What bikes and accessories are best for these types of rides?

Here is what I have been thinking about so far (just a start):

XR650R
Pros: durability, good power, available parts, available Baja and rally accessories, low cost in comparison, good gearing options
Cons: weight, kick start

WR450F/CRF450X
Pros: low weight, great power, fairly good durability, excellent handling, high cost to setup, so-so on gearing
Cons: high cost to purchase and setup with aftermarket parts

KTMs
Pros: lots of models that would apply, low weight, excellent power, excellent handling
Cons: Cost of everything

I know there are others like the DRZs, KLRs, etc. This is meant to start a discussion for those preparing a bike to ride these rides.

Those that have rode these trails please list the bike and modifications you used for this ride and what you did and didn't like. Then list what you think would be the best bike and setup after riding this ride.

Those that have not rode this but planning list the bike and accessories you are planning on riding with. Also, list the reasons for your choices.

Martin, thanks for the quick response. I see your 2001 XR650R on KSL Classifieds. Looks pretty trick for these types of rides. I am courious as to what bike you are going with next? I will check out the TID FAQ section of the Fourm.

A CRF450X or WR450F are bikes I think would work great for myself having rode strictly dirt bikes in the past. Do you have a project page or forum as to the progress and planned accessories for this bike?

I did find the TID FAQ page and enjoyed the read. I learned a lot reading the answers to the stated questions.

Another good site I came across is www.rallypanam.com. They concentrate more on rally setups but some of there products can apply when looking into a long range dirt bike. I actually met Charlie and Johah last year when they came to Bills Cycle in Idaho Falls and did a presentation. They brought one of the rally bikes, did a slide show, and than ended with a question and answer session. I enjoyed it a great deal.

My project this winter is building a bike primarily for the T1 - T2 rides I will do others as well. I decided on the KTM 530 because of being a six speed, electric start, availability of baja type parts, and light for its class.

I found a 2008 KTM 530 with 500 miles in great condition and am considering purchasing this bike. After doing some research here I am wondering if it will be reliable due to oiling, cam, and overheating issues. I also see that Martin has had some issues with his new CRF450X. After reading his ride summaries (I enjoy the reads) I will make sure I do not venture this type of riding without the SPOT. So, reliability is very important to me. If I decide this bike is not or cannot be reliable I will change my choice.

My questions are; Is a 2008 KTM 530 exc-r reliable for such a ride? And, if not can it be made to be so? And if so, what modifications would it need.

That is good to know. I will check out the CRF450X with mods. I am not feeling so easy about the 2008 KTM 530 now. If I were to go with KTM I would either need newer or older. What year and model is Dan's KTM?

Thanks for the information. I will check with Chris and Jason at PPS. I have seen and talk to Chris a few times at the WORCS races when I was racing that series. His son CJ is a very good rider. However, I don't think they would remember me as I was usually just the guy with a couple of guys from the Blackfoot area. You have pointed out what I am trying to do and that is building an anvil out of a newer lighter bike. Half the fun is building and testing the bike.

Thanks for the support of confidence but it won't be until next year as I just had shoulder surgery. The bike will be my winter project. I am a little bummed because I thought I found a great bike if it were not for the engine oiling issue. Guess I will keep looking and enjoy doing it.

Dang, I missed a good deal on a 2007 KTM 525 EXC with less than 500 miles. It looked like showroom condition. It was in KSL Classifieds for $4950. I called the guy and he told me he sold it in less than 2 hrs. He found it on consignment in a motorcycle shop (Kawasaki). He told me it had been there for 2 weeks and they were asking 3K. This guy picked it up and turned it for $4950 in less than 1 day. This would have been a great bike to build and a excellent deal. Heck, I might have paid the $4950 for it. Anyway, I am looking for a good deal on a KTM 06-07 525 or a 09-up 530. And, I want the exc-r model. No 2008s because of reliability issues.

Here is a picture of the bike just purchased that I am setting up for Dirt Adventure rides. It is a 2007 KTM 525 EXC with 2300 miles. Hopefully it will make winter go by much faster this year.



See http://ktm525adv.blogspot.com for additional pictures

I may not be putting this in the right place, I'll guess this will be me introducing myself and starting up a little discussion.

I think both the 450X and the 525 are great bikes for the T1. I drank the orange cool aid long ago and have been a big fan of KTMs (largely because I really appreciate that they still spend money on R&D for two-strokes and they put so much focus on their off-road bikes.) For the riding that our group does the KTM 300s have been the bike of choice. We have converted most people that ride with us to do the same.

Here is my riding background:

Moab twice a year in the early spring and late fall.
Central Idaho 3-4 times per summer. Pole Creek, Yankee Fork, Baumgartner, Bull Trout, etc. (we use Bill Dart's maps and seek out any double black diamond or "downhill only" trails to ride up. We like punishment)

Raced Idaho City in 2009 and had a blast getting blown away by guys on 125s...(one of my buddies talked me into racing the AA class... I got sixteenth, the four people in my class I beat were DNF and two of them were my buddies!! Haha!) I didn't make it to the 2010. Heard the ruts were pretty bad though anyway...

Bikes I've owned: KLR 250, KDX 220, 03' KTM 300MXC, 07' KTM 300 XC-W, and an 08'KTM 300 XC. This whole "recession" thing I heard about on the news has made its way into my life and the 08' 300 is gone.

I'm a little embarrassed to tell you guys this but I bought a 2001 KX 500 to "replace" the 300. Long story short, it had an original back tire on it and the price was right. I'm not kidding it really had an original back tire. Do you know how long a back tires lasts on a 500cc two stroke? About 5 minutes

I needed something that would be easy and cheap to maintain. I put a flywheel on it and got the jetting figured out and it's not too bad on the trails... its not great either though. So here I am two months later and I hear about the Tour of Idaho.

For about 10 minutes I considered the 500. It did win the Baja 1000 a couple of times in the Destry Abbott days and it has done well in the Best in the Desert race too... The stock gearing is 14/47, I have a 15 tooth front sprocket that will make it cruise at about 75... The vibration is killer though at ALL RPMs... it makes me numb just thinking about it. I don't want to do the T1 on the 500. Its the wrong bike.

I'm now trying to plan (read fantasize) what bike I will get next... Keeping the T1 in mind. I of course agree that set up is HUGE and that there are many bikes that could be made into decent bikes for the T1 with the right mods. I have been really impressed with the 525s and 530s haven't ridden any CRFXs though.

I like the 300 because it is lite, easy and cheap to work on, and I think dirt bike or dirt rider magazine said something like "the KTM 300 has the best off road power delivery known to man."

I apologize for all the rambling. I'll get to the point.

What do you think of a KTM 300 for the T1?

The 2011 has electric start and comes with a six speed transmission.

I am not easily offended and I am eternally open minded.