2019 KTM 150 on Awesome Training Loop

This course is very deceptive. First lap it doesn't seem difficult. And from a technical standpoint it isn't. Log crossings, a few rocky sections that require some care, couple steep hills, but not bad. But what I quickly learned is that the constant off-camber combined with non-stop up and down rolling hills takes a huge toll. You burn a LOT of calories and your muscles get a tremendous work out. Lesson learned! So I'm excited to ride there (from a training perspective) and very much appreciate the invite.

The disturbing trend I see is that these types of private riding courses are becoming a significant percentage of my riding. Great for me at the moment, because I have 5 or 6 places available, but not so much for others who don't have connections. Years ago I could load the bike and pick from any of a number of public riding venues that were all within 30-45 minutes of my house. Now the nearest "good" place is 1.5 hours away. This worries me for future generations of riders!

Couple folks have asked me to update my bike review, and include a comparison between the '17 and '19. Let me know if you have an interest in this. And fyi, the '19 is certainly a better machine for a number of reasons.

Also, let me know what you think about my vids. I've considered changes such as: 1) voice-over 2) stabilization 3) chin mount (last few vids) vs. helmet mount 4) zoom level 5) etc. Also, my sound quality is truly awful, so I've thought about investing in a blue tooth mic. The waterproof case is the problem. Sounds coming from the front, like other riders, are fine, but it mutes sounds coming from the rear. So my bike has a very muted sound compared to reality.

[lonchodomas]

Great looking trail. I ride in San Diego, and so far, haven't found forested trails that nice. I have a Honda CRF250X. The KTM 150 might be an upgrade for me some day, so I like your videos.

[specializedbighitfsr]

For sure would like to see a comparison between the 17 and 19 :) :)

[kenbishop]

Thanks for the vid Ernie. I enjoy the dialog but wouldnt mind voice over either. Overly stabilized vids ruin the riders perspective. I vote its good as is.

[BaronBoar]

Do you have to slip the clutch a lot to get traction with that 150? I have a KDX 220r and I find it hard to get good enough to slip the clutch with it. I learned on a 4 stroke so my throttle control is great, I can tractor a 4 stroke through and just over what I feel comfortable riding. The KDX down low is really snappy, a lot of power that is hard to manage with just the throttle.

[ZxrBlue]

Rk tech head? Is the carb standard? Lugs really well 👍

[mdsnrr]

What did you use to capture the telemetry and what did you use to include it in your video?

[Lostonabike]

Where the hell you been Ernie! Where’s the many vids u promised? 🤣

[joakimandersson]

Please do the comparison as I’ve just bought the ‘17

[SANDS]

Riding pretty quick on this one! You must have gotten younger this year.