I took my GS 650 on a motocross track...

[maxduff]

Here in Australia, we have an amazing event called 'Dust Hustle'. The event is usually held on a flat track, but this year they somehow got permission to let us ride on a motocross track.

To be totally honest, it was probably the best time I've ever had on a motorcycle.

 

[1978GS750E]

That is COOL!

 

[Guest]

Ok, I can honestly say I've almost seen It all. But when I do something like this comes along.
That really is cool.

 

[BigD_83]

That looks like a hoot! A GS has a whole lot of weight to muscle around a dirt course.

 

[maxduff]

It was surprisingly nimble! Especially with the wide bars.

 

[bonanzadave]

Whos your photographer ? Those are some fabulous photos. Had you ever ridden a dirt bike ? Looks like you're holdin yer own !!

 

[maxduff]

There were a few different photographers (Emma McFerran, Karl Neale and Joe Sheppard). I wasn't expecting many photos so I was really happy to get so many good shots!

I grew up riding farm bikes for fun, but never really got into motocross as we couldn't afford it.

 

[dorkburger]

Ridiculously cool!

 

[steve murdoch]

to borrow a phrase....that is Badass!

 

[kerrfunk]

I love your outfit

 

[maxduff]

Haha thanks! I thought it was a good time to bust out the suit and bow tie.

As if the whole idea of riding a 80's sport bike on a motocross track wasn't silly enough...

 

[storm 64]

CRAZY! What a NUT! I love it... Maybe we can get a picture thread going "Your GS Off Road". I, for one has taken my GS motorcycle off road. (Not on a Motocross Track) but into a farmers field, for a smoke break, or relaxing with your honey. ☺

 

[Guest]

Way cool, wonder if anyone has video?

 

[kerrfunk]

couple years ago.

 

[Guest]

A minute & a half below....

 

[Guest]

Don't know if it was the same event, however there is a Harley getting decent air (on purpose) starting at about the 1:30 mark

 

[maxduff]

That first (flat track video) was from last year... but the second video (with Dean jumping his Harley) was from the weekend! You can even see my bike around the 54 second mark.

Ellaspede will be releasing an official video soon. In the meantime... just search #dusthustle on Instagram and you'll see a bunch of photos.

 

[Sandy]

True bikers having fun. What's not to love about that?

 

[Burque73]

That is such a cool event. Thanks for posting!

I have to admit I've taken the 850 down some dirt roads but it felt WAY out of place. It has hard bags and a big fairing not to mention Dunlop D404's which are terrible in dirt. It felt kinda like swimming with your clothes on. It's still possible but it sure feels different, and requires a little more effort to get where you're going. I'll strip down a bit if I intend to do that again (not likely), much like your 650, Maxduff!

Edit; As a kid, I had a teacher who was a swimming instructor. Her own daughter almost drowned when she fell into the pool wearing her clothes. When asked what happened, as she was a very good swimmer, she said "I can't swim with clothes on". This resulted in her mom making that part of the lesson, having students jump in and swim fully clothed to see how it feels. This is a parallel to what happened to me in the dirt. I wasn't expecting how it felt, and needed a lifeguard to pull me out, ok pick up the bike but same difference, I was not prepared. Maybe some rider courses could offer training for unplanned dirt encounters on heavy bikes, other that total avoidance.
Just a thought.

 

[Gorminrider]

I'm taking these out to show them to MY 650 and see if there's a discernible tail-wag or cringe! I don't suppose a shaft-drive would be as good as your chain (and I'll never do this anyways) but that is Very cool, maxduff!