swampy
Moderator
Registered: 02/16/06
Posts: 6,814
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| | 08/10/07 | Reply with quote | #1 |
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Many riders have had questions and comments regarding the many organized dual sport rides, many thought one thing and the ride wound up being another, hence the need for a more comprehensive rating system for a ride or event.
Since what one rider deems easy, another may deem challenging, a skill
rating proves useless. Therefore, what has evolved is a bike suitability rating.
In other words, what bikes would deliver a higher degree of satisfaction and fun for a particular ride. A right tool for the job kinda thing. Best bikes for the most fun on a particular ride.
DixieDualSport Bike Suitability Ratings
Rating of "A": Denotes a ride where street oriented Adventure bikes 650cc and larger will be able to participate and have fun, ie; BMW GS1150, Moto Guzi Quota, BMWF650, KLR650, Cagiva Gran Canyon, Aprilia Capo Nord, etc. (also suitable for riders with very little off-road experience). Primarily paved and graded roads.
Rating Of "D": Is a ride that is suitable for Dual Sport bikes 650cc and under which were manufactured as dual sport motorcycles, such as XRL650, DR350, DRZ400s, XT350 etc. Has sections of road, rough road, and maybe some single track options.
Rating Of "O": Means that it is suitable for legalized off-road machines, (a more dirt oriented ride) WR400, XR400, KDX220, etc.
This rating system is designed to include variables that may lie in the gray areas of dual sporting. For example, if a ride carries a rating of "A", it's going to be an easy road oriented ride. A "D" rating is going to mean that it's good for a standard dual sportbike with too much dirt orientation for an adventure bike, and too much road for an off-road bike, while an "O" rating designates that a legalized off-road bike would be right at home on this one.
By combining the ratings, a degree of difficulty can be determined: An "A/D" rated ride would be dirty and street oriented, while a "D/O" rated ride will have a greater trail and challenge orientation. Consider it a sliding scale like shown below:
street____________________________dirt
A A/D D D/O O
While remembering that dual sporting is a compromise subject, there will never be a ride rating system which will accurately reflect all riders fun-factors based on terrain, bike choice, and rider ability.
What we've done is to provide a rating which will give perspective upon what types of bikes would deliver the highest fun-factor for the riders of those bikes.
For example, trying to do a single track based enduro-type ride on a BMW1150 would be no fun, and riding a gravely dirt road only ride on a KDX220 would not be too much fun either, but switch them around and life is great!
After all, no one prchases an XR400 and expects to use it like a Goldwing and converseley, no one purchases a Triumph Tiger to race motocross on. People purchase bikes for specific reasons, and they expect to enjoy them for that purpose.
To do the job most efficiently with the greatest degree of satisfaction requires the right tools. If you don't have the right tools, your job becomes a chore. If you didn't like a ride, chances are you may have had the wrong bike for the job.
Happy Trails!
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