Honda XR650L or Suzuki DRZ400S
 

Ok, first some background. I am looking for a good bike to RTW. I will be doing the ride in small bites rather than a continuous journey. I want something that is as comfortable off road as it is on and low tech/maintenance is key as well. So FI is out as is lots of electronics. I also plan to travel light. I will use soft panniers and bring camping gear and keep what I carry to a minimum. I am going to try to keep the gear weight under 40 pounds/18kgs. I am about 200lbs/90kgs. After a lot of research, I have narrowed it down to the Honda XR650L and Suzuki DRZ400S. The bikes are very similar in terms of specs and I find myself torn at which would be easiest to live with on the road. I like these models as they have both remained virtually unchanged for a couple decades, have a lot of aftermarket support and are readily available where I live.

Are both equally easy to get parts for around the world?

Is one head and shoulders better than the other?

Which would you choose amongst these two?

XR :mchappy:

I rode to capetown on a drz400s.. I now own a xr650l..

Neither are comfortable... And they both need modifying to make them overland ready.

Weight wise , not much in them.. The 650l needs its subframe bracing a bit too.

I packed fairly light and the drz400 frustrated me with its lack of power.

By all accounts, i think I prefer the xr650l .. However, parts have to be imported from the USA if you're in Europe. The engine is the same as the nx650 dominator so engine parts are very easy and the 650l also shares parts with the xr600r too...

You can try my xr650l at the hu UK meeting..

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So Ted,

How much total weight did you and your gear add up to approximately? The lack of power is what really concerns me about the Suzuki.

Are parts for the DRZ easier to come by than the XR?

I will be modifying either bike for comfort and ride worthiness.

Succinct and to the point...:laugh:

Why??c?

On my DRZ I had soft bags and a big roll bag. A fair bit of weight but I was crossing Africa for 7 months. I don't know the exact weight but I had lots of tools and spares. I did the 3x3 power on my DRZ and had a sports exhaust and up-jetted for power. I still struggled to cruise at 65mph. I tried all sorts of gearing but the bike wasn't powerful enough for lower ratios 'with luggage'.. Kills were a pain. I was travelling with a guy on an old battered F650GS and he left me behind with ease.

The DRZ is a fine bike. It's simple, reliable, lightweight and has decent components. I would happily do another trip on one but only if it was an off-road based trip. I would pack MUCH lighter and stay away from highways.

The XRL is in the same category as the DRZ but with a bigger engine. They are just as reliable but obviously more powerful and a little more thirsty with it.

The XRL is also a very TALL bike. I'd say a little more vibey than the DRZ too. It's got a much weaker rear subframe but it's very simple to strengthen.

The XRL is hugely popular in the USA. There are sooooo many parts available. It's been going in it's current for for over 20 years. You can also get a Corbin seat for it too which it DEFINITELY needs. As does the DRZ.

If you're based in the UK or Europe then outfitted a DRZ is much easier. However, the XRL has a strong following. You can get almost everything you need for an XRL from Gab at Zen Overland. He did a RTW on his XR650L and swears it's the best bike for the job.

Tell me about your trip... Where are you going and what terrain are you covering ??

I ride a KTM 625Sxc now and have been strongly considering using that. RTWPaul is currently doing just that and I am following his travels with a very close eye. I am worried about spare parts with the SXC mostly.

I am slowly working out the where now. I want to stay off major highways of course and really want to get off the beaten path, but still retain the capability to see the popular sites. As for the terrain, whatever is in front of me. I do not want to be limited to what the bike can handle.

The first part will be Central/South America. I am starting with Baja California and finishing with Argentina. It's a toss up on if I will ride home or have the bike shipped back. If things work out, maybe head back north and catch Brazil and tour some of the Amazon before shipping the bike back from there.

Second part will be New Zealand/Australia.
Third part will be Southeast Asia and India.
Fourth Part will be Russia, Mongolia and a couple of the 'stans, still working on that one.
Fifth Part will be Africa south to north

Well most of that you could do on a Harley unless you go looking for the dirt
Why not use different bikes for different regions unless you're doing it all in one big hit ??

Have a look at a dr650se too. Post 1996.. Xt600e can't be ignored either..

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Your KTM could work! ... and if you put in the amount of work modding your bike that RTW Paul has, then it may be reliable. .. or not. doh (I'm following Paul's report too ...followed him for a year when he was in South and Central America on his Tenere')

If you really learn your KTM, dissect it's many faults & foibles and work your way round them all ... then you've got a bike that is good! :thumbup1: If you don't mind the Vibes on your KTM ... then all good. (owned two KTM 640's) If you're mechanically astute and have parts and tools ... then all good. Not a bike for amateurs. bier

I believe the KTM will require just about as much prep/mods as either
XR-L or DRZ400S. Parts? Just because a town in Honduras or Peru' has a Suzuki and Honda dealer DOES NOT mean that dealer will have parts on hand for your bike. They just won't! You will have to wait.

Same with KTM. Set up a deal with a good KTM dealer in USA ... one email and parts on their way to you. In the end, probably about the same or shorter wait as ordering from a local Honda or Suzuki dealer.

Can we assume you are US/Canadian citizen and starting in USA?

I'm not an XR-L fan. Bought one NEW in 1993. Sold it off in less than a year. The motor runs HOT. Sub frame bends/breaks. Battery box breaks off. All can be helped with good mods and aftermarket parts.

Like your KTM, the Honda is very tall ... but suspension needs help to be it's best, the rear shock is a POS. Ted says the XR-L is very popular in USA. I'd say "it used to be popular!" but not much now. I rarely see one anymore. Lots of Orange bikes here in California. Honda are OUT.

The DRZ has the off road advantage over the XR-L with a few key mods. If you can get a better seat and fit your luggage, it's not bad. I owned a DRZ400E ... only rode Baja on it with a small backpack. Never toured. But many DO tour on the DRZ-S. See Adam's Jedi reports on ADV Rider.

You say the XR-L and DRZ are "very similar bikes". Not at all similar. The XR-L is old school air cooled, radial valve head, NO oil cooler, CV carb. The DRZ is liquid cooled, much more modern chassis, stronger everywhere, better design overall. (stock vs. stock)

Both can be modified to be super good for travel, both will make it. Your idea of going light is very smart. 40 lbs. is perfect! :D I carry about 60 lbs. on my
DR650 and trying to cut that down some. (not so easy)

Best of luck. I'd take a few short-ish shake down rides locally to figure out what bike is best for you.

bier

A Harley would get me a lot of cred with the highway pirates we have in the states, but no thank you:laugh:

I am guessing I will be about 60-75 percent dirt on my ride, that is my aim anyhow. I dropped the DR650SE for that reason. Having ridden that bike in the dirt, I was underwhelmed. It also feels a good bit heavier than the XRL.

How tall are you? The DR650 is not a great BIG MAN bike. The Honda is much better ... or your KTM. But the DR650 (with proper mods) can be pretty good.

BTW, dry weight of DR650 vs. XR650L are the same: 324 lbs.

But off road in stock form, the XR-L is much better. But once the DR has been modded up some, it's a whole new bike. But not great for tall guys, as it's too low for most.

60 to 75% dirt? Have you ever toured/travelled in Latin America before?
Short answer is: You're dreaming! :Beach:

Yep, I live in the US and all my travels will begin here. I am tall-ish at 6'1" and have no problem on the DRZ and my SXC reaching the ground. I don't imagine I will hit much dirt in SA, but since I do have plans to do the BAM, Mongolia and Africa, offroad abilities and lower weight seem like they would be rather important. At least I that is important to me. To be clear, the DR650 is not even a consideration for me.

Molly, that is a killer point. I haven't really considered thinking along those lines. :D

Also, if you follow what RTW Paul and other KTM 640 experts do ... you'll find the main bugaboos on that bike, carry the needed spare parts with you. Pretty sure this is what Paul is doing.

There are a few common failures on the 640's (which are commonly known among users) and most of the parts can be easily stowed on your bike for travel: Water pump kit, Valve gear bearings and a few other things I can't recall.

Most long time 640 riders KNOW when problems are coming and replace key parts as preventative maintenance, so no slow down when on the road.

Also, now-a-days ... there are several KTM dealers in S. America. I believe
Colombia, Ecuador, Peru', Chile and Argentina ALL have a KTM dealer(s).
Will they have parts for a bike they no longer make? Who knows? KTM is now BIG in S. America because of the Dakar race. Now a household brand.

Good luck with your planning! (talk to RTW Paul about Cent. America ... he's a border crossing God!)

Yeah, Paul is the man. I got his border crossing book. I chose SA/CA as my first leg because it should be the easiest for me to do. I will be following him like a hawk to see how he does on the BAM. I am well versed in bike maintenance, so working on the SXC doesn't bother me, it's just the fear that I will be miles from anywhere when it decides to act up.

Both will give you a numb but in no time. Mod the seat boi:thumbup1:

Sounds good! I'm thinking once you're out on the road for a while you'll tune in to your KTM, learn it's sounds and ways. Hopefully any changes would be noticed in time, do a repair, replace worn parts. The longer you go the better you'll be able to diagnose and analyze issues ... hopefully catching things before any serious problems arise.
bier

Been reading with great interest.

Having toured on the XRL, I found it underpowered (my mate says the L is for 'lazy')and 'cramped' (I'm 6' 4").

The single biggest advantage of the XRL above any other bike (KTM and DRZ included) that will make me choose it again: easy maintenance and reliability.

All good! bier keep oil cool, keep level to the top. XR's based on 600's of that generation burn oil running fast on highway or going full throttle through deep sand all day long. Watch the level. beer

Maintenance IS EASY! Very nice ... but if run hard (HOT), valves don't stay in spec too long. Don't let them close up. Poor oil means pitted cams and clacky engine.

Also, IMO, XR's demand good quality oil, (synthetic). Since there is NO oil cooler, synthetic makes a BIG difference. It's Honda's old school air cooling, not even close to the Air/Oil cooled DR650 Suzuki SACS system ... which never over heats! (55,000 miles on mine :thumbup1:)

Even though I ditched my XR-L within a year of purchase new (1993), I rode and toured with buddies who kept XR-L's and put lots into them. In early 90's the XR-L was the top dual sport bike. But most All eventually gave up and sold them off. Out of about 7 Honda riding Baja buddies, only ONE still owns and XR-L today. Another buddy has an old XR600R. (better bike IMHO)

http://patricksphotos.smugmug.com/ph...-sHNWVCg-L.jpg
70 year old Bob, still wringing out his XR600R. Bob is 6'8". 2000 miles of stuff like this. Happy every day

I made only one Baja trip on my XR-L ... but later made several Baja rides with buddies riding XR-L's. Stuff happens in Baja. Baja eats bikes alive. I saw bent and broken sub frames, seized wheel bearings, broken battery boxes and over heated motors that when taken apart were ruined. (Yes, they ran, but made no power and smoked)

Not all the XR-L's did this ... but the maniacs who rode them like race bikes nearly all paid the price. A few were kitted with over bore kits. Big trouble.

The smart guys fit oil coolers, modified the battery box (Baja Design's used to have a kit), put on a quality aftermarket pipe and reinforced the sub frame ... and let Precision Concepts work on the suspension front and rear. (Team Honda)

The XR-L is TALL ... but the distance between seat and peg is short, so yes, it is a bit cramped for someone 6'4". At 5'6", fit me perfect ... but I could not touch the ground!! :helpsmilie:

Like every dual sport bike ... the XR-L seat was never made for hours riding. Corbin and others made seats for the XR-L. At one time the XR-L was the star bike in the Baja Designs catalogue. But faded fast when the "new" XR400 came along in about 1997 or '98. A very fun and capable bike ...
even has an oil cooler! :thumbup1:
http://patricksphotos.smugmug.com/ph...-bhPGqgs-L.jpg
Chris Haines Baja tours still use the XR400 on their tours. Here's a few mixed in with a few CRF's back in '08. They preferred the XR400, cheaper to keep.

Agree, the XR-L is sluggish. I fiddled with my Carb for months ... could never get it to run right or have that snap. "Lazy" is quite accurate IMO! doh
But the basics are all Honda and mostly good. If the right mods are done and right equipment fitted, it's a good bike and IS reliable.

Baja is extreme torture ... I've seen lots of bikes go belly up there. Including several KTM 520, 525, old 640's. Also XR250 (mine), XL600's (mine and a buddies), KLR's, WR450, CRF450X. None of these bikes were race bikes but were ridden pretty hard by pretty good riders. Stuff happens. :oops2:

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.

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Ted i would get 88mph out of my total standard DRZ400S on motorways which was max speed, not comfy but i screwed it like that for hours sometimes, not sure why you struggled to get 65mph and you had mods

it is fact a standard DRZ is very very low maintenance, you should not tarnish its good name by putting it in brackets with a KTM when referring to maintenance issues :D

Whichever bike I go with, I will have XPC build me a touring seat. I don't go in for monkeybutt...:D

Oh that hurts Wesley, now I have to go tell my bike thatit's alright to be orange and high strung! :mchappy:

I am doing the TAT solo next year on the SXC and will get to see how it handles an extended trip like that. If it proves to be too high strung, I am leaning towards the DRZ.:Beach:

oh how I wish I had the money to burn on a 690E!

Several guys in my group have (or had) DRZ400S, all would pull past 80, more like 85 mph ... at which point I'd slip by (barely) on my DR650 ... which could struggle up to about 95 mph. Maybe Ted had super low gearing? :confused1:

Although must say ... even my old "E" model DRZ would top out at 80 mph.
It was not pleasant at that speed however. The S is better on highway for sure.
Stock for stock I'd agree. I've ridden with buddies riding DRZ's ... going for days at 80 mph, then off road. Never seen a problem with one. KTM? Not so much.

But still, a good mechanic who really knows the KTM and keeps up on the shorter maintenance intervals ... can have a pretty reliable bike. bier

KTM is the better bike for sure but does need alot more maintenance and second hand parts like of ebay are not so available so you will be paying out your ass

Basic if my DRZ was to sh@t itself anywhere in the world with in a 10 minute search on ebay i could have the part brought sent to my family home and then fedex out in days.

KTM????

and as Ted said regarding the XRL

"I prefer the xr650l .. However, parts have to be imported from the USA if you're in Europe"

Availability to source parts fast was another reason on choosing the right bike

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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I'd say "better performance bike off road", but "better" can have a variety of interpretations ... as a traveler's bike, reliability and easy maintenance has to trump pure performance, no? (does for me anyway!) Also things like comfort, vibes, packing ability et al ... all must be factored in, yea? :scooter:

But preaching to the choir here ... And cheap is important too ... and KTM parts can be expensive. True, lots DRZ & XR-L used parts cheap online. KTM? Not as much, but stuff is out there ... if you have the time and help. :helpsmilie:

I did not know that.
I thought Honda sold the XR-L in UK/EU, no? In any case, having parts shipped from USA would probably be CHEAPER than shipping from EU ... and parts prices themselves would be a lot cheaper too sourced from USA.

The trick is having someone at the receiving end to expedite parts through local customs. Not so easy. :( Checking in with your local embassy can sometimes present a solution.

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.

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! :thumbup1: 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.

Ted, I love that bike! Beautiful!:mchappy:

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.

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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I only ever regret selling one of the bikes I have owned. I still miss it.

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.

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.

Wow! I like that Ted! Have you worked on the suspension? What sort of range does the tank give you?

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..

Here is a magazine that have tested and compared both the Tenere and the Sertao....Bikes: BMW 650 Sertao VS Yamaha 660 Ténéré - Transmoto

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.

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!

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. :thumbdown:

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. beer

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.

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!


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!

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 ;)

This coming weekend, I am getting the chance to ride my 625SXC and a buddies DRZ back to back on a number of surfaces. Pavement, dirt roads and singletrack. That should answer a lot of questions I have and hopefully it will be a day of fun! :D

Whoops! Sorry mate! You would not believe what some of the DR650 guys spend at Pro Cycle. $$$$ THOUSANDS! $$$$ doh

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.

bier

Yeah I hear you. I was even considering flying out with two empty suitcases and filling them full of goodies. There is a small xr650l following in Europe which would love some local supply.

Ultimately, after having tried all the bikes in question, I always come back to my KTM and love it even more. I will run the bike on my upcoming TAT trip after making a couple simple upgrades to it and see how it shakes out reliability wise, but the more I dig into the bike, the more I realize how simple to work on it is. If I couldn't take it, for whatever reason, I would choose the DRZ. Time will tell if I made a wise choice, but till then I am staying orange.

You gotta ride what you love at the end of the day !!

Preparation is key to success. Find out its weaknesses and sort them before you go or have the means to fix them on the road.

I knew the Drz was known for bad stators. I had a spare one packed up in a jiffy bag at home ready to be posted out if required. Pissing about looking for spares on eBay from an internet cafe in the arse end of nowhere is no fun at all..

Hi so out of these three bikes, which would make the best one for a RTW trip, and why?

XR650R
XR650L
650 Dominator

Thanks in advance.

Clearly, no hard & fast answer. Many things factor in. Really your choice based on:
1. your needs (or perceived needs), likes, must haves
2. skill, background as a rider
3. skill, experience as a mechanic
4. Where you are, bikes available where you are?
5. Budget?

Ridden any of the 3 bikes?

The L and Dominator are similar, (same basic air cooled motor). The R is a totally different beast. Liquid cooled, 10 year newer design. It's the R model that is the multi time Baja 1000 winner.

But could make a good travel bike if set up well. But remember, it was designed as a race bike from the start, was never street legal (in USA anyway).

Both the R and L are very TALL bikes. Domi a bit lower, IIRC. If you're a shorty like me ... consider that.

Thanks for the info. I realised the R was a newer bike. Has an Aluminium frame instead of Steel. Didnt know it was WC against air. The R is street legal in the UK and luckily I have no problems with bike height, Im 6'1". Or I should sat I get cramped on small bikes.
So the R would make a better travel bike if set up?
TIA

I have an XR650L and an NX650 Dominator.

I also used to have a 650R in Enduro AND supermoto format.

XR650R is a good bike but it's more of a racer. A big racer, but a racer all the same. I wouldn't use it as a travel bike. Too vibey, too thirsty, kick start only etc.

The XR650L is a fantastic travel bike but only if you're going to be needing it's off-road capabilities. I bought mine to do a trip to Mongolia on. I think it's out there with the DRZ400 as one of the best long distance enduro bikes. On paper, it's not really any more powerful than the DRZ400 but you can feel it in it's midrange. Easier to tour on.

The Dommie has the same engine as the 650L. It also has a heavier, stronger framer and a good subframe already. It's the softer, lower, more street version of the 650L (the 650L needs bracing for luggage).

The suspension on the Dommie is UTTER TERD though. You will have to invest £500 on revamping it at least.

If your trip was 50:50 dirt I'd take the 650L and strengthen the frame and get a new seat.

If your trip is 70:30 Road/Dirt or just easy trails then I'd take the Dommie with improved suspension.

Ted

Thanks Ted. I guess out of those 3 bikes then its looking like the Domi. Would the suspension from the XL fit?

Nope.....

However, from my research ; the forks from an XR600R fit the front and the rear shock from an XR250R and an XL600 fit's the rear. That's just what I read though. I've never seen or tried it. (I might though)

Lot's of people make new shocks for the Dommie. £300 for a Hagon. You can have the original shock re-conditioned with a stiffer spring for about £150-£200. Firefox racing offer this service via mail order.

Progressive springs are also available for the front forks. £100 from Hagon.

I'm sorting out my suspension in teh next few weeks, so if you're in no rush, you can learn from my mistakes ;)


With the Dommie, your problem will be finding one in good condition with low mileage. They stopped making them in 2001. Take your time finding one. They're quite common on Ebay.

If you're buying an old, high mileage one for a long, extended trip then I'd be looking at maybe giving it some new piston rings and valve stem seals. Along with all the usual wear items. Old bikes can quickly drain cash if you're not careful.

Not a hard job on these simple air cooled engined bikes if you're that way inclined.


The best thing is that you should be able to buy a half decent dommie and reburb it and have it ready to travel on for less than £2000. £2500 if you really want to pimp it out.

Ted

Thanks Ted, very informative and useful.

At the moment its looking like a Domi if I cant get hold of a Xchallenge.

If it's an X-challenge you're looking for, the XR650L is probably a lot closer to that than the Dommie.

If you can find one.... :cool4:

I'm not fully decided what I want. I want to see how far East I can get, Vladivostoc or Magadan would be the targets. So just trying to decide the best bike for me to do that. (Its a harder decision than I first thought).

I am 5' 8'' and 120 lbs. I am also 74 and fit. The bike I'm looking for is the crf230l for the reasons stated.
I've rode scramblers mx and I now ride a Honda cbr500 and have since it's inception.
I live in the Kooteny Bc where the riding is unparalleled both on and off road. I lived and worked in the Baja and know what it's like to pick up a bike more than I would like.
I am heading to SA next fall knowing that the little Honda will get me anywhere.
What kind of hurry can I be in when my whole object is to live with other folks without fear of theft or strife.
I just happen to like the little roads