My Recently Acquired, 2005 Honda XR650L

[SpudRider]

The rain passed on this afternoon, so I rode the Honda up a local mountaintop. Therefore, I present a few more photos of the XR650L with the Clarke fuel tank, and without SMOG tumors.















Spud

[FastDoc]

I forgot to mention that the Clarke is an especially good match for the honda red color.

[MICRider]

I have to admit, the red tank looks fantastic on your bike. I voted black because I like contrasts, but I hadn't considered the zebra effect. The red does go with the bike very nicely. Awesome looking ride!

Cheers,
Stew

[SpudRider]

Thank you, Doc. Thank you, Stew. Indeed, the color of the Clarke tank matches the Honda Red superbly. Also, the shape, fit, ease of installation, and quality of construction are all superb; Clarke Manufacturing makes excellent fuel tanks! I am very pleased with both my Clarke fuel tanks.

P.S. Porky lost a few pounds with the installation of the Clarke fuel tank. As I was draining the fuel from it, I couldn't believe how heavy the stock, steel fuel tank was! 8O

Spud

[FastDoc]

You can eBay the stock tank and recoup some of the cost of the Clarke, Spud.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

You can eBay the stock tank and recoup some of the cost of the Clarke, Spud.

I definitely intend to sell the stock fuel tank, and its "elephant ears." Thank you for the good suggestion, Doc.

Spud

[FastDoc]

I'd toss the tumors, Can't imagine anyone would want them. Maybe some greenie in Kalifornia wants them for his lawnmower? Never mind, their mowers are electric. :P

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

I'd toss the tumors, Can't imagine anyone would want them. Maybe some greenie in Kalifornia wants them for his lawnmower? Never mind, their mowers are electric. :P

I would love to sell the tumors to some tree-hugger! :twisted: Alas, I also cannot imagine anyone who would want them! I get the impression Honda is notorious for this kind of EPA crap. :roll: Fortunately, the tumors were easily excised, and the "patient" has fully recovered; all is well.

Spud

[SpudRider]

The stock XR650L is a tall motorcycle, with a seat height of 37 inches. 8O After doing some research, I decided to buy a Performance Design lowering link for my Honda.

http://www.performance-design.net/pe...suspension.htm

Today my Christian Brother Andy helped me install the lowering link. When stopped, I can now reach the ground with both feet flat; I am very pleased with the results. The Performance Design lowering link is well designed, and well manufactured; I highly recommend this product.

After installing the lowering link, raising the forks, and adjusting the race sag, I headed out for a test ride. After riding the interstate at 85 mph, I headed down the Rockland Valley, then ascended Knox Canyon to 7,200 feet above sea level.









Descending to the east, I encountered ice on the shaded, northern exposure of the mountain. 8O





I am pleased to say the XR650L handled very well riding over the ice. Descending into the Arbon Valley, I left the snow behind.





The Performance Design lowering link worked great! My bike handles very well with the lowering link installed, and I am very glad I bought it.

Spud

[FastDoc]

Spud you contine to outdo yourself with your workmanship, photography, and riding ability. That was quite a bit of snow!

Because I sometimes take pics to share with you all too, I appreciate all the time you put into sharing with us.

[SpudRider]

Thank you, Brother Bill! I appreciate your kind words.

Spud

[Weldangrind]

85mph on a dual sport. That's like a dream I had.

The BRP doesn't look to be lower; even the kickstand still does the job. That's a well thought out link.

Excellent shots Spud. You're a brave guy for taking on the ice on such a big bike.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

85mph on a dual sport. That's like a dream I had...

Indeed, it's a dream come true.

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

...The BRP doesn't look to be lower; even the kickstand still does the job. That's a well thought out link...

Indeed, the Performance Design lowering link is very well designed. However, I definitely need to shorten my kick stand about an inch.

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

...Excellent shots Spud. You're a brave guy for taking on the ice on such a big bike.

Thank you, W&G. The BRP handled the ice surprising well; the bike felt very stable. I was not surprised the Kenda, K760 tire I mounted on the rear wheel did an excellent job on the ice. However, I was pleasantly surprised how well the Dunlop, D603F front tire performed!

Spud

[SpudRider]

Today I made a few more changes to my BRP. After working on the bike I went for a ride, and took these two photos. How many changes can you discover in Porky, the Big Red Pig?





Spud

[FastDoc]

Different rear sprocket.