My dude, you are a legend. Tough as nails. What an adventure, you overcame hardship and rolled with the punches, epic. The voice overs and format were on point. Great video of a great ride. Keep it up bro.
Thanks Justin! I appreciate the kind words, and such supportive and helpful feedback along the way, it really helps keep me going, and figure out what is working with the videos. cheers legend.
You Aussies are tough guys. In the USA, we have tarmac available to almost anywhere, I go on the dirt with my KLR for fun, not because I have to. Cheers, brother! You are a determined guy, I salute you.
I am so impressed that you rode a fully laden bike up Sunset hill with ease. I have recently returned from heling host and leading rides in the Flinders and I will say that many won't do it on an unladen bike. And Dave at Ango Village is a blast, a good mate of ours.
I wouldn’t say I did it with ease haha! I did watch your recent ride up there, looked like a lot of fun. Yeah Dave is a deadset legend, he looked after us so well when we were there in the chopper. I missed him this time, but funnily enough when I got to the top of the hillclimb and was taking in the view I saw him drive past in the white Rangey, and gave him a wave, he would have had no idea who I was haha. And yeah what an absolutely great spot the village is. Cheers mate.
That was bloody amazing! I was waiting for the bike to drop but you kept upright and chugged straight up, seemingly with ease! 😮 This really demonstrates how he film footage flattens out the terrain. That hill is fucking steep and you need to pick your line, it’s actually hard to walk up.
My wife and I rode our 2010 KLR up north to our Arctic Circle and beyond. What a ride. Took extra fuel, water, food and camping gear just like you. We got some rain in the Ogilvie Mtns. on the way. We couldn't turn around to get fuel so we pushed on. The road was like Mushroom soup. We took the same KLR to the UK then Europe. Still have this bike. It's like an old friend. Enjoyed your video. You have the new KLR enjoy. We rode our KLR in a small desert in the Yukon near Carcross. It's a long way north. Have a great ride you look like you had an amazing adventure.
As a 12 year old used to ride solo miles into the bush, Z 50 J , YZ80E and F , IT 175 came later, never had a serious crash , didn’t even occur what would happen in the years before mobile phones , probably rode 40000 km s over six years . Now as a returning rider , I am indeed very wary of going on remote rough tracks on my own. You show great courage riding that isolated terrain on such a heavy beast . But as Itchy boots and her recent crash has shown , if there hadn’t been a car to come to her rescue , she would have been stuffed in the middle of Africa with a broken collarbone and injured foot. Good luck and travel safe .
Yeah I really smacked it on that one, I think I was extremely lucky to walk away. Haha , yeah not much chill on this trip unfortunately. Next time might take my time. Cheers for watching mate!
Cheers mate! That's very kind of you to say. Im glad you enjoyed it, and I hope the recaps weren't too repetitive for you even though you have seen the previous episodes.
Think I'm going to pick up a KLR 650 especially after seeing you and that bike go through such difficult terrain and come through! Inspirational mate good stuff. Also did a great job of editing the video together, being entertaining and informative. Keep up the great work got yourself a sub too!
Cheers mate! I appreciate the kind words. Yeah she held up well the KLR, even when I treated her badly. I reckon you will end up loving the KLR if you end up grabbing one, they are great. Thanks for tuning in.
@mcnabbruce1286 hi mate, it goes really well on the highway, both with and without gear. I did previously get a bit of front end wobble at very high speeds(110kph+) but since putting a fork brace and new springs in the front, and new rear shock, it rides excellent. After getting some windscreen risers too, the wind protection is excellent, overall it’s very comfortable, and plenty of power for overtaking. Thanks for watching, I’m glad you are enjoying the videos.
No problem Jon, thank you for tuning in! I think you are right, it’s sometimes hard in those moments to make the call, but I’m glad I did. And now I can start getting excited for the next trip up there!
Cheers mate! Yeah it would be nice to not be in such a rush and enjoy places a bit more, but thats the way it is sometimes I guess. Im not sure about you, but it also means as soon as I set up camp Im passing out asleep too haha.
Gutsy trip mate! Thanks for filming it and I really liked your running commentary. Glad you made it without serious injury, which really would have stuffed you!
Cheers mate! Im glad you enjoyed it. Yeah I was really lucky to get through it without copping any serious injuries, I certainly came very close at times.
So sorry bout the little fella you hit mate, sucks hey, you fairdinkum do it hard at times Brother, good to see you remain positive Andy, the mighty KLR saw you home safe.. I cant wait to see your next adventure mate 😊👍😊
Another killer video, I had watched the other simpson crossing video but this is a great synopsis on your trip. Watching these has definitely put my mind at ease as far as damaging my 22 KLR - it will never see half of the torture that you are putting yours though! Keep it up and stay safe out there.
Thanks a lot! I love hearing that you still enjoyed this one after having seen the Simpson one, good to hear it wasn't too repetitive. Yeah these KLRs are pretty damn bulletproof, and they can go almost anywhere. Cheers legend!
Cheers mate! Oh yeah I really slammed hard on that one, I reckon that stacks is the worst I’ve ever had on a motorcycle. I really have been pretty lucky! I’m glad you enjoyed the video, I really didn’t know how the format would go, so thanks for the kind feedback.
When you said "Oh, ahh... fuck it..." and crossed that water, I thought "this bloke's just like me". Aw fuck it has got me into trouble many times as well (it's OK, she divorced me!), but sometimes, when you're on your own and in a bind you just have to go for it with a full-of-bravado "Ah fuck it...". Nice one mate! 👍👍👍 (Noticed 5 people have disliked this video. Ah, fuck 'em 🤣😂🤣😂🤣)
Yep that moment could have easily gone either way for me out there in the middle of nowhere! Im glad it was relatable haha, I guess I sort of had a somewhat foolish sense of ooh ah... fuck it, the whole way through to some degree and it was what got me through. A few dislikes is probably not too bad, Im definitely not everyone's cup of tea thats for sure. Cheers for the great comment mate!
Welcome home. Those were some serious longhaul stints on the return journey 👍. I watched your Simpson crossing video, that was awesome. Wishing you many more enjoyable adventures. Cheers
Thanks Ian, it’s good to be home! Yep they were some absolutely huge days on the road home, really hard yakka. Thanks for checking out my adventures! Cheers legend.
Cheers mate! It was a disappointing way to end, and has left me hungry to get back up there and do it again. And like you say, I have definitely toughened from the experience and will be much more confident next time.
Hi Neville, Weather permitting I hope to be in the VIC high country later this week, so a new video shouldn't be too far away. I'm pumped to get back out there & film again! I have been doing a few unfilmed adventures the last couple of months. Thanks a lot for staying tuned for the next one! @nevillegriffiths8681
Thanks Hein! Im glad you enjoyed it. Not quite the way I had wanted to end the trip but it was a great adventure. Thanks for the good chat along the way mate, it put me in good spirits.
@NotShookADV - I used to ride all the time, but haven't for twenty years now. There are amazing deals here on used, '22+ injected klr adventures, and I think that's my next bike.
@@Davran2742 yeah they are a great bike, I bet you would love one! I had been off the bike for around 15years prior to purchasing this KLR, and fell back in love with riding.
Hi Lester, thanks for the kind words, Im glad you enjoyed it! It was a really fun ride. Thanks for checking out the channel, and greetings from down under!
Epic adventure man, very much enjoyed your video. Will have to watch them all now. My wife Wendy suggested you could name your bike McKayla. (My KLR). We had a good laugh at the idea. Keep up the good work mate.
Thanks mate! I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Hahaha cheers Wendy, that’s a great name! I will try it on the next ride see how it goes. Thanks for checking out the channel.
Really enjoyed your video and Simpson trip. Great stuff. Well done on achieving the Simpson solo. You’re a brave man but you’ve shown it’s possible! Look forward to more of your trips. Regards Craig
Thanks a lot Craig! It was a great ride, I’m glad you enjoyed it. I appreciate the kind words, comments like this are really motivating for me to keep making videos. I’m looking forward to sharing some more rides soon, the KLR is refreshed and repaired and ready to go!
So good mate loved your adventure… and seeing what the Klr can do and of course the human spirit really enjoyed it legend 👍👍👍ps just brought a gen 3 gotta say being an older bloke think I’ve got an un killable hq Holden for a bike just like yours 😂
Cheers Arthur! I’m glad you enjoyed it. It was a really great adventure. Congrats on the new KLR purchase! Haha yeah the KLR has a bit of HQ about it for sure, both bulletproof heavy beasts. Cheers for the comment mate, I appreciate the support.
Watch your video and really enjoy it i owned a klr650 2022 adventure and could not see me doing what you are doing wow i was feeling for you doing the simson with all that weight well done two you Cheers
Man, that’s a deadset legendary ride mate, such a slog. Loved this video. In a way I’m kinda glad you didn’t get to the Cape, because now you have an excuse to go back and tackle it again, dedicating a decent amount of time to it and maybe doing the old Tele Track! Was there no warning that, what I assume should be a causeway over the Mitchell, was no longer there?
Thanks so much mate. I’m glad you enjoyed the video. Yep it’s great to have an excuse to go up again. I’m really glad I didn’t go up and rush it, like you say now I can do it properly next time! Yep absolutely no warning on the causeway, I saw a video on RUclips not sure how long before, but a guy driving it in his 4x4 looked in good knick and I tried to do research on the route and was getting absolutely nothing. When I was leaving Normanton I asked the guys doing roadwork on the Burke development road if I could get through and they said yes. Anyway, I was pretty unorganised and unprepared so stuff like this is bound to happen.
Yeah the poor little roo… thanks for the comment mate, it actually makes me feel a lot better about it, in the moment I was feeling really guilty for riding at that time up there, should have been more organised etc. really beating myself up about it, but I tried my absolute best. Thanks for the kind words man! I’m really glad you enjoyed the video.
Just a full video covering the whole trip. for the most part just some unseen footage and extra commentary. but also has the rest of the trip up to cape York at the end.
Gutsy effort young man! What did you use to get your back wheel off the ground at the beginning? One of the few things I've really disliked about my KLR is the lack of centre stand. Keep up the top work.
Cheers mate! I use a homemade trail stand, if you search “MVDBR enduro how to use a trail stand” into RUclips you will see the exact one I have. Great channel too, worth a sub.
Amazing adventure and a great video don’t know where you found time for all the shots given all the miles each day. 14 days that is incredible. We are very similar 😆 I am also very stubborn and overly optimistic and love to go solo and unsupported. Have loved the series and having seen your amazing skills on the Billy goat I though you would just waltz through the desert. I have no trouble in the desert at all but the Billy goat nearly killed me. It is funny how one gets used to different conditions. I have done bullet runs like you did here doing Adelaide Simpson Adelaide in 6 days but I have my doubts I could do what you did in 14 days, amazing. Very entertaining series mate brought back many good memories of adventure stuff ups and personal growth 😆. Good on you legend will probably see you on the tracks someday.
Thanks a lot, Im glad you enjoyed the video. Overly optimistic is a good way to be! Yeah I definitely didnt waltz through the desert, but I was really happy with how I went personally, especially for my first ride in sand ever. I wouldn't say I "had trouble" at all. Pretty standard to drop the bike a couple few times I reckon. I think you put anyone on a 300kg bike SOLO , top heavy loaded bike in deep sand, mud and floods with dwindling water and see how they go(But maybe Im just being overly optimistic haha.) Yeah I enjoy the billygoats terrain more I guess, thats what I grew up riding. What bike did you take up the bluff? Ive had my struggles up that climb too, its tough on heavy bikes for sure. Yep it was a lot of learning as I go on this trip, my first trip to the outback on a bike, Im glad it was relatable! Cheers Mate!
@@NotShookADV No don’t get me wrong you did great in the sand and picked up the tricks to it very quickly. I just thought you would go through it like a fink racer 😆. I took a DR 650 up Billy goat with out too much trouble some years ago but I think they just maintained it or something. Last year I tumbled and walked more than I rode down it despite being on a Honda 300. I am hopeless down steep hill lol, not too bad going up.
@tonyrdr7207 haha thanks mate! Yeah I think I only started to figure the sand out towards the end. I think a lighter bike is the key for actually enjoying the sand. The DR is probably an excellent bike for the outback and desert. Oh ok, yeah the billygoat track can be radically different depending on how much maintenance and traffic it’s had. I know what you mean the downhills can be tough especially with the loose stuff!
@@NotShookADV A light bike does make life easier for sure but given your skill don’t discount the KLR. Once you get more used to it in the sand and distribute your load a bit better it will do it pretty easy and you have the skills to pull it off. For years I used a bm 1150adv on all sorts of inappropriate trails including the Simpson and the Telegraph track and more. Even the DR once fully advertised with its 35 litre tank was approaching 200kg before luggage. So like I said given how Handy you are with it you will do it all in style and be the hero on the heavy bike 😆. I had great fun and went every where over the years with the heavy bikes. The Honda 300 rally I am using now though is a game changer. Just finished The Madigan using the Hay river track and the QAA and the damn thing did the 850 ks needed fully loaded using only 33.5 litres of fuel!! Also given that it is only 166 kg fully adventurised before luggage, it makes life so easy. By the way the fox bladders look the part but they are not much better then a wine bladder as I also found out the hard way. The best solution I found over the years are the jerry flex bladders from liquid containment in qld. Expensive but very tough and easy to use. Good luck with your outback touring. It is very addictive see you on the trails. The outback is a small place lol.
Yeah it is a lot of fun and a great challenge attempting the hard stuff on the bigger bikes. Wow that is excellent mileage on the CRF! I think the sweetspot is being able to own a couple of bikes, having the lightweight and the heavy, like the Dr & Rally. I think I will eventually add another to the garage. Yep 100% the desert fox bladders are just a goon bag dressed up to look like a fuel bladder, 100% I will be buying one of the liquid containment ones, I actually was reccomended them by someone else aswell, and they look solid. Cheers mate, thanks for the support and the great comments, and hopefully catch you out there!
Two questions, when half the road is rutted why not choose the half that is not? When you encounter a muddy water patch that covers the whole road why not just go around it?
What an accomplishment, videos like this are cool to watch but would be even better for you to look back on I haven't been on a bike since i was a kid but am honestly thinking of swapping my 4wd for a klr and getting a bike license. The klr is lams approved but that doesn't necessarily mean it's a good beginner adv. What are your thoughts on my use case now that you've had the klr for a while? It'll be my daily and I'll be camping out of it on weekends with the odd long trip thrown in Are you still happy with it, what other bikes did you consider and (if any) what other bikes do you recommend? My main concern with the bike is the weight and if I'll be able to pick it up on my own offroad Sorry for the long comment aha
Thanks a lot! I do look forward to looking back at these videos in the future and reliving them. I think the KLR is an excellent first adventure bike. It was my first bike since I was very young, and while it did take a few rides to figure out how to handle it and pick it up, I thi k it’s an excellent beginners adv bike. When I first bought it I struggled with it for a little while. But it is very forgiving, comfortable, and capable. I’m certainly still very happy with it. I love it. I would say if you have an average level of strength, and are not too short, you will love it. And you will figure out the lifting technique with practice. You should take one out for a test ride and see how the size suits u.
@@NotShookADV Oh I didn't know that, I just assumed you'd been riding for years but just switched over to an adv bike and were trying to get used to a bigger bike. That's definitely encouraging to hear as I'm in the exact same situation. Usually a RUclips search of klr650 comes up with a bunch of videos about why owners are selling theirs and most of the time it's because of the weight which was why I was apprehensive. I'm glad to hear it hasn't been an issue for you This series actually did a really good job of showing your skill grow day by day on the dunes, although an empty jerry can towards the end of your trip would've been a big help aha I have a few models I want to test ride but I think I need to get my motorbike license first. I'm 180cm and 75kg so hopefully it's a good match Thanks for taking the time to ease my mind
What an inspirational journey, I admire your perseverance and respect the durability of the mighty KLR. Can you share the exact front mudguard you have used on your bike? I just bought a 23 KLR and would like to shorten the front guard. Thanks heaps and keep on sharing those epic adventures!
Gday Isaac, Thanks a lot for the kind words, I’m really glad you enjoyed the video. Yep the KLR really stood up, even when I treated her so badly, a great machine! I’m pretty sure that the guard is an Acerbis universal super Moto, I ordered it from MXstore. It’s really short and not a perfect looking fit, you might want something longer, plus the front wheel sprays a little bit with it.
Tech? Do you mean navigation? I have a few videos on the different mods I have done so far. In terms of navigaiton I use an iphone and a Garmin bike computer.
Hi Mark, Most of the region is privately owned cattle’s stations, and the northwest section is an aboriginal shire. Greetings from down under, and thanks for tuning in all the way from Texas!
Hey man! Been loving your videos, I’ve been in AUS for about 3 months and I’ve saved up to buy a klr to ride across the country! I’ve never done any big adventure ride, but I’ve ridden many adv bikes, I grew up racing enduro and MX, and I’m gonna do it all solo. So my biggest question is how do you pick a route!? I obviously want some danger/challenge and keeping it off pavement, but I also don’t want to have to go underwater, thousands of km without gas stops, or roads/trails that have no features and are just baron straight roads.
Hi Teddy, Welcome to AUS! That sounds like an epic plan mate. In terms of picking a route, I just made a shortlist of the areas I wanted to see, and just mapped out the quickest ways between each. I think for your trip it sounds like you might want to plan it a bit carefully than that, to avoid those long roads/trails with no features. But be warned, Australia is large, and you are going to find out pretty quickly that there are a lot of VERY LONG stretches of nothing almost everywhere. Good luck with the trip, are you going to film it and publish it here? If so Id love to tune in.
Some apps that will help you: Hema maps(small fee but worth it) I also use google maps, Garmin maps & Gaia Maps, but you dont need them all, Hema and google will get you there.
@@NotShookADV wasn’t planning on filming much- I don’t have a gopro here and also don’t like worrying about filming and editing everything. But to be honest your videos make me reconsider and want to film it, even just to make a short little edit.
@@NotShookADV also thank you for the advice on Hema! I have driven across/around the US a couple times and know what it’s like to spend 24hrs looking at nothing going in a straight line, and sleep in the car only to wake up and have to do it again. On a Bike will be a more uncomfortable trip but also should help keep the monotony down.
Hi mate. This is the medium size. I absolutely love it. I also stuck some anti vibe tape on the bottom to reduce vibration from the metal plate and I keep all my camera gear in it, including expensive SLR lenses that are sensitive to vibration. It has been bulletproof. I also flood tested it in the bath when I bought it, and its leakproof. Never had any moisture come into it during rides during river crossings or rain. Excellent value for money. Nice that you can chuck a padlock on it too and keep people from snatching gear when you are asleep or in the shops.
If you have to camp, you have to camp. Seems like police prefer you died on the road than rest and travel safely. Enjoying the videos and your journey.
It is a beautiful country, but yeah the government is a bit of a mess in a lot of ways, and definitely not the land of the free like over there… Greetings from down under!
If you are referring to the bog, I was already on a detour, of the detour, and finding my own way, and the entire area is wet and boggy from flooding. Where I was bogged seemed without a doubt the only option to get through.
I was with you to Parachilna mate but got frustrated with your desire to ride vast distances, much after sunset, to fit into a predetermined schedule. I don't see the point. You have already missed seeing some great places after Bordertown. However, I'll tune back in to see the remaining journey, hoping you don't rush and that you pause to 'smell the roses'. Just saying.
If the Y vote gets up there'll be a lot more "private property" that we won't be allowed to enter so go now now or vote NO. Sorry but I'm passionate about travelling this great country that belongs to all of us and don't want to be locked out of it. Delete my comment if you feel so mate but it had to be said.
@@NotShookADV I've never commented on a bike channel about it before mate but am concerned on where us and our kids will be able to travel in the future. As I said, feel free to delete it if you don't want it in the comments section, it's your channel and I'm cool with that.
My dude, you are a legend. Tough as nails. What an adventure, you overcame hardship and rolled with the punches, epic. The voice overs and format were on point. Great video of a great ride. Keep it up bro.
Thanks Justin! I appreciate the kind words, and such supportive and helpful feedback along the way, it really helps keep me going, and figure out what is working with the videos. cheers legend.
You Aussies are tough guys. In the USA, we have tarmac available to almost anywhere, I go on the dirt with my KLR for fun, not because I have to. Cheers, brother! You are a determined guy, I salute you.
Cheers Adrian! I appreciate the kind words.
Thanks for tuning in.
I am so impressed that you rode a fully laden bike up Sunset hill with ease. I have recently returned from heling host and leading rides in the Flinders and I will say that many won't do it on an unladen bike. And Dave at Ango Village is a blast, a good mate of ours.
I wouldn’t say I did it with ease haha!
I did watch your recent ride up there, looked like a lot of fun.
Yeah Dave is a deadset legend, he looked after us so well when we were there in the chopper.
I missed him this time, but funnily enough when I got to the top of the hillclimb and was taking in the view I saw him drive past in the white Rangey, and gave him a wave, he would have had no idea who I was haha.
And yeah what an absolutely great spot the village is.
Cheers mate.
That was bloody amazing! I was waiting for the bike to drop but you kept upright and chugged straight up, seemingly with ease! 😮 This really demonstrates how he film footage flattens out the terrain. That hill is fucking steep and you need to pick your line, it’s actually hard to walk up.
@FourElevenAdventure cheers mate ✊
WOW!!! What an Iron Man you are, and what an adventure you have taken us all on. Thank you!
Haha cheers mate! Thanks for following along for the whole trip!
My wife and I rode our 2010 KLR up north to our Arctic Circle and beyond. What a ride. Took extra fuel, water, food and camping gear just like you. We got some rain in the Ogilvie Mtns. on the way. We couldn't turn around to get fuel so we pushed on. The road was like Mushroom soup. We took the same KLR to the UK then Europe. Still have this bike. It's like an old friend. Enjoyed your video. You have the new KLR enjoy. We rode our KLR in a small desert in the Yukon near Carcross. It's a long way north. Have a great ride you look like you had an amazing adventure.
Wow that sounds like an amazing trip! I hope I can keep my klr till it’s like an old friend like yours!
Thanks for watching.
As a 12 year old used to ride solo miles into the bush, Z 50 J , YZ80E and F , IT 175 came later, never had a serious crash , didn’t even occur what would happen in the years before mobile phones , probably rode 40000 km s over six years .
Now as a returning rider , I am indeed very wary of going on remote rough tracks on my own.
You show great courage riding that isolated terrain on such a heavy beast .
But as Itchy boots and her recent crash has shown , if there hadn’t been a car to come to her rescue , she would have been stuffed in the middle of Africa with a broken collarbone and injured foot.
Good luck and travel safe .
Just a question mate, did you guys ride two up on the KLR or separate? How does the KLR ride with two people and equipment on it? Thank you 👍
Jeez that looked like a hard hit on that rut crash. You're a fit mofo I'll give ya that I was sweaty just watching 😅 Awesome mate, impressive trip.
Yeah I really smacked it on that one, I think I was extremely lucky to walk away.
Haha , yeah not much chill on this trip unfortunately. Next time might take my time. Cheers for watching mate!
Inspirational adventure recap. Your a man of many talents, awesome edit feels like a motology film its so well done.
Cheers mate! That's very kind of you to say. Im glad you enjoyed it, and I hope the recaps weren't too repetitive for you even though you have seen the previous episodes.
Think I'm going to pick up a KLR 650 especially after seeing you and that bike go through such difficult terrain and come through! Inspirational mate good stuff. Also did a great job of editing the video together, being entertaining and informative. Keep up the great work got yourself a sub too!
Cheers mate! I appreciate the kind words.
Yeah she held up well the KLR, even when I treated her badly.
I reckon you will end up loving the KLR if you end up grabbing one, they are great.
Thanks for tuning in.
Hey mate, love the vids. I’ve got an old gen 2, how do you find yours on the highway with and without gear/luggage?
@mcnabbruce1286 hi mate, it goes really well on the highway, both with and without gear. I did previously get a bit of front end wobble at very high speeds(110kph+) but since putting a fork brace and new springs in the front, and new rear shock, it rides excellent.
After getting some windscreen risers too, the wind protection is excellent, overall it’s very comfortable, and plenty of power for overtaking.
Thanks for watching, I’m glad you are enjoying the videos.
Thank you for sharing your great experience. By the way you made the right decision to return home!!!👏👏👏👍😀
No problem Jon, thank you for tuning in!
I think you are right, it’s sometimes hard in those moments to make the call, but I’m glad I did. And now I can start getting excited for the next trip up there!
Badass
Thanks Mate!
We have a lot of that deep sand in Florida. Dropping and lifting bikes out of that sand is exhausting beyond description. Good luck 🍀
Yep it really is brutal lifting in the deep sand. Cheers for tuning in from Florida!
Such a wonderful adventure. So much was seen and accomplished! Now I want a KLR ha ha. Keep the videos coming, cheers from North America.
Thanks a lot for the kind words. It really was a great adventure. Thanks for tuning in from across the world, and Gday from down under.
Just incredible mate, what an adventure!
It was the same thing on my trip, was chasing the sun every bloody night haha!
Cheers mate! Yeah it would be nice to not be in such a rush and enjoy places a bit more, but thats the way it is sometimes I guess. Im not sure about you, but it also means as soon as I set up camp Im passing out asleep too haha.
Gutsy trip mate! Thanks for filming it and I really liked your running commentary.
Glad you made it without serious injury, which really would have stuffed you!
Cheers mate! Im glad you enjoyed it. Yeah I was really lucky to get through it without copping any serious injuries, I certainly came very close at times.
Cracking ride mate, excellent watch. Thank you.
Thanks a lot mate! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Well done brother. That trip took some serious balls!
Thanks legend!
So sorry bout the little fella you hit mate, sucks hey, you fairdinkum do it hard at times Brother, good to see you remain positive Andy, the mighty KLR saw you home safe.. I cant wait to see your next adventure mate 😊👍😊
Cheers Juddy, yeah I sometimes put myself up against it a bit too much. The KLR has always taken me home safe.
That was an insane schedule! Attempting a north run next year but taking two months!
Yeah it was not ideal at all. Without a doubt the way you are planning is the way to do it!
But sadly I didn’t have that much available time.
The fact that you did this on the klr is proof the right tool in the right hands and you can do amazing things.
Thanks a lot, The KLR did me well!
what other bike could he do it better on😂
that was epic! just incredible.
Cheers legend!
Another killer video, I had watched the other simpson crossing video but this is a great synopsis on your trip. Watching these has definitely put my mind at ease as far as damaging my 22 KLR - it will never see half of the torture that you are putting yours though! Keep it up and stay safe out there.
Thanks a lot! I love hearing that you still enjoyed this one after having seen the Simpson one, good to hear it wasn't too repetitive. Yeah these KLRs are pretty damn bulletproof, and they can go almost anywhere. Cheers legend!
You pushed hard though pain and fear and yet knew when it’s time to turn around. Brilliant work!
Cheers mate!
Im glad I did call it, it was the right decision.
Now I have a good reason to have another crack.
Thanks a lot for watching.
Awesome content KLR brother, looking forward to more content.
Cheers legend! Thanks for tuning in!
Your a machine. Great video.Ken
Cheers ken! Thanks for watching.
You're an absolute beast. The mental strength to take this on solo this is insane.
Thanks legend! A mix of strength and stupidity maybe...
An adventure you will never forget. Well done.
Yeah for sure! Thanks mate.
You get massive respect from me just for being able to pick that loaded tank up multiple times.
Yeah the pickups were pretty hard, especially in the sand.
Nicely done mate. Looking forward to doing similar Trip soon on my new KLR 650 ADVENTURE.
Cheers mate! Good luck on your trips. The Adventure model is a great looking machine.
Epic ride mate! Well done. I felt that stack in the dried out rut at 18:50
Great job on the video too, really enjoyed it.
Cheers mate!
Oh yeah I really slammed hard on that one, I reckon that stacks is the worst I’ve ever had on a motorcycle. I really have been pretty lucky!
I’m glad you enjoyed the video, I really didn’t know how the format would go, so thanks for the kind feedback.
Absolutely epic.....you're better man than I mate. Well done
Hahah thanks mate!!
What an awesome adventure cannot wait to get back onto my bike you are such an inspiration
It was a ripper.
Thanks a lot, I appreciate the kind words.
Here’s to hoping not too much longer till you are back out there!
When you said "Oh, ahh... fuck it..." and crossed that water, I thought "this bloke's just like me". Aw fuck it has got me into trouble many times as well (it's OK, she divorced me!), but sometimes, when you're on your own and in a bind you just have to go for it with a full-of-bravado "Ah fuck it...". Nice one mate! 👍👍👍
(Noticed 5 people have disliked this video. Ah, fuck 'em 🤣😂🤣😂🤣)
Yep that moment could have easily gone either way for me out there in the middle of nowhere! Im glad it was relatable haha, I guess I sort of had a somewhat foolish sense of ooh ah... fuck it, the whole way through to some degree and it was what got me through. A few dislikes is probably not too bad, Im definitely not everyone's cup of tea thats for sure. Cheers for the great comment mate!
Man this makes me miss my homeland so bad, especially since I got into bikes.
It is such a great country to explore on the bike! Thanks for watching mate.
Welcome home. Those were some serious longhaul stints on the return journey 👍. I watched your Simpson crossing video, that was awesome. Wishing you many more enjoyable adventures. Cheers
Thanks Ian, it’s good to be home!
Yep they were some absolutely huge days on the road home, really hard yakka.
Thanks for checking out my adventures! Cheers legend.
All good, I am watching the same one I watched a couple of weeks ago, I'm just seeing bits and pieces I didn't notice the first time..
Massive trip. Massive effort mate 💪😎 Cheers for the up-load 👍
Cheers! Thanks for watching legend!
Fantastic - well done mate brilliant trip conquering all that solo
Thanks a lot mate, cheers for watching along the whole trip!
Another great video. Epic. Good to see you travel with an aeropress- first thing to get packed 😁.
Cheers mate! Yeah I always try and carry the aero press, I can go without a lot on trips, but its really nice to have a decent coffee!
Nice trip mate, sorry to see you didn't make it but adventures like this toughens the soul.
Cheers mate! It was a disappointing way to end, and has left me hungry to get back up there and do it again. And like you say, I have definitely toughened from the experience and will be much more confident next time.
Mate! epic trip, and solo ! Impressive!
Love the red jerry 😅 I can recommend the giant loop fuel bladders, havnt let me down. Various litre sizes 👌
Cheers mate!
Yeah the old big red wasn’t ideal, but got the job done.
Thanks for the tip I will have a look at the giant loop bladders.
Love your work mate - awesome.
Cheers mate, glad you enjoyed it!
@@NotShookADV - when’s the next video coming out mate? Always looking forward to the next release. :)
Hi Neville, Weather permitting I hope to be in the VIC high country later this week, so a new video shouldn't be too far away. I'm pumped to get back out there & film again! I have been doing a few unfilmed adventures the last couple of months. Thanks a lot for staying tuned for the next one! @nevillegriffiths8681
Good footage Andy. Well put together with content and sound.
Thanks Hein! Im glad you enjoyed it. Not quite the way I had wanted to end the trip but it was a great adventure. Thanks for the good chat along the way mate, it put me in good spirits.
You sure do carry a lot of gear, guess it makes for a bigger challenge hey! Doing the simpson with all that is impressive . Cheers 4 sharing sir.
Yeah pretty stupid amount of gear, but I learnt my lessons!
Thanks for tuning in !
@@NotShookADV Hard to know what ya don't know.. every day's a school day.
Amazing ride! :)
Cheers David! Thanks for watching.
@NotShookADV - I used to ride all the time, but haven't for twenty years now. There are amazing deals here on used, '22+ injected klr adventures, and I think that's my next bike.
@@Davran2742 yeah they are a great bike, I bet you would love one!
I had been off the bike for around 15years prior to purchasing this KLR, and fell back in love with riding.
Your a madman Andy, you were chomping at the bit to hit that hill.. 😅😂😅
Haha cheers Juddy,
I had to quickly get my hillclimb fix before I went into the desert!
What an epic trip, good video and commentary. Thank you for sharing your trip. Oh yeah, Howdy from Texas.
Hi Lester, thanks for the kind words, Im glad you enjoyed it! It was a really fun ride. Thanks for checking out the channel, and greetings from down under!
Thanks looks like you had your work cut out on this trip awesome stuff
Yeah it was a tough one! But a great adventure. Thanks for watching.
Epic adventure man, very much enjoyed your video. Will have to watch them all now. My wife Wendy suggested you could name your bike McKayla. (My KLR). We had a good laugh at the idea. Keep up the good work mate.
Thanks mate!
I’m glad you enjoyed the video.
Hahaha cheers Wendy, that’s a great name! I will try it on the next ride see how it goes.
Thanks for checking out the channel.
Great video looks like fun.
Thanks a lot, yeah it was a lot of fun!
Really enjoyed your video and Simpson trip. Great stuff. Well done on achieving the Simpson solo. You’re a brave man but you’ve shown it’s possible! Look forward to more of your trips. Regards Craig
Thanks a lot Craig! It was a great ride, I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I appreciate the kind words, comments like this are really motivating for me to keep making videos.
I’m looking forward to sharing some more rides soon, the KLR is refreshed and repaired and ready to go!
So good mate loved your adventure… and seeing what the Klr can do and of course the human spirit really enjoyed it legend 👍👍👍ps just brought a gen 3 gotta say being an older bloke think I’ve got an un killable hq Holden for a bike just like yours 😂
Cheers Arthur! I’m glad you enjoyed it. It was a really great adventure.
Congrats on the new KLR purchase! Haha yeah the KLR has a bit of HQ about it for sure, both bulletproof heavy beasts.
Cheers for the comment mate, I appreciate the support.
Watch your video and really enjoy it i owned a klr650 2022 adventure and could not see me doing what you are doing wow i was feeling for you doing the simson with all that weight well done two you
Cheers
Cheers Jim! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Yep they are a heavy beast of a bike the KLR, did you sell yours?
Man, that’s a deadset legendary ride mate, such a slog. Loved this video. In a way I’m kinda glad you didn’t get to the Cape, because now you have an excuse to go back and tackle it again, dedicating a decent amount of time to it and maybe doing the old Tele Track!
Was there no warning that, what I assume should be a causeway over the Mitchell, was no longer there?
Thanks so much mate.
I’m glad you enjoyed the video.
Yep it’s great to have an excuse to go up again. I’m really glad I didn’t go up and rush it, like you say now I can do it properly next time!
Yep absolutely no warning on the causeway, I saw a video on RUclips not sure how long before, but a guy driving it in his 4x4 looked in good knick and I tried to do research on the route and was getting absolutely nothing.
When I was leaving Normanton I asked the guys doing roadwork on the Burke development road if I could get through and they said yes.
Anyway, I was pretty unorganised and unprepared so stuff like this is bound to happen.
Epic bro, fkn awesome effort.
Love you went back to check on the roo and did what was the humane thing to do ✌
Yeah the poor little roo… thanks for the comment mate, it actually makes me feel a lot better about it, in the moment I was feeling really guilty for riding at that time up there, should have been more organised etc. really beating myself up about it, but I tried my absolute best.
Thanks for the kind words man! I’m really glad you enjoyed the video.
You are the legend ❤
Cheers mate!
Awesome effort mate👍👍
Thanks legend!
Epic trip mate. Hats off to you👍👍 Camped at the same location at Parachilna gorge. Awesome spot👌.
Cheers mate, It was a great ride.
Yep the gorge is an absolute cracker of a spot isn’t it! Thanks for watching.
Good job mate !
Thanks legend!
Great video!
Cheers Joe, I’m glad you enjoyed it!
Gretings!enjoyed~total superb trip,catch you later~📢
Thanks a lot mate! I’m glad you enjoyed it.
I use a 25l fuel can with a teapot handle so it is short and squat and elastic net it to the passenger seat
This sounds like a good setup Bob! Cheers for the tip
Woweee, you knew you were going down before it even happened... good moovie mate, it's like the out takes is it?
Just a full video covering the whole trip. for the most part just some unseen footage and extra commentary. but also has the rest of the trip up to cape York at the end.
Yeah I definitely knew I was going to struggle crossing those ruts!
@NotShookADV ahah! I thought it was new, I haven't finished watching it yet, I love how you were like... there's a hill, let's take it on.. 😂😁😂
Awesome trip mate. You’ve got no fear that’s for sure 💪🏼🍻
Gutsy effort young man! What did you use to get your back wheel off the ground at the beginning? One of the few things I've really disliked about my KLR is the lack of centre stand. Keep up the top work.
Cheers mate!
I use a homemade trail stand, if you search “MVDBR enduro how to use a trail stand” into RUclips you will see the exact one I have.
Great channel too, worth a sub.
Amazing adventure and a great video don’t know where you found time for all the shots given all the miles each day. 14 days that is incredible. We are very similar 😆 I am also very stubborn and overly optimistic and love to go solo and unsupported. Have loved the series and having seen your amazing skills on the Billy goat I though you would just waltz through the desert. I have no trouble in the desert at all but the Billy goat nearly killed me. It is funny how one gets used to different conditions. I have done bullet runs like you did here doing Adelaide Simpson Adelaide in 6 days but I have my doubts I could do what you did in 14 days, amazing. Very entertaining series mate brought back many good memories of adventure stuff ups and personal growth 😆. Good on you legend will probably see you on the tracks someday.
Thanks a lot, Im glad you enjoyed the video.
Overly optimistic is a good way to be!
Yeah I definitely didnt waltz through the desert, but I was really happy with how I went personally, especially for my first ride in sand ever.
I wouldn't say I "had trouble" at all. Pretty standard to drop the bike a couple few times I reckon.
I think you put anyone on a 300kg bike SOLO , top heavy loaded bike in deep sand, mud and floods with dwindling water and see how they go(But maybe Im just being overly optimistic haha.)
Yeah I enjoy the billygoats terrain more I guess, thats what I grew up riding. What bike did you take up the bluff? Ive had my struggles up that climb too, its tough on heavy bikes for sure.
Yep it was a lot of learning as I go on this trip, my first trip to the outback on a bike, Im glad it was relatable!
Cheers Mate!
@@NotShookADV No don’t get me wrong you did great in the sand and picked up the tricks to it very quickly. I just thought you would go through it like a fink racer 😆.
I took a DR 650 up Billy goat with out too much trouble some years ago but I think they just maintained it or something. Last year I tumbled and walked more than I rode down it despite being on a Honda 300. I am hopeless down steep hill lol, not too bad going up.
@tonyrdr7207 haha thanks mate! Yeah I think I only started to figure the sand out towards the end. I think a lighter bike is the key for actually enjoying the sand.
The DR is probably an excellent bike for the outback and desert.
Oh ok, yeah the billygoat track can be radically different depending on how much maintenance and traffic it’s had.
I know what you mean the downhills can be tough especially with the loose stuff!
@@NotShookADV A light bike does make life easier for sure but given your skill don’t discount the KLR. Once you get more used to it in the sand and distribute your load a bit better it will do it pretty easy and you have the skills to pull it off. For years I used a bm 1150adv on all sorts of inappropriate trails including the Simpson and the Telegraph track and more. Even the DR once fully advertised with its 35 litre tank was approaching 200kg before luggage. So like I said given how Handy you are with it you will do it all in style and be the hero on the heavy bike 😆. I had great fun and went every where over the years with the heavy bikes.
The Honda 300 rally I am using now though is a game changer. Just finished The Madigan using the Hay river track and the QAA and the damn thing did the 850 ks needed fully loaded using only 33.5 litres of fuel!! Also given that it is only 166 kg fully adventurised before luggage, it makes life so easy.
By the way the fox bladders look the part but they are not much better then a wine bladder as I also found out the hard way. The best solution I found over the years are the jerry flex bladders from liquid containment in qld. Expensive but very tough and easy to use.
Good luck with your outback touring. It is very addictive see you on the trails. The outback is a small place lol.
Yeah it is a lot of fun and a great challenge attempting the hard stuff on the bigger bikes. Wow that is excellent mileage on the CRF! I think the sweetspot is being able to own a couple of bikes, having the lightweight and the heavy, like the Dr & Rally. I think I will eventually add another to the garage.
Yep 100% the desert fox bladders are just a goon bag dressed up to look like a fuel bladder, 100% I will be buying one of the liquid containment ones, I actually was reccomended them by someone else aswell, and they look solid. Cheers mate, thanks for the support and the great comments, and hopefully catch you out there!
This is freakin awesome mate🙌subbed
Cheers legend!!
Two questions, when half the road is rutted why not choose the half that is not? When you encounter a muddy water patch that covers the whole road why not just go around it?
Yes and yes!
Stupid and tired I guess is the only reason to not do both.
What an accomplishment, videos like this are cool to watch but would be even better for you to look back on
I haven't been on a bike since i was a kid but am honestly thinking of swapping my 4wd for a klr and getting a bike license. The klr is lams approved but that doesn't necessarily mean it's a good beginner adv. What are your thoughts on my use case now that you've had the klr for a while? It'll be my daily and I'll be camping out of it on weekends with the odd long trip thrown in
Are you still happy with it, what other bikes did you consider and (if any) what other bikes do you recommend?
My main concern with the bike is the weight and if I'll be able to pick it up on my own offroad
Sorry for the long comment aha
Thanks a lot! I do look forward to looking back at these videos in the future and reliving them.
I think the KLR is an excellent first adventure bike.
It was my first bike since I was very young, and while it did take a few rides to figure out how to handle it and pick it up, I thi k it’s an excellent beginners adv bike.
When I first bought it I struggled with it for a little while.
But it is very forgiving, comfortable, and capable.
I’m certainly still very happy with it. I love it.
I would say if you have an average level of strength, and are not too short, you will love it. And you will figure out the lifting technique with practice.
You should take one out for a test ride and see how the size suits u.
@@NotShookADV Oh I didn't know that, I just assumed you'd been riding for years but just switched over to an adv bike and were trying to get used to a bigger bike. That's definitely encouraging to hear as I'm in the exact same situation. Usually a RUclips search of klr650 comes up with a bunch of videos about why owners are selling theirs and most of the time it's because of the weight which was why I was apprehensive. I'm glad to hear it hasn't been an issue for you
This series actually did a really good job of showing your skill grow day by day on the dunes, although an empty jerry can towards the end of your trip would've been a big help aha
I have a few models I want to test ride but I think I need to get my motorbike license first. I'm 180cm and 75kg so hopefully it's a good match
Thanks for taking the time to ease my mind
What an inspirational journey, I admire your perseverance and respect the durability of the mighty KLR. Can you share the exact front mudguard you have used on your bike? I just bought a 23 KLR and would like to shorten the front guard.
Thanks heaps and keep on sharing those epic adventures!
Gday Isaac,
Thanks a lot for the kind words, I’m really glad you enjoyed the video.
Yep the KLR really stood up, even when I treated her so badly, a great machine!
I’m pretty sure that the guard is an Acerbis universal super Moto, I ordered it from MXstore. It’s really short and not a perfect looking fit, you might want something longer, plus the front wheel sprays a little bit with it.
@@NotShookADV Thanks for the speedy response man! I’ll have a look into it. Cheers
What kind of after market tech accessories you got set up on the bike ?
Tech? Do you mean navigation? I have a few videos on the different mods I have done so far. In terms of navigaiton I use an iphone and a Garmin bike computer.
Why aren't you allowed to camp in that area. Great video from Texas
Hi Mark,
Most of the region is privately owned cattle’s stations, and the northwest section is an aboriginal shire.
Greetings from down under, and thanks for tuning in all the way from Texas!
@@NotShookADV Thanks for the answer. I ride a HarleyDavidson Pan America.
Oh yeah very nice, I bet thats a great bike for the long Miles on rides, would be a comfy beast. @@markstanley980
Hey man! Been loving your videos, I’ve been in AUS for about 3 months and I’ve saved up to buy a klr to ride across the country! I’ve never done any big adventure ride, but I’ve ridden many adv bikes, I grew up racing enduro and MX, and I’m gonna do it all solo. So my biggest question is how do you pick a route!? I obviously want some danger/challenge and keeping it off pavement, but I also don’t want to have to go underwater, thousands of km without gas stops, or roads/trails that have no features and are just baron straight roads.
Hi Teddy, Welcome to AUS! That sounds like an epic plan mate. In terms of picking a route, I just made a shortlist of the areas I wanted to see, and just mapped out the quickest ways between each. I think for your trip it sounds like you might want to plan it a bit carefully than that, to avoid those long roads/trails with no features. But be warned, Australia is large, and you are going to find out pretty quickly that there are a lot of VERY LONG stretches of nothing almost everywhere. Good luck with the trip, are you going to film it and publish it here? If so Id love to tune in.
Some apps that will help you: Hema maps(small fee but worth it) I also use google maps, Garmin maps & Gaia Maps, but you dont need them all, Hema and google will get you there.
Download offline all of your maps for the whole trip before you leave, so you dont get stuck without maps and without reception.
@@NotShookADV wasn’t planning on filming much- I don’t have a gopro here and also don’t like worrying about filming and editing everything. But to be honest your videos make me reconsider and want to film it, even just to make a short little edit.
@@NotShookADV also thank you for the advice on Hema! I have driven across/around the US a couple times and know what it’s like to spend 24hrs looking at nothing going in a straight line, and sleep in the car only to wake up and have to do it again. On a Bike will be a more uncomfortable trip but also should help keep the monotony down.
Hey Buddy, what size is that Vault pelican case and do you rate it ?
Hi mate. This is the medium size. I absolutely love it. I also stuck some anti vibe tape on the bottom to reduce vibration from the metal plate and I keep all my camera gear in it, including expensive SLR lenses that are sensitive to vibration. It has been bulletproof. I also flood tested it in the bath when I bought it, and its leakproof. Never had any moisture come into it during rides during river crossings or rain. Excellent value for money. Nice that you can chuck a padlock on it too and keep people from snatching gear when you are asleep or in the shops.
@NotShookADV awesome mate thanks for the reply, I was looking at one the other day, you may have just sold me !
@tequilagrub no problem!
Hey mate, what month did you do this trip?
Mid July
I got scaredfor the Pig !
She is all intact! And got me home in one piece.
Cheers for watching !
If you have to camp, you have to camp. Seems like police prefer you died on the road than rest and travel safely. Enjoying the videos and your journey.
Yeah that was my mindset, not worth risking my life in that situation. Cheers mate, I’m glad you are enjoying the videos!
Australia looks like a great country. Too bad your government and I are incompatible.
It is a beautiful country, but yeah the government is a bit of a mess in a lot of ways, and definitely not the land of the free like over there…
Greetings from down under!
Could you not just make a new track on the side of the road?
Yeah definitely possible, which part in particular do you mean?
If you are referring to the bog, I was already on a detour, of the detour, and finding my own way, and the entire area is wet and boggy from flooding. Where I was bogged seemed without a doubt the only option to get through.
I was with you to Parachilna mate but got frustrated with your desire to ride vast distances, much after sunset, to fit into a predetermined schedule. I don't see the point. You have already missed seeing some great places after Bordertown.
However, I'll tune back in to see the remaining journey, hoping you don't rush and that you pause to 'smell the roses'.
Just saying.
Maybe don’t tune into the rest of the video. I think the channel maybe isn’t for you.
If the Y vote gets up there'll be a lot more "private property" that we won't be allowed to enter so go now now or vote NO.
Sorry but I'm passionate about travelling this great country that belongs to all of us and don't want to be locked out of it. Delete my comment if you feel so mate but it had to be said.
Probably a bit too spicy for the channel, and also not my area of expertise to comment. But you are entitled to your opinion on it.
@@NotShookADV I've never commented on a bike channel about it before mate but am concerned on where us and our kids will be able to travel in the future. As I said, feel free to delete it if you don't want it in the comments section, it's your channel and I'm cool with that.