Turning My XR650L Into A Retro Rally Adventure Machine! | Hemisphere Off Road Fairing Install/Test
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 1 ต.ค. 2024
- In this episode I install & test my new Rally Dash, Windshield, & Nav unit. After the install is complete we'll hop on the bike to test the wind protection under a variety of different conditions.
CONTENT WARNING: SWANKY CAT videos are intended for entertainment purposes ONLY. Any attempt to recreate, reenact, or otherwise copy ANYTHING in SWANKY CAT videos is done at the viewers own risk!
PAID PROMOTION NOTICE: The SWANKY CAT channel regularly accepts, uses, tests, & reviews promotional products in our content.
Links to my gear & parts!
(Purchasing from links below helps support my content unless noted as non-affiliate)
Hemisphere Off Road (Non-Affiliate): www.hemisphere...
Car Play Nav Unit: carpuride.com/...
Tusk LED Bulb (NOT DOT APPROVED): www.rockymount...
Tools
Step Drill Bit: amzn.to/3WW6SCC
Locking Adjustable Wrench: amzn.to/3UTSckP
T-Handle Sockets: www.rockymount...
T-Handle Allens: www.rockymount...
Other Bike Parts
Tusk Tank Bag (Large): www.rockymount...
Bars (Moto Bend): www.rockymount...
Tusk Risers: www.rockymount...
Rox Offset Risers: www.rockymount...
Handguards: www.rockymount...
Tusk Waypoint Tires: www.rockymount...
Tusk D-Sport Tires: www.rockymount...
Tubes: www.rockymount...
Riding Gear
ADV Helmet: www.rockymount...
Xplorer Coat: www.rockymount...
Xplorer Pants: www.rockymount...
Boots: www.rockymount...
Base Layer Shirt: www.rockymount...
Base Layer Pants: www.rockymount...
Camera Stuff
Helmet Camera: amzn.to/36BHqdM
Mic (requires adapter or media mod): amzn.to/3qEW4Ia
Hero9 Media Mod: amzn.to/3JLLF4O
Power Cable: amzn.to/36rxlQT
Helmet Camera Mount: amzn.to/49ls34q
360 Camera: www.amazon.com...
360 Selfie Stick: amzn.to/3SOaQK4
Clamps For Holding Selfie Sticks: www.amazon.com...
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @swankycatproductions
Buy me a coffee (VENMO): @SWANKYCAT
T-Shirts & Sweatshirts: teespring.com/...
![[Live] ศึกมหึมันส์มวยไทยสังเวียนเดือด เวทีมวยชั่วคราวสวนสยาม | จันทร์ 30 กันยายน 2567](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/pM1k6f7JXUc/mqdefault.jpg)
I am an analytical chemist (who has done some work in the petro-chem industry) commenting on your use of high octane gasoline; Although there are many variables involved, as a general rule you will get the best fuel economy on the lowest octane number gasoline that does NOT cause "pinging" (aka engine knock). FYI; ordinary pump gasoline (regardless of brand or octane number) has ~200 - 400 different types of hydrocarbon molecules. The relative concentration of the different molecules determines the characteristics of the gasoline. I could go into the 5 different "classes" of hydrocarbons found in gasoline (parafins, isoparafins, olefins, napthenes, and aromatics), but that is way beyond the scope of what's acceptable for a TH-cam comment.
As a xr owner myself he is using that gas because it has no ethanol. That's what you need to use in a bike with a carb.
machine
@@tobyhottle1578 - while it is possible that the premium he was using is ethanol free, it's unlikely. Since they have been putting ethanol in gasoline for a couple of decades now, any jetting changes required (due to the lower specific energy content) were done at the factory. If the bike is still running lean (on gasoline with 10% ethanol), then a shim washer under the needle and the next size up main jet will take care of that problem.
As a mechanical engineer with decades of experience with all types of internal combustion engines (and a strong working knowledge of petroleum chemistry), I stand by my earlier statement.
I totally agree with you and your knowledge. But it did say non ethanol on the pump. You have to be quick to see it.
@@tobyhottle1578 - my bad... I'm not as quick as I used to be 🤣
Interesting! Thank you for sharing your expertise!
I like this mod with the windshield and nav. Everything being white makes it look like it's a factory option. I wouldn't expect a mpg difference with a smaller or larger tank. We're only talking about 7 lbs per gallon. I like the lowering kit for the XR too. I did this on my DRZ400s and it has made a big difference for me. I'm glad to see there's a kit for the XR. I'm sure you'll be ready for any BDR when you get it all done and even a coast to coast trans continental ride. Imagine all the content you could create with something like that! Now I'm torn between wanting the DR and XR.
I have two xr650l (me and my son) and rode with a guy on a dr650. No cush drive of the xr, 17 inch wheel on the back of the DR vs an 18 on the xr. Higher seat height on the xr and more ground clearance. I did the NEBDR on the XR with my son and my friend on the DR. We were all happy. I love the way the XR rips.l, but I grew up on Honda XR bikes (50, 80, 100, 200, 600, and an old 500) so familiarity may be playing a role. For maintenance the oil change and filter change on the xr can get messy. I love working on the bike, love riding it. Can’t go wrong with either choice.
Hell ya! My Saturday morning cartoons!
Haha 😂
Neat update to the XR. Getting some Dakar vibes from it now.
Nice led headlight...
Thank you!!!
I am kicking myself for dropping the loot on a baja designs squadron LED after seeing this. Looks great
Went and looked at a ‘24 xr650 stroked out from sticker shock 😖so I found a’97 said it needed TLC he was right all it needed was everything 😠I practically restored it, got 4k in it and thought I covered everything went to start it got varnish out and fresh fuel in turn on the pet cock and gas was coming out of everywhere and I was like oh yeah a new carburetor the only part I didn’t replace, but the bike is sweet and with low mileage I heard it run briefly and it sounded amazing.
swanky decal smack dab in the middle of the 4 windscreen mounting holes! I really like the look of that! And I love how you mounted the carpuride. I have a carpuride in my daily and have been wanting one for my KLR to get my phone off the dash and back in my pocket so I'm stoked to hear more about it
What about a puig wind deflector?
A small one should be able to adjust the air around your head, and be tucked out of the way on the trails.
Keep the big thumper content coming!
I think I might look into that, seems like it could be a good compromise!
Think this (the DR version) could be modified to fit a DRZ? I know the front ends are pretty similar.
I didn't see anything wrong with the clear windshield Buddy that looked real good for riding in the winter !!!
I run regular all the time with a touch of STA-BUL 360 tossed in because my riding time is short at this altitude ! I may not go through 4 gallons per year !!!! Arugh!
Does cyclopse not have a led kit for that? I will not buy anything other then cyclopse leds as thier the best ive found for quality and pattern.i have one of them windshield clipons on my klr,i have the stock windshield with the klrdash aswell. The nice thing with that clip on is you can fold it down for off road riding so your not teying to see through it or have it guillotine you. Swanky if you would like to i have a video on me putting it all on so you can get the idea.
If you're doing modern ADV or dual sport riding, some sort of navigation makes life easier and almost a must. I made a rally tower and dash for my DR650, it works great and looks cool. The main issue I have is the loss in visibility of the front end\fender while sitting. Once I stand up, no problem. I bent my first screen out of 1\8" plexiglass, it looked a million bucks but plexiglass can shatter into knives. So I skinned my rally tower with the trash can method. I do find it funny to have a beautiful 8.4" screen on a motorcycle engineered 30 yrs ago. I have a love\hate opinion on rally towers. If I'm riding trails I know, I just want to rip it off. But if I don't know where I am, it's priceless.
Nice! Yeah, I definitely don't miss the days of pulling my phone out and looking over a PDF map. I kind of like the contrast in technology, best of both worlds!
When you start going on different runs, rallies, and organized rides, all that space on the windshield will get taken up by all the stickers you get along the way. Be sure to pass out a bunch of yours too!
I ride aKLR 650 DR 650 seems 2 be the beter bike . WHis i could have
Is that headlight DOT approved with the top cut-off?
Well alright Swank... you got me! lol... Sub'd. Love the bike! Turning my newest 450RL into something similar, light ADV bike... we'll see how it goes! I should probably make a new video on it now that I think about it lol...
Thanks man! NICE! I'm contemplating getting a 450 to build as well actually. I've always wanted one, but have been hoping for a 450 Rally... for years now lol. Guess we'll have to build our own!
Needs a SwankyCat decal on the front. I am looking forward to the lowering video. The stacked headlights or a double light bar would look pretty cool.
Yes, a LARGE SwankyCat decal on the front. Perfect.
I was thinking that too!
Looking forward to the lowering video too!My 2023 XR is too tall.I am 5'11" too.
I put 4 ounces of airplane fuel per tank of gas in my klr. For better mileage and engine runs cooler and a little more power. And combustion chamber and valves stay cleaner. I would like to run CNG. it burns clean
I love the smell of airplane fuel... We use to run it in our quads back in the day when we raced 4wheelers. The bikes ran so good! Airplane fuel and a champion plug in my TRX250R. It was a beast.
Hey Swanky, I notice your bikes have been looking clean lately. How often do you wash your bikes and what is your cleaning process?
They definitely have in comparison to my Gen1! Haha. I've actually been washing them off shortly after a muddy ride, mostly in preparation for the next mods. Seems to work pretty well, as the mud doesn't have enough time to harden and get stuck. I just use a hose with a sprayer on the end and my hand to gently knock off any residue on the plastics and motor after hosing it all down to knock off the big stuff. Works well enough that they look good on camera!
Pretty cool mod. It’s all personal preference. I like my KTM 500EXC for off-roading and my KTM 890 AdvR for BDR. If I went your route, I’d mod a plated XR 650R with a rally tower. As long as you do the drill, it’s a one kick starting proposition.
I think you should install a high beam pod light for offroad use right above the factory light and put a bigger honda sticker centered between the four bolts on the windscreen
That would definitely break it up a bit! Maybe I'll see what I can find.
I thought your universal fairing looked great. Also, dynojet kit works great on the big pig. Don’t forget to do lithium battery, aluminum handlebar and aluminum rear sprocket and thick front sprocket.
It didn't really look bad, no. I just prefer something that looks a little more like it could be OEM. I've got the front sprocket installed and a battery, still need to get a jet kit though!
You mentioned a quieter helmet. Can you recommend a helmet? I’m happy with my Bell MX-10 but quieter and lighter would be nice. I don’t know if you’ve done a helmet review.
I'm not an expert on the topic, but the scorpions 950, which has been replaced now by a newer model, is essentially the other helmet I've been wearing. Mines rebranded as a snowmobile helmet with a heated shield, but I believe it's the same otherwise. The padding sits much closer to your neck and in general it just seems to be more sealed. I always run plugs in other helmets, that one I'd actually go without once in awhile.
Nice video. Thoughts on the look - A well designed sticker / decal kit for the fairing will make it look better, maybe even OEM. To your point, add some AUX lights would also help the look.
Thank you! Yes, I definitely agree. Should pull it all together nicely!
Why didn't you do LED turn signals while you had it apart? Those 1980 signals and tail light is just horrible.
I'll be doing a video dedicated to cleaning up the look after a few more larger mods. That'll most definitely include mini led blinkers!
As a dr650 owner not a big fan of the upgrade
It looks like an alien queen head! 😂😂. Not bad though, especially if it works …
I was thinking Coneheads😅
It does a bit yeah 😂. Once you get used to it and expect it to be there, it blends right in though. Just a bit of a shock the first few times you see it haha.
This is my dream bike, I have an XR250L and this piece you have installed is exactly what I was looking at, so I think it is perfect, so in that light I believe the number on the front should be 42 as it is the answer to god the universe and everything.
Nice! I had an 87 XL250R back in the day!
When you review the apple carplay dash,curious to know how Gaia GPS navigation App works with it. Thx
I've not used that one yet. I'll have to look into it!
unfortunately we dont get the xr650l in australia discontinued about 2001 I think and it was available in a R model.
That's to bad! I wonder how long it'll be until they discontinue them here. They quit making the R here a while back I believe.
Love it! I’m a huge fan of rally bikes, both modern and vintage. Your XR certainly looks the part now. Keep up the good work. You just need one of those yellow Dakar number stickers on there 😊
Thanks! I am too! It's the look I usually go for, both for form and function. If it's good enough for Dakar it's more than good enough for me!
It’s too high for my taste. I’d rather have half of that be a windscreen plus a couple inches above it. I know that wouldn’t work as well for the laptop 😂 you’re carrying.
Haha, yeah it's definitely a bit of a shock! Especially compared to the extremely minimal small stock cowl.
Nice setup. Seems like all the decent looking options for my DRZ are $1000 or more.
Thanks! Right? This certainly isn't nearly as complex, but for the price it's pretty hard to turn down!
I own one (XR650L) and really like it so I can say it. Funny, that just about every time you see an XR video you see the rider pulling into a gas station.
Ah man the last time I was out with my dad I stopped THREE TIMES! Haha. Time for some auxiliary fuel I think...
I put the acerbis 5.8 gal on mine and I thought it would be good for almost 400km but I barely get 300.
Collapsible fishing rod would be the best bet. Strap it to a top box or something. Also I noticed your videos look way over sharpened especially indoors, outside isn't so bad but still noticeable.
That is a good idea! Much safer for the pole off road as well haha. Are you watching it on a TV? They always look odd on my dad's TV too but are totally normal on all my screens at home. Not sure what that's about.
I like fishing, I’m just not very good at t catching. 😂 A telescoping rod fits in a backpack, tail bag or pannier. I don’t know the brand i have but I like it.
Mmm yeah I was going to buy one of those at some point, that'd probably make way more sense lmao 🤣
You need a fork brace for the XR. It makes a lot of difference especially offroad.
I'll probably add one at some point. Once I have all my camp gear loaded and test ridden maybe.
I just got a 2024 XR650L. Love the bike and the windscreen.
Nice! The 23 & 24 models are the best looking color scheme in my book!
Love the looks
But I am a purist
Retro and rally seem fitting
Thank you!!! I really do too. It took a little while to get used to it, but now I can't imagine the bike without out. Really just fits the looks and the purpose of this magnificent machine!
Higher octane fuel is less prone to detonation and in an air cooled bike on a really hot day, you're less likely to get pinging and pre ignition that you might have with 87 octane. Detonation can cause serious damage, especially when it happens repeatedly in an engine without knock sensors to retard timing.
Oh yeah, I suppose I should have known that haha. I remember hearing about detonation issues, but was thinking that was more on high performance stuff, but an air cooled 650 can certainly work up a sweat in the woods!
The XRs biggest weakness is definitely fuel economy.
Yes indeed! I filled up 3 times on my last ride 🤣.
I'm behind on the xr series of videos but has swanky unkorked the xr yet ?? If he hasn't that makes a huge difference in the motor ?
Not yet! I'm going to load it down with all my heavy mods first, then I'll do performance mods. I can't wait!!!
Dude, you are terrible at this. There are multiple headlight towers for the XR...
Your probably looking at towers for the XR650R. They'll come up when you search for the L, but need a steering head bracket to bolt too. There is the Manic Rally kit for the L, but it's $500 more than the Hemisphere kit, and isn't actually road legal.
Try a Puig clip on deflector. Will smooth out the last bit of buffeting
Might have to try that!
I don't know if I want to watch a movie or ride. For me big screens are more a distraction and when I ride it's to get away from screens.
I 100% agree with that! I've got all the notifications turned off on mine so all 7" is JUST for navigation. I didn't realize how big it was until I jumped back on my old Tenere with the Nuvi 40LM on it. I felt like I could hardly see it haha.
Do you not explore places you have never been and need directions some times? If your not, your not adventuring far enough.
@@airadaimagery692 ok adventuring Karen whatever.
@@Mitchcay pffst.. You sound like a real pleasure to ride with.
Put the swanky cat logo up front
The fairing looks good
I thought about it! Thanks!!!
Conehead! All jokes aside, I like. Great video Man.
Haha. I know, I know 🤣. Thank man!!!
I'm not big on any electronics, but I'm happy for you, S.C. The XL has lots of potential . It's really not that much slower than the 450 . Plus, I'll give up a little h.p. for reliability and won't cost me 1500 just to be able to ride it . After how much Honds sold that bike for . I'm happy with a 1990 350s . It can do 70mph it's lighter . Decent power to weight and great torque . After I beat up the new rebuild of my suspension, then the upgrade . I dont have help to get things done, but that's ok. Small growth is great growth.....
Thanks! I'm usually happy with my old used $20 Nuvi GPS units, but testing new things like this is part of the job description. Can't say I mind too much though! I'll definitely have to get on a 350 soon!
@SwankyCatProductions I can't wait . To my understanding, its only competitive bike was the XR400r . I guess the title didn't state off-road only . So you can put dot parts on and register them . And yrs kick only . The XR is a dirt bike it's lighter, but the DR350s after putting a pumper carb on it is a spunky little bike . Peace ✌️
Would this work on a 93 XR250L?
Mmm, don't know about that... Might need some significant modifications.
That thing looks like a rear fender cut in half. But if it works then it's a keeper.
Haha. Yeah it seems too!
I saw the Hemisphere as an option for wind protection. For me, it makes the XR look like it's wearing a "pope" hat as well as the mentioned guillotine worry. I also noticed you can't see through the screen which could be bad on a trail. I would totally grab one if they made a clear on top two piece version ? I'm almost 6'2 it's really hard to find a good windscreen that doesn't look dumb and does it's job.
Another great vid Ben. Just wish you didn’t use the flashy graphics. Cheers
Thanks! Flashy graphics?
@@SwankyCatProductions when you add text at the bottom of the frame it ‘shakes’ at the start and end each time. No biggy but would be better without IMO. Still love your work. Glenn in Australia 👍
That is way too much blocked view for me, sorry
It looks a lot taller from the camera's view. Eye lever is a few inches higher and it doesn't block anything I need to see on the road. Off road it might be an issue, but if I need to see that close to my front tire, then I'm usually in terrain that requires me to stand anyway.
That South African guy, can't recall his name, did a test of different carb settings and the mileage he got with them on the XR. Maybe someone can chime in with his channel. I think he ended up going back to stock even though performance was worse because mileage was so much better.
Greetings,
WOW, what a fantastic set up 🇺🇲🍾🎉🇺🇲
Keep producing more videos about the XR 650 L. (lowering link install)
Hello and thank you! I will!!!
I told you the XR
is the best. I have a 2018 klr
They're all darn good machines!
Looks great like the retro look too. I have a carpuride on my crf300l rally and it dose it's job. Looking forward to your review on it.
Thanks!!! Nice! How long have you been using it?
@SwankyCatProductions been using it scince march. Only trubble I had on it was the dimmer. The unit would shut off and come back on multiple times. This was due to having it connected to the usb. Once it was hard wired no problem.
That certianly makes it look more rally. Having space for navigation up there is really handy. My biggest concern when I see that setup is not being able to see right at my front wheel. Hitting my head into it would be a second. Hard to balance that.
I dream ov a removable "rally" fairing that is attached to the bike/tank and not the handlebars.
Thanks for sharing!
IMO, you really don't need to lower your bike. If you're doing it because you're finding yourself putting your foot down in the woods and not touching the ground, once you get used to the tall seat height, you won't fall over as much. Lowering changes the geometry of the bike and will make it handle funny in all sorts of ways. Touching the ground used to be a thing for me too until I learned that the less I try to touch the ground, the less I would fall over and that forward momentum is your friend on any bike.
Well said and I agree! The weight of my first KLR coupled with the seat height made me pretty uncomfortable until I got used to it. The XR is really fine for me since it's so much lighter and off road the height actually doesn't bother me at all. It's getting on and off at the gas stations and when I'm setting up cameras that bugs me the most. But the main reason I'm doing it is to see how it affects the handling. My much lower DR feels so much better on the road and on gravel, where the XR feels tall and uncomfortable. Lowering it will make it much less effective on an MX course, but that's less than 5% of my riding. So I figure it's at least worth a shot! If nothing else I'll be able to tell vertically challenged riders (like myself) if lowering it will really ruin, or maybe even improve the bike for ADV style riding.
@@SwankyCatProductions @SwankyCatProductions either way, you'll be able to change it back if you want to. I'm 5'8" so I get it. Dirt bikes are a tall person's game 😄
My previous bike was a CRF250L and before that, I hadn't been on a dirt bike in 20 years. It wasn't really very tall so I could swing my leg over it, but now I'm riding a CRF450X that I made street legal. It's around 50 pounds lighter than the 250L but quite a bit taller. I now start with the bike on the side stand, then by stepping onto the peg with my left foot and then swing my leg over. Otherwise it's pretty difficult to get on board.
I found that both bikes had really lazy steering when I got them from the dealership. The assemblers were setting thr fork height so that the tops of the fork tubes were aligned with the top of the clamps and I found in the manual that there's a line about 6mm below the top of the fork tube that is supposed to be aligned with the clamps. Making this tiny change drastically affected high speed stability on gravel or sandy roads and the bikes steered and handled much more predictably at all speeds and terrains. So while I agree that since you're not going racing or anything, lowering the bike will definitely be manageable. But if you have a chance, try changing the height of the fork just to see what changes, You'll be surprised.
I’m in the same adventure dual sport journey. I appreciate your content and the work you put into it!
Thank you and best of luck!!!
Need swanky cat sticker, another great vid
Thank you!
I dont mind the look it matches the stock fender, kind of balances off the fender, i love the look of the square light too, i put a led h4 in my square dr light too, dont think ill lose the square light though😊
That’s useless it just redirects and concentrates the wind directly to your head stupid sorry these gimmicky mods really annoy me and I feel bad for the people who go out and waist there money just to find out after a couple of days it’s terrible
How exactly is this different from any other motorcycle windshield???
Most tall windscreens do the same thing redirect all the air right into your head unless it’s stupid crazy tall and that’s useless and terrible on a adv bike anyway
honda badjet like the stock one is missing in this fairing
Agreed!
It would be interesting to see if you can retrofit the fairing to a DR650.
Hmmm, yeah it would! I wonder how far off the brackets are...
@@SwankyCatProductions I have a DR and that would be interesting to see. Are the headlights the same size?.
When you first showed the new fairing, I thought "oh boy, that's HUGE!", but now that its installed I think it looks good. If you put any stickers on that fairing I'd keep it simple, maybe just some 'HONDA" lettering right above the top of the headlight. And that dash is solid and very much ADV bike-like, for sure. Reminds me of the T7 dash. The sight line looks good too, doesn't appear to be impeded. I like it! I'm impressed with that XR and the tasteful mods you have done and are planning on doing to it 👍
Thanks Jeff!!! Haha yeah it's definitely a bit of a shock in contrast to the original, but after that wears off it almost looks like it makes more sense. Blends in well with the tank cowls and handguards. A bit of mud and some bugs help too! Haha.
Im gonna put a google eye sticker on mine
🤣 nice!
That setup looks good
Thanks!!!
I like the look! Needs a cool sticker.
Thanks Bill! Yes, it does!
what handguards are those
Tusk Adventure Handguards! Here's an affiliate link: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-d-flex-pro-adventure-handguards-p?ref=1042&
I didn't even know they made something like that for the Honda xrl. It seems to really change the value of the motorcycle at highway speeds. I am impressed... No, I am excited!
Suzuki fanboys, watch out
Texas on the prairie
It was totally new to me too! I'd originally thought I had lots of options but it turned out most were really only applicable to the "R" version. Can't say I'm too disappointed though, I really like that it keeps the retro look! Haha yeah I'll have to come up with something good for the DR now too!
Well done Ben!!! Love the content. I also got rid of my trusty KLR. Picking up my V Strom 800 DE this week
Thank you! Nice! How do you like it?!?
That looks slick. Cosmetically, a front fender trim or modern option that better mimics the rear for symmetry would be cool as well as mini stalks and rear taillight cleanup. I pulled off and high temp silver'd my exhaust and while it was much more subtle than my wife's 230M, I think it looks way better.
Thanks! Mini Stalks, new fender and a low profile taillight will be going on soon!
I've been waiting for you to drop this video! I was looking at that fairing and the Manic Rally fairings. Looks great, keep the videos coming!
I'm glad to hear that! I considered the Manic as well, but the whole, non DOT approved lights thing kind of put me off. I'm sure they put out a lot more light, but I try to keep everything road legal so I'm not being a bad influence on anyone haha.
RADD!!!
I am totally impressed my man. I don’t think you could have done a better job. I’m a real stickler for this year model and its color and graphics, and you have tied this all in fantastically! I love it. You remind me so much of myself, and one of my buds. When we work on a project, every single little thing has to be esthetically correct for our own liking... I’m also a Jeep guy, and I have an old refurbished and modded out Jeep. I can remember when the JK’s were first introduced in ‘07, and so many people were like, “‘eww, that’s ugly! That doesn’t look like no Jeep!” And now, the JK’s are as fine as frogs hair to some people.,, So, if you want my opinion on your bike, Honda themselves could not had done a better job. Unless! Unless, they were to have added a dual, round, Rally style headlight set up! Lol.. Those words were coming out of my mouth just seconds before you brought it up! Yes to the Rally light! Two lights the same size! Not like my 300 Rally! Lol... I want to build a custom Rally tower with two large round Lights side by side for my Rally...
I installed a rock guard over the stock headlights on my Rally to try and break up the appearance a bit of the two different size lights. That does bother me, just as much as I know it would bother you, because we think so much alike. Lol.. My windshield is definitely a bit further out in front than yours. That I do like. And everything rides nice and smooth. But hey, whatcha gonna do?! The bike looks dang good man. And it sounds like it performs good too. I would had been really upset if you would had ruined the appearance of that bike! Lol...
I do have an “idea”, for a vibration dampener. Do you know what a gimbal on an old DJI P3P looks like? Something very similar to that, but a little more substantial and secure for rigorous off roading. You can buy aftermarket vibration dampeners for custom built cinema style drones.
Hey, doesn’t the bottom of your Tusk tank back scratch your tanks, and irritate the heck out of you?! What’s up with that?
Thanks man! That means a lot, especially from a fellow perfectionist! It does indeed sound like we are cut from a very similar cloth. Sure adds a lot of time to projects like this, but so does doing it wrong or the easy way the first time. That way requires lots of scrunched faces, head shaking and inevitably, a do over 🤣. I got into modding dual sports before I could acquire a jeep, but loved swapping parts and lifting trucks beforehand... I'll probably buy a jeep one of these days too 🤣. I'm not familiar but I might have to look into that. It's been doing fine as is, but I feel bad for it haha. Thanks again man!!!
I have the same Carpuride unit, I highly recommend it! Having done long adventures with my phone as navigation, that 7 inches screen from the Carpuride is better suited to my aging eyes and allows me to keep the phone in a safe place and on my person. Waiting for your review and hear your thoughts.
That new fairing is begging for a few stickers!
I'm glad to hear that! I've really been liking it so far. Definitely agree that a phone is best kept in a pocket while riding!
Do you have a review on that Nav unit yet or one in the works? I am very interested.
Yes! I'm hoping to get it out next week!
@@SwankyCatProductions I'm anxiously awaiting! I'm excited about this unit so hoping it's good!! 🤞
Excellent review. As far as looks you definetely should stick something on that windsecreen.
Thank you! Yeah, it needs it!
XR is awesome I would like to get one later on, loving the Gen 3 KLR now it is so damn stable on the highway and with a 16 tooth front sprocket it rolls good down the road...I am 6'4 so the size and weight of it fit me well.
Nice! Nothing wrong with the KLR! I'd take yours with the 16 tooth on the hwy all day! Definitely a more comfy solid ride.
lookn good !!!
Thanks!
It looks awesome!
Thank you!!!
I’d keep it clean; the same Honda lettering decal as the original shroud and carry over the same red/black stripes from the side fairings.
That would be awesome!
It's too bad Hemisphere products don't have a DR650 equivalent fairing.
I have the same gap problem with the headlight.
I ended up leaving it forward now, we'll see how much light spills into the riders view. Might need to add some foam in there to block it.
@@SwankyCatProductions I was thinking it might be a good idea to talk to Hemisphere about building some sort of spacing bracket to push the whole fairing and headlight assembly out a few inches to make it less of a "guillotine"?
I like the look as it is with the fairing. With the exception of the limited fuel tank and range this could be a BDR slayer. Light is right!
Definitely! A bigger range would be really nice though 😂
nice look...love the tower effect.
Thanks! Same!
could you get it to fit a tw?
Possibly! It'd definitely take some goofing around to make it fit though I think..
Nice work setting up the new fairing and the ram mount with nav! Looks sharp and also really functional.
Thank you!!!
That front fairing looks to be a well engineered item and you’re right, for most of us, it has to look good too. I think it looks great and the colour screen is awesome👍 Don’t know much about the model bike but looks like you might have good combo of weight and performance.
Thanks!!! Yeah, someone definitely put some time in! I wasn't sure what to expect from the photos I'd seen, but I'm definitely impressed with the quality!
Go west for that Dakar bike you're making . That's not designed for a woods bike .
Huh interesting, I suppose you're right. Terrain and riding is a bit different here.
Really enjoying this build wish I could do it myself😂 can't wait to see more
Thanks man! Glad to hear you're enjoying it vicariously!
Maybe a custom SwankyCat wrap? And yes, i can't wait for you to lower it too!
Mmm that would be cool!
Not sure who made mine dash and headlight but the best looking one I've seen. Equipped with Hella HID's. No Marge Simpson fairing needed. LOL.
Manic Rally? Or custom?
@@SwankyCatProductions I really don't know? It was on it when I bought it. They kind of cobbled the dash a bit. I had intended to get one bent up out of heavier guage aluminum but haven't yet. I'm charging my laptop now to find pics and will share on Facebook. Honestly thought after giving you crap about the Marge Simpson look and looking at mine again. They seem to be the same height almost. 🤣
Put your Swanky Cat logo on that windscreen!
Maybe I should!?
Well, I think that does it. I was on the bubble re: Hemisphere’s fairing, but now am going to go ahead and pull the trigger.
I do like the Tusk LED bulb mod as well.
Next stop: Saddlebags
Yeah? Were you looking at any other options? I was on the fence for a bit too, but figured it was worth a shot. Can't say I regret it, but now I really want to try their clear screen extension! Haha. Rear rack and bags are on the horizon!
@@SwankyCatProductions The only other option that made sense was exactly what you ditched - the Tusk Universal windscreen.
I'm figuring the hemisphere shorty rally fairing would be my best option. Undecided on whether or not to use the clear windscreen.
Oh, and my carb is now off the bike, waiting for new jets. Note to self, do not improve breathing on bikes without having the new necessary jets. Bone stock, with the Uni filter and snorkel removed, it was really unhappy off idle.
My bike is a '23, so has the plug for idle mixture, and not the "flag". I defied all convention, and just carefully cut off the now extra long boss for the idle screw. Just at the end of the plug. Worked a treat and exposed the D-head screw without damaging it. Fridays The Bomb remote idle mixture screw kit is also on its way.
This 650L is a late comer to my list of possible buys..... I'm glad to see you addressing the bike & making it more of a choice as
I wait for my money to arrive. My biggest concern w/ buying a used bike is the spline coming outta the crankcase on these. I'd
have to look at that before I took a used bike since I'm not about the whole engine being rebuilt. I await all the rest you have.
Yeah that's definitely something you'd want to check. As long as the previous owner is aware that it can be an issue, it shouldn't be a big deal for them to show you. If they are unaware of it, you might be better off looking somewhere else.
@@SwankyCatProductions ~ yeah, if they were unaware it would definitely be a shock. I wouldn't make an offer
& they'd have to decide if they were gonna be honest to the next potential buyer.... ty very much for the info
When I first seen it I thought that will look big and out of place, but now its on it looks good!
Same!!!
looks good I agree it needs the Honda sticker above the headlight
Thanks! Yeah, I think that's what I'm going to do.
Love the bike I prefer the windshield you showed at the beginning of the video 👍🏼
Understandable. I actually don't mind the universal one as much as I thought I would 🤣
@@SwankyCatProductions do you have a link for that one, the first one?
I think it looks awesome great job
Thanks Aaron!