My Recently Acquired, 2005 Honda XR650L

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

Agreed. The BRP is much less 'Big' since you got a hold of it. It looks great . More like an immense Dirt Bike With Lights all the time :P . I'm pleased to see the persice documentation of the weight reduction! I like the flat side panel. I was surprised to see how much the passenger foot pegs weighed. 8O

In Andy's shop I picked up a pair of aluminum Moose bars last night. They were very light! :idea:

Thank you, Doc. In its current configuration, my "pig" probably weighs slightly more than a stock, Suzuki DR-Z400S. If I removed the luggage rack, the comparative weights would be even closer.

However, I'm afraid my weight loss estimates are only approximations, and not very precise. Upon further reflection, I'm sure I overestimated the weight of the passenger foot pegs. :oops:

Spud

[FastDoc]

Originally Posted by katoranger

I wonder why Honda decided to use the thicker sprocket on the R and not the L from the factory.

It is odd why they would use a skinny CS sprocket on the L version like that. Also it seems to be a known failure point of a motorcycle that has been in production since Elizabeth Taylor was hot. They should have figured that out a long time ago. Good call/save Brother Spud!

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

It is odd why they would use a skinny CS sprocket on the L version like that. Also it seems to be a known failure point of a motorcycle that has been in production since Elizabeth Taylor was hot. They should have figured that out a long time ago. Good call/save Brother Spud!

Indeed! I'm sure Honda discerned the problem a long time ago; they just don't want to admit it, and/or deal with the financial repercussions. :roll: Fortunately, XR650R countershaft sprockets are cheap, and plentiful.

Spud

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

Thanks for that report Spud. It would appear that the ultimate solution would be to mill 0.10" from the new sprocket to perfect the fit. Do I understand that correctly?

I'm sorry; my previous answer was not completely accurate. :roll: I don't think much benefit would be achieved by milling the XR650R sprocket; it works best in its current configuration. To work properly on the XR650L, the XR650R sprocket is mounted backwards. Since the XR650L sprocket has a raised, 2.5 mm "mesa" on the outside surface, the XR650L sprocket is moved 2.5 mm closer to the engine case when the retaining clip is attached.

You could mill 2.5 mm off the "front" of the XR650R sprocket, then modify another retraining clip to push the XR650R sprocket closer to the engine case. However, this milling would reduce the contact area with the countershaft splines, defeating some of the advantage offered by the XR650R sprocket. Hopefully, my explanation is elucidated by the photographs below.





Spud

[FastDoc]

I deleted my post. I re-read it and figured it was one of the least Christian things I've said in a while. Sorry. :oops:

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

I deleted my post. I re-read it and figured it was one of the least Christian things I've said in a while. Sorry. :oops:

No problema, Doc. Upon further reflection, I also decided to delete my post.

Spud

[FastDoc]

Thanks. Life is a learning curve, you know, Brother Spud. :P

[FastDoc]

Regarding your sprocket I'm SURE the slight offset won't make a bit of difference Spud, especially considering the care you take of your final drive system.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

Regarding your sprocket I'm SURE the slight offset won't make a bit of difference Spud, especially considering the care you take of your final drive system.

I agree, Doc. Several XRL owners are using the XRR spocket, and they don't notice any unusual wear.

I have never heard of another motorcycle, Honda, or otherwise, that exhibits this defective countershaft design. :roll: My Zong doesn't have any countershaft problems after 40,000 miles!

Spud

[Weldangrind]

You're prompting me to check my old XR250R. I don't recall seeing any countershaft wear, but I'm not sure if I really looked.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

You're prompting me to check my old XR250R. I don't recall seeing any countershaft wear, but I'm not sure if I really looked.

If your eyes are like mine, use a magnifying glass, WaG.

Spud

[SpudRider]

Yesterday I reversed my CST, Surge I, front tire. Here is the condition of the tire after 1,300 miles of riding, mostly on pavement.





Here is the conditon of my Maxxis, Maxx Cross, IT rear tire after 1,000 mile of riding, mostly on pavement.



Today the high temperature approached 50 degrees, Fahrenheit; therefore I went for a nice ride.



I love springtime.

Spud

[Weldangrind]

Me too. I'm getting the itch to ride, real bad.

[katoranger]

Does reversing the tire provide better wear?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by katoranger

Does reversing the tire provide better wear?

Yes, it does, Allen. The knobs on my front tire were beginning to get a little backward slant resulting from aggressive braking. By reversing the front tire, I hope to even out this wear.

Spud