Honda XR650L Thumpster

compoundcycles

Been Around the Block
I've started a new project. 1993 Honda XR650L. Bought it from a pyrotechnician off craigslist and it smokes like a devil when cold started. I don't really have a plan going into this other than making sure the bike is mechanically reliable, fun, and lane splitable. I want to experiment with colors, function, and configuration.

The following might or might not happen.

- mini ape hangers
- dayglow yellow powder coat
- stubby exhaust
- battery relocation
- brown leather
- tank swap
- check out them valve guides and seals

I'd love to hear any feedback as the project develops.

You can check out my previous build here: CB360 - Monoshock Brat: http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=42603.570
 
Starting place
 

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Old photoshop mockup that I've always wanted to build.
 

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And a bit of inspiration to kick things off...
 

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Ditching all the plastic for and pulling the factory air box. Look how big that battery suitcase is! I rode it around without the airbox is and boy does is run better and smoother roll onto the throttle. Can't wait to get in there and clean out the carb too.
 

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i can hear the shocker saying: "Ah, thats gone thank god! - now i can finally see the tire!"
 
The stock exhaust position is functional but it hangs off the back of the frame and extends outside of the side of a frame a bit. I cut the stock single exhaust tube and added and extension to get it higher, also rotated it towards the center of the frame. Now it comes straight out the back, cat butt style. Kinda fits nicely into the stock fender frame, but It's a little long out the back.
 

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Looking to shed some pounds and ditch the battery suitcase I picked up this little guy.
 

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Those things are a beast in the desert! I've been thinking about tearing the motor out of an XR400 and throwing it into a cb frame. Those motors are so torquey I think it would be awesome to ride on the street.

Sent from my MB855 using Tapatalk 2
 
I'm onboard. I really like those big honda thumpers (I've built two so far...)
Frankly, I'm a little confused as to which way this will be going. I liked (generally speaking) the inspirational pictures you posted, but again, in your first post you mentioned a mixed bag of things you are considering doing - unless that is I have missed something.
Will you be going into the engine?

Keep going though, I'll be watching with interest!!!

M.
 
Well. Took a left turn with the exhaust. Let the haters hate.
 

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Hmm. Now paint it like a fire extinguisher and we'll talk.
 
compoundcycles said:
Well. Took a left turn with the exhaust. Let the haters hate.

Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, so I'll keep my peace about the looks.
But it's waaay too short. chances are it'll damage your engine.
Plus where it is, it'll heat up the oil in your frame.

Is it me, or there isn't a right side header?

M.
 
Gotta agree with Cuba Libre. I don't mind the look of it, kinda has a motorized-bicycle-two-stroker look to it, which is neat. But there's no amount of backpressure you can add to that Supertrapp that's gonna get it to run right. Obv. it's your bike, do whatever the hell you want with it, but that's gonna be a disaster.

/.02
 
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