Off Road Explorer Enews #7
February 09 Edition
 Welcome to the Off Road Explorer Enews #7. Issue #22 of Trail Zone is now on the newsagents shelves with Ben Grabham's trick KTM Safari Beast. You have to check out the incredible scenery on the Yamaha NZ Safari. Clubby and Popgun pilot a couple of Yamaha WR250R's through some off the most spectacular scenery this side of the equator.
There's also a feature on the latest vintage enduro event. So for all you guys with old Yamaha IT's in the garage and a cardboard box full of fluro pink riding gear there's a place for you.
While we've got all the old blokes excited Trail Zone #22 also features a beautifully restore Yamaha DT1. If that doesn't kick in a mid life crisis then nothing will.
Don't forget to check out our GPS Feature where we attempt to give you a bit of a background to what to look for when buying a GPS. We found that its like recommending a mobile phone. We hope you find it helpful and in a couple of issues we'll look at PC software and planning your route before you take of on your next adventure.
Transalp Project Bike Update
 In our last issue we mentioned that the Transalp Project Bike was completed and the mighty red beast is up for sale. However, our good mates at Staintune have asked for a little more time to develop a trick pipe for the 700 V twin. The good news is that they've taken about six kilos of weight off the bike. We'll be paying them a visit to pick up the bike and take the opportunity to to show you just what goes into performance pipe development in a future issue of Trail Zone.
Clubbys New Tenere
I sort of knew Clubby likes the odd adventure ride and as much as he likes to blast through twisty single track the TZ twoeyesee also likes hitting the open road. The man has been hinting about the next ORE Project Bike may have well have to reside in the Trail Zone office workshop that has had me a little nervous. While the Transalp has been at Staintune I've been experiencing 'no bike in garage withdrawals'. That in turn has brought on the urge to dismantle home appliances even if they're not broken.
Anyhow, with the new Tenere far from arriving in Australia, Clubby spotted something on Ebay and in a last minute, perspiration soaked frenzy Clubby won the bid for a very tidy 1983 Yamaha XT600Z Tenere.
Clubby intends to use it for exactly what it was intended for. The bike will get a complete strip down and rebuild and then will be clocking up the big miles before you know it. Look out for the restoration feature in upcoming issues in Trail Zone.
Dirt Bikes and Dreams
 Rod 'Wulfe Ryder' Brown has spent the last ten years putting together tips and tricks for adventure riders from bike preparation, tools, set up's, clothing, camping, food, first aid and survival just to name a few.
He describes it as 'a poor mans adventure touring guide'. There's some great recipes for trail food. Something I'll be paying particular attention to as all Clubby and I seem to eat is jelly snakes. Plus the preride checklists are great value for both novice and experienced riders. We got a hold of Rods own preproduction copy so please check out the next issue of Trail Zone for a full review and where the book is available from.
BMW Rallye 2 Pro Suit
 We've just taken delivery of a new BMW Rallye 2 Pro suit for a long term test to feature in Trail Zone. We'll be pulling it on for our next big adventure ride which we'll announce in our next newsletter. It has a Cordura® 500 upper, removable Gortex® performance shell, with fleece lining, intergrated removable bumbag plus a whole heap of other features. Stay tuned. For more info on the Rallye 2 Pro suit go to www.bmwmotorrad.com.au or contact your nearest BMW Motorrad dealer.
Whitey Takes on the Yilgarn Rallye
 Our ever vigilant offroadexplorer.com webmaster Whitey is taking on the Yilgarn Rallye. Garry Connell is organising a two-day cross country navigation rallye in W.A, It's similar in format to the Condo 750 and is highly recommended. The event takes place on the weekend of April 24-26 2009,
If you feel like joining Whitey on the ride then check out the Yilgarn Rallye Web Site here and be sure to cheer Whitey on.
Varadero - The Mother of all Adv Bikes?
 The Varadero has returned to the Honda Adventure Bike line up. Powered by a fuel injected 996cc V-twin it has a full coverage fairing withe a two position front screen, bash plate and luggage rack. As you would expect it has optional luggage and ABS brakes with the price starting at $17,990. For more information go to www.hondampe.com.au.
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