Db1k 2012

[Transalper]

Tis well worth it as further on there is some amazing views and terrain.
Don't think it gets any harder than on the video though the bit where the big BMW was getting help was actually a kind of short cut up the middle of a zig zag in the track and if we had not turned up the hill when we did then we would have had a slightly easier time as the track went a little further forward then turned in a nicer way up and rejoined the top of that shortcut.
There was no specific instruction to turn there or not as either way worked I guess.

I would go into that challenge again on the DR but don't wish to subject the Transalp to it.

Lots of reports and some pics starting here from last years run. but I'm sure there another thread hiding with other pics somewhere too.

This post by ADVGD has some good shots but posted a little small IMO. It includes some of the Friday Orari gorge stuff as well.

[FJRider]

Haha. I'll bite. No, you don't need cell reception so long as you've downloaded maps ahead of time. And you get an initial fix with cell reception which vastly speeds up time to lock.

Next silly question ...

Will there be enough power in the battery to allow continuous use of the maps ALL day.

[dmoo1790]

Next silly question ...

Will there be enough power in the battery to allow continuous use of the maps ALL day.

Nope. But the fine chaps at KTM have provided not one but two auxiliary 12V connectors behind the headlight. So all I need to do is wire up my 12V to 5V USB converter and all is sweet. Well maybe all except heat. If the weather is hot it's possible the phone might overheat inside the Aquabox. I'm not sure how I'll deal with this. Might have to make some holes for air flow but which can be sealed for waterproofing. Seems a bit daft since I ordered the Aquabox because it it's waterproof. Hmm. Maybe a metal heatsink through the case but sealed against water?

[Ally67]

Hi folks. I've done the Big Omarama Saddle and Serpentine before so I know how tough (or not) they are (at least when they're fairly dry). But I haven't done the Awakino Saddle and it looks the longest of the 3 challenges. How does it rate compared to Omarama and Serpentine? Just rocky stuff or does it have bogs as well? How steep are the climbs, scrabbling in 1st gear or easier? Any vids of Awakino?

How tough ?
I've done Awakino last year But I had to follow the navigator or get lost
But I did feel great when we got to the end of that section and only coming off once towards the end was bloody good I thought

So if I can do it with skinny little stick arms you shouldn't have any problems

[dmoo1790]

Nope. But the fine chaps at KTM have provided not one but two auxiliary 12V connectors behind the headlight. So all I need to do is wire up my 12V to 5V USB converter and all is sweet. Well maybe all except heat. If the weather is hot it's possible the phone might overheat inside the Aquabox. I'm not sure how I'll deal with this. Might have to make some holes for air flow but which can be sealed for waterproofing. Seems a bit daft since I ordered the Aquabox because it it's waterproof. Hmm. Maybe a metal heatsink through the case but sealed against water?

Just went for test ride and I think I'll give up on the phone because it got mega hot and the display is really hard to see in bright sunlight.

[dmoo1790]

So if I can do it with skinny little stick arms you shouldn't have any problems

Hey you haven't seen my skinny arms. Anyway I will give it a go. Actually when I do have problems it's usually down to lack of talent rather than lack of strength. I think if you're really working hard then you're probably doing it wrong (in most cases).

[NordieBoy]

How tough ?
I've done Awakino last year But I had to follow the navigator or get lost
But I did feel great when we got to the end of that section and only coming off once towards the end was bloody good I thought

So if I can do it with skinny little stick arms you shouldn't have any problems

Allie, remember to log out before you let Jatz use the computer...

[MXNUT]

So as the DRZ is still in bits at the moment ( long story ) i am going to be taking the wifes DR650 down to the dusty butt, as i have only riden this bike off road once before i have a question for you seasoned DR650 Dusty Butt Riders.

I have a 14 tooth countershaft sprocket at home for it but are currently running the standard gearing (15/41 ) ,which i find 1st gear is quite high.
I am planning on doing all the challenge sections that i can, and wondered if i should fit the smaller front sprocket.

What do you guys recommend ????

Does the smaller countershaft sprocket affect the fuel consumption / tank range by much as my riding style is not known for getting good fuel consumption

[NordieBoy]

So as the DRZ is still in bits at the moment ( long story ) i am going to be taking the wifes DR650 down to the dusty butt, as i have only riden this bike off road once before i have a question for you seasoned DR650 Dusty Butt Riders.

I have a 14 tooth countershaft sprocket at home for it but are currently running the standard gearing (15/41 ) ,which i find 1st gear is quite high.
I am planning on doing all the challenge sections that i can, and wondered if i should fit the smaller front sprocket.

What do you guys recommend ????

Does the smaller countershaft sprocket affect the fuel consumption / tank range by much as my riding style is not known for getting good fuel consumption

Do it.
Negligible fuel range difference.

I'm running the equiv of 14/43 (15/46) and it cruises at 110kph quite well.

Take both sprockets.
Use the 15t for the run down and the 14t for the Dusty. 15t back on for the run back.
Less than 5mins to swap them...

[Transalper]

I do everything on my DR650 on 15/43 now days including the challenge sections last year.

[Aslan]

I do everything on my DR650 on 15/43 now days including the challenge sections last year.

I'm with Transapler on this one Mark - I found the 14T wore too quickly so swapped back to standard gearing

[Transalper]

Original was 15/41.
Tried 14/41, was fine but as Aslan said 15 front is better for wear (for the front sprocket at least) and 15/43 is basically the same feel as 14/41.
The original 15/41 lugged too much for me in too many situations even around town etc at the speeds I seem to like.

Guess what I'm saying is yes if doing it for this trip with 41 rear then I'd throw on the 14 front.

[Trials Rider]

I run 15/44 as standard as I like to keep a larger wrap around on the sprockets for better wear however I will be using 14/44 for the DB, top speed is not an issue and never has been, its the technical creeks, boulders, tight turns and the deep shingle that gets you, save fanging the shit out of the clutch too.

I am also trying the new 150 wide E07 on the rear should be lots of fun.

[NordieBoy]

I run 15/44 as standard and will be using 14/44 for the DB, top speed is not an issue and never has been, its the technical creeks, boulders, tight turns and the deep shingle that gets you.

I am also trying the new 150 wide E07 on the rear should be lots of fun.

I'll probably use 16/46 for the run down and 14/46 on the DB.

I'll be carrying 14/15/16 fronts.

My rear is a 120

[Trials Rider]

Just as suggestion last year was my first year on the BD so I put my "TRIALS RIDER" name on the front of my bike, I had a lot of good comments for it, you guys put a lot of good info on the forum which I really like, even better would be to put a face to the name, only a suggestion but thought it might be a bit more social knowing who you see on the way.