Honda XR650L: Top end rebuild and tire report

[SpudRider]

Several days ago, for the first time in December, the daily high temperature rose above freezing, reaching a balmy, 35 degrees Fahrenheit. :roll: Therefore, I took my XR650L for a short ride to test the recent rebuild of my engine’s top end. ;) I’m pleased to report my bike runs as good as new. :D

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/CST%20Surge%20I%20Front%20Tire/Decemberride1002.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/CST%20Surge%20I%20Front%20Tire/Decemberride1007.jpg

Here’s a photograph of my CST, Surge I, front tire after 9,700 miles of wear. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/CST%20Surge%20I%20Front%20Tire/Decemberride1012.jpg

After I returned home, I immediately changed the front tire, and installed another CST, Surge I tire. ;) Here’s a photograph showing a new, CST, Surge I, front tire juxtaposed with the stock front tire.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/CST%20Surge%20I%20Front%20Tire/CSTSurgeIFrontTire004.jpg

It’s also time for me to install a new rear tire. ;) Here are several photographs I took of my current, Dunlop, D952 rear tire with 5,925 miles of wear. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/CST%20Surge%20I%20Front%20Tire/Decemberride1008.jpg

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/CST%20Surge%20I%20Front%20Tire/Decemberride1010.jpg

The D952 has been a great tire, and it is my current favorite of all the rear tires I have mounted on my XR650L. :D Here’s a photograph of the D952 when it was new, juxtaposed with the Kenda TrakMaster tire it replaced after 3,900 miles of wear. :)

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/CST%20Surge%20I%20Front%20Tire/CSsplinesroller062.jpg

Since the mountain trails are covered with snow, I will continue to ride the pavement with my D952 rear tire until spring weather arrives. ;) After the gravel roads thaw out I will next mount a Pirelli, MT21 rear tire, shown in the photograph below.

http://i442.photobucket.com/albums/qq146/spudrider/CST%20Surge%20I%20Front%20Tire/brestires079.jpg

In the photograph above a Kenda TrakMaster tire is mounted on the bike. The other tires, moving from left to right, are the Dunlop D952, the Pirelli MT21, and another Kenda TrakMaster tire. :)

Spud :)

[FastDoc]

I gotta hand it to you Spud, you know your tires and get great mileage out of them! I have a bit more ruthless throttle hand I think and I only see half of the mileage you get.

Glad you got the BRP sorted.

What's on the menu for the KLX? :P

[SpudRider]

I'm going to disassemble the KDX220 after the holidays, Doc. I think I will powdercoat the frame. Of course, I need to clean and examine the engine. ;)

Spud :)

[FastDoc]

At least most of the work you can do in your nice warm kitchen, Brother Spud!

I'm very jealous of the KDX :wink: . I've been searching CL daily since you got yours. Nothing turns up locally. I do know that guy in Walla Walla with his (See my Ride Report) but he ain't gonna EVER sell it! :cry:

[Weldangrind]

At least most of the work you can do in your nice warm kitchen, Brother Spud!

I'm very jealous of the KDX :wink: . I've been searching CL daily since you got yours. Nothing turns up locally. I do know that guy in Walla Walla with his (See my Ride Report) but he ain't gonna EVER sell it! :cry:

Doc, one day you'll find the ultimate CR500 with a title, and you'll dual sport it. That'll be a good day.

[FastDoc]

LOL!

I'll make sure my heath insurance is paid up that's for sure!

[SpudRider]

I'd love to see a faithful, genuine, Chinese copy of the XR400R. ;) Have we been looking for one? Should we start a new thread in the Dual Sport Forum, dedicated to locating a Chinese version of the XR400R? :?:

Spud :)

[Weldangrind]

Do you mean a genuine Chinese version? I won't settle for less. :lol:

[SpudRider]

Do you mean a genuine Chinese version? I won't settle for less. :lol:
:lol:

That's because you are a man of discriminating taste, Brother Weld! ;)

Spud :lol: