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FAQ’s
If your question is not answered here please feel free to post in the forum.
Q: What is ODSC?
A: The ODSC is the Ontario Dual Sport Club. The purpose of the club is to provide a resource where riders interested in Dual Sport motorcycling can meet with others having similar interests.
We are an Internet-based club and, although we are centred on Toronto, we have no physical clubhouse or facilities, so we conduct our business from our website at http://www.odsc.on.ca
Q: What activities does the club organize?
A: Our main club activity is riding.
Generally there will be one or more members riding every weekend from Spring through Fall, some even riding year-round. We organize The Ride For Sight Dual Sport Trail Ride (as part of the Kawasaki Series) and we participate in the Toronto Motorcycle Supershow in January.
Q: I’m want to try Dual Sport motorcycling. How do I find out more?
A: Visit our website at http://www.odsc.on.ca and read the many useful pages of information there. Join the ODSC Forum and look through previous discussions. When you are ready to ask specific questions that haven’t been covered elsewhere, join the Mailing List and ask your questions.
Q: What is a good DS “starter” bike?
A: If you are new to motorcycling, try a smaller bike like a Suzuki DR350S or a Yamaha XT350 – neither models are current, but many good used ones are available to get you started.
More experienced riders might try a Suzuki DR650, Kawasaki KLR650 or a Honda XR650L. Probably the best off-road biased dual sport bike at present is the Suzuki DRZ-400S. Visit your local dealer and talk to them. Ask questions on our Forum. Seek out many opinions before you buy. Many expert level riders prefer a street-plated Enduro bike, rather than a Dual Sport, due to their higher performance.
Q: What clothing is good for Dual Sport riding?
A: Depends on where you ride. Some riders prefer mainly off-road trail riding, and for them MotoCross gear is essential.
If you will be riding back roads and easy trails, specialized clothing is not as important, although sturdy jacket, pants, boots and gloves are always needed. Most riders use an MX helmet and goggles but a few riders use full face road helmets.
Q: How do I attend an ODSC ride?
A: Watch the mailing list until you see a ride that you would like to attend. E-mail the organizer and say you would like to go. If you are unfamiliar with the ride location you
could ask for more details at this stage.
Check with the organizer if you have any doubts about being able to fit in with the skill level of the group. Most organizers will encourage new members to join their ride and will help them get started, however it would not be wise for an inexperienced rider to start off with a fast group ride.
Q: I am a beginner, can I join a club ride?
A: Yes, but the skill level of our members varies from beginner to fast and advanced, hence it is important to know the capabilities of the group you plan to ride with. We
don’t want anyone feeling pressured to ride above their capabilities. Let the ride organizer know your skill level to ensure you will fit with this group.
Q: Where do you usually ride?
A: The typical areas where we ride off-road are:
· St Williams Forest/Turkey Point near Port Dover, in the west
· Ganaraska Forest and Northumberland Forest near Coburg, in the east
· Orangeville to Simcoe County Forests in the North.
Good back road riding areas are all along the Niagara Escarpment/Bruce Trail route i.e. Hamilton – Georgetown – Orangeville – Creemore – Collingwood areas.
Although more distant, the Bancroft area probably has the best bike roads in Ontario.
Q: What are the legal requirements for Dual Sport riding?
A: Your motorcycle must have a minimum of Liability insurance and be street-plated to join a Club ride. You must be at least 16 years old and have a valid
motorcycle licence.
Some areas we ride require a Trail Permit.
Ganaraska Forest is only open to members and you must buy either a day use permit (around $5) or a seasonal permit (around $25). When participating in a Club ride you must sign a Disclaimer that releases ODSC from any liability.
Q: How many people attend club rides?
A: We find that a typical ride will be attended by those from the immediate general area – our members tend to be spread out from London, in the west, to Bowmanville in the east
and to Barrie in the north. Few, if any, riders travel from our western limits to an eastern ride so a typical local ride may be 3-6 riders, whereas a more important event, like the Ride For Sight may have 25 or so
members and many more from the general public.
Q: What type of tires should I use?
A:
If you will be riding trails, it is strongly recommended that you fit street-legal (DOT) knobby tires. Most members use Kenda K760 TrakMaster II tires – good off-road performance at a reasonable price. If you mainly ride backroads and dirt roads, then a less aggressive tire like the Bridgestone TrailWing is good. A 50/50 tire for both roads and trails is the Kenda K270.
Q: What other organizations should I join?
A: You may wish to join some of the following organizations:
Q: How do I join ODSC?
A: Visit the Membership page and download a membership form. Mail the completed form and your membership fee to the address on the form. In a few days you will receive your Membership Card, membership and club decals, and a New Member Guide which explains how the Club functions.
Q: Where do I get motorcycle insurance?
A: Visit the Relevant Links page and check out the companies listed in the Insurance section. King sway Insurance seems to be the main underwriter and many agents or brokers use
them e.g. Riders Plus.
Q: How do I winterize my bike?
A: Everyone seems to have their own ideas on what is necessary. The simplest routine is keep riding all winter and do nothing! This doesn't work for everyone so I suggest you review this comprehensive list or this one, and choose what suits you.
Q: What do I need to take when travelling?
A: "Traveling" covers everything from a ride for a few hours to a tour lasting days or weeks. A minimum for anyone to carry is the toolkit that came with your bike
as you need to be able to simple trailside repairs or adjustments. The longer the trip, and the more remote the location, the more you need. Review this listing by Sham Kanji to see what is suited to your needs.
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