Trail riding

[Biker's Nemesis]

Hello olly. No advice, just saying hello.

xxxxx

[mckeann]

Hello Olly.

[Fleegle]

Wheres ya bin?

[Moulder]

If you have a road licence then green laning would be an option, as long as there are enough local lanes to keep you occupied. Bike will need to be insured/taxed/MOT'd. If you really do not want to go on the road then this would be a non-starter as there are usually bits of normal road to tie the lanes together enough to go any distance.

If you do not have a licence (or even if you do) then pay and play would be an option. There tend to be local clubs that hire an off road area and you basically pay for the day and can do largely what you want. Bike will not need to be road legal but if not you will need a van/trailer to get it there. The bike will be scrutineered so needs to be in working order.

In terms of bikes it depends what you choose to do. DRZ400 often recommended as a good green lane bike to start on, but may not be so good at pay and play. A smaller KTM would be good for both.

[shunter V8]

If you have green lanes in your location then I would recommend them,fantastic fun but you don't want a big bike for them as a beginner no more than a 250cc.

[Playsatan]

shunter V8 said:

If you have green lanes in your location then I would recommend them,fantastic fun but you don't want a big bike for them as a beginner no more than a 250cc.

This is oft quoted but I think a 450 is easier to handle. That's what I started out on and the extra grunt often makes up for my poor choice of gear or if I spot an obstacle at the last moment.

[Harry H]

I've got the KTM450 as well. It's nice to be able to lift the front wheel at any time to clear obstacles with just a flick of the wrist but otherwise it's massively overpowered for general green laning. Great laugh though.

Sensible choice is a 250 with an electric start. Stalled halfway a bank, completely knackered trying to kick start a thumper is not the way to go in my book.

Join your local TRF group. They'll do l guided tours and will know every foot of the lanes in your area.

[mitzy]

Hey Honey
Good to have you back x

[BigHeartedTone]

Hi Olly.

I do some trials riding - I'm not sure if that counts as an adventure tho'

[Fleegle]

I started and stuck with the WR450.

I think the only time the 450 has an advantage over the 250's is when road work is involved and the 250's can be a bit laboured

[Tribal Chestnut]

I'd second Harry H's suggestion to join the TRF.

I did my second beginner's ride with them yesterday and it was great. Quicker riders were able to move along nicely at the front, however we had two with zero confidence who were looked after by the chap at the rear. Very accommodating.

I had two tumbles, the second of which was very dramatic, and at one point saw a couple of young deer leap over the lane just ahead of us, which was nice.

I'm managing fine on a DT125R without going near it's limits, apart from the tyres which are ste, but I have a pair of AC10s and mousses waiting at home to fit.

The only negative is my bike is now refusing to start and had to be recovered on a truck last night. I'm sure I'll enjoy fixing the bd...

[Fleegle]

Good luck with fitting the tyres and mooses

[Tribal Chestnut]

Fleegle said:

Good luck with fitting the tyres and mooses

Don't worry, I have a plan!