My Recently Acquired, 2005 Honda XR650L

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

I'll bet that it felt great to get out and ride. It's been so long for me that I hope I still know how.

Indeed, I enjoyed myself very much, Brother Derryk. I am very pleased to report the weather is supposed to remain warm for another two days! The Surge I, front tire rides smoothly on pavement, and is not unduly disturbed by either cracks in the pavement, or "tar snakes." The main difference I noticed is the Surge I tire has quickened the steering, making the bike more eager to turn at all speeds.

Spud

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by MICRider

Lol, same here! Every morning when I leave for work the KLR looks so forlorn tucked away waiting for decent weather... I even have a cool taillight upgrade (safetywise) to install, but I don't want to put it on till I can compare it to the original (battery is out etc...) Waiting, patiently waiting for spring...

Cheers,
Stew

Spring is just around the corner; hang in there, Stew! However, I must admit, my spirits have been lifted by this brief window of warmer weather.

Here's a photograph comparing the CST, Surge I, size 80/100-21 tire, the Dunlop, D603F, size 3.00-21 tire, and the Cheng Shin, C858, size 2.75-21 tire.



Spud

[FastDoc]

Spud, my experience with tall front knobbies is that it normalizes the speedometer error, if the BRP read a tad fast before it will probably be on the money now. Thats the way if was with Q, and the HSUN before it.

[SpudRider]

The weather reached a balmy 48 degrees Fahrenheit today, so I went for a 100-mile ride, and took the following photographs.



I have now ridden 200 miles on my Surge I, front tire. Today I was pleased to discover it performed quite well in soggy, muddy, and snowy terrain.





The Surge I, front tire also works surprisingly well on the street. Here's a photograph of the Surge I tire, with 150 miles of wear.



Here's a photograph of my Kenda, K760, rear tire with 1,400 miles of wear.



I really enjoy the Kenda, K760 rear tire, but I will soon replace it with either a Dunlop D952, Maxx Cross Desert IT, or Dunlop D606 tire. I hope my BRP can get better wear from one of these other tires.

Spud

[FastDoc]

As always Spud great pics.

It's funny how warm 48 feels in the middle of winter. :wink:

I highly recommend the Dunlop.

FWIW the KLX comes with D/S Dunlops with what looks like a perfect tread pattern. If you like I can photograph them for you and provide you with the model number. :idea:

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

As always Spud great pics.

It's funny how warm 48 feels in the middle of winter. :wink:

I highly recommend the Dunlop.

FWIW the KLX comes with D/S Dunlops with what looks like a perfect tread pattern. If you like I can photograph them for you and provide you with the model number. :idea:

Thank you, Bill. Please do tell more about your Dunlop tires. If I can get 3,000 "good" miles from an aggressive, knobby, rear tire, I will be happy. If neither the Dunlop, D952 rear tire, nor the Maxxis, Desert IT rear tire, will last 3,000 miles, I'm pretty sure the Dunlop, D606 rear tire will last 3,000 miles.

Spud

[FastDoc]

Check out this tire, Spud. looks like an amazing deal.

http://www.happy-trail.com/Tires/Michelin-T63-Rear.aspx

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

Check out this tire, Spud. looks like an amazing deal.

http://www.happy-trail.com/Tires/Michelin-T63-Rear.aspx

Yes, I have read good reports on the Michelin, T63 tires. I might experiment with the T63 tire in the future; however, I currently prefer the more aggressive tread patterns. 8)



Spud

[Weldangrind]

That's a beautiful shot Spud.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

That's a beautiful shot Spud.

Thank you, W&G. We just had 4 days of beautiful weather, and now it is snowing once again. :roll: I am very happy we only have about a month left until spring officially arrives!



Spud

[SpudRider]

After experimenting with Photoshop, I've decided to perform some rhinoplasty on my XR650L.





























I'm definitely going to trim the bike's proboscis!

Spud

[Jim]

What are you using for a camera? You are always posting some excellent photos.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Jim

What are you using for a camera? You are always posting some excellent photos.

Thank you, Jim. I'm using a Canon Powershot A590, point-and-shoot camera.

Spud

[mjs91882]

Spud excellent pictures my man! Looks like you and the bike are having alot of fun! How warm was it there when u went for this lovely ride? Alot of these roads look pretty remote with no traffic?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by mjs91882

Spud excellent pictures my man! Looks like you and the bike are having alot of fun! How warm was it there when u went for this lovely ride? Alot of these roads look pretty remote with no traffic?

Thank you. The high temperature during these rides was 40-45 degrees, Fahrenheit. Indeed, there are many beautiful places to ride in Idaho.

Spud