R
ride_gnu
Guest
I just purchased the 1997 Honda XR650L from a member on this site from Kelowna and I am hoping to ride this bike down to Mexico and much more. As for planning my trip I am at the stage of getting the bike ready now that I have it. Here is what I have planned or am thinking about doing so far. Any suggestions on what I have or what I dont have would be greatly appreciated.
Current Condition:
The bike has 13,000 KM with an aftermarket Clarker 3.7 Gal Tank and brank new Kendra Trak Master 2 Tires (20% Street, 80% Dirt), Acerbis Hand Gaurds, Skid Plate, FMF Core IV 2 Muffler.
My Plans:
1) Luggage Racks; I am hoping to make my own because they are so expensive any websites that offer good pictures or any pictures you guys have of how they work and connect would be awesome
2) GPS; I will be making a GPS holder attached to the handle bars to mount my GPS
3) 12 Volt Accessory; Was planning on wiring a 12 Volt accesory into the headligh to charge the following items (GPS, Cell Phone, Ipod) any information available on this would be helpfull too.
4) New tires?; Not to sure about this one the current tires are brand new, I was planning on gettingdifferent tires with a better street rating but im not sure what ratio to go with 50/50 or more 70/30. What's DSBC consensus?
5) Rear Sprocket; Was told a different rear sprocket for better mileage would be a good idea, how many teeth?
6) Shortening the Front Forks; I read shortening the front forks in the triple trees from 1/2" to 3/4" will help with steering and make the bike feel less like a chopper, is this true or a good idea?
7) Wind Shield; How much does this increase rider comfort for price? And does anyone know where to get one?
8) Uncorking; I was told the bike has not been uncorked, I am unsure wether or not I should have this done. I currentlyride a 250 two stroke Gas Gas and this 650 is the biggest bike I have ever had, and I will be travelling with a Land Cruiser 80% of the time, and I like good gas mileage, any opinions?
9) ANYTHING ELSE DSBC CAN THINK OF?
That is my list for now, hopefully I can keep this thread goign as more ideas come to me, and will keep posting.
Current Condition:
The bike has 13,000 KM with an aftermarket Clarker 3.7 Gal Tank and brank new Kendra Trak Master 2 Tires (20% Street, 80% Dirt), Acerbis Hand Gaurds, Skid Plate, FMF Core IV 2 Muffler.
My Plans:
1) Luggage Racks; I am hoping to make my own because they are so expensive any websites that offer good pictures or any pictures you guys have of how they work and connect would be awesome
2) GPS; I will be making a GPS holder attached to the handle bars to mount my GPS
3) 12 Volt Accessory; Was planning on wiring a 12 Volt accesory into the headligh to charge the following items (GPS, Cell Phone, Ipod) any information available on this would be helpfull too.
4) New tires?; Not to sure about this one the current tires are brand new, I was planning on gettingdifferent tires with a better street rating but im not sure what ratio to go with 50/50 or more 70/30. What's DSBC consensus?
5) Rear Sprocket; Was told a different rear sprocket for better mileage would be a good idea, how many teeth?
6) Shortening the Front Forks; I read shortening the front forks in the triple trees from 1/2" to 3/4" will help with steering and make the bike feel less like a chopper, is this true or a good idea?
7) Wind Shield; How much does this increase rider comfort for price? And does anyone know where to get one?
8) Uncorking; I was told the bike has not been uncorked, I am unsure wether or not I should have this done. I currentlyride a 250 two stroke Gas Gas and this 650 is the biggest bike I have ever had, and I will be travelling with a Land Cruiser 80% of the time, and I like good gas mileage, any opinions?
9) ANYTHING ELSE DSBC CAN THINK OF?
That is my list for now, hopefully I can keep this thread goign as more ideas come to me, and will keep posting.
-it has a K&N filter- but still has the smog set-up ,i believe ,its in good shape- just go through it and do all the maintenance checks etc.you should be good to go ..i guess- -this bike is not too suited for extended HWY riding IMO as its tall-seat feels like a 2X4-wind prone-and a thumper-knobbies will wear out quick -but you want adventure!!! ............
