New bike for me.... at last

[Mudshark]

Well I've done it at last, I've been torn between all the DS'es out there in my
search for a new bike for over a month now. I had my heart set on a F650 Dakar, but after riding a F650GS over the weekend I've had a radical change
of heart.
I realized that I like dirt... less road and more dirt. So in my hunt for more
power etc I've gone to the other extreme. Today I put in an order with the nice
folks at Cycle Center of Denton... not close to home, but well worth the drive.
I ordered a Honda XR650R with a 4.6 gallon tank, FMF Q2 Pipe, Baja Designs
DOT kit, Dunlop 606's ..... the list goes on, but you get the gist of it.
Anyhow, in about 3 weeks time I’m going to be ready for some good rides.
I look forward to meeting and riding with you all.

[Tourmeister]

Wow!!

Hopefully you will be better than that Weasel guy about posting pics of your new bike :lol2:

[Mudshark]

Wow!!

Hopefully you will be better than that Weasel guy about posting pics of your new bike :lol2:


LOL!! :lol2: :lol2: :lol2: that should not be too hard :thumb: .... c'mon Weasel
we want PICS... listen to your sig. ;-)

[10-95]

Congrats.

How is that thing gonna be for extended trips on the road? Say 200 miles or so?

[Mudshark]

Congrats.

How is that thing gonna be for extended trips on the road? Say 200 miles or so?

With taller gearing and gel seat, not any worse than my DR650. I guess the
suspension will be a bit firmer too.... Kinda like doing a long trip in a pickup truck
in place of a car :thumb:
I've seen a few windshield mods as well, I'll see how it goes. There are so many
after markrt DS kits n stuff for XR's it will not be a problem to get it "balanced"
just right :rider:

[Teeds]

Congrats on the XR650R. They are great bikes.

Regarding gearing, XR650Rocketman suggested 15/45 and I am glad I went that tall. It cruises at 60~80 comfortably on a slab or terra nonfirma.

I wish my legs were long enough to be able to install a gell seat, but even with a KoubaLink my bike is still a bit too tall to flat foot when stopped.

I need to get a rear brake light problem solved. Although the bike has been inspected, I would like a proper brakelight.

Oops ... forgot to add ... we routinely do 200~300 mile days that are a mix of slab and dirt, shaded towards the dirt side.

[Hotboot]

So I assume you traded or sold the DR ?

Congrats on the new thumper !

[Mudshark]

So I assume you traded or sold the DR ?

Congrats on the new thumper !

Thanks everyone, I still have the DR and will more than likely sell it once the new
bike gets here. However, I'm not sure that the XR will deal with the commute
as well as the DR. I hear that the XR's tend to boil pretty quickly if ridden
too slow for any length of time. Sounds like a traffic problem to me?
Anyhow, I'll see how it goes for the first few weeks, luckily it's pretty cool
now so that should give me enough time to sort out any heat issues.

[Sleepy Weasel]

Ooooh... I thought you were going with the L, not the R... When does it get here? I need to know how much time I have to buy a step ladder.

[Teeds]

I assume that the bike is being uncorked by the dealer and rejetted?

My XR does not like to idle for long periods of time, but I have never had it boil over in traffic. It did boil over once at Big Bend while I waited for someone to get ready. It was more my fault than anything because I lost track of the time.

There are tons of threads relating to overheating and jetting on the Yahoo XR650R site.

[Mudshark]

Ooooh... I thought you were going with the L, not the R... When does it get here? I need to know how much time I have to buy a step ladder.

hehe! Bright Friggin Red! don't worry I got the ladder already

[Mudshark]

I assume that the bike is being uncorked by the dealer and rejetted?

My XR does not like to idle for long periods of time, but I have never had it boil over in traffic. It did boil over once at Big Bend while I waited for someone to get ready. It was more my fault than anything because I lost track of the time.

There are tons of threads relating to overheating and jetting on the Yahoo XR650R site.

Thanks for the input Teeds, As far as uncorking goes.. no, I want to do all that
myself, after the the bike is run in..... besides I'll not know the difference if
it came from the shop uncorked :rider:
All the required "uncorking" stuff will come with the bike when I pick it up.
All I'm wanting them to do for me is to add the DS kit and tires and get it
Plated. After that I'll run it in, then start with the uncorking.
I'll get the suspension setup while I'm running it in. I dropped the gel seat
from the order, I figured I'd see how Sleepy Wealsel's seat turns out and
take mine to the same place.
I'm getting (don't have the part#'s handy)
3 main jets
2 needles plus needle jets
2 Pilot jets
a FMF Q2 Pipe (the new Titanium tip model)
and thats all for now, I've got a new front sprocket, stock +1.... 15 I think.
The bike should take about 14 days to get here, then there is the fitting time.
oh, I'll be changing the thermostat and radiator cap to a 1.6bar from the stock 1.1
I'm dying over here!!!! I want it NOW already!:eat:

[Teeds]

I have an FMF Q on my bike on the stock header. Much nicer than the pipe on the bike when I got it.

I haven't fooled with the jetting. I will not say it is spot on, but I don't need to scare myself more than the bike is already capable of.

The KoubaLink was the greatest change I have made to the bike. It lowered the bike an inch and a half. I need to shorten the sidestand a bit, but I really like being able to "almost" flat foot the bike.

You will likely find that the bike will overheat quickly in stock form, because the bike comes seriously, actually extremely, lean. For the life of me I cannot figure out why the government thinks we are so stupid and expects us to leave them stock. Dillweeds.

[Mudshark]

I have an FMF Q on my bike on the stock header. Much nicer than the pipe on the bike when I got it.

I haven't fooled with the jetting.

Glad to hear from some one who has the same pipe already and likes it.
You say you never changed jetting, so what have you done
so far then?
For break-in all I was going to do was set the air screw right
and lift the needle... will that be enough?
I didnt want to mess with the jetting untill I can do full speed runs
and some really hard pulls to test it.

[XR650Rocketman]

Mudshark.....welcome to the wondeful world of BRP's....A few suggestions if I may....I've run a BRP since 2000 and have learned a few things along the tens of thousands of miles.
I also have a "new" 2004 model that I just D/S'd
First get a "Tall-Soft seat foam and cover from Baja Designs. It will be the best investment in your bike.
Second....Go ahead and do the stage 1 power up from the start. The bike is designed to be run that way, not the way it comes delivered to the customer.
Save you pennies and put a Scotts stabilizer on the bike ASAP. Stock the bike is more stable at all speeds than any other bike I've owned...With the stabilizer it is amazing.
Don't bother with the turn signals unless you enjoy spending time and money replacing them....Hand signals are still legal.
For rear view mirrors go to www.DualStar.com and get their units....They never get in the way and unless you weigh 300 lbs they work really well.
As Teeds said we sometimes run over 300 miles a day and the BRPs love it.
Add a filter skin to the air filter also if your not going to be the lead dog on any dusty rides.
Carry some 15 amp mini fuses and make sure you know where the Baja designs fuse holder is....Sometimes they blow for no apparant reason....the bike will still run but nothing else works.

Let us know your progress, we're here to help.

[Teeds]

You say you never changed jetting, so what have you done so far then?
My bike had a 172 main and a 68 pilot jet when I got it. It is a 2000 and it had been uncorked before I got it.
For break-in all I was going to do was set the air screw right and lift the needle... will that be enough? I didnt want to mess with the jetting untill I can do full speed runs and some really hard pulls to test it.
I see Steve has found the thread. He has likely forgot more than many of us will ever learn about the R.

[Mudshark]

Let us know your progress, we're here to help.

My bike had a 172 main and a 68 pilot jet when I got it. It is a 2000 and it had been uncorked before I got it.

I see Steve has found the thread. He has likely forgot more than many of us will ever learn about the R.

Thanks for the advice and offer for help, I'll be needing both no boubt.
At this Point I'm just worried about the bike in 20 to 30 minutes of stop start traffic on a good summer afternoon in Dallas when it's goos and hot.
I'd hate to cook it :trust:

XR650Rocketman, what main and pilot do you recomend for the Dallas altitude? i think there
will be a 172 or maybe is was a 175 in there. I'll know exactly what when the bike gets here.
I've been told to run slow speeds the pilot jet will have to go up in size to keep it cooler.

[XR650Rocketman]

Run a 170 or 172 main with a 68 pilot, just like Teeds said....But you must change out the intake "boot" or at least cut out the restrictor and open up the air box....Just follow the instructions that you get with the kit.....It's been a while but I thought "stock" was a 165 main.

You'll probably find a 175 main too rich.

Don't sweat the "Boiling over" deal.....I run a stock rad cap and have only had it "dribble" a little once ever on a day over 100 degrees sitting in the tight woods.

One more thing.....Your BRP will work just fine riding slow but it feels a lot lighter and way more fun when you open it up some.

Keep us in the loop.

[Bagwell]

MAN. All this talk makes me want one too now. :)

I must resist...

[Mudshark]

Run a 170 or 172 main with a 68 pilot, just like Teeds said....But you must change out the intake "boot" or at least cut out the restrictor and open up the air box....Just follow the instructions that you get with the kit.....It's been a while but I thought "stock" was a 165 main.

You'll probably find a 175 main too rich.

Don't sweat the "Boiling over" deal.....I run a stock rad cap and have only had it "dribble" a little once ever on a day over 100 degrees sitting in the tight woods.

One more thing.....Your BRP will work just fine riding slow but it feels a lot lighter and way more fun when you open it up some.

Keep us in the loop.

Thanks so much, Well I'll start out at 172 then and the popular 68S Pilot jet.
I'll open up the airbox. I've been reading about the intake boot, as I understand
it, all I need do is cut out the restictor thing "blocking" the hole (tube)
making sure that it stays nice and smooth and that should do it.... if this is
right it'll be the first thing I do. I have ordered an Unblocked one
Part# 16211-MBN-640 I'll see if I can wait... if not I'll just cut it out. depends on
what comes first the part or the bike :eat:

[xrcajun]

Hey Mudshark congradulations!! Don't pay any attention to all the negative talk. You'll love that bike if you do what Steve is saying. Fully uncork it. I did everthing Steve is saying plus drilled the side cover and put on a Power Bomb header pipe and I ride the bike to and from work in the middle of summer in Houston and all over the place. I went to bike week in Galveston with over 100,000 other bikes and never had a problem. I just rode in the forest and have riden all over Big Bend and I don't even think about boiling over, ever. I have never changed the radiator cap. I'm pretty sure I have a 175 main jet. So maybe it runs just a little rich that keeps it running cool. But it runs like a bat out of you know where and never has a problem. I've done over 300 miles a day on that bike and loved every minute of it. I do run a 15/45 like Steve suggests and I've clocked my top speed at 107. Just be happy with your desision. I'm riding to work this morning woohoo!

[XR650Rocketman]

Hey Bagwell....
Resistance is futile once you get a little seat time on an XR650R...They can be addictive.

[Tourmeister]

Mud, here is something to help you pass the time... :trust:

http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55171

Enjoy!

[Mudshark]

Thanks a million for all the input guys..... I'm freaknig out here. I was never
good at waiting....maybe I'll try some of this to calm me :zen: :lol2:
It's been 2 days and no ETA from the dealer for the bike. I'll feel better
if I have a date to aim for.

Tourmeister, very nice article, thanks a lot. I guess another great thing
about the BRP's is the vast amount of aftermarket goodies out there.

BTW guys, I'm ashamed to have to ask this question... but what kind of
odometer / speedometer / tripmeter comes on the '06 ?
I'll have to get a "real" un-resettable odo to get a street title and was not
standard equipment the last time I looked.

There are some realyl nice digital's out there:
http://www.electrosport.com/electrosport_speedo_3200.html

I think I'm going to have way too much fun with this bike :rider:

I see xrcajun has the same outlook on his day as me... the highlights are
riding to work and riding back home.... the long way round.
I usually work pretty late, so most of the traffic is gone by the time I leave
for home, this makes for a good ride home.
I'll have to juice up the headlight though I don't think 35watts is any good
for anything..... except maybe a night-light :mrgreen:

[XR650Rocketman]

Don't you just hate to wait!!!!!
The 650 comes with a resettable 99.9 mile odometer.
I've never heard of a bike failing inspection because of this.
I've run the Baja Design 3" chrome 160 mph unit....Not too good.
I've owned 4 Panoram/Trail Tech computer type....They've all died.
Currently I have stock Honda XR650L units on two XRs and I'm really happy...
They are bullet proof and accurate.
The best unit I've had was my Garmin GPS that is currently waiting for me to find it out in the West Texas desert somewhere....But that's another story.

XRCajun, AKA, Jim Guillory has a really good outlook on many things in life....He also has some trick stuff on his BRP....Come to think of it it's time he came riding with us again soon...He must be ready for another junk food fix by now.

Let us know when that bike's due in.....Where's Frisco??

[Mudshark]

Let us know when that bike's due in.....Where's Frisco??

Frisco's just North of Dallas.... you know, near the center on the universe :sun:
hehe! well at least it feels that way in summer.
you'll have to elaborate on the junk food fix / ride with you guys???

This is a pic of my current commute.... I might hang onto it - no idea right now
what to do with it....
http://home.comcast.net/~r.vanantwerpen/bbstuff/mydr650se.jpg

[XR650Rocketman]

XRcajun is by profession an extremely fit Physical Trainer who is very careful of what he eats....As they say "You are what you eat"!

When he joins us for Big Bend Rides he end up eating more "Junk" food in a one weekend than his does in months....

I guess we're just bad influences.

[Mudshark]

....As they say "You are what you eat"!


aahh... okay I get it ..... I guess thats why I look like a burger ;-)
I don't eat out if it's not buffet :eat:

[Sprocket]

Mudshark,

If ya need help with the Baja kit, let me know. I'm happy to help. I've done several kit installs and have personally carried the paperwork through for 3 of them all the way to "plate-hood". I might even know of a super-duper, top-secret inspection place that makes it real easy. Maybe. Possibly. Hypothetically of course....:trust:

Little things like running sportbike-type signals on the rear (http://www.motolobo.com/gallery/xr400/DSCF0011?full=1) and installing a light guard (http://www.motolobo.com/gallery/xr400/DSCF0004?full=1) keep things from breaking. Not sure if they offer it for the 650R but I even had BD do a stator rewind for my 400 as I run a 100w+ bulb on the headlight and wanted all the juice I could muster. You can check with Electrosport.com as well...

The esteemed BRP pilot XR650Rocketman is correct that hand signals are legal, but the time spent arguing the fact with a LEO while he looks around you bike for other questionable things like non-DOT tires isn't worth it in my book. I've ridden my XR400 with a BD kit and signals almost since new in 2000 and even with what little on road usage she's had I've been grateful for the little blinking devils at all 4 corners. Always fun to change lines on the trail using signals too... :)

FWIW, I've parted ways with my XR pretty hard a few times, ridden through stupid-high water and mud (you know, that's when you know it's too high and you must be stupid to try), pressure washed it (always hard on bearings and such), and have never had so much as a burned out bulb, broken lens, or bent signal stalk (BD flex type in front).

Another personal preference is that I prefer the folding Ken Sean mirrors to the small-ish Dual-Star types as they also add to the "nothing to see here, my bike is street legal, this is not the XR you are looking for" Jedi mind trick when passing LEO's. Call me silly, but there's usually enough reasons to pull me over so I don't ask for it... :roll:

Opinions expressed here are mine and you may not agree. YMMV. Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Product sold by weight and not by volume. Contents may settle in shipping. :mrgreen:

[XR650Rocketman]

Good points for sure....Which reminds me....I run the clear vinyl headlight guards from Dual Star....They are working very well even when I'm riding with some of my roost happy buddies.

[Mudshark]

Thanks for the offer Jeff, I'll see how it goes.... and I might call for help.
I've decided to go with this stator:
http://www.rickystator.com/pages/XR650stator.html
I figured it's only a tad more than a rewind. Then I'll just swap out the 35/35
for a 55/65. I often work late and so I need better lights than a flashlight ;-)
I orderd the "classic" DS kit from BD. I'll also be looking at getting a real
Speedo, with 2 odo's, one non-resettable. just to keep things "street"
I'll follow Steve's advice and steer clear of the digital type. I might
just use a DR speedo, they're pretty cool. With mounting hardware they are
about 180.00 a bit steep I know... But I need to have a fairly accurate
speedo and the little crome ones sound a bit small, I've yet to a pic of one
fitted to a BRP to see how it looks.
Well the charge for my deposite went through today, so I guess that means
that the dealer got a delivery date from the factory. I'll call them on Monday
and get an ETA. I think I'll go ahead and order the Hi-Flo header from FMF
as well, this way it'll get here before the bike.
https://www.fmfracing.com/products/catalog.aspx?CategoryID=45&ItemID=040078

How badly do these hiflo type headers effect low end torque? I don't see me "racing"
around much and I do like lots of bottom end power... So depending on the answer
I might pass it up??
This wait is going to kill me... I just know it.:mrgreen:

[ta2240]

For rear view mirrors go to www.DualStar.com and get their units....They never get in the way and unless you weigh 300 lbs they work really well.
.

That kind of stings! I don't weigh 300 yet lower that to about 240 lbs!
I need to go on a diet:eat:

Mudshark, here are a couple of pics of my new speedo/odo/trip meter.
It costs $118 and it is made by ICO out of La.
It is really good quality.
It runs on 2 lithium batteries and they also have a model that attaches to a 12v for a back light. That model comes with a thumb switch.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c18/ta2240/ICO1.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c18/ta2240/ICO4.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c18/ta2240/ICO1.jpg

[Mudshark]

Pretty cool looking speedo thanks. There is a guy who sells a speedo / ignition
switch combo out on E-bay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1,1&item=4593363369&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT

A bit small, but looks like it works pretty well, it's the same speedo that
Baja Designs sells.
The bracket kinda sucks, it's too long and pushes the speedo up against the
headlight shroud. I'd shave .5" off it and drill new mounting holes, I
might just go with this for now.
I can't seem to find the Baja designs speedo on their web sight though.... just
for a price comparison. If it's way cheaper I'll just get it because I already
have an ignition switch / keys for about $30.00.

BTW the Bike arrived at the dealer today!!!! :eat: :eat: :eat: looks like we're
waiting on Baja designs to send the DS kit. ...... this is going to kill me!!!!!
I'm going up there tomorrow to take pics of it to put on my desktop here and
at work to keep me sane during the wait :mrgreen:

[ta2240]

Ouch! I hate those words, "Baja Designs". If they tell you that the DS kit is on backorder it is because they use Acerbis plastics. Good Luck! Acerbis gets in no hurry to ship from Italy. I have been told by Acerbis Europe that they will wait until and entire container is full before they ship. So if you need the DS kit, get ready to wait.
I have delt with Trick Dual Sport a few times and that guy is awsome. He will sell you only what you need and not alot of extra crap we don't need in Texas.

Good Luck.
That was all just my personal opinion!

[Mudshark]

That is not good news!!:trust: Well I hope that does not happen.
I just shot them a mail regarding their speedo's lets see how it goes.
Thanks for the headsup though.

[ta2240]

Ouch! I hate those words, "Baja Designs". If they tell you that the DS kit is on backorder it is because they use Acerbis plastics. Good Luck! Acerbis gets in no hurry to ship from Italy. I have been told by Acerbis Europe that they will wait until and entire container is full before they ship. So if you need the DS kit, get ready to wait.
I have delt with Trick Dual Sport a few times and that guy is awsome. He will sell you only what you need and not alot of extra crap we don't need in Texas.

Good Luck.
That was all just my personal opinion!

That sounds bad! It's not Baja Designs that is the problem, they have great CS but it is Acerbis that I have the problem with!

Sorry

[Sleepy Weasel]

You know, if it's that bad, how hard can it be to cobble together your own kit from XR650L parts? This seems that much easier since you're already going elsewhere for a stator...

[Mudshark]

You know, if it's that bad, how hard can it be to cobble together your own kit from XR650L parts? This seems that much easier since you're already going elsewhere for a stator...
It's all in the price.... the kits cost almost half of what Honda parts would be.

I went and did a touchy feely of the new bike today at the dealer.... it sure
is sweet!! :rider: :rider: :rider:
Heres some pics I took .. .... this would be the "Before Shots"

http://home.comcast.net/~r.vanantwerpen/bbstuff/Back50small.JPG
http://home.comcast.net/~r.vanantwerpen/bbstuff/Side50small.JPG

If this thing rides half as good as it feels ..... it's going to be a dream.
It fits me like a glove. Everything feels like its just in the right spot.
The wait is hurting me soooo bad :eat:

[ta2240]

Dang you Guys!!!! :doh: :doh: Yall are gonna make me get in big trouble with my wife. I sold the 01 650L and the 98 WR 400 to buy the 03 WR 450 I have now. I told her I could dual sport the new WR which I did and I told her that it would allow be to have one bike for everything. After looking at your new 650R I have to come up with something really crafty. I think I need it, why is the problem??????

I should have never started reading this site.

[Mudshark]

Dang you Guys!!!! :doh: :doh: Yall are gonna make me get in big trouble with my wife.
I should have never started reading this site.

LOL..... (read this with slow hypnotic voice)
Step into the light ta2240..... step into the light.....
XR650R is goood ... you need XR650R :yawn: you grow sleepy
You need XR605R :yawn: the wife will love it tooooo :zen:
hehe! just do it! :mrgreen:

[Tourmeister]

Keep the WR, get my GS and you can ride two up :-P You have to include her as part of the plan... ;-)

[ta2240]

Child Support is what percentage of my salary?

NOOOOO WAY! I will just have to be sneaky and come up with a logical reason.

Did I just say Logical?:lol2:

[Teeds]

Dang you Guys!!!! :doh: :doh: Yall are gonna make me get in big trouble with my wife. I sold the 01 650L and the 98 WR 400 to buy the 03 WR 450 I have now. I told her I could dual sport the new WR which I did and I told her that it would allow be to have one bike for everything. After looking at your new 650R I have to come up with something really crafty. I think I need it, why is the problem??????

I should have never started reading this site.

Stare into the spinning rotor and slowly repeat after me ...

I "need" an XR
I "need" an XR
I "need" an XR
I "need" an XR
I "need" an XR
I "need" an XR

:lol2:

logical ?!?!?!?! who said any of this is logical!

Mudshark - I have "heard" BD is not real good about getting all the pieces in the first box they send ya.

I have been thinking about getting a RickyStator as well. Anything over 35MPH outruns the OEM XR headlight.

[Mudshark]

The Dealer just called, said the bike will ready Monday afternoon.
Trying to ride it home from Denton to Frisco at rush hour will be very bad.
All roads between here and 35 are bumper to bumper at that time of day.
So I'll take Tuesday off and pick it up in the morning.

I'm having a hard time dealing with this waiting thing :zen: :-( :twisted: :evil: :angryfire :tears: :help:
I know they are doing it as fast as they can..... :trust:
but I want it already! it's been only 11 days since I ordered it and will have
been 14 before I get it..... feels more like 3 weeks, not 2...:mrgreen:

I think I'll just take a long nap and only wake up on Tuesday, This way my
mind might not snap!:rofl:

[Hotboot]

Easy Mud, you will forget the torment of waiting as soon as you take the first ride.

I know, I waited 7 months for the FJR, it will be worth it.

[Mudshark]

Easy Mud, you will forget the torment of waiting as soon as you take the first ride.

I know, I waited 7 months for the FJR, it will be worth it.

7 MONTHS!!! man..... you made of steel or something?? :hail: :hail:
I could never survive that long...
what were you riding while you waited?

[Hotboot]

Reading every spec and farkle and my FJR bro's helping keep the faith.
I had the FZ-1 to ride in the interim, but still....you WANT NOW.
You only have 4 days to go, and a bike to ride. I'll consider taking your old junker off your hands if my tax guy approves funding.

Hang in there !

[Mudshark]

Reading every spec and farkle and my FJR bro's helping keep the faith.
I had the FZ-1 to ride in the interim, but still....you WANT NOW.
You only have 4 days to go, and a bike to ride. I'll consider taking your old junker off your hands if my tax guy approves funding.

Hang in there !

Thanks for the support ;-)
I have a guy coming round this weekend.... if it stops raining, to look at the bike (DR650), If he decides he wants it it'll be gone before the XR gets here.
I think I might take the money I get and put it towards a "play bike"
like an old XR200 or KDX250, something along those lines, I will need something
that I'll not cry over if I drop it really hard.... you know something in the
800 to 1200 dollar range.

[Sprocket]

Thanks for the support ;-)
I will need something
that I'll not cry over if I drop it really hard.... you know something in the
800 to 1200 dollar range.

Huh? You're getting an XR and are worried about cosmetics? :)

If you're not throwing it down the trail every now and then, well, you're just not trying hard enough... ;-)

[Mudshark]

Huh? You're getting an XR and are worried about cosmetics? :)

If you're not throwing it down the trail every now and then, well, you're just not trying hard enough... ;-)

hehe! I do the "bike toss" pretty well.... thats what I'm worried about ;-)
Now that I'm an old fart...well lets just say that the "get offs" are not that
gracious anymore. I'll try and save the XR for Big Bend kinda rides and keep
a junker to go play with the locals around here on.
Tomorrow Morning I'll go pick it up and post some pics here after. :rider:

[Sleepy Weasel]

Ok, well, it's afternoon, now... Did you get the oil changed yet?

[Hotboot]

5 pm, I smell new bike in the wind. I bet on 200 miles befor days end.

[Sleepy Weasel]

I remember he had a planned procedure for a quick seat of the rings on the way home, followed by an immediate oil change, but I guess he COULD have gone back out for more miles after that.
:rider:

[Mudshark]

Okay.... sorry, I got side tracked "re-installing" the DS kit.
Here's the bike after it got home.... note the "heat shield" on the rear
turn signal. The pipe was melting it.

http://home.comcast.net/~r.vanantwerpen/bbstuff/Honda45DS.JPG

After I got home I fitted the Speedo amd wired up the light
on it to the Park light circut on the DS kit.
Then set about moving the rear turn signals out of harms way. this is where
they are now... soory about the bad focus, but I'm too tired to go take
another pic:

http://home.comcast.net/~r.vanantwerpen/bbstuff/moved1.JPG

Here's still whats left to do, Fit the IMS tank and FMF pipe and rejet the carb:

http://home.comcast.net/~r.vanantwerpen/bbstuff/Stilltodo.JPG

Oh yes.... I did'nt get round to doing the oil change yet. I got a new filter
and oil, but I just got side tracked :rider:

Another thing, this thing is a bear to start. Once it's warm it's not too
bad, but cold start is a bit of a fight, then again, I'm so out of shape, 6
kicks and I need a break :trust:
I think I've figured it out, a bit... It needs only half choke and a little gas.
I guess I'll learn the bike and what it likes as far as starting and that sort
of thing goes. I'll be a pro by the weekend :rider:

One last thing.... Darn! this thing flies! I can't wait to uncork it. The
jets and manifold hav'nt arrived yet, but should be here by the weekend
so guess what I'll be doing ;-)

[ta2240]

SWeeeeeeeeeeeeT.
That is awsome. Have fun and stop smiling before your jaws lock up.

[Bagwell]

Forgive me if I am repeating what is already known....

For a big single there is a starting proceedure that consists of kicking thru slowly till the kicker is real hard to push thru and then using the compression release to get the piston to just past Top Dead Center (the hard part for the kicker to get past) and then coming back to the top with the kicker and kicking thru with spirit. :)

Doing this proceedure with the choke on at first is usually a good idea, especially when its cold.

Re jetting the bike is a good idea as well, and usually helps the big singles start easier and warm up quicker. I am no BRP expert, and I know there are a few folks in TWT with them but I have not seen mention of these things so I thought I would.

Hope this helps,
Vaughn

[Sprocket]

I am no BRP expert, and I know there are a few folks in TWT with them but I have not seen mention of these things so I thought I would.


Odd, my BRP just requires a quick thumb of the happy button... (650L, the "other" BRP) :)

Bagwell's right about rotating the engine to TDC on singles. My 400 has never required the use of the decomp, but a 650 thumper very well might.

On the jetting issue, I just installed a new carb on my 400 (http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7519) and while I need to finish the fine tuning, starting has never been easier. Next best thing to a happy button in my book.

[Mudshark]

Forgive me if I am repeating what is already known....

For a big single there is a starting proceedure that consists of kicking thru slowly till the kicker is real hard to push thru and then using the compression release to get the piston to just past Top Dead Center (the hard part for the kicker to get past) and then coming back to the top with the kicker and kicking thru with spirit. :)

Doing this proceedure with the choke on at first is usually a good idea, especially when its cold.

Re jetting the bike is a good idea as well, and usually helps the big singles start easier and warm up quicker. I am no BRP expert, and I know there are a few folks in TWT with them but I have not seen mention of these things so I thought I would.

Hope this helps,
Vaughn

Thanks for the input, I follow the same set of instructions... still it's more of
a 4 kick start process... I hope the jetting will help it fire up easier ;-)

Oh and one more thing.... I'm not impressed by the quality (or lack thereof) of the IMS
tank. It has a bad finnish and lots of "imperfections" Hey I know it's a dirt bike, but for
$250 bucks I expected better.

[Sprocket]

Also, be sure to check out the 650/600 forum on Thumper Talk (http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=22). Feedback on there is why I went with Clarke over IMS... :)

[Teeds]

Another thing, this thing is a bear to start.

This is my drill for the BRP. It took me about 2 months to get it down myself ...

In your case ... turn the ignition on ...
Kick the engine through two or three times holding the decomp and the kill switch. I believe this informs the bike of your intent ... ;-)
Set full choke if it is cold
Find TDC with the kick starter
Use the decomp to get the piston just past TDC
Return the starter to the top and
Smoothly and completely kick the engine through

DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT use any throttle

Steve was looking over my shoulder as I wrote this and he added one item. He says he tweeks the throttle to raise it up off idle as soon at it fires. My idle is set up so I don't have to do that.

Good Luck!!

[Hotboot]

Nice bike Mudshark, looks fast even in the garage.

[Mudshark]

This is my drill for the BRP. It took me about 2 months to get it down myself ...

In your case ... turn the ignition on ...
Kick the engine through two or three times holding the decomp and the kill switch. I believe this informs the bike of your intent ... ;-)
Set full choke if it is cold
Find TDC with the kick starter
Use the decomp to get the piston just past TDC
Return the starter to the top and
Smoothly and completely kick the engine through

DO NOT and I repeat DO NOT use any throttle

Steve was looking over my shoulder as I wrote this and he added one item. He says he tweeks the throttle to raise it up off idle as soon at it fires. My idle is set up so I don't have to do that.

Good Luck!!

Great info - thanks Teeds... one more thing, if I set the idle up a tad, the throttle
seems to stick. Once the bike starts and I give it a bit of a rev just to bring
it to life the revs don't come back all the way down. If I leave it for a while
like a 40 seconds to a minute, it will drop to idle by itself. this is annoying.
If I set the idle so low, to where it just won’t idle while cold, it's fine and drops back from a rev up normally. Any suggestions?

[XR650Rocketman]

That sounds pretty normal unless you exhaust valves are out of adjustment and too tight...not very likely on a new bike....So don't get too concerned about how it is at idle until it has warmed up.....You'll probably find that with the bike on high idle it'll rev even higher as it warms up...Once warmed up just set the idle where you like it and you'll be fine.....That's until you put the power up kit in and then everything will change again.
As for starting the bike.....You'll get the hang of it.....My 2000 start a lot easier than the 2004, Go figure.

Steve

[ta2240]

That sounds pretty normal unless you exhaust valves are out of adjustment and too tight...not very likely on a new bike....So don't get too concerned about how it is at idle until it has warmed up.....You'll probably find that with the bike on high idle it'll rev even higher as it warms up...Once warmed up just set the idle where you like it and you'll be fine.....That's until you put the power up kit in and then everything will change again.
As for starting the bike.....You'll get the hang of it.....My 2000 start a lot easier than the 2004, Go figure.

Steve

Holy Crap, and that 2000 in a booger to start!:lol2:

[XR650Rocketman]

Tim....You kids are all the same, can't live without that magic button.....kiddo, when I was little and had no shoes and had to walk 5 miles one way to school everyday in the snow I nev.......OOPS Wrong speech!!!!
I guess what I mean is I've been kick starting since 1964 so it's not a big deal, it's just gotten easier.

Steve

[ta2240]

I know older guys find it easy but now on those bikes with the decompression levers its almost like finding a hidden compartment on a drug runners car. You have to hold the left blinker on, press the brake have the radio on a certain frequency only have one butt cheek on the seat and one eye semi closed. When all that is done in the correct order the panel door opens and bingo, DOPE!.:eek2: That is what I feel like when I try and start a 650R.:giveup:

Yada Yada Yada,I like my button:clap:

[Sleepy Weasel]

I know older guys find it easy but now on those bikes with the decompression levers its almost like finding a hidden compartment on a drug runners car. You have to hold the left blinker on, press the brake have the radio on a certain frequency only have one butt cheek on the seat and one eye semi closed. When all that is done in the correct order the panel door opens and bingo, DOPE!.:eek2: That is what I feel like when I try and start a 650R.:giveup:

Yada Yada Yada,I like my button:clap:


:rofl:

I'm not going to ask...

[Bagwell]

hahaha

[Sprocket]

Geez Mudshark, the stars are really in your favor this month:
http://wallpaper.motorcycle-usa.com/1600/feb_06-xr650.jpg :)

[ta2240]

:rofl:

I'm not going to ask...

Go Ahead, I am secure in my manhood:trust:

[Mudshark]

Geez Mudshark, the stars are really in your favor this month:
http://wallpaper.motorcycle-usa.com/1600/feb_06-xr650.jpg :)

Thanks, cool Pic.
Well I had a lucky streak of easy starts since I complained about it ;-)
I think is has something to do with the oil change. The bike likes
rotella so it's being nice to me :lol2:
I rode it into the office today, took the long way round to avoid traffic, it
was a blast. I can't wait for the weekend so I can "fix" the jetting and
fit the Q2.

[Mudshark]

Update, I got the jetting done today as well as the Q2 pipe and opened
up the airbox. It's very quick now, also starts even easier now :clap:
The Q2 has a rather "explosive" sound to it. I think the cars will know I'm
there now and hopefully stop changing lanes into me :trust:

[Sleepy Weasel]

Shoot, I wish I'd heard a "before & after" on the Q2 swap. Did a range test on the IMS tank yesterday. Lewisville to Ardmore (OK) and back before I hit reserve. :rider:

[Mudshark]

Shoot, I wish I'd heard a "before & after" on the Q2 swap. Did a range test on the IMS tank yesterday. Lewisville to Ardmore (OK) and back before I hit reserve. :rider:

The sound is a bit loud I think... but nice:eek2:
I was supposed to meet Sproket for a ride on Sunday.... sorry Sproket..my bad. :giveup:
I tried to fit the IMS tank and ended up fighting with it most of the morning.
The fit was pretty bad and I ended up taking it back off and put the stock
tank back on.
I spoke to Carlos (GM) at Cycle Center today and he said they would send
it back for an exchange, I'll take it round there this Weekend.
So that'll postpone any "decent" trip I can make for another 2 weeks.
With only an 80 mile range on the stock tank it kinda sucks...

See my post about it here:
http://www.twtex.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7657

Sproket, I'm sorry man..... I'll make it up when I get this bike sorted out.

[Sprocket]

It's all good, no worries. 'Course ya don't need 80 miles of fuel at Rocky Ridge... :)

We'll hook up one of these days. Maybe you, Sleepy, and I can do a DS ride on the 650's one of these days. I know Chris (oldbmw) would be happy to show us around his stomping grounds again. Not a bad ride up and back on 650's...

[Hood Ornament]

It's all good, no worries. 'Course ya don't need 80 miles of fuel at Rocky Ridge... :)

We'll hook up one of these days. Maybe you, Sleepy, and I can do a DS ride on the 650's one of these days. I know Chris (oldbmw) would be happy to show us around his stomping grounds again. Not a bad ride up and back on 650's...


You guys 650 snobs or something? Afraid my little 400 will show you up? :trust:

[Sleepy Weasel]

You guys 650 snobs or something? Afraid my little 400 will show you up? :trust:

Not at all... run what ya got...

Heck, if everybody will keep it down to 65mph or so, I could bring out the Sherpa...
:lol2:

[Mudshark]

Well while waiting for the new tank to arrive, I kept myself busy
this weekend making a bracket to mount the speedo and the ignition
switch to the bike. Here's the finished product.... not as pretty as
I would have liked but to too ugly. I'll round off the corners later
when I feel the need to "play" with it again. I'll also paint it sliver.
it might help it not look so big.

http://home.comcast.net/~r.vanantwerpen/bbstuff/Speedo1.JPG

[Teeds]

Mudshark:

I like the speedo setup.

Questions abound ...

Where did you get your key switch?
Is it waterproof?
Where did you cut it into the harness?

BTW - I tried Steve's trick with the throttle and I can fire the beast up with one kick almost everytime now.

[Mudshark]

Mudshark:
I like the speedo setup.
Questions abound ...
Where did you get your key switch?
Is it waterproof?
Where did you cut it into the harness?
BTW - I tried Steve's trick with the throttle and I can fire the beast up with one kick almost everytime now.

Thanks, Yes it's waterproof, it's a Honda ATV switch. Got it from Cycle Center
of Denton for about $35, the speedo is a Baja Designs "one size fits all"
solution, also about $35.

The starting thing... well lets just say that when the bike is warm, it starts
first kick. When it's cold it'll take up to 8 to get it going sometimes.
Not a problem though, my leg has gotten back into it pretty quick :eat:
and doesnt battle as much as in the beginning. I guess it's not gotten that
used to the magic button yet ;-)
as far as the wiring goes. I just cut the main feed to the coil with the one
pair of wires and cut the battery with the other pair. Now I cant "forget" the
power on.

[Tx Rider]

It'll probably be about like my KTMs on heat, no fans and they heat up quicker than you think when stopped, especialy in summer.

I put a digital temp guage with a sender in the head on my '96 620 so I could see the temps and learned that basically if stopped for more than 2 minutes, best to turn it off as even if it's not boiling they start getting hot fast.

If you have the spare amps a radiator fan probably would be hard to install, I have a factory fan kit for my '04 625 as it has the spare amps to run one, just haven't installed it yet. Someone surely sells em for an XR out there.

[Sleepy Weasel]

Hey, Dyna, where the heck have you been lately, anyway?

[Mudshark]

It'll probably be about like my KTMs on heat, no fans and they heat up quicker than you think when stopped, especialy in summer.

I put a digital temp guage with a sender in the head on my '96 620 so I could see the temps and learned that basically if stopped for more than 2 minutes, best to turn it off as even if it's not boiling they start getting hot fast.

If you have the spare amps a radiator fan probably would be hard to install, I have a factory fan kit for my '04 625 as it has the spare amps to run one, just haven't installed it yet. Someone surely sells em for an XR out there.

You sure can add a fan, heres a cool article I found on how to do it.
http://www.4strokes.com/tech/honda/brpfan.pdf

[Sleepy Weasel]

You sure can add a fan, heres a cool article...


Groan!

:roll:

[Mudshark]

Groan!

:roll:

LOL yup... kinda "last resort". I've been stuck in stop start traffic with it every
day now and havnt had any problems.... but I guess it's not been over 80
degrees yet. :trust:

I guess if push comes to shove I'll just do what I had to do with the DR when
it gets too hot in the traffic, just sit it out.

I've only ever had to do that about 3 times over the years, on those 100 degress
days when some one has a booboo resulting in gridlock. Besides, one should
not be riding a bike in gridlock...thats what cars and AC's are for. :rider:

[1TallTXn]

Hmm, a Tall XR and your sitting in grid lock??? what are you thinking!?! theres this perfect median with roost ready grass ;)
oh wait, your in N Dallas, never mind. :(

How bout just riding over the cars?? that should be entertaining. and would keep the heat down too!


OK seriously. I'm loving the bike! I've been wanting a DS bike for a little while now and this thread isn't helping at all. congrats!

[Mudshark]

Hmm, a Tall XR and your sitting in grid lock??? what are you thinking!?! theres this perfect median with roost ready grass ;)
oh wait, your in N Dallas, never mind. :(

How bout just riding over the cars?? that should be entertaining. and would keep the heat down too!


OK seriously. I'm loving the bike! I've been wanting a DS bike for a little while now and this thread isn't helping at all. congrats!

Thanks, DS rocks.... yes, I've had the fight the temptation to take to the
median / curb more than a few times. :rider:

[Tx Rider]

Hey, Dyna, where the heck have you been lately, anyway?

I've been pretty busy, Time top start riding a bit more now though

[1TallTXn]

OK, I have whats probably going to turn out to be a dumb question...

What is "BRP"? i've seen it referenced here several times.

Thanks in advance

[Tourmeister]

Big Red Pig

[Mudshark]

Big Red Pig

Here's a Pic done by one of the Yahoo Groups guys :

http://home.comcast.net/~r.vanantwerpen/bbstuff/BRP.jpg

[1TallTXn]

:lol: OK, thanks ya'll.

If it runs in any respect like my XR200R I don't think its going to be much of a pig. The 200 ain't that fast but it sure is a hoot!