Black Bear Pass, Full Length, Dirtbike, XR650L

Full trail length video of my Black Bear Pass run. I am riding a stock XR650L. My bike is jetted stock for Ohio.

[@drjdvm]

Did this 2 years ago on a 800 GS. Along with some friends (KTM 1090, KTM 990 and KTM 350). Walked the bikes down the steps but was able to ride the rest of it. You know how I know that your video is very representative of the ride? My hands were sweating just watching it!! Almost like I was there again. We were so freaked out that by the time we hit the falls we just kept going rather than stop for pix. Just wanted to get off the freakin' mountain!! Thanks.

[@mirzazeeshanali2007]

this track is so easy and nothing if you will know about Noori pass in Pakistan . actually i pass noori pass at 150cc street bike, and at that moment i hadn't action cam.

[@ulysses8785]

LOl!.. I am freaking just watching this video. No way!

[@billcotton1551]

I know I will never get to ride this, but your vid made me feel like I was, Thank You!!!

[@chadgoff4878]

Bill Cotton Thanks Bill! That's why I did the full length trail videos so anyone can get as much feedback with the videos as possible.

[@WRjockey]

RIP Mr. Goff. Sad to see that he died in a traffic accident, actually three years ago TODAY, April 13, 2021. Happy that he got to enjoy these beautiful rides through Colorado.

[@anthonyvonderhaar4164]

What happened with the accident

[@WRjockey]

@@anthonyvonderhaar4164 Apparently he was riding home from work, hit a deer, then got thrown into the other lane of traffic and was hit by a vehicle traveling the other direction.

[@dougupah8778]

Man I watched this vid a year or two ago, just got done watching it again and was going to ask him a question hoping he'd see it, damn I'm sorry to hear that, may he RIP.

[@bluedolphin5792]

You made that look at lot easier than when I do it, and I'm glad no one can hear me talking to myself.

[@Desert10075]

Great video. I've been riding for 52 years. Lots of off road races. Owned about 30 bikes. You made that look easier that it is. Good narration also. I liked what you said about switchbacks. Way to go. That area with the waterfall would've made a bunch of people walk ahead for a look but you just kept rolling on through.

[@twosnjuk]

Never get tired of watching videos of the Black Bear Trail

[@mt-nv4jd]

Sitting here on the couch, 41 minutes in, and I need to stop and have a beer. I'm worn out.

[@seabiscuit726142]

Good skills, confident rider, legendary machine!

[@davidsnipes7297]

This is one of the first videos I have seen that shows how steep it can get. Well done.

[@aparkes782]

Fantastic video. Wish I could like it 100 times. The San Juan mountains are so breathtaking. Also, you get major credit for the Menards gloves!

[@jamesfairmind2247]

Chad you were very composed coming down those steps. I did in 2015 on a 690 and I had my heart in my mouth every inch of the way.I had 50 lbs of luggage on at the time too.

[@llshamelessll]

Damn that Honda reliability... Please do this on a KTM so we can watch you ride faster, get to top, Break down and have to fight off bears. This video could have been so much more exciting...no blood, no screams of terror..Damn You Honda!

[@jaypuck6912]

My KTM 625 SXC has been 100% reliable so far. I haven't done Black Bear Pass yet, but I've done Tin Cup Pass, which in some ways is worse. There are few cliffs but imagine "The Steps" he referred to being six miles long and you ride up and down them.

[@n1cy582]

... epic fail!... KTM has been winning the Dakar race for the last 17 years, the toughest off road race on the planet, leaving Honda way back in the dust! The Honda factory team were plagued with mechanical problem and, on numerous occasion; suffered a DNF! You can look it up, it's all over off road race news!

[@cramos7287]

@@n1cy582 Historical List of Dakar Winners (Motorcycle) 2021 Kevin Benavides/Argentina (Honda) 2020 Ricky Brabec/USA (Honda) 2019 Toby Price/Australia (KTM) 2018 Matthias Walkner/Austria (KTM) 2017 Sam Sunderland/United Kingdom (KTM) 2016 Toby Price/Australia (KTM) 2015 Marc Coma/Spain (KTM) 2014 Marc Coma/Spain (KTM)

[@davidtorre6404]

I think you picked the perfect bike for this kind of adventure riding. As capable as my 500 exc, yet as manageable as a 300 Rally! Too many videos of guys picking up their heavy bikes, or guys like me dedicating spleens and kidneys on our TOO light adventure bikes. Thanks for the video and taking us along for the ride.

[@bricetetrick1457]

This is one of the best vids I've seen on black bear, good job.

[@adamloveshondas3122]

Dude this is awesome!!! you worked that bike like crazy you commentary was very informative aswell and on the bike I’m saving up for !! Honda reliability at its best I just got my endorsement gunna start with the slow speed stuff like you said them cliffs was pretty insane and the cameras just never do them justice can’t wait to get out there and cross my bucket list off great riding 💯💯💯

[@billcharlene1450]

That view is INSANE! Awesome vid bud!

[@stephtraveler7378]

Thanks for this. Convinced me two up on a Vstrom, even with knobbies, aint gonna work....

[@Nightboat]

Ya think? There is another video on here of a N00B rider on a wee-strom and he gets himself in a world of hurt trying it solo. Not "big bike" friendly by any means.

[@buddywilson104]

Would love to take my XR650L on that run! Great video. How fun!!

[@TDubsKid]

I might have to ride this next summer!

[@flamachiiman]

better record it, id love to see the ol tee dub on this! its georgeous!

[@buddywilson104]

I just bought a new XR650L. I can't wait to do some rides like this. Awesome video; thanks for posting!!

[@chadgoff4878]

Bill Smith I hope you enjoy the bike. Get some good knobbies like the D606 and get after it. The L is a heavy dirt bike.

[@buddywilson104]

I took off my smog crap and did the "Dave's" mods to the carburetor. Made a huge difference and is highly recommended. I will eventually get some good tires. Now I need to plan a ride!

[@tumbleweed-life]

At one point on the video you was apologizing for your shaky camera work well I think the video looks great especially considering you going downhill over boulders right next to a cliff. On one of the downhill switch back my right hand was grabbing the imaginary front brake and my right foot trying to find the rear brake. lol

[@DanielLeeJones]

Oof waterfall at 36 min had me on edge . Nice riding ! I’m getting this bike soon as it comes in stock. That’s how I found ur videos! Very relaxing to watch . Thanks

[@MxRyder19]

oh sweet jesus !!! I wish i was there ! what a beautiful area to ride.

[@wireedm1]

Outstanding video. Thanks for posting!

[@stanbearup9200]

Such a beautiful ride. Thanks for sharing!!

[@big566bunny]

You truly mastered the Steps. Nice work. Your Honda is right tool for this trail.!

[@FIGGY65]

Chad was killed in 2021 in a freak accident on his Harley, when a pack of deer ran into his path. His adventures and skills that he shared on this channel were truly inspiring. RIP Chad.

[@damienx1834]

Awesome scenery

[@ridewithgnr2116]

Very nice video quality, Sir. I have wanted to 4x4 this ride some time, but I am thinking of taking my 650 V-Strom over Black Bear and wanted to see it from a dirt bike perspective. So, thank you and good job. Such a beautiful place!

[@chadgoff4878]

That is exactly why I wanted to capture the full length trails with quality video. Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it.

[@big566bunny]

It’s been four years since your comment so I suppose you have already attempted the Pass. I had a Wee Strom, very competent. But too little ground clear for that trail and not enough suspension travel. But then…one can make anything work if you have the patience and have a buddy to help you pick up the bike every so often. 😊

[@gerrylopez5743]

Wow. You have talent. You made that look easy.

[@ericwerner9605]

Amazing ride. I don't think I would do that solo but you handled it quite well.

[@herberttl]

I've watched a lot of these videos but this one is, IMO, the best of Black Bear Pass because it appears to show the entire route. It was hairy, especially when it seemed you liked the outside (cliff side) line most. I certainly don't question the lines you took because you made it without incident while I haven't ridden anything approaching that nerve wracking. You said you would have hugged the mountain more, if not for your mirrors. Perhaps you should invest in some double take mirrors. They are very adjustable and made for such riding. EXCELLENT video. Thanks for doing it!!!

[@No_Malarky]

Now that`s my preferred terrain of riding! Age 63 & still do 100-200k`s of abandoned logging rds@time. Wildlife like bear, cougar etc everywhere.

[@waynebonnett]

Thank you for this virtual trail ride. I grew up riding trails many many years ago and I left the off-road behind long ago. I'm currently 50 and looking for my last off-road capable bike before I can't ride them any more. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@johnmillikin6845]

I’m 65 years old Wayne and still riding dual sport bikes, don’t plan on quitting anytime soon. You can do it!

[@cullennowell7813]

I'm amazed at how low that thing will bog yet keep chugging. Great video.

[@johncarlson1877]

You should contact XR'S ONLY they make a replacement exhaust insert which is identical as far as the krisman spark arrestor is concerned. The benefit to their insert is the end of the insert is like 3 times bigger so it flows waaaay better,it is louder but you can't really tell because it comes out and has a 90 degree bend and points at the ground. I used this part on my 94 xr250r with a good air filter,the airbox snorkel removed,a carb reject I did the pilot myself with finger tip drill bits drilled out the fuel orfice and 1 of the air emulsion orifices, used a 2 or 2.5mm washer under the throttle slide,used a t in the vent hoses to prevent bogging over whoops and finally re geared down in front and up in rear from Sprocker Specialists. I don't remember the exact gearing but it went through 1st thru 4th like a motocrosser 5th and 6th were overdrive and never really used in x country/hate scrambles except where there were open grass tracks where you could see good or precise the course. Get the forks done at XR'S ONLY or SCOTTS PERFORMANCE and XR'S ONLY has a rear shock dynomomiter and will set everything suspension wise up for your weight/skill level/and type of riding you do I.E. desert mostly higher speed or 1st thru 4th woods. The 650L is not a motocross bike and skying will break the frame. .hit me back with any questions.oh yeah use a small hack saw or dremel cut off wheel for the little paddle on the air idle mixture screw usually a half turn takes the engine from cranky to creamy...peace

[@rpower1401]

Great video. I have an Xr650L with some nice mods (love the bike), I'm 6'5" and about 280lb. It's a tall bike! Came to me used with a 1" drop link in it, ran it for a few months like that and then switched back to the original link for factory height. With the factory link in it and my high center of gravity + my legs push me towards the back of the bike so I started to do accidental wheelies on steep terrain and 3 times by accident crossing the highway (steep edges). The final straw came when I was on a logging trail (stumps and all that) and while trying to get around a burnt out wreck my back tire spun out on a small cut off log, tried to put my foot down but due to a dip in the terrain couldn't get my leg down. When I swung my leg out my foot got caught on a rock, twisted my ankle (trying to catch the weight of the bike on an angle plus momentum) and the bike crashed down on my armored boot with the rock on the other side...was not happy. Switched it back to the drop link and all has been well ever since.

[@twing21able]

Lowering link all good now, see xr650L wow. My ch

[@currst]

What front tire do you use? My stock one washes out in wet/Sandy conditions.

[@franksmith9692]

Great riding. Great video. Thanks!

[@Lewapolis]

Funny how I could tell it was CO from the first 5 seconds. There’s just something about it that’s so familiar. Can’t wait to be home.

[@scottr7550]

was watching a festival vid from telluride and thought about when I rode this on a 84 xr500 back in the early 90's..googled it and was thinking that doesn't look right until i realized you went the opposite way that I did ..haha , nice memories.

[@ricbarnes6272]

Hey, that was some ride, what a great video. You had some places there where i was leaning left or right trying not to get too close to the edge. Thanks for the cool entertainment.

[@rawdyrider]

Nice track.Got the same bike with the same Acerbis tank in red.King of torque!

[@trevorjameson3213]

That is an awesome ride! From experience in that exact terrain in Colorado, I run 12 to 14 psi front and rear, for best ride and control on the rocks. I've done that pass and the others around there, several times in the past 30 years. The first time, I had an '83 Suzuki SP500, great bike and handled it really well. Later on I had a DR350 which was also fun up there. Moved up to a DR650 a few years ago and I think it handles the passes quite well too. My friend who I ride with has an XR650L like yours. Great bikes!

[@big566bunny]

Interesting. I’d worry about pinch flats with all boulders/rocks, but crossing wet rocks one also wants plenty of stick.

[@big566bunny]

Yes, I feel sorry for the guys on the big adventure bikes. Right tool for the job.

[@paulairola7041]

The mighty XR650

[@leeredpath8332]

wow , great job!!.. i was with ya until just before waterfall... thats where it went above my skill level .

[@no1viking2]

That is my kind of riding. i have a 2009 Xr650L and i ride that kind of country in the Chilcotin region of BC. Thousands of square miles of open country to explore.

[@kennethcartner3985]

AWSOME AWESOME video & commentary, don't ever sell that bike, I have a 1985 XL600r bought new, it's going to them when I pass, this this industucuial

[@dangrimes9547]

"This parts not bad - I don't mind this. Oh man, now see... now common." Best part of the video!

[@twohouses2259]

Excellent vid mate! You know a video is good when you are watching it and going...”Gun it!..yeah....no no....LEFT......go LEFT.....ooooh...easy easy......Now gun it over that drop....WATCH THE...oh, you got it...nice...ROCKS ROCKS!!....ooooh nice work” 10 outta 10 I reckon!

[@i12roksaggio41]

Spectacular videography and outstanding, calm and collected riding. I don't think I could do it to be honest. Pretty scary at times!

[@metavug]

total pro, appreciate getting to se the whole thing

[@rockwestfahl]

What a ride!

[@davidreese7218]

Excellent video!

[@jackolbean4765]

makin it look easy Boss! That's a big bike to throw around up there :)

[@WRjockey]

What an incredibly difficult trail! I'd say you put the XR through its paces. I'd never be caught dead riding switchbacks like that - I don't like heights! Great video though - many thanks.

[@ericswild]

Ive ridden some crazy shit, but I was holding my breath through the toughest section near the waterfall...WOW!!

[@tsav6952]

Holy cow that was intense!

[@johnwatson3400]

Awesome scenery, great video, thanks!

[@heavygrover4914]

Nice vid. I wanted to take my F150 0ver the pass last summer. 90% looks very doable, but the descent into Telluride is certainly not for the faint. Thanks for posting.

[@speckitis]

The first time I rode down into Telluride via Black Bear Pass on a '93 XR650L (back in '93) I had to stop every so often and lift the bike down off of "steps". The Pass has gotten a lot smoother!

[@ballzmckgee3167]

Just got me an xr650L 3 days ago.. might have to make a trip out there, looks awesome!

[@paulboon1100]

J.W. Mc.Call was right you don't have to be crazy to drive that road in winter but it helps!! Thanks for showing us.

[@midnitesilverrun8631]

You can’t drive that road in winter because it’s closed and only open a few months outta the year.

[@paulboon1100]

@@midnitesilverrun8631 the song the JW Mc Call sang this in was made somewhere in the early seventies, around fifty years ago, I doubt they had those rules then? Anyway he wrote the song, whether he actually drove the pass, I don't know?

[@knuckles-3386]

@@paulboon1100you would have to have a snowmobile and you would probably get caught in an avalanche they get 20 feet of snow in the winter

[@porcupinebob7907]

Awesomeness!, I have a plated XR650R I'd like to take up to that pass some day!, great video! Thx! ;o)

[@tjtravis2548]

While it's difficult if not impossible to comprehend how hard most of the trail is from a video I found myself choosing totally different lines then you. Looks like you were trying to go the hardest way most of the time. But I really enjoyed it thanks for sharing.

[@elgringoec]

With eyes you see a lot more than what the fish eye video conveys, plus it's in 3D.

[@danhold1]

Great video, great ride, i also live in Ohio

[@2loulucas]

Probably one of the best videos I’ve seen on black bear pass. Be interesting to see how my 1290 does. Looks like the steps sucked on the 650

[@bzrider29]

Great video

[@trd4d]

I really like that riders with bigger pair than mine go out and record this stuff that I would never get to see.

[@danielpittman889]

Last Dollar Road gets Hella slick when it rains. Summer of 2017 was very wet, after a pretty snowy winter - I took a rented Jeep over Imogene pass and had a blast that summer. Looking to get a dual sport KTM in the next year or two and start spending a lot more time in my mountains.

[@graemelossey130]

Mega awesome vid, on a great bike. Well done to you.

[@lizdg3892]

Holy smokes that got steep !

[@jaybrown651]

Dude. I think you took those switchbacks in record time. Nice riding.

[@ssj4357]

I like the video and the xr650l

[@tumbleweed-life]

What scares me watching the videos is how the rocks always seem to throw you in the direction of the cliff. lol

[@brian.a.bell.sr2968]

Damn! I dig this. Think I'm going to have to start doing this, think I'd do Yankee boy and governor basin for starters but yeah I'd make this a goal.

[@greggd2027]

As a fellow XR650L rider I must complement you sir for tackling Brown Pants Pass. I'm in CA, and we have a mountain ride here that is on par with this one. Maybe not as well known or as tall (nearly 12,000') but on par nonetheless. I got to a point where I just couldn't go any further with the bike. Wouldn't it be something if Honda could manufacture a dual sport bike with a gear splitter kinda like the one in the old trail bikes? My problem on these steep roads is always the gearing. With a low crawler gear it would be much easier. I have a RZR now and I can drive right up it with one hand on the wheel.

[@utahbones3094]

Been there and it’s awesome!

[@pinnacleroofing9841]

your imogene pass vid looked exhausting, this looks scary as hell

[@CodyShell]

Awesome ride!! I just took my Isuzu Trooper on black bear pass back on August 12th. The trail was a bit drier when I did it. Pretty sick!

[@chadgoff4878]

Cody Shell yes it is a good ride. I really enjoyed the trail.

[@daves984]

Awesome video. You are better with the stock small jets up there. The last thing you want is more fuel when there is no air for the machine to breathe.

[@twing21able]

Best Enduro bike, ever. I got rear MEFO super explorer and 8000 miles on pavement. Recommend

[@chadgoff4878]

twing21able I am running D606's. I have had great luck running them.

[@twing21able]

Chad Goff yep, they have bite and the MEFO makes knobby , ,,. Stone master check em 👍

[@Unfunny_Username_389]

great skill

[@squid148]

Nice ride. That looks hard even on camera.

[@Unfunny_Username_389]

i would not wanna have to come the other way, that's for sure

[@flycubfly]

Enjoyed the vid , but you got balls dude . I’ve taken my Tacoma over Black Bear a couple times …. Have no desire to do it with my XR 650.

[@MOONDOGGY-jz6bw]

I have the same bike AND the same Menards gloves. LOL Great trip, nice video. 👍😎✌️

[@llshamelessll]

Chad, when Graham Jarvis hits a huge downhill like that one he always kills his engine and puts it in 1st gear and fans the clutch as needed. That stops the overheated brakes issues.

[@chadgoff4878]

Nah, Jarvis would ride a wheelie backwards down that one. 😁

[@toddjacobs5660]

Very cool, great video... i use to have / race an XR600R back in 1986..... i see you have a 650 which they never had back then...

[@Tejtd]

So cool!

[@getoutofthetimetrap5435]

Thanks for the video.

[@doublex632]

Awesome Job, well done, did you have any problems with your carburetor? thanks

[@jamesblack6227]

Wow looks like a great ride

[@elgringoec]

I can do that! 😂 No, really. I hope to, it's gorgeous. I'll probably take my 300 instead of my XRL but we'll see. Nice video!

[@mxcjoe]

If you do post jetting please

[@elgringoec]

@@mxcjoe I'll go with my current jetting and see how it goes.

[@Enduro.Trials]

Awesome footage!

[@sumadreenmoto8877]

Hermosa ruta.

[@6speedsti241]

reminds me or Gorman / Hungry Valley in Califirnia a little

[@speckitis]

I rode the Arrastra trail in Hungry Valley years ago on a XR650R. I spent as much time carrying the bike as lifting it. Glad I did it, but just like bungee jumping, I never have to do it again.....!

[@GaryLordsWayMinistry]

Do Sonora pass in the Spring challenging be prepared to camp out in the snow..

[@2wheelstraveler952]

Love your video, I have the same bike.

[@chadgoff4878]

2wheels Traveler Nice choice of bike lol. The L does a great job on these types of trails.

[@jhenry7406]

Once you ride steep mountain trails everything else pales in comparison,reminds me of pennsylvania wilds,just more scenic

[@AT2021Rocker]

No room for error! Not sure I’d attempt this on my ATAS.knobby tires for sure!

[@thra5herxb12s]

Imagine how little power Ed March had riding here on his Honda 90.

[@scottmacleod6301]

So this is the famous black bear road cw McCall sings about... I wanna try it with my DR 650.