new (old) dual sport bike

[the_privateer]

well, I sold the 125 a couple weeks ago and the void in the garage was really starting to manifest itself. luckily, I've come into possession of a 1991 Honda XR250L thats in need of a little TLC, that will be my ticket to sticking it to exxon and the rest.

overall its in decent condition, it was used as a dirt bike its whole life, but decently maintained.
so far the laundry list is as follows:

needs:
-chain/sprockets
-tires
-clutch lever
-brake pads
-battery
-mucho elbow grease
-inspection and registration

wants:
-supermoto fender
-mx style rear fender/under-fender brake light/plate holder
-acerbis halogen headlight
-replacing worn side plate backgrounds
-a few of the famous "Gordo mods"
-exhaust, maybe supertrapp

just daydreaming:
-17" wheels
-big bore or better yet, xr600 motor swap (anyone know frame differences)
-USD forks
-aloop seat/tank
-complete motor out of frame, every bearing replaced, frame powder coated restoration


I'm gonna try to get the needs done in the next 2 weeks and have it on the road ASAP. don't have any pics yet, but it looks just like this one:





I'll be getting another mx bike sometime soon, possibly over the winter when the prices hit a low point, but for now this will be my wrenching and riding fix. it should save me some money as long as i don't get too many tickets for jumping curbs and general tom-foolery that a dual sport can inspire

[VAL]

I used to own a 72 XL 250 (new). It was a great bike. I had three modes, Street, Desert and MX. I had some of the best time of my life on that bike. I even won a couple of MX races (Beginner) believe it or not. Could wheelie that bike till the cows came home. I hope this bike gives you the same type of experience.

[kschilk]

Originally Posted by the_privateer

...it should save me some money as long as i don't get too many tickets for jumping curbs and general tom-foolery that a dual sport can inspire

Even though RR tracks are supposedly "the property of the railroad" and not technically part of the "road", apparently....it's illegal to wheelie over 'em. Whoooda' thunkit?!

How 'bout an update on the XR project!?

[the_privateer]

started by tearing it all down. cleaned green slime out of the carb.




headlight, fenders on:


rear fender and taillight mounted:


then I got the tires mounted. this will be my work commuter, so the tires are pretty street oriented, 70/30% probably. first time spooning on tires, busted some knuckles and cursed a storm but i think it went ok, tires are on the wheels anyway.

pulled the headers, sanded away the paint, burned on dirt, and rust. using VHT clear coat only for a trick Factory finish.


the stock tank had a huge dent in it, got Ebay replacement tank from a '93 or 94.


I put a pair of renthals I had laying around that were less bent then the stock bars, unfortunately the barkbusters won't fit the new bars as they are about an inch in width shorter and there isn't enough room, oh well

[kschilk]

Cool! She's gonna' be sweet, when you get her finished!

[YZalltheway]

Dude that looks like its gonna be some major fun when its finished. I want to get one of the new yamaha dual sports so bad but my parents know how I ride and wont let me get a street bike.

Keep us updated

[the_privateer]

[the_privateer]

got to get rid of the purple and red tank graphics

[the_privateer]

p.s. messiest garage contest anyone?

[YZalltheway]

Originally Posted by the_privateer

p.s. messiest garage contest anyone?

dude you dont even want to open up that can of worms.

[the_privateer]

update: clarke 4.2 gallon tank, black sideplates a la plastic fusion spray paint, re-wired headlight so low beam stays on with high. just waiting for xr250r carb in the mail

[krzywhiteboy]

Looks sweet. I gotta get me one just for the purpose of riding to work.