2016 Stelvio, BDR prep.

[Mooney78865]

I bought the Stelvio two weeks ago, after parting with a KTM 990 I had for four years and 50,000 miles. I've liked the Stelvio ever since I saw one a couple years ago and was wanting something a bit more.....(fill in blank).
I've done the UTBDR (twice), the IDBDR, and the ORBDR.  I am going to do the AZBDR in a couple weeks, and wanted input from other members what they have done to theirs, prep, spares, etc. in preparation for a extended off road trip.
I've managed to get about 1100 miles on so far and have done the first service.  It rained the first weekend I bought it, so I tore it down and went through all of the fasteners that didn't have torque paint.
I have a 35 mile loop that is a mixture of maintained fire roads, a lot of jeep trails, sand, ruts, even a number of water crossings which oddly enough, all had water this year. I did that today, spending about 4 hours adjusting the suspension, levers so they would work with the Oneal boots, moving the ROXX risers around to get standing comfortable, etc. By the end I was pretty happy with the setup. I do the BDR's front porch to front porch. 800 miles to the start, 700 for the ride and about 700 to get back home.  I know what to take, even know what tires I'm going to use.  Looking for insight on the bike...Thanks in advance!

[PJPR01]

Hats off to you...all I can say is you need to get Sterling Noren to do a film of you on the these BDR's, those are bad ass routes.  Would be very cool to hear how the Stelvio does, presumably you've got a Rotopax or something similar or how do you re-supply along the route?

Next BDR being planned I hear is now Nevada...have watched all the other films, having explored a lot of these in the 4x4, but not on the moto.

Share some pics when you finish up the ride!

[MariusD]

Hey Mooney, can you explain what these acronyms  mean?

UTBDR
IDBDR
ORBDR
AZBDR

[Mooney78865]

BDR= back country discovery route. First two letters are the state. ID Idaho, it Utah, etc. Most are very well thought out. Once in awhile you need to improvise because of route issues, but not often. The folks at Butler maps are the best. GPS track downloads are free, maps $14. The routes are geared for larger adventure bikes and difficult sections usually have a bypass.
The only time I wished I had taken one was on the 2nd or 3rd stage of the UTBDR. Map said "deep silt/sand" literally axle deep silt for about 3 miles. Thought I was going to puke! When I cleared the section I set up camp, made coffee and watched the sun set.
I will "dry" camp for 2-3 nights, then find something like a KOA to shower and wash clothes. Freeze dried food, and carry plenty of water. I've never needed extra fuel, even with the short legs on the KTM. I carried extra, but never needed. I believe the AZBDR longest stretch between gas is 137 miles.
I'm  planning the week of 5/7, 2 days to the start, 4-5 days to do it an 2 days home.
Don't buy anything but package food at gas stations, and ALWAYS wear your SPOT! Rules to live by...😎

[leafman60]

I've had my Stelvio many times on such terrain. It does great.  Where your footing allows, you can scramble along with momentum and typical dirt cornering and slide.  You can roost that tail and make it slide steer to heart's delight. 

Choice of tire is critical and needs to match the conditions. Doesn't take a genius to understand that knobbier tires grab better on dirt and worse on pavement. For a lot of serious and long dirt rides, TKC80's are hard to beat.  For dual-sport applications, I like the TKC70's and Shinko 705.

The biggest challenge is the technical stuff.  I can see the rocky stuff in the background of your picture.

As with any large dual-sport bike, always THINK VERTICAL.

In the tightest situations, climbing rocks, single track along mountain ledges, even fording expansive rivers, consciously keep the bike vertical.  If you ever let it lean too far in tight situations, you will likely kiss the ground and can then mull the prospects of righting the beast.

You must judge each situation to determine the benefit tradeoff between blowing through with momentum and slowing down to tractor through.

If you drop it on a rock slide hill, grab a wheel and spin the bike around to get the wheels to the low side of the hill and then try to stand it up.

Go through the many tips presented in this thread.  Those auxiliary lights need attention. I hope you know about that issue, the charging fuse blowing and all that.  Tighten all the fasteners, e.g. the engine guards, engine mounts etc. Crank up your preload on the rear shock for the rough stuff.

Wear protective gear and have fun!


*edit*  By the way.  If you plan hard core rock climbing on a trip, you may be better to leave the pretty aluminum bags at home at get a pair of soft bags or simply lash a waterproof duffel to the back seat. The hard bags will probably get banged up and they can also clip your legs when daubing along on a rock field.

[Mooney78865]

I've had my Stelvio many times on such terrain. It does great.  Where your footing allows, you can scramble along with momentum and typical dirt cornering and slide.  You can roost that tail and make it slide steer to heart's delight. 

Choice of tire is critical and needs to match the conditions. Doesn't take a genius to understand that knobbier tires grab better on dirt and worse on pavement. For a lot of serious and long dirt rides, TKC80's are hard to beat.  For dual-sport applications, I like the TKC70's and Shinko 705.

The biggest challenge is the technical stuff.  I can see the rocky stuff in the background of your picture.

As with any large dual-sport bike, always THINK VERTICAL.

In the tightest situations, climbing rocks, single track along mountain ledges, even fording expansive rivers, consciously keep the bike vertical.  If you ever let it lean too far in tight situations, you will likely kiss the ground and can then mull the prospects of righting the beast.

You must judge each situation to determine the benefit tradeoff between blowing through with momentum and slowing down to tractor through.

If you drop it on a rock slide hill, grab a wheel and spin the bike around to get the wheels to the low side of the hill and then try to stand it up.

Go through the many tips presented in this thread.  Those auxiliary lights need attention. I hope you know about that issue, the charging fuse blowing and all that.  Tighten all the fasteners, e.g. the engine guards, engine mounts etc. Crank up your preload on the rear shock for the rough stuff.

Wear protective gear and have fun!


*edit*  By the way.  If you plan hard core rock climbing on a trip, you may be better to leave the pretty aluminum bags at home at get a pair of soft bags or simply lash a waterproof duffel to the back seat. The hard bags will probably get banged up and they can also clip your legs when daubing along on a rock field.

The skills part I'm not to worried about.  More of what are know issues.  The KTM, as it got later in life, I would bring a fuel pump rebuild kit as well as a water pump rebuild kit.  The aux lighting is well documented and is addressed already.  I've googled but really haven't found a lot of known issues other than the lights and the older valve train issues.

[Spuddy]

With all that off road riding, how do you keep your S so clean?  I hate cleaning mine.

Spud

[leafman60]

The skills part I'm not to worried about.  More of what are know issues.  The KTM, as it got later in life, I would bring a fuel pump rebuild kit as well as a water pump rebuild kit.  The aux lighting is well documented and is addressed already.  I've googled but really haven't found a lot of known issues other than the lights and the older valve train issues.

Tending to the aux lights and tightening the bolts should do the trick.  No need to remove it but I unhooked my canister (past posts) and vented the tank to the bottom. Oh, another thing. You can pick up a smidgen of ground clearance by removing the stock center stand rubber bumper and replacing it with a glued-on piece of thin durable rubber.

[pyoungbl]

You mentioned some water crossings.  If you do ford anything you will want to check the CARC for water in the oil.  Some of us install a remote vent because even a heavy rain can introduce water past that crappy OEM vent.  I'm not aware of anyone trashing the CARC but milky oil cannot be good for the long term life of the unit.

[Mooney78865]

With all that off road riding, how do you keep your S so clean?  I hate cleaning mine.

Spud

The Stelvio is only a couple weeks old.  However I have found that a liberal dose of "lick juice" aka Pledge, helps with the clean up. 

You mentioned some water crossings.  If you do ford anything you will want to check the CARC for water in the oil.  Some of us install a remote vent because even a heavy rain can introduce water past that crappy OEM vent.  I'm not aware of anyone trashing the CARC but milky oil cannot be good for the long term life of the unit.

Good catch!  Hadn't thought of that.  I have taken note of the lack of a mud guard for the rear shock and have purchased a "shock sock" until I come up with a more permanent solution. Lurking in other forums and doing Google searches haven't turned up to much in the way of issues. In fact, just the opposite.  With the exception of isolated problems, there seems to be a real lack of on going issues!  Looking forward to the trip.  I haven't been out in over a year for a proper "bashing"!

[MariusD]

BDR= back country discovery route. First two letters are the state. ID Idaho, it Utah, etc. Most are very well thought out. Once in awhile you need to improvise because of route issues, but not often. The folks at Butler maps are the best. GPS track downloads are free, maps $14. The routes are geared for larger adventure bikes and difficult sections usually have a bypass.
The only time I wished I had taken one was on the 2nd or 3rd stage of the UTBDR. Map said "deep silt/sand" literally axle deep silt for about 3 miles. Thought I was going to puke! When I cleared the section I set up camp, made coffee and watched the sun set.
I will "dry" camp for 2-3 nights, then find something like a KOA to shower and wash clothes. Freeze dried food, and carry plenty of water. I've never needed extra fuel, even with the short legs on the KTM. I carried extra, but never needed. I believe the AZBDR longest stretch between gas is 137 miles.
I'm  planning the week of 5/7, 2 days to the start, 4-5 days to do it an 2 days home.
Don't buy anything but package food at gas stations, and ALWAYS wear your SPOT! Rules to live by...😎

Thanks you, sir! This is fantastic info. Sounds like my kind of adventure. I shall look into this :-)

[pauldaytona]

The Stelvio is only a couple weeks old.  However I have found that a liberal dose of "lick juice" aka Pledge, helps with the clean up.  Good catch!  Hadn't thought of that.  I have taken note of the lack of a mud guard for the rear shock and have purchased a "shock sock" until I come up with a more permanent solution. Lurking in other forums and doing Google searches haven't turned up to much in the way of issues. In fact, just the opposite.  With the exception of isolated problems, there seems to be a real lack of on going issues!  Looking forward to the trip.  I haven't been out in over a year for a proper "bashing"!

For the shock:

http://fastguzzi.nl/stelvio/spatlap.html

4mm rubber flap. easy cut out with scissors, and put between airbox and inner mudgard. Put some silicon kit on and put it in. You could lift the airbox an inch to slide it easy in with the glue on it, put airbox bac and fasten.

[Chuck in Indiana]

I was going to mention the carc vent, but Peter beat me to it.  There's a guy on another forum with considerable experience off road.. I'll give him a ping.

[WitchCityGuzzi]

Ive ridden my 09 offroad a fair amount. I dont do much prep other than putting on Kenda Big Blocks, TKC80s, Mitas E07s etc. Tires make a huge difference for the Stelvio.

I crossed water that was near the valve covers and never got any water incursion in my bevel box. I have since added Pete Ropers braided breather line though just to be sure.

i have broken toe pegs on the shifter and brakes a couple of times. Have bent the actual brake lever too. I have sine put on Guzzitechs folding toe pegs which i really like.

i agree with losing the Trax bags. Ive had my leg down and had my calf hit the front of the box. Not pleasant. Im kinda over the whole hard bag thing and am going to put on Mosko Motos rackless 80 liter set up. My Trax bags leak like a sieve anyway from hitting the ground a couple of times. The Mosko set up also has the benefit of being much lighter.

other than that, i think youll have trouble keeping your speed down because the big girl is deceptively easy to ride off road.

Take lots of pictures and let us know how you make out. Have fun!

[Mooney78865]

Ive ridden my 09 offroad a fair amount. I dont do much prep other than putting on Kenda Big Blocks, TKC80s, Mitas E07s etc. Tires make a huge difference for the Stelvio.

I crossed water that was near the valve covers and never got any water incursion in my bevel box. I have since added Pete Ropers braided breather line though just to be sure.

i have broken toe pegs on the shifter and brakes a couple of times. Have bent the actual brake lever too. I have sine put on Guzzitechs folding toe pegs which i really like.

i agree with losing the Trax bags. Ive had my leg down and had my calf hit the front of the box. Not pleasant. Im kinda over the whole hard bag thing and am going to put on Mosko Motos rackless 80 liter set up. My Trax bags leak like a sieve anyway from hitting the ground a couple of times. The Mosko set up also has the benefit of being much lighter.

other than that, i think youll have trouble keeping your speed down because the big girl is deceptively easy to ride off road.

Take lots of pictures and let us know how you make out. Have fun!

I'm back and forth on taking the hard bags.  I have a set of Wolfman I used on the KTM.  I've always wanted hard bags for the ease of use, but now thinking I may just leave them home.  We'll see.....
Tires I'm thinking I want to try the Shinko 804 and 805.  Was thinking a set of Heidenau's as I used them on the KTM but you cant beat the price of the Shinko's and the reviews aren't to bad. If they are toast when I get home I will still have the OEM tires that are virtually new.... round trip will only be 2300-2400 miles.

[WitchCityGuzzi]

There's also these. I've been reading good reviews and their longevity looks great too. They're saying twice the mileage as the TKC-80's, and really good road performance. I might try a set of these after I wipe out the Kenda Big Blocks I have now.

Michelin Anakee Wilds

[Mooney78865]

I've arranged for the time off starting on the 7th of May and with weekends on both sides, I've got a full 9 days away from the salt mine. Really looking forward to it!
Driving light mod is done, and will have the mud flap done tomorrow.  Tires should be here middle of the week leaving me the weekend to get them mounted.
I picked up a GPS mount kit from Enduro Engineering to mount the trusty Garmin Streetpilot, (felt naked without it) tracks are loaded for the AZBDR. Will start watching the weather next week and planning the route down to the start.  I usually don't look forward to the ride out to the start of these trips, but this year will be different with the new bike.
I posted a couple pics of the GPS mount and ROXX risers for those interested. Things are really beginning to come together!

[Mooney78865]

I'm down to the last bit of prep.  Mostly just a bit of food and pack clothes. I've been riding the bike back and forth to work this week to put a few more miles on it before I hit the road next weekend.  Hoping to have 1500 miles or so before I leave.  Tires should be here Friday or Monday and I plan on checking the valves again before I go.
I hate packing, because if I do it to soon, I do it multiple times but I can't really think of anything else to do!

[Waltr]

Hey Mooney, can you explain what these acronyms  mean?

UTBDR
IDBDR
ORBDR
AZBDR

Whew!
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=BDR

[Mooney78865]

Whew!
http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=BDR

Haha!  Good one!