What I Learned at Carbondale...

Pull up a couch. It's cool in the Lounge. Just remember to be a good neighbor.
Post Reply
User avatar
Snowman
Posts: 39
Joined: 18 Oct 2016 07:01

What I Learned at Carbondale...

Post by Snowman »

1. I am not ready to ride Carbondale
2. I can pick up the Africa Twin exactly 4 times in one hour before I get cramps.
3. Hand guards are important.
4. You should make sure your bike will not slide back into the mud hole that made you fall when you pick it up.
5. I am not ready for Carbondale. ImageImage


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Olathe, KS
2016 Africa Twin DCT
1996 BMW 650

User avatar
Savage
Posts: 1476
Joined: 21 Apr 2007 17:13
Photo URL: http://
Location: Manhattan

Re: What I Learned at Carbondale...

Post by Savage »

What did Paul say when you showed up with that big bike to ride there?
Ahhh, pre-mix!!

User avatar
Snowman
Posts: 39
Joined: 18 Oct 2016 07:01

Re: What I Learned at Carbondale...

Post by Snowman »

Be careful.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Olathe, KS
2016 Africa Twin DCT
1996 BMW 650

User avatar
Creekside
Posts: 333
Joined: 27 Dec 2012 11:28
Photo URL: http://
Location: Lees Summit

Re: What I Learned at Carbondale...

Post by Creekside »

Ouch! The creek bed run wasn’t tough enough for you? Mud can be a soul crusher. eBay has good cheap parts like brakes, clutch and mirrors, don’t ask how I know.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
2015 Husky FE350S
2012 KTM 990

User avatar
Snowman
Posts: 39
Joined: 18 Oct 2016 07:01

Re: What I Learned at Carbondale...

Post by Snowman »

I have a short memory.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Olathe, KS
2016 Africa Twin DCT
1996 BMW 650

User avatar
Ed M
Posts: 105
Joined: 30 Jul 2014 09:13
Photo URL: http://

Re: What I Learned at Carbondale...

Post by Ed M »

I gotta say kudos to you for at least giving it a try, and the willingness to learn.

I have double take mirrors on my 690, https://www.doubletakemirror.com/

As for handguards - Highway Dirt Bike Ultimate Handguards: https://www.highwaydirtbikes.com/

I read somewhere that they now make handguards for the Africa Twin, you might want to call or e-mail them to be sure.
Ed M
BFE, TX

User avatar
Snowman
Posts: 39
Joined: 18 Oct 2016 07:01

Re: What I Learned at Carbondale...

Post by Snowman »

Ed M wrote:I gotta say kudos to you for at least giving it a try, and the willingness to learn.

I have double take mirrors on my 690, https://www.doubletakemirror.com/

As for handguards - Highway Dirt Bike Ultimate Handguards: https://www.highwaydirtbikes.com/

I read somewhere that they now make handguards for the Africa Twin, you might want to call or e-mail them to be sure.
I already ordered barkbusters and folding mirrors.

The trails were totally manageable, it was the mud that killed me and specifically the fact that the ruts were 8-12” deep so I would just get pinned in a rut and plop into the soup. I think I will go back (once I get my protection package beefed up) and do a better job scouting the “puddles” because it was fun trying to work the trails.

I think there were manageable lines through the stuff I dumped in if I had taken the time to scout them first. Maybe not but you never grow if you don’t push yourself a bit.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Olathe, KS
2016 Africa Twin DCT
1996 BMW 650

User avatar
Creekside
Posts: 333
Joined: 27 Dec 2012 11:28
Photo URL: http://
Location: Lees Summit

Re: What I Learned at Carbondale...

Post by Creekside »

Folding mirrors of some kind are really required for that kind of riding. I broke both of mine a couple of years ago & 990 OEM mirrors are not available. The highway dirt bike mirrors have never failed and its amazing how often I find them "folded in" from smacking branches, bushes and landing in mud/sand. HDB setup is really nice. Takes hits even on pavement and never has a had a issue. The only thing I don't like about those mirrors is riding in traffic, they lie about how far people are behind you.

Mud is just one of those things you never know until your in it. It can easy even if deep (sticky thick stuff) and not so slick, or like ice (wet clay with sandy mud above it is slick snot). It's just a gamble.
2015 Husky FE350S
2012 KTM 990

OHjim
Posts: 33
Joined: 22 Aug 2012 00:39
Photo URL: http://
Location: Lenexa

Re: What I Learned at Carbondale...

Post by OHjim »

Sorry for a newb question - What/Where is Carbondale?

User avatar
Savage
Posts: 1476
Joined: 21 Apr 2007 17:13
Photo URL: http://
Location: Manhattan

Re: What I Learned at Carbondale...

Post by Savage »

Carbondale KS. Sante Fe trails.
Ahhh, pre-mix!!

Post Reply