[noz]

Hi All--



Brand new forum member, I recently bought an 06 TW200. I was thinking this would be good bike to learn and have fun for a long time. I got myself a helmet, protective jacket, gloves, and pants... Boots and shin guards on back order. Nephew (WR250) asks, if I want to go to Stoddard Wells. Of course, I do... Dumb, dumb... Should have waited for all my gear. Anyway, started riding and the front tire seems really squirrely. Of course, I tried to keep up with nephew (another dumb decision), so front tire slides out and I ended up with a broken fibula. Not a great start. Well, in 3 months I'll start over and try again. Hopefully this time, I'll do it right. So, I have a couple of questions:



Any other protective gear I should be riding with?



What are my front tire options? Hoping for 50/50 dirt/street, after this last ride I would like to error on the side of dirt...



Any recommendations for riding courses in the Las Vegas area?



Thanks a bunch in advance for your help.



Cameron





http://a3.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hpho...6691510003_1631311205_2409621_197871156_n.jpg

 

[noz]

Oh, what is recommended tire pressure for dirt and street???



Thanks again.

 

[PalmStateCrawler]

I ride 22/25 psi on street and 12/15 on dirt. I also am looking into getting a kenda or shinko for the front. Should be less "slippery". Sorry to hear about your leg. I had a bad fall 2 weeks ago got a bruised hip and mild concussion along with soreness all over... needed some help getting in and out of bed for a few days.



Remember, it is not going to handle like a dirt bike because of the fat tires. You can just hit a straight line while others are swerving left and right to avoid the obstacles you can roll right over. It can do banks and be lots of fun as soon as you learn how she handles. Ive only had my bike for 6 months now but i've learned you need to take it slow and build your way up to higher speeds on trails.



In relation to safety gear, it sounds like you have or will have most everything you need. I always bring a first aid kit and a roll of duck tape.

You should probably get some handguards as well. They save levers and hands, i am sure I would have broken my levers at least twice by now had I not purchased a set of them.



Heal quick and ride safe.

 

[bbagwell]

I am really pleased with my pirelli MT21 up front. There are a lot of other good choices out there. Do some searching on the forum and see what others are using. I wasn't real happy with the stock front tire off road.



Sounds like you are good on safety gear, the only thing I would add is I like motocross boots for off road riding. They really offer a lot of protection.

 

[jonah]

Welcome to the addiction! Sorry bout the bone (ouch!) I'm down in bullhead so not too far from you, and yes the front stock tire not too great. Espeacially aired up in sand, it's like trying to steer a pack of wild dogs on a sled. If you bring it down to about 10 psi it does much better although i have heard there are better tires to be had. I just haven't got a new one yet either.