I was sort of hoping to participate in a couple of the AMA Dual Sport events this year. Now I'm not sure whether or not I can...

Dirt Bike's May edition had a short article on the series. They noted some National DualSport Do's & Don'ts. "DO NOT show up with any two-strokes, converted motocross bikes or non-street-registered dirt bikes"

I've already converted my KTM300 for dual-sport (it's now street legal in Texas, even though it isn't exactly street friendly). Would I really be disqualified from the AMA events? Are there no two-strokes at these events? Or does Dirt Bike have it wrong? I couldn't find anything definitive on AMA's website.

Steve, you've been to a bunch of these events? Can you provide some insight?

I've to these at Sam Houston, Terlingua, and New Blaine Arkansas. There was a handful of 2-strokes at each event. If you've got a license plate and inspection sticker, you've got nothing to worry about. If you don't draw attention to yourself by cutting donuts in town, riding wheelies around the hotel, etc., you'll be fine.

It is up to the club putting on the event. Most clubs do not check Your bike, it is up to you if you get stopped by the police. I've been to dual sports in Houston, Terlingua, Arkansas, Daytona, & New York there were 2x at all of them. California might be different, but who wants to go to the left coast.

There is a guy at Terlingua every year on CR250 with no lights at all and plate off his streetbike tied to the back of his chest protector.

Burl and his crew will even tote your personal can of pre-mix to the gas stops.

I've been wanting to do a real D/S ride, but the XT isn't a real trail bike, and the XR doesn't have a Baja kit. And I'm not sure my skill level is up to a bonafide D/S ride (Terlingua). OK, we did do the Alligator D/S ride at Daytona in '97, but the only technical parts were the deep sand stretches. My other road block is hubby does't have any interest what so ever in going with me. I guess I'll just keep dreamin'...

There is always alternate routes at Terlingua. Usually a group of beginner riders will take their own route and always end up at the right spots . It will keep you out of the really technical sections.

Always better to try and learn something than to sit on the couch and wish your life away!

I don't mind semi-technical if I'm on the right bike (I've surprised Kevin by what I can do when I can overcome the fear monster), but the XT has its limitations...
I guess truthfully I've never pushed the XT offroad, come to think of it.
When I had the DR, I rewired it so I could yank the turn signals off in 5 mins., instead of 45. But that bike was very top heavy, especially in the sand at Goertz, so eventually I got the XT.
I have the interest, but nothing else has fallen into place yet to make it really happen.

I've got a solution for you, Adog.
1. Remove your license plate and inspection sticker plate from the XT.
2. Drill 4 holes and attach them to the XR's rear fender with some nice bolts with lockwashers.
3. Leave the hubby behind and go riding with the "slow" group at Terlingua. You'll eat a lot of dust, but they won't leave you behind. I've seen some really helpless people at Terlingua, and the TRH guys that ride sweep help them pick up their bikes and get going. Over and over and over...

I think it's the same story at all of the AMA D/S events, they attract some beginners who get in over their heads. But really, Terlingua is a piece of cake. You have to ride like a maniac to make it exciting. I think there was only 1 time I momentarily got in over my head. There was a big rain rut in the road running at a 45 degree angle to my flight path. Scared the crap out of me because I didn't see it until I was right on top of it, but just a little extra throttle and pucker and I was past it. There was another spot where there was only 1 line, steep downhill, about 6" wide, with a bit of a dropoff on either side. If you're afraid of heights (or just a cup-half-empty person), I can see where this could be a problem. There are a couple of short sandwashes, but really, if I can do it, anyone can. The sandwash was the place I saw a bunch of beginners being helped by the TRH sweepers. Ride 50 yards, drop the bike, pick it up, kick kick kick, ride 50 yards, drop it, repeat.

Friend of ours color Xeroxed his street plate and clear taped it to his fender to do the Alligator D/S ride- worked fine. Hubby is co-driver on long trips as well as personal sweep- kind of irreplacable. Have yet to figure out how to lift the front wheel to cross those rain ruts w/o severe suspension compression on the other side... Also, have not had those automatic 6ft. leg extensions installed yet (where did the ground go?). Sand is like mud- just gas it! And if it scared you- the fear monster has a head start on me already!

A dual sport bike is no different than a mx machine. The suspension must be adjusted to fit the terrain and type of rider you are. It sounds as if the front springs are too soft. Easy fix.