CRASH REVIEWS / ADVENTURE MOTORCYCLING

[@toddwmac]

Love finding this channel JR and enjoyed your video. I've been riding ADV bikes in the mountains and deserts of the PNW and Utah, (mainly my KTM 990) since 08, and I'm about to turn 60. There is no doubt that my off-road riding when I was 45 was certainly different than today and your tips and reminders are spot on. As a former riding coach/instructor, I can't agree more with your initial comments on practicing. I m amazed when my clients tell me that they have no practice ritual or route. As we age, every ride "local" ride we do should have some focused practice in places where we are comfortable. It strengthens our minds and our bodies, and helps ensure that when we need it, we will have it . Thanks for the vid and I look forward to following your adventures.

[@jrdepew]

Thank you so much for this comment and encouragement. I didn’t mention taking a skills class in the video. So far, my bad experiences and video’s have been my trainer! Right now I’m transitioning to my WR250 and working on covering the clutch and brake levers. Will see how the summer adventures play out.

[@hoosiertrailrider]

Glad your still riding. I'm 65 and ride off road every week. Line choice matters. Minimize your crashes by prepping your bike correctly. You need to have a good suspension tuned to absorb the trail trash. Get a bike with a good adjustable compression and rebound damping and adjust it. A DR650 has a terrible suspension. Keep the weight down, 3.2 gallon tanks are enough. Tire selection is crucial. Knobbies are a must. Correct air pressure is paramount. Ultra HD tubes. A comfortable seat. Just these things will reduce fatigue by 60%. Will increase the fun factor by 100%. +1 for motels! Know how to crash. Always know which way your gonna bail. Always keep your feet out from under your bike. Wear elbow, shoulder and back protection. Tuck and roll. Learn the right techniques. Momentum is your friend. pivot turns are good uphill and downhill. Kickstand pivots can make it easy to turn around on tight stuff. Good body position in the tuff stuff. My riding buddy is 75. My ride... Honda CRF450L and CRF250X. Been riding & racing since 8yrs old.

[@jrdepew]

Good stuff.

[@searlearnold2867]

Taking trials and enduro riding clinics a couple of times a year and getting into a regular riding and skills training regimen on those bikes is what I'm doing to mitigate the likelihood of crashes. Learning the proper techniques and practicing on those bikes is an eye-opening experience.

[@jrdepew]

I agree and cant believe I forgot to mention that. Thanks.

[@kokkiematematika1931]

I fully agree with this. It is a step to be combined with the 'dreadful'🤣 idea for some, to go lighter when it is time.

[@WRW9751]

72, do ride a lot by myself mostly because my riding partners have given it up or moved away. It’s much easier to get tired and make bad decisions. Seems when it gets late in the day and I should be farther than I am the mistakes become more frequent and more costly. You have great advice! Thanks

[@jrdepew]

LOL! Truth.

[@wadewhite1006]

I'm 69 and I totally concur with you on "what I'll do differently in the future"! The goal is to extend my adventure riding years as much as I can ! Thanks for your advice and videos!

[@jrdepew]

Thank you. Change is inevitable.

[@lawrence7065]

I like how you say, ”in the future. “ good for you. That gives me food for thought. 👍🏼

[@kirkmulhearn7931]

Newer rider, started back in Covid I’m 60, I work out at Gym 4 days a week, walk a mile a day, this gets me to a basic health level, now I’m focusing on more time on the bike-have learned my WR250F in single track is the way to go for the technical rides, the DRZ 400 is great for the fire roads but a little heavy for the more challenging stuff, only take the T7 on the asphalt

[@jrdepew]

Like a tool... the right bike for the job. On long trips it is always a trade off. Thanks for commenting.

[@BroadwayT660]

JR, Great info. I've been going to the gym 5 days a week to increase my strength and endurance. Walk at least a mile a day. Trying to be fit and strong for the challenges that are head ! Keep riding and ride safe !

[@jrdepew]

That is gret advice. I was hitting the gym this winter but not lately.

[@krob-sn7ek]

Yep, got to keep taking care of yourself, takes more discipline.... But well worth it, I am 62, feel great. I just want to ride and camp , explore our Beautiful country !!!

[@ThunderdogONE]

Great videos Joe! At age 77 I feel your pain. My last long ride was some UTBDR in Sept '22 but planning more BDR's end of August! Your videos are a reminder that we break easier as we age. Thank you!

[@jrdepew]

Thunder dog! I’m planing portions of Colorado and Utah late August myself.

[@jrdepew]

Shoot me a PM on Messenger if you want. Maybe our paths could cross.

[@alainmaurice5383]

I am very happy to see you again. It is always interesting to listen to your advice. I have been riding a T700 for 4 years. I bought a DR650 and I plan to equip it for long trips. 90 lbs less is really nice to ride and easier to lift. Thanks for your advice and your video.

[@jrdepew]

Great to hear!

[@MrRickrm]

Good of you to show tge possibles out there. Being 71 the I too must be careful. Gave up riding alone.

[@jrdepew]

It really is a safer thing to do. Thanks for commenting.

[@krob-sn7ek]

Glad you were OK JR. Be safe, you are an inspiration to many!!

[@jrdepew]

I appreciate that

[@jillwebb775]

Last 2 times I crashed. Fatigue was a major factor. What would have been more routine got me. And not enough water. No mater how many times we all say it, we seem to stumble on these two again and again! Rest more often, camp earlier or hotel it earlier. Seems simple. I need to DO IT. Thanks Joe, great vids of u and Michael and I grew from your advice I believe. My old bones done lie either, 67 now!

[@jrdepew]

How often I fail to follow my own advice. Usually doesn't end well. The water one especially.

[@2WHEELADVLIFE]

You definitely subscribe to something I try to explain to others all the time. You need to be able to call it and not ride if you’re tired especially if it’s off road terrain. I see it over and over come on let’s keep going just keep going. I have learned on my own decades that you need to no your limitations and know and accept the fact that once your tired/exhausted especially as you grow older you need to call it and live to ride another day. I’m 52 years old and want to extend my riding years.

[@jrdepew]

Well said! The right riding companions is important or else solo is better from a safety stand point.

[@doc650adventures]

Very true! Fatigue is a huge issue when riding.

[@contentofcharacter]

Thanks JR. I’m just getting started in Adventure riding at 50. Even now injuries don’t heal as quickly and I’d prefer to avoid them if at all possible. I appreciate the opportunity to learn from your experiences. I really enjoy your channel & look forward to seeing your next adventure unfold.

[@jrdepew]

Thank you very much.

[@doc650adventures]

So many nuggets of wisdom and verifiable experience in this video Joe! I hope this video is widely seen so others (like me😂) can learn from it. Thanks for posting this video! Cheers!

[@jrdepew]

I hope so! Very glad to see your comment.

[@mikedepew6980]

Looking forward to risk management in GA and Utah this year 🎉

[@jrdepew]

You and me both!

[@williamjarvis3473]

67 and have ridden most of those years. My problem is the thought of, "I've done this before". It's hard to adjust to reduced capabilities. I've also moved to a much lighter bike, (XR 150), and have found it a good choice. Great video brother

[@jrdepew]

Riding a lighter bike this summer myself. Having “done this before “ is a two edged sword. Real good point.

[@hauntedmoodylady]

Reminds me of something I heard Kenny Rodgers say several times, " A man's got to know his limitations." Same applies to me..

[@jrdepew]

You mean Kenny Eastwood!

[@Bscott-390]

Jr, it was so nice meeting you and riding with you this week. You are a fantastic guy. I hope I see you again sometime. Brent.

[@jrdepew]

It was such a fun and renewing time meeting you and riding with a fantastic group.

[@elgringoec]

NGL I thought oh boy it's gonna be another preachy video where I get told I've been doing things wrong my whole life. You've seen em pop up, but no, JR just lays out some of his experiences and his takeaway lessons from them in an informational and entertaining manner. We all have those, doesn't matter how skilled we appear, exceeding our boundaries is key to developing skills (as I tell my grandkids). But we should do so as controllably as possible and before the bones get old and brittle. There's nothing like ingrained response mechanisms to save our bacon before the mind has time to think things over. Of course it's best to be cautious and not put them to the test as if they're infallible which they're not. Yet despite maintaining a reasonable level of cautiousness, unanticipated situations arise, and there's no time to analyze them and recall and apply the remedy; only automatic response is quick enough for a chance at recovery of control. That's why I teach my grandkids when they're little. If they can scootch around on trails, keeping the bike up when something kicks a wheel sideways, a bump throws them off balance, they slide on a slippery patch, an animal runs across the path or a branch is down across the trail over a rise or around a bend and they have to hit the brakes quickly and hard... Etc etc... Then if they do decide to ride as adults and especially including street riding, I feel they have a better chance of success and survival. Plus we need more people who understand and respect riding whether it's their obsession or not. Exposure is key.

[@jrdepew]

Should have had you write my script! So we’ll stated, thank you.

[@johndyer7587]

Great compilation of some of the things that can happen out there! Especially when riding solo, got to make really good decisions, leaning towards the safer side. Gotta be willing to change things up when the situation is over your head. Better than an injury.

[@jrdepew]

I’ve always had a tendency to push things. Gonna change that!!

[@verbalwidget7267]

Good tips and suggestions Joe, I remember a lot of those clips from your videos. Good to remember the lessons from the past. Safe travels.

[@jrdepew]

Thanks. I really wanted to ride in Arizona this spring but time got away.

[@doc650adventures]

Cheers Dave! JR puts out such great content!

[@RubiKonAdventures]

Love the cut of your jib. Thanks for the putting it out there for all of us to learn. You are an inspiration to me. Thanks buddy.

[@jrdepew]

Spoken like a true aviator!? Thanks.

[@advredbikes]

Thanks, JR for that great reminder, had a small thing happened to me yesterday I took the wrong line. Logging truck trail was too deep and the bike decided just to go down. Fortunately, it was just a soft drop but soft mud and having to lift my bike outtook my time got up. Took him some water and got going. Thank you for your great video. Look forward to the next one.

[@jrdepew]

Thanks for sharing

[@SNxr400r]

Greetings From Brasstown, NC. Just found your channel and have been Binge watching!! Really love your content. At 65 myself I'm very inspired by watching you tackle some of that Gnarly shit. I ride mostly dirt and gravel roads here and don't bother with the Heavy Hard Gnarly stuff anymore. I just recently sold my Honda xr400r that I turned into a adventure bike. I was getting tired of kick start only especially on hills or difficult terrain. So now I am thinking about getting another DR but this time a 650 instead of the 350 I had before. Again, thanks for sharing your adventure trips they are very inspiring for sure...;-) Steven

[@jrdepew]

Thank you so much. I’m going to give my WR250 a go this season. See if lighter is where I want to be but the DR IS resting in my garage. Maybe sulking!

[@lawrence7065]

I’m really happy to see older people still riding. I’m 63 and feeling a little discouraged. I ride KTM 690. I’m a fairly big guy and even the 300 lb bike feels heavy to me. It’s a long way from my YZ250.

[@jrdepew]

keep doing what you can and have fun.

[@OlsonADV]

Another great video!! Looking forward to your upcoming adventures.

[@jrdepew]

Thanks so much!

[@ferkuzuel]

Thanks for sharing and taking the time to make this great video, for sure I can relate to some of that ,for me good impoverishment was when I stepped down from a 690 to a 300l, another thing that has helped is that I been including time to stop, and do some stretching and contemplate the scenery , specially in nature

[@jrdepew]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@johnpagejr.7628]

I have bought a smaller bike so it is easer for me to pick it up. ( CRF300L Rally ). I am 73 and I have to be way more careful in my old age. Thanks for sharing some of your spills with us. As we get older we definitely need to practice our riding skills. Keep the rubber side down and the shiny side up.

[@jrdepew]

Good choice!

[@markschultheis9522]

Thank you for the good information JR. This helps greatly for preparation and survival as I aspire to do more BDRs long trips. I'm just getting started at 63!

[@jrdepew]

You will have a blast!

[@Albert-yk8vv]

Thanks for this right ans direct retex mate. I do not have more récent expérience than you about trails and protection before and during thé ride. I had bien through Africa in 80, 9 months no gps, no emergency service. What i had learned then and After IS " you are your assistance and in reality thé only very one" So what? 1)basic training in paramedic and practice.plus basic material : Compressive , bleeding issue, and so 2) stay fit, trinaing every day 3) calculate thé risks , from a forces point of view at least. Calculate with âge and fitness 4) carry on ,thé rest IS perfect 4 )

[@jrdepew]

Good analysis.

[@kellyyon-x7p]

GREAT video Joe, reminds me of an old Fly Fishing saying “ There are those that have fallen and those that are going to fall.” I have enjoyed all of the style of crashes you display here with the exception of launching off a 15ft cliff. But, give it time. I’ll catch up.

[@jrdepew]

Keep that one off the "to do" list!

[@kellyyon-x7p]

@@jrdepew OMG, I can’t imagine how much seat foam they would have to remove from my sphincter if I went over a drop like that! Good to be alive Joe! Looking forward to your upcoming videos.

[@ashc2025]

Excellent video on the dynamics you'll face off the pavement.

[@jrdepew]

Glad you liked it!

[@radadventure2606]

Great video, JR. Off road riding can be very hard work (novices might not realise!) and fatigue sets in real quick. I guess , that is what I have learnt!

[@jrdepew]

Absolutely!

[@1Son_of_Virginia]

Great Video as always! Especially from my backyard.. I reside beside the hawksbill.

[@jrdepew]

We should ride sometime!

[@1Son_of_Virginia]

Would love to! I could definitely use the practice as well as instruction.

[@jrdepew]

Try to DM me on messenger or email [e-mail]

[@rustyspiker3569]

Good to see you on utube. Good lessons today! I’am 77 so I always ride with a friend off road. I ride within my ability and ride my own ride because my friend has much more experience than me. Gear up for sure and pray! Good riding to you this summer looking for way to future video’s. Hint Northern CA is ready for you!! Any crash you walk away from is a good one. 🤩

[@jrdepew]

Excellent pointers. By the way, Sterling Noren and another crew member broke bones filming the CA BDR NORTH. It can happen to the best.

[@rustyspiker3569]

He hit a deer and took a nasty fall. What concerns me is allot of riders with years more experience than I seem to crash allot. This is a sport that requires you to be at the top mentally and physically when you get on that 500lb machine. But I still plan to ride on and have adventure’s. Take care their Joe!!

[@jrdepew]

Can't account for deer Kamikaze!

[@RealHooksy]

I often ride with guys 15 years younger than me. I always finish last, but I always finish. My advice to anyone riding with a group is to ride at your own place, always.

[@jrdepew]

So true. It’s natural to try to keep up and push things.

[@GurrasGarage]

Good info, thanks! I just turned 70 and ride my old 1993 Yamaha XTZ 750 Super Tenere but its starting to get too heavy for me now especially riding alone, I plan to downgrade to something lighter 😆 Ride safe!

[@krob-sn7ek]

WR 250R's are great, competent little bikes for solo adventures. I love mine

[@jrdepew]

Right on!

[@DualSportDuffer]

At 6:22, that looks like March Moto Madness. I was there for the first time this year. When I go up to NC in June and July, I’m going to head over and run some of the .gpx tracks they downloaded for me.

[@jrdepew]

It was..from a couple years back.

[@rhugh02]

So great, thought you were out on a trip. Great to see a new video. Cheers

[@jrdepew]

Been hectic around the homestead lately!

[@agp7073]

Great topic it’s always good to learn from our past experiences and from others. If you ever ride the Northern California BDR let me know! Blessings

[@jrdepew]

Sounds good! And it looks like a rugged one.

[@kellyyon-x7p]

Keep looking for the next video. FYI I did see your cameo appearance on Mission Motto’s video. I hope U tube isn’t blocking your videos?

[@jrdepew]

New one out today, July 3. Needed some new material and life got busy too. Thanks for watching!

[@kevincraig4191]

Good to see you back on here!

[@jrdepew]

Thanks, good to be seen!

[@mollygrubber]

Great video and food for thought for many I'm sure. Would you be able to do a video on your preferred riding gear? I am looking into upgrading my setup and could use some advice. I imagine with that much experience you know what works. Appreciate it, thank you.

[@jrdepew]

I like the separate armor approach like enduro riders use. it usually is better coverage. I use Forcefield Pro Air V-2 body shirt and Leatt Dual Axis Knee/shin protection and last season moved to a moto-cross boot. Rain jacket and pants separate. Cooler in summer,

[@SmokinZen]

I am 59 and had a bad crash that has taken over a year to heal it definitely takes longer now. I recently had a small crash and I can’t understand how but I fell and hit pretty hard. I think I was trying to be too careful and not taking on the terrain with the commitment it takes to get through. Damn if you do damn if you don’t off-road riding demands that you don’t back down so being careful can sometimes go against us too. I’m hurting from the last fall so my next ride will take even more mental effort than anything else.

[@jrdepew]

It surely is a fine line between committing enough and too much or too little.

[@MikeKmet]

hey JR, great video, ive been riding off road since 68', good stuff here. if I can suggest, ditch that wind screen off road, a frontal crash hitting that can be ugly . decades ago a friend, fast Baja 1000 racer died from hitting a bar to protect his headlight, that screen is the same, Ive gone over the bars many times ages ago. ditch it. consider a bike for the best parts... that off road which is lighter then a dr650 (the DR650 isawesome bike btw!). cheers Bud, see on the trail !

[@jrdepew]

Right! Not a trail screen. I have ditched it since and put up with the wind on the highway now.

[@staceyhousel2901]

I have been hurt bad in the past on my yz250r handful of times. ... the thing is, I heard myself or Gods warning, say in my head "your to tired to be riding" ..crash! Or "this is to technical".... crash! Or "your going to fast" ...crash! I suggest you listen to the voice if you hear it ;)

[@jrdepew]

The voice in the head should be given serious consideration. Thanks for sharing you thoughts.

[@mikaelkarlsson5971]

Love to see your videos .. Mike from Sweden

[@jrdepew]

Thats awesome!

[@robertherrmann4823]

Lockhart Basin is no joke. It was easier 30 some odd years ago when I took it in a Jeep south to north, thinking it was a shortcut. Las t year I was just going to try it from the north, but luckily two very experienced bike riders who had just passed me in my SUV came back my way and said the trail was too bad for them. I took their advice.

[@jrdepew]

It has caught many unawares, true.

[@kokkiematematika1931]

I find that the 'executability' of my skill set, has improved after opting for a lighter bike. So for me the notion of 'skill set'vis-a-vis 'executable skill set' has at least, a nuance difference. My advice is 'go lighter' as the bones speak louder & louder. 🤔🤔

[@jrdepew]

Yep. I'm going to be on a Yamaha WR250 this 2024 summer.

[@MotoMission.]

Great advice in this video. You said you will ride less alone. So that means you will ride with me more often ?

[@jrdepew]

Sounds like a plan!

[@staceyhousel2901]

I turned 55, my husband is 62 , we sold our dirt bikes and bought small dual sports, not riding much of the idaho mountain single track anymore, more logging roads or desert riding. I've had acl reconstruct surgery and my other knee feels like it wouldn't take much to hyper extend again. I had a CTI custom brace made, HATE that bulky, uncomfortable thing. Any advice on knee braces or recommendations. Husband too has had aCL reconstruct surgery. Motorcycle accidents. We still want to ride, but I sure have turned Into a fearful rider, afraid I'll get hurt, my ego is very damaged too. Lol

[@jrdepew]

You are doing what you can. Fortunately I have not had real serious injury but age and statistical probability is speaking louder in my head. I will keep riding for now but it is one of the most dangerous things a person can engage in. A man (@MotoGiant) I met at a rally is in the hospital with a leg amputation after going down on Interstate.

[@underthedrone2735]

Ruts are my nemesis too. Ruts buried in sand is my kryptonite. I think I need to stand on the pegs more.

[@jrdepew]

They are a real menace.

[@johndavis2399]

Damn.....your bones seem to be very flexible! Can you recommend your protective gear? Your riding skills are awesome.

[@jrdepew]

Thank you. I like individual protective gear separate from pants, jacket. So far I'm using Leatt Dual Axis knee/ Shin Guards and Forcefield Pro X-V 2 Air shirt

[@johndavis2399]

@@jrdepew 👍

[@kellyyon-x7p]

Balance, it’s a very good thing. It seems to be valuable in all we do.

[@jrdepew]

Yep, and reassessing the balance point.

[@danielcarroll5667]

Do you have your Summer riding planned out yet ? Thanks for your tips on crash mitigation...

[@jrdepew]

Will be in Georgia and Tennessee with a group mid June. The rest is fluid but will be out west in Utah.

[@mudcatstravels9751]

Thanks for the video, I think our choice in protective gear plays a big part in not getting injured. I notice you are wearing separate armor from jacket and pants. I've been considering going this route myself. I went down last year and though I had a jacket with armor in it the armor had moved to places it doesn't provide the most protection. What are you wearing and are you happy after your tests lol?

[@jrdepew]

I like the separate armor approach for reasons you described plus it usually is better coverage. I use Forcefield Pro Air V-2 body shirt and Leatt Dual Axis Knee/shin protection and last season moved to a moto-cross boot.

[@johndyer7587]

I second your idea. I wear a full protection under jacket, padded shorts (broken tailbone from skiing), knee braces (not just guards), and full MX boots. I like everything sitting where it should. When I fall, I feel like a ping pong ball. I do NOT want to fall and get hurt in BFNW.

[@MikeKmet]

Mudcat, look to enduro rider gear, hard stuff not adv gear

[@biophillie]

It's a tough one to accept, but the ol' bods want to cooperate less & less with the years (more like time warp).

[@jrdepew]

Grateful for everyday. I was 19 yesterday !

[@Albert-yk8vv]

For me less than 150 kg for bike and stuff and 80 for me. 200 km/ day with easy parts less if not Do not Care ride back Water on me, Walking shoes and little.bag in case Now a tracker on board🐺

[@jrdepew]

You have a good plan.

[@randyholcombe4234]

Maybe riding too fast making accidents more likely or more serious?

[@jrdepew]

For sure. Physics is for real!

[@kirkmulhearn7931]

Oh, and always ride e a buddy!

[@jrdepew]

That helps.

[@jamsessionrecordshop8872]

The older you get the harder the ground gets.

[@jrdepew]

Funny how that's true.

[@frostbitevinnie]

Yup! That gumbo is treacherous!

[@jrdepew]

You are the resident expert on it!

[@frostbitevinnie]

@@jrdepew Ha! What an honor!🤣

[@monsterslayer4317]

That's why they call it "adventure".

[@jrdepew]

Too much adventure sometimes!

[@lawrence7065]

Those bikes are to heavy. That’s why you’re wrecking so much. Toooo heavy.

[@kellyyon-x7p]

Balance, it is a very good thing. I’ve noticed it helps in everything I do in life. What a wonderful video Joe!

[@twowheeladventures63]

He is riding a DR650 as an adventure bike. That is pretty light in relative terms.

[@johndyer7587]

@@twowheeladventures63 True, true. And yet, you can still get a bike 60 lbs lighter. And they say 60 lbs is 60 lbs. Guys with coin can do the KTM 690. Less coin is my KLX 300. Even lighter is KTM 500 EXC a la RTW Paul. That's 250 lbs before add-ons. For me a lighter bike is much less fatiguing to ride...and that's before we even talk about the pick-ups! Met a guy on the TAT with full BMW battle tank. Had worn himself out pulling bike out of the river solo. He saw my KLX and said, "That's what I'm getting next time!" If you can imagine a bad scenario, it could happen.

[@twowheeladventures63]

@@johndyer7587 I have WR250R so I don't disagree with you. The 690 is almost the same as the DR, and the 500 has really short maintenance intervals. My point is the options are pretty limited for a true 50/50, lightweight machine. Since I ride mostly alone, I now ride the WR and accept its highway limitations. The big bikes are too much of a liability offroad, especially alone.

[@jrdepew]

@twowheeladventures63, I’m transitioning to a WR250R this season. Have you changed up the stock suspension? Thinking about having GO RACE modify it.