A 1200cc bike to cross the Simpson Desert?

Its 2019 and our intrepid adventurers head off to conquer the mighty Simpson Desert... the largest sand dune desert in the world. That part is true, but is the Super Adventure Squadron's 1190 ADVR the only 1200cc class bike to ever cross unsupported via the French Line??? No! But if you have done it, link me your vid! I want to see it.
On the trip with me (Nerb1) is Craig (Shadower75), Tom (RidingWithTom), Mark (HornetRider) and our very own instagram model Brendan (Brendog). You can see videos from the trip here:
• KTM 690 ENDURO - SIMPS...
• Simpson Desert Unsuppo...
(brendan... do you have an instagram link?)
I also have a mini store with some stickers!
sasmcshop.square.site/

[@tacjam1]

Nerb has the best attitude, I love how positive you always are.

[@mojoriden]

The 1190 makes its owner a better rider from fear of dropping it :>)

[@dannysdirtbikeadventures2606]

Looks like hard work riding a big bike through the Simpson. I like how you've shown a lot of the terrain in the video. Those 4wd drivers were quite rude 👎 . Luckily no one was hurt or run over by them... Thanks for sharing

[@christopherrowley7506]

yeah they're in the middle of the wilderness, what's the rush? lol what a prick

[@RidingWithTom]

28:20 if we didn't do that extra 10km we wouldn't have made it to big red on sunset the next day so YOU CAN THANK ME NOW

[@HRRRRRDRRRRR]

Well if we wait for you to upload your record of the events we definitely wont be able to thank you for a while...

[@Sam-vu9iu]

Hi Tom

[@motogspot]

Really enjoying Nerb, can’t believe the attitude of the guys in the 4WD, 😃👍

[@scottieray]

Nerb1, this was really interesting. The bros in the trucks could use a bit of karma...and I bet they are having 100% less fun than you and your riding partners.

[@ianlevy8765]

Wow, huge respect to all 5 of you in that red sand. Nice one!

[@toby7504]

I take my hat off for that 1190 for holding together when you getting out of track. Always some rude people around...lucky they are outnumbered by the nice one. Absoulut fabolus riding mate... Watching you handle that big bike like you do is amazing.. Thanks for sharing...

[@BikerBytes]

Brilliant stuff mate, exhausting just to watch 💪😎👊🇦🇺

[@ColoradoDualSport]

For my fellow American's, a goon bag is the bag inside of a box of wine. This is an ultra important item down under and the fact that it survived is nothing less then a miracle. The trip probably could not have continued had it spilled. Hahaha! You are are one crazy guy Mr.Nerb. I've ridden the AT in just a tiny bit of sand and I can tell you that I would never want to take it into the Simpson. Also, only another video editor would notice the audio drop outs directly after a tip over......Hahaha! I know what you said! Wow, did those guys really have an issue waiting for a downed rider? That's just ignorant. He didn't even offer to help. What jackass. Glad to see you guys survived day 1. I'm telling you, I would have a blast doing this track on Xena, but there is no way I would take a 1,000+cc bike out there. You are a legend.

[@spacetruckin6555]

AT? As in Africa Twin? It's been awhile since I've checked you out. Correcting that right now.........................

[@AwesomePlayers]

Loving it. So happy you have let us all come along for a ride that most of us can only dream of.

[@Nerb1]

Thanks Riley. Im always happy to see your comments! Your team is always an inspiration.

[@Nerb1]

@@ibuti01 Well I'll try not to be inspired to break! Haha.

[@tougefc]

Awesome video mate! Yours and Craigs vids are top notch👌🤙

[@PetreRodan]

absolutely amazing driving, editing and music choice. 10/10 will watch again.

[@ToriMoto]

Really enjoyable vid Nerb, and well done doing that amount of sand riding on the big girl. Looking forward to part 2. Thumbs up :)

[@MrEtnorb]

This is excellent, the best portrayal of what it’s really like to deal with the terrain.

[@jchapman1351]

Your best video for sure. A peak in the dynamics of the group, and absolutely loved the “kill Bill” style music. Sorry there won’t be much more from you on this adventure. Great Job Nerb!

[@jasegp8933]

Great video again Nerb, your like the Ironman of adventure bike riders and the way you man handle the big KTM is awesome. A good mix of talking and music with fun stuff mixed in. Can't wait for part 2 with broken bikes etc and I followed your GPS tracking and comment during your trip. Cheers

[@corynewton9311]

Looking forward to the raw footage of this one! Love the sound of that big V-twin and watching the struggle through the Simpson. Thanks for sharing!

[@BikerBits]

Bloody Ripper Brendon... straight into it! I take my hat of to you... don’t know how you do it on that big bike :-) Cheers... Mark

[@williamstones1773]

Incredible footage, and a very realistic view of what it is really like. Never easy. Well done mate!

[@jamesriley4857]

Thank you taking the time to share. Amazing accomplishment and compulsive viewing Craig and Tom's accounts equally good. Combined they finally settle the forever question about which bike, gear and mod's is best. Answer is quite simple - the accessory you add that fits between the footpegs and handlebars is what matters most. Looking forward to your next conquest

[@dirtbikeantics4320]

Awesome vid Brendon, now i cant wait for the second vid. I'm with most others thinking geeze, it is a big bike to tackle the Simpson on, you must of been pretty buggered by the end of the day. I keep sniffing and contemplating a WR250R and go ultralight, Canning Stock route is on my list of things to do in the next couple of years.

[@Tomdogful]

Hats off to you Nerb. Bloody good effort👍

[@alphonsvanmaanen]

Awesome!!! The sand looked bloody soft, hard work on the big beast - kudos!

[@jefftaswelder9154]

Nerb1 this video was FANBLOODYTASTIC mate and the editing 1st rate👌😎 man you can through that bike around and i really thought you did a fantastic job of not dropping it in the first crash then dropping it in the next 3 seconds 🤔👍all for the camera😜👌 looking forward to the next installment mate, keep well and be safe 😎👍

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

It’s official. You can now legally wear your undies on the outside! Superman effort.

[@sgs13197]

It may not be easy on a big bike, but you are a legend. Well done.

[@jonboy602]

Awesome Nerb, a pleasure to watch. I have the same bike but definitely wouldn't have the balls to attempts that!

[@michaeldudley9772]

Awesome Nerb !!! That place is relentless from one end to the other, more so on the big bikes so hats off to you, well done :) . Done it on the 950 and the AT but cant register for the 1200 badge :)

[@paultheboxer]

You’ve got guts for tackling it and completing it, top effort. We went through just before you west to east French and qaa, two 1200s and one 1000. We had 2cars follow so your claim is still on. Hope it holds out, good luck.

[@Nerb1]

I think the claim is gone! A few viewers are linking to people that have done it. But thats fine!

[@EZ_shop]

That looked like a hell of a workout. Nicely done.

[@martinguybuhler]

Nerb ,riding a big bike through the Simpson! Insanity, great vid

[@robpinter5431]

Nerb1...respect to your riding skills....on the big bike.

[@MrAusadventure]

Love the "offroad" excursion that the bike took. And then... Nice save, but not! lol Far out! I thought you had emphysema there for a bit! HaHa! Bloody hard work mate! After watching ADV-Rydr-Bloke out there the other day in his vids on the Africa Twin and now this, I'm bloody keen to do the Simpson, but no bloody way am I going to do it on a big bike!

[@alexbradilovich8142]

Outstanding Brendan... even the editing and music are first rate

[@Cafeducati]

The on bike portions are super relaxing to chill to.

[@JoeJoeMoto]

Yew! Awesome stuff mate.

[@advsquared]

That looked like quite a battle but I'm sure there's more to come! You may not even notice it anymore but that red sand is amazing to see.

[@happyasmoto5989]

Another great video Nerb.

[@tonyrdr7207]

Epic ride mate very entertaining was hanging out for this one. That looked very fast on the video

[@nickabrahams1]

Best Simpson crossing KZbin I've see to date that really shows what it's like and I have watched a squillion 👍🏻

[@Nerb1]

Thanks Nick. I try and be real about it. Plenty more falls in part 2 coming soon ;)

[@Shadower75]

Well worth the wait mate. Save the best for last hey...

[@stepheneldridge6998]

Just subscribed....really enjoyed that! Although I watched it from the comfort of my sofa here in the Uk....I was knackered just watching your struggles in the sand! I have an XR650R and a XT660Z Tenere...I would love to ride them in a desert one day! Looking forward to seeing the next episode! Cheers, Steve

[@Nerb1]

Start making plans fort a desert trip Stephen! It wont happen till you do it! And thanks for the sub. Hope you find a few fun videos.

[@ExpeditionAustralia]

Mad respect Nerb, great effort 👍 But that was pretty much the longest WR250R commercial I’ve seen

[@zurnie]

Every time that big plonker started wallowing in the deep sand I found myself cringing. I do not do sand. lol

[@thepassionofthegoose5472]

Just spend time there until you're "comfortable". I know it's far easier to say than do, but it's how I/most learned to not dread sand.

[@v4vfr800]

Top effort Nerb, never give up attitude 👍

[@marcusrwalker]

Well done, great achievement!

[@camthejerrycan7701]

Love watching Craig and Toms also to get the comparison between the riders take on it

[@drzlife9756]

This was awesome. Thank you

[@adventurousmedic]

Awesome work Nerbs! I was keen for a 690, then an 1190 (no stock), then the 1290... Couldn't get a ride on one. Triumph heard KTM wouldn't let up for a test ride, so gave me a Tiger 800XCA for the day and I had to have it! It's great to see other big bikes getting out and cracking on with it!!! Riding through Tasmania's West we went by Triumph in Hobart briefly and they couldn't believe where we had taken the Tiger. Keen for some more sand myself!

[@wobblysauce]

That is it... where there is a will there is a way.

[@chrisbettles7597]

Great vid mate! Cheers

[@billcotton1551]

I will watch your's Tom's and Shadower's versions. Great stuff!

[@dwlee67]

Top stuff mate. Doin well on the big girl.

[@MVDBR]

Man so keen to do this 👌 I think I'd get the shits with the fkn sand pretty quick tho! Must be heavy duty going on the big Kato. Great vid mate loved it 🤙

[@wazza33racer]

Amazing that Nerb got that heavy bike across the desert...........with some help from friends. Must have weighed like a lead brick with all the cargo and fuel onboard. I like that Nerb has more realism in his video with F words left in ))

[@adv-moto-rider7216]

Well done on pushing the big girl through the sand Nerb, little bit of Quentin Tarantino style sound track great stuff..

[@eberbacher007]

or old malcom smith motorcycle movies, like on any sunday

[@itscraigg72]

Nice video Nerb,that's the first time i have seen Tom help someone.

[@JustTex]

I'm still n shock too

[@mototrailz]

good job Nerb 🤙🏽

[@Aaron_willis14]

I got the oh a big bike? Good luck haha. The africa twin loved it. Did the madigan and connie sue just recently. Around the same time you guys did this trip. We just missed you guys.

[@gordonsmithsa115]

Great vid.... tough day in the saddle, you guys did awesome in the sand... as for that cager, good on you for keeping your cool, I would have told him to fuck right off...

[@in2ADV]

Awesome mate!

[@ianferrier235]

That was awesome nerb

[@Nerb1]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@MrDuhfactor]

Holeeeee..... you wheeze so much more elegantly than I do..... didnt even stop for air... Impressive my man.... what a great series bud...

[@Nerb1]

Haha, Im going to move my mic! BTW, im visiting vegas in a few weeks... I looked at a trip time to SLC but 400 miles is a bit too far for a coffee. I might see if tyler has time for a coffee.

[@MrDuhfactor]

@@Nerb1 some day, we'll hook up bud.... My daughter is getting married in October, so I cant make it down.... but one day we'll get together!

[@Nerb1]

Yes, even if its when we are old men reminiscing about the time we used to ride oversized bikes on undersized trails and laughed about it.

[@gregking5182]

I’m exhausted just watching that.

[@sebastiaanr7317]

i shall call you Lawrence of Simpson, maybe nerd1 of the Simpson ?. as always cool video !!

[@williamtheconvict2206]

Great job Nerb difficult to explain how much speed you need to carry to get up the dunes and just as much to get down the other side with the whoops both ways. Great job

[@sushimamba4281]

I was getting stressed just watching! Great effort though. But it looked like bloody hard work on the big bike in the sand. The mentality of the 4wd guys that complained is hard to comprehend.

[@carbonite1999]

Now that's living!

[@BigBikeAdventures]

Not a crash and then dropping it. I hate that. 😂😂😂 Good job on the Big Bike mate 👍👍

[@Nerb1]

Im looking forward to seeing your vid from big red ;)

[@BigBikeAdventures]

Nerb1 from one of the guys on the ride. 😂😂 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gX6XqHuNg5uAprc

[@BendigoAdv]

Top effort mate

[@robvon9391]

It tastes like ice cream I can't believe it it tastes like ice cream. You guys are funny🍦

[@yorkchris10]

Apparently BMW raked out the head angle on the 1200GS Rally because of Australians. The old Husky desert sleds from the 70's had an angle of ~30 I think. Your video brings back memories of sand riding behavior.

[@infinityphotorob]

Many your ankle twist. This happened to me pretty good on my last desert trip. My wife had to help lift to get bike up. At first I thought maybe I broke leg. Damn panniers run you over while you crash. I need to try to practice falling with the saddlebags and try to get away from bike.

[@johnkerry2585]

oh man, I can't imagine how hard it was to ride that 1190 in the sand. My wr450 can be a handful sometimes in the soft stuff. We call that really powdery stuff "moon dust" over here where I ride. A couple of good falls in it will clog the filter for sure.

[@MarkPrendergast]

True Grit Nerb

[@salmahdawi1]

Quick sand, its good you are travailing in fours. Yes, that was a good point to have soft panniers.

[@NoobRoutz]

Awesome work mate! Hard is an understatement lol

[@adamrichards2072]

Didn't you do this on an AT? Be interesting to compare notes.

[@NoobRoutz]

Adam Richards I went the long way around through QAA line; K1 line and the “easier” Rig road. 720km total.

[@NoobRoutz]

Adam Richards the French line Nerb did is much harder but shorter.

[@adamrichards2072]

@@NoobRoutz might have to go give it a rewatch.👍

[@frankmorris2603]

New subscriber Nerb. You freaked me out with those creative directional choices. If I'm gonna be riding your bike from my lounge chair ya gonna have to keep it on the track. Too much arse clenching.😱 I hope you gave the old man of the sea in his 4wd the finger. Hate those types.

[@Nerb1]

Haha, glad we kept it tense for you!

[@1compaqedr8]

As an 1190 owner I know exactly how 16:15 felt. Incredible some guys have rode a bike solo out there. Would be awesome for someone to pull out an old Dakar bike and film a trip.

[@byknphil]

Hard not to hold my breath and grunt a bit when he first dropped his bike. Think I leaned into a bit as well.

[@AfricaTwin-Stuff]

“Not a crash ...oh no!” Shit happens I guess. Know how that feels.

[@justinseeberg1996]

thanks nerb

[@thesmoo1973]

I tips my hat to you nerb

[@glenntroopy]

great video Nerb I crossed it in a 4wd for the 4th time about 3 weeks before you took as 8hrs to go 38kms one day over near the corner bloody soft and idiots with trailers should be band from going into the desert You my friend are a BLOODY Legend for take that in there what pressure do you run I would be interested to know but totally enjoyed your video and looking forward to the next one

[@Nerb1]

I ran 15 front and 25 rear. The rear is tubeless, so I deliberately left it a bit higher than ideal just to stay safe. I could have gone a bit lower in the front, but it seemed ok as it was.

[@danielstafford9299]

Nerb son...your a fucken legend.......nuf said

[@harro9447]

Nice 👍

[@zemquoi]

Nice riding at 6:30 Nerb! Don't panic and let the big girl ride it out! Those curves really suck. Quite hard core!

[@TheGardenSnake]

🍿

[@searchingfor6thgear44]

My shoulders ache just watching you manhandle that bike in the sand! I'm going to enjoy comparing everyone's perspective on the trip! Does the UHF radio connect to the Sena's blue tooth or how does that work? I see that it's push to talk so I presume it's like a cell phone where you can hear the audio without doing anything. I've seen recommendations to avoid the bluetooth communication units for bike to bike communications when trying to stay far enough apart to stay out of each other's dust.

[@sarge6908]

Hey Nerb my proof reading skills begs me to ask how did your angle go after that get off.Sorry but I couldn’t help it. Hey mate I really like that music score to go with the battle that your in. Any tips on who it is? Legend effort there by the way.! Cheers

[@TheHornetRider1]

Oh my word! The language 🤣

[@mountainconstructions]

Firstly, congrats on an epic journey and time with good mates I do not envy you crossing the Simpson on something heavier than Oprah! The 900 is bad enough But as for the first 1190, unassisted? Maybe.... EDITED: Found out the guy i saw was on a KTM1090 unassisted

[@Nerb1]

Ive been asking around, and youre the first to know someone! I know of a few people that have been across on big bikes, but they all seem to use the rig road. If youre sure Mr Colac was unassisted via the french line, I will update my title. I deliberately didnt mention it in the vid ;)

[@mountainconstructions]

EDIT: I stand corrected, it was a 1090 KTM 1090, KTM700, KTM690 Don't change your heading, it's good. And YOU'VE done it!!!! That is more important, and really, who cares?

[@mountainconstructions]

After speaking to the chap that did it on his 1090, he has told me that plenty have done it on an 1190 and BMW1200's Years and years before him..... Those titles are long gone according to him. But it would be nice to see a documented trip I've been reading some Unsupported trips prior to 2006 on ADV Rider, with BMW 1200's You are certainly in an elite club. Really isn't much out there No Ducati Multistrada 1200 i can find or Triumph Tigers

[@ronanrogers4127]

I’m surprised you had the courage to refer to yourself in the beginning as an Instagram Model...kudos to you, Nerb! I felt a bit let down when you clarified it a few minutes later. Quite a Tarantino-esque soundtrack.

[@Nerb1]

Haha

[@ronanrogers4127]

I can’t believe that Dickhead in the 4WD...imagine how impatient he’d be driving his shit heap through the centre of Sydney or Melbourne. I see the outback hasn’t chilled him.

[@JustTex]

Pretty interesting sight as you crossed the top of the dune at 25:25 haha. I think i had the same issues with a bike a 1/3 the size of yours carrying the same amount of weight.... the whoops wouldn't let me get up speed and going slow is so much hard work and would steer me off in any direction. Your average speed on your gps tracking was about the same as mine too. Did you get bogged at all ? The style of this video was different but cool. Look forward to the next one, cheers 4 sharing sir.

[@Nerb1]

I try a different style every video ;)

[@wobblysauce]

@@Nerb1 Was a good edit, though 21:00 how is the Angle after getting it stuck?

[@Nerb1]

@@wobblysauce haha.... yes, my angle is fine. I saw that before i made it live, but couldnt be bothered doing an edit and reupload for 1 letter!

[@wobblysauce]

But yes.. corners are bad but going over a crest and then it doesn't continue but veers off to the side is worse like you have shown in the video.

[@2wheelLove]

hey nerb, what handguards do you run? I have the cycra's on my 1090 and I dont really care for the fitment on them all that much. I know the 1190 has the radial brake master which really eats up a lot of space so I was wondering what you use?

[@cruisin650]

I really should make an effort to ride the sands up near little desert

[@occyman]

You did well on that big bike Nerb... do you reckon an F850 GS would do it? A bit lighter .....

[@Nerb1]

Yes, probably a little easier. Most bikes could do it. Just a matter of if youre game!

[@monument4865]

Your handling the big girl so much better this time round, how kg lighter are you ? Are you trying different tyres.

[@fredblogsmac.5697]

my arms would be dead in 5, mins fighting the bars, tuff guys..

[@timjrvine]

I was just thinking the same thing haha

[@chrisetchells2803]

Hi Brendon. Can you tell me what uhf comms you are using?