GS as a backroads bike

[mp183]

Had the GS on some backroads in the Adirondacks and I like it better
than the V-Strom 650.  The GS flies. 
The V-Strom is just too top heavy and I'm getting too old.
If it was not for the ground clearance and soft suspension
I could convert the GS it into a backroads bike.
Anyone ever run knobby tires on the GS?
I saw a pic a while ago of GS with knobby tires but can't remember where.
Rode the GS 300 miles from the Adirondacks last night and it's getting chilly.
Got less than 45 mpg but I guess I should learn to slow down.   

[nazgulnarsil]

that's awesome.  you should totally take it offroad and take some pictures 
i've seen an R1 hit up a firetrail with road tires. a GS with knobbies wouldn't be too bad.

[dgyver]

I had thought about doing something like that, just for the fun and challenge of building it.... maybe if I come across some dirt bike forks cheap. Also, GS wheels were common on the original motards.

[trumpetguy]

I've done a few miles on dirt roads (sand) and rock roads around here.  I've also had a couple of scary moments on them.  I'd be interested to have some DOT knobbies for those trips to see how the GS worked on them.  Street tires SUCK on sand!

[mp183]

Nothing DOT works on sand.
I have DOT knobbies on the KLR and they are better than street tires but not by much.
My son had real knobbies on his dirtbike and that helps unless the sand
get too deep.

[trumpetguy]

It was packed sand for most of the way, then (without visual warning) we'd be in a rut with 6-8" deep sand.  I almost lost it the first time that happened!

On dirt or gravel, you have to let the bike have its head a little.  Let the front wheel do its thing -- if you try to horse it around, you're down for sure.  And keep the speeds WAY down -- we rarely went above 15mph on that stuff.