Ride Preparation
Riding Gear
There is a plethora of choices for riding gear on the market. The Rocky Mountains are as diverse in environment as any place on the planet. A morning ride could begin with temps in the 30's, with light rain falling....and then 3 hours later, the environment could be high desert with temps reaching into the 90's. Having quality riding gear that protects your bits and pieces (armor), as well as the range of temps and moisture is important.
Adventure riding gear is preferred, but Motocross gear will work, as long as you have rain gear to throw on. It is also a good idea to apply product to your riding boots for water resistance. Steam crossings will likely occur.
Bike Set Up
OHV Sticker
A good portion of the trails in the Rocky Mountain States, especially the dirt routes will require the bike to have an OHV sticker. A sticker can usually be obtained from our base camp hosts, but in some cases, need to be purchased from a local motorcycle dealer or possibly in advance, online at a state office website. Typically these stickers cost about $25 and cover a full year.
Spark Arrestor and Noise
A U.S. Forestry Approved spark arrestor with the proper noise restriction is required.
Fuel Range
You will need at least 3.0 gallons of fuel for a long days ride, about 150 mile range. Any time you are planning a ride in the Rocky Mountains, it is necessary to carry extra fuel. Fuel stops will occur every 100 miles or so, but some days may push to 150 miles.
Acerbis, IMS and Clarke offer larger capacity fuel tanks that are available for most dirt bikes. Aluminum fuel bottles can be purchased at most outdoor stores and are well suited for carrying extra fuel in your pack. Rotopax Fuel Packs are also popular.
Jetting
Setting your motorcycle up for high mountain riding is important. Fuel injected bikes take care of themselves with elevation changes. Bike with a carburetor, need the proper jetting to run effectively. For your particular bike, high elevation jetting information can be obtained off the web, or you can call your local dealer.
Bike Protection
Stock motorcycles, off the showroom floor, rarely come with the necessary protection. consider aftermarket accessories like: a skid plate, engine guards, etc.
Tires
Plan to have installed new rubber front and rear before you come. Please choose a tire that is appropriate for the terrain that will be ridden. Highway tread and even most of the dual sport tires are inadequate. Most of the riding will require a tire that is 75% dirt and 25% pavement.
Heavy-duty tubes are a good investment to keep your trip moving forward. The new tubeless products are a good idea. Anything you can do to keep from changing a flat on the trail.
Tools and Spare Parts
Additionally.....
There is a plethora of choices for riding gear on the market. The Rocky Mountains are as diverse in environment as any place on the planet. A morning ride could begin with temps in the 30's, with light rain falling....and then 3 hours later, the environment could be high desert with temps reaching into the 90's. Having quality riding gear that protects your bits and pieces (armor), as well as the range of temps and moisture is important.
Adventure riding gear is preferred, but Motocross gear will work, as long as you have rain gear to throw on. It is also a good idea to apply product to your riding boots for water resistance. Steam crossings will likely occur.
Bike Set Up
- New Oil & Filter
- New Brake Fluid
- New Radiator Coolant
- Check chain & sprockets
- Adjust suspension, chain, throttle & clutch cables
- Valve Adjustment
OHV Sticker
A good portion of the trails in the Rocky Mountain States, especially the dirt routes will require the bike to have an OHV sticker. A sticker can usually be obtained from our base camp hosts, but in some cases, need to be purchased from a local motorcycle dealer or possibly in advance, online at a state office website. Typically these stickers cost about $25 and cover a full year.
Spark Arrestor and Noise
A U.S. Forestry Approved spark arrestor with the proper noise restriction is required.
Fuel Range
You will need at least 3.0 gallons of fuel for a long days ride, about 150 mile range. Any time you are planning a ride in the Rocky Mountains, it is necessary to carry extra fuel. Fuel stops will occur every 100 miles or so, but some days may push to 150 miles.
Acerbis, IMS and Clarke offer larger capacity fuel tanks that are available for most dirt bikes. Aluminum fuel bottles can be purchased at most outdoor stores and are well suited for carrying extra fuel in your pack. Rotopax Fuel Packs are also popular.
Jetting
Setting your motorcycle up for high mountain riding is important. Fuel injected bikes take care of themselves with elevation changes. Bike with a carburetor, need the proper jetting to run effectively. For your particular bike, high elevation jetting information can be obtained off the web, or you can call your local dealer.
Bike Protection
Stock motorcycles, off the showroom floor, rarely come with the necessary protection. consider aftermarket accessories like: a skid plate, engine guards, etc.
Tires
Plan to have installed new rubber front and rear before you come. Please choose a tire that is appropriate for the terrain that will be ridden. Highway tread and even most of the dual sport tires are inadequate. Most of the riding will require a tire that is 75% dirt and 25% pavement.
Heavy-duty tubes are a good investment to keep your trip moving forward. The new tubeless products are a good idea. Anything you can do to keep from changing a flat on the trail.
Tools and Spare Parts
- Tool pack, Fanny Pack, Fender Pack, etc...
- Tire irons, extra tubes, tire patches/flat repair kit, etc.
- Air Pump (small bicycle will work)
- screwdriver (flathead and phillips)
- Pliers
- Metric sockets and end wrenches
- Spare bolts and nuts that fit your bike
- Spark Plug
Additionally.....
- Matches/ Lighter
- Flashlight
- Tow rope
- Duct Tape
- Wire