Honda XR650L Thumpster

[compoundcycles]

I'm working out a few ideas in photoshop before cutting the frame. Here's the bike as it sits now, then the first configuration. I really want to replace the seat loop and down tubes with clean straight tubing. The stock tubing is kinked and full of factory mounts better to just replace it all I think.

This is just a design mockup nothing for final frame or tank color scheme yet.

 

[compoundcycles]

I bought a fork brace from RSW Racing. It fits like a glove and really helps to stiffen up the the steering especially with such long forks. The twisting feeling when I brake hard is reduced. The brace itself looks like a good place to mount a fog light.

 

[HollywoodMX]

Re: Re: Honda XR650L Thumpster

I'm working out a few ideas in photoshop before cutting the frame. Here's the bike as it sits now, then the first configuration. I really want to replace the seat loop and down tubes with clean straight tubing. The stock tubing is kinked and full of factory mounts better to just replace it all I think.

This is just a design mockup nothing for final frame or tank color scheme yet.

This is my opinion. You have to lower it for it to look good. I would buy a lowering link for the rear or move the mount. For the front you either have to lower the forks in the triples, lower them internally or swap out the forks. I would also make a lower subframe and make sure the new tank lines up to it.

Also for the fork brace use it to mount a front fender.

Look at the nx 650 cafe, brats to see where your height should be.

 

[Drey6]

Mixed on the mock up but that fork brace looks good. Something about the flat lines on a bike relatively tall looks a little odd? Could possibly be the frame change that is confusing me.

 

[compoundcycles]

Cool. Thanks for the feedback. Its always appreciated. Unfortunately im not building a cafe racer or brat this time around. I definitely agree that the line of the tank should be rectified with the frame. So many of these dualsport to scrambler conversions look the same. I trying not to reference other builds as much as i can stand.

Maybe im the only one whos digging the taller stance of the bike? It looks light and lean to me.

 

[Cuba Libre]

I like what I see on the mock-up photo you posted, but I do think it is incomplete - even as a mock-up - like the others said.
I still don't see where this is going, so I don't know on which criteria to base my comments.
The tank and tail shout cafe racer. The stance could be anything, especially if you play aroung with rearsets and handlebars, but the ride height says supermoto not scrambler or tracker. Ditto the high-mount twin canister exhaust.
So I'm confused. Masive potential but not there (where?) yet.

M.

PS. Oh, and where is the battery?

 

[kipper]

Does the mock up need to go somewhere ? surely the whole point of customisation is to borrow aspects from any form of inspiration, be it tracker, cafe' cruiser or scrambler etc.

I for one like the mock up

 

[compoundcycles]

I like what I see on the mock-up photo you posted, but I do think it is incomplete - even as a mock-up - like the others said.
I still don't see where this is going, so I don't know on which criteria to base my comments.
The tank and tail shout cafe racer. The stance could be anything, especially if you play aroung with rearsets and handlebars, but the ride height says supermoto not scrambler or tracker. Ditto the high-mount twin canister exhaust.
So I'm confused. Masive potential but not there (where?) yet.

M.

PS. Oh, and where is the battery?

I understand, it's a bit confusing to me as well. This was just my first mockup to test some frame options. But I don't see why a bike can't have elements of cafe racer, scrambler, tracker, and supermoto. Can't it just be a fun bike and not have to fall into a specific category?

I'll be keeping the supermoto wheels and dual exhaust can's. It'll be a upright riding position, keeping the dirt tracker bars.

Here's some inspiration for the seat (saddle) from House on Fire Industries. I really have no idea what I'm doing when it comes to upholstery so I'll eventually need to look at outsourcing that part of the build. I'd love to have a seat like this, but without the big oil tank on back. Something similar to the mockup with about half the cowl size of a cafe racer. Something just big enough to set brakelights and flashers into and keep me from sliding off the back.

The battery is currently under the stock seat. It's a smaller Shorai replacement battery which I think I'll eventually drop an electronics tray down from under the new seat a couple of inches. That, or make a battery box in a new place closer to the shot depending on where I have and want space.

I really do appreciate the feedback. Keep it coming, along with any crazy ideas.

 

[Cuba Libre]

Can't it just be a fun bike and not have to fall into a specific category?

Sure it can, but it runs the risk of not being here nor there. Remember a mule is neither a donkey nor a horse.

My recommendation is google the concepts of cafe racers, flat trackers and anything in between to get ideas and inspiration. This forum is FULL of ideas too. Some you'll like, some you won't. Then you can have an idea of what you want to build and take it from there.
That's only my opinion of course. It still is your bike and to each their own.

The seat you posted, by itself, is beautiful. I'd like to be able to weigh its fitness for purpose - but for the moment I lack a - defined - purpose.

M.

 

[HollywoodMX]

Re: Re: Honda XR650L Thumpster

I like what I see on the mock-up photo you posted, but I do think it is incomplete - even as a mock-up - like the others said.
I still don't see where this is going, so I don't know on which criteria to base my comments.
The tank and tail shout cafe racer. The stance could be anything, especially if you play aroung with rearsets and handlebars, but the ride height says supermoto not scrambler or tracker. Ditto the high-mount twin canister exhaust.
So I'm confused. Masive potential but not there (where?) yet.

M.

PS. Oh, and where is the battery?

I agree 100%.

To the OP I'm not saying this to be a dick but I feel people were trying to be nice. If you build that bike the way it is it will be a basterd bike. When you drive it around town people will make fun of you after you get off the bike and out of hearing range and giggle as you get back on.

Resale; your bike will be added to the list of bikes we all make fun of in the craigs list thread.

Please excuse my harshness as I am excited about your build due to the potential, we are just trying to get it to sink in at that enough creativity can be generated in one style little own a few styles without needed to be a mix of a lot more with an identity crisis.

I myself want to make an xr tracker, just too many other builds at the moment.

 

[Rich Ard]

I think it looks cool as hell as it sits right now - and that you may regret trying to move away from the fact that it is at heart a dirtbike.

Not everything has to have a long seat and tail - if it's going to be a mongrel, it'd be nice if it were a high horse, too.

 

[DV2000NJ]

Re: Re: Honda XR650L Thumpster

I'm looking to pick up an XR650 this summer, so I'm definitely curious to see where you go with this build. I'm liking it so far.

I agree 100%.

To the OP I'm not saying this to be a dick but I feel people were trying to be nice. If you build that bike the way it is it will be a basterd bike. When you drive it around town people will make fun of you after you get off the bike and out of hearing range and giggle as you get back on.

Resale; your bike will be added to the list of bikes we all make fun of in the craigs list thread.

Please excuse my harshness as I am excited about your build due to the potential, we are just trying to get it to sink in at that enough creativity can be generated in one style little own a few styles without needed to be a mix of a lot more with an identity crisis.

I myself want to make an xr tracker, just too many other builds at the moment.

What's wrong with it being a bastard bike? If it performs well and does everything it needs to, who gives a fuck if it doesn't "fit" into any particular style?

 

[Drey6]

I dig the tall stance for sure. It's just odd too see flat lines so high, know?

 

[Drey6]

Also, if I saw this bitch on the street as is, I'd be jealous. The bike is rad as is.

 

[compoundcycles]

Not everything has to have a long seat and tail - if it's going to be a mongrel, it'd be nice if it were a high horse, too.

I think Rich just coined two new styles right there "Mongrel" and "High Horse" 8)

I definitely don't want to lose the appearance of the bike looking like it can ride straight up a wall.

Thanks for the comments and criticisms there will definitely be more revisions in the future and more ideas to explore!

 

[Powderfinger]

I think it's looking good. I have been watching your build with interest because I got an 83 XR500 with a title a while back.

Not necessary but I would keep an eye out for a front end off a CRF450, it would give you a beefier look and feel, better triple clamps and lose the underhang on the forks.

And it would still be a "High Horse"

 

[compoundcycles]

Not necessary but I would keep an eye out for a front end off a CRF450, it would give you a beefier look and feel, better triple clamps and lose the underhang on the forks.

Yes! I've been on the lookout for a set. Thanks for reminding me.

 

[Shawzie]

Different front forks will really beef up the front. I've never liked those super long leading axle forks. You don't need to look for crf450 forks tho. Even my 1990 cr had usd. Buy an old junk dirt bike with a blown motor.

 

[osteoderm]

Looks like we've been working on parallel ideas! Your photoshopped tank/frame mockup looks mighty familiar to what's sitting in my shop now:

I'm stoked to see where you end up taking your mongrel thumpster!

 

[DesmoBro]

Any thoughts for a front fender?