I don't think this can be over stressed. The main roads in the ranch are easily done on a V-Strom, as is the Casa Piedra road that runs all the way back up to Marfa. However, most of the side roads in the ranch start out deceptively nice and then quickly get very technical. I am sure it CAN be done on a Vstrom, but the odds of being injured and tearing up the bike will be very high. The tougher riding sections in the ranch are MUCH more technical and challenging than anything in the National Park. If you absolutely must try it on a Vstrom, I strongly recommend installing a FRESH set of TKC 80s on the bike before you do it.
Here is a report I did from a trip back in 2011. We were ALL riding 650 or smaller DS bikes. The guys on KLRs could do it, but they were working a lot harder than the guys on the smaller bikes.
My first (and NOT last) trip to Big Bend Ranch & State Park 12/28/11-01/01/12
There really aren't many pictures of the rougher sections because I was so busy trying to survive them that I didn't stop to take pics...
It varies.... Last time I was on River Road I could have taken my Tenere down it with nary a worry. It had just rained a few days prior and the sand was damp, firm, and epic. There are other times where I have been down River Road and I was glad to be on a 450 plated dirt bike. Those were the days when it hadn't rained for weeks/months and the sand was fine, deep, and oh so loose.That being said what are the opinions regarding a Wee on the other primitive roads in the National park (River Rd, Glenn Spring, Black Gap)?
I personally would not take a V strom down River Rd or Black Gap. I'd do pretty much any other roads in the park though.
Speaking as one that started his DS riding on an R1150 GS, I wish I had learned my dirt skills on a smaller bike. ..
I highly suggest attending one of UlyBrad's dirt riding classes. Or, attend the Texas Adventure EPIC rally in Arkansas this fall and do the Adventure Riders International training classes. Both are great sources of training and will do wonders for your skill and confidence.
Trying to push the limits of the bike when you are not experienced is a recipe for damage to bike and rider.
Strooth. While I was riding the jeep trails in Big Bend I was constantly reminding myself that the object of the exercise was to ride my undamaged motorcycle out without injury to myself. It would't take much of a mishap to leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere, in the unrelenting sun and with litle hope of somebody coming by to help you out.
Personally, I wouldn't do the ride without a buddy along.
It varies.... Last time I was on River Road I could have taken my Tenere down it with nary a worry. It had just rained a few days prior and the sand was damp, firm, and epic. There are other times where I have been down River Road and I was glad to be on a 450 plated dirt bike. Those were the days when it hadn't rained for weeks/months and the sand was fine, deep, and oh so loose.
For Black Gap, I would be more worried about chucking a rock into the motor/oil cooler on baby head hill. Other than that, the road usually isn't too difficult. That is assuming that there hasn't been any road destruction thanks to Mother Nature.
Thanks, Bill! Do you have any suggestions on areas in / near DFW where one can practice in sand / deep gravel (not the gravel country roads outside the metroplex, but real, deep gravel?)
...You must be a glutton for punishment to actually want to take your Strom into deep sand.