I carry extra fuel and water (plus my Motowinch)

[@SigmaSheepdog]

I have a Giant Loop fuel bladder that I purchased used a while back but I have not used it as of yet. I have several Rotopax cans that I have used extensively over the years for fuel and water and they have worked quite well for me. I was very resistant to having a tank bag, however, that changed last year when I purchased a Nomax bag from Mosko Moto. I love the fact that it has a water bladder inside that will keep water cool for quite a long time. Like you, I do not like wearing backpacks when riding but it's definitely nice to have water readily available and I don't even have to stop the bike to get a drink. I too have a Moto Winch that I purchased earlier this year and I don't leave home without it! Previously I used a Moto Bike Jack which works but is too heavy at nearly eight pounds. I then purchased a Dirt Napper system which is lighter at about five pounds. But the Moto Winch is the cats ass by being the lightest as well as being able to adapt other ancillary tools to the system for tire repair. It's well worth the money for older riders to avoid any injuries when picking up the bike or to be able to pick up the bike if injured from a fall.

[@kymstock1852]

Another point I want to make for Senior riders is the wearing of neck braces. As we age the room for the spinal cord reduces, thus making trauma from a sudden stop highly likely. I have a mild case of central cord syndrome after a face plant into soft sand. I broke my lower leg badly, but noticed tingling in my hands, so I suspected neck trauma. 6 weeks in a neck brace and I was lucky to recover 99%. My mate high sided his 990 KTM and spent 6 months in hospital unable to walk, but eventually the swelling diminished and his symptoms reduced but he will have life long lack of muscle power and pain. I am a great proponent of neck braces after my next accident, when a wallaby took out my front wheel. I was knocked out for an hour, plus 6 fractured ribs and a collapsed lung. My neck was fine. My Spot tracker save me that day too. I keep it fastened to my Omegabrace.

[@MySeniorMoments]

Thanks for the information and suggestion . I think you're right. I injured my neck on a mountain bike ride about 8 years ago so I'm real sensitive to neck injuries as well. I was in pain for 6 months but I heeled. I'll look for neck braces.

[@wsl5585]

When I saw the Motowinch my reaction was "what will they think of next?". Weight of the motorcycle has always been a issue. Even when I was young riding dirt bikes. Good to see vids from seniors riding. Moreover, riding solo. Thanks for the info.

[@MrRickrm]

My first time watching you. Great video. Good ides on the bottle holders. I also really liked seeing your moto winch in operation. Being 69 and riding a vstrom 650 and bad back I can't pick it up anymore. So you know what I'll be getting. Thanks ill keep watching.

[@jimthompson717]

Your videos are excellent. The ones where you narrate while riding are the best, IMHO.

[@waynebrunner1826]

Haven't had a tip over in 25 years, until last month, in the driveway (thankfully). Never thought I'd not be able to lift the bike if necessary. That 450+ lbs just as well may have been 1k. 3 hrs later I got the bike up. Then I started researching mc lift alternatives for old dudes. Unable to locate any commercially made lifts, I spent two days making one, very similar to the MotoWinch. Just installed SRC crash bars on the gs yesterday as a precaution. My understanding is, Motowinch is back in stock as of Sept 2024.

[@RobertSantos-rw8dy]

Thanks, I am backing tracking your clips for answers to my question on your rides.. cheers mate.

[@olysasquatch]

Evening, just found your channel and I'm all in with anyone else who doesn't like backpacks while ridin! 😊 It sucks.

[@casper-zb1pp]

I always have my Sawyer mini water filtration system with me, so in case of emergency I can always filter any surface water into safe drinking water, advantage; it's small and weighs basically nothing.

[@mikeshaw9604]

I have a T7 and am also a Senior Citizen much younger than you by a year. I get 222 miles before starting to suffer fuel anxiety. I have also tested the T7 to empty around 235 miles.

[@MySeniorMoments]

Thanks for those stats. I have not tested mine to empty yet.

[@colin20cal]

I'm only 58 and also have a T7. Mine is also good for 230+ miles without running out, reserve starts flashing around 175 miles which leaves 4.5ltrs reserve. So at 15 miles per litre you'll have 60 + miles range. Like your video content and have just subbed your channel. 👍

[@maxinee1267]

Its great you are giving tips and tricks on how to extend water and gasoline carrying. with the prices of gas these days i would expect you to pad your wallet a bit more too. You look really great in the riding outfit you have and I like the motiff you have in yellow of the adventurer. Glad to see you out and about in our beautiful states of Oregon and Washington etc. Love your smile and easy ways of doing everything. Great job.

[@estebanserrano1303]

Just found your channel. I'm 62 and just passed the MSF and bought a 2012 Suzuki TU250X. Definitely a beginner here and won't need a Motowinch to pick it up, but I do appreciate your information. Be safe out there.

[@VmanJeff]

Nice video to stumble across! There were 2 of those fuel bottles which came with my bike. I bought two more since I wasn’t sure how far I could get on the two. Having four gives me just under a gallon of gas so around 60 miles. Most of my riding is in areas with more stations but the upcoming trip had me concerned.

[@roberthambly9926]

Getting good at that jack stand. Thanks for the video.

[@khm171]

Have the same problem, unable to pick the bike up. Made a lifter from some alloy crutches, a ratchet strap and a short length of strong rope. Works a treat. Packs into a bag 17" long.

[@markkitaoka8783]

Love my MotoWinch. Always with me. Multistrada V4's are heavy.

[@johnny1556]

Great content it's also my 1st time watching your video, helpful hints for a senior citizen riding these adventure bikes. I use to have a 2010 H-D street glide, it has been 2 years since I let it go. But I am looking to get into an all-terrain motorcycle to do a little adventuring. Nothing too big or heavy, something in between like 650 to a 900. I'm not too sure on what model or make yet, but I think you're the 1st video I have seen of a senior citizen getting out there doing what you are doing and giving helpful hints, on how to enjoy life and keep in good health in doing something like this. I am 66 and still want to get out there and ride, keep those videos coming.

[@jackwhite8157]

Giant Loop Blatters work great. They hold a lot and stay out of the way. Load them with water and bottles of fuel.

[@samhill3496]

I've always carried an MSR bottle of fuel, liter or two in a side pouch on my back travel bag I've used over thirty years. It's isolated from other items. 1/4 to 1/2 gallon better be enough. Some [places it won't be. RotoPaks are handy but can be cumbersome at best. We talked last week about alternate smaller ADV bikes. Triumph is coming with an India made 400cc machine. Looks great, good fit/finish. Check around and see. Looks a viable alternative. like that jack. Stay safe

[@DavidWoolford]

I needed that motowinch last weekend, had to call the wife to come and rescue me, not happy. Too old and too many old injuries.

[@CrustyMac300]

First time seeing your videos, I too use the Molle style bottle holsters. I have them mounted on my Barkbusters for a few months, they are away from the engine and stay cool this way, hang low so they don't obscure my vision. Water on the left and large bear repellent on the right. I have a Motopax 1.3 gallon fuel tank mounted on my rear rack.

[@browngreen933]

The old time reserve tank was a better system IMO.

[@charlescummings1484]

Thanks for sharing the great vids! From CT, U.S.A.

[@hrmacdonald4471]

Enjoyed watching your video and your solutions on how to carry some extra fuel...thank you & stay safe!

[@ryanmalone2681]

Respect. I hope I can do the same when I’m older.

[@seayak]

I have a low mileage 2012 BMW f650 GS (the 799 cc twin version - BMW nomenclature is SO helpful :-)). I bought this bike used in "as new" condition, and have fitted it out for adventure riding, except where the tires are concerned. The previous owner replaced the factory issue Bridgestone Battlax Adventure tires, front and rear, with brand new tires of the exact same type. These are perfectly good all round road tires with good wet weather adhesion, but I don't trust them to hook up at all in loose dirt, gravel or mud on the sorts of roads you are riding. I would appreciate your experience as to the tires that have worked on your Tenere - the GS is similar in weight, geometry and power.

[@seayak]

Oh, and I am looking for a Motowinch, and a North American supplier - I am i73 years old, ride in Canada and need one of these if I drop the bike back in the boonies.

[@bobc.5698]

I have a tube on my bike on the inside left side under the seat on my KLR 650. I was thinking of using seafoam can for extra fuel. Just have to make sure it doesn't leak. I think it would hold enough to get me 20 miles. The bike gets 50-55 mpg.

[@barrymurphy3554]

Great to see it worked

[@barendfourie6687]

Look at the camel tank system the aussies install

[@PapaDougsAdventures01]

Camel Adventures auxiliary fuel tank is $389 and provides 1.3 gallons of fuel and tucks up nicely. There is also an oversized tank available for the T7 but I don’t like the vent tub out of the gas cap and I don’t like the looks

[@murraehaynes3182]

MotoWinch is excellent…also dig my Forma boots👍

[@gcprost]

With my Himalayan I have a range of over 400 kms. I do have a fuel bag which can hold another 3.5 litres but unless I’m going to a really remote area I don’t bring it. If I’m going to do trail riding requiring a lot of effort, I use a backpack with a two litre bladder and a bite hose. I don’t carry a winch because my bike is pretty easy to pick up.

[@lwsrider]

So that's how that Motowinch works! Everybody should have one.

[@arlett0009tj]

Looking forward for your next motorcycle adventure Central-South America maybe I think the T7 is very capable

[@jjustj]

if you can in another video, post links of items mentioned please for us lazy old guys who have to do our own research! thanks!

[@ruenjou]

That motowinch seems to do the job

[@morganeast3403]

Consider using a more aggressive tire combo even if they ware out a little faster it wortk the stable gription try it anyway better than what your doing now.

[@SmokinZen]

You should put links to your stuff

[@bradb2514]

I would have loved to see how the winch sets up and where you store it on the bike.

[@MySeniorMoments]

I have another video on my channel about setting up the winch.

[@waynemac9869]

Hey this happens now and then, still good video.

[@DaBinChe]

lose the T7 and get a CRF300L Rally, 120lbs. less weight save your back but also much better dirt riding too so less likely to lose control

[@ontheirktms4828]

Still think carrying a water bladder is better as you can drink while riding. I don't even notice that i have 2 liters of water on my back

[@chonkyb3134]

What helmet are you wearing?

[@Jason_Cyr]

Do you worry at all about the fuel heating up (similar to the water) and becoming pressurized in the bottle?

[@MySeniorMoments]

I thought about that, but the fuel bottles do not get any hotter than the main fuel tank that rides above the engine.

[@brentmoran3646]

I have been watching you ride & not to give you a hard time or tell you how to ride but you seem to steer your bike with handle bars to much. Little help. I know you have rode for a long time. But to help you out on dirt use your weight on the foot pegs from side to side to steer and practice this next time out and have the elbows little more bent. Also your elbows are little to straight so turn your bars back a little. At the moment you would be getting the hard feel coming through from your suspension into your hands and this will help to soften it with the blows bent. Grip the bike with your knees and less head movement you get that will be a guide how much you have in provided and help with fatigue as well. Not to be an ahole as I am getting older to.

[@bigg2768]

Like the winch idea. But, just be honest and say ya laid the bike down gently to show how the winch works. Vid of everything else but not of going down, crazy.

[@MySeniorMoments]

I don’t have the GoPro running always while I ride. It eats batteries quickly.

[@riderinsanjose337]

Hey Big G. Is he supposed to crash his bike to show us how a winch works ?

[@riderinsanjose337]

Looking back on it, I believe that was an honest low speed slide out and lay down. I believe he's an honest gentleman.

[@coopula3387]

AS a 60 year old evil straight male with no pronouns it is nice see a video where i can tell if you have skin or just tatoo's The best part is I can't worry about putting my whole body through you earlobes :)

[@davidcolinfisher1034]

Getting your foot down on time? That is just all wrong man. That putting your foot down, to save a 400lb motorcycle from falling, while in motion is not going to do anything, at all. Other than break your foot. Seriously. Your foot, or leg, or entire body is not strong enough to stop a fall, its all about technique and skill. Once you made the mistake of hitting the mud and things are going south, its already over. You might already notice this, as you need a winch to lift it, so stopping it from falling, is the same thing, your body is not the right tool. Motorcycles shouldn't be crashed are not designed to be crashed. Crashing needs to be avoided at all costs and efforts. Having the gear in case you crash has turned into having the gear when you crash, each ride. Those are bad odds, and injury is coming soon as your luck may run out. Its a heavy bike. I call my T7 a beast, because next to my DRZE 400, it is. You may be wise to add another bike to your fleet, a lighter smaller dirt bike... Have both mate, it works for me, and many others. Its the only solution....no such thing as a dual purpose bike. You have to temper your rides, and adjust to terrain. The T7 can not go any where, unless you are a pro, younger, stronger, and focused......in other words not talking or filming a video causing distractions. Its that serious. I have visited many a friend in the hospital because they were filming, and not riding. Its that kind of sport. Pure, focus. Keep going man, and avoid the DNF.

[@MySeniorMoments]

Yes, focus is key to safety when riding these bikes. I'm adding a lighter ride next year,

[@davidcolinfisher1034]

@@MySeniorMoments Thats good know. Those T7''s crash hard, I hope you have crashed yours for very last time. Its entirely possible to ride this bike, and others, without crashing at all, ever. That should be the goal particularly when you have had a few learning experiences to put permanently behind you. I was an instructor for many years and have a long off road history, and on road with multiple bikes, though never any cruisers. Being about your age and have ridden every year since I was 14 except for a couple years off after cracking a few ribs when I was mid twenties. I haven't even had a slow speed skill, because I don't want to have one, and don't expect to have one. Sure there are some close calls I could tell you about, but those don't count. I have gone 18 years on a DRZ, off road extreme in many stories, no crashes. That six sets of tires or more, no crashes. Maybe a little luck, but mostly mental focus and high skill set put into play. I don't over gear myself in preparation for a fall, I don't even insure my bikes except for public liability, as I take it that seriously. That is actually an incentive to be extra careful, always. From what I can see you definately love the off road experience and the T7, which I have in combo with my DRZ, is definately not a dirtbike in comparison. The weight difference and capabilities on the trail is substantial. The T7 is top heavy, and you need to be young and strong to properly manhandle this bike, and many riders can do that well, but not the older folks like us. The T7 is far better on the road, and the DRZ far, far, far, better on the trail. Much more enjoyable when the going gets rough, and slopes get steep, and ruts get deep etc. I look forward to finding out which bike you choose to pair up with the great T7.

[@davidcolinfisher1034]

@@MySeniorMoments I meant to say never had a slow speed Crash, not slow speed Skill in my last message...cheers

[@AnthonyWilliams-ri1dg]

Get on with it

[@davidcolinfisher1034]

Dude.....too many crashes in your videos......you have to get that part sorted out. even with aggressive tires you slip in slide in the mud, with out fail. Go around the slippery patches, at all costs. You are not on actual dirt bike. You have to adjust your riding to suit, or will hurt yourself, bad. Please, please, no more crashes. The winch is there just in case I presume, hopefully never to be used.....isn't that the theory?