Non Stop Double Crossing the Simpson Desert KTM 500exc and KTM 450exc

Toward the end of 2017 Jake mentioned to me on social media that he was planning on attempting a double crossing of the Simpson Desert from Birdsville to Mt Dare and back again unsupported non stop. He asked me if I wanted to come. I couldn't say no. It was the ride of a life time. Jake, being the more experienced rider doesn't feature much in the video, as he was up front from the get go getting the job done. The couple of times we did ride together at the start of the day my GoPro refused to work. He needs a mention though as it was his plan to start with. He rode well and set a new record of 21hrs and 12 min. Beating the previous record by over 2 hrs.

[@kerrodnano]

Dude, thanks for the footage, still can hardly imagine how much determination that would test

[@joshuarykers]

kerrodnano thanks dude. It was one hell of a ride that’s for sure.

[@trusttherideministries9674]

Amazing effort Josh n mate. I'm in awe. I'm thinking of going one way with my son n co next year. Will be thinking of you guys. 👍

[@berettasp]

I been planning a double crossing In 2 days all my mates aren't keen but here you guys are making my trip look like a Sunday ride haha

[@joshuarykers]

Hey mate, a double crossing in 2 days would be awesome. Still big days but it would be enjoyable and not exhausting like it was in 24 hrs. And it means a lot less gear needs to be carried. If you are competent riders you'll be fine.

[@berettasp]

@@joshuarykers thanks mate I like the riding waaaay more than the camping so happy to stay at Birdsville cabins and set off with just what I need for the trip. It will be more fun that carrying heaps of camping stuff

[@JoeJoeMoto]

So bloody awesome mate. Congrats. What an amazing challenge!

[@joshuarykers]

Thanks mate. Yeah it was an awesome challenge. Hard to know what to do next. Its a hard one to top...

[@faultline20]

Yeah that's mental dude. Crazy. Well done for finishing. Next stop Dakar.

[@joshuarykers]

faultline20 thanks dude.

[@glennaltschwager5234]

Just stumbled across this while researching an unsupported Simpson crossing I want to do. Mate....I am in awe. Next Level old mate 👌 Pun intended

[@joshuarykers]

Thanks mate. It was a hell of an adventure

[@stevemacca786]

On Anzac and all boys? Great stuff Diggers.🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@creakyboyy7823]

Wow, awesome trip and great video

[@joshuarykers]

creakyboy y thanks bud 👍🏽

[@MotoPassport]

Outstanding effort mate!!!

[@mountainconstructions]

That is seriously impressive! Well Done. I thought doing it in 1 Day was good... But noooooo

[@joshuarykers]

Thanks dude. Doing it in 1 day is still good going. It was still a big ride one way.

[@philipbarrett3151]

I just checked out the route on Google Maps - holy crap!

[@joshuarykers]

Philip Barrett haha I know. Long way

[@looks450]

Hey Josh, how big was the fuel bladder you used and was the other baggage the kriega system?

[@joshuarykers]

Hey mate. 20l fuel tank up front. 10l bladder. Used 28 litres each way. The luggage was wolfman 👍🏽

[@450hp202turbo]

i just crossed this week and back in 18.7 hours , new record ,

[@joshuarykers]

joker rc when? Yesterday? You’re name makes it hard for me to take you seriously 😂

[@BTBSean0]

Tuff effort boys well done ..

[@joshuarykers]

BehindTheBars thanks mate

[@bigals.ktms.9937]

hey how much fuel do you think the 450 used one way ? i have been across 14 times with a patrol different ways , but curious how much juice it took.

[@joshuarykers]

Bigals ktms both the 500 and the 450 used around 28 litres each way. Wow you’ve done it a few times. 👍🏽👍🏽

[@bigals.ktms.9937]

yer been most places in australia with 4wd was curious about fuel on bikes 28 litres from mt dare to birdville thats real good range about 17kms a litre, might look at taken my 450 for a run thought for fun.

[@getslimdad]

well done, how much fuel did you carry tank and bladder and how much did you use both ways etc. epic ride, well done. how much training did you do, because that is a monumental physical and mental effort, great job

[@joshuarykers]

I carried 31 litres. 20 litre tank + 10 litre bladder + 1 litre bottle just incase. Used 28 litres each way. The KTM's are pretty good on fuel. to be honest we did little to no training, just rode consistently and battled the fatigue as best we could.

[@getslimdad]

@@joshuarykers what tank and what year KTM

[@joshuarykers]

@Sudzaboy 2015 KTM 500exc. Acerbis tank

[@getslimdad]

@@joshuarykers thanks, seems like less options for larger tanks available for the newer bikes.

[@joshuarykers]

@@getslimdad yeah there isn't a 20L option anymore. Acerbis make a 15L for the KTM and IMS make a 17L

[@DogsGottaEat]

This is badass! Just shared it on www.deadwoodmoto.com 👍

[@joshuarykers]

Dogs Gotta Eat thanks mate. 👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽