Upshift 19 March 2018 by UPSHIFT

March 2018

Issue 19

POWER UP YOUR ROAD TRIP Start up the 1301Â cc engine, tuck in and prepare for an unrivaled high-speed getaway. Opening the throttle on a KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE S turns the ride itself into the ultimate adventure. Its outstanding design and superior technology make a clear statement about its daring intentions, as it carves fearlessly through endless bends along the way.

/ktmusa

Photo: R. Schedl

Please make no attempt to imitate the illustrated riding scenes, always wear protective clothing and observe the applicable provisions of the road traffic regulations! The illustrated vehicles may vary in selected details from the production models and some illustrations feature optional equipment available at additional cost.

ISSUE 19 March 2018

nformation: These drawings contain information o Upshift. Any reproduction, or transmittal of this without expressed written consent is prohibited by partial or complete of the sord marks is prohibited ble to the full extent of the law. March 2018

Issue 19

LOGO SHEET

THE INSIDER IT’S ON!

Cover Simon Cudby Design Chris Glaspell

INSTA-ADV

Photography Editor Simon Cudby

INSTAGRAM TRAVELERS

BLACK

Contributing Writers Tim Burke Justin Dawes Chad de Alva Spencer Hill Seiji Ishii Christophe Noel

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CMYK: C40 M30 Y30 K100

CMYK: N80 Y100

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THE LATEST

Contributing Photographers Tim Burke Adam de Alva Chad de Alva Olivier deVaulx Spencer Hill Christophe Noel

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DESERT RATS

RIDING ALONG THE COLORADO RIVER With QUINN CODY

Want to advertise with us? Contact: Brandon Glanville brandon@upshiftonline.com

SNOWBIKES

Want to contribute to Upshift? If you’re an experienced writer or photographer with great editorial instincts who loves finding interesting and unusual photo-related content, we want to hear from you.

DualSport Winter CONVERSION

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FIRST RIDE - SWM RS650R

Contact: info@upshiftonline.com

TIM BURKE RIDES ECUADOR

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OFF-ROAD RIDING SCHOOL

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Upshift Magazine is published monthly by Upshift Online Inc. 2018. Reproduction of any material requires written consent from the publishers. All photos, editorial contributions and advertisements are accepted upon representation that they are original materials by the author and or advertiser. Opinions expressed in the articles are those of the author and may not reflect the views and opinions of the editor, staff or advertisers of Upshift Online Inc. Advertisers assume full responsibility for the entire content and subject matter of their advertisements. Now go and find some adventure.

TRYING TO KEEP UP With JIMMY LEWIS

TESTED

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Leatherman Signal Multi-Tool REV’IT! Discovery OutDry BOOT EVS Axis Sport Knee Braces

AFRICA TWIN PROJECT LONG TERM WRAP-UP

IT’S ON! INSIDER: JUSTIN DAWES

I opened my mouth and my good friends Cudby and Glaspell shoved a size ten boot right in it. We were discussing the Baja Rally ADV Pro class and I mentioned that I’d love to race it. I went on to say that I would do well and bring home a trophy, no problem. Well they called me out and told me to prove it. I said, “It’s on!” (with little to no intention of following through.) I thought and hoped they had forgotten my braggadocio. Apparently not. A couple months passed and just this last week Chris sent me an email announcing the 2018 Baja Rally destinations and route with one simple sentence: “You better start working out.” Well, okay then. It really is on. I love to race, even as I get older, slower and definitely fatter. The Baja Rally is just the carrot on the stick I need to drop 35-40 pounds and sharpen my riding skills. It also gives me the opportunity to learn new skills, namely navigation. Every year in the Dakar Rally navigation plays a huge factor in who gets to hoist the trophy high, and I’m excited for the challenge that lies ahead. Can I learn to navigate and reduce errors to help me get my own trophy? So what will my chosen mount be for the Baja Rally? In keeping with my column last month about going big, I will take my own advice and race a KTM 1290 SUPER ADVENTURE R. I’ll be stealing some secrets from Quinn Cody and calling on the KTM Powerparts catalog along with a long list of UPSHIFT friends to get the biggest and baddest ADVENTURE ready to race. Stay tuned for updates as we prep the bike and my rotund body to tackle the rigors of rally racing. So who else is in? Who is game on knocking me off the podium? Who wants to take on a new challenge in racing and join me in competition at the 2018 Baja Rally? I’m all-in and I’m putting everyone in the ADV world on notice: It’s on!

Photos: Alessio Barbanti, R. Schedl

www.husqvarna-motorcycles.com

IT BELONGS WHEREVER YOU CHOOSE TO TAKE IT With the ability to go the distance on any terrain you choose, the options for endorphin-inducing experience are endless. A state-of-the-art chassis and distinctive design ensures that your ride is at home wherever it goes. Set off on limitless exploration with Husqvarna Motorcycles 701 ENDURO.

The mission is simple, if you want to share your adventures on “insta-adv” you’d better start following us! @upshift_online and use the hash tag #upshift_online on your photos

INSTA-ADV

Upshift, March

1. 6D ATR-2 Off-Road Motorcycle Helmet 6D Helmets unveiled its all-new ATR-2 off-road motorcycle helmet. The byproduct of 6D’s relentless pursuit of brain protection, the ATR-2 features an evolved version of the company’s signature Omni-Directional Suspension system (ODS). The updates were heavily influenced by the work 6D completed inside the NFL’s Head Health Challenge III Contest, in which 6D and testing partner Dynamic Research, Inc. were selected as the Grand Prize Winner. The ATR-2 also includes numerous additional features meant to enhance overall safety. In addition to its superior low-, mid-, and high-velocity impact mitigation, the ATR-2 has an overall weight reduction of about 100 grams. Safety features carried over from the revolutionary ATR-1 include a clavicle cutaway, sternum pad, shear-away visor screws, and emergency removable cheek pads. The ATR-2 is available in three shell sizes covering a size range from XS to XXL and comes with a three-year limited warranty. MSRP: $695.00 www.6dhelmets.com

2. Akrapovic BMW F 850 GS F 750 GS Exhaust Akrapovic has released a brand-new Slip-On Line (Titanium) exhaust for two of BMW’s latest middleweight adventure motorcycles that will add extra desirability and on- or off-road rideability to the Bavarian company’s 2018 F 850 GS and F 750 GS. This innovative exhaust is an entirely new design perfectly matched to the lines of these two machines. It is constructed from premium-quality stainless steel, with a lightweight titanium muffler outer sleeve and beautifully finished with a handmade carbon-fiber end cap. Black-coated finish and an engraved Akrapovic logo. www.akrapovic.com

3. KTM PowerWear Engine Gloves Robust work gloves with rubber knobbies on the inside for good grip. Stretch fabric, snug fit. KTM logo on adjustable TPR Velcro® fastening at wrist. READY TO RACE lettering on the upper side. Can be used with touch screens. Available sizes; S/8, M/9, L/10, XL/11, XXL/12. MSRP: $42.00 www.ktm.com

Pursang $179

WAT E R P R O O F T E X T I L E JACKET  Constructed of multi-layer Dura Guard 600 denier textile.  Removable, waterproof and breathable Reissa liner.  Removable quilted liner for cold rides.  10 zip open vents to keep you cool.  Pockets everywhere!  CE armor used throughout.

Motonation Apparel offers a solution for riders who are focused mainly on product value, the utmost in features and fit at an affordable price. Despite the affordable price level Motonation apparel meets strict quality and safety standards.

Phantom $129

WAT E R P R O O F T E X T I L E PA N T  Constructed of multi-layer Dura Guard 600 denier textile.  Removable, waterproof and breathable Reissa liner.  Removable quilted liner for cold rides.  Multiple pockets & zip open vents to keep you cool.  CE armor in the knees.

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Alt Colors:

Upshift, March

4. Vemar Sharki Modular Helmet A real modular helmet. The Sharki is designed for those wanting the safety features of a full-face helmet, but with the possibility to move to the comfort of an open face. MSRP$ 199.99 www.motonation.com • Engineered and manufactured to the motorcyclist specific ECE 22.05 standard while also meeting the USA’s DOT standard. • Five (5) year warranty from manufacturing date, which equates to the full usable life of the helmet. • Modular design with easy open and removable chin bar. • Enlarged visual field for limitless vertical and peripheral vision. • Visor is prepared to fit Pinlock® MaxVision® lenses. • Comfortable fitting, drop-down sun visor completely covers the visual field. • A handy slot on the helmet shell and internal recessed areas allows for any type of communication system to be easily installed. • Size Range XS-XXL. • Shell is made of R-3P, reinforced terpolymers. • Easily removable and washable cheek pads and liner. • Extra wide viewport to improve vertical visual field and peripheral vision. Visor lock allows secure locking of the visor even at high speed. • 3 adjustable intake vents and large rear exhaust port for completely customized air circulation make up the Vemar Klima system.

Upshift, March

5. Forcefield FreeLite CE2 Back Protector The all new FreeLite back protector takes comfort to the next level. While still offering CE Level 2 performance and Repeat Performance Technology (RPT), the new ‘free fitting’ back protector offers even more breathability, flexibility and at minimal weight. Using the very latest cutting techniques and clever design the ‘free fitting’ armour shapes to the body perfectly, offering huge flexibility and no restriction when moving around on the motorcycle. Secure adjustable waist band and elastic shoulder straps keep the FreeLite in place. With DRI-M technology (Dynamic, Reactive, Intelligent Material). MSRP: 129.00 www.motonation.com • EN1621-2 CE2 test pass. • Super lightweight. • ‘Free fitting’ CE2 armour layering system. • Specially cut to maximise flexibility. • Non restrictive and breathable construction. • Height adjustable, 3-point fastening waistband. • Heat activated 3D body moulding. • Available in sizes Small, Medium, Large.

6. Black Dog Cycle Works Ultimate Skid Plate 3.0 for the KTM 1090/1190/1290 Sandpoint, ID - Black Dog Cycle Works (BDCW), world renowned for producing top tier adventure and off-road parts and accessories, has just released the latest version of their iconic skid plate for the KTM 1090/1190/1290 Adventure family. Fittingly named the Ultimate Skid Plate 3.0 with integrated Side Stand Relocation. This version maintains maximum protection of critical components, while the refined design results in a sleek lower profile with increased ground clearance, improved airflow and reduced weight. Relocating the side stand OFF the engine case is an integrated component of the design, ensuring BDCW customers avoid a long walk home after breaking their engine case. MSRP: $590.00-$610.00. www.blackdogcw.com

7. KLIM F5 Koroyd + MIPS Helmet Elevating the performance of the KLIM F5 helmet—the most intelligently ventilated and impressive lightweight motorsports-engineered helmet in the world—isn’t going to be easy. But thanks to a custom integration with Koroyd energy absorption technology and MIPS’ Rotational force mitigation, KLIM has managed to do just that. This is the next-level F5, and thanks to Koroyd and MIPS, the KLIM F5 now enjoys increased energy absorption efficiency and rotational force mitigation while maintaining the F5’s massively ventilated and lightweight legacy. For the most active, high-intensity riders on the planet, KLIM’s F5 Koroyd + MIPS is the absolute best. And now, the absolute best is DOT certified. The new F5 Koroyd + MIPS helmet from KLIM comes in S-XXXL fitments and includes a helmet bag, spare visor/peak and a breath box and WINDSTOPPER® liner for effective extreme cold temperature use. MSRP $499.99. www.KLIM.com

A L L- N E W B A D L A N D S P R O For the third generation of the iconic badlands pro series, we challenged ourselves and our partners to rethink the fundamental needs of adventure riders, defy convention, and build from the ground up the most innovative, exciting, and intuitive badlands pro yet.

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Wide Open

Atacama, Chile

Photo: Tim Burke

2018

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Pacific Crest Trail, Wyoming

Photo: Olivier de Vaulx

2018

Wide Open

Pahrump, Nevada

Photo: Spencer Hill

2018

PROVEN UNDER THE TOUGHEST CONDITIONS

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Wide Open

Basilica del Voto Nacional, Quito, Ecuador

Photo: Tim Burke

2018

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Colorado River, Nevada

Photo: Simon Cudby

2018

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Northern Arizona

Photo: Chad de Alva

2018

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BY SIMON CUDBY “Can I ride that one?” We were in the KTM USA R&D headquarters in Murrieta, California to ride and camp with KTM’s off-road guru Quinn Cody. The bike I was pointing at was spray painted flat black and had a profile that looked a lot like the photo that circulated recently of the new KTM 790 concept bike. “No” was the quick reply. I already knew that would be the answer but it was worth a try.

Quinn had called us a few weeks earlier about joining him and filming his own KTM 1290 SuperAdventureR project bike for a few days of riding. Our route would be about 60/40 off-road and pavement through the California desert out to the Colorado River on the border of Arizona. Joining us was my old friend Randy Commans, or as you may know him by his Instagram handle, @my1090R. No prizes for guessing what bike Randy was riding. I was loading up a 1090 AdventureR with my trusty Mosko Moto Reckless bags.

As we left the KTM HQ, I could already tell I was going to be off the back as both Quinn and Randy are both very rapid on motorcycles. After an hour of asphalt back roads, Quinn found the trailhead he was after and we hit the dirt. Riding a big adventure bike off-road while fully loaded can be tough, and even harder while fully loaded with camping gear. The trail was challenging and I had a few moments, but I was doing okay. We stopped to film Quinn talking about his 1290 project bike and he gave us all the details about his ride. QUINN CODY 1290R VIDEO

“Soft Sand Ahead” read the sign at the next trailhead. They weren’t kidding. I had ridden sand quite a bit before, but this was some kind of “super sand” whose only job was to make me look like a complete novice. When you’re riding in front of a Baja and Dakar legend like Quinn Cody, you just know he’s watching every line you take and every turn you almost crash in. The first mile was very demanding, and as we pulled over to shoot some photos, I asked Quinn for some riding advice. It was quite a long list of tips, but as I soldiered on I felt better with each sand turn. Best advice when riding deep sand on a big bike: stay on the throttle! Our first night’s camping spot was literally in the middle of nowhere. We set up our tents and built a campfire. As we broke out our “just add hot water” camp meals, Randy commented that he wished he had invented the JetBoil, as he was so amazed at how it worked. Quinn’s dinner was a can of chili that he heated next to the fire, and that wasn’t quite as fast as our JetBoil method. “Camp vibes” for sure as we stared at the stars.

We were up early on day two and straight back into sand. I parked at the top of Diablo Drop Off and watched Quinn struggle a little on the sandy descent into Fish Creek Wash. He parked half way down the trail and pulled out his iPhone to film. That’s always a signal that he expects you to have some problems with a section. I always aim to please, so I dropped my bike in a 2 mph sand crash. Once we got down into Fish Creek Wash, the canyon walls closed in and the photo opportunities were amazing. We stopped to snap some shots and then back on the bikes through Ocotillo Wells. After some more pavement around the south end of the Salton Sea, we ended up at the area known as Slab City. What an eye opener. A structure made of hay bales covered with paint- it was an instagrammer’s selfie heaven. Surrounded by RV’s mostly no newer than 1974, this area was a good place to go if you wanted to disappear for a while.

Next stop: The Colorado River. But first some really fun fast trails along the north edge of the Glamis sand dunes, although, fortunately for me we didn’t hit the dunes on the big bikes. The last ten or so miles were a struggle again for me as we hit a fine gravel sand wash that ended at our campsite on the river. I was doing better than I did earlier in the day, and both Quinn and Randy were giving me encouragement. I know that when you ride your motorcycle you are paying full attention, but this sand wash required next-level focus for me to stay upright and moving forward. Once again the three of us were the only people for miles as we set up our tents. Randy commented again about inventing the JetBoil, and Quinn broke out another can of supermarket chili. The river itself looked inviting for a swim after a long day in the saddle, but I only managed to get in up to my waist before I lost all feeling in my feet due to the frigid water and had to exit. Another big fire, and we reflected on another brilliant day on these great machines. It also helped that Quinn made a few Baja Fog beverages (Tequila in a beer) and by about 8pm it was lights out. Our last day was a mission to get back to KTM’s HQ at a decent hour. So after about thirty miles of nice fast flowing trails, it was back onto the pavement. Pounding the asphalt for a few hours can get a bit boring, but with heavy crosswinds and blowing sand across the pavement we were not short of action as we crossed over the Glamis highway passing big RV’s full of every sand vehicle imaginable. I came away from this trip with the idea that ADV bike riding doesn’t mean you have to ride on another continent to have a great adventure. Sometimes the best trails can be right in your backyard and you don’t even know it.

KTM NORTH AMERICA - Research AND DEVELOPMENT Upshift: Tell us about your background as far as racing and how you’ve transitioned into working at KTM with their R&D. Quinn Cody: So I grew up as kind of an off-road racer I guess, in Southern California. Raced in the desert, Gran Prix’s, things like that. I went on to race in Baja. I won races in Baja for KTM and Honda. Then went on to do the Dakar rally. I’ve been to Dakar two times on a motorcycle and then once in a car as a navigator for BJ Baldwin which was interesting [laughter]. Then transitioning into the real world away from racing I got a job at KTM working in R&D. I do all of the US testing for adventure, dual-sport and street product. That’s where the adventure stuff comes in; I spend a lot of time riding off-road and testing these bikes in all of the different conditions. And then also testing the prototype bikes. So we’re working on the 2019, 2020, all the way up to the 2022 bikes right now. Upshift: We left your race shop a little while ago and we’re out here on this camping trip. We saw a couple of bikes in the back there fully spray painted black. What’s the deal with those bikes? Is that something that’s coming up in the future? QC: I don’t know what you’re talking about [laughter]. Upshift: Okay. You had a lot to do with developing the 1090. We know from riding that bike that the suspension for example out of the box is much better than the 1190, so was that when you came on board to start developing the 1090? QC: One of the first projects I joined with Austria was on the final test for the 1090R suspension. We actually brought a couple of the project leaders over here and we went riding for a couple of days. We rode all through the desert, did a bunch of different things and kind of gave them the idea that hey, these bikes are capable of being ridden off-road and showed them how we do it. Because really in Europe they don’t do a lot of off-road riding so it’s difficult for them to comprehend what we do with the bikes. We were able to make some adjustments to the 1090R and dial in the suspension for more of a US specification. Upshift: So these bikes like the 1290 that you’re on and the 1090 I’m on today are definitely big bikes. We’ve recently seen at one of the trade shows that KTM has a 790. Have you had much to do with developing that bike? QC: Yeah, we’ve been working on the 790 for a couple of years now. Everybody has seen the videos and stuff like that-- the prototypes out there- so it’s no big secret. We have been doing a lot of testing here in the US, a lot of different heat tests, suspension, handling tests, things like that. We’re going to continue working on it to try to make it the best off-road adventure possible. That’s really the target for Austria and we’ve had to redesign the bike already a couple of times, so I think we’re doing a good job of making progress. Upshift: So you think KTM is still going to be doing the 1090 and 1290 platforms? This 790 is something that fits in between the guy that has a 500EXC and a 1090- this is something in the middle right? QC: Yes, so the mid-class platform is what they’re going after now. We have the big premium bikes, the 1290 SuperAdventureR, the 1090R and now we’re working on the mid-class which is the 800CC engine. So we have the 790 Duke, which will be out this year and then the 790 Adventurer R, which will be out probably late 2019.

KTM power parts: Akrapovic slip-on exhaust KTM rally foot pegs KTM power parts skid plate KTM luggage racks Power parts radiator guard Off-road dongle 45T rear sprocket Travel pack MTC+MSR Quick shifter plus Grip heaters KTM my ride KTM foam pre-filters

Aftermarket parts: BRP rubber sub mount Scotts steering stabilizer Seat concepts rally super grip seat (high) Fasst company flexx bars (12Â° enduro low) w/ wrap around hand guards Rokform pro series iPhone mount Double Take mirrors Pro Grip foam rally grips Giant Loop pannier mounts with round the world panniers Moto Minded torch led light kit Mitas E-09 rear/ E-10 front with Dunlop motocross heavy tubes WP Suspension upgrade D.I.D. zvmx superstreet xâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ring chain (120 links) Powercell Performance adjustable footpeg mounts

Photos and Words by Chad & Adam de Alva

TURNING YOUR RIDE INTO A WINTER ADVENTURE MACHINE

It’s time to break the internet: With the right snow-pack, snow bikes are more fun than dirt bikes. Thanks to a blanket of snow, a snow bike can go almost anywhere – through the tight trees, over the Erzberg-sized rocks, and over pristine meadows and mountains that would otherwise be un-rideable. To top it off, the whole experience feels like riding on a fluffy cloud that has the traction coefficient of the best hero dirt. You can dig in and corner as hard as you want or go sailing off of any snow-covered jump, cliff, or cornice you can find. With a STABLE snow-pack, the world has never been more free to ride. Here’s what it takes to get your dirt bike turned into a snow bike and get geared up to explore a world covered in snow. Winter wonderland is a very different environment than what your dirt bike was designed to operate in, so you need to do a few things to your bike in addition to installing a Timbersled kit to keep it running properly in the snow. Likewise, you’ll also need different riding gear and snow safety gear if you’re going to be riding in avalanche terrain. More on that in a minute. Thanks to Timbersled’s new ARO (pronounced “Arrow”) kits, installing a snow bike kit has gone from an all day affair that required cutting air boxes and bleeding brake lines to something that can be done in a few hours with almost no cutting and no brake bleeding. Riding dirt one week and playing in the snow the next is a realistic possibility with the ARO kits. The first time you install your Timbersled kit, prepare to take some time as you’ll need to do some figuring things out and problem solving. (Such as in the case of our WR450F installation where we needed to cut the kickstand bracket off so that the track would clear.) The Timbersled directions are mediocre at best, so you have to figure out which parts in your kit are the correct parts to use. Beyond that, anyone comfortable working on their dirt bike will have no trouble installing a snow bike kit. Once you’ve swapped out your knobbies for a track and ski, you need to add a few components to your bike to keep your engine and yourself happy in the snow. The biggest challenge with using a dirt bike in the snow is keeping the engine at operating temperature. Think of a carbureted bike with the choke on, and you’ll get an idea of how much fuel will get pumped into your fuel injected bike’s engine when low engine temps make the computer think it’s in warm up mode. Fuel is a solvent, and that rich air to fuel mixture will wash your cylinder bore of its lubricating oil film which will cause premature wear and fuel will accumulate in your oil. Yet with a bit of wrench time and two additional components, your bike will easily reach operating temperature and stay there, so you don’t have to worry about destroying your expensive motor. The first part to add is a Thermo-Bob thermostat. A Thermo-Bob works just like the thermostat in your car and shuts off coolant flow to your radiators when your engine starts to get cold. Most dirt bikes do not have thermostats, and those that do (like my KTM 500 EXC-F) do not completely close off, so a Thermo-Bob should be considered mandatory on any bike being turned into a snow bike. The second thing you’ll need to install is an engine jacket like the Power Sports Tech ones that we opted to use. Even with both of your radiators cut out of your cooling loop, snow can still keep your engine too cool - so you need to protect it from getting covered in snow, which is exactly what the engine jacket does. With a few minutes and a few bungie balls, you can install an engine jacket and adjust the amount of coverage to fine tune your temperatures based on where you’re riding and how much fresh snow you’re in. It’s also worth picking up a header guard to protect your snow pants from melting, and changing your oil to a lighter flavor, such as a quality 0W-40. This oil will make cold starting easier on your bike and battery and still provide that heat protection like your dirt oil does. If your dirt bike’s stock seat isn’t a comfortable place to sit do yourself a favor and pick up a Seat Concepts seat for your bike. The comfort is next level and the added grip helps you conserve energy while riding.

One final consideration is your fork – snow bikes are completely different animals than dirt bikes, so the loads placed on your fork are completely different too. Many riders re-valve their forks for snow bike use, but this obviously requires rerevalving back to dirt settings. Thankfully, Timbersled has created the TRIO, which is a third shock you can add to your fork to provide the additional damping that snow biking requires without even having to touch your clickers. With your bike all set up, you’ll need to get riding gear for yourself and if you plan on riding in places where avalanches can occur, you need to get training and proper avalanche gear too. Snow bikes can easily get you into advanced terrain where avalanches occur, and if you don’t know how to safely ride in these places, you could become a number in the count of people killed in an avalanche each year. Go take an avalanche safety course, and then spend time practicing with your beacon, probe, and shovel. Should an avalanche bury someone, seconds can mean the difference between riding home and a body recovery, so skilled use of your avvy gear can really make a difference in someone’s life.

Two other pieces of gear that are absolutely worth the investment are an airbag backpack, such as the Black Diamond Jetforce series, and a radio (we like the BCA link) so you can communicate with others in your group. Airbags have been shown to help reduce the chance of burial in an avalanche, provide a potential breathing pocket in an avalanche, and potentially protect the wearer from injury. The Jetforce series of packs use a ducted fan system to inflate a 200-liter airbag in a matter of seconds, that can be repacked and redeployed in the field unlike the CO2 powered systems offered by other brands. Any measure of safety you can give yourself in avalanche terrain is worth it, as avalanches are most common on the same types of slopes that we love to ride. Good riding gear is also absolutely worth it, as nothing will ruin the stoke on a ride faster than being cold and wet. Klim makes some of the best winter power sports gear out there, and theyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re one of the first manufactures to make snow bike specific gear, such as their Havoc pants. Think of your favorite moto pants fused into a proper fully-featured ski pant, and youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll get the idea. Klim also makes some incredibly well thought out and well built jackets, gloves, boots, and goggles that are the result of thousands of hours spent hammering on gear all over the world. The Valdez parkas, Togwotee gloves, Adrenaline GTX BOA boots, and Oculus goggles that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been using have kept us comfortable, warm, and dry in conditions ranging from warm bluebird days to extremely windy blizzard conditions.

It may seem like this is quite the to-do list just to be able to go play in the snow, but the point of this article is to empower you with a good sense of what it takes to get into this amazing sport properly and safely. With a snow bike, you’re giving yourself access to an entirely new world to go ride in, so don’t be surprised if your face hurts from grinning so much after each day of riding. It will take an experienced dirt bike rider all of ten minutes to start to feel comfortable, and in no time at all you’ll be riding confidently in all kinds of terrain. Winter has traditionally been the time of year that dirt bikers dread, where we have to wait months to be able to get back in the dirt and each new snowstorm simply means more waiting until we can ride again. Yet with a snow bike setup, each new storm is a chance to explore and ride a new world - snow bikes give you the terrain access of hiking with an energy supply limited only by the amount of fuel you have with you. So bring extra – you’re going to need it.

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EXPLORING ECUADOR ON A NEW

Photos and Words: Tim Burke

SWM RS650R

I rolled into the capital city of Quito, 9,350 ft (2,850m) above sea level on my tank of a bike, my R1200GSA. Over the past 8 months it has taken me to 44 countries, across 4 continents. But today, I’d leave my bike on its side-stand. Instead, I’d be partnering with Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental (EFBR) to test ride their newest fleet addition: The Italian made SWM RS650R. While it might seem like a relatively new face to the mid-size ADV scene, it’s actually a Husky TE630, just with different makeup on. My buddy JB and I would use these motos to get out and explore the dirt and cobblestone roads that weave through the unending beauty and volcanic landscapes that is Ecuador. We only had 8 hours; you’re probably asking the same thing that I did: “What could possibly be accomplished in only 8 hours in a country like Ecuador?” A country that a motorcyclist could spend a lifetime exploring without ever repeating tracks!

When I first arrived and the big steel gate opened, Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental’s facility came into view. It’s no wonder why this company has earned itself the reputation it currently has. President and owner, Court Rand, introduced himself and showed us around. Court, formerly a Boston-native, was traveling the world via motorcycle when he broke down in Quito. He hasn’t left! Instead, he built, arguably, one of the most respected adventure motorcycle rental/tour companies in the world! Being on a world-meandering journey, JB and I had our own gear to use. But in the event that you visit Ecuador without yours, EFBR has you covered. Everything from top of the line Gore-tex outwear, to helmets and boots are available for your adventure. In the equipment room, I reached for the familiar Mosko Moto Reckless 80 system to drape over the RS650R that I’d be riding. One bike would be left naked, while the other had luggage on it.

Daylight burning, we started up the engines. The bikes seemed a bit cold-blooded for the first 5 minutes of operation and required some patience before treating them… well, as you do a dualsport. In the mission-planning room, Court had already preprogrammed GPX tracks for the one-of-a-kind “Dirtbike City Tour.” It was perfect for our time-limited schedule. The routing strategically meandered along cobblestone roads and through the historic downtown, really giving us a taste for the beautiful capital city. Within 15 minutes (15 only if you haven’t stopped at an Ecuadorian coffee shop), we found ourselves climbing high above the narrow streets of the city center to the city’s most famous overlook. It’s hard to keep pressing on with so much beauty packed into each kilometer of this route.

The SWMs handled the stop-and-go traffic of the city with ease, but one bike seemed to be idling about 300RPM too low. It required the rider to abuse the clutch more than necessary. With no adjustment screw on the fuel-injected engine, the issue became an annoyance. I learned a few days later, through Court, the issue was traced back to a misaligned piston ring and the bike idles normally now. As we left the hustling and bustling city streets behind and climbed bumpy, pothole-plagued farm roads into the hills west of town, we had a chance to get a feel for the stock suspension. Other bikes in this category, namely the KTM690, is known for notoriously spongy suspension. Most riders end up getting these bikes tuned by a shop like “Konflict Motorsport” in Washington, or “MotoCafe Durango” in Colorado. The suspension on the SWMs however, from the showroom floor, was responsive and predictable. For my untrained-self, it behaved as I needed it to for a 600cc dual-sport dirtbike. Not long after passing through the village of Lloa, as if in an airplane, we climbed up and through a cloud layer. Out of curiosity, I checked the elevation using the GPS and found that we were zig-zagging up the side of Volcán Pichincha. We were climbing through 13,000 feet (4000 m)! A common question about operating at these elevations is always directed towards engine performance. The unavoidable fact is that any normally-aspirated, internal-combustion engine simply is not going to perform as it would at sea-level. The pistons just don’t have enough air to compress! The difference, as we throttled up each switchback, became more noticeable. We climbed high above the clouds, through 14,500 ft (4400m) and the motorcycles were not creating enough torque to “blip” the

front tire over holes and ruts. But as mentioned, at this altitude any bike is going to struggle with this issue. As far as ignition and engine smoothness goes, the fuel-injected motors did not skip a beat. We humans, on the other hand, well let’s just say that we were not “respiratorily” prepared to be riding hard trails 3 miles above the ocean! It was at 15,200 ft (4632m), a mere 500 vertical feet to the volcano’s summit, that we were forced to turn around. What started out as a dusting of fresh snow quickly turned into deeper slushy snow. Yes, fresh snow on the equator! With tires spinning and two out-of-shape ADV riders unable to force oxygen into their blood, it was time to turn around. We had put these Italian motorcycles through their paces and found out that they were willing to keep going, even when the riders were not!

The bumpy ride back into Quito exposed a few more observations about the bike. The factory seats on these bikes are less-than comfy. 3 hours of riding is enough to make you sore. An aftermarket seat is a simple fix, but one worth noting. The unadjustable turn radius on these bikes is surprisingly less than that of my larger and heavier GS. I imagine that this is just a matter of getting-used-to though. At the end of the day, with a price tag at under $9000 USD, this motorcycle offers plenty of bang-for-the-buck. The real winner of the ride-and-review though is Ecuador Freedom Bike Rental. It’s one-stop shopping and Court Rand has figured out how to perfect the experience. Whether you have only one day in Quito, or the endurance and tenacity to withstand the signature 12-day “Intro to Ecuador” tour, you’ll leave this country with your jaw dragging on the ground. Bring your camera…and extra memory cards. Trust me!

See your local dealer or visit asterisk.com

FIELD TESTED KNEE PROTECTION IN EVERY LOCATION

Trying to Keep up With Jimmy Lewis Words and Photos By Spencer Hill

It’s 8:30 in the morning and Jimmy Lewis is moving with purpose around his shop in Pahrump, Nevada. The ex-racer is simultaneously replacing a kickstand on one bike, soldering an electrical connection on a different bike, changing out a shaft seal on yet another and topping up fuel tanks. For a guy that preaches, “Slow is fast” it sure seems like that principle only applies when he’s on two wheels.

I caught up with the off-road legend a day after he returned from King of the Motos and departed just before one of his monthly training camps was about to kick off. Even with his racing days behind him, Jimmy doesn’t slow down for much in any aspect of his life, and it seems like that’s been the case ever since he first twisted a grip at eight years old. I made the trip to Pahrump not only to glean some knowledge from this walking dirt encyclopedia but also to see what makes him tick. It’s not every day that you get to ride with someone who has stood on the podium after completing the Dakar Rally. My expectations were left in the dust when no more than thirty minutes after introductions and niceties we were on a spirited trail ride that did not see us back until after dark. In the next few days, I would discover that Jimmy spends more time on a motorcycle in a twenty-four hour period than he does off of one. I had been told that a “half-day ride” with Jimmy is what most of us would consider a marathon day in the saddle and that proved to be 100% accurate. I learned first hand that his definition of a halfday ride is twelve hours or one hundred and fifty miles, whichever comes LAST. At the age of 49, he emanates energy and stamina that often made me tired just watching him. Give him a Kate’s Real Food bar, a Red Bull and a few thimbles of water, and he is good to go for the entire day. He joked that he’s not much unlike a camel and I couldn’t agree more except I doubt camels replenish their stores with warm beer, just another of Jimmy’s peculiarities.

While in Pahrump it became abundantly clear why this is where Jimmy calls home, it’s adorned with a lawless run down vibe that brings to mind the old west. I don’t think we entered a single establishment where the proprietors or staff didn’t know him. His local low-key celebrity status made it seem like we were traveling with Pahrump’s official ambassador. The riding is what brought Jimmy out to this desert playground though, with access to amazing terrain in any direction from his compound. The town’s motto is “Your Base Camp to Adventure” and for someone with a plethora of KTM’s this couldn’t be truer. In the three days I spent riding with Jimmy I was continually impressed with all of the varied terrain and obstacles his backyard had to offer. Dunes, dry lakebeds, mountain passes and quintessential open desert trails were all on the menu. After a full morning of riding on the second day in town, we were looking for a cheeseburger when Jimmy suggested Sheri’s Ranch, the world-famous brothel. He explained that they had good food and their location on the outskirts of town made them the closest option. We basically had to go there and that is how I ended up in a brothel with Jimmy Lewis on Valentines Day, saddled up to the bar wearing full riding gear and eating cheeseburgers. He regaled us with fantastic stories about his Dakar efforts and time spent racing in Baja. It doesn’t get much more surreal than that, and I doubt I will forget it anytime soon!

After that, it was back to business as usual which in this case meant watching Jimmy launch a dirt bike some fifteen feet in the air off an improvised jump that he picked out of his mental database. This was a common occurrence where Jimmy would direct us to an obstacle or piece of single track that was ideal for our purposes. It didn’t matter if these spots were five or fifty miles away from his house, he could navigate there without so much as glancing at his Trail Tech GPS unit. His sense of direction and ability to read terrain were impressive and regularly on display, reminders of why he excelled in rally events.

His racing career and time spent intricately involved in the motorcycle industry are equally as impressive. There are not many things Jimmy hasn’t somehow been involved with in the off-road world: He was the editor of Dirt Rider Magazine, off-road editor at Cycle World, current editor of Dirt Bike Test along with running the Jimmy Lewis Off-Road School. His racing accolades include: winning the Baja 1000, Dubai Rally, finishing on the podium at the Dakar Rally the same year he won multiple stages and fourtime ISDE gold medalist. He also dabbled in motorcycle development most notably he worked on BMW’s infamous HP2 that he later raced in Baja. Truly a man of many talents, he has enough stories to keep you enthralled until the wee hours of the morning and regularly does!

Jimmy easily lives up to his mythical reputation; he is decisive, down to earth and confident in his ability. He practices what he preaches and canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help but teach, which became evident as our time together progressed. I was not there to take one of his classes or partake in a private training session, but regardless my riding ability was vastly improved by the time I left Pahrump. It seemed to me that he wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even paying attention to other riders besides himself but then he would make an insightful comment about a nuanced technique that would blow my mind. If you pressed him on how to do something or why he would do something in a particular way he would patiently explain or direct us to a dirt classroom for a demonstration. His patience and commitment to teaching came as a bit of a surprise due to his gruff personality. He enjoys passing on knowledge and watching riders improve which partially explains why students return year after year to take his training. In fact, I met students arriving for his upcoming class that were enthusiastically attending for the fourth year in a row!

Most riders of comparable skill have a hard time translating what makes them so talented because they never actually stop and think about what they are doing, they just do it. Jimmy credits his ability to break down and teach his techniques to the transition from racing dirt bikes to large twin cylinder rally machines. He quickly realized that all of the muscles in the world couldn’t overcome the will of those heavy bikes, so he had to analyze what he was doing and rethink his riding style. Which brought him to the core principals of his curriculum: balance, finesse and slowness. If you hang out with Jimmy for more than ten minutes, there’s a good chance that you will hear his slogan: “Slow is Fast” It seems basic like many of his early drills, but in reality, they are the building blocks for better riding. That is the most significant thing I took away from my time with Jimmy, those building blocks and how important they were for becoming a well-rounded rider. He will point out that large adventure bikes are capable of masking deficiencies in talent when people skim over fundamental techniques, and reverting to basic skills is the only way to overcome typical bad habits.

Back in his shop just before I took off, Jimmy was wrapping up a photo shoot for two brand new KTM dirt bikes, greeting students, putting on a suspension clinic for laymen like myself and still hammering home “Slow is Fast.” In the loft above his shop, I made out the iconic Gauloises BMW jacket he wore in his last Dakar effort on display as a constant reminder that racing legends don’t fade away, they just move to Pahrump.

TESTED

BY SIMON CUDBY

EVS Axis Sport Knee Braces When it comes to riding injuries, knees are near the top of the list. Compared to standard knee cups, a full coverage knee brace offers much more protection from not only tipovers, but also hyper-extension. The EVS Axis Sport brace is their mid-level offering, and according to our EVS contact, some of their Pro motocross riders prefer the Axis Sport over the higher priced Axis Pro model. The difference in price is due to the carbon construction on the Pro compared to plastic/nylon on the Sport model. The specs include a patented Tru-Motion 2.0 anatomically correct hinge system, Dual Defense full coverage knee cup, Form Fit frame, and adjustable hyper- extension lockout. Comfort is really key when you are going to spend all day on your bike, and the Axis Sport has a neoprene liner, synthetic leather straps, and a compression comfort cuff. If you are used to wearing standard knee cups, then at first these braces will feel much larger, but with the added protection I think itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s worth the extra bulk. The four main straps are all adjustable. I liked the addition of the fifth wider neoprene strap that added to the stability and comfort, allowing me to run the other four straps not too tight. It took me a ride or two to get the feel for how tight to run the straps, but I was able to find a good comfortable setting. On the trail I liked that the part of my knees that gripped the bike now had a layer of protection compared to knee cups, and at the end of the day the inside of my knees were not sore anymore. One thing to mention is that if you run knee braces with over-the-boot riding pants, be sure to check before ride day that you can zip up the bottom of your pants over the braces and your boots. The EVS Axis Sport retails for $479 for a pair and are available at www.evs-sports.com

TESTED

BY SEIJI ISHII

Leatherman Signal Multi-Tool A handy 19-in-one pocket-able tool to enhance and potentially save your adventure Leatherman launched the first pliers-based multi-tool in 1983 and the brand has been a stalwart in the pockets, glove boxes, and backpacks of tradespeople, outdoor adventurers and as every day carry item for city and rural inhabitants alike. Although most adventure riders carry a bike specific toolkit on board, having a capable multi-tool can be both convenient and a trip saver. Leatherman released the Signal in 2016 and I’ve been testing it in both riding and outdoor-based outings for six months. The multi-tool has indeed proved useful in a variety of situations, with most of the 19 available tools all deployed at one point or another. The Leatherman Signal contains the following tools: 1.

Needle-nose pliers

Regular pliers

3. Wire cutters (replaceable) 4. Hard wire cutters (replaceable) 5. Wire stripper 6. Locking main blade, smooth with serrated section 7.

Locking saw

8. Hammer 9.

Locking awl, with threading loop

10. Locking can opener 11. Bottle opener 12. 1/4” hex bit driver 13. Locking bit driver, comes with #1 Phillips and 3/16” flathead bit, other bits available 14. 1/4” box wrench 15. Carabiner 16. 3/16” box wrench 17. Safety whistle 18. Ferrocerium sparker rod 19. Diamond-coated sharpener

The most useful everyday adventure items are the combo knife blade, needle-nose pliers, and hammer. The 420HC smooth/serrated blade cut cleanly and held its edge through the testing period, only now needing sharpening. The needle-nose pliers are high quality; the serrated working surfaces cleanly formed, all edges remaining fully intact despite hard use. The hammer, which at first seemed gimmicky, is almost always used to pound tent stakes into hard ground. Of particular interest to dual sport and adventure riders are the wire cutters, wire stripper, and bit driver. The wire cutter and hard wire cutter are the nicest I have encountered on a multi-tool. They cut both small and large gauge wires cleanly without extra measures typical of low-quality cutters found on many multi-tools. The cutting blades are notched at the bottom to perform the function of a wire stripper, and with care, they remove insulation efficiently. The cutting blades are replaceable guaranteeing continued high-quality service. The locking bit driver’s open position is in line with the long axis of the tool, the most useful position, and the bit locks positively in the holder preventing loss. The driver has seen plenty of use, particularly the Phillips bit, and has proven durable. The available comprehensive bit kit significantly expands usability for the dual sport and adventure rider.

The other commonly used items (awl, bottle opener, can opener) work as expected. The ¼” bit driver proves handy if the associated bits are carried in the toolkit and can work on ¼” heads in a pinch if there is open space around the nut or head (same for the 3/16” box wrench). The locking saw did its job on small twigs used for kindling, but don’t expect efficient cutting of fuel-sized wood. The ferrocerium rod indeed produces sparks; a significant upgrade to the tool would be a place to store tinder of some kind. The whistle is in the base of the ferrocerium rod, and although functional, it could be time consuming to remove it from the tool body in an emergency and potentially dropped in the process. Being able to use the whistle without removal would be a welcome change. I found the diamond coated sharpener to be of little use; it is too small to be effective in putting a legitimate edge on a blade that needs service. For the dual sport or adventure rider wandering far from home, the Leatherman Signal is a great everyday carry companion to the toolkit. It wields frequently used tools for camping, and contains mechanical and electrical tools that eliminate the need to carry them separately. The Signal has found a home in my tank bag, truck, and backpack (when weight isn’t an issue) and has proven durable through heavy use. Weight: 7.5 ounces MSRP: $109.95 www.leatherman.com

Leatherman Signal Multi-Tool

YOUR ADVENTURE OUR PASSION At Rottweiler Performance, our focus has always been to ask the question, “How can we take these incredibly well engineered machines and creatively manipulate them into what we, as a unique consumer with personalized needs would want from a motorcycle?” That answer becomes your adventure, and our passion.

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ADVENTURE RIDER RALLY

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TESTED

BY CHRIS T OPHE NOEL

REV’IT! Discovery OutDry BOOT REV’IT! jacket and pants have always been advanced but their footwear has always lagged behind. That changed last year with the long-awaited release of the Discovery OutDry touring boot. Created to meet the unique demands of the adventure rider, they offer a high level of protection and performance without sacrificing convenience or comfort. To achieve that delicate balance, REV’IT! abandoned conventional motorcycle boot designs and borrowed technologies from other industries. The unique BOA retention system, used heavily in ski and cycling applications, distributes even tension across the foot and lower leg with the twist of a dial. It creates a large aperture at the cuff for ease of entry and permits precise adjustments for optimal comfort. Providing weatherproofing is the same OutDry membrane built into mountaineering jackets. The result is a boot that wears like a hiker and defends against Mother Nature’s ugliest assaults. With its lightweight and low-bulk design, fitting the Discovery with the necessary protective elements required forward thinking. Layered beneath the suede, leather, rubber, and 500-denier Cordura exterior are strategically placed injection-molded reinforcements placed at the toe, heel, and ankle. To meet level 2 CE protection standards the tongue and overlapping shin guards include thick SEESOFT pads. The outer cuff shields the BOA dial from impact and dirt. The foundation of the Discovery is equally well engineered. The crush-resistant and low profile midsole is constructed of polypropylene with an integrated shank. With sufficient flex to facilitate a natural walking stride, the mid-step is stiff for all-day comfort on the pegs. The replaceable Vibram Apex outsole is lug-mapped for secure footing on and off the bike with a shallow but pronounced heel brake. Protective as they are, riders seeking maximum off-road armor will want to look elsewhere. Best categorized as a middle weight, they are nonetheless quite robust and have guarded my feet against impacts I would have thought above their punch-weight. The ease of on/off and superior comfort make them ideally suited for protracted travels. Even after wearing them daily for weeks on end, spanning more than 10,000 miles, my feet never complained. If I have any parting advice for would-be Discovery buyers, it is to bump up the next whole size. Despite their average width and volume at the instep, they run small. MSRP: $459.00 www.revitsport.com

UPSHIFT - HONDA AFRICA TWIN PROJECT

WORDS BY CHRIS GLASPELL

PHOTOS BY SIMON CUDBY

2017 Honda Africa Twin DCT, Starting MSRP $13,999 We’ve had the Africa Twin for 6 months in both stock trim and now with aftermarket bits and have found it to be a great Adventure bike that is well suited for both road going adventures as well as mild off-road trips. In stock trim we found the suspension to be on the soft side, which has been discussed on just about every Africa Twin message board. If you’re just planning to venture off onto fire roads it’s fine but we had other plans for this Africa Twin DCT: to build something that could handle the fast rough roads and rocky trails of Baja, Mexico. After 6 months of rough riding and highway use we feel that the Africa Twin is a great bike for the price point and it has been bullet proof with the bolt-on parts we tested. Not everyone has a big budget to spend on aftermarket parts but we think this build has delivered an Africa Twin that can handle some big adventure at a moderate price. Website

Dubya Wheels Dubya USA, based in Southern California, is dedicated to providing the best possible experience for every customer, including quick turnaround on all wheel sets, even custom jobs! For our Africa twin we wanted a wheel that was both light and could withstand rough roads and big hits found on our Baja trips. Dubya built a set of wheels that look trick and have been solid. Dubya suggested we go with Talon Pro Billet Hubs that includes a 5-year warranty and are available in Silver, Red, Orange, Magnesium, Gold, Blue and Black. Those were matched up with Excel Takasago rims, which are engineered and designed to perform in extreme, hostile environments and look great too! We have always chosen to run Bridgestone heavy- duty tubes on our wheels, so in this case we did not go tubeless. Everyone has a different opinion on this but on our off-road trips we’ve seen our fair share of tubeless sidewall destruction, which has left us stranded or having to go MacGyver with a repair. Cost MSRP $2000.00. Website

Race Tech Suspension Services The crew over at Race Tech have been building and tuning suspension for 34 years. Suspension for every conceivable recreational vehicle available. For this project, we decided we didn’t want a full replacement, only to build on the Africa Twin’s solid foundation. After doing a little math, Race Tech suggested we go with their Gold Valve re-valve kit and increase the spring rate based on the combined weight of loaded panniers and the rider. Since they are relatively local to us, we elected to drop our suspension off and have them tune it. However, you can certainly buy and install the kit yourself, take it to your local Race Tech center for service, or ship directly to Race Tech and have them do it. The overall process was pretty straightforward until we had to pull our rear shock out. This is a process that took some patience, as it is a sequence of lowering the shock down through the swing arm while raising the swing arm up with a jack and rotating the shock at the same time. Something the shop manual fails to mention. Once everything was re-installed, we hit the road and could tell right away that this set-up was much firmer and more responsive. The stock spec from Honda works fine for general conditions on smooth surfaces for the average size rider, but it’s notoriously soft on rough terrain. The Race Tech recipe really improved handling rolling through larger g-outs at speed and the bike tracks significantly better on chattery washboard sections. The Africa Twin really didn’t like larger square-edged obstacles in stock trim. It tended to blow through the stroke very quickly with an audible clank forcing the bike to dart and pull out from under the rider after knocking your filling out. The biggest improvement with the Race Tech package is making that larger obstacle much less intimidating as the suspension soaks up the impact in a more controlled manner. The forks and shock get used fully rather than simply disappearing from under you. This setup achieved a much more balanced ride that is solid for a loaded long range trip with panniers as well as comfortable for a weekend romp in stripped down form. At just over $1000 before tax, this has been a critical investment we felt was needed for the type of riding we will be doing. Website

Shinko Tires The Upshift crew has used this 804 Front (90/90-21) 805 Rear (150/70B-18) combination with many of our builds because the tire is a great off-road tire that is more than capable on twisty road sections. You wouldn’t think it by looking at the aggressive knobbies, but after many miles of 60/40 (dirt and highway) through Baja we’ve really been happy with this combination running about 35 pounds of air on both tires. MSRP: $99.95 Front, $169.95 Rear. Website Outback Motortek Ultimate Protection Combo When we looked online at how to protect the crucial areas of the Africa Twin’s engine, oil pan, engine case, oil cooler, oil filter and exhaust header we came across a video Outback Motortek posted Here. Lorry Gombos literally takes an Africa Twin and throws it to the ground. That got our attention! From there we looked at how bullet proof and easy this system was to install. We’ve dropped this bike on technical rock sections with no damage to bars or skid plate. While riding through Baja’s pothole ridden highways we heard a few big rocks ping off the massive skid plate that comes with the kit. Overall we’ve been really happy with this kit. MSRP: $834.00 Website

Kriega Luggage Like a lot of travelers these days we wanted to go with soft luggage. The main reason was versatility and size. We’ve had trips where hard bags have either been crushed by a get-off or the rider has had a leg caught under the front end of the pannier. For this reason, we used the GIVI frames that work with the Kriega OS-platforms or if we decide to switch to hard bags in the future for security reasons we have an option. You also have the option to mount a Rotopax 1.7 gallon Fuel or water container. Mounting and dismounting the OS32 panniers to the bike takes less than a minute with two quick release straps and buckles. The same straps compress the pack firmly in position. The best part about this set-up is how easily it is to add Kriega’s smaller OS packs to the panniers. We’ve tried many configurations and all have stayed secure over long off-road trips and kept contents dry through hours of rain. The OS platforms are MSRP: $65.00 ea. The OS-32 Soft panniers are MSRP: $295.00 each. OS-18 ADV Packs are MSRP: $119.00 each. The OS-12 ADV Packs are MSRP: $99.00 each. The OS-6 ADV Packs are MSRP: $89.00 each. Website

Fasst Company Flexx Bars When it comes to bars for the Africa Twin we found the selection to be minimal until we called Fasst Company. After a few minutes on the phone we soon found out that they would make anything we requested using the components that go into each kit (sweep, width, height) something that’s available to all customers. We went with a 15° sweep, 32” width and 4.65” (116mm) height. In addition to being able to customize your set-up the Flexx handlebars absorb shock and vibration, isolating your upper body from abuse, allowing you to ride longer at a faster pace with more control. With 4 compression and 3 rebound elastomer’s to choose from you can fine tune your Flexx handlebar to suit your preferences. With 8-hour days in the saddle over all kinds of Baja terrain these delivered a great feel and kept the hands comfortable. MSRP: $359.00 Website

Cyclops Adventure Sports Pegasus LED Light Kit Cyclops Adventure Sports began with the idea to change the riding experience at night. In 2002, founder Darryl invented the first motorpsorts mounted helmet light kit. Since then, Cyclops has grown to become an industry leader in developing durable, innovative LED vehicle and motorsports lights. We chose to go with the new Pegasus LED lights in a plug-and-play kit designed specifically for the Honda Africa Twin. No holes to drill, 100% plug and play. Installation was easy once we figured out how to pull off the many layers of Africa Twin Plastic. Using the Africa Twin’s high beam switch to light the Baja nights we quickly learned why so many people use these compact yet powerful units. MSRP: $399.99 Website

Mosko Moto Nomad Tank Bag The Nomad Tank Bag is probably one of the most popular choices because of its many features. We have a full test in Issue 18 of Upshift. It was easy to install and worked well with the shape of the Africa Twin’s high tank. MSRP: $199.99 Website

Akrapovic Slip-On Line (Titanium) Exhaust When it came to exhaust we wanted to shave some weight and add some growl to the Honda’s thumping twin-cylinder engine so we went with the Akrapovic titanium slip-on, which sounds amazing. The slip on saved us 4.4 pounds and added performance increases throughout the entire rev range. (Akrapovic claims 3hp at 4400 rpm) The fit and finish on this is second to none and has been through baked on mud and water and still looks new after a little soap and water. MSRP: $645.00 Website

Fastway Performance Evo Air Footpegs The Fastway foot pegs measure at 2.25 wide and 3.50 long and have plenty of surface area to do a lot of stand up riding on technical sections letting us steer more with our feet. They come with everything needed for installation including 2 different size cleats. We went with the longer cleats for more traction. They come in black or clear billet Aluminum. MSRP: $180.95 Website

Seat Concepts Rally Seat Seat Concepts seats are constructed using a foam material that is a much higher quality than OEM seat foam and provide a more plush and active ride, while still offering the necessary amount of support. The unique comfort shape maintains a similar contour to stock at the front of the seat so the riderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s legs are not spread farther apart, but tapers out towards the midpoint to distribute rider weight over a greater area. On this model, they built up the front of the seat, but dished out the rear slightly to level out the angle of the rider platform, and reduce the slope-into-tank feeling of the stock seat. The Rally kit makes a flat surface that allows the rider to use the full length of the seating area, making it the best choice for aggressive off road situations. MSRP: $189.99 Website

Upshift Custom Graphics Kit We wanted to change up the look of our project so our in-house designers whipped something up to cover the stock Africa Twin look. We used MX style 3M vinyl, which our friends at Sticker Standard produced for us. MSRP: $175.00 Website

SEE AND BE SEEN! Performance Lighting Solutions For Every Adventure Ride www.cyclopsadventuresports.com