[Under Dog]

Hey guys! Thought I'd take a minute to say hello. Will post the first of my troubles in a different post...



Last night, to my wife's dismay, I picked up a '95 TW. It's really clean. Only missing mirrors. Runs like a champ! Can't wait to take it out for a test ride. I've been on street bikes (off and on) for the last 22 years. Unfortunately, I've never done any sort of off-roading before. So, I'd love to hear advice as to what gear I need/can't/shouldn't live without. Even better would be places around here to ride it off-road!!!



Doug

 

[wrench-puller]

Hey Doug, welcome to the forum. Congrats on your new bike!

 

[qwerty]

First, make sure everything on the bike is ship-shape. Nothing ruins a good day of riding like mechanical troubles that stem from poor preparation.



Except getting hurt. Second, take your brain, and use it. Third, dress for the crash, not for the ride.



If you ride only offroad, offroad gear will do what you need. If you ride only on road, road gear will do what you need. If you're a dual surface rider, you'll have to conjure up some combination of gear that provides the impact and piercing protection necessary for offroad and the abrasion protection and energy dispersion needed onroad. Unfortunately, I'm not aware of any good dual surface gear nthat does it all.



I wear mesh street gear with CE approved armor, high top composite safety toe and shank work boots, armored gloves, and a full face helmet year around. A good rain suit protects from rain and/or cold, converting the mesh and armor to insulation. When offroad, I add hard soccer shin guards to shins and forearms and switch to a dirt helmet and googles. If I could find ATV boots (like MX boots but with traction soles) that fit those would be my choice off road.

 

[ronnydog]

Doug, welcome good to have you on a TW with us,



Ronnydog

 

[Under Dog]

Thanks guys. Glad to be here!



Ronny - my wife's from Poway. Spent many a vacation down there visiting her family. Would love to have the desert so close by!



qwerty - mechanical problems already... leaky petcock and carbs left a nice gas puddle in the garage. That's now first on the list of repairs.

 

[LittleCowTW]

Welcome to the neighborhood Under Dog, there are a few of us nearby if you need anything.

 

[LittleCowTW]

Wow thats an old thread. I guess I must have been hitting the glue a little too hard, disregard.

 

[qwerty]

Do you realize this thread is four years old?

 

[qwerty]

I guess you glue!!!!!

 

[LittleCowTW]

I guess you glue!!!!!

HA! well at least I partially salvaged it by beating you to the punch. Only by a squeak...

 

[qwerty]

Fun avatar.

 

[Fred]

Doug the underdog disappeared after a week and 7 posts so I don't think we have to worry about the belated greeting.