Evolution of the Big Red Pig

Jeff Higgins · 07-01-2012, 06:03 PM

Otherwise known as the Honda XR650L dual sport bike I bought a couple of months ago.

As you guys may remember, I found a dead stock 2003 example with less than 2,000 miles on the clock that I picked up for a very reasonable price. Here it was on the day I rode it home:

Here it is now:

Visible modifications include the Clarke desert tank (courtesy of our own Lake Cle Ellum, Bob), Pirelli MT43 trials tires, Moose Racing rear rack, Moose Racing front fender bag, Al Baker's XRs Only exhaust, and a generic enduro bike tail light assembly replacing the huge, ugly stock snorkel. Other mods include removal of the air pump and blocking off the ports in the cylinder that feed it, a K&N filter in an opened up air box, re-gearing from 15/45 to 13/45, and what are known as "Dave's mods" on the carb (essentially de-smogging it and jetting it appropriately).

The difference between the "before" and "after" is just stunning. It had more than adequate power in its original state, but OMFG - these simple mods have awoken the beast. If I'm to believe the dyno charts shown on the various dirt bike forums (Thumper Talk and others), these mods are good for at least a 50% increase in power over stock. It certainly feels like that may be the case - it's a whole new bike.

I'm sure some of you are questioning the trials tires. Well, it turns out these are the hot ticket for a woods going trail bike around here, with our wet, rocky, rooted trails. The traction they provide is head and shoulders over what a traditional knobbie has to offer, plus they wear at least three to four times longer. They also provide a very smooth street ride, with none of the squirming inherent in a true knobbie. The secret lies in their extreme flexibility and very soft rubber; we air them down to about five to six psi for serious woods work (but only when things get really, really gnarly - otherwise we don't bother), and these darn gumballs just contort and mush around everything. We run 15 psi for street and more open, faster riding, and they are good to go. Dual rim locks keep them in place and the wheels more or less balanced.

Anyway, I'm having a ball getting back in touch with my dirt biking youth. This thing is just a hoot. I was worried about the weight (350 pounds) and saddle height (37") at first, but both have proven to be o.k. compromises in the long run. No, it's no little 250 on the single track, but it will go anywhere they will go, if not with a bit more effort. No, it's no R1200GS on the highway, but it will cruise comfortably at 70 mph for hours on end. It's a good compromise for me, more towards the "dirt" end of the spectrum, since I have plenty of pure street bikes for that duty. All in all, I would have to give the "Big Red Pig" two thumbs up.

Gogar · 07-01-2012, 07:06 PM

It's not a pig. It's bacon. Delicious big red bacon.

LakeCleElum · 07-01-2012, 07:35 PM

Jeff- Was riding the same bike in the Taneum 2 days ago and wondering how you were doing with this. UR right about the Mods, someday do a higher compression piston if you ever want more.

One caution, sometimes, you call them a pig and they turn about and bite you next time you're out....Enjoy....

Jeff Higgins · 07-02-2012, 06:41 AM

I'll have to get over your way some time soon so you can show me around , Bob. Is the snow finally receding back up enough into the hills to get around?

And yup, Gogar, more like crispy bacon - delicious good fun. As you just found out as well, "new" bikes are always great good fun.

LakeCleElum · 07-02-2012, 07:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Higgins

I'll have to get over your way some time soon so you can show me around , Bob. Is the snow finally receding back up enough into the hills to get around?

Plenty of trails open. Was up to 4,800 ft and all clear a few days ago. Too much snow to get to Gallagher or over Bald Mtn to Whistlin Jack...Those are about 6,000+ ft....

VincentVega · 07-02-2012, 07:51 AM

I've never touched an offroad bike but that looks like a ton of fun.

Quote:

Plenty of trails open. Was up to 4,800 ft and all clear a few days ago. Too much snow to get to Gallagher or over Bald Mtn to Whistlin Jack...Those are about 6,000+ ft....

100 deg here lately and you still have snow!? Envy; I think that's the right word.

Jeff Higgins · 07-02-2012, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LakeCleElum

Plenty of trails open. Was up to 4,800 ft and all clear a few days ago. Too much snow to get to Gallagher or over Bald Mtn to Whistlin Jack...Those are about 6,000+ ft....

Good - I'll have to saddle up and head over there shortly.

And VincentVega, it is a ton of fun. I love motorcycles in general, but I've been on the road and away from the dirt for an awfully long time. I wish I would have gone back to riding off road a long time ago. It's a great way to explore our Cascade mountains, eastern Washington deserts, and the like.