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Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



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  #1  
Old 24 May 2014
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Originally Posted by floyd View Post
Both will give you a numb but in no time. Mod the seat boi
Whichever bike I go with, I will have XPC build me a touring seat. I don't go in for monkeybutt...
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  #2  
Old 24 May 2014
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I did say that... Then I thought a little more.

The engine in the xr650l is the same as the nx650, fmx650, slr650.. There are parts globally. The forks and shock are compatible with the xr600 as is the exhaust, discs etc. Service items available everywhere too.

David silver spares can so get ANY Honda part from any bike if its still made.


The best thing about these bikes. Drz included, is that you can fit generic stuff very easily. Bodywork, lights, bars, controls etc.

I would never leave the civilised world on a KTM. Fantastic bikes for sure but they like going bang and falling apart and parts are not easy to source in the 3rd world.

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  #3  
Old 24 May 2014
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This is a NX650 RDO8 Honda Dominator. Same engine as XR650L. The better ratio gearbox too.

Already gusseted subframe, proper battery box, rear luggage carrier and comes with an aluminium sump guard which is actually quite good. 17/21 wheels and you can completely overall for suspension for about £400.
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Honda XR650L or Suzuki DRZ400S-uploadfromtaptalk1400951924072.jpg  

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  #4  
Old 24 May 2014
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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.
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Old 24 May 2014
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Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
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.
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  #6  
Old 24 May 2014
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Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
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.
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Old 24 May 2014
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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.

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  #8  
Old 24 May 2014
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Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
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.

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Old 25 May 2014
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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.
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Old 25 May 2014
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Wow! I like that Ted! Have you worked on the suspension? What sort of range does the tank give you?
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Old 26 May 2014
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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..
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Old 26 May 2014
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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.
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Old 26 May 2014
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Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
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* View Post
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!
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Old 26 May 2014
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Originally Posted by mollydog View Post
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
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Old 26 May 2014
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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
Whoops! Sorry mate! You would not believe what some of the DR650 guys spend at Pro Cycle. $$$$ THOUSANDS! $$$$

Hey, if you really need parts I'd keep an eye on the US XR-L forums. (Thumper Talk, ADV Rider, et al)

I'd bet there are guys parting out (breaking) XR's or just selling off bits and pieces. Might take a while, but I'm thinking you could find just about everything. Only issue is shipping costs. Might be worth it if parts are cheap enough?

Tens of thousands of XR-L's have been sold here nationwide since 1992. Bike has never changed, so like the DR650, lots of parts out there.

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