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Author: Subject: Newbie question about topes and motorcycles
parkinsonsd
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[*] posted on 3-2-2014 at 05:54 PM
Newbie question about topes and motorcycles


I've never had the pleasure of going to baja, but was thinking I could swing a motrocycle drip down the peninsula, then I started reading and learning and found out about the speed bumps.

If you've gone done, is a standard (looking at a Honda Nighthawk) going to make it over the speed bumps or should I be looking at something more like a KLR. I'm not really into going off road that much, but I don't mind dirt roads and the like.

Problem is I've got half a continent to cross before I even get to baja.

And if you know, just how big are the topes?

Thanks alot.
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Sandlefoot
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[*] posted on 3-2-2014 at 05:55 PM


They fit under a VW!!

Come on down!!!

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[*] posted on 3-2-2014 at 06:03 PM


The "TOPES" have a varying degree of steepness...


Some are almost non-existent (really).
And others are really tall and wide.
It is hard to tell.
The FJ Cruiser makes it over any of them at 40 MPH, but my Prius bottoms out on the same ones.




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KurtG
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[*] posted on 3-2-2014 at 06:08 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by parkinsonsd
I've never had the pleasure of going to baja, but was thinking I could swing a motrocycle drip down the peninsula, then I started reading and learning and found out about the speed bumps.

If you've gone done, is a standard (looking at a Honda Nighthawk) going to make it over the speed bumps or should I be looking at something more like a KLR. I'm not really into going off road that much, but I don't mind dirt roads and the like.

Problem is I've got half a continent to cross before I even get to baja.

And if you know, just how big are the topes?

Thanks alot.


I have done dozens of round trips with various street bikes as well as my KLR with no problems. Street bikes have included a couple of CB750's, GS850g, XS1100, V65 Sabre, GSX1100g. Harleys with little clearance do the highway regularly.

[Edited on 3-3-2014 by KurtG]
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parkinsonsd
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[*] posted on 3-2-2014 at 06:10 PM


Thanks. I appreciate the feedback.
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DENNIS
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[*] posted on 3-2-2014 at 06:47 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by parkinsonsd
And if you know, just how big are the topes?



The question, after your trip, will change to, "How deep WAS that pothole?"




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parkinsonsd
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[*] posted on 3-2-2014 at 07:04 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by DENNIS
Quote:
Originally posted by parkinsonsd
And if you know, just how big are the topes?



The question, after your trip, will change to, "How deep WAS that pothole?"


I'm from Michigan. What you consider a sink hole I consider Woodward Avenue.
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captkw
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[*] posted on 3-2-2014 at 07:17 PM
topes and waco's


Dennis got it mostly right ! after a rain its also how LONG is that pothole ??? never can tell till Ya do it !!:lol:
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bajadogs
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[*] posted on 3-2-2014 at 07:51 PM


Topes are not a problem on a KLR and it is probably the best bike for potholes and washouts and construction zones because of their HUGE suspension play.
U2U me if you wanna talk KLR Baja.
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bajaguy
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[*] posted on 3-2-2014 at 08:15 PM


I would worry more about vados than topes if i was on a bike



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[*] posted on 3-2-2014 at 08:35 PM


Any time you're approaching a small village, town or city, expect at least three topes. One at each end of the town and one in the middle. Some towns have lots more. Some are hidden in the shade of a tree (they installed it there cuz there was shade!!!) so it's hard to see, some are painted yellow, some are not. As I said, expect them in every village. Once you launch off the first one, you'll remember to watch for the others :lol:
They're there to slow you down, as there are enforceable speed limits through towns... usually 20 kmph.
Out of the way village dogs love to chase bikes too!!! My son has scars to prove it....
Enjoy your time in Baja... wish I was there.....
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Gulliver
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[*] posted on 3-2-2014 at 10:26 PM


Lots of six cylinder Gold Wings down here. I saw a lowered Honda Accord up at San Javier last week. Just slow down to where you can avoid pot holes and never drive at night.

Pot hole Joke:
Stopped for a road repair crew in Louisiana, a motorist asks how bad the pot hole was. The flagger says, "We took a three pound bass out of this one and it was native."

Mike
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willardguy
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[*] posted on 3-2-2014 at 10:29 PM


brake hard as you approach the tope, loading the suspension. as you start to climb the tope grab a big handful, unload the suspension launching you skyward going into your best clicker, a small whip will make the kids go crazy! don't forget to hand out some steekers!;)

[Edited on 3-3-2014 by willardguy]
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Gulliver
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[*] posted on 3-2-2014 at 10:39 PM


I tried that once in my class B. The fridge unloaded all over the floor.
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[*] posted on 3-3-2014 at 05:54 PM


Quote:
Originally posted by bajadogs
...a KLR ... is probably the best bike for potholes and washouts and construction zones because of their HUGE suspension play.....


:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:


Huge?????


C'mon.......;D;D;D

If a tope will keep someone from riding, they should take up lawn bowling....I hope this guy rides better than he spells.....:biggrin:

Parkinsonsd.....Baja riding is as good as you will find anywhere. The main highways have great new pavement on 90% of the highways....the rest is good pavement with some potholes in a few sections of Baja.

The non-paved roads are likely to be off-limits to you if you are concerned about topes (paved bumps). Ride Baja, eat tacos, and live to talk about it with that look in your eyes that a cat gets when it licks itself.....:cool:




Don't believe everything you think....
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[*] posted on 3-3-2014 at 06:45 PM


The worst topes I have run over:

1: Road from Vizcaino to Bahia Asunción
2: The topes in Bahia Asunción
3: The topes you go over as you cross into the US from Tecate (after the CBP checkpoint)

Most per capita topes in a municipality:
Buena Vista (East Cape)




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bajadave1
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[*] posted on 3-4-2014 at 05:57 AM
Udo,you got the percapita down pat


Note my location, Wrong side of the arroyo's,too
:lol::lol::lol:
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[*] posted on 3-4-2014 at 09:24 AM


Hey, Dave....

I would add Los Barriles too to my list, but most of your topes have a lot of sand before and after them, therefore they get diminished considerably.




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vgabndo
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[*] posted on 3-4-2014 at 11:35 AM


So Parky, that was only a moderate newbie thrashing for this forum! I hope you'll stick around and share your Baja experience. A speed bump is a speed bump in any language. A classic tope, gopher mound, was the row of baby moon hubcaps on steroids across city streets, and that is different and rare. Unless you hit a Baja tope at speed, it is no more an obstacle than in any WalMart parking lot.

Go real slow around animals...and get yourself a dual sport!:lol:




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willardguy
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[*] posted on 3-4-2014 at 11:58 AM


Quote:
Originally posted by motoged
Quote:
Originally posted by bajadogs
...a KLR ... is probably the best bike for potholes and washouts and construction zones because of their HUGE suspension play.....


:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:


Huge?????


C'mon.......;D;D;D

If a tope will keep someone from riding, they should take up lawn bowling....I hope this guy rides better than he spells.....:biggrin:

Parkinsonsd.....Baja riding is as good as you will find anywhere. The main highways have great new pavement on 90% of the highways....the rest is good pavement with some potholes in a few sections of Baja.

The non-paved roads are likely to be off-limits to you if you are concerned about topes (paved bumps). Ride Baja, eat tacos, and live to talk about it with that look in your eyes that a cat gets when it licks itself.....:cool:
whoa... these bikes are more than just "huge" suspension, lets not forget the infamous "doohickey" and legendary shift levers,and .........:lol:
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