XR650R Dual Sport Project & Travels

Introduction

Early in 2003 I decided to upgrade my equipment for exploring backroads and trails, which I had been doing in the Western mountain states each summer.  This site shows what I settled on for that purpose, a new 2003 Honda XR650R converted for dual-sport use.  The conversion was performed by Burrell Power Sports of Bloomington, IL, with saddlebag brackets by King-Lar Company of Decatur, IL.  Be sure to check out my Trip Reports.  Hope you enjoy it!

Steve - the Webmaster

My new project bike at Burrell Power Sports in early January, 2003, before the conversion.  Gas tank only holds 2.6 gallons.  That seat is hard!	Delivery time! February 17th and all is complete except for saddlebags and the stage-one kit, which was installed after break-in.  Sharkfin rear-disk protector is from Pro Moto Billet.	Eric of Burrell Power Sports shows off his work.  Chad, the owner of Burrell PS, also worked on the conversion.	UFO handguards with integral turn signals.  The Baja kit front turn signals interfered with the gas tank and couldn't be used.  Brake light is activated independently by both the front and the rear brake levers.
Headlight is protected by a 40-mil plastic stick-on layer from Dual-Star.  Its the KLR650 protector, trimed down to size.	Exhaust was left stock to keep it quiet.  DOT tires are Dunlop D606.  Baja rear signal brackets were relocated to accomodate the RACK-IT, and ultimately moved again to accomodate saddlebags.	Gas tank holds 6 gallons.  Range was 246 miles on gravel roads, 192 miles to reserve.  Chain guide is from Utah Sport Cycle.  Kiwi Case Saver covers the counter sprocket.	GPR steering stabilizer firmed up the front end under all conditions, making it much nicer to ride.
This custom seat from Renazco Racing has solved my comfort woes.  So far I've done three all-day rides on it (mixed highway & gravel), and ridden hilly wooded single track.  It seems to work for everything.  The top is grippy suede leather and there's a neoprene layer beneith that for waterproofing.  The craftsmanship is top notch.			Road testing the seat.  This is Lake Clinton at Liberty Road, Illinois.