WR250R on the Trans Mass Trail | COVID19 | Garmin Zumo XT

[@AJourneyOfYourSoul]

Thanks for the update. Glad you like your new bike. I also cruise at 65 on my WR250R. I stay on mostly secondary roads while road tripping, or check “avoid highways” on the gps. It makes for a fantastic ride. Less cars, more scenic and interesting, and just makes for a better and more relaxing trip imo.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

For sure back roads are best, but sometimes the interstate comes in handy to make time. Glad to know the WR can handle it. Thanks!

[@seansteede]

I've been a subscriber for some time. Our riding lives have mirrored each-other quite a bit. I started in the dirt as a teen, but moved to street bikes around 21 and never looked back...till I did. I was a victim of Ewan and Charlie, and by then I was on a 2000 Electraglide. I was riding that bike when I came across your channel as I was considering a Victory. I procrastinated...and procrastinated, and then the Africa Twin came out in 2016 and I snapped on up right away. I knew the BMW GS were highway cruisers for most of us mere mortals, but thought the Africa Twin had enough dirt in her soul comparatively speaking. I read every review I could get my hands on and they all spoke to my desire to have a touring bike that could be a lot more aggressive off road. I did end up taking that 500lb beast on some crazy trails - places I probably should not have attempted. I have dropped that bike in every manner possible and there are many a war wound on that machine. I'm hitting mid 50's now and started to get concerned every time I had to lift the bike - is this the moment when I slip a disc? I had already had an ankle injury in Moab that took 6 months to fully heal. So, last season I bought an XT250 (I'm short, the WR is a better machine in every respect, but I really like the low seat height of the XT). I've been hitting my local trails and had an epic trip to Death Valley just prior to the pandemic. The XT has brought me more smiles per mile and is the most cost effective bike I've ever owned (sips fuel, cheap insurance, second hand machines cost less than a decent mountain bike). The Africa Twin is amazing - and I still love to tour on that bike, but if there is any chance it's going to be technical riding - its the smaller bikes all the way!!!!

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thank you sir! It does sounds like we have taken similar paths and that we both like to enjoy different types of riding. That is why I have three bikes. One for road trips with the wife, one for solo trips that might include dirt roads and now the WR for more off road oriented trips. Different tools for different jobs. These small bikes are far more capable than most riders give them credit for and they are a lot more fun!! Enjoy and ride safe!

[@ericswild]

What a fun ride. Looking forward to our next one.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Yes indeed!

[@randywood9060]

I just finished a 1300 mile ride on the battleborn south ride in Utah/ Nevada. My wr performed fantastic, thank goodness for my air hawk seat pillow which made a huge difference .love the videos keep them coming and if you ever get to Missouri lets ride.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Sounds like a great ride! Thanks!

[@604roger]

Nice stop sign at 3:39

[@AdventuresWithMe00]

Great stuff Craig. I'm sorry about those gps tracks. I found it easier to create the route that way because a number of the roads are not listed as connected on a GPS. It just became easier to ride it and post the track. But I see that creates additional confusion. I ran into the same thing recently in trying to ride a section of the NEBDR. I know time is limited, but if you ever wanted to come out here again we could spend the day riding some of the other Class IV sections, including the challenging parts of the NEBDR. I am not an advanced rider, but I made it through those fine on the WR. We have a lot of other riding like that around here too. I have never taken my WR on an interstate highway, so it's good to know it can do 65-70 without too much trouble. Thanks for the video!

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thanks Keith! It was no problem with the Tracks, I see that is that best way to do a ride like the Trans Mass or NEBDR. I just had never had a chance to use them before. But, it was a good learning experience and now we know how to use them. I would love to get out your way and do some riding. Not sure we can do it before we leave, but after we get back we will have to arrange something. Thanks again!

[@LTVoyager]

Living Off The Slab I believe Basecamp allows you to convert a track to a route and then you might get turn-by-turn directions. Not sure as I not had occasion to do that, but I recall reading that it can be done.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

@@LTVoyager I have not tried it in Basecamp either, on the Garmin converting to a trip will not route off road. I will have to try it in Basecamp, however I will still have to move it to the Garmin and would subject to its routing algorithm. It would be an interesting test.

[@LTVoyager]

Living Off The Slab I came across this gentleman a few years ago. He has made some nice Basecamp tutorials, mostly Mac based as I recall. He just did a live stream on the PC version (I use the Mac version) and about the 1:07 part he talks about converting tracks to routes and some of the nuances involved. He doesn’t address off-road issues, but at least covers the conversion basics. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJuaf4qria-npZo

[@MotoTravelUSA]

Sounds like it was an awesome ride! Smart idea about the Cross country GPX filed for sale on your website. Can’t wait to see more off road with that 250

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thanks! We are heading down to do the MABDR in mid July. Figured it looks like a good place to get our feet wet.

[@MotoTravelUSA]

Living Off The Slab can’t wait to do that myself. Be safe.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thank you, we are looking forward to it.

[@painsrides3616]

60-65 on the Pike might get you flattened .... LOL I'm glad the ride worked out for you and the WR

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

The pandemic helped out with traffic.

[@richardmourdock2719]

Confusion with a GPS's route selection??? Who knew? Hope it didn't lead to altercations or fisticuffs..... When I first saw of your purchase of the new bike, my impression was , "Why, too small to get out on the road and really travel?" You've caused me to think differently with this vid. Love the "adjustment" of the Living off the Slab travels. A seasonal "mid winter" ride get-a-way may also offer appeal as come January/February, who doesn't want to ride?????

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

No fisticuffs, this time...lol. We shall see how this little bike does next month. After a couple of days, I may regret my choice, but it will be different, and a bit of a challenge. Yes, mid winter get a ways, sounds like a good idea. I do have a trailer now...

[@satzawesome]

I think i am going head out sunday to ct and try this on my strom. I downloaded the map into zumo 396 hopefully its keeps it some what on the route . I need to get out early as i have to get there from attleboro mass .

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Dont convert the tracks to a route. Just show the track on the map and follow it manually. It is a nice day ride. Have fun!

[@kevinsterner9490]

Great video, and yes the 250 wr can do highway. The 225 will struggle. I started riding again after 30 year gap on Honda 250 L and it would do interstate but trucks blew by me. Now I ride an Africa Twin. Just curios can you flat foot the WR? I remember it being a little tall .

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

No, I can flatfoot the WR. It is a tall bike, you one foot it at stops.

[@copdwarriormcdonald7968]

So is the Zumo XT worth the money? Great trip and thanks for Sharing Guys! Motorman in Da Sip

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

So far, I would say yes. I can let you know more after our trip.

[@JosephByrne]

If you've had any of the previous generations of Zumo and you liked using your old model you love the XT. It is a huge improvement.

[@jonr3891]

Love your content. Yay small bikes, at least in the dirt... Overall, are you happy with the Garmin Zumo XT, or do you prefer something else? Thanks ✌️

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

So far I am very pleased with the XT. It is much easier to us than previous models and the screen is easier to read. You do need to make sure it gets locked securely in the cradle...dropped in once. Also it sometimes does not switch from landscape to portrait. It did this a couple of times to me after I removed it from the cradle at a stop.

[@petewarby7158]

Mate, loving your posts. Can you two me which camera you're using(?) as the clarity of your video is excellent...

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thanks! For these videos I have been using a Cannon M50 and GoPro 8 or 7 for the road footage.

[@HankOnWheels]

What are you using to mount the Zumo XT on the WR?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I have a ball mount clamped to the bar. I did change out the stock bar to a 1 1/8.

[@terrynixon8152]

Your friend's panniers looked pretty big for a bike that size, which probably was a major contributor to his instability. How is it when he's running naked?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

He was carrying more than he needed. I think he is going to try and lighten things up.

[@mikemills5144]

How would it have been on the S10? How would it have handled the off road part?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I have done the Trans Mass on the S10, it handles it very well. This time the trail was a bit muddy in a few spots.

[@gestoandlane]

nice journey :D ...

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thanks!

[@eddcurry1245]

Nice video

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thanks!

[@eddcurry1245]

Always enjoy your content.

[@jjl46507]

How do you get on the bike with the tail pack on? When I try to “throw a leg over” my boot gets stuck on the bag.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I do the old man technique and step up on the foot-peg. I am not too proud to admit it...

[@LTVoyager]

Living Off The Slab You do what you got to do. I am just trying to get my broken leg mended enough to ride again before summer is over!

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Ouch...sorry to hear you broke your leg.

[@Dirtpoorhomesteader]

Do you have a video showing how to wire and mount the gps to the WR?

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

I have not done a specific one per say, but I did a video about how I installed a PD60 on my Yamaha Super Tenere. I did the same for the WR. kzbin.info/www/bejne/hYWUmpxmgNWbea8 Here is the first video I did for the WR and on it I talked about the basic install of the PDM60 and where I tapped in for a trigger wire. kzbin.info/www/bejne/Y33EepSPeNOAhKM I mounted the Garmin with a RAM ball mount into the handle bar. I did swap out my bars, so if you are using the stock bars, you may have to play around with a mount to get around the cross support.

[@Dirtpoorhomesteader]

@@LivingOffTheSlab thanks man! I’m definitely gonna check these videos out as I slowly outfit my “mini Japanese GS”. I know for me personally a good garmin gps is like heated grips, touring windshield or cruise control ( on a big touring bike). Prior to having these features I would view them as vain or a waste of money but once you have it you never want to be without it! Your videos along with a few other people I follow is what pushed me to go WR 250r over others. So far I am happy with the decision. It’s a awesome bike!

[@klh3244]

Great video Craig! Have you ever watched Tewster2 channel? He has a lot of videos on the small bike I believe it is the same as the one you are riding? Love the idea of riding the small bike. Ride Safe.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Yes, I have watched a few of his videos. Part of what got me thinking.

[@jimwms1able]

Gas mileage? I think I would be more inclined to ride a 450 or 500 vs 250. Just my thoughts.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

About 60 mph. With the 3 gallon tank that is 180 or so. Should be plenty in most cases. I have a collapsible fuel bag for those times when I might need more. We shall see how it works out...

[@LTVoyager]

Living Off The Slab That’s pretty fast gas! 😂

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Lol...yes I guess so.

[@jimwms1able]

You might like to take a look at this guy. kzbin.info/www/bejne/epPIo3iKltyHgck He rode his wr250 from Colorado to Prudhoe Bay and back. He also rode around the west as well. If you want to see where he talks about his build it was on Adventure Rider site. Thought you might enjoy watching this guy. He did not do off road like you are planning but you will have to give him credit for riding a small bike so far. He is actually fun to watch.

[@LivingOffTheSlab]

Thanks I have watched a few of his videos.