XR 600 as a dual-sport?

**Bams** · 26th October 2008, 22:57

thats actually my xr with its load on the back in my id photo broke the welds on that ride big boulder thou and a few rap offs did'nt help

**RØKSTA** · 27th October 2008, 07:16

does anyone knw if there is anyone in NZ that makes or fabricates panniers similar to touratech ones for XR650's? could some engineering works make them perhaps?

**zeRax** · 27th October 2008, 08:04

thats a sexy xr you've got @_@

**CRM** · 8th November 2008, 19:11

Originally Posted by monchopper

CRM
Have you had the new purchase out on the dirt yet? Give us an update when you do. You've got me curious about the 600.

So am very interested to you opinion of the XR6 on the dirt as compared to your old DRZ?

Did a good mixed ride today with my son and his mate, twisty seal and gravel roads out to my sisters farm. Rode paddocks, farm races and dirt tracks plus some fairly tight hilly stuff. XR6 has impeccable manners; great fun in twisties and gravel - the torque reminds me of the 73 Cadillac I had for a while - just role it on and enjoy!!

The dirt tracks and races were heaps of fun, but the tyres (IRC trail winner GP110R's) really let it down on the grass and mud. Any more that 1/4 throttle the back comes round to meet the front!!

I've got some Michelin AC10's on order - proper (DOT) knobblies- so looking forward to that next weekend maybe. Love to use that torque in the paddocks and jumps etc but just not biting with the IRC's - letting the pressure down to 15 seemed to actually make it worse.

But overall really pleased with it - even losing traction and having to get off and walk it in places the bike was fine mannered and not a handful at all - very impressed!

Maybe I've just got to be a better rider than when I had my DRZ (after a year of riding a Pampera that could well be so) but I would rate the 600 superior to the DRZ on and off road.

**CRM** · 19th November 2008, 20:02

Okay so here she is with her new tank (thanks Nordie - I found that spider you told me about and a few mates too I think)

The tank feels just the same when riding - might even cut out some of the wind off yer legs - but it's huge when you see it next to the old one. One issue is the front light surround rubs on the tank at full lock. Not sure if I can move it up or maybe trim a bit off. I'd really like to get a little screen and a brighter light. Anybody know anything that might fit?

I've also got the Ventura Rack fitted - just got to find a good bag now. Also fitted the 'XR's only' choke plate fitted (they say the only bad weak point on these is the choke plate - they self destruct and suck into the engine

hence XR's only make an aluminium replacement).

Just need to fit the Michelin AC10's and she's ready for anything I reckon

.

Anybody got some spare XR600 or XR400 wheels or hubs? I'd love to be able to do quick swaps for different kinds of rides.

Other issue is the colour clash between the seat and the tank

- the tank and barkbusters are the same orangy colour but the seat is real red ... maybe a black seat cover? Can you successfully paint plastic (my sidecovers have been painted black but I think they would scratch real easy)?

I know it's an old bike but it might as well look cool...

**NordieBoy** · 19th November 2008, 20:50

Looks like the white tank may have some pink babies soon

**CRM** · 19th November 2008, 20:53

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

Looks like the white tank may have some pink babies soon

might start a stud farm...

**monchopper** · 20th November 2008, 21:49

Take it easy with the AC10!! The front takes a little getting used to, if you can change the order I'd go for something else. MT21 perhaps.
The rear is great!!!

**CRM** · 21st November 2008, 12:16

Originally Posted by monchopper

Take it easy with the AC10!! The front takes a little getting used to, if you can change the order I'd go for something else. MT21 perhaps.
The rear is great!!!

What sort of issues does it have? You mean it takes a little getting used to on road or off road?

Thanks for the info.

**CRM** · 21st November 2008, 18:04

Okay my wife has come home after a few days away and says the tank looks atrocious and it has spoiled my bike.

Do I:
A) blame Nordie and sue for damages?
B) agree with her and take it off?
C) figure out how to disguise it somehow with paint/ paper mache/ stickers/ mud?
D) tell her to get over it?

Thanks guys - we all need support in these moments of crisis...

**NordieBoy** · 21st November 2008, 18:29

Get rid of the other colours and re-do it all in red.
Tell her it'll float now if you tip over in a river.
Get some old school Dakar posters up with the biiig tanks and that one'll start looking small.

But!
Most importantly...
Agree with her first!

**CRM** · 23rd November 2008, 20:00

Still thinking about the tank. Apparently they don'y recommend you paint them because the material they are made of actually 'breathes' therefore most paints will bubble. I'm wondering about some kind of colour restorer to at least get it back to Honda red again as I assume it's faded like the bark-busters. The other option is just get a black seat cover.

Anyway I put the AC10 on the back yesterday and we went for a quick ride today - it was a good test as it was raining and we did some clay tracks plus some wet seal and gravel. Anyway it seemed pretty good - stuck on to everything and no surprises (I took it real easy on the seal though being new and untested).

**Peril** · 23rd November 2008, 20:24

Have you tried polish or cutting compound on the tank yet?
I found on my little red front mudguard lip that blasting it with silicon spray and leaving it for a while works too.