Then we would come to a rock section with varying degrees of length. With my weight over the rear tire, as long as I kept my hand in the throttle, the front tire would absorb the conditions gracefully. At times when the trail turned and narrowed, particularly on the downslope, we'd occasionally catch an edge or two, but this was normal. Several qualities impressed me about the machine. For one its weight, scoffed at by some, actually seemed to favor the bike when traversing these conditions.
The terms 'tractor', or 'sledding' aren't too inappropriate here. Indeed, the bike's weight aided in its ability to blast through larger silty berms, which can often be a real advantage. Another feature, the long well tuned suspension, made for what might be considered a caddy-like ride. To enhance these qualities, a well-fit very responsive cockpit and controls, and a barrel full of torque put the icing on the cake.
We tackled about miles of powerline roads, trails, washes, and tarmac the first day, and the second day was even more fun. Day two, though only about miles, featured more rugged terrain and some climbing and outlooks to throw in the mix. It was on this day the bike really caught my favor. One point in particular was while we wound up on some very loose rocky trails.
By any standard, though not steep, these trails had grit. Anything from potholes, to gravel, to loose one foot rounders were strewn on the trail, and the bike bombed through it wonderfully. Torque and suspension made the work easier, and once again, the bike's responsive handling provided sure-footed, predictable trail riding.
Finally, and for a second time, we hit a tarmac stretch heading back to the barn. Thirty something miles of highway with the XRL seemed no particular chore. I had committed to memory the fact I was running a 14 tooth sprocket, one below stock. This wasn't particularly a drawback for the bike on the highway; in fact it might be a necessity. Overall it's easy to understand why the bike, when working so well as an in town run-around machine, could easily be shod as the offroad warrior and lead a respectable charge.
During this first mile period with the bike I'm really quite pleased with its performance. As I look forward to the long-term test of this machine there are a couple items I've become quite curious to learn more about.
For one, though its height is an issue, I'm curious to research some possible aftermarket answers for a change there. And, perhaps more importantly, I'm itching to know how well this bike might perform when used more as an adventure tourer. I will be looking into these things and more as the long term test of the 'Red One' continues. Stay tuned So far this machine has proven itself to be a treat on the street while running around the city and during commuting.
The cockpit of the XRL is rather close-in. Seat, handlebars, and pegs relationships are quite similar to what you find on motorcross machines. While wonderfully suited for most kinds of off-road riding, this usually means compromised comfort on longer rides or pavement. So far, within a couple hundred mile range it has been acceptable. During off-road riding, the benefit to this configuration is that it permits exceptional control. Since controlling the bike happens within a small proximity, whether standing or seated, the rider may respond to a surprisingly wide variety of terrain changes quite easily.
Here, a rider can easily influence the bike to do all the work. Minimal exertion and minor extension effectively and predictably maneuver the bike through ever-changing trail nuances. Hence, you can let the bike rock underneath you to more effectively ride over rougher terrain.
I noticed myself tending to dismiss larger sized whoops and obstacles that I normally would have slowed down for on other machines. While great suspension, wheel diameter, and good tires played significant roles when negotiating rugged trails, to my surprise, I felt the rocking motion of the bike further enhanced the bike's ability to ride over rougher terrain.
This could be the one 'something special,' an inherent 'best of ability' I look for in all machines. Another aspect of cockpit configuration, controls, influences trail enjoyment as well.
Hand controls ideally should be at the proper angle of rotation on the handlebars. Furthermore, levers should not angle too far forward from the bars nor have excessive throw or slop. They should transmit a certain amount of feel so that the rider can sense by touch when, and to what degree, brakes, throttle and clutch are applied These characteristics all seemed fine with the Honda.
To add, hand levers have nicely well rounded smooth surfaces allowing fingers to pull without kinking, thus inhibiting fatigue. Foot controls need similar qualities, and their rest positions should be level with the pegs. On the XRL the distance from toe pads both shift lever and brake to foot pegs is rather short - fine for aggressive riding, but otherwise a bit tight. While trail riding I took note of two additional features, hand guards and turn signals. Like many plastic only hand guards, the XRL offers two rather unsupported ones.
Though these provide some light brush protection, major limbs and branches will find their way through the guards to tag your levers or fingers. Turn signals have a nice component however. They are mounted on some of the most flexible rubber posts I've seen anywhere.
In terms of being able to absorb impacts without breaking, the XRL has excellent turn signal posts. With its specified height at 37 inches, and a ground clearance of 13 inches, this bike is no cruiser. By inference, one would think, these statistics should point to some sort of trade off of course While the tall XRL with its inch nicely tuned suspension excels upon virtually all open, moderate read cow trails , or woods type trails, its long legs are a bit of a stretch, literally, for black diamond read goat trail situations.
On advanced technical trails sometimes the bike is too tall. Ideally a trail rider likes to be able to slip off their bike seat, to one side or another, and plant their foot on a perch from time to time. This prior to the bike leaning too far, so one can make the intermittent 'save' we occasionally do - without falling off a mountain, or into a cactus for instance.
The XRL is so tall, it is likely the bike will be farther than halfway down before a rider could catch it. If this machine were to be used as a dedicated trail machine its height should be lower. To address this, some aftermarket companies offer lowering links. This is something I will address later on in the long-term test. Even when burdened with smog equipment, this air-cooled single four-stroke has plenty of power and a gradual roll-on throttle.
Though some XRLs have been reported to backfire, our bike has only exhibited minor backfiring a few times. When you decide to become a Member, it helps directly support the site. Of course, you get our sincere thanks, good karma and knowing you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive.
T-shirts Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the Horizons Unlimited logo on the front and a snappy slogan changing every year on the back.
Calendars Featuring the 13 winning photos from the Horizons Unlimited annual motorcycle travel photo contest! World Map Sticker for Panniers Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road! Travel Books Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
Achievable Dream The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour DVD series. Road Heroes - "Inspiring and hilarious! New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
What turns you on to motorcycle travel? Meet some of your fellow travellers! See the trailer! Advertisers - Horizons Unlimited is well-established as the first source of reliable, unbiased information on all aspects of motorcycle travel. We reach a dedicated, worldwide group of real travellers, and are the only website focusing exclusively on long distance motorcycle travellers.
If you sell motorcycles or motorcycle accessories, riding gear, camping equipment and clothing, transport motorcycles, organize motorcycle tours, or have motorcycles to rent, you should be advertising with us!
Become an HU Member and Supporter! Help keep your favorite website going and get additional HUBB privileges! Already have an account? Become a Contributing Member here. There's a ton of info there that can help you get more out of the HUBB, like how to get an email notification when someone has answered YOUR question, or how to follow a thread of interest.
It's also helpful to all to put your location in your profile , so when you ask a question that's geographically dependent, people know where you are and can give a MUCH better answer. Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators! Check it out now , and add your information if we didn't find you. ALL Dates subject to change. Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here. Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers , humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks.
We found the HU site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases bikes, riding gear, etc. Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in into a full time job usually hours per day and 7 days a week and a labour of love.
To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs ; we have a few selected advertisers ; and we make a small amount from memberships. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive.
Why a Bike? Build your own panniers Equipment Which Bike? Shipping parts. Travel Advisories News that may affect your plans. Security tips and questions. Staying Healthy on the Road Medical info, e. Trip Transport - Shipping the bike and yourself. Recommended sleeping and eating.
Recommended repair shops in all the best places. Travel Hints and Tips. Blog on HU! Communications Improve your communications with your companion, or with friends and family. Travellers seeking Travellers Meet up with other travellers on the road, or find someone to travel with to the ends of the earth! Always open for casual conversation! Women's Topics Open to all! Questions that don't fit anywhere else Make a Difference Tips on fundraising or donating time and energy to a cause.
Honda claims pounds wet and it feels every pound of it; it does not hide its weight very well, and a lot of that has to do with its nosebleed-high seat.
At 37 inches—you almost need a stepladder to get on it—the L feels extremely top heavy. The dirt-orientated Ds I installed are DOT-certified and perform well at both ends, on and off the road. They are excellent dual sport rubber for any dual sport bike, especially if you plan to spend a lot of time on the dirt. The stock handlebars have to go. I have no idea who they were designed for, certainly not a human. Taller bars with a flatter bend are needed, as are wider footpegs. The smallish 2.
But the XRL is capable of a lot more than just local rides.
0コメント