How lithium grease broke a KTM
The AUFROAD Chronicles
This article chronicles a motorcyclist's extensive mechanical troubleshooting process after his KTM 690 Enduro failed during an off-road trip. The author details a systematic approach to identifying fuel delivery problems, utilizing professional pressure testers, expert consultations, and part-swapping with a fellow rider. Despite testing the fuel pump, adjusting valves, and inspecting the cylinder with an endoscope, the bike initially refused to start. The issue was eventually resolved after a thorough cleaning of the fuel injector, which significantly improved the spray pattern and engine...
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Oregon BDR and the Broken Fuel Pump?
The AUFROAD Chronicles
This narrative details a motorcycle journey undertaken by three riders attempting the Oregon Backcountry Discovery Route in July 2026. The author describes the initial stages of the trip, beginning in Northern California and traveling through remote scenic landscapes while stopping at local landmarks and small-town eateries. Along the way, the group faced various challenges, including minor crashes and a mechanical failure involving a side stand switch. The excursion ultimately came to a premature end in Chemult, Oregon, due to a critical fuel delivery issue that left the author's bike...
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Upgrading KTM 690 Rocker Arms and Shafts
The AUFROAD Chronicles
This article provides a detailed walkthrough of replacing the rocker arms and shafts on a KTM 690 Enduro R to prevent potential engine failure. The author explains that the original components often suffer from bearing wear, which can cause a loss of power and contaminate the oil system with debris. The guide outlines the mechanical steps for the upgrade, including how to remove the valve cover, align the engine timing, and apply assembly lube to new parts. Additionally, it highlights the importance of checking valve clearances and utilizing shims to ensure the engine operates within...
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How to put the Lost Coast BDRx on Your Garmin
The AUFROAD Chronicles
This guide provides a comprehensive tutorial on navigating off-road terrain using Garmin GPS devices, specifically focusing on the Lost Coast BDRx route. The author emphasizes that tracks are superior to routes for wilderness travel because they act as fixed "bread crumbs" that do not trigger unreliable automatic recalculations. Riders are walked through two primary methods for loading data: a manual transfer of GPX files to an SD card or a streamlined process using TrickTracks to create a high-visibility map layer. By following these steps, users can ensure their device displays a clear,...
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Welcome to AUFROAD.com
The AUFROAD Chronicles
Very simply, a very long time ago I had the inkling to get an Adventure bike. At the time there were only two options to choose from, the BMW GS1200 or the KTM 950. If you know bikes, you know they are very different from each other. The BMW is much more road going while the KTM is geared more for the dirt. As I was sitting in my office dreaming I started thinking of the vanity plate I would get. (all my vehicles have vanity plates). I started thinking of cool puns but they were all taken. That’s when this idea hit me…
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What to Pack on a BDR Trip
The AUFROAD Chronicles
Here's a run down on what to pack for a typical BDR trip and more importantly why.
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Testing the “NO SURPRISE ACT”
The AUFROAD Chronicles
Accidents happen. My bike decided it was time for me to check out the No Surprise Act with a trip to the local Trauma Center.
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HOW TO: Bracket Your Clickers
The AUFROAD Chronicles
Suspension is all about the feels. Here's how to better dial in the right "feels" even if you are like me, and are comfortably numb.
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The Michelin Ultra Heavy Duty 4mm Inner Tube
The AUFROAD Chronicles
I ran too low of pressure on my rear tire without a rim lock and paid the price. Here's why the Michelin UHD 4mm Butyl Tube is the best tube for my kind of riding.
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Aufroad: Click Suspension
The AUFROAD Chronicles
Everyone should have a “wine guy”, a “fish guy” and if you’re a moto guy you need to have a “suspension guy”. I found mine!
info_outlineThis article chronicles a motorcyclist's extensive mechanical troubleshooting process after his KTM 690 Enduro failed during an off-road trip. The author details a systematic approach to identifying fuel delivery problems, utilizing professional pressure testers, expert consultations, and part-swapping with a fellow rider. Despite testing the fuel pump, adjusting valves, and inspecting the cylinder with an endoscope, the bike initially refused to start. The issue was eventually resolved after a thorough cleaning of the fuel injector, which significantly improved the spray pattern and engine performance. Although the bike is now functional, the author concludes with a reflection on the ambiguity of the repair, as no single component was definitively broken. This narrative serves as a practical guide for adventure riders facing complex technical failures in the field and the garage.