Hello all. I am new to this site and to my 83 Vision. Just bought it a couple of weeks ago. The guy I purchased it from had it sitting in a barn for the past 9 years. It only has 8000 original miles on it and is in fairly great shape. I have spent the last couple of weeks going over it piece by piece. Cleaning and replacing anything I can get a rag or wrench on. I am converting mine into a scrambler-type bike with knobby tires and the like. I'll post pics soon. Anyone close to Montrose, CO ride? I would love to find some people to ride with.
Welcome aboard. I sincerely hope I don't appear rude but why would you want a Vision bike to be a scrambler. It may be that my idea of what a scrambler is may be in error. BDC
Sounds interesting.. you have several members in Co., but how close i'm not sure. don't be afraid to post pics either.
btw, you'll find out you need to keep the carbs clean, clean, clean (add an inline filter) and clean the tank & expect rust holes in the corners of the tank. also, don't expect to substitute cone filters for the aibox. it'll never run properly without the airbox. there are more tips on my site xz550.com for new owners. Welcome!
Bring it on... love to see some pics. I did some gravel/rock road sections with my beater Vee standing on the pegs and was pretty impressed with the tracking and balance it gave weaving through the rocky sections. I've considered the mod a time or two or maybe switching the motor, shaft/swingarm into a frame more suited to ground clearance and abuse. It'd make a good winter beater too with the shaft and all, but an '82 might be a better choice as they're not so rare and costly to replace damaged parts on. Anyway, love to see some pics and welcome to the Vision mad house.
Rich
Thanks for the feedback. I will be posting pics soon. As far as the Scrambler idea goes, I am not looking to ride anything too rough and rocky, but there are a ton of dirt Forest Service roads around where I live and I would like to be able to explore them without falling down. I'm just talking about knobby tires, fork boots, tweaking the suspension a little and raising the fender. Not changing the essence of the bike. It is a great candidate for what I want to do because of all the low end torque and power. Also, I need the black plastic battery cover. Mine's missing. Keep the comments coming!
Welcome aboard! I have fond memories of the Honda 175 twin scrambler I had as a kid. Sounds like an interesting project. Actually I think this is the first scrambler project I've seen proposed since starting so I'd be interested in seeing pictures too. :)
Rich, It might be easier to mount a motocross front end and a longer rear shock on the frame that's there. Then mount your knobbies and a number plate/headlight on the front. It could be the first hybrid IT/XZ 550! You'd have to add some oil to the gas for that authentic blue exhaust haze though.... ;D
Welcome
Scrambler V would be too cool... How do you plan on building a high exhaust? or are you just gonna lift it and throw some knobbies on? I spent a lot of time contemplating that and settled on mesh in the rad guard, enduro handlebars and a prayer! Like ADVRich said, the bike is real easy to ride on gravel compared to some other street bikes
There aren't many dual sport tyres available for the 18 in front and rear so I ditched the full on dual sport Idea
Raj1988 I am glad to find someone else who has thrown the idea of a V scrambler around. As far as tires go, I am going with the Shinko 244's. A great tire from what I have heard and read. Not too knobby, but achieves the look I am going for.
Have you found suitable tires in the Vision sizes? I considered buying adventure style tires and couldn't find any.
QuoteAs far as tires go, I am going with the Shinko 244's. A great tire from what I have heard and read. Not too knobby, but achieves the look I am going for.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/29/393/15034/ITEM/Shinko-244-Dual-Sport-Front---Rear-Tire.aspx (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/2/29/393/15034/ITEM/Shinko-244-Dual-Sport-Front---Rear-Tire.aspx)
'83VS, please strip off all your very valuable and rare '83 specific fiberglass before you hit the woods. Yes, Vs' have excellent low end torque. They also weigh close to 500 lbs. Good condition OEM exhaust systems are few and far between. Just sayin.
Over the years my '83 has been down a lot of National Forest trails in search of the very private camp site. Crossed a few shallow (and some not so shallow) creeks in the process. Off road Ving can be done with thoughtful care. Attempting speed is a bad idea. Jumping a V is like launching a battleship.
Quote'83VS, please strip off all your very valuable and rare '83 specific fiberglass before you hit the woods
And then offer them up for sale on the cheap - that way, those with '82's will benefit. ;) As QBS alluded to, do the same with the exhaust. Since you'll be poking around the boonies at low speed you won't be needing that twin disk front end so I'll allow you to trade * for my single disk forks. You may add cash to sweeten the deal since I'm doing you a huge favor. A thankyou card is optional but certainly welcome.
Also, before taking any rides, be sure and submit your proposed route and itinerary for approval by the other '83 owners. :police: Cheers!
*Don't forget to replace your seals and change the fork oil prior to shipment (at your cost) to me.
Nah, just go ahead and trash your low mileage '83. It just makes the rest more valuable.
Walt M. +1
say nay and make it yours... :)
I could've used some knobbies Sunday ::)
I've been on 600 mile weekends and back roads that turned into logging roads.. it's all good, just ride it!
oh, and don't forget to check your rear brake brace bolts
http://ridersofvision.net/rovforum/index.php?topic=4688.0
Look in the gallery, There was a fellow 10 years ago who had a Vision "Dirt bike"
Rick G, I did see those pictures. Mine is going to be a little different and probably cooler. Thanks for the tip on the gas app. It is awesome and there is a no-ethanol station close to my house. Night Vision, I am glad you are riding off road. Glad there is someone else who isn't afraid to get a little dirt on their bike.
Dirt: No problem. Broken and trashed rare bits: Big problem.
Q, what makes you so sure he's gonna trash his bike? I'll bet he'll have more capable tires on his then you did trail riding and fording creeks on yours. You were running a bigger risk than he yet the '83 police :police: aren't beating down your door. Oh wait, maybe you removed your plastics and exhaust prior to off roading? If so I apologize. :)
And if Mr. Scrambler does trash his bike I'm pretty sure your name is not on the title so what of it? Who is it a big problem for? I'm guessing he has contemplated the risks and accepts them. Why can't you? Relax, your bike will still be ok. That is if you stop beating it into the ground on National Forest trails ;D ;D
Rikugun your apology is accepted. You missed the part about off road riding with "thoughtful care". Sometimes when "scrambling" life happens.
QuoteRikugun your apology is accepted
Thank you, it's nice to know you don't hold a grudge.
Now if you were any kind of Visionary, you would apologize to 83VisionScrambler for your presumptuous comments. :)
Sorry to see that you are so presumptuous as to feel that I should apologize for anything. However, since you feel so strongly about the matter, please feel free to do so on my behalf at your earliest convenience. All the best.
Famous last words: F#$K this sh!t, lets go for a ride
No apology from QBS is necessary Rikugun. Some people don't know what to do with a new idea. Change scares them. He is just not man enough to ride off-road and that is okay. I will change my terminology for the time being and for the benefit of the group. I have found out that indeed, it would be very expensive to modify my V into a Scrambler. I am not giving up on the idea, just changing my terminology until I secure the funds for a new exhaust etc. etc. I will now be referring to my V as a modified Adventure Touring bike. Hope that sits a little better with the outspoken purists out there. Rest assured though that eventually, I will have a true Vision scrambler.
Well, I guess that settles that. ;)
It's going to be a heavy mother. Wish you well. BDC
I ride in the dirt occasionally , but on a'77 Honda XL350 . about 150 lbs lighter. and not so prone to wheel spin. I have followed many dirt roads , both here in AZ and in OR . on my Vision. I horsed it over a 16 inch log on a logging road in OR . Here in AZ I followed a dirt road , which deterorated to the point that I had turn back or cross a rock strewn creek. This was with street tyres and the '83 style fairing !!!
I think a dual-sport Vision is a great idea. I'm thinking about something similar with my 82 Isle of Man bike. My daily rider is a Suzuki VStrom 1000 so I'm used to big, heavy bikes on dirt. I think the 82 would be better for that kind of use because of the higher handle-bars and forward footpegs. Also the 83 fairing is really heavy on the frontend. My 82 has the little handlebar mount fairing.
I would use some sort of dual-sport tires and maybe an inch or so longer front fork legs and maybe a little longer rear shock for ground clearance and that's about all I would do.
I would junk the lousy 82 riser handle bars and fabricate a set ofd bar mounts . This way you can have any configuration bars you want.
This is exactly what I did with mine . Yellow jacket has a couple of bar mounts , I sent him , as well.
The stock bars are adjustable in 3 positions. Too low. too high and this ain't no good either.
Actually I like the seating position on the 82 better than the 83. It's more of a dual-sport position. After years of choppers, then cafe bikes, then race bikes, it was with a sigh of relief that I arrived at dual-sport bikes. I like the upright seating position with your feet under you so you can stand up easily. I guess it would be easy to buy as set of mounts and install different bars but if it ain't broke, don't fix it.
My motto: It wasn't broke 'till I fixed it.
Yeah, the '82 pegs would be better positioned for stance and control. I was in a bit of jockey position when standing with the '83 in some weave through sections on rougher gravel road sections. The '82 bars might not be too bad in the highest position for D/S work, but regular round bars do offer a lot more choices. They may end up being lighter too with the conversion process of bar mounts and all, and offer a bit of give as well for shock absorption.
I've been thinking of bike options for late fall/winter/early spring riding with the salt and all. I've considered a simple low cost D/S like the DR350 where it could do some limited woods riding I do once in a while. Not to expensive to maintain and easy to wash off. At some point, I may resurrect the idea of using my beater '83 for a winter tag bike and gravel/salt road runner. It was beat when I got it, but it did what I wanted it too for the cheap reentry into riding a couple of years back. The tank already has big dents in each side, and I think that is one of the most valuable/limited pieces on the '83 over the '82, so no further loss there. Time is the big factor though with lots of house projects and other stuff, maybe next winter's fun project.
QuoteThe tank already has big dents in each side
Rich, was that from falls with the full fairing installed?
Yeah, I think so as they match the fairing edge. It was part of the mix of good and bad when I boght it. I've seen it on a couple of faired Vees. It's really tough to get an unblembed '83 tank and one fall with the fairing on will dent the thin wall tank.
If/when I do a winter road burner version Vee, I'd like to keep the full fairing on for some cold protection and would work up some crash bars Adv style for some added protection. Heck, maybe some rhinoliner and a bit of Mad Max Hooligan flair for hoots too as part of the modding.
QuoteI've seen it on a couple of faired Vees. It's really tough to get an unblembed '83 tank and one fall with the fairing on will dent the thin wall tank.
I've noticed that too. I bought full fairing last year but am a little leary to install it. :( My luck it will get knocked over in a parking lot the day I install it and there goes the tank.
Yeah, just the nature of the little beasties. The fairing set up is part of what attracts me to the Vee for function, looks, and I like riding in that bit of a cockpit feeling while tooling around. I'll cry and say WHY if a tip over comes my way..., but in the meantime hope it never happens to my best '83.
I have a spare fairing , because I don't want to ride my V with out it . The VX has a handle bar fairing which is no match for the vision '83 pattern fairing.
83 Vision Scrambler/Adventure bike, saw your name on "Users on line" and would like to know how your project is coming? BDC
I think you have a few issues with the plan.
The bike is heavy.
I'm also not sure if the stock suspension would be up to the task.
Parts aren't super easy to get specially 83 stuff. You may need to send off to Europe to get foot pegs, handle bars and forks since they are different from 82 model and not very many are available in the states.
I know someone will put a hit out on me for saying this, but it's not the most reliable motorcycle you can buy.
Just my 2 cents.
I think, everything is possible, if you want. Honda CB 500 also isn't adventure bike and my friend has rode her in Romania mountains heavily loaded and with his girl behind him.
https://plus.google.com/photos/102505378861853015713/albums/5771306237109328897#photos/102505378861853015713/albums/5771306237109328897/5771306807022087682
This is then the adventure 8)
Jirik, those are some awesome pictures! Love the one where he's crossing the partially covered culvert and the workers look on as if he's nuts. :) Your friend definitely has the adventurous spirit. I agree adventure riding is more about your frame of mind than the machine you ride. BMW's GS1150/1200 has been the single most popular model sold but I'll bet some have never seen one mile of off pavement use. Incidentally, the big GS is not exactly a light bike at 500+ lbs fully fueled. ;)
zore, the V may not be the best choice but I can think of less appropriate models too! As far as 83 parts go I'd opt for the 82 controls. The riding position makes for an easier transition to a standing posture which you'll find yourself using often in the gnarly stuff. The upright seated position may be easier for all day riding too. It will never be a KTM 990 Adventure but with some tire and suspension upgrades you could carefully pick your way through trouble spots to find remote locations you'd otherwise never enjoy. Come to think of it engine guards and a skid plate might be prudent additions too. ;D Just my 2 cents. :D
Check out this link: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=462017
Doug has travelled around the world on an Indian, A Harley Panhead, and a Shovelhead proving that ANY bike can be an Adventure bike if your up to it.
If BMW GSs are "Adventure Bikes" I'm sure a Vision can be one. Just be sure to chose your "Adventure" wisely.
While living in OR. I followed several dirt roads . One had a fallen tree across it . Not letting obstacles stop me is a habit , so I horsed the XZ over the log by skidding the crank case over it . Street tyres were an impediment , but did not stop me I followed the road until it came out on the highway, 25 miles later.
Here in AZ. I followed a dirt road until I came to a stream , which I crossed, however the road got very rocky so I turned around.
I have followed the many dirt roads and trails here, on my 77 Honda XL350 (317 lbs , 21 inch front wheel and 18 rear).
At one point I had an Arcticcat 300 to explore the really rough terrain in the Cerbat mountains , where I found ghost towns and many abandoned mines,also had a 400 Yamaha ATV, which threw me into a cactus patch and then landed on me, upside down. I spent 15 min pulling spines out of my hands with my nail clippers!
That one had a swing arm instead of 4 wheel independent suspension , so i sold it.
You can follow some dirt and even single track roads on a XZ just don't get too adventuresome! In my opinion, its way too heavy (as are ALL the offerings on the market now) and has too short suspension travel. You could change the forks and the front wheel, but the rear suspension travel is what it is.
(http://topgeek.smugmug.com/Adventure-Riding/2007/East-Colorado-Ride/i-2XmFzNm/0/M/2407961677_4fffdc4197-M.jpg)
similar concept / similar original specs
18" knobbies are plentiful
Sweet! The Ascots were under appreciated. :( A little less power but easy screw tappet valve adjustments, CV carbs, and 6 speed trans. Not much range with their small tank but a nice looking and riding bike. :D
My brother has a VT500 Ascot he welded up a larger tank for, and transplanted a XL500 front end. He calls it he Moto Rodeo Superbo, and has had it way out in the boonies.
The front wheel from a 650 Seca Turbo is the same spoke pattern as the XZ and is 19". Might be a place to start a scrambler conversion.
500 Ascots are more compact than an XZ, somewhat lighter too! There lower horse power makes hooking up the rear wheel easier too!
Another Ascot plus is the easily upgradeable rear suspension! ;)
MY XL 350 rear shocks were ruined . I found a set of 13 inch used shocks that were in great shape. The stock ones are 14 inch. The drop in the rear of the bike was good foe me and my 29 inch inseam. It also kicked out the front end a bit. The lower seat heigth helped me ride , as I can't stand on the pegs very long due to my 70 year old knees. The fact that the bike sits lower and is easier put into a slide , has made me revamp my riding style . I no longer stand on the pegs while initiating a slide in a turn , I put out my foot and flat track it around. You may want to make your XZ into a dual port /adventure bike but you would be better off with a DR 400 or 650 Suzuki . If you want to stay on an older bike . you can't beat a XL/XR Honda , from 1976 to 1985 . Rugged . easy to tune and work on and there is a great forum!
I love those V twin Hondas! I rented one on my first trip to the Isle of Man TT in '89. It's a perfect bike for the Island, unless you have a death wish.
Matter of fact, that bike was the reason I sent my spare Vision over there in '93. It served me well for many years. :laugh:
great project idea. A GS is a pig...the Vision could do some adventure riding no problem....A set of good knobby tires gets you half way there.
I just took the time to view Jerik's post. That was really a beautiful trip! Many of the roads and views reminded me of the Cascades in OR. I don;t think Honda sells that model of the CB500 here.
I think I'll make my 82 into an adventure bike. It would be perfect for down here. Slightly longer shock, two inch longer forks, some semi-knobby tires and I'm there. I really like the riding position on the 82 better than the 83. The feet a little forward and higher bars really make it a comfortable ride.
You might consider what I did as the 82 bars are two narrow and the adjustments are too high , too low and this ain;t no good either! I had a set of bar mounts , sourced at a junque yard , from a honda 3 wheeler , welded on to the Xz crown. Now i can mount any bars I like.!
Couldn't you just find a set of suitable dogbones and drill 2 holes in the top triple tree and mount bars that way?
Drilling is easy enough. The upper triple is hollow, so you need to pack the backside in with spacers
I actually did it that way too, It will work , but you will need a set of bar mounts that have a fairly long center bolt . Actually I experimented with three differant types . But i liked the welded up ones the best. The others put the bars too far forwards. Yellow jacket has/ Had? the two bolt up ones . I still have pics though . If anyone is interested in this mod PM me.. It was the single most important mod , for me, in improving the handling on the bike . The stock setup is miserable , weird angles and their too narrow.
Too far forward? Roro's appears to be hovering over the stem bolt which is about as far back as you can go and certainly further back than where the stock risers attach at the stanchions. Maybe it's more a function of the rise/reach of your bar choice that was uncomfortable?
Welding seems like the more expensive way to go but I'd still be interested in seeing how it's done. Post up a picture of the welded one? As far as long bolt bar clamps go I can think of two off the top of my head from bikes of the era - KZ750 twin and XS650 twin. There are numerous aftermarket risers and setback clamps available as well. It really does open up the bar position over stock so I can see why it would be an attractive mod to someone unhappy with the stock setup. :)
Couldn't you just modify the little stub bars that the switches mount on? You could make them longer and with whatever bend you wanted. Seems that would be a lot easier than dogbones or welding.
It's all academic to me. I like the 82 bars as they are. I rode mine from the Isle of Man, down through France, and across Switzerland to Italy and back and never once thought about the bars so I guess for me they are okay.
My plan for that bike is, as I said, something I can take on one or two day trips in Mexico. I would like to raise the suspension an inch or two, front and back, dual-sport tires, and increase the size of the gas tank a bit. I've got MAC pipes on it and I've got an 83 twin disk front end for it. It's got the Yamaha handle bar mount fairing on it.
I think it'll be perfect for Mexican back roads.
This outfit was famous back in the day for making X over fork tubes and apparently are still at it.
http://www.frankmain.qpg.com/ (http://www.frankmain.qpg.com/)
It won't increase travel but will raise the front some especially with stronger springs and spacers. For the rear, Don Vanecek and others have installed certain sport bike shocks that effectively raise the bike. Some to the point of requiring sidestand mods. :) If it were me, I'd also cobble up a skid plate to protect the underside of the cases and the header pipes.
Back in the 70s when I was running a bike shop I did quite a bit of business with "Forking by Frank" and they really did top quality work. The skid plate sounds like a good idea also. The rear shock as been worn out for as long as I've owned the bike so I'd be interested in what would be a good bolt on option.
I'd always heard good things about Frank's work as well. As far as the shocks are concerned, I remember reading about at least two and there are probably others. One is from the Yamaha YZF600 (detuned R6) and will reportedly add up to 2.5 inches by itself (measured where?) and is a stiffer spring rate. A good choice for larger/taller riders but you have to lengthen the sidestand or carry a hunk of 2x4 with you. :)
A saw another reference by member "ShaneSpring" from NZ using one from a Suzuki RF900. I don't recall him noting any ride height changes on that one. You might try PM'ing him and Don Vanecek (YZF600) for details. I think either swap required only a modest bit of finagling.
I wanted something that would mount any bar of my choice , also I wanted it to look professionally done (by me) In my opinion the vision handle bar risers are a mickey mouse setup. I can't see any good trying to weld extensions on the bar ends. I'm picky about bars and wanted to change them to something I felt comfortable with.. Besides the stock ones are ugly.
All my pics are in my old computer , so I'll take some new ones Sunday or Monday, I'll dig the XZ out of its cocoon and dust it off!
I'm running a rear shock from a triumph TT600. It adds maybe 1/2 inch. I don't know if that would really be enough. InaneCathode is running a pretty tall shock in the rear but I can't remember what model it came from.
Quote from: kwells on March 16, 2013, 02:35:07 AM
I'm running a rear shock from a triumph TT600. It adds maybe 1/2 inch. I don't know if that would really be enough. InaneCathode is running a pretty tall shock in the rear but I can't remember what model it came from.
YZF600 I believe. 1000 times better than stock, puts a tad more weight on the front, and a bit less rake. Makes the whole thing a little quicker to steer.
Quote from: Night Vision on February 06, 2013, 06:32:37 PM
(http://topgeek.smugmug.com/Adventure-Riding/2007/East-Colorado-Ride/i-2XmFzNm/0/M/2407961677_4fffdc4197-M.jpg)
similar concept / similar original specs
18" knobbies are plentiful
I think the achilles heel i havent really seen mentioned yet is the fact that both the ascot and the vision are shaft drive. Shaft drive = fixed gear ratio. Unless you plan to be doing lots of dunes and straight flat sections that street gearing is a HUGE liability off road.
I happen to know that that exact ascot is on its 4th set of clutch disks at this point.
There is always XZ400 gearing
Iain
NZ
Shaft drive has it's pluses too. Chain and sprockets used off road will realize accelerated wear and require increased maintenance intervals. Shaft drive maintenance on the other hand shouldn't really be effected much and is blissfully infrequent to start with. ;D
Everything is a compromise including the very concept of using big heavy bikes off road. Look at the big GS model and Triumph's Tiger Explorer - both heavy and shaft drive. If you primarily want to pick you way over rocks or ride tight trails even a chain drive Tiger model with alternate gearing isn't a good choice. (maybe one of the KTM's though! ;)) A trials bike or dedicated woods bike is the better choice and those need to be transported there. :(
For the occasional fire trail or drive to a remote camping spot after gobbling up many street miles in comfort - that's the realm of the AT style bike. Much like SUV's however, most of these bikes won't see much more off roading than the patch of grass between the shed and the driveway. :)
Quote from: Rikugun on March 19, 2013, 08:03:31 PM
Shaft drive has it's pluses too. Chain and sprockets used off road will realize accelerated wear and require increased maintenance intervals. Shaft drive maintenance on the other hand shouldn't really be effected much and is blissfully infrequent to start with. ;D
Everything is a compromise including the very concept of using big heavy bikes off road. Look at the big GS model and Triumph's Tiger Explorer - both heavy and shaft drive. If you primarily want to pick you way over rocks or ride tight trails even a chain drive Tiger model with alternate gearing isn't a good choice. (maybe one of the KTM's though! ;)) A trials bike or dedicated woods bike is the better choice and those need to be transported there. :(
For the occasional fire trail or drive to a remote camping spot after gobbling up many street miles in comfort - that's the realm of the AT style bike. Much like SUV's however, most of these bikes won't see much more off roading than the patch of grass between the shed and the driveway. :)
The thing that most influences off road ability is tires. Most so-called adventure-touring tires are just street tires with wider rain grooves. A group of club members rode over to a little town called Xichu yesterday and on the way home we took a dirt road through the mountains. I almost got in trouble on my VStrom a couple of times, going downhill into a corner and couldn't get slowed down. It was bumpy with a dusting of pebbles like ball bearing and I got the rear end sliding from side to side. Didn't fall but sure got my heart rate up and my eyes wide open.
I think if you put proper off road tires on some of the big hogs you could probably do some surprising things but, of course, you would wear them out really quickly riding on the road at high speeds, particularly if you had the bike loaded down with luggage.
As you said Rikugun, everything is a compromise.
I'd agree tires are supremely important. Here's a great multi-part comparison of AT bikes done last summer by motorcyclenews.com. They outfitted all the bikes with the same Continental road legal/dirt biased tire and went on an adventure. :)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umHWLA8X2ik (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=umHWLA8X2ik)
Being a very popular market segment there is a plethora of this kind of comparison in print and video form. Here's another multi part report from Cycle World:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOrEat_KRQg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOrEat_KRQg)
They don't specifically mention changing tires but I ride with guys that own 2 of the tested models and I know they are not OEM tires. They all seem to be outfitted with more aggressive tires.
Tests include significant off road work and they know the OEM tires aren't gonna cut it. ;) Having said that there are clear winners off road. Besides tires, things like weight, weight bias, steering geometry, suspension, ABS/power mode flexibility, and even rim size has a huge effect on dirt prowess. As you might expect, any lineup that includes a KTM model usually has it winning highest marks off road.
Here's a quick comparison of middle weights (including the SV) after what appears to be just road riding. Very interesting discussion after as the four riders compare the bikes.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC9DBhyC-7c (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NC9DBhyC-7c)
I really didn't "get" the whole AT genre initially but now find it very interesting. Having watched the TV mini series "Long Way Round" probably had something to do with it. :) It's entertaining and I'd recommend it to anyone that hasn't seen it.
My biggest complaint with the current crop of "Adventure bikes" is the sheer weight and size . The Weestrom isn't too bad , but I wouldn't even want a DR650 for that service . Too big,too bulky. I Read test , some years back , in CW . I don't remember all the bikes , but there was a Killer 650 , a Buellissies and a DR 450. The DR had no trouble keeping up on the pavement and spanked the two wheel road graders a lot ,in the dirt
My old XL350 will keep up on pavement ( it beats the hell out of me doing it ) and runs off and hides in the dirt
Rick, in your signature you list 3 XL 350s, which one do you ride the most?
Quote from: Rikugun on March 20, 2013, 01:15:55 PM
I really didn't "get" the whole AT genre initially but now find it very interesting. Having watched the TV mini series "Long Way Round" probably had something to do with it. :) It's entertaining and I'd recommend it to anyone that hasn't seen it.
What I found really ironic about that video was how KTM missed out on the greatest advertising coup ever for adventure bikes when they had it handed to them. I hope whoever made that decision is no longer working for them.
Their excuse was that they didn't think those two actors would be successful but do you think maybe they thought their bikes wouldn't hold up?
Yup, in hindsight I'm sure they regard it as their biggest blunder of all time. :) But it got worse. :( In 2006 Borman decides to run Dakar and again BMW provide their support by way of the F650RR. Finally, they follow up LWR with Long Way Down and again BMW steps up with their updated GS. KTM rolled the dice and lost big! Maybe BMW felt sorry for them and that's why they sold them Husky?
Fret , I have a '74 , which I put some work into ,but it needs a top end . Before I got around to it , I found the '77 , I ride it the most . The
78 was for my son. He lost interest and it just sits in the shed. Its the cleanest , new seat cover and new tyres. I need to sell the '74 and the '78 . The '74 is legal for AHRA and I may find an out of state buyer for it.
The '77 has 13 inch shocks , as opposed to the 14 inch stockers which allows me to manage it with my 29 inch inseam. I'm no longer able to get up on the pegs for very long , so the new shocks help.
Quote from: Rikugun on March 22, 2013, 12:39:56 PM
Yup, in hindsight I'm sure they regard it as their biggest blunder of all time. :) But it got worse. :( In 2006 Borman decides to run Dakar and again BMW provide their support by way of the F650RR. Finally, they follow up LWR with Long Way Down and again BMW steps up with their updated GS. KTM rolled the dice and lost big! Maybe BMW felt sorry for them and that's why they sold them Husky?
After the success for "Long Way Round" BMW probably paid them to use their bikes.
You know how when you try to get non-riders to watch a motorcycle video they're usually not interested at all? I've shown my copy to a lot of non-riders and they almost all loved it and said they would like to do that. Mind you, these are mostly people who have never ridden a motorcycle. I think LWR did as much for Adventure-Touring as "On Any Sunday" did for motorcycle riding in the US.
Couldn't agree more. :) Another bike-centric docudrama that has broad appeal is "Dust To Glory". Bruce Brown's son Dana is the creative force behind the film and it's also very good. :)