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Baja 1000 - Need Advice

uhmeebuh

uhmeebuh

Ginger Ape
Joined
Jul 27, 2004
Location
where it's winter half the year
Moto(s)
are dangerous
Name
Brandon
So a buddy of mine has suggested we do the Baja 1000. I think he's see from 'Dust to Glory' a few times too many :laughing

But then I thought about it for .5 seconds and decided it might be a lot of fun and one hell of an adventure. The journey will be the destination... :thumbup

So, Dirty BARFers, give me some advice:

- What bikes will we need? I'm guessing something utterly reliable and bash worthy a la DR650 or XR650L. What else should we consider? A KLR? I don't know how off-road oriented it needs to be...

- What mods? I assume larger fuel (tank of course), upgraded suspension, improved lighting (although we probably won't be doing much at night), a better seat (not that we'll be sitting much) and ??? what else? Should I plan on bringing my pistol?

- What about Baja should we know?

We're in the planning stages and I'd like to get a better feel for what I'm in for?

Thanks!
 
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Read some of the threads on advrider - that is the best way for you to get a taste of what's to come. Even if you go as a spectator and not a racer you'll need a lot of tools and know how to wrench on your bike in a pinch. Baja is not for amateurs - hook up with some dudes who have been there before and avoid newbie pitfalls!
 
+ 1 Baja is not for amateurs. There are a few companys that will set you up with support crew & bikes to race the 1000 but it's big big bucks. Baja is not USA you get hurt & a small injury can turn into a major problem. For around 2 grand there are companys that do Baja tours & some of the better companys won't even take rookie on a guided tour. IMO You should start racing the Desert in nevada so, cal & utah & get a few years under your belt prior to racing the Baja 1000.
Good Luck
 
dbc said:
If your not gonna race, but would like some survival tips, pics, previous reports, etc.. check here- http://www.advrider.com/forums/
Click to expand...

Search for the "team Double Barrel Racing" thread in the ADV ride reports section. 3 guys team up on a 950 SE, and the report covers the whole shebang from setup and training to the end. (Actually still getting to the end).

There was also a great story from a guy who decided to do it Ironman, a total amateur on an XT600. He was some ex-military special forces type though... hardcore. AirborneAndy, I think his uername is. Hi didn't finish.

ADV has a racing thread with tons of Baja info.

Cheers,
Greg
 
Way to think big, man! :thumbup If you need any help, let me know. I've wanted to ride it, but even if just to support count me in.
 
Hey... i want to ride the BH1k myself. but that's the big boy ride.. we have to do the small ones to QUALIFY for the 1k... we're not worthy..

But... I have a bike that's worthy of trying the smaller rides on.. so.. let's put a team together!!
 
The Baja 1000 is super tough. My orthopedic has a patient (not to mention names) that races in the Baja. He's constantly breaking this or that.

My suggestion is doing smaller versions of rallies.
I know there was one in Spain I was interested in but already happened (back in Feb. I believe) to gain experience.

Shoot though, that sounds like fricken blast!!
I've always wanted to race the Baja since I was a kid! :nerd
 
Ironbutt said:
Hey... i want to ride the BH1k myself. but that's the big boy ride.. we have to do the small ones to QUALIFY for the 1k... we're not worthy..
Click to expand...

Ahh - I didn't know that in my Baja searches. We have to "qualify" to even ride in it. Pfft - well that's certainly NOT going to happen anytime soon (or ever).

I dunno - we both like to camp and ride so the trip seemed like a good date alraedy set for us to schedule. I suppose we could just do a ride down to Baja and dick around...that might be a lot of fun too :teeth

Sounds like we have quite a few folks that would want to go on that trip... :thumbup
 
I'd say do the Baja 250. Then the 500. Then the 1000.

You'll learn a lot about what works and what doesn't while getting the idea of how the whole Baja thing comes together.

Team Double Barrell Racing, while making their first attempt at Baja racing, were all seasoned off-road racers prior to their hair-brained idea. They mostly knew what to expect, and still there were times when it was chaos.

Must Read Homework for anyone considering the Baja 1000:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=290307.
 
meeb, you guys can ride down there on those same roads anytime that a race is not going on

I'd suggest that 1st and/or local stuff to get your feet wet
 
Two words....hidden sinkholes.

Pay a guide to take you in the off-season. Guides know the awesome roads & can negotiate a discount for you at the local 'toll roads' and with meals, etc.

Here's one I'd try - bikes and meals included: http://www.bajaboundmoto.com/
 
You don't have to qualify for the Baja 1000 but unless you have quite a bit of desert racing experience you would be insane to even try it. I have chased for a class 1 car in the baja 500 and it was an eye opener. My opinion would be to start doing some Nevada desert races like the Laughlin 400. Then when you start to feel ready do Vegas to Reno. I chased Vegas to Reno twice and that was the closest thing that I have seen to Baja. If you can do Vegas to Reno without a problem you might be ready for a baja race. Injuries or breakdowns can cause serious problems in Mexico, not including the corrupt federales and the locals that do what ever they can to make your life hell. It is a serious commitment to do any baja race.
 
If your serious about Baja, you might consider gettin' one of these..

XR605R..
650.jpg


So you can run photog's over...:teeth

small650.jpg
 
uhmeebuh said:
So a buddy of mine has suggested we do the Baja 1000. I think he's see from 'Dust to Glory' a few times too many :laughing

But then I thought about it for .5 seconds and decided it might be a lot of fun and one hell of an adventure. The journey will be the destination... :thumbup

So, Dirty BARFers, give me some advice:

- What bikes will we need? I'm guessing something utterly reliable and bash worthy a la DR650 or XR650L. What else should we consider? A KLR? I don't know how off-road oriented it needs to be...

- What mods? I assume larger fuel (tank of course), upgraded suspension, improved lighting (although we probably won't be doing much at night), a better seat (not that we'll be sitting much) and ??? what else? Should I plan on bringing my pistol?

- What about Baja should we know?

We're in the planning stages and I'd like to get a better feel for what I'm in for?

Thanks!
Click to expand...



I actually thought you where joking.
I had no idea this was a serious post....:wtf:rofl
 
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