Dirt Road Riding

[griffbl]

Guys, Need Some Help!

Would like to buy a new Hypermotard S and will sometimes ride it on dirt type roads...I like dirt bikes, and the riding position, and that is why I like the Hypermotard.....Probably need a tire more like is found on a Buell Ulysses....and the skidplate that is offered by Ducati. Any other parts you would recommend? Have I lost my mind? I know this is not a dirt bike, but there are many roads I would like to ride it on here in Texas, and in Colorado.....not trails, but roads...The Buell Ulysses is just a bigger bike, and really more of a tourer than what I need (and I do like it)....The BMW 1200 GS Adventure looked bigger than the Titanic....not going there.

Thanks for your help!

Griffbl

[infidel]

It would be doable, but not ideal. I have taken my hyper on roads with gravel sections. But probably done 5 km max on the gravel. There is alot of carbon on the S model. You would definately have to ditch the front half guard, i think it'd get torn off pretty easy. An oil cooler guard would be helpful. If a multistrada can go off tar i don't see why a hyper can't.

[AZ_Scott]

Some Pirelli Scorpion Syncs or Dunlop 616's would help on those fire roads, without losing much of the bike's sporting capability.

I've ridden a 1200 GS on gravel. Give me a Hypermotard any day of the week!

[Greg_S]

Originally Posted by AZ_Scott

Some Pirelli Scorpion Syncs or Dunlop 616's would help on those fire roads, without losing much of the bike's sporting capability.

I've ridden a 1200 GS on gravel. Give me a Hypermotard any day of the week!

that's what I have on my KTM and they work well in dirt and the twisty's

[CDONA]

Scorpion sync, cox oil cooler guard, DP skid plate, shift-tech rear hugger, 4500 miles. The small 17" wheel wants to wash out more than a 19" would. but it works way better than my old V-rod in the dirt. research past posts for more info.

[RMZ290]

Bike feels very nervous in the dirt, maybe its the tires, but I think its more the geometry. Nothing I would want to do for more than a couple hundred feet, too expensive to accidently drop. I have a XR650R with full street tires and its very sure footed in the dirt.

[griffbl]

Originally Posted by CDONA

Scorpion sync, cox oil cooler guard, DP skid plate, shift-tech rear hugger, 4500 miles. The small 17" wheel wants to wash out more than a 19" would. but it works way better than my old V-rod in the dirt. research past posts for more info.

CDONA-

how does it feel on a road like your picture with the bike and the route 66 sign? That is the type of road I am talking about.....

Cheers,

GRIFFBL

[luchisss]

Originally Posted by griffbl

Guys, Need Some Help!

Would like to buy a new Hypermotard S and will sometimes ride it on dirt type roads...
Thanks for your help!
Griffbl

I can help you with stopping you!!!!!You can open your motorbike in 2 parts in few days....Ducati are not so strong...be carefull...

[lelenb]

I have taken my Hyper offroad and it was ok, for street bike. The two biggest problems I had were the front end pushing and the forks bottoming hard a few times on rain ruts. The front geometry is too steep for dirt use and so it is like skating on ice. I think most of those farm roads I have seen thought out Texas should be doable, as many are hard clay but will wear on the finish of your bike pretty quickly.

I have the Scorpions on my Hyper and they work good, but once temperatures go above 90 the rear tire starts to melt and get chewed. I am going to a different tire for summer riding as it is just too greasy, but once winter hits I think I will go back. My rear Scorpion is toast with 2300 miles on it, the front is the Diablo III that came with the bike and is also done.

I would be concerned about small rocks that can get picked up by the front and ruin your front fender when they get wedged between it and the tire. You should also use a rear shock wrap and/or a hugger to protect your shock from abrasion.

I have pictures from my ride up a mountain dirt road in winter that i will try to post when I get back today. Honestly a KTM Adventure 990 would be a good dual use bike for what your thinking of and you could day dream of doing the Dakar rally while you are shooting down those dusty back roads.

[CDONA]

Originally Posted by griffbl

CDONA-

how does it feel on a road like your picture with the bike and the route 66 sign? That is the type of road I am talking about.....

Cheers,

;

That road, old route 66 between Golden Shores and Kingman Az. Paved, twisty, off radius, with tar snakes over Segraves (sp?) pass, posted 30 to 45 mph. Has quite a reputation thru the years as a killer road (literal).