Ride Montana on a Suzuki TS250, Big Sky Country

[@garyfyvie9490]

She's purring Dale... brings me right back to 1973 that sound. Glory days Thanks for bringing everybody along 😎

[@montana2strokeracer]

Thanks for going on the ride Gary!

[@jaytomson7052]

Now, that's how you do it!

[@MM-ci2cv]

HUSSAH! engine sounds, wind noise , no crap music or commentary!

[@montana2strokeracer]

Thank you, I sure agree with you. Thanks for watching.

[@wayneknodel3347]

I have no idea how you choose between riding and wrenching with amazing scenic roads like that to enjoy! I believe I've been on that route, and was super imprexxed! Thanks for sharing!

[@montana2strokeracer]

I love them both Wayne, my real love is dirt riding, but the places for riding the dirt are a far piece from me. This area is just out of Great Falls going toward Helena on then off of I-15, about 20 miles from me.

[@davekeehn8388]

We who live on the eastern slopes of the Rockies are truly blessed. Thanks for the awesome tour of your slice of this paradise Dale.

[@montana2strokeracer]

You are indeed correct Dave, beautiful country, we are so blessed. Now that said, I still get to complain about winter.

[@johnyoung7794]

Nice ride Dale: River looks like fishing might be good. I would be tempted to ride pavement if the roads in the GREAT PACIFIC NORTHWEST were as lonely as yours.

[@montana2strokeracer]

Thanks John, yes, the fishing is super. Yeah man if I had traffic like out on either coast, I would not do it either. Around here you have to wait on the tourist to go home. Then you get to enjoy your own back yard.

[@coreypuck3295]

Your videos sure helped me get through rebuilding my 75 TS250. Thank you.

[@montana2strokeracer]

Thats great Corey, glad they were helpful to you. Bet you are loving that TS250, mine is a hoot to ride.

[@Corey-dy2cq]

I bet Dale had a smile on his face the whole ride.

[@montana2strokeracer]

The whole ride!

[@donniemartin3544]

Enjoyed watching you get out of the shop and enjoying the fresh air, sunshine and 250 Savage. I've been watching your videos for a good while and I appreciate all the work you put into them. Your body of work will live on after you and I are gone and will serve as a valuable guide to those trying to keep what is left of our beloved two strokes running and available to be enjoyed. I've got six Yamaha enduros that I have adopted and I plan to rescue them all. (sounds like pets). Four of them are AT2/AT3's so your recent AT2 videos are gold for me. I hope they can be admired and enjoyed another 50 years. They're important to preserving the history of a time period important to the love of motorcycling.

[@montana2strokeracer]

You are right Donnie; these are all fine motorcycles. I don't even have a wish to own a new one. For the most part they look like something that would come out of a flying saucer. Just don't look like motorcycles. I love the air-cooled bikes that I grew up on. That is really the big draw for me, all the memories that came from years of riding the simplest bikes ever made and all the friends that we hung out with and all the good times. Sounds like you have a heard of pets to keep you busy and entertained for years. Have fun with those old Yamaha's.

[@donniemartin3544]

@@montana2strokeracer Thanks for the response. I found a nice CT1B and picked it up down in Texas today. I'm looking forward to checking it out. I've got my AT2M in a zillion pieces right now and getting ready to paint the frame next week.

[@RicardoValdes-r6w]

Dear friend and brother where you live is such beautiful part of our country. Excellent video. Thank you again my dear friend and blessed brother Dale. God bless you daily. The good Lord loves you. !!

[@tayloratwell4205]

Beautiful scenery for riding... nice job as always 👍

[@montana2strokeracer]

Thank you, Taylor,!

[@WilliamMcburney]

How wonderful the lack of traffic! Here in Arlington Texas it's nascar !

[@montana2strokeracer]

Yes, the lack of traffic is awesome William, oh I know it well, I used to live in Ft Worth, that was in the 80's, I know it's worse now.

[@dcwebb1]

I once had a 1972 TS 250 Savage, wonderful two stroke bike! Wish I had that kind of beautiful scenery to ride it in.

[@montana2strokeracer]

They are just wonderful bikes, they are still out there, you should try to find one to play with. This was a very enjoyable day on the bike.

[@mybikes1970]

Very cool brother!! I definitely need to visit Montana soon 👍

[@montana2strokeracer]

Thanks buddy, you will enjoy your visit when you come.

[@petermckee1061]

A wonderful ride. Many thanks Dale. Some beautiful country there. Sorry to hear about the fires. Cheers, Peter.

[@montana2strokeracer]

Thank you, Peter, it really is a beautiful area, every year the fires get worse, lightning starts the majority of them.

[@jamesbanjomanjohnson]

WOW what a wonderful place 2 live, big sky country, iv never ben anywhere so i enjoy it when you ride and show us around, my last post when i said i was ready 4 some riden and not so much wrench'en i was more or less referring 2 myself, i ben putting that big chopper back together and was getting tired of the work and ready 4 some riding, i know your channel is all about wrenhing but i like it when you ride some to,, the cables you cut off 4 me worked really fine and its all done now but i have not test rode it yet, 100 degrees here today we set a record, hoping to test ride soon watch your e- mails ,, love this vid, catch u latter...

[@montana2strokeracer]

Thanks, buddy, I do need to do more riding videos, most of the folks that watch like the wrenching videos, but I think also enjoy a break from them too, a nice ride provides that break. Glad the hear the cables worked the way you needed them to. Surely the heat will move on so you can enjoy some seat time yourself. I did get your pictures, they are awesome, nice-looking bike, just too much rake for me, but remember I'm a dirt bike guy.

[@grahamsampson769]

If the roads.here were that quiet I might take more rides! Enjoyed the ride Dale. Gorgeous bike and setting.

[@montana2strokeracer]

Thats the only reason I still do it Graham. There really isn't much traffic, most of the tourist have gone home and things are now being left to the folks that live here. As you know Montana is the 4th largest state and we just went over 1 million people for the state at the last census. It was a great day for a ride, and I enjoyed it a lot and didn't want it to end. The old Suzuki ran flawlessly.

[@retromechanicalengineer]

Great ride out Dale, scenery was breathtaking and hardly any traffic, very lucky. The TS250 proved to be the perfect mount. Best wishes, Dean.

[@montana2strokeracer]

I enjoyed it a lot, haven't made that ride in a long time. The Suzuki proved to be a nice machine for this ride.

[@bigmurr725]

Wow thanks Dale . Your a very lucky man to be around such amazing beauty . That was just what I needed to go for a ride . That sure looks like Gods country to me . Thanks again Dale for all your hard work . Murr

[@steveh7823]

Stunning Montana what a great place to go riding.

[@montana2strokeracer]

Thanks Murray, I am indeed blessed to live here, sometimes I wonder about it in the winter though. LOL, It was a great day for a ride, had some camera and audio issues, just barely scraped by. I need some help on camera set up for riding videos, still trying some stuff, but not happy yet.

[@markgaitan5107]

Man what a nice ride Dale my type of riding you are fortunate to have a ride and enjoy Gods creation and not have to worry about any vehicles around you not like so Calif were you got to watch all your surroundings while you’re riding. Thanks for sharing.

[@montana2strokeracer]

Hey Mark, yes, we are blessed to live were not many do. Only during tourist season do we really have a problem. Kids are going back to school and the tourist have gone home, the locals can now enjoy the surroundings.

[@Corey-dy2cq]

Goodness. Some beautiful country right out your back door.

[@douglasmeeker360]

Very nice scenic ride through the countryside Dale. I saw that you crossed a few cattle guards. I'm guessing the cattle roam those large expanses.

[@montana2strokeracer]

Thanks Doug, I had a great time, it had been a long time since I made this trip on a bike. Lots of fun, perfect weather. Yes, Montana is open range, so if you hit a cow with your car, you bought it.

[@rc5693]

Awesome ride on a sweet bike

[@montana2strokeracer]

It was a fine day and a great ride, the bike ran very well.

[@Corey-dy2cq]

When I had my dirt bike I always liked to stop in the middle of nowhere and enjoy the calm. Then fire it back up and hit it. That's the whole point of owning these bikes.

[@montana2strokeracer]

Right on Corey!

[@ThePerfectSeason1972]

Great Video!

[@montana2strokeracer]

Thank you

[@markaddy53]

stunning part of the country u live in dale so jealous bike sounds pretty good 2 keep up the great work next video please

[@montana2strokeracer]

Thanks Mark, I do love it here, although here in a month or so I will be complaining about the snow and cold. Always something.

[@mikelauer8352]

Wish I could have been there with my 1973 TS250 to join you on that beautiful ride Dale. Long way from St. Louis though 🤣

[@montana2strokeracer]

You are definitely invited Mike, you and your 73 TS250 would have made the ride even better. Glad you could go on the ride by video. Thanks, buddy

[@steveh7823]

Great scenery out there and the 50 yr-old Suzuki sounded sweet! Although I found myself mentally looking for a 6th gear at some points. They certainly moved mountains to build those roads. Thanks for showing us your big backyard. I would definitely go fishing there, it it's allowed.

[@montana2strokeracer]

I know Steve, I too was looking for that 6th gear. If I was to ride like this all the time, I would probably drop down 3 or 4 teeth on the rear sprocket. You're welcome and yes, the fishing is good and allowed.

[@steveh7823]

@@montana2strokeracer Was also thinking it's amazing that paddle steamers would go all the way from Montana to the Gulf. The must be the remains of old steamer docks along the river.

[@montana2strokeracer]

I not sure what you are referring to, but I was above the Great Falls of the Missouri, boats can't get below without a portage, just like Lewis and Clark only going the other way. The Missouri starts here in Montana and goes to empty into the Mississippi at St Louis. I think they would have to be below the Great Falls near Ft Benton to make that trek.

[@steveh7823]

@@montana2strokeracer I meant to say different boats operated on the upper and lower sections. One famous steamer above the falls was the 'Far West', it was Custer's HQ and logistics support at Little Big Horn. Not a small boat either, at about 200ft.

[@tcvan-nm2fx]

Fantastic ride Dale. Those vistas are incredible, don't have that here in Michigan, at least not like that. Makes me start to think about moving.

[@montana2strokeracer]

It was a great day and a fine ride; the TS ran great. Lot of room here, come on up, your used to the cold and snow.

[@cainbeeping8480]

A great ride. Thanks for sharing brother. The bike did great.

[@montana2strokeracer]

It was a fantastic day and ride, the bike performed well with no problems, had some camera issues, that sucked but I made it work, just had some low audio for some reason.

[@deanagoes2791]

nice trip my friend..i also always like to do it with my motorbike (only 110 cc with semi automatic clutch) but here the journey is hilly with many pine trees..yeah! it is impossible for me to get a classic motorbike because here the price is expensive even before restoration.

[@montana2strokeracer]

Thanks Dean, yes, these smaller bikes are more fun in my opinion. But not meant for the highways, only back and side roads. I know about the cost of these machines, 15 years ago when I started restoring these bikes, they were cheap and matter fact some folks would give to me to get them out of their yard or garage. Not anymore. Very costly and parts are too.

[@robert-wr6md]

Nice ride, and a two stroke which is the most important part.

[@montana2strokeracer]

Yes Robert, a fine day and a fine ride. Love the sound and the smell of the two stroke.

[@davidleland8729]

Hey Dale, glad to see that you were able to take some time out to get some road time in. That area looks similar to what you would see up around the Sholow and Flagstaff areas.

[@montana2strokeracer]

Your right David, a lot of this foothill area does look like some of Arizona. Without the heat of course. It was 90 that day but it was cooler in the canyons along the river.

[@vintubeable]

Good to see you outdoors Dale....! Lovely countryside.. 👌 Your ride must have been quite gratifying. The railrack looks real heavy duty. 👍

[@montana2strokeracer]

It was a nice day for a ride, and it was most enjoyable. Had a really nice day.

[@donbridgewater2988]

Thanks for taking us along for the ride Dale. You live in some beautiful country up there.

[@montana2strokeracer]

Thanks, buddy, we are blessed to live here, but the traffic was pretty ruff.

[@donbridgewater2988]

@@montana2strokeracer traffic?

[@montana2strokeracer]

Just kidding Don.​@@donbridgewater2988

[@cainbeeping8480]

Some beautiful country brother.

[@montana2strokeracer]

Thanks buddy

[@oldgreybeard2507]

Very interesting. I must check out the geology of those mountains. So dry. How does the whole place not erupt in flames? The roads are so straight with so little traffic AND NO HUGE POTHOLES. Thanks ever so much. As ever, take care

[@oldgreybeard2507]

PS. Notice that there were trucks and van's with trailers parked by the river. Boats I suspect. Try that in England! The Norman's (1066) made sure that every bit of England (hills, mountains, rivers, river banks, forests, beaches even the sea bed) is owned by someone.

[@montana2strokeracer]

Yes, it was fishermen with their boats, that is so sad that England hasn't set aside land for use by all the people. There is a lot of private ownership here, mostly ranches, and farms, but there are still public lands for all to enjoy. We are blessed for sure; I wish it were different for you folks.

[@montana2strokeracer]

Yes, it gets very dry in the summer, the snow will come in here in just a few days, and it will blanket the area till next May or so. They do maintain the roads well in most cases, and the traffic is light because it was a weekday, and the tourist have gone home for the most part.

[@oldgreybeard2507]

​@@montana2strokeraceryou have some fascinating geology producing that wonderful scenery including some of the oldest rocks on the planet. It's a tale of crashing equatorial continents and continents ripped apart. 500 million year old fossils in tropical seas all the way to glacial lakes bursting producing raging torrents tearing through a landscape dominated by your super volcano. And your river, it used to empty into Hudsons Bay. As ever, take care.

[@DanteJacobson-vg3br]

I enjoyed the ride while sipping my coffee.

[@johnreid2837]

Nice ride on a nice ride. Beautiful day

[@montana2strokeracer]

Yes, sir John, it sure was, couldn't have asked for a better day.

[@JohnnieBravo1]

Thank you, Dale! I got to take a sweet ride this morning, while drinking my coffee on the couch! Spectacular scenery. Takes me back to the late 80's, when Intergraph sent me up to Helena, for training your Dept of Transportation on the use of a fancy (a.k.a. EXPENSIVE) digital mapping system they purchased from us. I got to spend a month in total up there. Weekends we'd take the cars out for exploration of your area there. We learned quickly why you guys call it Big Sky Country. I remember seeing the herds of elk, and one fun spot that is burned in my memory is Frontier Town, bar and restaurant. Thank you for posting this. It rekindled many fond memories of my times up there.

[@montana2strokeracer]

Thank you, Johnnie, glad to spur some memories, and glad you got to go along by video. You had told me before that you spent some time in Helena. I really like Helena better than Great Falls, but it's a short trip and can go anytime I want as long as the roads are clear. Woke up this morning to 45 degrees, fall is on the way and so is the snow. Snow in the Absaroka's yesterday in Wyoming.

[@richardmassey2699]

Smooth ride, Thanks. 😳😉

[@montana2strokeracer]

It sure was Richard, had a very nice ride.

[@bluehazeboy]

Absolutely stunning scenery dale,the Suzuki didn’t miss a beat

[@montana2strokeracer]

Yes we are blessed to live here. You are right, the TS ran flawlessly.

[@rowlandcrew]

Cool.

[@mrutherford8590]

Looks just like the 1975 TS250 I bought new

[@konstantinosvas7130]

Nice ride Dale!

[@frankdillon6127]

wow. this looks like fun!!!!

[@vinnyvinson]

👀 nice roads. No potholes

[@montana2strokeracer]

Our taxes at work Vinny.

[@vinnyvinson]

@@montana2strokeracer nice country 👀

[@99SVT]

Nice ride

[@customgaragemoto7590]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🏍

[@DaleWesley-d7i]

Still nice area your in take care.

[@montana2strokeracer]

Yes, it is Dale, we are indeed blessed to live here.

[@DaleWesley-d7i]

Just loading up batteries, to inverter ,. To charge batteries right with all battery chargers in use of amp clamp course. Any other way is wrong regarding charging wet cells 😉😉😉😉 just make sure diodes are surcure......

[@LarryJohnson-tc7xc]

GM morning Dale, boy this one was early in Winston Salem NC.😊

[@montana2strokeracer]

Sorry Larry, didn't mean to wake you. LOL

[@104ducati]

Good video. Liked the railway carriage dwellings, saw a lot of those at seaside(UK) caravan sites on holidays in the '50s. BTW was the bike running a bit lumpyly at first (hard plug), and 'clear its throat' abt. 10mins in?🤧

[@montana2strokeracer]

I think it is a bit rich in the mid-range, when cruising it tends to blubber a bit. Think I will try to lower the needle one notch.

[@104ducati]

@@montana2strokeracer Yep to that. I found (years ago) that the needle and needle jet do wear enough to cause rich running, and replacement the only option when can't be 'worked around'!😢💰

[@cainbeeping8480]

You just about got that bird.

[@montana2strokeracer]

I know man I thought it had me, darn magpie.

[@ardtessa]

Beautiful area Dale ! Do you ever take bikes out on dirt roads or even trails ? Those are my favorite places ! Regards, Ard

[@montana2strokeracer]

Yes, Ard I do, and they are probably my favorite too. I will try to include some of that type riding in the future.

[@ardtessa]

@@montana2strokeracer That'd be grand Dale !! Adventure around every bend ! Thanks, Ard

[@frankdillon6127]

got stopped on my BMW in Montana in 1969 by the Highway patrol, said i needed my head light on during the day, cop took my $10.00 fine by the side of the road. guess his rent was due LOL.

[@montana2strokeracer]

Yeah, they are like that in many states here in the northwest and north central. South Dakota I can attest to the same treatment. We used to not have a speed limit in Montana, it was up to the patrolman weather you were driving the speed you were and being safe about it. Safe and Prudent they called it. Think our speed limit came back in maybe 1992.

[@nicholastighe8450]

Hi Dale , I like the car transport rack you built. What is the maximum size bike can that take?

[@montana2strokeracer]

Hey Nick, I did a video on the build, your limit is really based on the weight of the bike, the tongue weight of my vehicle hitch is 500 lbs. So, you would not want to exceed that. The rail carrier I made weighs 97 pounds, so you must consider that as actual weight. The rail I used will accept a 450 tire, but if it had a larger tire, you could set it on top of the rail and tie it to it. Most bikes I move around weigh in at 250 pounds or less and have tires of 400 or less. So, it works good for me.

[@nicholastighe8450]

@@montana2strokeracer thanks dale

[@mattdomenic4814]

What a way to go for sure! Dale do you use Yamalube for oil? BTW my 73 ts250 gets around 45 mpg I believe the range to be around 100 miles.

[@montana2strokeracer]

Hey Matt, it was a fine day, enjoyed the ride. Yep, use Yamalube in the oil injector. This bike did really good on fuel, I had more left than I thought I should have.

[@markgaitan5107]

Nice ride Here at 5 am in so ca.

[@bigmurr725]

Hey mark , Bigmurr here from Georgia . I grew up in Orange County . Last lived in San Diego .

[@montana2strokeracer]

Sorry Mark, didn't mean to wake you. Forgive me. LOL

[@markgaitan5107]

GM Bigmurr I live in the high Desert of Southern California near Victorville. . I have family in Oceanside Nice to meet you.

[@markgaitan5107]

No problem Dale I am always up around 3am just starting my day.

[@MrJudgejeffrey]

Beautiful place to ride.. is it just me or is the bike 4 stroking?

[@montana2strokeracer]

Thanks, maybe a little, I'm thinking it's a little rich in the cruising range. Probably need to drop the needle down a notch. It only has about 65 miles now on the total restoration.

[@alanbirch9663]

Can you ride it above tick over

[@montana2strokeracer]

Sorry Alan, I don't understand "tick over"

[@frankdillon6127]

all the water dont see anyone boating/fishing. old desert rat like me find that odd.

[@montana2strokeracer]

There were some out. It was a Monday, all the fishermen went home, and the fish were tired. LOL

[@Corey-dy2cq]

Man this is Americana!

[@montana2strokeracer]

Yes indeed, I had a great time, it was almost a perfect day for it. Just a bit smokey.