Warn’s new Moto Winch

April 8, 2011

Anyone seen one of these in action?  I am not sure I could ever justify the extra weight and space packing one of this on a trip unless I knew for sure there was going to be gully’s or a mud hole that I could not ride out of. I also wonder what kind of Amps the things draw and how fast it will drain the battery. That said, Its supposed to be available in May from Warn.

Rumored Specs:
Model: RT15 or XT17
Weight: 12.25 lbs / 9.25 lbs (or an even lighter version at 8.5 lbs may be available too with handlebar mounted controls)
Power: 1500 lbs / 1700 lbs
Pull Length: 25 feet / 40 feet
Price: $479-$549

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New MN Legislation Regarding Offroad Motorcycles proprosed

April 5, 2011

https://www.revisor.mn.gov/bin/bldbill.php?bill=H1283.0.html&session=ls87

Bill HF1283 was read in the State Legislature on 3/23/2011.  Some of you out there may be interested in this modifcation to state law.  Representative Tom Hackbarth is proposing it.  Looks positive to me overall but if anyone has any more in depth info on where the motivation for this bill is coming from please sound off in the comments.

 Subd. 12. Dual registration. (a) An off-highway motorcycle registered under
2.2this section may also be registered as a motorcycle under chapter 168 for use on public
2.3roads and highways.
2.4(b) If the off-highway motorcycle was not originally constructed primarily for use
2.5on public roads and highways, the off-highway motorcycle must be equipped with mirrors
2.6and a headlight, taillight, and horn and be otherwise modified as necessary to meet the
2.7requirements of chapter 169 for motorcycles regarding safety and acceptability to operate
2.8on public roads and highways.
2.9(c) An applicant for registration under chapter 168 must submit an inspection form,
2.10prescribed by the commissioner of public safety. The inspection form must be completed
2.11by a police officer, as defined under section 169.011, and certify that the off-highway
2.12motorcycle meets the requirements of chapter 169 for motorcycles regarding safety and
2.13acceptability to operate on public roads and highways.
2.14(d) Chapter 168A does not apply to an off-highway motorcycle modified to meet the
2.15requirements of chapter 169 according to this subdivision.

Thanks Joe and Kevin from the TC Dualsport group for passing this info on.

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March 2011 Meeting Minutes

March 25, 2011

Just wanted to thank everyone who joined the meeting last night (Chris from EveryDayRiding.org, Zrxmoto, RallyHound, and MrFixit 54016).  We had some great discussion.  For those of you who couldn’t make it here are some notes:

  • Discussed current events in the area (see http://Minneadv.info/events )
    – Chris brought up the Skunk Side Car rally, the Road America Superbike races, and the BMW Riders Association Rally in Chippewa falls.
    – Norske will get them added to the website
    – Chris also brought up idea of bringing maps to Tech-day and getting riders to submit their ideas for proposed routes.  This was a good idea.
  • Discussed idea from one rider to add a “Bikes” page to the website so riders can post pics of their bikes.  Idea was nixed.  Advrider.com is already doing this.
  • Discussed idea of having webform on website where riders can submit a “Ride Report”.  Results would be shared with DNR and other riders.  Purpose would be to identify hazards, trail conditions, and also to see how many people are out there riding.  Not sure how many people would take the time to submit a report, but it might be worth setting up and seeing who uses it.
  • Brought up fact that we need riders this year to ride the new “proposed” portions of the TMAT and provide feedback.
  • Lots of discussion over how to best communicate and inform the DNR about what “adventure riding” is, and why they should allow us access to some of the ATV and/or snowmobile trails.  In the end, we agreed that we need to get an audience with the DNR to explain our position.  Norske will keep in contact with them to try to arrange a meeting.
  • Meeting ended with general discussion about group rides being planned.

Definitely a worthwhile hour of the week.  I will schedule another for the 4th Thursday of next month.

Thanks all!

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Dennis Kirk eBay Scratch and Dent store

March 23, 2011

I try to plug Minnesota vendors every once and while on this blog.  Not every rider knows about all the manufacturers and dealers of parts and accessories here in MN.  This time I’d like to point people towards Dennis Kirk’s  scratch and dent store on eBay.  There are hundreds of items online and there are some good deals to be had.  I picked up a fender bag for $10 recently. Surf on over and check them out.

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Camping Tips

March 22, 2011

Part of the attraction of Adventure Riding for a lot of people is that it combines off-road motorcycling with backwoods camping.  Many of us are as meticulous about packing our pannier bags and top boxes as we are keeping our bike tuned.
However, for those of you who aren’t eagle scouts Backpacker magazine recently published the 52 Worst Hiking Mistakes.  Most of these apply to Adventure Riding also so give it a read before your next trip.  It might save you a lot of grief.

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State-wide Adventure Rider Meeting this Thursday Night

March 20, 2011

Reminder!!  This Thursday night there will be a “virtual” meeting of Minnesota Adventure Riders. See the Events page for more info.  There is a teleconference number listed there for everyone to use.  The agenda will be:
1. Upcoming local events.
2. Discussion of what a State-Wide Adventure riding club should be. 
3. Discussion of known trails that we would like opened up to Motorcycle use.
4. Open Mic for other topics.

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AMA Club

March 15, 2011

Minnesota Adventure Riders has now been chartered by the AMA. This is the beginning of better promotion of actvities, greater validity, and better organization. Stay tuned for more info, events, etc.

PS…How great is it to see that snow melting so fast outside? Now we just need a hard rain to get rid of that sand on the streets! I hear that is coming soon too.

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February Issue of Adventure Motorcycle is out

March 14, 2011

 The February edition of Adventure Motorcycle magazine is out.  The article on the 2010 Baja 1000 was entertaining. The magazine is available in print now for the first time in a looong time.  www.AdventureMotorcycle.com

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Motivation for working on your bike…

March 11, 2011

This is a must watch video. Why doesn’t this guy live in Minneapolis?

Handmade Portraits: Liberty Vintage Motorcycles from Etsy on Vimeo.

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“Tech Day” planned for April 30th. Warm up your wrenches!

March 11, 2011

The annual “Tech Day” has been scheduled for April 3oth in Eagan.  See the Events page for more info.  Its a great opportunity to meet other riders and also get some advice on tuning your bike.

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