Desert gear and bike - new comer

trynix
Posts
3
Joined
8/18/2012
Location
AE
Edited Date/Time 8/21/2012 9:49am
Hello everyone,

I'm interested in riding on the open desert - utilising the dunes for jumps and speeding in between.
With regards to protective gear (especially as a beginner), i'm considering alpinestars bionic 2 jacket with BNS, alpinestars tech 3 boots, and normal gloves/helmet. Not sure if a knee bracer or knee pad is preferred, or how well they compare to one another - what's your input on that?
Any advice on this gear setup? How well does the Leatt adventure jacket and neck bracer compare?

As for the bike, I'm seeking one that I can use for normal day-to-day commute (inside the city, no anticipated highway riding), but also has enough power to ride on desert sand. Perhaps KTM 690 or WR450 would be a good choice for that?

Edit: also, what well-vented jerseys do u guys recommend for on-road, and for off-road (desert). No rain is anticipated Smile

Thanks

Appreciate all input Smile
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Falcon
Posts
12240
Joined
11/16/2011
Location
Menifee, CA US
8/18/2012 8:44pm
I can't comment on the protective gear because I've never worn a jacket like that. You might find that a little too hot/restrictive for the dunes, though.
Also, if you are looking for a bike that will perform well in the dunes, a 690 is probably too heavy for all practical purposes. You might do much better with KTM's 450 EXC or 500 EXC. (The Yamaha is a good choice too.)
8/20/2012 2:38pm
get the 690 it rips....great bike for all around riding/commute

Gear set-up is all personal preferance.....check out FOX's line of gear, i have some of the vented stuff and it works really really well.....especially with a cooling vest underneath
210mx
Posts
121
Joined
2/27/2012
Location
Saint Charles, MO US
8/21/2012 8:47am
Stay away from the tech3 boots - they are junk. I own a pair and wont use them again. Spend the extra $100-200 get a better boot. Knee braces are subjective. look at the EVS products for braces maybe - they have some good choices.

I'm not a fan of "dual sport" bikes. I originally started riding in the deserts of nevada, Those big hog of a bike that have been mentioned will make you miserable or get you killed. Unless you put an ass-ton of money into proper set up, but since you want it to commute too - it will always be compromised. Negotiating hard pack fire roads at really fast speeds and heading out into dunes is a lot of fun, but the more rugged terrain will be difficult if your fighting with a big heavy bike. Personally I ride a CRF450R, but thats my bike of choice - not recommending or disqualifying it.
trynix
Posts
3
Joined
8/18/2012
Location
AE
8/21/2012 9:30am
Thanks for the response, I have actually come to the same conclusion upon further thought.
Does this look like a nice deal on the crf? It comes to around $6500: http://tnydu.biz/D3fPXx

The Shop

210mx
Posts
121
Joined
2/27/2012
Location
Saint Charles, MO US
8/21/2012 9:49am
Thats not a bad looking bike. As long as it is sound and you have the coin - go for it. It appears to have all the trick parts you want for desert. Price is always negotiable, don't be afraid to haggle. My bike is set up for straight motocross, so we're looking at much different set ups. Mine is probably 30-50 lbs lighter than a desert bike.

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