Bikes and gear

Description of my current bikes, modifications that have been done to improve their performance, relability, or functionality.  An assessment is also provided of what the author likes and dislikes about each bike and experience with other gear that has been used.

BMW F800GS Adventure (2015)

Modifications & additions

Skid plate - Hepco & Becker
Upper crash bars - Hepco & Becker
Handle bar guard reinforcements - Hepco & Becker
Footpeg lowering kit - Wunderlich lowered footpegs (by 1")
Steering stabilizer - Scott off-road steering stablizer (also raises bars by 1")
Windscreen improvements - Wunderlich wind deflector (clear)
Front suspension progressive springs - Hyperpro progressive fork spring kit from Touratech
Rear shock - Touratech HP Explore
Front fork seal protection sleeves - generic neoprene & velcro
Shift lever - IMS 312223 Flightline folding shift lever
Rear rack - Dryspec Pelican case quick release kit and SW-Motech universal mount plate
Tank bag - Wolfman Explore lite tank bag
Tail bag (optionally mounted) - Off-road riding: 20L Kriega US-20 drypack or 47L Wolfman expedition large dry duffel bag for bigger trips
Side panniers (optionally mounted) - Off-road riding: Wolfman EX505 expedition dry bags; Road trips: BMW F800GSA stock aluminum boxes
Tool bag - 5L Kriega US-5 drypack
Shorai Lithium battery
Accessory power distribution unit - Touratech TPS15 CAN bus output helper
USB accessory jack - generic 12V to USB jack off Amazon
RAM mounts (2) for GPS & GoPro units
GPS - Garmin Zumo 395LM
Dash cam - Innov C3 built-in camera on 5 hour continuous loop (see the blog for this project here)
Front tire (preferred) - Shinko Adventure Trail E-804 90/90-21 (TT).  Similar traction to the Conti TKC80, but seems to wear better and is cheaper.
Rear tire (preferred) - Mitas E-07+ 150/70-17 (TL)

Weight (full tank at 6.3 gal): 533 lbs with modifications and accessories above, but no bags (stock bike is 505 lbs. wet)
Power: 85 hp
Range: ~300 miles nominal

Bike status & feedback

Mileage: 53908 miles as of 2/9/2024 (purchased new 2/10/2015) with about 20% of the miles on the dirt.

Maintenance feedback: Reliable. Following the BMW prescribed regular maintanence schedule. No unexpected issues beyond normal wear and tear. So far I have done all my own maintenance given the high prices from the BMW shop. Replaced chain and sprockets at 18215 miles following the CDR ride (but should have done it earlier after about 12K miles).  At the same time replaced the fluid and bled the rear brake when also restraightening out the brake pedal from an earlier crash.  Biggest issue so far has been the durability of the front wheel that has suffered multiple dents.  Replaced this with a much better Excel rim as rebuilt by Woody's Wheels using the stock hub.

Performance feedback: Reasonably satisfied with its performance.  On the highway the bike is most comfortable at 70mph or lower, but taking it up to 80 is okay, but mileage and range will start to drop precipitously. Off-road it does reasonable for a bike this size, although its weight can be a challenge in more technical off-road riding.  Torque for getting through loose rock, dirt, or sand could be better, as it tends to stall out quite easily if you don't keep the throttle RPMs up, and try to modulate the power to the rear wheel with the clutch. It can be bit unnerving if it stalls during a hill climb.  Stock front suspension is too soft and can bottom out on bigger potholes or rocks. Addressed the suspension weakness by installing Hyperpro progressive springs in the front, keeping with the stock forks.  The results are noticeably better both off-road and on-road where it also reduces the amount of dive during hard braking with more aggressive riding. Rear shock was replaced with a Touratech HP Explore after blowing out the stock shock on a harder off-road ride at about 30K miles.

Survivability feedback: Crashed off-road about 10 ~12 times so far.  Impressed with the durability of the bike and engine following the off-road beating it has taken.  Upper crash bars, skid plate, and handle bar guard reinforcments have all paid for themselves many times over, being an investment well worth the cost and extra weight it adds to the bike.  Casualties so far: Bent shift lever (replaced with a fold-in lever), bent rear brake lever (straightened back out in a vice), dented skid plate (partially hammered back out), dented front rim beyond serviceability, blown rear shock.

Wishlist: #1: Lighter.  #2: More power.  #3: Stiffer suspension.

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Husqvarna 701 Enduro (2020)

 

Modifications & additions

Handlebar guards - Husqvarna/KTM factory wraparound upgraded bar guards
Skid plate - AXP racing Xtreme HDPE (plastic & fairly light, also covers the linkage)
Rear rack - Perun Moto tail rack
Side pannier racks - Outback Motortek via MoskoMoto. Required longer bolts for the subframe mount when paired with the Perun tail rack.
Mirrors - Double Take Adventure mirror kit. 
Wider footpegs - Replaced with Rade Garage larger and lower pegs. Work great.
Handlebar risers - Zeta 1 1/8" rise.  Simple and solid.  Combined with the lowered Rade Garage footpegs, this addresses my needs when standing.
Windscreen - Puig. Minimal protection that does the job without being in the way or too obstrusive.
Seat - Seat Concepts comfort model (standard height)
Tank bag - Wolfman explorer lite
Tail bag - 20L Kriega US-20 drybag
Heated grips - Oxford touring heated grips.
USB accessory jack - Husqvarna/KTM factory USB power outlet with harness
ABS offroad mode dongle from Husqvarna (ABS mode for front brakes only)
Exhaust  - Wings. Runs a lot cooler and 6 lbs less weight.
RAM mounts (2) for GPS & GoPro units
GPS - Garmin Montana 650t with cradle and power harness
Front & rear tires - Tusk Dsport tube adventure (tube type 21" and 18").  Good and low cost 70/30 tire more optimized for off-road, but longer wear than the stock TKC80.  Running the front with an ultra heavy duty tube to minimize risk for a pinch flat.  For more technical off-road rides will air down to 18-20 psi.

Weight (full tank at 3.4 gal stock tank and all fluids): 351 lbs without modifications or accessories above as independently weighed.  With all accessories listed above but no tank or tail bag the wet weight is 365 lbs.  My outfitted tank bag and tools add another 7.5 lbs.
Power: 74 hp (factory spec)
Range: ~160 miles nominal (as measured by riding the tank to empty on a mix of road, highway, and dirt)

Bike status & feedback

Mileage: 13072 miles as of 2/9/2024 (purchased new on 12/5/2019).

Maintenance feedback: Only issue so far is a failed clutch slave unit. Despite what the dealer told me when I bought the bike, they still haven't addressed this issue.  Replace it with an Oberon CLU-1000. Husqvarna recompensated me for the cost after this went on recall Nov 2021.

Performance feedback: Power on demand.  Like a rocket!  A bit less forgiving than the DRZ. Suspension as configured from the factory was stiff.  Backed both the front and rear shock dampening and rebound to 20 clicks.  Still firm, but solid and not jarring.  No excessive dive during heavy braking.  Handles quiet nice on the twisties while also feeling light and very agile in the dirt.  Seats a bit stiff, but I like the flatness of the stock seat shape when canyon carving as it enables easier sliding up or back when shifting your weight in and out of the corners. However I ended up replacing it with the Seat Concepts comfort model, installing the pad and cover on the existing seat pan.

Survivability feedback: Replace the clutch slave unit as soon you get the bike.  With it failing out in the middle of nowhere, it was a pain to get back without the use of the clutch.  Other than that, I believe the biggest vulnerabilities will be the rear brake pedal bending in a right side crash. The front brake and clutch levers with the stock bar guards also look a bit vulnerable.  These bar levers have been addressed with heavier duty wrap around bar guards also available as an add-on from Husqvarna (purchased via AOMC).

Wishlist: Checks all the boxes desired for a more technical adventure bike (e.g. BDRs).
    Lighter: yes
    More power: yes
    Stiffer suspension: yes
    Improved power-to-weight: Yes! Acceleration is incomparable.
    6th gear: yes
    Fuel Injection: yes

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Husqvarna 450 FE (2019)

 

Modifications & additions

Handlebar guards - Sicass hand guards with integrated LED signal lights
Skid plate - Acerbis (plastic) with linkage guard
Kickstand - modified to not flip up automatically via kit from KTMandHusky.com
Protection - P3 exhaust pipe guard, Polisport plastic clutch and engine covers, swing arm covers, Al rear disc guard, FLO Al radiator braces
Mirrors - Double Take Enduro mirror kit. Not sure I would recommend these. They vibrate a lot and do not tend to stay in place as much, but got them for their adjustability, smaller size, and use of the more universal RAM ball mounts.
Windscreen - none (stock)
Wider footpegs - CNC aluminum versions off EBay.
Clutch - stock with upgraded clutch slave unit from Rekluse to avoid the unreliable KTM version
Steering stabilizer - Scott off-road steering stablizer (also raises bars by another 1")
Bar damper - BRP bar dampening mount
Drive - 14/50 front/rear sprocket with 520x116 chain. Original owner had a 13 tooth front sprocket, but found it geared too low, with plenty of torque still at 14.
Seat - Seat Concepts comfort model
Headlight - upgraded to Baja Designs LED S2 Pro set
Handlebar switches - replaced both left and right with Sicass versions as the stock ones were acting flaky
Gas tank - upgraded to 12L (3.2 gal) Acerbis
Fuel filter - upgraded to BDSB fuel filter with quick disconnect from KTMandHusky.com
Tank bag - Nelson-Rigg Hurrican enduro tank bag that stays out of the way when standing and works with the gas cap & vent tube
Tail bag - Husqvarna 5L bag for holding a tube and small air compressor
RAM mounts (3) for camera & double-take mirrors
GPS - Garmin Montana 650t with cradle and power harness including an SAE power connector to easily swap out or remove
Front tire - Bridgestone Battlecross X30 80/100-21. I like these!. They came with the bike used.  Non-DOT, but there wear is good and still have lots left.
Rear tire - Tusk Dsport adventure 120/90-18.  Cheap, and tough as nails.  Tend to be a little squirrely until break-in.

Performance mods (from a performance package by Best Dual Sport Bikes):
Exhaust  - stock Husqvarna with BDSB power cap
Intake port - stock reeds replaced with power intake tube
Exhaust port - Grunt exhaust port
Fuel rail - upgraded fuel delivery from higher efficiency fuel rail
Fuel injection remapping - piggyback Dobeck EJK fuel remapping tuner

Weight (full tank at 3.2 gal tank and all fluids): 281 lbs as configured above (bags empty).  Stock wet weight is specified at 263 lbs.
Power: ~45 hp? - not measured but best guess based on performance mods and other reports
Range: 160 miles

Bike status & feedback

Mileage: 1937 miles & 66 hours as of 2/9/2024 (purchased barely used from first owner on 6/30/2023).

Maintenance feedback: Easier to work on than 701 or 800GS. Valves are half a day instead of 1-2 days. Piggyback fuel remapper is a bit finicky, still deciding if upgrade replacement ECU (e.g. Get).

Performance feedback: Very good power to weight. Very agile in technical terrain. 707 upgraded performance suspension is solid and seems be able to take the most punishing riding conditions.

Survivability feedback: Seems solid, survived a few rocky crashes with minimal impact with damage to expected places (e.g. broken handguard, bent footpeg)

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Suzuki DRZ400S dual sport (2013)    (SOLD)

 

Modifications & additions

Handlebar guards - Cyclegear Trackside debadged guards with Tusk D-Flex pro bar clamps for mounting to 1 1/8" tapered bars
Skid plate - Zeta ED skid plate
Wider footpegs - generic knockoffs from eBay
Radiator guards - Devol radiator guards
Case savers - CFC offroad case guards from eBay
Carburetor jet kit - JD Jetting kit from Thumpertalk
Air box 3x3 modification - free
Larger gas tank - Acerbis 3.7 gallon
Handlebar risers - Rox Speed FX 2"
Tapered handlebars - ProTaper EVO 1 1/8" Windham MX/RM mid bend
Shift lever - MSR folding shift lever
Rear rack - Enduro rear luggage rack from Precision Motorcycle Racks
Side pannier racks - Side utility racks from Precision Motorcycle Racks
Tool tube - Dryspec tool tube on custom fabricated mount (used for holding spare tubes)
Tank bag - Wolfman explorer lite
Tail bag - 20L Kriega US-20 drybag
Rear fender eliminator kit - Yoshimura
USB accessory jack - generic 12V to USB jack off Amazon
RAM mounts (2) for GPS & GoPro units
GPS - Oregon 600 or Garmin Zumo 395LM
Front tire (preferred) - Pirelli MT-21 90/90-21 (TT)
Rear tire (preferred) - Dunlop 606 130/90-18 (TT)

Weight (full tank at 3.7 gal Acerbis tank): 343 lbs with modifications and accessories above, but no bags
Power: ~40 hp (after re-jetting and 3x3 airbox mod)
Range: ~180 miles nominal (w 3.7 gal Acerbis tank)

Bike status & feedback

Mileage: 9996 miles as of 10/4/2019 (purchased new 1/18/2014) with about 40% of the miles on the dirt.

Maintenance feedback: Reliable. Following the Suzuki prescribed regular maintanence schedule. No unexpected issues beyond normal wear and tear. So far I have done all my own maintenance. Parts and accessories for this bike are widely available and cheap. The prescribed oil checking procedure seems a bit off, as the upper sump area starts draining out a few minutes after the engine is stopped.  In order to find the high oil mark it is best is to start checking the level multiple times about 1 minute after stopping the engine. 

Performance feedback: Stock power was lacking, especially at altitude.  After re-jetting and the 3x3 air box mod, the bike's power is noticeably better, and performs much better at altitude.  Suspension is pretty good, and can take a fair amount of punishment.  Power-to-weight ratio could be better for more technical or rocky hill climbs, but weight is reasonable for typical dual sport activities and good enough for even taking around the local OHV motocross track. This is my "go-to" bike for more technical rides, but still feels big on single track.  Not so practical for longer on-road highway riding, as it tends to be "buzzy" over 60 mph and have concerns about the engines longevity for extended high RPM riding. 

Survivability feedback: Crashed off-road about 12 times so far.  Impressed with the durability of the bike and engine following the off-road beating it has taken.  The skid plate, handle bar guards, and side utility racks have been helpful to prevent damage to the bike.  Casualties so far: Bent handlebars (after restraightening the stock ones multiple times, replaced with more robust Pro Taper bars). Clutch cable and switch has had to be adjusted/tweaked after a few particularly hard left side crashes.  Have had a couple of hard-to-start episodes after some more aggressive washing, addressing by keeping the bike running while hosing off around the engine.  In general the carbureted engine tends to be more finicky in starting based on the conditions at the time.

Wishlist: #1: Improved power-to-weight.  #2: 6th speed gear.  #3: Fuel injection.