Been on the trail more and more with my KLR and have to deal with mud. Since I have a new road bike, my KLR sees less pavement. The tires I run are a MAXUS MC54 ( front) and MC68 ( rear). These tires are NOT DOT and generally a softer tire compound. The rear tire grabs excellently and I am quite confident not getting stuck in the mud. The front is another story!!!
Because the KLR is quite front heavy, the front tire appears unstable and washes about in the mud. Standing up on the pegs seems to agravate the tire wash even worse. Standing makes the stability worse because it somehow adds weight to the front axel and the tire then only wants to agitate about while in mud, not turn and grip at all. Sitting down near the back of the seat so as to attempt to lighten the front is the only method that works better.
I realize I have a lot to learn about mud running but I am tired of having to turn around and head back because of the swamps of mud out there on even simple trails. I've mostly been in forest areas but because of all the rain, one has to deal with the deep mud. Pot hole mud is fine -- no problems here. Trench swampy mud -- no chance here, unless I can go around it. Not always the case here.
How do you guys do it? Speed up to the mud area, wheelie a bit to get the back tire into the mud first and then set the front down into the mud area and hammer the throttle? Maybe Shane Watts can do this, but me -- no can do! Incidentally, I can only barely clutch wheelie a KLR let alone get the front up while moving!
Still, it is a challenge and in most trail routes I fare well. Even been down the two foot trails with her as long as grip is there to the tires.
Any advice would help. Demonstrations would be even better.
And why I do not go on long enduro trips with groups is because of the conditions of the ground travelled upon. I don't have enough experience to keep up with the guys. May be by the Fall I may be ready.
Thanks again.