My Recently Acquired, 2005 Honda XR650L

[SpudRider]

Yesterday I ran the fuel tank to reserve; I traveled 199.7 miles, and used 4.02 gallons of fuel. I am pleased to know I can travel about 200 miles on the main tank, with 0.7 gallons in reserve fuel. So far I am averaging a consistent 50 mpg, so the reserve tank should carry me another 35 miles if I can drain it dry.

I have decided to replace the current tail light with a Western Power Sports, Universal Tail Light.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...=45&zmap=27007

This tail light is reported to be bright, and only costs $12.99. In addition, this tail light appears to be designed for the XR650L, so the installation should be very simple.

http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=759799

Western Power Sports is a distributor located in Boise, Idaho, so I can order the tail light through my local Honda dealer without incurring shipping costs, and the tail light will be delivered several days later.

Spud

[FastDoc]

Super good dea l. Looks super easy and the light has awesome reviews. Looks like a wise purchace. 50 MPG sounds about right, especially with knobbies and the type of riding you do. All I can say is if you run out of gas with a 200+ mile range, it's your fault! 8)

[Weldangrind]

*Note: Not D.O.T. approved in all states. Please check with your local laws before installing.

I wonder what that means? Is it because there's no license plate light? If that's the case, how is it any different from the light you're using now?

Still, can't argue with the price.

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

*Note: Not D.O.T. approved in all states. Please check with your local laws before installing.

I wonder what that means? Is it because there's no license plate light?...

I don't know if it's D.O.T. approved, but I don't care. I know I won't be bothered by the police here in the great, free, western state of Idaho.

Originally Posted by Weldangrind

... If that's the case, how is it any different from the light you're using now?

Still, can't argue with the price.

I'm pretty sure its brighter than the tail light now mounted on my bike. A license plate light is not required for a motorcycle to be street legal in Idaho; however, the WPS Universal Tail Light does have a clear window at the bottom to illuminate the license plate. In addition, the advertisement for the WPS tail light employs the same luggage rack I just installed on Porky! Therefore, I must have made the right selection!





Spud

[SpudRider]

The nasty weather has finally arrived in Idaho. :( Knowing that Sunday was my last chance before the snow closed access, I rode my Big Red Pig to a favorite mountaintop.



When I recently installed a new drive chain on Porky, I decreased the countershaft sprocket by one tooth. The reduced gearing made a definite improvement in the bike's off road performance. Earlier in the day, I also cruised Interstate 15 at 90 mph, so the bike's top speed was not adversely affected by the lower gearing. However, when traveling through large, loose rocks, and other difficult terrain, the bike is still geared a little too high. Therefore, I am going to drop another tooth on the countershaft sprocket; this change is in agreement with most XR650L owners who ride rougher, off road terrain.



If you look closely at the photo above, you can see Porky's red, lowering link. I am going to change Porky's droopy, front fender to either a CRF230 fender, or an XR400R fender. I am going to keep the fender Honda Fighting Red. However, I am also considering changing the color of both the headlight cowl, and the hand guards to white. Gentlemen, do you think I should keep these items red, or choose white?

Spud

[FastDoc]

I honestly think they would look good/maybe better in white but I'd not replace red parts that are not broken.

Does Polysport make a fender that fits the BRP?

It's not the weather that's killing me but the freakin' dark. :twisted:

[FastDoc]

Heck get a blue seat and the BRP would look like The Dirt Rat's big brother, which I guess it is!

[BillR]

Originally Posted by SpudRider

Yesterday I ran the fuel tank to reserve; I traveled 199.7 miles, and used 4.02 gallons of fuel. I am pleased to know I can travel about 200 miles on the main tank, with 0.7 gallons in reserve fuel. So far I am averaging a consistent 50 mpg, so the reserve tank should carry me another 35 miles if I can drain it dry.
Spud

That's about what I get from the Skorpion 660, more around 45-47 and it's jetted a bit rich. Haven't made the time to work on that, yet.
Bill R

[FastDoc]

Originally Posted by BillR

That's about what I get from the Skorpion 660, more around 45-47 and it's jetted a bit rich. Haven't made the time to work on that, yet.
Bill R

Leave the jetting as is and 'lean' it a bit with a low restriction air filter?

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

I honestly think they would look good/maybe better in white but I'd not replace red parts that are not broken.

Does Polysport make a fender that fits the BRP?...

My XR650L is very clean, and I got a great deal on it. However, the headlight cowl and hand guards are scratched up a bit, so I thought I might replace them to match the excellent condition of the rest of the bike. Since I might replace the parts, I figured I might as well choose the color I prefer. I can actually get white, Honda parts for a lower cost than the red, Honda parts. I am also considering getting an aftermarket headlight. Baja Designs, Acerbis, Trail Tech, Polisport, et cetera, offer some very nice headlights.

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com...cessories.aspx
http://www.trailtech.net/x2.html

It's funny you should mention it; Polisport does make a front fender that fits the XR650L.

http://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/pr...FamilyId=26999

Spud

[FastDoc]

Nice stuff Spud and good places to buy from. I know all about not quitting at 'good enough' also! I say get the white after,arket parts you like and eBay the Honda stuff and I bet you'll break even or maybe make some money. 8)

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by FastDoc

Nice stuff Spud and good places to buy from. I know all about not quitting at 'good enough' also! I say get the white after,arket parts you like and eBay the Honda stuff and I bet you'll break even or maybe make some money. 8)

Thank you for your input, Brother Bill. Does anyone else have an opinion; should I stick with red, or choose white? :?:

Spud

[katoranger]

I would go white. Break up the red of the fender and tank.

[FastDoc]

Just make a Big Brother, Brother Spud!

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by katoranger

I would go white. Break up the red of the fender and tank.

Thank you for you input, Allen. The 2008 model of the XR650L had a white headlight cowl, with red hand guards.



The 2009 model of the XR650L had a white headlight cowl, with white hand guards.



This model also had a white rear fender, but I prefer the red rear fender.

Spud