R.D. Motorcyckes Ltd.

RD Motorcycles an Introduction To Trail Riding

1) About Trail Riding

2) The Bikes

3) The Gear

4) Preparation

5) Maintenance

1)&nbs= p; About Trail Riding

Trail riding or Green Laning involves the use of road= legal off road bikes. The terrain can be mud, clay, sand, flint etc., along green= lanes that have a motorised right of way. These lanes are normally not suitable f= or normal road vehicles as they are often narrow, slippery, and deeply rutted.=

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RD motorcycles Tel. 02380 860001

2) The Bikes

Trail bikes or Enduro bikes are off road bikes but mu= st be road legal (current mot, tax & insurance). These bikes typically have l= ong travel suspension, high ground clearance, low gearing and all terrain tyres. Tyres need to be road legal (road legal knobblies) and not motocross tyres.=

Examples of Trail Bikes include –

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Suzuki – DR250 = 211; Good first time bike

= DR350 – Bi= t long in the tooth now but still a very capable bike

= &nb= sp; Oil in frame, Engine is bullet proof. Good low down power

= DRZ400 – Very capable trail bike also surprising good on road<= /p>

= &nb= sp; One of the heavier trail bikes on market

= &nb= sp; One of the best selling bikes of it’s type

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Yamaha – TTR – A very popular choice, good off roader

= WRF 250/400 – Bit of a dedicated competition bike can some have lighting kits fitted for road use

= &nb= sp; = Very good bikes but not for novices

<= st1:City w:st=3D"on">Kawasaki –KD= X – Excellent very lightweight trail bike

= &nb= sp; Revy two stroke engine

= &nb= sp; Fuel range lets it down on long rides (about 60 mile range)

Honda – XR250/400<= /p>

= –<= span style=3D'mso-spacerun:yes'> Both 250 & 400 are great= trail bikes, only the later models have electric start

= &nb= sp; Excellent build quality

= CRM250 – A two stroke, great little bike. Rated by some as the best ever two stroke trail bike

KTM= – = EXC range from 200cc-525cc are all dedicated off road bikes. They can come with lighting

= kits for road use. The smaller engines have two stroke engines 200-2= 50cc while the 250cc-525cc have

= 4 stroke engines. Probably the best off road bikes around. But at a price, not just in the original

= Purchase. These bikes are very high maintenance.

Other Bikes include Husqvarna & Huasaberg= – Similar to KTM’s in that they are dedicat= ed off road bikes with

= &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; = &nb= sp; a lighting kit for road use. Not for novices

3) Riding Gear

Obviously a helmet, preferably a light weight motocross style helmet= with road legal markings. As usual the fit is more important than the colour or = its style. Good sturdy motocross boots are preferred, along with warm socks ( waterproof socks are available )

Gloves are necessary for protection from he inevitable “falling off” and from overhanging bushes.

Warm waterproof gloves are an asset on a cold wet day.= I find chunky road bike gloves too clumsy on the trail, but great for riding home. I carry 2 or 3 pairs of gloves and wear mechanics gloves under my enduro gloves.

Body armour is a personal choice. Available items are,= chest & back protectors, knee & elbow pads, and kidney belts. Good quality armour allows full movement and proper protection.

Waterproof trousers & jacket make riding more comfortable when w= et. A word of caution wet clothes can wear you down and the cold & wet will= get to you. However too many clothes can restrict movement & cause you to overheat and tire. Just because it’s not raining does not mean you wi= ll not get wet. Deep mud & puddles are common place. The answer is a waterproof jacket & trousers with light layers underneath, which can be removed and packed in a pocket or tool bag if necessary.

A tool bag bolted to the rear mudguard is a good idea.= Some people ride carrying a small rucksack.

Pack some energy drinks, you will need them.

4) Preparation

Preparation can not be over emphasi= zed !

Clean & inspect the bike. Apply liberal amounts of special waterproof grease to all pivots & bearing= s. Tighten loose nuts & spokes. Lubricate all cables. Waterproof electrical connectors with silicone spray or waterproof grease. Most important, clean & waterproof the air filter. Use grease on battery connectors. Check ty= re pressures, adjust and lubricate with Enduro cha= in lube. A normal road bike chain lubricant just attracts dirt and should not = be used off road.

Pack some basic tools, tyre weld & small tin of WD= 40.

Finally I spray the whole bike with GT85 lubricating spray ( which also contains ptfe for lubrication ), I even spray my boots. It makes easier to clean when get back as the mud just slides off and does not stick.

Finally = try & get a good night sleep the night before, riding with a hangover is bad news.

RD Motorcycles we can supply Offroad waterproof pack including= one off each of the items below

Belra= y waterproof grease

GT85 lubricating spray,

Belra= y Enduro chain lube.<= /o:p>

5) Maintenance and Servicing

Trail riding is very hard on bikes so maintenance leve= ls are high. Do the obvious pre ride engine che= cks, oils, plugs, coolant etc.

Your bike should be regula= rly serviced to include engine oil and filter change, air filter change with oi= ling to prevent water ingression, spark plug change, and valve adjustment. The w= heel bearings, steering head bearings, chains, brake pads, sprockets, coolant, wheels and spokes should all be inspected and adjusted as required.

We at RD motorcycles have 20 years experience servicing all makes of bikes and will be happy to offer= a competitive quote to service your bike. We can even pick up our bike up and deliver back to your home at a very reasonable cost.

We also supply and fit cha= ins and sprockets; including quality = Renthal “O” and “X”ring products . We can supply fully road legal enduro tyres. This is a difficult fitting job and many normal tyre fitting places struggle not to damage the delicate aluminium rims; so this should be left = to competent people like RD Motorcycles.

If you have n= ever tried off road motorcycling before; what are you waiting for ?

It’s th= e best fun that can be had on two wheels. =