BMW 1200GS Motorcycle:

[Greyghost]

Maybe this isn't the forum or place, but would a motorcycle be welcome on the Great Divide route? Please be honest....I would not want to spoil someone's bicycle trip.

Kind Regards,

Greyghost

[JHamelman]

Hello Greyghost,

Much of the GDMBR is open to motorcyclists and has been done on motorcycles. Use caution and have respect for slower moving vehicles/people and that will go a long way.

We did a blog post on the topic here:

https://www.facebook.com/notes/adventure-cycling-association/dual-sport-riders-take-to-the-great-divide/448376625794

Also, if you do an internet search for 'great divide mountain bike route motorcycle' (without the quotes) a number of related links to blogs and forums will appear that can point out the dicey areas.

I hope this helps.

Best,
.Jennifer.

[Greyghost]

Thanks Jennifer! Appreciate your reply and information link.

-Pete

[Iowagriz]

Agree with Jennifer, it looks like a good route for a moto.

I rode from Roosvile to Ovando this past summer and can think of two or three spots in which motos are prohibited, but I think that you could easily route around those areas and still get some great riding in.  I did see at least one group out while we were riding.  They slowed when passing us and it was appreciated.

[staehpj1]

While doing the TA we met and camped with three guys doing the GDMBR on motorcycles.  They seemed to be having a lot of fun.  They said they were mostly OK following the route, but did have to reroute a few places.

[DaveB]

It would be interesting to know the type of motorcycles the above posters saw on the GDMBR.  I suspect most were 250 to 400 cc single cylinder relatively light trail or dual purpose bikes.

The BMW 1200GS you ask about is a very large, very heavy motorcycle of the type called an "Adventure" motorcycle and mainly intended for dirt roads and similar, not single track trails.  Along with it's legality you might try to determine how suitable that particular motorcycle is.

[staehpj1]

It would be interesting to know the type of motorcycles the above posters saw on the GDMBR.  I suspect most were 250 to 400 cc single cylinder relatively light trail or dual purpose bikes.

The BMW 1200GS you ask about is a very large, very heavy motorcycle of the type called an "Adventure" motorcycle and mainly intended for dirt roads and similar, not single track trails.  Along with it's legality you might try to determine how suitable that particular motorcycle is.

If memory serves...  Of the guys I met doing the GDMBR, one was on a BMW GS (800? 1200? not sure) and one was on a Kawasaki KLR 650.  I don't specifically remember but I think the third was on another GS, but it might have been another KLR.  I do recall that two were on matching bikes I forget which one though.

I askd them and they said found their bikes well suited to the route.  I have not done the GDMBR, but I didn't get the impression that there was much if any technical single track.  Anyone care to clarify that point?

[staehpj1]

Just did a quick check and see that the ACA described the GDMBR as:
"The big, bad granddaddy of epic mountain bike routes. 2,700 miles of primarily jeep roads (with a dash of pavement and singletrack)"
That sounds like what the GS and KLR were designed for.

[DaveB]

Just did a quick check and see that the ACA described the GDMBR as:
"The big, bad granddaddy of epic mountain bike routes. 2,700 miles of primarily jeep roads (with a dash of pavement and singletrack)"
That sounds like what the GS and KLR were designed for.

If that's a good description and the single track is both a "dash" and not too tightly wooded or hemmed in by rock walls, then the 1200GS is a suitable machine.   

[staehpj1]

Just did a quick check and see that the ACA described the GDMBR as:
"The big, bad granddaddy of epic mountain bike routes. 2,700 miles of primarily jeep roads (with a dash of pavement and singletrack)"
That sounds like what the GS and KLR were designed for.

If that's a good description and the single track is both a "dash" and not too tightly wooded or hemmed in by rock walls, then the 1200GS is a suitable machine.

Also, it has been said that there are a few places where motorcycles are not allowed on the route and will need to detour.  It seems to me as if the places where they have to detour are likely to be the single track sections any way.  Plus it is less of a big deal to motor through a few miles (or a few hundred for that matter) of road detour for than to pedal through it.

[Greyghost]

Thanks for all the comments and information.

Kind Regards,

-Peter Greyghost