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  #1  
Old 26 Jan 2014
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Honda XLR200

So after another 2 relocations, another failed engagement etc... I'm now in Exeter...

Hi folks...

Picking up an imported Honda XLR200 at the end of the month... Anyway... Appearance wise it's fooked, but it's mechanically solid... However... It's got to get me to Malaga ( Spain ) and back... in March...

Possible?

Obviously i'll need to carry some oil, as little Hondas don't like being pushed at speed for long periods of time... With rests regularly for the old girl...
However would I be as well looking into an oil cooler?
Or getting some interchangeable parts from the bigger 250 model?

Anyone here done a distance trip on a XLR200?

Advice/thoughts/opinions welcomed...

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Old 26 Jan 2014
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How are you getting to Spain? If you ferry into the northern ports - Bilbao etc, it's only about six hundred miles to Malaga - two fairly easy days. It's a "bit" further if you're going via Calais though.

Condition is going to be everything with the bike. It really does need to be in good nick, particularly if you're taking one of the longer routes. I'm sure you'll check out the usual stuff - tyres (one set should get you there and back), chain, brakes etc but I wouldn't have any real problems with that trip on that bike if it's sound. Just don't flog it flat out down the autoroute.

It does depend on your route but given the option in March I'd be heading for the Med and going down that coast as it'll be significantly warmer than inland.
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Old 26 Jan 2014
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Originally Posted by backofbeyond View Post
How are you getting to Spain? If you ferry into the northern ports - Bilbao etc, it's only about six hundred miles to Malaga - two fairly easy days. It's a "bit" further if you're going via Calais though.

Condition is going to be everything with the bike. It really does need to be in good nick, particularly if you're taking one of the longer routes. I'm sure you'll check out the usual stuff - tyres (one set should get you there and back), chain, brakes etc but I wouldn't have any real problems with that trip on that bike if it's sound. Just don't flog it flat out down the autoroute.

It does depend on your route but given the option in March I'd be heading for the Med and going down that coast as it'll be significantly warmer than inland.
That's the plan... Plymouth ferry... find somewhere to camp for the first night, then make my way to Madrid... Get drunk with a buddy... crash over... then down to Malaga... Haven't figured out routes yet, but i want to avoid motorways...

Back roads, slow pace...

Like i said in the first post, the XLR is tatty on appearance, but the engine is fantastic... Full MOT the end of this month pencilled in... chain, sproket, engine oil all maintained and kosher....

Tyres are a good shout, any recommendations?
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Old 27 Jan 2014
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Every time I've gone on the ferry to Spain it's arrived in the morning and Madrid wouldn't be a problem in one day - it's about 250 miles from memory.

No idea on tyres - something not too knobbly unless you've got an off road route planned but it'll have to be kind of off roadish with a 21" front wheel. Michelin Sirac or similar (= cheaper)?
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Old 2 Feb 2014
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Originally Posted by backofbeyond View Post
Every time I've gone on the ferry to Spain it's arrived in the morning and Madrid wouldn't be a problem in one day - it's about 250 miles from memory.

No idea on tyres - something not too knobbly unless you've got an off road route planned but it'll have to be kind of off roadish with a 21" front wheel. Michelin Sirac or similar (= cheaper)?
Thanks bofb...
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Old 23 Feb 2014
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Circumstance have changed and the XLR has now been replaced by a deal for an XR250.... Trip details have changed too.... More updates soon

Thanks for the advice though folks, anyone know anything about GPS?
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