My XR650L adventure bike.

Funny, the cliche. In this world, it is appropriate to call my motorcycle an "expedition bike" but in all worlds practical, it has been my "adventure bike". Never really seeing an expedition. Can you REALLY partake on an expedition on a motorcycle?

My motorcycle has taken me across the United States for work, to Mexico for margaritas, and to Arkansas to witness the colors as they change in the leaves. It has been a great bike. One that I've built to do what I like, never leaving me stranded, and never really breaking.

Here is a quick picture of the life and transformation of the bike.

Where I found it and cleaned up, when I got home- in the kitchen.
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Got a bigger gas tank, cheap, and a few other parts. Then took it on a few rides to learn her.And then a bigger gas tank...
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Wrecked once or twice...
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And then I started takings trips. For your viewing pleasure.

The Mexican Titty Bar Tour
Mexican Non-Adventure-Adventure.Louisiana Outback Trail
In the Name of Work
Texas Hwy 87 Video
A day in Northwest Louisiana
Miles of Beach, and mostly at night
 
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Then I started taking trips.
Trips. In preparation of that BIG ONE, that never came. I built the bike for a "jog" down to Panama. But, Life happened. Funny how it does that. But here is a one picture recap of those trips that did happen...

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Currently, the bike is sitting in the garage. Back at square one. Mostly stock. Its time for a refresh and rebuild.
A rebuild for when I do, one day, take that trip down to Panama. Maybe beyond.
 
+1

So how well does the trusty Honda cruise the highway?

Check the ride report "in the name of work" above.

I rode hwys and interstates from Central Louisiana to the eastern most parts of Kentucky. On the way back, I hit two memorable things... Deal's Gap ("The tail of the dragon") and Tropical Storm Faye.

The bike functioned best on the hwy when setup with luggage.
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So, to say the least, I took I-20 from Monroe, La to Birmingham to Chattanooga, through Knoxville, and through Virginia to Pikeville, KY.

Oh and then coming back I had like 400 miles of rain.... Chattanooga, TN to Jackson, MS. Tropical Storm Fay.
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Never missed a lick.
 
Started the tear down.:Wow1:

Took about an hour to get to this. Tried cleaning the carb... but it was nearly spotless, even after a few thousand miles of PeMex and 5 gallon gravity fed bucket gas. Realize I have put probably 7000 miles on the bike since I cleaned the carb last and like I said, it was spotless!

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(Obviously not my bike, its a Kawaksucki, but I got the same gas and he's carrying my maps)
 

Drumboy

New member
I've read several of your ride reports on different sites and longed to be back in Mexico on my KLR. Maybe one day we'll meet in Batopilas or Galeana....
 
I've read several of your ride reports on different sites and longed to be back in Mexico on my KLR. Maybe one day we'll meet in Batopilas or Galeana....


Sounds good. I am glad you enjoyed my ride reports.
I may be operating guided tours down to the Galeana area soon, and hope you might join me on one of those!




I have my bike down to the frame and motor- only two bolts holding the motor in. I, stupidly enough, left the dang skid plate on and cant get to the bottom bolts. But since it was Christmas Eve, I just left it for tomorrow.
 
Bike's frame has been painted. Motor painted and returned to frame.

But, I moved a couple months ago and haven't had the opportunity to work on it any more. But its been almost a year! :Wow1:

I also thought I would bump this thread to the top since Mr. Brady has recently picked up a project bike.
 

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