Does anyone know a UK importer with stock of a new XR650L? I've rung around / emailed the usual suspects - no joy. Alternatively, can anyone recommend an Australian, or US dealer that would ship to me in the UK? I think the XR650L is now made in Brazil, and as far as I know it is not officially sold in any European countries, but could be wrong. Again, if anyone knows where I might find one please post.

Thanks in anticipation.

Think Chris scott bought some of these from Perth, OZ for his 3 up sahara trip last year.
Aussie $ strong though

Sorry - I can't remember the place, but they were selling them for about £4.5K, all imported, registered etc. You'll find them if you search the HUBB.

I just googled XR650L UK importer and got nothing. There used to be ads in the back of TBW, but I just checked the one on my desk and I can't find it anywhere. Have a look in an old copy?

Otherwise you could check out the 'states - with the Dollar being so weak at the moment it would be cheap (but a lot of hassle none the less)...

http://www.kjmsuperbike.co.uk/

Damn I'm good.

why do you want a new one? they're 'orrible, new! try jim at hondashop.com.au if you must have a new one. cross my palm with paper if you want a well-sorted one for overlanding

Thanks All,

Tried KJM - that pic on their website is an old one; they currently have no stock.

Its looking like I'll have to do a personal import if I get a new one. Probably from the US.

Why a new one? Yes, I know they are dogs new, but this is easy to fix. Also, with a new bike I know what I'm starting with.

The more I think about though, the less I want to import a bike myself. I might go for an XR650R instead. Originally I was not keen on the R's ally frame (short critical crack length, harder to repair than steel). However, the trip I'm planning is not that mad (TransAmerica trial), there are plenty of Honda shops on the way, and I'm planning to go ultra-light - so might not load the subframe too much.

Michael,

I have done a few bike trips on a few continents and can tell you from experience that the Trans Am Trail is not as straight forward as you may think. 1st make sure you have a tank range of at least 200 miles. Not all the petrol stops are quite as readily available as Sam says. There is NO petrol available at Fort Bidwell in California and there are some significant detours at other marked stops. 2nd, yes there are Honda dealers but you have to detour seriously to get to them, if you can find them, and spares have to be ordered in so be prepared to wait if you need them. 3rd whilst the Trans Am Trail is no motorcross track be prepared for giving your bike some serious abuse and don't underestimate the seriousness (or remotness) of the desert sections around Utah/Nevada.

I dont like to sound like an old woman but there is plenty of potential for screwing up big style out there, whatever you take, if you're riding alone make sure its bullet proof....

All the best,

Dave l

Someone up around Lancaster currently has a '93 XRL with a mere 4k on the clock for £1950 or thereabouts (see www.enduro.freeserve.co.uk/forsale.htm). Ideal -- a basic all-round fettle, an Acerbis tank or similar, some Happy Trails racks and a some Ortleib throwovers... ship it out and do it. Worked fine for me.
Can't say I nudged the limit on fuel myself, but the lil'ole general store in Fort Bidwell (see David Lomax's post) may well have gone the way of all such things since I was there in August '00 -- fantastic old shack of a place then, run by a lady in her early 70s who regailed me with tales of some of her travels to "all but two of our states, son..."
Yes, the bike will take a reasonable beating and - yes - the trail has its dangers for the lone rider. But a '93 XRL will make it, and so will you if you're equipped with a reasonable streak of self-preservation. :-)
Anyone got an 84-86 Tenere going spare?

Hi David and Russell,

It was reading your trip reports that inspired me to go for the Trans Am Trail. With respect to David's health warnings, I'm taking the planning side seriously. I'm going in Jun/Jul 2005. A joint effort by Boyd Emmerich at Overlander Trail Tours and Mike Husband at MotoMerlin has sorted a bike. Not an L, but a 2000 XR600R, fresh out of a crate from Germany.

Do you mind if I email you both on occaison for advice?

Best regards,

Mike



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I know where there's a "mint" XR600R (1999) on an SA plate, going in London for between 4-600 quid.

Might be for sale on here soon. I think it's one of the only 600Rs in the Capital that hasn't been bloody supermotarded.