Sunday, September 30, 2012

KTM 350 EXC-F 2013: Papineau Labelle Wildlife Reserve Ride Part 1

Sunday, September 16 2012 - Patience paid off. For 3 days I could only admire the snazzy KTM 350 EXC-F in my garage.  Other priorities prevented me to go for an adventure ride with the “Ferrari” of dual sport bikes.  But finally, the perfect day presented itself: no rain on the horizon, sunny and 64 F (18 C) degrees as a maximum - perfect conditions.

But before leaving, I made ​​some adjustments that were beneficial:

  1. I removed the visor on my hybrid helmet - it has the effect of a parachute on the highway with a dual-sport motorcycle.  So much for the look;
  2. I adjusted the mirrors - returning from St-Bruno, Qc where I picked up the bike a few days earlier, I realized on the highway that the mirrors were very, very well secured, which is a good thing, unfortunately in a position that did not suit me well;
  3. As the bike is pretty high, I got used to removing the kickstand before sitting  - a lot easier!

With the 350 EXC-F, I had to use my imagination and all the pockets of my jacket and my pants since there is obviously no suitcase or anything to carry some goods in.  This way, I could carry my usual equipment: camera, iPhone, 2 cans of energy drink, cereal bars etc etc..

And finally, a precaution: the fuel tank on the KTM is 10 liters with the reserve, so I planned for refuelling along the way... I will get back to this.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

KTM 350 EXC-F 2013, Photo Montage, Papineau Labelle Park

Enjoy!

DSAQ

Thursday, September 20, 2012

First Contact: KTM 350 EXC-F 2013

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When I asked KTM Canada to lend me a bike, I did not expect to be catapulted miles out of my comfort zone.

The landing is a bit brutal: it is not the bike that is adapted to humans - but humans must adapt to it.  The word “compromise" was not part of the 350 EXC-F spec sheet.

Result: about 240 pounds.

Once the shock of the first contact has passed, one understands where he just landed: in a world where gravity is no longer as important. The 350 EXC-F is easy to tame and quickly becomes an extension of the driver.  The step is high, but behind the handle bar, everything is possible.  I experienced it on my way back from KTM Canada in St-Bruno.

Saturday, September 8, 2012

NEW XC VERSION OF TRIUMPH TIGER EXPLORER FOR 2013

Here is the original press release followed by my own opinions on the subject.

MY13_Tiger_Explorer_XC_Khaki_Green36 

Triumph Tiger Explorer XC 2013

• Aluminium rimmed, steel spoked wheels with tubeless tyres.
• Ride by wire, traction control, cruise control and switchable ABS all as standard.
• Hand Guards, Fog Lights, Belly Pan and Engine Bars to back up the go anywhere capability of the Explorer XC .
• Extended Service intervals along with two-year unlimited mileage warranty.
• Available at Triumph dealerships April, 2013.

Triumph Motorcycles increases its range in the Adventure Touring market with the launch of the new Tiger Explorer XC. With a nod to the styling cues of the award winning Tiger 800 XC, the new Tiger Explorer XC gains a number of enhancements to further enhance its long haul adventure touring appeal.

Saturday, September 1, 2012

12oo GS Rallye 2012: Ride to Parent: part 3

See part 2


Sand pit, near Parent (47.75° N, 74.61° O).  Free camping area?
Nearing Parent (at about 11h20) on my first ride, a road leading to this sand pit got my attention.  The place was huge!  The picture on the left shows one third of the sand pit area.  Most likely a place where ATVs and motocross riders hang out. 

I would have spent a lot of time here but I was on a tight schedule.  I will certainly have other occasions to come back.

There was evidence of camp fire in the pit… probably a nice place for free camping near Parent.

Once in Parent, there are gas stations, restaurants, camping areas and hotels.  I had to refuel and eat something.  I was toasted and would probably have had a power nap in the restaurant after lunch, but hey!, the little restaurant was crowded!