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Lots of respect, I did this in 2008 on an XR600R, much easier to navigate these challenges on this than the big bikes

Hi all! My name is Chris and I live near the tip of the Mitt in Michigan. Currently riding a 07 1200GSA and a DRZ400. I recently sold my KTM 990 because I thought I would never be able to ride a big bike off road, especially sand. Bought the GSA more for touring, but find myself still wanting to explore the back roads on it. So outfitted it with Skid Plate, tires, bar risers, etc. There is nothing like taking a big bike where you would think it shouldn't be able to go. The more I see of these bikes on video, I now it's capabilities far exceed mine. So hopefully I will be able to continue to learn and overcome my current limitations. Found this site after watching Eric's videos, looking for a forum that caters more to actual adventure riding. Hope this is it.

This pic is from our last trip.

You guys rode back there recently or was this from a few years ago? I was thinking of doing COBDR again in late Sep

Chad Warner climbing a CO switchback

Evening ride with the gang.

998cc adventure motorcycle to feature all-new compact parallel-twin engine TORRANCE, CA – July 24, 2015 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Honda is pleased to announce further technical details on the new CRF1000L Africa Twin, which will be in Honda showrooms across the United States in early 2016. Like its celebrated forerunners, the CRF1000L Africa Twin is thoroughly equipped for true adventure, with a potent engine and dynamic chassis ready to explore continents, on- or off-road. From the start of the CRF1000L Africa Twin project there was one motorcycle that consistently impressed with its balance of usability, poise and handling, on the road and in the dirt—the seminal XRV750 Africa Twin. It proved a worthwhile benchmark, even when set against today's myriad choice of adventure motorcycles. The machine that now bears its name shares no common parts with the old model but it inherits the full the essence and spirit of what made the XRV750 Africa Twin so good. The "true adventure" approach starts with the engine, which has to perform in off-road situations as well as on-road long-range touring and all points in between. The CRF1000L Africa Twin's 998cc parallel-twin power plant draws heavily on Honda's off-road race experience with the CRF250R/450R competition machines, and uses the same four-valve Unicam head design for compact overall dimensions. A lightweight cast camshaft—using the same materials as that on the CBR1000RR—operates the valve train, and twin spark plugs fire the fuel/air mixture in each combustion chamber. Strong and linear power and torque deliver instant response anywhere in the rev-range—accompanied by a satisfying, characterful deep growl as rpm rises. A 270° phased crankshaft gives the power delivery a distinct character as well, delivering excellent feel for rear-wheel traction. Biaxial primary balance shafts cancel vibration. The engine's short height contributes to the CRF1000L Africa Twin's excellent ground clearance—another prerequisite for a true adventure machine. It also uses clever packaging of componentry to both dynamic and aesthetic effect. The water pump is housed within the clutch casing, and the water and oil pumps are driven by a shared balancer shaft. Further reducing engine size is the lower crankcase design, which stores the oil and houses the pressure-fed pump. The lightweight six-speed manual gearbox uses the same shift-cam design as found on the CRF250R/450R to ensure positive changes and is equipped with an assist slipper clutch. For the CRF1000L Africa Twin's chassis, three key attributes—highlights of the original XRV750—were targeted: off-road performance, touring comfort and the everyday agility that makes for a great all-rounder or day-to-day commuter. A steel semi-double cradle frame provides a balance of highway touring capability—even while fully loaded—genuine off-road performance, agility and sheer strength. Mass centralization—with items like the battery packaged at the rear of the cylinder head—contributes to a low center of gravity. The long-travel Showa inverted fork is fully adjustable and features dual radial-mount Nissin four-piston brake calipers and 310mm "wave" style floating discs. The Showa rear shock has hydraulic spring-preload adjustment. Like the CRF450R Rally, the CRF1000L Africa Twin uses 21- and 18-inch front and rear spoke wheels, wearing 90/90-21 and 150/70-18 tires. Following its design theme of "unlimited adventure," the Africa Twin is styled with minimum bodywork in a tough, lightweight form that offers both weather protection for the rider and a slim, agile feel. Dual headlights maintain the original's signature presence and the seat height adjusts .8 inches to either 34.3 or 33.5 inches. A large 4.96 gallon fuel tank—coupled with the engine's fuel efficiency—stretches the distances between refueling stops. To tailor the overall electronics package to capably tackle any conditions on- or off-road, the Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) system offers three levels of control, and it is possible for the rider to turn off the ABS system for the rear wheel. (HSTC and ABS not available on base version; equipped as standard on DCT/ABS version.) The CRF1000L Africa Twin will be available in two color options: Red/Black/White Dakar Rally and Silver. Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) Honda's unique Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT) will be available as an option on the CRF1000L Africa Twin, with the use of a common crankcase keeping the width the same as the manual transmission version. It features the standard manual mode—allowing the rider to operate gear shifts through triggers on the left handlebar—and two automatic modes. D mode offers the best balance of fuel efficiency and comfort cruising. S mode gives extra levels of sport performance, with three different shift patterns to choose from: S1, S2 and S3. In certain situations on the road, such as during low-speed maneuvers, the DCT partially disengages the clutch to reduce the effect that quick throttle movements have on the chassis. Of course, DCT for the CRF1000L Africa Twin is also fully equipped to operate in an adventure environment. With the G switch on in any riding mode, the connection between the throttle and the rear wheel is more direct, which can be desirable in certain off-road situations. Further new functionality for the DCT system comes in the form of incline detection. During ascents, upshifts are delayed in order to allow a higher rpm to be held; on descents, downshifts happen earlier to enable better engine braking.

Honda Releases Pricing on CRF1000L Africa Twin TORRANCE, CA – September 1, 2015 – (Motor Sports Newswire) – Following a series of information releases on the CRF1000L Africa Twin, American Honda today publicized pricing for the all-new model and also revealed additional details on the trailblazing adventure bike. At the same time, Honda officially announced a number of returning on-road models, several of which are offered in new colors for 2016. Powered by a brand-new 998cc parallel-twin engine, the Africa Twin is available in two versions—one with a highly advanced Dual Clutch Transmission (DCT), and another with a standard gearbox; pricing is set at $13,699 and $12,999, respectively. Both versions come standard with ABS and Honda Selectable Torque Control (HSTC) and are extremely capable in highway and off-road applications. “The CRF1000L Africa Twin is one of the most exciting new products of the 2016 model year, and we’re pleased to provide customers with additional information, including details on our competitive pricing,” said Lee Edmunds, Manager of Motorcycle Marketing Communications at American Honda. “No fewer than 32 patents have been applied for on this innovative model, and its specifications surpass the competition in several important areas. We know our customers have been hungry for a no-compromise, do-it-all adventure bike, and we’re confident that the Africa Twin fits the bill.” CRF1000L AFRICA TWIN The highly anticipated Africa Twin was developed following the “True Adventure” concept, with an emphasis on achieving outstanding performance across a broad array of applications, from open highways to technical trails. To that end, the parallel-twin power plant was designed to have concentration of mass and a low center of gravity, with the Unicam® head and dry-sump crankcase enabling a low engine height. In order to realize a compact package, components like the oil tank, oil pump and water pump have all been incorporated into the engine, and a number of components, including the battery, are located as near as possible to the vehicle’s center. Both the standard Africa Twin and the Africa Twin DCT come with ABS and HSTC. For certain off-road conditions in which the ability to have differing wheel-speeds is advantageous, the HSTC and rear ABS can both be switched off. On the highly advanced DCT version, an accessory foot-pedal shifter is offered for customers who want a traditional feel. (In stock form, the DCT is shifted either automatically or, when in manual mode, by buttons on the left handlebar.) Other available accessories include pannier cases, a top box, heated grips, an electrical socket and more. To help maximize durability off-road, the Africa Twin has ample ground clearance, a tough aluminum skid plate, a high-tensile-steel semi-double-cradle frame and a minimum of projecting parts. A slim cross section and smooth layout simplify moving back and forth on the bike in order to maneuver through challenging sections. Between the standard adjustable saddle and an accessory low version, seat height can be adjusted between four different settings ranging between 34.3 and 32.3 inches. The Africa Twin has the most suspension travel in its class: 9.1 inches for the inverted 45mm Showa® fork and 8.7 inches for the rear wheel. Adjustable compression and rebound damping are standard at both ends, as is hydraulic adjustable spring preload (in order to more easily accommodate passengers or cargo). Off-road-friendly features include tube tires, wire-spoke wheels, hollow aluminum axles, wave-design brake rotors and a rubber-mounted aluminum handlebar with a tapered design. An innovative air-intake design makes it possible to access the viscous air filters without removing the fuel tank. The rally-style upright windscreen minimizes buffeting at high speeds, and the instrument panel has information efficiently arranged in a vertical layout. LED headlights are standard. • Colors: Red/Black/White Dakar Rally, Silver • Prices CRF1000L Africa Twin: $12,999 CRF1000L Africa Twin DCT: $13,699 • Availability: Spring 2016 Click here to view images: http://powersports.honda.com/africatwin.aspx

I need one of those, going to have to call woody, my factory rim is slightly bent and I want to go to the 1.85 size also, wonder if he offers them in blk.

Nice looking bike welcome aboard, like you I am also looking for a sight that caters to our bikes, this one seems to be good just needs more people to participate, it will get there, I have a friend in the U P somewhere, he works for the forestry dept., going to try and get up there sometime and pay him a visit and explore the area, maybe our paths will cross.

A first year rally is really a magical thing. What to expect and what will the event organizers get right or wrong is part of the adventure you can only get at the inaugural year. Let’s face it, we’re talking about Touratech here; the German made, industry leading, technically superior, aftermarket accessory company. What could they get wrong? The first thing they did get right with the Touratech Rally East, located in Huntingdon, PA was the cost. At $90.67 a early bird ticket for a Thursday through Sunday event (August 13th-16th) this could be some comparatively inexpensive fun. Showing up on Thursday early was good on my part - after setting up camp in the segregated motorcycle area I was able to go hit the grass track that was burned in on the 220 acre farm property, then follow up the grass track with a loop of the big bike trails in another field. After 5 laps on the grass track with only one highside, I decided that if that was all the riding I was to do this whole trip it was already worth the money. Touratech didn’t let anyone down with riding choices. Their team brought a couple laptops with connection cords for all the gps hardware systems out there and they uploaded multiple routes for everyone to do self-guided rides. They also staffed guided tours of every option for those new to the game or those that were there solo. There were a staggering number of new to the adventure motorcycling community attendees at this event, which goes to show the reach and influence the mighty Germans at Touratech have within their community. Friday and Saturday’s rides were mainly large loops around and through Bald Eagle State Forest and Rothrock State Forest with varying degrees of difficulty depending on which route you chose. With the longer loops coming in at over 100 and 150 miles for Friday and Saturday respectively, and the shorter loops ranging as little at 7 miles for barbeque and 50 miles for a half day ride. Twisting tarmac and gravel made up the intermediate loops The long loop experienced routes delivered enough challenging parts with rocky unmaintained jeep trails to keep the ride interesting. It’s a shame the team putting the route together didn’t have access to all the trails - this area is under strict supervision by DCNR and permitting is tough. Hopefully next year they’ll go through the extra paperwork to make this ride truly special. For anyone on a single cylinder dirt bike these options would have been a little underwhelming, but on the large ADV bike that Touratech convinces everyone to bring off-road these trails were plenty challenging. The one truly challenging part of this rally was the food situation. Now Touratech gave fair warning that one or two food vendors would be available and that Saturday night’s barbecue dinner by Doan’s Bones (at an optional $20) would be the only catered meal. However, there was spotty coverage by vendors at the event, and many people who hadn’t packed full cooking gear on their bikes were left wondering if they would go hungry. For the number of caterers, fire houses, etc in the area willing to get paid to do a meal, it would have been well worth the organizers time to charge more for a fully catered event. Hungry riders with no room for camp stoves on their bikes shouldn’t live off of jet-boil food the whole weekend and have trouble leaving to get food after a post ride beer. In the end everyone survived, but next year we’re crossing our fingers for a catered event……....and showers. Friday’s and Saturday’s evening field games and slow races were great to watch. Everyone gathered around to watch the Friday night Quinn Cody uphill/downhill “tight turns” challenge course. Saturday nights slow race was epically good with one on one eliminations. Making Touratech feel a bit more home grown they allowed their staff to grab a bike and compete in these events which makes for some good laughs and lets you know that these guys and girls are human just like the rest of us. On Saturday as a closer to the event raffle tickets were passed out and prizes given away. While everyone drank beer from their Touratech Rally mugs the numbers were called out. Most of the prizes were Main Line Overland or Overland journal, but a good amount were from Icon Raiden like riding jerseys, gloves and the always cool Raiden trucker hat. Going into work Monday with co workers asking “how was your adventure weekend?” I find that our stories don’t translate well with the uninformed. You spent 3 nights camping in a field with no showers, swam in a lake for a bath, rode your 20 thousand dollar motorcycle off-road and now it’s all dirty and scratched cause you dropped it? Well yes. Yes we did and it was a blast!