a mental issue you are having after a crash. Most people stuggle with the same thing. It is a time issue and been comfortable again on the bike without thinking about what could happen.

Ahab

The GSA is an awful big beast to take off road. But in saying that, they are a very capable machine.

My best advice is to come down to brekkie and head out with a few of the guys, the majority of the rides are GSA friendly,( except if Ken says follow me ), as I said earlier , you need to get to ride within your comfort zone for confidence but also explore your boundaries.

Mike, JP and some others regularly test themselves and their bikes beyond what most riders will EVER do.

Once Dawn is up and about again I'll probably do another kindergarten ride , for a small group, I'll even bring the sidecar to slow me down.

Cheers, I'll come along one sunday, though I'll wait till after the the BMW thing in October.

I have also felt bad feelings towards the GSA after I followed Ken and broke my leg but I got myself a DR 650 and now feel like I am gaining more dirt confidence and now even feel like I have more control when taking the GSA out on the dirt as a result of riding the more forgiving DR. My advice get a DR and have some dirt fun. There are quite a few GSA owners doing the same

bill9117 wrote: My advice get a DR and have some dirt fun. There are quite a few GSA owners doing the same

If you just went out an brought an F800GS you wouldnt need to get an DR. One day you GSA riders will see the light. Take your blinkers off.

Ahab.

You could always buy a 510 and really have some fun, don't wear out many front tyres.

I don't believe there are any accredited organisations or individuals in W.A. that offer off road rider training.

My two cents; any task demands the same requirements:

1. Identify the objective (do you want to travel off road all the way to Cape York or, just enjoy a few off bitumen excusions?) then set measurable milestones that move you towards the objective. Difficult in this scenario but not impossible.

2. Get training/input. Bear in mind, everybody, including me, has an opinion. Oddly, I've never yet met anyone who couldn't ride a motorbike well!

3. Practice.

4. Get feedback and depending on feedback, start again at 2 or 3.

The GS isn't the perfect bike in any single situation but it does do most things reasonably well and, as you have identified, its potential is only restricted by the operator.

Riding on dirt here is much the same as riding in the dirt anywhere else on the planet, it's only the density that varies.

If your previous experience is bitumen, riding on dirt/gravel is going to feel uncomfortable for a while.

I don't profess to be an expert (or a novice) but I'd agree that time with your bum in the saddle is the best way forward and always ride within your comfort zone!

"Digger" has a well worn phrase: "Your safety is my concern, but your responsibility"

Finally, it's not "if" the bike is going to end up horizontal, it's "when".

Does anyone need a copy of my latest book?... "Davey's guide to off road riding in OZ".....(otherwise known as "offit sprokett does Dwellingup".....(I have a couple of copies left, I think).......

Davey_sprockeT wrote:otherwise known as "offit sprokett does Dwellingup:lol:

To do something, dont you have to finish it. In one piece.
Whats this Off roading in OZ bit. You cant make it out of WA

Ahab