Dual Sport Riding Gear for Montana
My Honda XR650L is set up for the gravel roads and wooded trails of Mission Valley, Montana.
Riding Season
Motorcycle season in northwestern Montana lasts about half the year (April-October). Snow typically lingers into April and returns in November.
Motorcycle
Honda XR650L with Acerbis 5.8 gallon tank, better foot pegs, 2" bar risers, DoubleTake mirrors, Grip Puppies, UNI foam air filter, and Kuba lowering link. I've lowered the front forks in the triple clamps by 1-1/8" and set the bike's resting seat height to ~36". I've tweaked the rear shock preload screw so the seat sits 1" lower than standard. Rear clicker is at the middle setting. Air valves on forks are equilibrated to atmosphere. I really like the short windshield, a $60 model off Ebay (Xitomer brand) - no buffeting. Bike does 75 mph no problem, but gets buzzy at speeds above 60 mph. The XRL lacks the modern geometry of the CRF450RL, but its punchy, the seat is comfy, its not too heavy (< 375 lbs), its stable on the road, has darn good suspension, and can carry luggage if needed. Its faster offroad then you've got balls to ride, but prefers not to lead the pack. In short, its a big, comfortable farm bike with plenty of torque made for athletic guys over 30.
Carburetor & Jetting
Stock Keihin. Jets = 158/58. Mixing screw 2-1/2 turns out. One washer on OEM needle. FMF Q4 exhaust. Snorkel removed. Smog pump deleted. I live at 3000 feet elevation. I run regular gasoline (87 octane). Choke to start. The bike rips.
Previous Motorcycle
2009 Suzuki VStrom DL650ABS. The VStrom was great on long rides, but too heavy for everyday use or offroading.
Next Motorcycle
Honda CRF450RL, new Honda Transalp, Husqvarna 701, or Honda CB500X/NX500. When I go round the world, it'll be on a Suzuki DR650.
Typical Ride
I commute to work 20 miles on a two-lane highway in fast traffic. For fun, I'll take 2-hour roundtrip loops from my house using farm roads, fire roads, canal roads, and two-track trails. This is farm and ranch country.
My Size
I am 5'9" (175cm), 165 lbs (75 kg), and average build. In Levis and Carhartts a 33 waist x 32 inseam, right between Medium and Large.
Boots
Alpinestars Corozal size 10.5. Warm, comfortable, protective boots that I enjoy wearing. Some flex in the sole. Fine for short walks, but not good for hiking.
Knee Guards
Leatt Dual Axis in L/XL. Great fit, very comfortable, a little heavy, a little warm, more than adequate protection. Good for day trips, but I would opt for something more compact and more flexible for a BDR ride. See what Mosko offers or see what Fox has for heavier mountain biking knee protection.
Pants
Mosko Moto Woodsman Enduro Over the Boot 32" in obsidian. Really, really nice pants. They fit great and look good. Highly recommended. Legs are plenty long. Size to your waist. Upgraded from Aerostich Darien 34R (3-layer Goretex Cordura), which were plenty protective and hard-wearing, but lacked stretch and are starting to lose their waterproofing.
Gloves
Klim Adventure short cuff, which are a bit clumsy, but well made. There are better gloves out there.
Helmet
Shoei GT Air II medium. Light, comfortable, quiet, dorky. I prioritize light weight and a comfy fit. May add an Arai XD-5 or Shoei Hornet next so I don't get beat up at the playground. The Klim Krios doesn't fit my head.
Base Layer
Depending on the temperature, a Nike Dri-FIT t-shirt (warm temps) or Helly Hansen LIFA Merino midweight hoodie (cold temps). Insulated snowmobiling/hockey shorts eliminate cold crotch.
Mid Layer
Either a puffy synthetic-fill vest or Picture Junip Tech Sweater. Do whatever you can to eliminate neck zippers and layers that chafe your chin.
Jacket
Rev'it Eclipse Medium mesh w/ D30 armor in shoulder, elbow, and back. I don't love this jacket. Its good in hot weather, but a little short and snug, especially with an insulating layer underneath. Looking to replace with Klim Marrakesh or Induction or some other simple, armored mesh jacket.
Wind Jacket
Aeorstich Innershell pullover.
Rain Jacket
Rev'it Cyclone 3 H2O large yellow.
Jersey
Whatever you like.
Balaclava
Either a merino wool one from Smartwool or a thin, stretchy, fishing-style neck gaiter from Cabela's.
Armor
Three options: the built-in armor (Eclipse jacket), a stretchy armored shirt, or an MX-type zip-up thing from Amazon (Gohinsstaar brand). Adventure Spec Super Shirt and Rev'it Protector Nucleus are good choices too.
Luggage
Chase Harper Aeropac 4000 carries my tools, spare parts, stretch net, and has room for a rain jacket or the mail. Sits atop Nomadic Enduro rear rack. Considering adding Mosko Reckless 40 for BDR trips.
Humans are not worthy of the mighty XR.
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