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Route Planning Where to go, when, what are the interesting places to see
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  #1  
Old 21 Apr 2007
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Oodnadatta track

I am heading to Darwin in early Jun via the Oodnadatta track, Ayres rock and other sights, anyone out there done the Oodnadatta track at that time of year and is a 04 GS1150ADV to big for it?

I would appreciate some inside knowledge, also if anyone is heading that way some company might be helpful.
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Old 21 Apr 2007
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Basically no probs even for big bikes, If you try Lake Eyre from Marree you'll come across very sandy patches, esp. the last k's, but the Oodnadatta Track is well maintained and hard surface. Just don't forget to lower the tire pressure. Makes it a more comfy ride.

Hans
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Old 22 Apr 2007
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Thumbs up Big bikes on dirt tracks

The Oodnadatta Track is not difficult - even for a big bike. I have ridden it 4 times - twice on a GS1100. How are you planning to carry your gear? I found the factory BMW plastic panniers are not up to the punishment - the hook arrangement snapped on both with disasterous consequences. I have had no such problems with the aluminium panniers I replaced them with. Good luck and enjoy your trip.
Ian W.
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Old 22 Apr 2007
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Dirt Riding

Thanks fella's, thats the info i was after, i'm happy on dirt but 600k's will be an experience, bike is fitted with BMW aluminium panners and top box so should be fine, looking forward to the trip.

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Old 22 Apr 2007
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Thumbs up Oodnadatta track

Oodnatta Track (road I would call it)was in good order in 2005,even two wheel drive cars were travelling it.Has improved a lot since I first rode it.
I.M.O Painted Desert track to Cadney Park well worth riding,I did it on a road bike a few years back.
I would not lower tyre pressure to much,as it may lead to rim problems,there are some stone sections..
Ben
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Old 23 Apr 2007
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I've just been that way in a 4wd trip with the family and parts of the road had been repaired after rain. All was good but you need to be aware in some spots the rocks are as big as your fist and can flick up from on coming traffic like a piece of shrapnel.That time of the year also sees the annual "Grey Nomad" migration up that way so expect a constant convoy of 4wd's towing BIG caravans at 70 to 80 kph to get in your way!
Plenty of pubs on the way to feed and refresh you so good luck and dodge the tracers!!!!!!!!!!
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Old 24 Apr 2007
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Good point about the caravans, i'll keep my wits about me.

Thanks to all
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Old 7 Jun 2007
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yep no drama, done it a couple times on an r11gs. go to lake eyre from either marree or william creek, well worth it though becomes sandy.
also great trip up from ood to finke following the old ghan train line (more or less). check out dalhousie springs but it's true, look out for the caravans, esp that time of year.
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