Outdoor Products Ripcord Hydration Pack

Carrying water and tools while riding is not only important but necessary on a dual sport, hare scramble, or enduro. Over the past few years I have tried a few hydration packs that I like but they never seemed to hold quite enough or couldn't withstand the abuse I put them through.

This past weekend I tried the Outdoor Products Ripcord Hydration Pack for the first time. It not only carried all the tools and gear I wanted to bring, but also was more comfortable than other packs I have. It has a total of 4 zippered pockets of various sizes, most have dividers or straps in them to keep everything organized and in place.  The largest pocket is big enough to carry 3 tire spoons, large zip ties, a KTM tool kit, and a spare tube. The smaller lower front pocket fit an air compressor, spare bolts, valve stem puller, multi-tool, air gauge and small roll of tape. The top pocket is perfect for carrying items that you need quick and easy like a cell phone, extra money, driver license, insurance card, and registration. So far the only thing in the fourth pocket is a folded up poncho, but it will make a perfect place for GoPro batteries and memory cards. "See picture below" Another aspect that makes this hydration pack stand above the rest is the insulated water suction hose that comes on it on most packs this is a $20 option you can buy. This will keep me from having to blow the water back into the bladder to keep it cold or just get past the first few sips of hot water. When it comes to fitting, the straps are durable and extend far enough to fit over your chest protector, and gear. It also has a sternum strap and lower back strap to keep the pack from bouncing around while riding. 

So far the Outdoor Products Ripcord Hydration Pack has proved itself to be useful in carrying both tools and water along with some extra gear. It also has a few aspects that sets it apart from the competition like the insulated water hose, and the large amount of storage. At this point I have one ride using this pack so check back to see how it holds up by the end of this season. 

Check out www.outdoorproducts.com to get a pack of your own. 

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DFX Sports Power Ball Pro Plus

Fighting arm pump is a common issue among dirt bike riders. With very little research on the subject, a cure as easy as taking a pill or corrective surgery is not available. Many people claim the magic cure is taking supplements, pillow top grips, breathing deeper while riding, relaxing grip, or drinking plenty of fluids. I agree that these tactics can help, but they are not fixing the root cause.  The root cause of arm pump is lack of strength in the muscles that cause arm pump. The reason I believe strength is my true issue is because I've noticed arm pump seems to flair up more at the beginning of a season then fades towards the end as I get more seat time and get in better shape. 

This season I'm taking a new approach by exercising my forearms, hands, and wrists during the winter off season using a DFX Sports Power Ball Pro Plus W/ Power Starter. This is a ball about the size of a tennis ball that houses a gyro spinning at 15,000 rpm with 35 lbs of torque. Using the power starter or the starting string to get the gyro in motion, you rotate your wrist to keep it spinning or to increase speed. The faster you make the gyro spin the more it makes the Power Ball feel like it is trying to escape from your grasp. Fighting the balls gyro gives you an extreme workout in about 60 seconds in your forearm, wrist, and hand. After a few weeks of using the ball three times each day I can rotate the Power Ball longer, but the work out is still intense. This leads me to believe I'm gaining strength which, in theory, should improve arm pump issues.

At first glance I was skeptical on how the Power Ball would perform, and if it would be more effective than the old fashion spring type forearm exerciser, but after about 1 minute of using the ball you can feel the amount of workout your getting.  As for curing arm pump the first ride of the season was arm pump free. Which means I will continue using the Power Ball to keep the whole season the same.  Check out www.mydfx.com to get a jump start on helping your arm pump issue.  Read more

Best Dual Sport Rides

Dual Sport riding over the past few years has grown in popularity, and riders are seeing it as another way to get some seat time in with their buddies. Due to other obligations like work and family's getting to ride every event is not possible for most riders. Due to this the question I see brought up, and argued over is which Dual Sport is the best. To help fellow riders find which event they want to try out, and use their vacation or time away from the family I created a poll to find the best Dual Sport in each state. This polling will take place at forum, so riders can explain why they feel the ride they voted for is the best, and give details about the ride. To vote for the rides you feel are the best in a state go to the Forum under best Dual Sports, or you can follow this LINK. At the end of the year the club that holds the event with with the most votes will be awarded the best dual sport in their state award for them to post on their flyer or web site to promote their event. 

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Laminating Dirt Bike License Plate

If your dirt bike riding consist of dual sports or enduro rides then having a license plate is required. If your license branch is anything like mine then breaking your plate or needing to replace it is a pain in the you know what.

The way I keep from replacing my plate is by having it color copied then laminated. The easiest way I have found to do this is by going to your local copying store, and have them make a color copy of your plate. They can fit two plates on one sheet of paper this will allow you to get two for the price of one. Then have them laminate it with something around 10 mil. thick. After this is complete cut out your plates and bolt one to your bike.

I always carry the real plate in my camel bak, so if I was to get pulled over, and the officer said anything about it I can bolt on the real plate.

Have a tip of your own you would like added to the page email me at mark@usdualsports.com



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Fasst Company Flexx Handlebars

Riding 80-100 miles in a day on a dirt bike takes a toll on your body and your bike. I have found there are ways to make the journey a little easier and more forgiving on your body. The last dual sport that I attended after the first day of over 100 miles my body was feeling it, especially my left wrist. I didn't wreck and hurt my wrist it was just the constant jarring while riding and holding up my weight on down hills. Needless to say, the second day of riding wasa little painful and not so smooth.

I figure I have a few options in order to address this issue. One is
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Fly Trekker Dual Sport Helmet From Jafrum

"The Most Trusted Name in Powersports", jafrum.com,  is a great place to start if you are looking for motorcycle gear.  They carry a wide selection in everything from jackets and boots to pants, vests and other apparel.  They also specialize in motorcycle gear such as tires and motorcycle helmets; on road, off-road and dual sport.  Since I do quite a bit of dual sport riding, I was curious about the differences in a typical off-road helmet and a helmet designed specifically for dual sport riders.  Jafrum carries many of the big name brands such as Shoei, Icon and Fly Racing.

I tried out the Fly Trekker Dual Sport helmet made by Fly Racing and sold by jafrum.  One of the specific advantages I found with the dual sport helmet (compared to a typical off-road helmet) is the removable face shield which dampens the cold air, rain and wind in the cooler months then, during the warmer months, the shield can be removed and goggles worn to allow greater air flow through the helmet. It is even possible and surprisingly comfortable to wear goggles under the face shield for ride-type flexibility. From a cost perspective, a single dual sport helmet will cost you the same as either an off-road helmet or an on-road helmet.  The advantage for dual sport riders is that it is only necessary to purchase one helmet (therefore essentially reducing the overall out-of-pocket expense in half).  Also to note, the weight of the dual sport helmet is very close to that of an everyday off-road helmet.  All-in-all, the bottom line is that you get all the capabilities of an on-road and an off-road helmet all bundled up in one.

If you have an interest, like I did, in purchasing a dual sport helmet, I would recommend taking a look at jafrum.com.  The customer service was 5 star.  I also liked that they provide a warranty on the products as well as a money-back guarantee.

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Sena SMH10 Dirt Bike Helmet Communications

One of the biggest inconveniences of dirt bike riding is not being able to communicate with the group of riders that you are with. How many times have you turned around to find that no one else is around? So then you are left to wounder where they went and hope that no one is needing help somewhere. This issue forces a rider either to just sit back and wait to see if they catch up, or double back and take the chance of having a head on collision with another rider. 

A good form of communication would really relieve this riding strain. The good news is now Sena has a blue tooth headset that allows riders to talk with up to 3 others at the same time, as well as answer your phone and listen to MP3 player all while riding through the middle of the woods. Most often I have used the headset to talk with other riders, but on a long dual sport ride it will be nice to have some music on the road sections. 

While testing this product I was impressed by the amount of distance in the woods the units worked, and by how clear the sound came through. The other thing that surprised me was how much more riding you can accomplish because your buddy can say "Hey I turned left up here", therefore saving the confusion of trying to figure out what direction everyone went. The Sena Bluetooth unit proved most useful when we came face-to-face with a group of ATV's coming at us on the trail, and we were able to relay that information to the rest of the group before we had any safety trouble. 

Another advantage (that I don't get to take advantage of yet), is the ability to talk to your kids when your riding with they or trying to help them out on the track. All you would have to do is switch the unit to intercom mode and you can talk live (instead of when they get back and they have already forgot the situation). 

The specific unit that I ahve been using is the Sena SMH10 dual pack. It was simple to install in a closed face helmet, but I should add that it also came with everything you need for and open face street helmet. If this site gave out awards for the products that were tested, Sena would get the product of the year since it adds safety, and is useful in more ways then one. Below you will find a video of the helmet communication in action. 

If you have any quesitons about the Sena units contact mark@usdualsports.com

Or Visit www.senabluetooth.com





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Dirt Bike Tips/Tricks

A simple solution to the daunting task of removing a GoPro battery while on the trail with gloves on. How to remove graphics and apply new. How to check your chain tension the easy way. How to check riding sag and static sag. Also a trick to keep your levers safe in a crash....

 Make Removing GoPro Battery Easy

A simple solution to daunting task of removing a GoPro battery while on the trail with gloves on. 

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Removing Dirt Bike Graphics

How to easily remove your dirt bike graphics and prep them for applying new graphics. 

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Applying Dirt Bike Graphics

How to apply your dirt bike graphics using the wet method. This method makes placement of the graphics perfect, and they will stick to the bike better. 

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Adjusting Your Dirt Bike Chain

How to insure your dirt bike chain is adjusted correctly.

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Installing Hand Grips

How to install your had grips with out using grip glue. 

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Keep Your Levers Safe

How to help keep your levers from braking or bending. 

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KTM Brake Pin Safety Wire

Keep your brake pin from falling out while out on the trail. 

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Kick Starter Modification

A simple modification that will help keep your kick starter from breaking off. 

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Setting Your Dirt Bike Static Sag

How to set the static sag in 3 steps. 

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Setting Your Dirt Bike Riding Sag

How to set the sag on your dirt bike in 5 easy steps.

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Kick Starting A 4-Stroke Made Easy

When the battery fails and the cheater button is no longer useable your only choice is to kick start it. Find out how to make this task a little easier.

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Air Bleed Valve Tip  
How to keep your brake air bleed valve from seizing up due to rust.







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How To Set Dirt Bike Sag

How to set the sag on your dirt bike in 5 easy steps.

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