 17Likes
 |
|
24 May 2014
|
 |
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
|
|
WOW! she's a beauty!
So what are the differences between your Domi and XR-L? Is Domi gearing higher or lower? Same elec. stator output?
I LOVE where you've put the battery!  Is that stock or did you fab that up? (Brilliant!)
I'm assuming same single Carb? (not dual carbs like old XLs's) Is air box stock?
How hard would it be to fit an oil cooler? Placement would be the trick, and protection. That bike looks READY to go.
Man, I wish mine was ... I'm way behind on maintenance and just can't get motivated to dig in.
|
24 May 2014
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,656
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
WOW! she's a beauty!
So what are the differences between your Domi and XR-L? Is Domi gearing higher or lower? Same elec. stator output?
I LOVE where you've put the battery! Is that stock or did you fab that up? (Brilliant!)
I'm assuming same single Carb? (not dual carbs like old XLs's) Is air box stock?
How hard would it be to fit an oil cooler? Placement would be the trick, and protection. That bike looks READY to go.
Man, I wish mine was ... I'm way behind on maintenance and just can't get motivated to dig in. |
That's a stock bike apart from the exhaust and headlights. Google the standard model.
Same carb as XRL.. Stock airbox. Easily uncorked but I haven't done that yet.
I'll post some pictures of my XRL tomorrow... It's a 1993. Fully restored to new.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
24 May 2014
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Arizona
Posts: 26
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
WOW! she's a beauty!
How hard would it be to fit an oil cooler? Placement would be the trick, and protection. That bike looks READY to go.
Man, I wish mine was ... I'm way behind on maintenance and just can't get motivated to dig in.
|
Ted, I love that bike! Beautiful! 
I wish they still sold the Dominator over the XRL in some ways, beautiful bikes. There is one or two for sale now on ADV and I was sorely tempted.
Here is a great oil cooler solution that an ADV member came up with and now sells.
Sutton Cycle Works Honda XR 650L Oil Cooler
Initially, I was 100% behind the XRL and I had spent a good year researching the bike and all it's quirks. I know that I will buy one at some point because I do like them. I have ridden a couple and while vibey, they aren't really that much worse than my KTM. It is easy to replace 2nd and 5th gear to replicate the better gearing of the Domi and I do know that the engines are otherwise identical.
I rode a DRZ today and have to say that I am really taken with that as well. I think it is a better bike in some respects than the XRL. I love the water cooling and the sub frame seems beefier. Going to try to arrange some more time on one to get a better idea how they are on and offroad.
|
24 May 2014
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,656
|
|
|
Drz400s has a fantastic subframe. Strong enough for big softbags. Lots of pannier options out there too. I miss my Drz. I really regret selling mine.
Sent from my XT1032 using Tapatalk
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
24 May 2014
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Arizona
Posts: 26
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*
Drz400s has a fantastic subframe. Strong enough for big softbags. Lots of pannier options out there too. I miss my Drz. I really regret selling mine.
Sent from my XT1032 using Tapatalk
|
I only ever regret selling one of the bikes I have owned. I still miss it.
|
25 May 2014
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Esperance, WA
Posts: 252
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*
Did you uncork it. Mine is jetting and modded and it pulls great. You can make it way more powerful for under 500 quid but as you say, it the low tuned under stressed engine that makes it dependable.
|
No, it was dead standard. Agree- if I bought one, I'd do the pipe, the carbs and maybe a bigbore kit.
Mollydog- interesting reading on the history etc. Over here we have Ballards racing. They 'almost' specialize in Honda. Geoff Ballard was a desert racer and did lot of development work on the XR's, including big fin heads (for extra cooling) etc. So for me, its very easy to keep/modify an XR.
I've found the oil level is very much dependent on the oil life/quality. You're right- it doesn't use a drop of oil, and the next thing there is no oil so you have to check it every time you refuel. But I've found it 'only' uses oil when the oil gets old. So better oil (synthetic etc) and more frequent changes = no oil use. But if you have to run it on low quality oil, you have to be meticulous in checking the oil.
And as for the valves- yes, they need adjustment from time to time, but it's a 15 minute job if you have the standard tank. With the long range, it's a bit more cause you have to remove the tank. But that said, I've never needed to do valve adjustment 'outside' of 10k service intervals.
__________________
Squily
|
25 May 2014
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,656
|
|
|
And this is my 1994 XR650l.
Clearly a lot more dirt bike. Very tall and a thin subframe as standard.
However it has an engine from an early Dominator in it at the moment as I'm going to rebuild the other one with maybe a higher compression piston and camshaft.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
25 May 2014
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Arizona
Posts: 26
|
|
|
Wow! I like that Ted! Have you worked on the suspension? What sort of range does the tank give you?
|
26 May 2014
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,656
|
|
|
Stock 20 year old suspension and it still works pretty well. I've not really been anywhere on it yet after doing the referb. Its not really finished but it is 'On the road'... 23l tank should give 200-250 miles but with my jetting and exhaust, I'm yet to find out..
I had the seat rebuilt with some gel but it's still horrid. I need to get a Corbin imported..
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
26 May 2014
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Back into the hamster wheel again, in Oslo - Norway. Did a 5 year RTW trip/250 k kms, 2014-2019
Posts: 1,478
|
|
Here is a magazine that have tested and compared both the Tenere and the Sertao.... Bikes: BMW 650 Sertao VS Yamaha 660 Ténéré - Transmoto
__________________
In the end everything will be fine. If its not fine its not the end....
|
26 May 2014
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,656
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Snakeboy
|
The Sertao is so poorly made I think it was a joint effort with Fisher Price. It would fold in half if you rode off a kerb. It is small, light and economical though.
I do like the 660Z. Always have. It's just a shame they're so bloody heavy.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
26 May 2014
|
|
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Squily
Mollydog- interesting reading on the history etc. Over here we have Ballards racing. They 'almost' specialize in Honda. Geoff Ballard was a desert racer and did lot of development work on the XR's, including big fin heads (for extra cooling) etc. So for me, its very easy to keep/modify an XR.
|
Yea, Ballard's is also well known here, especially in the XR/XR-L community. Lots of US riders order his skid plate and other stuff.
We had "XR's Only" and "Baja Designs" ... but Ballards was better, made better stuff. I think Baja Designs listed Ballard's products in their catalog. Top company!
Quote:
Originally Posted by Squily
I've found the oil level is very much dependent on the oil life/quality. You're right- it doesn't use a drop of oil, and the next thing there is no oil so you have to check it every time you refuel. But I've found it 'only' uses oil when the oil gets old. So better oil (synthetic etc) and more frequent changes = no oil use. But if you have to run it on low quality oil, you have to be meticulous in checking the oil.
|
My experience reflects this exactly. I ran low on oil in Baja and put in some crap Pemex oil, only thing available in small village. Not good. It really does need good oil. My bike needed a new top end after that trip. 
Quote:
Originally Posted by Squily
And as for the valves- yes, they need adjustment from time to time, but it's a 15 minute job if you have the standard tank. With the long range, it's a bit more cause you have to remove the tank. But that said, I've never needed to do valve adjustment 'outside' of 10k service intervals.
|
Spot on. I only mention it so folks won't think they can just forget the valve checks. You can't. In moderate use the valves stay put. Not so much after hard deep sand riding. 
|
26 May 2014
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Arizona
Posts: 26
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*
I had the seat rebuilt with some gel but it's still horrid. I need to get a Corbin imported..
|
Have you considered getting the stock seat redone by a company like XPC or Seat Concepts? They both do awesome work and can build a seat more to your specs. Renazco as well, but he is a super long wait for work.
|
26 May 2014
|
|
R.I.P.
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2003
Location: california
Posts: 3,822
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*
Stock 20 year old suspension and it still works pretty well. I've not really been anywhere on it yet after doing the referb. Its not really finished but it is 'On the road'... 23l tank should give 200-250 miles but with my jetting and exhaust, I'm yet to find out..
I had the seat rebuilt with some gel but it's still horrid. I need to get a Corbin imported..
|
I love my Corbin ... but there are other, less expensive seats out there.
The Seat Concepts seat kits get very good reviews. Check it out:
Honda XR650L Parts - Accessories - Performance - ProCycle
Pro Cycle may end up costing you some money ... they've lots of toys for your bike ... but he mainly is a Suzuki DR650 guy. Very good overseas service, even the Aussies buy from him, as a made in Oz Safari tank (and most other items) from Pro Cycle is cheaper than buying it in Oz! Weird!
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*
The Sertao is so poorly made I think it was a joint effort with Fisher Price. It would fold in half if you rode off a kerb. It is small, light and economical though.
I do like the 660Z. Always have. It's just a shame they're so bloody heavy.
|
Well, you would know Ted since you're working on them NOW. Frankly, I'm surprised it's poorly built. It looks so stunningly beautiful (IMO) ... but I guess it really is the ultimate poser Cafe bike. Clearly intended for a ON ROAD ONLY
bike. Good review in the Aussie dirt bike mag ... good pics too!
And I agree ... both the Sertao and Tenere are really too heavy if any sort of even moderate off road is intended. Imagine what they're like once loaded up with all the gear? YIKES! No fun!
My DR650 is heavy when loaded up ... but BOTH the Sertao and Tenere' start out 60lbs. to 70lbsl heavier than my DR650. A big difference!
|
26 May 2014
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,656
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by mollydog
I love my Corbin ... but there are other, less expensive seats out there.
The Seat Concepts seat kits get very good reviews. Check it out:
Honda XR650L Parts - Accessories - Performance - ProCycle
Pro Cycle may end up costing you some money ... they've lots of toys for your bike ... but he mainly is a Suzuki DR650 guy. Very good overseas service, even the Aussies buy from him, as a made in Oz Safari tank (and most other items) from Pro Cycle is cheaper than buying it in Oz! Weird! |
Now why did you go and have to show me that page. Like I don't already have enough problems trying to save and not spend haha 
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
