Barf Baja 2016 - The ride begins!

[Eric B]

Interesting that it has roller bearings as opposed to ball bearings. That's a lot of lateral contact. Would think that demands very little crank runout after assembly.

 

[Lunch Box]

Minor details..... Bring it on! Pink slip race? Always wanted a KTM 690.

The idea of me challenging you to a dirtbike race makes about as much sense as you challenging me to an eating contest.

 

[Leo_jb]

The idea of me challenging you to a dirtbike race makes about as much sense as you challenging me to an eating contest.

The king of the one liners

 

[Lunch Box]

If I were smart enough to remember more than one line at a time I would be dangerous.

 

[DualSportSchool]

Three? Who else's bike died? My 1200 limped all the way back to UT, but it did require a new tire after 6 flats. Somehow, I miracled my way into finding a tire, but I am sworn to secrecy as to where it came from.

 

[OaklandF4i]

Three? Who else's bike died? My 1200 limped all the way back to UT, but it did require a new tire after 6 flats. Somehow, I miracled my way into finding a tire, but I am sworn to secrecy as to where it came from.

Aaron's 690 in Mulege, Josh's 520 in Comondu, Dmitriy's 640 somewhere north of Guerro Negro on hwy 1.

6 flats? What the hell.... Keep replacing with tubes?

And I have a vision of an empty tequila bottle on the ground in front of a dumpster behind a BWM dealership with Scott's and your legs dangling out diving for tires on the trip home.

 

[DualSportSchool]

Wow, I clearly should have continued on dirt with you guys, but given the condition of my tire, and the back pain of Scott, it would have likely ended in disaster. Your day 6 sounds fantastic. But NEXT YEAR, I hope I get to ride with you guys again. If not, I may follow your tracks.

 

[DualSportSchool]

Caption - KTM, endorsed by Baja buzzards.

 

[DualSportSchool]

Aaron, not to rub it in, but the rest of everyone's adventure was better than yours. The rest of my trip was outstanding, and I did trick Scott into 2 more days of partial off-road riding, and he did very well. We did get lost once at night and found some ridiculously deep sand, but it was all part of the adventure. Scott had more damage to his bike, but we made the trip home without injury. The last two hours of our ride we hit a snowstorm, and had 17 - 22 degree temps for over 5 hours. But we kept the tires on the pavement and were home in time for dinner - though my kids made me shower and shave before they would sit with me. Can't wait to ride with you again. I hope you can make it to UT... otherwise, I will see you in CA.

 

[DualSportSchool]

"Fran is alive! I assume that both you and Scott eventually made it safely back across the border without spending any time in jail, marrying a stripper in a drunken stuper, or becoming an unwitting organ donor. And if not, are at least enjoying the adventure. "

CJ, we had a blast. I know I slowed you all down, but that's what you get for talking to strangers. I slept in my foil blanket one more time, but it's Baja... you just have to Harden the F up!

 

[DualSportSchool]

Fran,

It was good to meet you and your friends in Baja and see you here!

It looks like you found the right group down there. First we fix your tire then find your cell phone. Not bad for a bunch of lackies on Little Adventure Bikes aye.

In all honesty it was great to meet and hang out with you guys. I hope to see you again in Baja or some other great spot. Tell Shawn his KTM will blow up if he tries to hang with Team Red in the desert. Yes, the smack talk has begun.

Tom, I definitely found the right group. You guys saved my ass. I look forward to riding with you again, and if the Honda Africa Twin is anywhere near as tough as the rest of team Honda... BMW is in a world of hurt! You guys rip. Anytime you want to play in Moab, let me know.

 

[DualSportSchool]

Aaron's 690 in Mulege, Josh's 520 in Comondu, Dmitriy's 640 somewhere north of Guerro Negro on hwy 1.

6 flats? What the hell.... Keep replacing with tubes?

And I have a vision of an empty tequila bottle on the ground in front of a dumpster behind a BWM dealership with Scott's and your legs dangling out diving for tires on the trip home.

That sucks for the KTM guys. One thing I will say is they rode the hell out of them. Also, notice that the didn't include BMW in their statement about never seeing one in front of them.

I had the one flat that Tom fixed. That lasted 4 days. Then if failed. I put another tube that I bought in La Paz in. Then 20 miles later - flat. Then patched and put Merlin's tube back in. 10 miles later... flat. Then I pulled the wheel off, and sent it with Scott to Loreto to find a tire guy to patch the tire again, and return it to tubeless condition. He found someone to do it, and also picked up another tube and some slime. That lasted 75 miles and got us 22 miles from Mulege. I threw a lock on the bike, and rode 2-up with Scott to the bar where we had Taco Tuesday, and they were having a beach party. I made it known that I was in desperate need of a tire and then started drinking. Some good samaritan, on condition of anonymity, took me to get my bike, warning that if I didn't get it, it would be gone by morning. I then slept on the beach in a hammock with only my foil blanket for warmth... which it again failed to provide. The next day, a nearly new tire Heidenau tire was brought to my and I once again, I was saved by the kindness of a new friend. Lesson learned - NEVER go off road in Baja on a BMW without a spare tire. Also, Baja doesn't stock BMW parts, tubes, tires, etc. So bring everything you (or someone else) might need in an emergency. I also learned to always bring a sleeping bag. I have to be the luckiest person to ride in Baja this year, and I plan to pay if forward x 10. Thank you all for one of the best ADVentures I've ever had.

 

[slupcho]

Fran,

It was good to meet you and your friends in Baja and see you here!

It looks like you found the right group down there. First we fix your tire then find your cell phone. Not bad for a bunch of lackies on Little Adventure Bikes aye.

In all honesty it was great to meet and hang out with you guys. I hope to see you again in Baja or some other great spot. Tell Shawn his KTM will blow up if he tries to hang with Team Red in the desert. Yes, the smack talk has begun.

Is that an invitation to next year??? And just FYI the KTM LC4 engines won the Dakar rally what 12 times in a row? And KTM bikes have won this event for the last 15 years. And in 2000, the last year that KTM did NOT win, what manufacturer was it?????? Oh that's right, BMW.

Keep those red bikes in the shallow end of the kiddie pool where they belong. SNAP!

 

[slupcho]

Gorgeous bike, but how does it look upside down?

If you've got a lap top, just rotate it 180 degrees!

 

[anytwowilldo]

Is that an invitation to next year??? And just FYI the KTM LC4 engines won the Dakar rally what 12 times in a row? And KTM bikes have won this event for the last 15 years. And in 2000, the last year that KTM did NOT win, what manufacturer was it?????? Oh that's right, BMW.

Keep those red bikes in the shallow end of the kiddie pool where they belong. SNAP!

Shallow end Not in my DNA.

This is an invitation and we hope to see you guys again! Does Fran have a smaller bike too? He literally rode the wheels and skid plate off that GSA. It would be cool to hang with you guys and hit up some of the more remote stuff.

 

[OaklandF4i]

That sucks for the KTM guys. One thing I will say is they rode the hell out of them. Also, notice that the didn't include BMW in their statement about never seeing one in front of them.

I had the one flat that Tom fixed. That lasted 4 days. Then if failed. I put another tube that I bought in La Paz in. Then 20 miles later - flat. Then patched and put Merlin's tube back in. 10 miles later... flat. Then I pulled the wheel off, and sent it with Scott to Loreto to find a tire guy to patch the tire again, and return it to tubeless condition. He found someone to do it, and also picked up another tube and some slime. That lasted 75 miles and got us 22 miles from Mulege. I threw a lock on the bike, and rode 2-up with Scott to the bar where we had Taco Tuesday, and they were having a beach party. I made it known that I was in desperate need of a tire and then started drinking. Some good samaritan, on condition of anonymity, took me to get my bike, warning that if I didn't get it, it would be gone by morning. I then slept on the beach in a hammock with only my foil blanket for warmth... which it again failed to provide. The next day, a nearly new tire Heidenau tire was brought to my and I once again, I was saved by the kindness of a new friend. Lesson learned - NEVER go off road in Baja on a BMW without a spare tire. Also, Baja doesn't stock BMW parts, tubes, tires, etc. So bring everything you (or someone else) might need in an emergency. I also learned to always bring a sleeping bag. I have to be the luckiest person to ride in Baja this year, and I plan to pay if forward x 10. Thank you all for one of the best ADVentures I've ever had.

There are dealers for all the brands, but as you found none carry parts for anything but tiny bikes and scooters. A number of years ago I went in search of a new chain for a Husquvarna 450 I was riding. None of the shops in La Pa or Cabo (KTM, Honda, Yamaha or BMW) had a new o ring chain. Eventually a mechanic and I salvaged one off a crashed R6 that just happened to have had a 520 conversion.

I bet I can make a pretty good guess who helped you in Burro Beach to retrieve your BMW and the tire (one of three people I think). Folks in Baja are awesome! Its these experiences I enjoy even more than the riding itself.

Sounds like you and Scott had a proper adventure and great stories to share for years. Consider a small proper dual sport next year and join us. The smaller bikes really open up the adventure.

Keep those red bikes in the shallow end of the kiddie pool where they belong. SNAP!

I'll be your Huckleberry. You might be very surprised how fast an overweight and underpowered XR can skip across the sand whoops in top gear when motivated. I love it. Adults reverting to the 7th grade study hour with their moto mags talking smack about the latest such and such bike shoot out. Bikes keep you young! Shawn, your bike set up is ridiculously awesome. Would love have that machine. Current lust bike build is a CRF450X with desert tank and suspension mods.... if I could only plate it in CA.

 

[OaklandF4i]

The following pics are from Norcalslowpoke and my comments. Thanks Scott!

Scotts private suite in PSF

Leo is staying Baja and has found a job

There was an unspoken race down and up from Baja amongst the drivers... jockeying for position leaving Mama's

Ian purchased one of those new fancy Aussy fuel bladders. Looks trick and worked great too

Baja AGATT

My Grand Canyon jump will be next

Dmitriy going Putin on us

Anybody identify this? Its not a TW200

 

[Dmitriy]

Interesting that it has roller bearings as opposed to ball bearings. That's a lot of lateral contact. Would think that demands very little crank runout after assembly.

To quote the KTM manual:

This figure will be the axial play of the crankshaft, which should be 0.03- 0.12 mm (0.001- 0.005 in).

yes very little indeed.

Ok last post in this thread about this. I'll starts something in the garage forum I guess.

 

[OaklandF4i]

The Italian super model and a cactus

Josh modeling the latest Baja wear

A German, Italian, and Austrian bike go into a bar and .......

Lunchbox has nothing on me...

I love Baja!

The strip bar is just up and over this ridge

Dr Jensen "There are fish in here!"

Real men drink motor oil

Daniel of Arabia

 

[OaklandF4i]

About to attempt Norcalslowpokes youtube bump start technique with both rear wheels in the air....

Time to properly dry this XR out

Daniel really enjoys the rocks and water

Dmitriy thinking about how Russia could annex Baja Sur

Three Hondas and an Italian super model get a room and ....

Baja aint bad... nope... not bad at all