{"id":8282,"date":"2025-07-23T13:39:09","date_gmt":"2025-07-23T17:39:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/?p=8282"},"modified":"2025-08-28T10:16:52","modified_gmt":"2025-08-28T14:16:52","slug":"using-the-right-tool-for-the-job-even-if-its-a-small-bike-that-isnt-even-a-bmw","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/using-the-right-tool-for-the-job-even-if-its-a-small-bike-that-isnt-even-a-bmw\/","title":{"rendered":"Using the right tool for the job, even if it&#8217;s a small bike that isn&#8217;t even a BMW"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>This is an edited version of Dustin&#8217;s story which ran in the July 2025 issue of <\/em>BMW Owners News.<em> To see the full story and more photos, take advantage of a full membership with the MOA and get the magazine every month!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I often think back to riding in the Sierra Gorda Mountains of Mexico, ripping around on a little Honda XR150L last November. It reminds me of needing the right tool for a particular job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A lot of us look down on smaller bikes (pun intended). For some reason, we all think we need a big bike. A bigger bike means more speed. Sure, on highways, I want a 1250 under me to rip past trucks. On forest service roads\u2013great, let&#8217;s tear around some corners and show what this bike can do! But on crazy single-track or steep shale hills, I&#8217;ll take a 150\u2013250 cc bike any day. It has more maneuverability, less momentum and is easy to pick up when I drop it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Many people won&#8217;t believe how amazing a small bike is until they try one. If you want to experience the benefits of off-road riding on a small bike, look no further than Fran\u00e7ois Deroeux. Fran\u00e7ois is a professional motorcycle coach who\u2019s competed in events like the Baja 1000. Since retiring, Fran\u00e7ois now lives in the high Mexican mountain range of the Sierra Gorda, where he shows people the benefits of riding small bikes. When Janel and I visited Mexico last year, we had the privilege of riding with Fran\u00e7ois for a full week on tiny Honda XR150Ls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"http:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-4-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8283 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"http:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-4-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8283 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-4-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-4-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-4-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-4.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>San Joaqu\u00edn is located in the heart of the Sierra Gorda, about 170 miles from Mexico City. Waking up in our small hotel high in the mountains, as the sun rose over the mountains, Janel and I listened to roosters announcing the dawn, an occasional dog barking, and birds singing from the trees. It was a refreshing change from the noise of Mexico City.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Later, as I geared up for my ride with Fran\u00e7ois, he pulled up in a van and started unloading three XR150Ls. Janel was feeling poorly, so she wouldn&#8217;t join us on our first day together. I found the XR150L instantly impressive. It was comfortable, and at 5&#8217;9&#8243;, my feet touched the ground, and the handlebars were at the perfect height.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;Ready?&#8221; he asked. I nodded, and we were off.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"http:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-2-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8284 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-2-1024x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8284 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-2-1024x1024.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-2-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-2-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-2-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-2.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>My first challenge was descending the steep mountain roads out of San Joaqu\u00edn. I was taking it slow and adjusting to the bike as Fran\u00e7ois jumped off the stairs and did stoppies, all while waving at locals who clearly knew him well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cI hope you\u2019re not expecting me to do all that today,\u201d I joked.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cNo, no,\u201d he said. \u201cWe\u2019ll go as fast or as slow as you want. Too easy\u2013we make it harder. Too hard\u2013you tell me. There are many places we can go.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From there, we rode single-track trails, dirt roads and even ruins where we slid around on gravel. The XR150L was incredibly easy to toss around. Sure, on the pavement, it lacked punch, but on the trail\u2013the bike\u2019s true domain\u2013it shined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"http:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-1-846x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8285 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"846\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-1-846x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8285 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-1-846x1024.jpg 846w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-1-248x300.jpg 248w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-1-768x930.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-1-1269x1536.jpg 1269w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-1.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 846px) 100vw, 846px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>At one point, I lost focus and rode into an agave plant, where I dropped the bike. Being so light, I stepped off, picked it up and moved on. No sweat, no strain. Fran\u00e7ois and I spent the day riding trails in the mountains and small towns. In El Doctor, we relaxed in the square under Day of the Dead decorations that still hung about the town, chatting about riding.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;People think they need big bikes,&#8221; he said. &#8220;It makes no sense. Small bikes take you everywhere. Tomorrow, we will get Janel out, and she will really see the advantage of having a smaller bike.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our drinks finished, we continued to play around with the bikes in the town, riding down steps and over the cobblestone streets. As the sun was getting low in the sky, we decided to head back to the hotel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The next day, Janel was geared up and ready to ride. Fran\u00e7ois and our guide Juan (the \u201cMexican Buddha\u201d from earlier stories) went to breakfast with Janel. The market vendors in San Joaqu\u00edn greeted Fran\u00e7ois like family. We were served fresh orange juice and empanada-like treats stuffed with meat and veggies while trading riding stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"http:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-5-vista-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8286 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"http:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-5-vista-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8286 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-5-vista-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-5-vista-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-5-vista-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-5-vista.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>At a nearby soccer field, Fran\u00e7ois had a conversation with Janel about her limited off-road skill level, then walked her through what she would be doing. He spent his time making sure she was comfortable, let her know she could drop the bike anytime without shame and encouraged her to have fun. A short while later, Janel was standing on the pegs, weaving through cones like she had been doing it for years. In less than an hour, Fran\u00e7ois had given Janel the confidence she needed to hit the dirt, winning high praise from someone who battles anxiety. Fran\u00e7ois and the XR150L had clearly won her over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cHe\u2019s really good!\u201d she said to me later, \u201cThe little bike makes it so much easier to learn.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With Janel feeling confident, we descended a steep paved road to a hydro plant that was car-free. Occasionally, Fran\u00e7ois would veer us onto dirt paths to test out Janel\u2019s new skills. Later, we were sitting on the bikes having a quick snack when Fran\u00e7ois came over and pointed at a valley in front of us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u201cWe are going to go down one side and back up the other.\u201d He said in his strong accent. \u201cThere are two water crossings, so great for photos.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"http:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-6-water-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8287 lazyload\" style=\"width:732px;height:auto\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-6-water-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8287 lazyload\" style=\"width:732px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-6-water-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-6-water-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-6-water-768x1151.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-6-water-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-6-water-1366x2048.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-6-water.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>I saw Janel\u2019s face pale when she heard \u201cwater crossings.\u201d I reassured her, &#8220;It&#8217;s no big deal.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We hit the dirt road and headed down into the valley. To say it was steep would be an understatement. Rocks littered the road, and rain had washed out the sides of it. Cars had driven on it, and in some places, the sand was as slippery as ice. I couldn&#8217;t believe cars drove on this road! The switchbacks were so steep that the corners were paved so vehicles wouldn&#8217;t get stuck.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I stayed behind Janel to make sure she was okay as Fran\u00e7ois led the way. Janel made the odd stop to catch her breath and refocus, but we finally made it to the first water crossing without incident. The water was slowly flowing and about a foot deep with some rocks, but nothing too intense.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I pulled up next to Janel, and she looked at me and said, \u201cI don\u2019t think this is for me.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I called Fran\u00e7ois back to chat with Janel. He took his time to explain to her that she could do it and that she was on the right bike to make it through with ease. After the talk, Janel seemed a bit more motivated, and then, out of nowhere, she tore across the water crossing like it was no big deal. She was so focused she even forgot to stand up. When we came to the second crossing, she rode through it with ease. From there, we climbed back up the steep valley, each of us stalling a couple of times. Again, on such a small bike, it was no big deal to get started again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"http:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-7-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8288 lazyload\"\/><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" src=\"http:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-7-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-8288 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-7-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-7-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-7-768x1151.jpg 768w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-7-1024x1536.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-7-1366x2048.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/silvey-small-bike-7.jpg 1400w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/noscript><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>We rode for four more days, exploring diverse terrain, tackling new challenges, and taking in the incredible scenery. That first day, I had asked Fran\u00e7ois why he used small bikes, but with every trail we rode, the answer became clearer. Small bikes allow skill growth, confidence, and access to places you\u2019d never reach on a 650 or 1250. If I\u2019d had an XR150L in Virginia City, I might\u2019ve finished the poker run. Instead, I had to give up. I didn\u2019t have the right tool for the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some of us might scoff at small bikes, but seriously\u2013check your ego, stay humble, and try one out. No matter how big your bike is, you are riding, and that\u2019s what makes us cool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em><a href=\"https:\/\/motodiscovery.com\/tour\/sierra_gorda_mexico\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">MotoDiscovery<\/a>, one of the world&#8217;s first motorcycle tour companies, has been running tours in Mexico for over four and a half decades. Partnering with Fran\u00e7ois and his company, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fdmotorpro.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">FD Motor Pro<\/a>, they offer an eight-day tour through the Sierra Gorda, complete with riding lessons and breathtaking scenery. There are many instructors out there, but with Fran\u00e7ois, you&#8217;ll get your money&#8217;s worth. Hit the dirt on small bikes, and you&#8217;ll never look back. <\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Many people won&#8217;t believe how amazing a small bike is until they try one. If you want to experience the benefits of off-road riding on a small bike, look no further than Fran\u00e7ois Deroeux. Fran\u00e7ois is a professional motorcycle coach who\u2019s competed in events like the Baja 1000.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":8286,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[65],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8282","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-findyourcrossroads"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8282","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=8282"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8282\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/8286"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=8282"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=8282"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/bmwmoa.org\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=8282"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}