Off-Roading Two Suzukis Separated By 31 Years| I Get Humbled

I met up with Alex from ‪@TheClassicMotorcycleChannel‬ to take a 2024 Suzuki V-Strom 800DE and a 1991 Suzuki DR800 off roading.
Things didn't go to plan, as I quickly realised I was way out of my depth.
We join part of the famous TET (Trans European Trail) in Surrey, for an eight hour green lane (off road) session on these two Suzukis, separated by 31 years!
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[@davidhoughton273]

An original 30+yr old bike with 1000miles, what a shame to treat it that way.

[@FreddieDobbs]

This is a discussion that really interests me: are some bikes (whether valuable classics, or brand new Multistradas) just far too nice to off road? Therefore, they lose their core function… Thanks for the input!

[@clarkjordan4519]

That's what they're made for

[@richardsharpe7511]

it was build for that

[@mslattery8710]

I think if I was interested in taking a 30 year old DR Big offroading, I'd have chosen one with a few knocks and scrapes and miles on the clocks. To subject what is in essence a 'time warp' machine to such brutal treatment demonstrates abject disregard for the uniqueness of the bike featured. I bet Suzuki were chuffed too.

[@danweston6043]

They were built better and for that purpose. I used to ride a 1986 RM250 absolute weapon of a bike

[@seanmiller598]

It's not the falling down, it's the getting back up and keep going thats important.

[@owenchopen1651]

Hey man I am the guy on the blue yamaha xt 125 on the top of the hill thank you so much for stopping and talking to us we now use the app you suggested and are both looking forward to future content keep up the good work

[@chrisking206]

Being humbled is part of life. There is always somebody better than yourself and worse than yourself. I’m a retired, armchair biker and I think that you are really brave for giving it a good go. All part of life’s journey, Freddie!

[@GeorgeShepherd-c1l]

Absolutely spot on and well said sir.

[@pauljohnson7934]

Freddie, get yourself a light weight 250ish bike and your skill level will jump up quickly. Once you master the skills, it will just feel natural to flow with the bike, giving you the option to move to the heavier machines👍

[@waveman1500]

Absolutely, off-road beginners should ride a 250cc dirt bike until they have enough skill to ride it at wide open throttle!

[@richardbartlett6932]

Many years ago I went mountain biking with a group in the forest of Dean who were 15 years my junior and 100 years each more experienced of both fast MB'ing and downhill racing. I spent more time on my arse than on the bike, I was hopelessly outclassed and my trying to keep up only made it worse. No shame in falling of tbh. Fair play for giving it a go.

[@FreddieDobbs]

Ahh yep Richard- I can now totally understand what that must’ve been like for you! Thanks very much😃

[@CA-qh1ov]

My opinion: people that don't have off-road experience, needs to start in 50cc, and 125cc motorcycles. Riding around 200kg motorcycles, without experience and skills on off-road is crazy. Salute!

[@andyhewitt7588]

Great vid Freddie, thanks. When I used to trail ride, I found that small capacity bikes (up to 250cc) were the best fun. They are light enough to control and pick up and they will get you there just as quickly. Excellent trousers on this one too - 10/10 😀

[@FreddieDobbs]

I really want to try a 250! And thank you!😆👖

[@tisgautzo]

I really enjoyed watching this video. Two of my favorite channels working together with great content. More of this please 👍🏼👍🏼👏🏼✊🏼.

[@FreddieDobbs]

Really glad you enjoyed it!

[@GeorgeShepherd-c1l]

Well done Freddie forget all the trials and tribulations you seem to try everything and that has to be admired.Well done.

[@jamiepops62]

I love watching you carefully put on your riding gear,sit astrie the bike,pull out the choke and start it. Gently pushing the choke and the unceremoniously smash the bike bike into first gear!😮

[@Kestrel-FG]

Gold!

[@FreddieDobbs]

😆

[@markjohnston3905]

Freddie, Try holding the clutch in for 10 seconds from starting before 'smashing' it into 1st...

[@jamiepops62]

I'm not being critical of Freddie,I love his videos.as someone who has been riding nearly 50yrs since was 12,my dad taught me mechanical sympathy.i had to fix my own junk when I broke it so I learnt what was going on inside those casings. The newer generations are riding better built bike's and won't have to pull them in bits. Saying that,bikes like the Enfield singles have older internals and need to treated a bit more sympathetically

[@richardyardley5127]

You are better off road than me Freddie! I think these top dirt bike guys think in stereo with both muscle and brain memory. Experience tells them the best line and how to ride it but at the same time their lightening brains have worked out a 'get out of jail card' alternative. Pure skill and ability, along with vast amounts of experience. Incredible!!

[@shipley1836]

Lots of fun to watch. But Freddy, even my wife was yelling to the tv for you to STAND UP! Love the channel, keep up the good work.

[@BikeBeatz]

Pain is temporary, glory is forever! Well done Freddy! Thank you for this one! It was so much fun to see you on pure Adrenalin!

[@charlotteemilycook2655]

Lovely video Freddie. Glad you were ok after you crashed Alex was so understanding . You did so well to get back up and get back on the bike and done so well.Well done Freddie and another great video thanks

[@s.crambling3795]

Big ups for you sharing this with us. Gritted my teeth for your feet and shins the whole time. You notice everyone else kept their boots on pegs...and that's for your protection too. Would have been harder on someone else's bike. Learn on!! Brilliant!

[@Morrismarina]

Hi Freddie, great to see this new clip showing this DR800 in full action. As you might have seen, there is another recent video featuring this bike, but your test is far more extensive and informative. Bravo! for taking those bikes where you did (I actually recognise some of those trails and know how gnarly they are) and not being soft with them. I'm actually the tall guy with the TS250ER you spoke with at the Bike Shed a couple of years ago. It was my height, and being a Suzuki guy, that drew me to the DR Bigs - first an 800 which I bought in 1998 and currently a first year (1988) 750 - and although some might scoff at seeing a power figure of just 53bhp, on paper, one of the first things to impress me was how much punch they've got. Compared to some other adventure bikes I've ridden, these old Suzukis have got attitude. For anyone more used to riding sports bikes, another surprise was the way getting the bike into the power, say for an overtake, can often be a matter of changing UP rather than down. I gotta say, I think I spotted a bit of a contradiction in you saying, in summary, that you found the V-Strom easier and more fun, and the evidence for that came from seeing how naturally you took to the DR pretty much as soon as you swapped bikes. I know coming off a bike can be a knockback to your confidence, but it was hard not to notice the amount of paddling you were doing on the DE, as if you didn't feel easy at all: as soon as you got on the DR - and on a descent, as well - it looked like you threw off the comfort blanket and your feet went straight to the footpegs. Thanks again for the video.

[@rogerwredford]

Props for posting a video out of your comfort zone, warts and all… if you stand up and keep your feet on the pegs, you’ll find it a lot easier, as you use your body to counterbalance the movement of the bike. Sitting on the saddle drags you all over and makes you feel every rut and root. Despite what people say, these bikes are generally too big and heavy… get yourself a little 250 trail bike and it’ll open a world of possibilities. End of unsolicited advice…… 😉

[@FreddieDobbs]

Very interesting- I want to borrow a 250 trail bike, to understand who’s much better they are

[@rogerwredford]

@@FreddieDobbs just my tuppence worth… there will be some 1250GS owner along soon to extoll the virtues of behemoth bikes. The point is that if you’ re experienced, you can ride them through gnarly stuff… would I want to? No. Starting out off road like you are, a light, low tech 4 stroke 250 to learn techniques is ideal. Even as an experienced rider, I like their characteristics, even though they are slow by comparison to big stuff. The sweet spot for me is a DrZ400, plus you can drop it, start it without having to reset electronics, not spend the next half hour on the trail totting up the repair bill in your head, and you can pick them up with out the aid of two random walkers.

[@rogerwredford]

“Better” in a horses for courses way… certainly starting out

[@tubemeikel]

.. and wearing protective gear like high boots and decent knee protectors.

[@bnations2000]

@@FreddieDobbs They are 1000% better, especially for picking up the myriad new skills that once properly learned make off-roading the king of motorcycling.

[@ZZR1200ZX]

I take my hat off to you sir. I wouldn’t even consider going off road. Well done .

[@robmance1611]

Well done for sticking with it Freddie, that looked really tough from where I was watching and you got through it!

[@davidwood974]

Freddie - this video had me smiling all the way through. I had a Triumph Street Triple R for six years before deciding to switch to a more off pavement focus, by way of the Norden 901. Last season was my first, and I had to pick up my bike no less than 25 times. 100 miles on the terrain you did here feels like it draws many times more energy given all the variables we work with. I’m now approaching the end of my second season and while there is a lot of room for improvement, I’m happy with my progress and have grown to appreciate being away cars…sometimes not seeing another person for hours at a time. Happy to see you pushing yourself in new ways and sharing your experience, safe travels!

[@bnations2000]

Fantastic video, Freddie. I love your attitude experiencing what had to feel pretty overwhelming at the time. I particularly enjoyed the segments where you were talking through the difficult bits. So relatable!

[@petersluik7192]

Great, GREAT video! I am in love with that DR. Many years ago (let's be honest, decades ago) I used to off-road my XL500R and loved doing it. I never used it to it's full potential because I was too scared to drop it and not being able to fix it, considering my financial status at the time. It was great seeing you guys actually doing what these machines were made to do. Kudos to you, Freddy, for stepping out of your comfort zone!

[@armfield199]

Freddie, next time, try standing for most of the time-so much better, you can see what’s coming and plan for it. Great vid sir!

[@seabreezerider1309]

My wife Anne and I did a weekend at Triumph Adventure Experience in Wales. Whole heartedly recommend it. You'd be standing up and dealing with ruts in no time at all. It gives you bags of confidence. Instructors are brilliant.

[@coldfrog6542]

Good for you Freddie for giving it a go. Try standing on the pegs through the rough bits and it actually easier if you go a little faster Honestly. Have fun 👍

[@05gt99]

Thanks for sharing Freddie, interesting to learn about the TET and see how challenging the trails can be on a big bike.

[@monman8183]

You'll struggle to find DR650 or DR800 for sale in UK because most owners won't ever sell. A Unicorn of a bike to those that are fortunate enough to have one.

[@RMD992-f2n]

Why is it so special

[@lesfletcher2473]

​@@RMD992-f2n if you need to ask I doubt you would understand . I have both a DR 600 and 800 . The 800 was a real unicorn of a bike. UK bike from new,one owner ,16500 miles in 32 years . and yes I use it done about 4000 miles on it

[@AlexOnABoat]

Freddie, you should take yourself to somewhere like Off The Kerb in Dorking for one of their trails days, they use 250cc machines so they're nice and light and easy to handle and far less easy to damage, and you just turn up, they provide ALL the gear. And most importantly you get to stop at a nice country pub for lunch, I can't recommend them enough. Right shameless plug over. Thank you for another wonderful video, so often trail riding is portrayed online as something easy, probably because it's being filmed by someone like Alex, it's refreshing to see someone admitting that if you don't really know what you're doing it's exhausting. People say stand up on the pegs it's easier, but if you don't know what you're doing, and I don't, it's just a way of getting my feet further from the ground, and I still haven't managed to work out how to change gear without sitting back down. It's huge fun, but it's totally exhausting.

[@rogerwredford]

Good advice on the training course. I get what you mean about a novice worrying about their legs, but it’s leg breaking territory to have them out sideways, particularly down gullies. Up on the pegs you are better balanced, more reactive to the terrain and don’t have them wafting about waiting to be injured on something. counter-intuitive to beginners, though…

[@FreddieDobbs]

Thanks for this tip- I’ll take a look🙌🏻 I had the exact same problem with standing up. After I crashed I ended up sitting down because ai felt closed to the ground if I fall again😳 Delighted you enjoyed it!

[@elobiretv]

Yeah but if your gonna crash then having your feet sticking out isn't really going to do much when a bike weighs over 200kg anyway. Much better to be stood up and allowing the rear to move around underneath you. Just got to accept that your gonna crash at some point anyway and ride a bike that's appropriate for that.

[@AlexOnABoat]

I fully understand that getting up on the pegs makes things easier, but it really is a whole new motorcycling skillset to learn, like I say, I can do it, but I've yet to work out how to change gears whilst standing up. So I bob up and down like some weird motorised whack-a-mole. Some years back, I joined a trail ride, along these exact same trails on my Derbi Terra Adventure, a little 125 machine that I figured would be perfect. And in someone else's hands it probably would have been, but I was so worried about how I'd get me and it home if I broke it, that I was almost rigid with fear. After six hours of riding, and by now somewhere near the Devil's Punchbowl, I gave up, and slogged my way nearly two hours back into London while my internal organs attempted to put themselves back in the right place. And that's why I've only ever ridden with training schools since, it's their bike, so I don't have to worry about getting it home, and I can take the car, so the journey back into town is relatively comfy. Freddie, I'd thoroughly recommend doing the same.

[@antonoat]

@@rogerwredford Especially with light weight boots like Freddie was wearing it's asking for trouble! Feet on pegs is always best!

[@geecee4746]

Fair play Freddie, its not easy, salute 👍

[@iangriffiths9930]

I’ve only watched a few of your videos and this one has been the best by far…. Loved it 👍

[@peterholthoffman]

I am a huge advocate for trail riding as how to get started with motorcycling. A person will learn more in one day of off-road riding than will be learned in a month of street riding.

[@peakrider4886]

Well done for giving it a try and not giving up. Certainly out of your comfort zone being off road, but if your experience has given you a taste for it, I’d recommend getting something like a 411 Himalayan, which would be perfect for you to gain skills with manageable power and tough enough to be dropped a few times.

[@jobucklandbuckland8031]

great to see a classic out and being used , to many kept in garages unused

[@biker_dale]

Glad you're OK and we've all come a cropper at some point, especially when pushing it a bit. You were with someone who knows what they're doing which is always the best person to be with, Bikes can be fixed and were made to take the knocks so we don't

[@luddite6239]

Remember about a year ago when you were in Valencia and visited Cafe 55? You were admiring a custom blue and black scrambler but didn't know what it started life as. That was actually based on the Suzuki DR800.

[@chrisbrownbikes2856]

I love that your into your retro bikes and you have a certain style. Yet despite this your prepared to try different things and go out of your comfort zone and be honest about how it went. You just don't get that with so many other channels ✌️

[@triumph4425]

Did a Scotlandtrip on my 99 DR800 BIG in May this year. 7 days, 2500 km, only backroads ... those old ladies can still run far :) Love the video! ❤

[@FreddieDobbs]

Great to hear from an owner! Why are there no DR800s around?? It’s nearly impossible to find even one online for sale😳 I loved it! and what a great trip🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@triumph4425]

I think that the Suzuki doesn't have quite as much cult and collector status as the Africa Twin, for example, because it doesn't have such a great rally past. It will always be "the largest series single-cylinder", although in my opinion it was ahead of its time in terms of design and had a significant influence on the initial appearance of adventure bikes. Fortunately, in Germany you still see them from time to time (also for sale ). Are you interested in buying one? I also drive Triumph and Suzuki :)

[@Surbatron]

That looked properly terrifying! trails riding is the real deal skills wise (Ive never done it) and fair play to you for tackling 8 hours of that on a big heavy, expensive 800cc bike. If this didn't put you off for life Id recommend getting a 250 CRF or similar, doing a training day or two and then regular green laneing until the skill set becomes second nature...you'll be stood up attacking the dirt and hooning about in no time! It would also make great content and be very cool to see your adventures as your off road skills develop...

[@MaxUtley]

Freddie is luckily to have Alex with him to help his introduction to green laneing. I remember back to my first large bike off road riding 20 years ago and can sympathise. Balance and confidence is everything - he should come out to South Africa I think Freddie should spend a weekend with Yamaha in Wales and ride an enduro 250 and get tuition. That would help all his riding - on road and off

[@andrewmears7464]

Hats off to you Freddie. Big bike on those trails as a novice was always going to be a challenge. Get yourself on an off road course in Wales, and it will improve your skills massively, both on and off road. Enjoy🏍🤙

[@PaintedRoads]

Thanks for another great video. If you're ever in Thailand Freddie, let me know and I will be delighted to show you around the extensive network of dirt roads in the far north, it's magnificent.

[@Paulie44]

That Suzuki DR 800 is gorgeous! Definitely testament to Suzuki’s Japanese build quality!

[@darrennorton6881]

Freddie, myself and 2 friends wanted to try off roading so we booked a weekend with motoscotland, they teach you step by step and we had the best biking experience ever. Riding off road in beautiful Scotland. They supply all the gear and motorcycles.and we felt very confident on the bikes.

[@stevezahn8056]

Good for you Freddie for getting out with nature. You proved a point about new bikes. There great till a electronic problem leaves you stranded. That old Suzuki will never have those problems. And honestly it probably ain’t worth much, so you could beat the hell out of it all day. I really think both of those bikes were to big for that goat path you were on. My old 1979 Honda XR250 would have been a good choice. For a guy that likes Harley’s and rides a Triumph, you did good off-road. Don’t feel bad it’s always better to crash someone’s else’s bike then your own. Lol. There’s one thing i know for sure Freddie. Your gonna be sore for a week. Lol

[@BartoszStaszewski_OnPaper]

Seeing this I have to go for the TET in UK. In Poland we have some nice places on our TET tracks, but what You have there is just stunning :)

[@cameronf2894]

Just got back from an Enduro day in Wales having never done off road and it was eye opening how different off road is to road riding. Fair play for using these bikes, thats no small feat. Definitely look at an off road experience day, even having the right tyres can give you so much confidence.

Oh, How love the DR800s. I bought one last year for about 1500€, did a light restoration and extensive service. Swapped for better handlebars and I stupidly sold it for 3000€ a few months ago. I miss is so much and this video reminded me of that machine. Well done riding that track Freddie! It looked quite hard for a novice.

[@twist_of_the_wrist]

26:59 that rear end bounce. Experience wins every time.

[@lillianrollings6110]

Well done Freddie! So enjoyed the video! Alex has no hesitation in pillioning me in places much more dodgy than this! At high speed! Marg, Alex’s mother in Australia! I wouldn’t mind being able to handle the motorcycle as good as you! ✔️

[@danweston6043]

Great vlog Freddie. Off road isn't everyones thing. Standing up is generally a better way to do it. More feel of what the bikes doing underneath you. @ChrisBirchNZ You should watch Chris in action on his KZbin channel 👍 Well done for giving it ago 😊

[@Tom_FLHCS]

Great video! Alex is clearly incredibly skilled (and seems like a nice guy, I’d not heard of his channel!) but you did very well muscling those bikes off road. I’ve been riding 20 odd years, many spent happily negotiating central London traffic on heavy bikes but the slightest bit of mud (even loose gravel) is enough to get me very anxious!

[@michaelsquires984]

Good on you for giving it a go. Visually, it is entertaining to watch your learning curve, whatever you attempt. Speaking as an old git with failing joints who has procrastinated for so long that having a go is no longer practical. Please try this again, with somebody elses smaller bike😂

[@roviwoteap2375]

@16:32 there’s the problem, “trying to keep up” when riding with other people. You should always ride at your own pace and comfort levels. Know your limits. But thanks for taking us on that journey. Everyone can learn from it.

[@EastboundDwn]

Well done! Standing up makes trail riding much easier. Ride safe🤙

[@steveh3811]

Love it Freddie , completely out of your comfort zone !! Well done !

[@AndrewMartin1971]

Great video, Freddie. I am fairly new to the off-road game having just recently moved to the mountains of WV and understand there is a learning curve going from street riding to the dirt, mud, gravel, sand, etc. I have a V-Strom 1000 that I previously used for road tripping but there is no way I would take it off road. I know many do and it’s a great bike, but it’s simply too big for me (I am 5’9” and 150 lbs). Instead, I bought a Kawasaki KLX230s (the “s” stands for short) and it has been so much fun learning how to ride off road. The V-Strom is a great adventure bike and I applaud your efforts using it on the TET. I’m planning to sell the V-Strom and buy another dual sport with a bit more power than the 230. If you ever make it to WV, there are plenty of roads and trails for you to enjoy. Cheers.

[@vanyalizza9871]

Wow Great video I was there suffering for you Freddie but at the same time extremely entertaining.

[@twowheelstouring482]

Fair play freddie, id be scared to tackle that! 👍👍👍

[@Allan-b1p]

Thanks for another great video Freddie. And introducing me to your friends channel. Have a great week 😊

[@stillben]

those bikes are a handful on those lanes

[@FreddieDobbs]

They were (for me, anyway!)

[@stephenmundane]

@@FreddieDobbs For most people -- totally unsuited to UK green lanes.

[@keithquinn5624]

Could take a supersport 1000 race bike on those easy dirt paths in the video…

[@KurtBösch]

Hi Freddie, thank you very much for all your entertaining high quality videos which always make me want to jump on my bike for a joyride and inhale the landscape. You and Monica are an enrichment for the motorcycle-community! As I consider you an enthusiast of classic motorcycles I wanted to ask why you have not tested the Kawasaki W800 yet. I would love to hear your opinion on it especially in comparison with the RE classic 350 or the 500 models. Keep it up and all the best from Austria. Kurt

[@SirOsisofLiver]

I love the can-do attitude, Freddie. Those are BIG bikes to learn off-roading on. You did well. I had a 1990 DR650 back in the day. (IIRC the DR800 wasn't imported to North America.) Even with a built suspension, knobbly tires and a fair bit of experience, it was a handful on single track. Never once did I think it needed more weight and power. Everything was so much easier on an RM125 or 250. The V85 Adventure I have now only sees dirt roads and some easy two track. I've no desire to wrestle anything large on goat tracks anymore. 🙂

[@mikerider58]

As an X motocross rider l cringe 😬 when l see large adventure bikes being taken OFF road by novice dirt bike riders. Your riding skills will improve enormously Freddie if you go on a Trails riding course and it would make excellent viewing. We are all learning, everyday.

[@basilwatson1]

Me to !

[@Biker_Ken]

My sentiments exactly, you learn to ride on a road, so learn to ride off road, they are different things. Well done for having a go, but the bike is to big and heavy.

[@RamblingRuters]

Great adventures and learning experiences on that ride, I was wincing watching you put your foot down on that rough terrain Freddie, I know you'll get more comfy the more ride off-road but stand up, keep you feet on the pegs and if the bike dumps you can jist let it fall beneath you and hop off, loose on the handlebars and let the bike move under you. I started off riding dirtbikes when i was pretty young, and its sooooo nice to have that foundation starting out lesrning ride off-road, learn on a eays to ride, light weight 250cc and you can throw it around. Just my $.02 for what its worth, I've learned the hard way a few times, but I'm a better rider for it. Brett Tkacs has a YT channel, he is a phenomenal rider/coach, cheers and glad you got out there trying new things Freddie.

[@MajomHus]

Got my Tenere 700 about a year ago, never rode off-road before just some gravel roads with the classic 500. After a year I feel a lot more confident and did the TET Slovenia recently. What would help you the most is standing up, you still got plenty of time to put a foot down if needed.

[@Henjoseph]

Thoroughly enjoyed this great video. Thanks

[@P3iSwe]

I missed his channel. Thnx for the tip. I'll follow him too 👍

[@iantoy7778]

Freddie mate, i have ridden off road most of my life, i had tears rolling down my face and shouting at the screen .. get your feet back on the foot rests and stand up FFS lol. Also when the other guy decided to let you have a go on the dr 800 , a proper bike i may add i was yet again shouting at the TV ..No no no you have got to be joking a rare bike like that ,that you probably will never come across again and he letting you on it no no 🤬😅. But at the end of the day you are a legend mate . Keep it up its great entertainment.

[@kaizen2049]

An adv bike can take you places you never knew existed & that's the biggest charm with them you either enjoy them to the bones or come up on the other end with a broken bone :)

[@FreddieDobbs]

Completely agree with this🤘🏼

[@bnations2000]

@FreddieDobbs That's a proper runout on the TET. Nicely done accepting the challenge, and great attitude about the challenges accepted (and conquered). Now, you'll struggle to get better off-roading while owning only a road bike, but there are some drills that you can do on the Triumph that will position you for success in the future. The key to off-roading is balance, you can easily practice on any bike. Try practicing keeping your feet on the pegs as much as possible. Here in the States, we call this exercise "the floor is lava". Every moment that your feet are off the pegs, you've sacrificed significant ability to control the bike, so keep them on the pegs as long as possible. When approaching a stop, keep your feet on the pegs until the bike is almost falling over, and then only put ONE of them down to catch yourself. Do the same when riding away from a stop. In short, see how long you can go without touching the ground at all. You'll be surprised how quickly your balance catches up until you're able to just sit on a bike with no feet on the ground for 10, 15, 20 seconds at a time.

[@johnrobertharland3975]

Morning Freddie. I’m going to wait until we are home to watch this on the TV. Currently in the Isle of Man for the Manx Grand Prix motorcycle races. Highly recommend a visit even when bike racing isn’t on. Loads of biker places for you and Monika to have coffee food and cake, as well as a number of motor museums and tourist attractions. Would make a great couple of videos. Keep up the great videos

[@FreddieDobbs]

Interesting, as J am planning a September trip. Thanks for the tip! And have an incredible time:)

[@michaelmclarney1994]

Nice one Freddie, you did well for a first proper go. I'm looking at getting an adventure bike, hopefully for next year with an idea to do a bit of touring and light off roading. This has shown me that if I want to get more serious and do stuff like you have here, a lighter, lower capacity bike would be king for a novice like me!

[@billyfinch7341]

Keep your feet on the pegs at all times, once they are off you have no balance what so ever, when in doubt gas it, the motocross mantra!

[@Griffano-Bertaluchi]

Fair play, that's a very heavy bike to start on these sorts of trails

[@MrWuTango]

Hey Freddie I was feeling your angst all through this video. I wanted you to blast down the lanes. My heart sank for you, your annoyance and disappointment at crashing but also your competitiveness coming out. I think this may be the catalyst you needed. Would be great to see you take an ADV / Trails coaching and then a year or 2 later you come back to this exact lane and blitz down without sweat. It would be really interesting to follow your learning curve and like you said going places you would never knew existed.

[@FreddieDobbs]

Thanks for this, WunTango. I like the idea of this and I’m quite tempted to buy if long term loan a 250!😃

[@rogerwredford]

Yes, good call. This has the hallmarks of being the start of a learning curve series of videos, culminating in him doing the Dakar in 5 years time 😉

[@johnharvey5338]

@@FreddieDobbsI bought the Voge 300 rally a year ago to start green laning and the trails I ride a year later is surprising, there are some I would have turned around on when I first got the bike I now died with confidence, small and light is your best friend.

[@MrWuTango]

Deffo - I think it will give you the edge on many levels.

[@MrWuTango]

​​@@rogerwredforddo a collaboration with @GirlOnABike 😂 #Dakar

[@tonynichols2361]

Hey Freddie. Good on you for having a crack. Plenty of other unsolicited advice here so here's mine! Ring up Royal Enfield and ask if you can borrow a Himalyan - the 411 not the 450. I've read they're almost giving the old ones away over there so hopefully should be one available. It's not the lightest thing, but still much lighter than the Suzuki's you were on. The engine won't tempt you to go too hard, but has excellent 'chug' factor so will keep you going through any of the more gnarly stuff - momentum is the enemy of falling down! The low seat height will also give confidence for any paddling you feel you need to do. Take it back and redo the same trails. I look forward to seeing the result! cheers from Oz.

[@hectorshouse7348]

You had a good go matey…well done👍

[@coconuciferanuts339]

Great video & comments. My 2 bob's worth is that having a pack on the back when riding ,(especially offroad) is no good. Better to have it strapped on the rear,so balance & standing up is possible.

[@Gareths_Lad-venture]

Brilliant vid Fred. Good seeing the learning process. There is a off road two day course in Wales I have been wanting to do for this reason

[@FreddieDobbs]

I probably now realise I need to do a course. 250-400cc would be perfect for me👌🏻

[@iainamurray]

Stand up Freddie! Stand up! Makes it so much easier! Ps Hope to see you at the ABR Festival next year!

[@paulmenard7936]

Not sure if you've ever snow skied in the trees. Your challenging day reminds me of trying to keep up with friends that have the ability to ski between trees and find the best snow. They are having a great time while I'm hoping not to eat tree bark!

[@everydayphotography]

Fond memories of taking my DR350 down some of those lanes - I think you'd find a lighter bike less intimidating - great content but we were a bit worried when you jumped on the DR800!

[@Paula-he7qe]

Thanks Freddie really enjoyed the fun.....next Freddie tries Speedway!

[@spitfirefrench]

Great video, I just traded my interceptor 650 in for a tiger 800. I was going to try these trails but I made wait a bit 😅

[@cooperbiker]

Great video. Green laning can be much more physically demanding than the novice may expect! A much better bike for the terrain is another Suzuki-engineed machine - the Beta Alp 200, which has a dry weight of just 108kg.

[@alanjl61]

Fair play for trying Freddie - it just takes practice (Gary Player the golfer said "the more I practice; the luckier I get) I will go with the viewer who suggested a much lighter bike. Practice standing feet on the pegs stationary... it's amazing what it will do for core strength as well as balance

[@jabjab1010]

Freddie, you don’t want traction on the dirt, you want to control your sliding. Like you, I learned on the pavement, and then had a hard time on dirt until I bought a Suzuki DR 250 and had the time have an epiphany.

[@hossp2365]

Hey Freddie. I used to train riders off road. The phrase “get those feet back on the f%#%#ng pegs” came to mind 😂😂😂😂😂.

[@guyrose2239]

Fair play FD… I think a smaller bike(250 etc) would have been a little better by now way of an introduction but you just got on with it! Well done … 👍🏻⭐️

[@sirkitchalott]

🏍Brilliant vid....we must be able to buy a t-shirt with your face on it, your expressions are priceless

[@pete36524]

The engine not starting again when the lean angle is exceeded is a standard safety feature. You just need to turn the ignition off (key not kill switch) and on again and it should start.

[@FreddieDobbs]

I think we did this about 10 times (including taking the key out), but nothing. Then 30 minutes later, it started. Although with the adrenaline running, I possibly wasn’t thinking straight

[@pete36524]

@@FreddieDobbs 🤔 maybe it was the uneven ground? The sensor should reset as soon as the bike is upright. Easy not to think straight though if you’ve just dropped it. When I first came across this feature it was more luck than knowledge that got me going again. I’d dropped my Vstrom couldn’t figure out why it wouldn’t start. Took the keys out to look at the fuses under the seat. When I put the key back it fired up no problem! Only found out later there was a “t o” sensor. Would be good to see more off road content 👍

[@OlavSkov]

Freddie ... In Sweden is a sales website for , amongst others , motorbikes ... Occationally vintage DR 800´s are up for sale , in various condition and reasonable price. I would go so far as saying they are often up for sale, based on season of course ... Pre season and late season mostly ... Exept for that, there is a multitude of cheap vintage and newer bikes .... Of course , Sweden , EU , but it would be possible to import ... Otherwise ... Boot´s are made for walking , bike´s are made for riding ! Great video ...

[@murrayhyde4902]

I'm sure someone else has said similar. 1 - don't be afraid to fall off or have a spill. Its part of learning to ride offroad. 2 - start on a lighter or smaller capacity motorcycle to get used to the style of riding and standing up. I use the Royal Enfield Scram 411 offroad in Victoria Australia. I've had 5 or 6 minor spills. I have had to replace the handlebars and repair an indicator. But its such a cheap bike i don't mind. I should consider getting something like a Honda crf 250-300 for the offroad trails as it would surely be lighter. But i love my little (fat) Scram...

[@coryhawkins967]

I always say doing trails are mildly unpleasant the first go round. You did a good job and Suzuki makes good machines to handle it

[@davidellis2021]

I've just about finished a 1990 DR800 restoration. Parts are a nightmare. Shame as they're essentially pretty simple bikes. That big cylinder sounds great. Brakes are great for off road - very gentle!

[@FreddieDobbs]

Oh wow- an owner! These bikes are so rare, and I cant understand why. Very very special bike, and interesting re parts

[@l0ner1der]

Well done Freddie, maybe Alex can arrange for you to ride some classic bikes too (on the road of course!)

[@ktmmark]

I remember Buying my new yamaha wr400 new in 2000 and went straight over to the IOM off roading it with Mates over there, on the second day i was in front and there was a few long sections of water on the lane, went through a few and were fine, but then the next one i hit with confidence only to see the front totally Vanish i went sailing over the bars lol. The bike was totally under water, we had to clean out the air box and filter. Stand it on the back wheel to empty the exhaust and it fired up second kick. it had it's first oil and filter change that Night. It soon lost it's newness and was a fantastic Bike.

[@mchardyplumbing]

Love it like watching Bambi on ice

[@Ritte13]

The Frank Spencer of motorcycling 😂😂😂