A new age....

I purposely deleted all the posts I had concerning the BMW F650 that I had purchased in March.
To make a long story short, I was sold a piece of junk from someone who likely knew what he was getting rid of.
I did my usual pre-purchase inspection and found a couple of minor issues...it wasn't until I got it home and did some "preventive maintenance" that I began to see how neglected this one was. There were issues from the tailpipe to the wheel-bearings...all of which I repaired. Then came an annoying little low-speed stumble that I tried to fix, without success...I purchased carb kits, new ignition leads and spark plug sockets...a new voltage regulator, even a new battery...but still couldn't get it to run properly. No matter where I went for advice and assistance, I got the same familiar chorus: "These models are usually so bullet-proof!"
I ended up taking it to a shop in Vancouver and the guy was able to get it running decently again. In total, I spent about $1000 to get it going, but by then I had lost all patience and trust in this thing, so I got rid of it. The new owner got himself a decent bike...and when all the math was done, I had basically sold my functional TW for under $2000.

So...yesterday, I pulled the trigger on the purchase of a brand new 2023 Honda CRF300L Rally...similar to the one seen here:

Went to the dealer with intention of getting a plain-old CRF300L, but then took the bait at his offer. The difference between the two models?
Rally comes with:
Larger fuel tank
Engine skid plate/armour
Windscreen
More fairing
Better brakes
Better seat
Dealer claims they have slightly better suspension, but I don't think so.

Looking forward to spending some quality time in the seat.

...the end of an age?

 February 16, 2023.

Today, I sold my 2008 TW200. I will no longer be doing any "single track" and I yearn for the day-long trips that I read about...so with this sale, there will be no more TW's finding a home in my garage.

Just as it happened last time, I'm sure there will come days when I miss the old girl...she was as reliable as the sunrise and very dependable. Unfortunately, over the last year, it's limitations have become glaringly obvious, even though they were already known.
Highway-use was unsafe and impractical...I know there are some that do it, but I'm not one of them. 
On our trip to the Okanagan last summer, our trip was to take us over the mountain and into Beaverdell, for some more KVR exploration but the return trip would have necessitated MORE logging road, in order to avoid the highway...IMPRACTICAL...and this is only one instance where this has been an issue.

So, I will be going to a larger model, something I won't be so willing to ride onto a quad trail, but will carry me hundreds of miles in a day.

Looking forward to this season.

Update on the CT90

Haven't really mentioned Cheryl Tiegs lately....but that's a good thing!
Since I finally got her running properly back in May...I've been doing some minor tweaking here and there. I decided to splice a new hi-voltage lead into the ignition circuit, so I ordered an NGK version and I have to admit it looks pretty sharp with the bright red boot and all. Threw in a new spark plug for good measure.
A few weeks later, I ordered a bullet-connector kit to replace some of the OEM connectors that have seen better days. Only did a few so far, but they were fairly easy to do...wanted to solder them, but didn't really need to after all.
One thing I am definitely going to need is a new battery in the future...I don't know how old this one is.

I also ordered a new set of points and condensor, since everybody in forums told me I should replace those. The points that I was sent were the wrong type, so I had to file down the old ones to make them work properly...but at least I got a new condensor in there now!

Wife and I took the old girl for some off-roading in late September....the only problem I could notice was that irritating little off-idle bog, when shifting gears....I'll get to the bottom of that one of these days.

Otherwise, she ran like a trooper...it was only a 25 mile ride, but it's something that we've NEVER done as a couple before.
Sure....she was a little apprehensive and nervous, but I let her set the pace- even if it was only 15 mph - and we had a great day of riding together.

Renaming and such

 Over the past few years, I've started and stopped this blog numerous times, based on the ride I sat upon. I've been TW Rider...DR Rider...and I'm sure there was at least one other variation.

No more.

From this day forward, this blog shall be DS (Dual Sport) Rider...which it probably should have been since the beginning.

Sorry for any confusion.

It's been a crazy Summer/Fall for me this year...some "family issues" came into play as well as some personal things and some work-related things as well. As life works its way back to normal...I will endeavour to keep this blog a bit more current.

In the meantime, you can also check out the YouTube channel I have...

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3zSEyN6JLnD-L-1__EBNTg

Princeton and Okanagan

Spent 6 days in this wonderful area of our Province...the Okanagan always provides plenty of opportunities for exploration and recreation.

Although we missed our goal of going overland into the Carmi/Beaverdell area...it was still a great trip.

Read about it HERE.

Return to the Paleface Pass

...I guess this name must have been "overlooked" in the midst of all the PC and "Woke"ness going on. Might just be a matter of time.

Regardless, I took another drive up there today, since I got held back by the snow earlier on...read about it HERE.

Tamihi trip

 More crazy weather lately....but it's looking good today, so I'm going for a ride.

Read about it HERE.