D/S motorcycling: What Do You Enjoy the Most?

[Watty]

What Do You Enjoy the Most?

As quite a lot of postings are done about non-biking events, like the misadventures of has been rugby stars, or the status of being a forum whore, I would like to get a thread going about what we actually like doing in the first place.

Perhaps now it’s time to zero in on the aspects of dual sport motorcycling that gives you the most pleasure.  This is obviously
very personal and answers will vary, but I for one will be very interested to here what the other dawgs viewpoints are.

The questions below are intended to start your thinking, but there may be other considerations that are even more important.

· If you are currently riding a dual sport or off-road motorcycle what do you like and dislike about it?
· What is the most fun you can have on a motorcycle? Is it speed? Surmounting obstacles? Reaching destinations?
· Do you ride something to be admired by your friends and recognized as the best?
· Do you like loud mufflers, and wheelspinning power?
· Would you be satisfied with a smaller, less prestigious bike?
· Do you enjoy carrying a pillion and sharing the adventure?
· Do you like mechanical work and "blinging" your bike?
· Bonding with likewise riders around a camp-fire after an outride?

What excites you the most? Is there anything that needs to be added to the above list?

[LeonDude]

· If you are currently riding a dual sport or off-road motorcycle what do you like and dislike about it?
It's a KLR - nuff said.
· What is the most fun you can have on a motorcycle? Is it speed? Surmounting obstacles? Reaching destinations?
Riding solo.
· Do you ride something to be admired by your friends and recognized as the best?
Nada
· Do you like loud mufflers, and wheelspinning power?
Nope
· Would you be satisfied with a smaller, less prestigious bike?
Yep.
· Do you enjoy carrying a pillion and sharing the adventure?
Don't know - never have done pillion.
· Do you like mechanical work and "blinging" your bike?
Yes.
· Bonding with likewise riders around a camp-fire after an outride?
Yes.

Out of everything - solo riding is the best.

[JohnST]

Nice thread Watty.

I answer point wise:

Got the 990, love the bike, awesome offroad and nice on road (coming from a KLE). Dislikes, the old saying behind every KTM is an ATM, cause it's true when it comes to maintanance, and then shoddy service from dealers.

Most fun for me is tech riding, not de Wildt hard, the KTM is too big for that, then sight seeing, the nicest place ever been to is Lesotho, going again shortly.

Nah, always wanted a GS but after one test ride on the KTM and I was in love.

Loud sound, no. Wheelspinning power, ALOT!

As an extra bike, but would still want my big bike.

Not really like having a pillion, like sharing my trips, if the wife goes with I prefer it to be behind me in the 4x4.

Only the normal stuff like crashbars, steering dampner, etc.

Yip, everybody that has been on a ride with me will know that I got a degree in k@k praat.  

Lekker post to get back to our roots!  

[letsgofishing]

 If you are currently riding a dual sport or off-road motorcycle what do you like and dislike about it?
 - I'm VERy happy with my bike, but would like a 6th gear.

· What is the most fun you can have on a motorcycle? Is it speed? Surmounting obstacles? Reaching destinations?
 - Riding challenging techical terrain

· Do you ride something to be admired by your friends and recognized as the best?
 - not in a million years

· Do you like loud mufflers, and wheelspinning power?
 - not particularly

· Would you be satisfied with a smaller, less prestigious bike?
 - I am!

· Do you enjoy carrying a pillion and sharing the adventure?
 - would love to ride with the wife, but she's nervous

· Do you like mechanical work and "blinging" your bike?
 - Yip

· Bonding with likewise riders around a camp-fire after an outride?
 - yip

What excites you the most? Is there anything that needs to be added to the above list?
 - coming across amazing scenery, switching off the bike and sitting and appreciating how lucky I am to be able to do this!
 - taking landscape pics

[Captain Zef]

· If you are currently riding a dual sport or off-road motorcycle what do you like and dislike about it?
Like - Its ability to go almost anywhere and carry all my stuff. Dislike - weight.

· What is the most fun you can have on a motorcycle? Is it speed? Surmounting obstacles? Reaching destinations?
Reaching destinations.... touring.... meeting people.

· Do you ride something to be admired by your friends and recognized as the best?
I hope so.

· Do you like loud mufflers, and wheelspinning power?
Yes

· Would you be satisfied with a smaller, less prestigious bike?
No

· Do you enjoy carrying a pillion and sharing the adventure?
Yes very much

· Do you like mechanical work and "blinging" your bike?
Yes

· Bonding with likewise riders around a camp-fire after an outride?
Yes

What excites you the most?
Karoo gravel hiways

[bmad]

For me the answer is simple...

I can go wherever i want within my own limitations. If i see a dirt road, a track, a river bed or something different, i know my bike can go there and that it is designed to do so 
Sharing this kind of experience with like minded people makes for an even better experience, but sometimes solo is good for the soul.

In my own helmet space, out in the countryside where we do not often get to go, i can breathe, relax and just enjoy life!
In a nutshell, i also feels renewed after a good D/S type ride 

 

[shark_za]

I really enjoy my bike for trouble free riding, I get out and see Southern Africa.
I dont mind riding tar to see things (I'm not a dirt biggot at all, I get my fair share of dirt though) but dont mind riding a little rough stuff to see the really out of the way spots.
Challenging terrain is for the offroad bike, DS touring is about doing it in moderation, riding the long loop around if the direct route is too much to the same spot.
But some peoples challenging terrain is relative to their experience.
 
I enjoy tailoring my bike to suit myself and I think I have a good camping/touring setup now.

Its about seeing the country 1 on 1 and not from inside a cage.

Makes a darn good commuter too. I think commuting lets you work out niggles so they dont happen on a trip.

[lecap]

I am currently riding a Suzuki DR650SE.
What do I like and dislike about it?
It's simple and reliable - The seat is a plank.
What is the most fun I can have on a motorcycle? Is it speed? Surmounting obstacles? Reaching destinations?
Going nowhere slowly. Also a bit of speed and technical riding here and there. Going to remote and not easily accessible places with a small financial / carbon / environmental footprint (compared to a 4x4). The challenge to travel light. Take your credit card and go.
Do I ride something to be admired by my friends and recognized as the best?
No one admires you or recognizes you as the best if you ride a DR650SE. A bike with hidden beauty and hidden qualities.
Do I like loud mufflers, and wheelspinning power?
No. Loud pipes are to impress girls at high school & varsity though they can be fun sometimes . My bike has enough power to wheelie and wheelspin but I rarely make use of it.
Would I be satisfied with a smaller, less prestigious bike?
Absolutely yes. Size does not matter. I found my wife's Djebel 200 a blast.
Do I enjoy carrying a pillion and sharing the adventure?
Never really enjoyed carrying a pillion. The adventure is best shared from the saddle of two bikes.
Do I like mechanical work and "blinging" your bike?
That's what I do for a living.
Bonding with likewise riders around a camp-fire after an outride?
Yes but it's not a must. A few people and the right ones. Don't like huge crowds.
Most exciting: The next ride.

[Yefimovich²]

If you are currently riding a dual sport or off-road motorcycle what do you like and dislike about it?
- XT600E (Not Currently Though for it is Broken and it has undoubtedly been the worst 3 weeks of my life!)
Loves:
   I love the fact that my XT gets mistaken for 250's and 125's makes it quite the sleeper     amongst the robot racers. 
   I personally think its really good looking - although I'm probably totally alone in that regard
   It was reliable
   It makes me smile all the time, even if it is sometimes because of its more comical shortcomings.
   I love the fact that its got some pedigree.
   I feel it's relatively chuckable
   I like the way it delivers its power (what power?) all low down and then it sort of gives up.
   I love the way it sounds

Niggles:
   Its Broken 
   The vibration does get a little tiresome, if i'm honest
   A little more performance would be nice!
   I wont be able to keep it forever 
   
· What is the most fun you can have on a motorcycle? Is it speed? Surmounting obstacles? Reaching destinations?

- Wheeelies!!

- The absolute sense of freedom afforded by a motorcycle, every time I get on my Bike it I get that incredible feeling that says, if i wanted to I could be very very far away from here relatively quickly.

- Riding your bike in anger with your heart pounding in your throat, the knowledge that you're really pushing the limits of your own and the bikes capabilities, knowing that the only thing keeping you off the deck is the direct relationship between yourself and the steed under your bum is one of the most uplifting experiences to be had this side of being a fighter pilot!!

- After fording many a stream, climbing a mountain or two and reaching a far-flung destination at the end of a hard day's riding, the accompanying sense of accomplishment is irreplaceable!

· Do you ride something to be admired by your friends and recognized as the best?
- Its an Xt guy!

· Do you like loud mufflers, and wheelspinning power?
-

· Would you be satisfied with a smaller, less prestigious bike?
- If its got two wheels, ill ride it, provided the motor doesnt fall out (My Vuka Did that)

· Do you enjoy carrying a pillion and sharing the adventure?
- Ive always preferred solo riding because inevitably people think me a bit of an anus ( I suffer from severe OCS - Only Child Syndrome), but of late i've been looking for a pillion

· Do you like mechanical work and "blinging" your bike?
- Absolutely, however budgetary constraints have always put paid to my ambitious ideas

· Bonding with likewise riders around a camp-fire after an outride?
- Thats possibly the most amazing thing about motorcycling, no matter where you are if you spot a biker youve most probably found a friend, even if it is just a quick smoke and a war story swap meet!

My bike has defined who I am, we have traveled to places I would otherwise never have seen, shes nearly killed me on occasion and I've inadvertently returned the favour (More Successfully it seems), when im feeling down she makes me smile, she loves being dirty and doesn't mind if I am also,  she forgives my occasional idiocy as I forgive her shortcomings. In short, my motorcycle is my best friend, like a dog but fast! I loves it sooo!!

[cloudgazer]

· If you are currently riding a dual sport or off-road motorcycle what do you like and dislike about it?
I like that my bike can pretty much go anywhere. In my opinion it's the perfect compromise between off-road bike and tourer, and it's a great commuter.
There's not too much i don't like about it. Maybe just the sound.

· What is the most fun you can have on a motorcycle? Is it speed? Surmounting obstacles? Reaching destinations?
Touring, seeing new places, learning new skills and crapping my self on technical rides.

· Do you ride something to be admired by your friends and recognized as the best?
Most of my friends haven't a clue what a good motorcycle is, and wouldn't know a DS bike if it shat on them.

· Do you like loud mufflers, and wheelspinning power?
never had, so I don't know.

· Would you be satisfied with a smaller, less prestigious bike?
No.

· Do you enjoy carrying a pillion and sharing the adventure?
Sometimes. It's nice to share experiences with people, but the sense of freedom /adventure when going solo can't be beat.
· Do you like mechanical work and "blinging" your bike?
Yup.

· Bonding with likewise riders around a camp-fire after an outride?
Absolutely. 

[Trailrider]

· If you are currently riding a dual sport or off-road motorcycle what do you like and dislike about it?

I own 2 bikes. I LOVE the 200 because it's light, reliable and can take me anywhere. The most fun I've had on a bike was on my 200. The best places I've seen was on my 200. The best friends I've met, I've met while riding my 200. I also have the 700. It was bought specifically for pillion trips with my wife and it does that extremely well. It's comfortable and it just eats up the km's.

· What is the most fun you can have on a motorcycle? Is it speed? Surmounting obstacles? Reaching destinations?

Reaching destinations where most other people can't get to. Usually in mountainous forest.

· Do you ride something to be admired by your friends and recognized as the best?

Absolutely no.

· Do you like loud mufflers, and wheelspinning power?

Nope. In fact I dislike it immensely. That kind of thing does not belong in the areas where I like to ride.

· Would you be satisfied with a smaller, less prestigious bike?

Yes

· Do you enjoy carrying a pillion and sharing the adventure?

Yes. I like sharing experiences and info about areas. I also like to show riders new to my area all the special places.

· Do you like mechanical work and "blinging" your bike?

Yes, but I'm not mechanically inclined. More "Farkles" than "Bling".

· Bonding with likewise riders around a camp-fire after an outride?

Yes. Best way to get to know some-one.

What excites you the most? Is there anything that needs to be added to the above list?

I get really excited about my next ride. Especially when I don't know where I'm going and where I'm going to lay my head that night.


I think this thread is an excellent idea. You'll soon see which riders are compatible / like minded.

[LuckyStriker]

· If you are currently riding a dual sport or off-road motorcycle what do you like and dislike about it?
  Good suspension, nice to look at, low weight

· What is the most fun you can have on a motorcycle? Is it speed? Surmounting obstacles? Reaching destinations?
  Surmounting obstacles and reaching destinations. Not too bothered about speed

· Do you ride something to be admired by your friends and recognized as the best?
  I don't care about having the best (it's all relative anyway) but I do appreciate admiration, just like I enjoy admiring others

· Do you like loud mufflers, and wheelspinning power?
  Yes and no. I like the unbound sound of a thumper but I hate excessive noise. I like good power but I don't use it to damage the environment. I save wheel spins for parking lots and bars

· Would you be satisfied with a smaller, less prestigious bike?
  I used to think so until I tried it. My answer is "no"

· Do you enjoy carrying a pillion and sharing the adventure?
  Yes, very much

· Do you like mechanical work and "blinging" your bike?
  Love it

· Bonding with likewise riders around a camp-fire after an outride?
  It's one of my favourite things in life

[RobC]

After much thought...
· If you are currently riding a dual sport or off-road motorcycle what do you like and dislike about it?
Like:
It is the most fun on wheels I ever had.
Dislike: It is a KLR... there is nothing to dislike!
· What is the most fun you can have on a motorcycle? Is it speed? Surmounting obstacles? Reaching destinations?
Getting where no one else can get to watch a sunset/sunrise.
· Do you ride something to be admired by your friends and recognized as the best?
No... just for stress release.
· Do you like loud mufflers, and wheelspinning power?
I like my Penta... wich is very quite at low speed btw... Wheelspinning is for superbikes!
· Would you be satisfied with a smaller, less prestigious bike?
It is a unpretentious bike and I like it that way, no hidden quirks... smaller? Maybe a KLR250 for those tight places!
· Do you enjoy carrying a pillion and sharing the adventure?
Yes, very much so although nothing cleans the cobwebs like a solo ride.
· Do you like mechanical work and "blinging" your bike?
I have a KLR!
· Bonding with likewise riders around a camp-fire after an outride?
Could be fun... not done any yet.
What excites you the most? Getting to places that I never got to before and enjoying the outdoors.
There... now I feel like taking the rest of the day off and going somewhere...

[Eisbein]

· If you are currently riding a dual sport or off-road motorcycle what do you like and dislike about it?

I'm between two at the moment, but they are so much alike that the answer applies to both

Likes - comfortable, powerfull, agile for its size, capable on gravel as well as tar
Dislikes - heavy

· What is the most fun you can have on a motorcycle? Is it speed? Surmounting obstacles? Reaching destinations?
Finding the 'rythm' of me, the road and the bike.
Be it Karoo gravel highways, technical forest trails or sweeping through the corners of Rooi Els as fast as I dare go.
If all is in harmony, I am having fun.

· Do you ride something to be admired by your friends and recognized as the best?
No.
For myself however there is a sense of achievement and personal victory when I've finished something that was a challenge. I like challenging myself. the bike and both our abiliities, but I will never do anything that I'm not comfortable with just to prove a point

· Do you like loud mufflers, and wheelspinning power?
Loud mufflers - never have, never will. I like a deep throaty sound though, but it musn't be loud
The power ? Now that's a different story. I love mountains of it...


· Would you be satisfied with a smaller, less prestigious bike?
Not under 600cc. I consider 600cc small. Under that there is too much of a trade off of 'lack of power' vs weight. (All bets are off on the DRZ 400 though - that bike rocks, but for me the 'tourabillity' (especially for my weight) is important and I can't help but feel that keeping a bike like the DRZ400 at highway speeds is doing it no favours. Gearing it better fixes it perfectly, but then (at my weight) it will lose too much at the bottom.
600cc for me is that watershed size.



· Do you enjoy carrying a pillion and sharing the adventure?
Oh I love it!
There's nothing like having a partner that you not only enjoy having around, but who is sharing in this not because you want her to, but because she geniunely love sharing the same bike and getting out there.
And nothing beats having someone there and experiencing 1st hand. It's difficult trying to tell someone afterwards about what you saw/felt/smelt/experienced.

1 up two bikes is on the cards, but we'll never stop doing two up tours.

· Do you like mechanical work and "blinging" your bike?
I like stuff that I can do without breaking it further and will actually save me money. But I'm not technically that good.

· Bonding with likewise riders around a camp-fire after an outride?
That is a very big part of what make rides good.
Best group rides I was involved with up to now was the Attakwas ride that TR organized and the karoo trip that a couple of our friends went on.
Attakwas: 13 people, 12 bikes - about 4 or 5 people that I've met previously. What made the ride awesome wasn't only the scenery and the route, but the fact that we all just got along so well that night.

I made a couple of life long friends that night.

Karoo trip was cool as we are a bunch of friends that knew it was going to be great.

It is really cool to be able to share 'all things ds' with people that are important to me.



What excites you the most?
Just having a bike.
Two wheels.

Apart from that it depends.
I love powerslides when the time is right.
I love 'walking pace' trails when I get the chance.
I love seeing things I haven't before - discovering new places/faces
A steep rocky hill.
Sweeping bends at speed (like Rooi Els)
Fast karoo gravel highways
If I can manage to lift the front wheel and keep it up to the other side of the intersection...





Nice topic, Watty!

[letsgofishing]

This thread makes me feel like packing the bike and going on a trip NOW!

[Eisbein]

This thread makes me feel like packing the bike and going on a trip NOW!

Yeah it does...

I made the mistake last week of going through old bike trip photos again.

[Yefimovich²]

This thread makes me feel like packing the bike and going on a trip NOW!

Yeah it does...

I made the mistake last week of going through old bike trip photos again.

Just did the same 

[Wild Hearted Son]

Good idea for a post.
My answers , in point form :

If you are currently riding a dual sport or off-road motorcycle what do you like and dislike about it?
I have a 1990 Suzuki DR800 Big.
I like the fact that it can do everything I require of it - play off road with the KLRs & cruise nicely on the road with the 'Stroms.
I dislike the fact that it's a virtual antique & therefore parts are a bugger to find ( anyone with a pair of Mikuni BST33SS carbs - please PM me)

What is the most fun you can have on a motorcycle? Is it speed? Surmounting obstacles? Reaching destinations?
I 'd have to say reaching destinations & riding with your mates & also seeing bits of Africa you haven't seen before.

Do you ride something to be admired by your friends and recognized as the best?
Absolutely not - my bike is 19 years old.

Do you like loud mufflers, and wheelspinning power?
Loud pipes are good for the morning commute, but not really for a long day in the saddle. My DR has more than enough power for the kind of riding I do.

Would you be satisfied with a smaller, less prestigious bike?
Prestige has nothing to do with what bike I ride. I would probably ride a smaller capacity bike, provided I enjoyed riding it as much as my DR.

Do you enjoy carrying a pillion and sharing the adventure?
Yes, however my pillion does not enjoy being a pillion, so I'm a bit stuck.

Do you like mechanical work and "blinging" your bike?
I love working on my bike & modding it to make it suit me, however, bolting crap onto it just for the sake of having crap bolted on to it is not really my scene.

Bonding with likewise riders around a camp-fire after an outride?
Brilliant, love it

What excites you the most? Is there anything that needs to be added to the above list?
What excites me the most it just being “out there” on 2 wheels.
That cliché : “4 wheels moves your body & 2 wheels moves your soul” sums it up for me.

WHS

[Kykdaar]

Riding in remote scenic places on a simple lightweight bike that I am completely at ease with.

Socialising? - At bigger social gatherings I am the guy standing in the corner so that is not the main attraction for me. 

[Ganjora]

bushveld, bikes,  buddies & beer   (and a big fat zol)