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  1. #1
    Thailand Expat Jesus Jones's Avatar
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    Kawasaki Versys vs Khao Krajom

    Good Riders Fall, or is it fail

    It's funny how as riders we often think we are better than we are. When I first bought a bike in Thailand having not ridden 7-8 years prior, I jumped straight back on thinking I could do the things I used to to on my MX bike and R1 back in the UK. Wanting to be a little more adventurous I took on Khao Krajom having done it in my 4x4 and failed at the first corner. I was on road tires, no protection, and alone. Stupid in hindsight! I failed on second attempt after upgrading to Scorpion Trails and installing crash bars and Hand guards. On the decent from the top the rain came and I ended up in a ditch as the surface became slippy, again I was alone. While the rider plays a big part, ultimately, making the right choices are tantamount based on the tools you have. I have since fully kitted the bike for off road and trail runs and all has been good since. I was joined by a friend at dualriders who also attempted it on road tires and completed the climb and on the decent had a minor fall but his bike was protected. And recently I was contacted by someone having seen my video who asked to join. I warned him about falling off, but he was confident it wouldn't happen. He came of 3 times and slightly damaged himself and the bike. At his request I won't post pictures of the falls which I find odd. I don't know anyone who hasn't fallen off their bike on these trip. All part of the experience and fun in my book. So, the story from my perspective only. A seriously edited version and somewhat less interesting!

    Cool Gear or Fools Gear?

    Saturday morning the day before my trip, I packed essentials. Tools, repair gear and additional clothing for any unfortunate mishap. As I needed to call to the office about 4km away from home, I decided to ride in my jean-shorts and shirt (First time for everything), putting my Rev’it sand jacket in my Kreiga Back-pack and using a bungee cord to strap the matching pants to the Kriega US 20 at the rear. I arrived at the office only to find my pants were no longer strapped to the bike. This was turning into an expensive weekend before I’d even started!
    Last edited by Jesus Jones; 18-02-2016 at 09:28 AM.
    You bullied, you laughed, you lied, you lost!

  2. #2
    Thailand Expat Jesus Jones's Avatar
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    Onward and Upward, hopefully!

    Interestingly, things were rather comfortable. I’d purchased a pair of Komine touring pants that were nearly half the price of the Rev’it that came with some sort of arse crack support enabling me to ride an extra hour. My previous ventures required a stop for coffee 40mins in to allow circulation to flow in the rectum. Riding with piles is a real pain in the butt! But an hour and 30 mins in, I stopped to refuel and for a coffee with no sensitivity problems in the lower region at all! Funny how things kind of balance themselves out!

    After thinking about protection on bikes and the need to carry tools as I do, versus the reason to save weight, and how long we’ve been riding and MY skills on a bike (Whatever they are), and the dangers of Khao Krajom with steep section, rubble, loose grit and large carved section in the steep climbs, that were no cause for concern, I rode on through the beautiful scenery of Sueng Pueng to Khao Krajom.


    The Climb!

    I reached the road which takes you up about a 2km run of tarmac before it starts to break up.
    I warned myself what’s to come around the corner.


    After deflating the tires, I climbed the first section but all was good. The surface was much smoother as though excavators had flattened the rain carved gullies which were deepened by climbing 4x4 trucks and their over-sized wheels. It was still damn steep but easy to stick to a path. I reached the first table point and took a few snap-shots while watching a couple of 4x4 riders take the next climb. Again, the next climb looked as though the large rubble that lay on the slope had been brushed away. My previous climb required some paddling, but on this occasion standing on the pegs to the top was a doddle!

    A 4x4 driver waved us on by as we reached a slightly muddy section before a damp decent. I was kitted with K60s which did a stellar job, when I stopped at the bottom to check my cameras before heading onto a water-crossing.

  3. #3
    Thailand Expat Jesus Jones's Avatar
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    I crossed the water over the broken bridge barely wide enough for a motorbike where I continued on the climb, passing numerous 4x4 who were on their way down.



    I was near to the top with only one steep climb to go, I had time to look around standing on the pegs riding around in slow circles. I had one steep climb to go, although this was my 4-5th time I was looking forward to the top to admire the views once more. On the decent was a caravan of 4x4s so I plonked myself down on the floor to take a moment. After 10 mins I couldn't wait any longer as I was as I needed to venture on to my next location, home.



    One thing I have to say with regards to rides like these and any rider wishing to take it on. If you attempt such a place and see the surface, steepness and wot-not, but continue only to have your mind changed by a fall, you need to question your decision to make the call in the first place. Between a couple of regular rider colleagues of mine, we always agree to take a route. If one is not happy, then we all look for another path.

    Only, this week, another rider contacted me via facebook and asked to join. He decided to take the route by himself and subsequently fell off twice and decided not to tackle it any further.
    Last edited by Jesus Jones; 18-02-2016 at 04:01 PM.

  4. #4
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    ^ Awesome... I especially like the bike pic at the end.. I'm so taking my missus on a bike tour of Japan..

    On ya bro!

  5. #5
    Thailand Expat OhOh's Avatar
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    What pants have you worn and what do you consider the best for comfort?

  6. #6
    Thailand Expat Jesus Jones's Avatar
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    ^depends on the bike and its comfort level. The versys isn't known to be the most comfortable but the Komine pants made it much easier for this run. Not sure I will buy Rev'it after these. I have a pair of Glover which are not as comfortable on the arse or around the waist.

  7. #7
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    Respect for that climb on a versys
    I got lost once and ended on a real off road surface on mine, I was absolutely knackered when I found tarmac, the versys I's a heavy bike
    I use my enduro bikes now for exploring but I imagine with the right set up I could conquer semi off road
    I want to tour Cambodia on my bike not sure what to take the versys or klx

  8. #8
    Thailand Expat OhOh's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jesus Jones
    ^depends on the bike and its comfort level
    My bike is a Lifan 200GS. Trail or road after 2 hours I need to rest. I usually wear jeans on the bike.

  9. #9
    Thailand Expat Jesus Jones's Avatar
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    Thought I put photos up!

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