MS3 and MS6 on a 1200?

[IanC]

We're currently in Merzouga and trying to decide whether to give these a go. Chris's book warns of feche-feche west of Remlia, around MA6KM156, which I probably should heed! Has anyone done these on a big bike? We are both pretty experienced riders, but that won't help a sinking bike!

And it's a long way back of we can't make it.

Conditions great at the moment, apart from the cold nights!

[TheWarden]

Did MS6 in October but in a 4x4 so can't help with advising for a bike but heres some pics of the dunes at KM156


P1040682 Panorama 1 by Trackasylum, on Flickr


P1040681 by Trackasylum, on Flickr

we got through fine and the sections only a few km. Also the river crossing for Oued Ziz at KM189 was impassable in Oct with water and mud, we crossed further north near km200.5

[RodYork]

Originally Posted by IanC

We are both pretty experienced riders,

Telling me!- just watched some of your videos & spent the last 2 hrs on your excellent site, reading about your last visit in 2002- with EXCELLENT photos!-
I am going to Morocco in April- so hope you can put a video or 2 up, along with photos /write up of this experience!

[CaBRita]

Hi,

We rode MS6 (and back) on November 2011.
I took my Africa Twin and two friends rode their KTM 990s.

If you're experienced riding your (GS?) 1200 in sand it should be manageable.

Pictures here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/148874...57675142849550

Beware of fuel consumption/ autonomy due to type of terrain.

If GPS track&waypoints help feel free to contact.

BR,
Luís CaBRita

[Matt Roach]

There is about 6kms of soft feche feche as you cross the Oued Remlia.

I have done this twice on a lightly loaded 640 Adv, most recently in mid October 2012. On both occasions I found this stretch of feche feche to be challenging as there are deep 4x4 tracks that constantly twist around the riverbed, thus making it very difficult to build momentum and speed. It also makes it hard to pick your own line to avoid the sand ruts.

Unfortunately I have to disagree with Cabrita and say that I would avoid this on a 1200 as this section will be very hard work. I would only attempt this on a large bike if you are very competent in riding in sand.

[CaBRita]

Matt, don't misunderstand me.

I think it is demanding but I assumed Ian is an experienced rider - he claims it and he has also a lot of overland pictures in his site(s).

My concern is weight given the type of bike and necessary autonomy since fuel is only available in Merzouga and Tagounite.

I would not do it alone, some pushing and bike litfing will be necessary!

Safe and happy travels!

[IanC]

Thanks guys, I feel we've chickened out now! Now in Foum Zguid. But had a great day yesterday doing the north half of MS4 and the south half of MS6 - nice remote riding! And spectaucular at the end dropping towards Tagounite - thought I had it on GoPro but sadly not :-(

[Matt Roach]

Ian,

Glad you enjoyed it and hope I didn't scare you off. The rest of that piste is very nice, it is just unfortunate that the Oued crossing is a real pain on a heavy bike!

If you want another route in that region, you could reverse ms7 from Foum Zguid in the direction of Mhamid. There is a low dune section for about 7kms before you reach Mhamid that would be hard work on a 1200 but you could avoid this by bearing NNE in the direction of Tagounite before you hit the Mhamid dunes. This should be ok on the 1200s.