Offroad dirt/snow

[RampartRanger]

My local OHV trails are open year-round so I figured I might put my half-worn Dunlop D606s back on the KLR and try having some fun. Does this sound realistic? I have yet to ride the D606s in snow on any surface period, and I don't see any dirt bikes back there when there's snow, just ATVs and snowmobiles. The snow is only three or four inches deep at most in areas, but the inclines can get steep in some spots and snow gets packed in areas. I figure I might try it just to make sure it's not realistic and maybe get a nice surprise that I can keep the rubber side down long enough to have some fun. I took a ride up to the parking area on the edge of the forest that everyone parks at to unload their ATVs...pulling in I totally dropped her (grabbed too much front brake), but in the mushy snow/dirt mix I didn't damage anything at all. I tried to go up the slightest incline and couldn't do squat with my 90/10 tires.

So after I put on my D606s, what techniques will help with riding the KLR in snow covered dirt? Like I said, I'm not going to pretend I'm on a Ski-Doo and tackle a foot of snow. I figured I'd air down my tires to at most 15 PSI to even begin to find traction. I'm just afraid the D606 front tire still won't be enough to keep the front end pointed where I want it, and that the KLR's weight will dig the rear tire in good as well as allow the whole bike to slide should I drop her on an incline. I don't want to ride the KLR like a sled!

[Judjonzz]

The only thing that can be said for sure about snow is that it is unpredictable. Conditions can vary from day to day or hour to hour. In general, knobs will be fine as long as it isn't too deep, to steep or too slippery underneath.

If there is ice or hardpack, you might want to try some ice screws. As few as a hundred screws per tire can make a noticeable difference, while leaving the tire rideable on pavement. More screws can help you ride faster or get into more places. Old knobbies are ideal for this purpose, as you shouldn't mind too much if the knobs get chewed up from running screws into them.

[biggyfries]

I don't mind a little snow--we have patches of snow in the mountains in my area well into June--you encounter melting snowdrifts up in the mountains regularly. So just carefully rip right thru them. Ruts are not good in mud or snow--hard to steer in ruts.

My regular riding partner has a DR650, formerly with 606's front and rear, and he hated the snow. He would actually turn back when he saw snow. My KLR with Kenda 270's just ripped right thru.

So he changed over to 270's and says his traction is improved on snow, but he still isn't able to follow me all the time. He apparently has a lower tolerance for snow than I do.

[RampartRanger]

I wonder why the K270s had better grip in the snow than D606s? Maybe you were spinning your rear tire enough to clean it properly so the extra lugs gave you better grip. The D606 maybe cleaned fine but didn't have as many lugs to pull in the snow?

[Judjonzz]

Originally Posted by RampartRanger

I wonder why the K270s had better grip in the snow than D606s? Maybe you were spinning your rear tire enough to clean it properly so the extra lugs gave you better grip. The D606 maybe cleaned fine but didn't have as many lugs to pull in the snow?

Could have been tire pressure, or relatively worn-out tires. Or, if you read between the lines, it just might have been the rider.

[RampartRanger]

Yeah that's what I figured...I don't see how the K270s could have anything on D606s offroad, besides the small amount of siping the Kendas appear to have which would make hardly a difference except on wet pavement...but I just wanted to make sure I didn't overlook some "super-tire" that I should use instead of my D606s.

[RampartRanger]

Does anyone have any other advice on technique for snow riding? I'm talking basically riding on dirt two-track with 3-4" of snow. I already have the knobbies, now I just need the skills to stay upright...suggestions?

[Judjonzz]

Most of my snow riding has been done on snow-covered pavement, packed snowmobile trails or snow-covered two-track. As long as there is a hard bottom underneath you and the snow is less than maybe four inches, it is a lot like riding on hardpack, or in Mexican polvo over hardpack. If the snow gets deep enough that you do not have a firm base, it resembles mud or deep sand; you get through it by keeping your weight back and the throttle on, letting the bike move around under you.

[Salgeek]

Get some Trelleborgs if you get serious about riding in the snow.
http://www.dirtrider.com/gear/141_06...res/index.html

In my youth I spent hours flat tracking on the outdoor basket ball court at the school yard. Man it was fun.

Advice: Stay away from the front brake. Protect the front end. You need reactions like lightning and input like molasses.

[Vernon]

make some chains, so if you get stuck you have a better chance of getting back out. I probably wouldn't ride a solo KLR with chains as a routine, but they could give you enuf bite to claw out of a hole or back up a over your head.

[Noreastermma]

going down hill is the EZ part its getting back up that slick side thats tricky