I Want A Smaller Bike / 2 day Proving Ride / Ep1

[@SuspensionGorace]

I Love this video! Thank you so much for the plugs. Can't wait to watch day 2 . Go Race!

[@jrdepew]

Absolutely! So glad you found it. Intended to text you!

[@jhackett9482]

Had 20+ bikes over the years and currently on 750 transalp. Its not good on gravel or tight trails but perfect for travel and motocamping. Picked up a tdub 200 for local gravel, trails and grocery runs. Love the little bugger. So light and fun!

[@jrdepew]

Two bikes is usually the best answer. Right tool for the job without much compromise.

[@TerryConner-x5f]

Same bike, turned 60 today. Looking forward to that!

[@jrdepew]

Quality bike

[@SWORD1-cm4vb]

Bike looks good, sounded good accelerating and decelerating. Looks like it handled those ruts well. Perfect set up for what you do. Thanks for taking us on another ride JR.

[@jrdepew]

Gets a bit mor of a workout next day but I’m ver happy with it.

[@davidpoffenbarger3686]

I have an Africa Twin and it's just to heavy for any off road touring, at least alone. I'm 67 years old and really struggle picking that beast up. If I'm with a couple friends, it's not a big concern but I ride mostly alone. I also have a KTM 500EXC that was primarily an off road toy. Most of my friends have aged out of the hobby so I'm making a couple changes so I can do essentially what you're doing with the Yamaha. Hoping to do a test run with it on a couple sections of the NorCal BDR in a couple weeks. It's kinda tall, or I'm kinda short, depending on how you look at it, so we'll see what it's like with my full camping kit on it. Thanks for the inspiration. Seems I've got a few more years in me yet!

[@ibMoose2u]

You’ll have nothing but smoke from the park fire in N. Hellifornia. Keep up the energy though!!

[@jrdepew]

I hear you. A recover jack is only a partial answer to aging, big bikes and solo adventures. I would like to ride a 500EXC sometime. Probably Loop out on the first go!

[@glenncupler3432]

I just want to thank you for all the videos that you have made. They are truly inspiring to me! I turned 69 in July and will be purchasing a Dual Sport Bike soon. I have not rode in 16 years, and I cannot wait to ride again!

[@jrdepew]

That is awesome! I'm truly grateful to hear comments like this. Makes the effort worthwhile.

[@johnsonshieh50]

Life is beautiful with a bike. I am 62. I really enjoy watching your channel!

[@jrdepew]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@markhall3434]

70, getting back into biking.. first bike a '63 Honda Scrambler, Second an H2 at age 18. Just got a Lifan 250 for $3K and so far put 500 miles (No Tags yet) Tooling around the block (10 mile "Blocks" around here). You Gotta Ride!!

[@johnsonshieh50]

We are happy men because we ride! Enjoy your life!!

[@johnsonshieh50]

We are happy men because we ride! Enjoy your life!!

[@johnsonshieh50]

We are happy men because we ride! Enjoy your life!!

[@johnstahl5699]

Great video as usual. Keep up the good work!

[@jrdepew]

Words of encouragement to keep up this “labor of love”!

[@dougupah8778]

Just finished watching your Ophir pass vid, now this one. I just bought a Yamaha XT250 and I'm headed to Colorado in the next couple weeks to ride as many passes as possible. I was worried about having enough power for the job so I might do a exhaust redo to gain a bit but otherwise it'll mostly be stock. I'll be 70 soon so gotta do it now or never. Thanks for the vids and the inspiration, you've gained a subscriber.

[@jrdepew]

Thank you so much! There is a loss of power up there. The XT will do it, especially if not loaded with camping gear. It will be an epic adventure.

[@rosarioroberto5823]

Greetings, As always another brilliant detailed video production 🇺🇲🍾🎉🇺🇲 Keep producing more videos

[@jrdepew]

Thank you very much!

[@thejayman587]

Great video and nice bike. I have a Honda CRF300L that I made into a light adventure bike and absolutely love it. Stay safe!

[@jrdepew]

Great light adventure bike too. I would gladly own one.

[@sandrider1406]

The WR250R is an absolutely awesome bike, I rode my bike for 25,000 miles and not a problem. Absolute Japanese quality. Great review! 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇪🇺

[@jrdepew]

Thank you and good to know I have many miles left!

[@gusmerwin7028]

Great video thanks for posting I have gotten rid of me Africa twin and now ride a dr650 2024 and love it much lighter and I can pick it up I am 74 and will ride as long as I can

[@jrdepew]

I love my DR650. Lots of miles and videos on the channel.

[@advmotonut8015]

Great video, I have a bigger ADV bike I ride mostly on the road, with and easy fire road here and there. For the type of riding you did in this video I have a KTM 500 , it’s just way more fun for me, fully loaded with all my gear I can still pick it up, way less stress 👍🏽

[@jrdepew]

I know I would like the 500EXC

[@Guy-Martin]

Turned out to be a nice video just for wanting to test your new suspension. The WR is a cool bike. I first got to know about it watching AccidentalBroadcast on KZbin. I used to ride with friends on my Honda CB500X.

[@jrdepew]

Thanks. I like it a lot now. Not that it is a superior light bike….it’s MINE!

[@toddwmac]

Great vid JR. I just turned 60 and running an 08 KTM 990 as my adv big bike and a 09 WR250R as my light adv bike. I've had them since new and can't imagine getting rid of them. The WRR has been rung out since day one and it runs better today than it did new. I love that bike. The best change I made on her was having Go-Race in VA rework the suspension. From fast gravel to single track, I wish I would have done it day 1. Have fun out there.

[@jrdepew]

That is awesome! I was on the fence for a while about the suspension. It really turned this bike into what I wanted.

[@toddwmac]

@@jrdepew That is funny. I had not had a chance to see your full vid and did not know you had gone to Go Race as well. My comment should have been ... Awesome setup and love my Go Race legs! Cheers and if you ever make a run all the way out to Utah, let me know.

[@jrdepew]

I will be out there in September. You can pm me on messenger or [e-mail]

[@Fordgt409]

I just discovered your channel. I have watched 2 videos so far, really enjoying them. Subscribed. I have been riding street bikes since I was 16. Started on a Norton 750 and various road bikes since. I’ll be 68 in December. I have been getting the urge to try a dual purpose or adventure bike for a year or so. I just purchased a 2025 Kawasaki KLX300 (take delivery next week) thinking that I should start out on something lighter as I don’t think I could pick up a typical adventure bike if I dropped it. I am still sussing out helmet, boots, riding jacket, pants, etc. I have ordered a few things for the bike such as hand guards, foot pegs, mirrors, bash guard, etc. I plan on getting the suspension modified as well ( I’m 6’ 220 pounds). Can’t wait to start riding some forest roads and two tracks locally then in the spring do the Pennsylvania BDRX with a friend. I am just getting thru stage 4a prostate cancer radiation therapy and will be doing immunotherapy for the next 3 years. Gotta get out there and do adventure cuz you never know what the future will hold. Thanks for giving me inspiration!

[@jrdepew]

I love hearing stories like yours. A good light bike choice in several ways. Price and off-road capabilities. Sounds like you have a good plan. Good protective boots for sure. Continued healing and blessings for you. Thanks for the subscribe.

[@user-nt6te5ej9o]

Solid! The ultimate light adv bike platform is the Husky FE350s in my opinion. Yes more money, but a good 40lbs lighter from the start and more power.

[@jrdepew]

If I keep at this, I am interested in the 350 platform.

[@Bscott-390]

Fun video. That bike is looking good. Good to see you Wed night.

[@jrdepew]

Thanks! You too!

[@mudcatstravels9751]

Can’t wait to hear how you like it after done more time on it. I’m kicking around the idea of getting mine done as well. Thanks for sharing!

[@jrdepew]

Will do!

[@davidsonneman1121]

Great job. Just found your channel. I have a garage full of bikes including a tenere 700 and an Africa twin. The bike that brings the most smiles is my Wr250r with full monte go race suspension and a few other easy mods. I never worry about how tough terrain may get or how deep the mud or sand is on that WR. I just send it and grin!

[@jrdepew]

Welcome to the channel. The suspension upgrade makes owning this bike a pleasure. I hear comments like yours often!

[@KK6USYHamRadioAdventures]

Just did a 450 mile overnight trip on a CRF 250L and was pleased with how well it did. Should have a video out in a few days. We did HWY1 California coast ride..I need suspension work though.

[@jrdepew]

The right suspension make a huge difference

[@donaldelsey2066]

Great video, I’m like yourself, wanted a light adv bike, I went for the CF moto 450, I still need to set it up properly as I want to do some motor camping.

[@jrdepew]

Lot of interest in the CF moto 450 (Ibex) but not available till late fall in the USA.

[@jamesadams2334]

I used to ride an XT225 set up for adventure riding but then I got Lyme Disease and was on a walker for 4 years. Now, I'm improving and wish I had it back, but I am still adventure riding on a Honda SL350. I stopped riding heavy bikes about 10 years ago and will never go back to heavy bikes. The light bikes are so much more fun! I'm 71 now.

[@jrdepew]

Glad your getting back at it. Thanks for watching and sharing.

[@markhall3434]

Yeah! A Suzy C109 Bagger is a tough thing to pick up! That sucker could (and did) fall on me in a Parking lot! 850 Lbs of Gosh Golly what a PIG?

[@randallyouness8626]

I usually ride my KTM 890 Adv R on all my long adventures trips. But at 68 years old, I have considering building your exact bike to ride the TAT, feeling like the 890 might be too big, heavy and wide for some of the more technical sections. I’ve been in some pretty harsh conditions in Baja with it but as you mentioned, picking it up is not fun. I think we’ve all been swept off into this bigger is better thing that the manufacturers have been feeding us lately, and in reality, smaller is way better.

[@jrdepew]

I just finished 5 days of hammering this bike on the White Rim trail and others in Moab UT. Did amazing with the new suspension. Very pleased.

[@advredbikes]

Hey Joe, great video. Nice to see what you’ve done with the Yamaha. Great suspension upgrade wonderful ride. Yes, Joe my second bike is a Honda CRF250L, it’s just around 300 pounds. A lot easier to lift up and down and move around.

[@jrdepew]

I’m looking forward to riding it a lot more this summer.

[@surfman1968]

Just rode all those same roads last month. Had great weather. Rode my ‘22 KLR. What a blast.

[@jrdepew]

Nice!!

[@ibMoose2u]

Got rid of my CBR1000f Hurricane superbike in 2015. Bought my 2016 KLR a year later. Retired out of N. Hellifornia and fled to NW Montana. Only had 1500 miles on the KLR at the beginning of the summer but peeps like JD inspired me to take my KLR into my backyard of rural Montana instead of my atv. LOVING IT!! Had zero experience on the dirt on 2 wheels until this year. Street bikes since 1982 when I was 16. Keep ‘em coming JD. Speed demon in me is now looking at the BMW r1300gs…

[@jrdepew]

OOPs! Glad you found the dirt+bike fun.

[@CycleGeezer]

I'm currently on a 23 Triumph 1200 GT Explorer and was think about getting an additional bike. Maybe in the 450, 500 range. Great video.

[@jrdepew]

Right on!

[@howardbarker7768]

I have a 300 crf rally all the fruit ecu suspension ect. I can pick it up goes everywhere. Light is Wright especially when you get older. Crf 1100 for the big miles doe’s me cheers from New Zealander

[@jrdepew]

Two bikes….or more! Right tool for the job at hand. Thanks so much for commenting.

[@royjmcc7]

Beautiful Country!

[@jrdepew]

It really is!

[@scottbohannon5860]

I like your light adventure set up. I do think a lighter bike is in my future. My Gen 1 KLR is a damn good bike but I would like to be able to hit a little bit of single track occasionally.

[@jrdepew]

The KLR is an icon like my DR650. I’m looking forward to a bunch of riding and camping off the WR this summer. It’s a different tool in the toolbox.

[@elgringoec]

We used to live in that area and when we visited that compound we stood on the deck out back and peered over the lake. Should have pics... prints made from negatives that is. Strange tale about the lake "disappearing"!

[@jrdepew]

Probably a geologic event. It refilled to 80% in 2018 but didn't last long.

[@elgringoec]

@@jrdepew It is karst county. We had a sinkhole open up right next to the house a few years ago. It was after the mineral quake, but not immediately. It might be related but that would be just a guess.

[@mixfixdave7571]

Beautiful scenery in Southwest Virginia. Grew up close by and sure do miss it. I’ve been thinking about a smaller adv bike…riding a Buell Ulysses everywhere for the past 40k miles but a lightweight bike would be great on those rocky trails and creek crossings. Thinking 400cc or more. Maybe a DRZ???

[@jrdepew]

DRZ is a proven performer. Limited mainly by a 5 speed gearbox for highway.

[@randyklyn4620]

Very nice JR....What mount/case for the Samsung? Thx and safe travels!

[@jrdepew]

www.amazon.com/dp/B09574PZL5?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title Takes some modification with epoxy glue (JBWeld) on the back to accommodate a Quadlock mount securely. It has fallen to the trail while riding once and no damage. Has a silicone cover.

[@noelpogiako1]

Awesome video! I might probably go to that direction in couple years. I like riding but I never had a chance to use a dirt bike as an adventure bike so your video impressed me the way you customized it according to your ride style. What year is your bike? As they said cars lies motorcycle tell truth. Enjoy the ride and hopefully I will see you in the road. Ride safe 🙏🏼

[@jrdepew]

Thank you for watching! There are several brands that serve well as light adventurers. I enjoy this style of riding.

[@activeoutdoorsadventureedi5349]

JR...I've had a WR for many years and had every intention of doing the TAT after retirement. Unfortunately RA is taking it's toll on me. At 68 I still have some time to do some easier riding if I can get it under control. I have 90% of what I need for some light adventure riding. Mine is set up very much like yours minus the tower. That looks interesting. Quick question...what tires are you running. As an aside...I removed my aluminum skid plate. It is night and day quieter. I don't think I'm going to be riding any agressive trails where I would need it. More like what you encountered in this trip. I like your smell the roses style and speed. Mike

[@jrdepew]

Thank you for reaching out.. I truly hope you can enjoy more adventures. I’ve used the Pirelli Rally Cross rear and Kenda 270 front and rear. Currently mounting a Dunlop 605 rear and Pirelli MT21 front. The tower is spendy and came with bike from P.O. I’ve used auto sound deadening in the skid plate. Still a bit loud.. may spring for the ABS plastic one. Moose Racing I think.

[@billroberts9182]

I have two bikes- KTM 890 adv-r and a Honda crf250. The smaller bike just doesn’t have enough top end to drive on a freeway which I occasionally have to do. The KTM is too heavy for me ( I’m also 73) but I do love it on the roads! I’m thinking of a 300 or 350 instead of the 250. There won’t be any real weight gain.

[@jrdepew]

Yep, I found a really good deal on this WR. It is really snappy with the mods but a light adventure bike is not a highway mile eater.

[@louiskirby4266]

Onya Boss

[@hammerc]

Watch out for that cow, remember doc Hollywood 😅

[@jrdepew]

Now I have to watch it!

[@TheHoovercm]

Hi Joe! Really enjoy your videos. I think I've watched every single one of them by now. I'm with you on the light bikes. I have a bunch of bikes; Kawi Vulcan Vaquero 1700 for the street, Honda VFR 800 for sport/touring, KTM 300 XCW for dirt/single track, and a 2014 Honda CRF250L for dual sporting. I love the WR250R but I'm 5'6", and 145#s; as much as I'd like the WR250, I've done so many mods to the CRF250 that I don't want to start all over again; and I'm not sure I could get it low enough for me anyway. Enough rambling, I did have a question on your nav setup with the tablet, I'm intrigued by it. What kind of app are you using for navigation? I'm not going to pay the now outragous GAIA prices, can't do it; I have offline Google maps which work great until you get offroad! And I have a subscription to OnX Offroad currently but I've also got to download offline maps for it, and the detailed ones don't cover a lot of ground. I'm using an old Kyocera Duraforce phone with no service. I don't want to use my Iphone with all the problems I've seen with those. I know you've done a lot of traveling so just curious what works for you? Thanks - Chuck in Marietta, GA

[@jrdepew]

Thought about not renewing GAIA after the big price jump too. For what I like to ride it fits the best of all the apps so I bit the bullet and renewed. Map choices and detail. The Tab 7 is working well. I really like the big screen. I can Bluetooth connect to my phone for Google searches and map if needed. Cheap Nav system. I have used a Duraforce in the past too.

[@TheHoovercm]

@@jrdepew Thanks for the response Joe. I was surprised how inexpensive the tablet was when I checked on it. Do you feel the silicone cover will be adequate to keep it dry? Also, I know you said you have it on a Ram mount but what is the connection look like on the back of the tablet?

[@brianohehir9792]

I'm turning 60 and although i love my bmw bikes i bought and rebuilt a 30 year old Suzuki dr 800. Its light and basic but a lot more fun. The future for me is 100kg with 70 to 90 bhp.

[@jrdepew]

Change with the times!

[@dancingmaryjane]

do you travel cross country on the bike or do you trailer it? what state do you live in?

[@jrdepew]

With this bike I will trailer to the western USA for riding out there. I live in Virginia.

[@Hawaiishelldiver]

I'm looking to downsize from a Honda nc700x adv. Bike. Its really a commuter, but with lots of mods it can be a 500 pound adv. Bike. My first choice , so far, is the Honda 300 L. I do more on pavement riding than not.

[@jrdepew]

Hah! I have a NC700X to modded out for ADV but I need to sell it. The CRF300L is a great choice. May need to re-do the suspension.

[@JohnEmerich-y5t]

JR thanks for sharing your adventure, some beautiful countryside. This is the same type of riding I do with my 300L, what tires are you running?

[@jrdepew]

Various ones. Kenda K270, Pirelli Ralley Cross. Getting ready to mount Dunlop 605 rear and Pirelli MT21 front.

[@EricKoch-s5b]

I wish someone would make a 350 to 400 cc bike like the DRZ 400, but with a lower seat height that was not a pro-enduro bike like KTM and Husky for an older Joe or beginner. I loved the old DR 350, but still would like a lower seat height.

[@jrdepew]

The sweet spot is always elusive!

[@sawyersdad5292]

I'm 61 and went in my first enduro race 50 years ago.... I've always rode smaller bikes, never did understand the allure of the monster 1200cc enduro bike????

[@jrdepew]

Different tools for different jobs for sure, and when it comes to serious offroad the smaller bike makes the most sense to me.

[@zemquoi]

I am trying to get a lighter bike myself JR. My big 1200GS is fun, but I really want something lighter for all the reasons you point out, to do some BDR riding. I have pretty much narrowed it down to the DR650, WR250 or perhaps a KTM 500EXC. You have ridden all those I think? I would love to hear your thoughts in a future video.

[@jrdepew]

Right on. Love my DR. So reliable and with the suspension correctly done it is a heck of a machine with better distance characteristics on highway. Proven platform. No experience with the 500 EXC, a super performance bike, expensive, higher maintenance, requires careful thought to use as an adventure bike. Wouldn’t mind having one!

[@marvelboy9383]

some of the light adventure bikes are also expensive i was thinking about getting the new vstrom 250 that suzuki make but where i live it's a 7000 doler bike wich is a lot for only a 250 so i'm looking at an xt250 insted an older one

[@jrdepew]

Haven’t heard of that 250. Have to check it out. The WR250R sold for that amount new also. Shop for good used. I got this one for $4,200 with most mods done.

[@dandersonjr]

Great ride Joe and I have a question. Since you've ridden both which do you prefer. The mountains in the west or back here in the east. I have very limited experience out west but being from the Northeast I much prefer the eastern United States. Probably has a lot to do with me being from Pennsylvania. Thanks.

[@jrdepew]

Both! But have to say that the western USA offers much more for adventure rides. More diverse challenges, scenery, camping and public land. I’ll be back out there this summer.

[@ibMoose2u]

No humidity in the west, ‘nuff said, drop the mic 😂

[@jrdepew]

amen, lots of fires and smoke!

[@martypowell4395]

With the lowering link in the back did you raise the front forks to lower the front the same as the back? I agree lighter is better!

[@jrdepew]

Travis at GoRace set everything up but he prefers not using a lowering link because it does change the geometry of the shock action. I will probably replace with the OEM link. There is some lowering adjustment available with it too. The lowering link came from the previous owner and you should lower the front also.

[@MrRickrm]

Just what I need done to mine. I have added a Rekluse clutch to mine. I went up to a 50 tooth in the rear.

[@jrdepew]

A Rekluse, thats cool.

[@markhall3434]

For some reason the Gov. like to block public access to Power Line Right of Ways, even local streams around here. You can walk down to the river and launch a canoe if you can carry it 1/4 mile. PL Right of Ways should be publically available. I could ride 50 miles on a great dirt trail if it was legal. What the heck.. a $100 ticket oopsie? Catch me in that Explorer Cop car!

[@jrdepew]

There is a trail partially on a power line near me used by motorcycles. I should check in to the Virginia regs on that.

[@yowser8780]

Great ADV bike... I rode mine 30K miles. It should have been a 350 ! If Yamaha had done that, they would 'own' the entire lightweight ADV market. Oh well.

[@jrdepew]

Yep!

[@David_Nichols]

Are you using Gaia GPS?

[@jrdepew]

yes

[@lawrence7065]

My KTM 690R weighs about the same.

[@jrdepew]

True Dat!

[@whoscook4481]

350 v 295?

[@inoasdh7618]

In Germany you need to pay like 4,5-5,5 k€ for a bike that's AT LEAST 15 years old. Crazy.

[@jrdepew]

The WR hold its value in the USA too. More in the 4-5k$ range.

[@inoasdh7618]

@@jrdepew But you might get "newer" bikes? Here, most of these bikes are totally clapped out.

[@jrdepew]

Mine is 2013 bought in 2020, 4,000 miles, $4,200 with many mod done. You are right that they are newer one available in USA.

[@kellyyon-x7p]

But Joe, you’re going in the wrong direction according to the marketing of gigantor adventure bikes with more mods than PlayStation and the gravitational pull of Jupiter. I guess we will all wait and see if you get a bunch of offers to market smaller bikes stuff?

[@jrdepew]

Maybe BMW will give me a 1300 to try to sway me…😝

[@WaynerWayneTheIllest]

Hi I'm Wayne! I live in the Hedgesville WV area and am looking for a good friend or friends that like to ride motorcycles (especially ADV motorcycles), go fishing, camping, back road and trail riding, exploring, or just hanging out with like minded people! If you or anyone you know needs a good friend, like I do, and is interested in getting out of the house and going on some adventures please let me know!

[@jrdepew]

Hey Wayne, try West Virginia Dual Sport/Adventure Group. Also VA Dual-Sport/Adventure Riders Facebook sites.

[@WaynerWayneTheIllest]

@@jrdepew Awesome thank you! I will check them out!

[@Anatoli50]

You spent a lot of money upgrading the WR 250 R. A Husqvarna FE 250/350 or KTM equivalent would be a better bike in every way for less money. I know because I followed the same path. The Yamaha is the best of the Japanese dual sports, but is far too slow, heavy, and poorly suspended to ever be more than adequate. The tiny fuel tank doesn’t help. In my experience the KTM/ Husqvarna bikes are equal to the Yamaha as to durability and service life, but with far more engaging performance and the joy of a light chassis. Remember: if you can’t pick it up by yourself then it is too heavy for you.

[@jrdepew]

I bought this 4 years ago with all the mods done except the seat and radiator guard for $4,100. So have less than $6,000 invested with the suspension. I am interested in the Husqvarna 350 for the reasons you stated. This is a start. I can definitely pick it up easier than my DR650.

[@markjacobs3956]

I'm 60 and have had everything from a Tiger 12RP to a Kawi Sherpa 250 and almost everything in between. Anything over 45hp on loose surfaces is a waste. Too much HP, heavy, complicated, unreliable, expensive etc. Fully modded crf300l now. I can afford any bike but will never go back to the small peeny bikes ever again.

[@jrdepew]

Couldn’t agree more. Off road light is best.