Using dirt bikes for hunting the mountains.

[Sharpspur]

How many guys are using dirt bikes to get around on trails while hunting?

 

[Steve300xcw]

A pile of folks on here do.

I'd also like to point out that a tw200 is not a real dirtbike. Dont let em sell you on that

 

[Sharpspur]

I just picked up a new Husqvarna FE 450. Looking forward to trying it out this fall. Have the summer to get use to hauling a heavier pack and riding at the same time.

 

[Steve300xcw]

Wht made you pick that bike?

 

[LFC911]

I have a 2022 KLX300 Dual Sport and got my motorcycle endorsement, so i can ride it to work on nice days. It is EFI, so i don't have to worry about jetting at elevation.

 

[Accubond]

 

[Accubond]

1983 XR 350. Still reliable,

 

[Wrench]

I have a bunch of bikes, had a dialed in tw200 (barf) and currently my favorite hunting bike is a xt225.

I want dependable, quiet, reliable, decent handling and suspension (not race tuned for 60mph square edged rocks and roots...) decent fuel capacity and not a big (long/tall) bike.

The 225 does it and can be had any day for well sub $2k.

 

[Steve300xcw]

1983 XR 350. Still reliable,

Been a looooooooooong time since I saw one of those. Hell, ya rarely see one of the newer xr's around here.

 

[bigunit]

I have a bunch of bikes, had a dialed in tw200 (barf) and currently my favorite hunting bike is a xt225.

I want dependable, quiet, reliable, decent handling and suspension (not race tuned for 60mph square edged rocks and roots...) decent fuel capacity and not a big (long/tall) bike.

The 225 does it and can be had any day for well sub $2k.

What did you hate about the tw? I bought one this spring as a farm bike and plan on using it for hunting. I live in flat country.

 

[Wrench]

What did you hate about the tw? I bought one this spring as a farm bike and plan on using it for hunting. I live in flat country.

If you've ever spent any time on a legit moto bike you'll find the tw:

Handles like dog shit.
Is too wide.
Has pegs too high/bars WAAAY too low.
Suspension is good to about 12mph
Is heavy as a Harley
Is mostly an internet loved bike by guys who've never ridden actual bikes.

Other than that, it's adequate.

 

[bigunit]

I really don't find it that bad but haven't had many other bikes to compare to. Had a cr500 that was nuts and a few 250 cc 2 strokes and a crf150f that's a turtle. I have bar risers and new foot pegs on mine as well as a better front tire. Im fine with it being a slower bike as my go fast on 2 wheel days are behind me.

 

[DenimChicken]

Anyone move from a four wheeler to a bike? I've got a four wheeler currently and I've been contemplating getting a dirt bike instead. The four wheeler is a pain to transport, but is easy to ride and has tons of cargo capacity. I rode dirt and street bikes in my younger years, but don't know how I'd feel about riding on two wheels with a loaded pack.

 

[Aussie Dan]

I just picked up a new Husqvarna FE 450. Looking forward to trying it out this fall. Have the summer to get use to hauling a heavier pack and riding at the same time.

Brilliant choice of bike. Can you get a rear rack to suit so you can strap a pack to? Frees you up for riding without a super heavy pack on your back.

 

[TheSillyGoose]

How do you guys pack your gear in? I'm planning on riding into a spike camp. Anyone else who does this, do you have your gear on your back or do you strap it down somewhere? I'm considering either a rack or rigging a saddle over the tank.

 

[IdahoBeav]

I have everything on my back. You get far better performance from your suspension this way IMO

 

[Wrench]

I have everything on my back. You get far better performance from your suspension this way IMO

100%. Load your legs and stand up when it sucks. A bike with a high CG handles horribly. A rider with a high CG can use his strength to stay ahead of the load.

It's nearly impossible to tip a bike over when standing up....and it's a chore to keep a top heavy bike from flopping if you don't stand up.

 

[TheSillyGoose]

I appreciate the input! I'll keep practicing with the weight on my back

 

[IDElkmagnet]

Anyone want to share their methods for rifle transport? Do you all just throw it on your back and send it?! I haven't found a method I like yet.