I went out and had a little fun the yesterday and the weekend prior. Man this bike is a BLAST!! I moved to the 530 from the 640 Adventure (which I still love and is for sale) It was a REALLY hard choice for me to make, but I am glad I did. I think the 530 is a better fit for me and that's been confirmed for me so far each time I've ridden it. I still need some suspension work, but other than that I am way impressed. Here's a couple of shots of the fun. A nice little picture on why these bikes need the euro fender. That plate done got curled in after hitting a couple of those jumps! haha
I only missed my '07 640 ADV for 10 minutes after I bought an '07 525, and have only wished I had the bigger bike once or twice since then. You have moved on to some fun times! The day after I got it, it got screwed, which I never would have imagined doing to the 640.
ps, Good choice on the Euro fender. It is much better than the Sicass one from what I have experienced, as it is a universal fit deal, and doesn't have the structural support the euro one offers. Your rear fender will be a'waggin with the Sicass.
After my ride this weekend I figured out my shift lever was not in the best place to get my boot under and make a positive upshift. I ended up moving it up a few notches. I am sure this is a common thing. I was very happy to see this too was an easy task. So far everything has been very easy to do on this bike except getting the screen out of the gearbox side of the case. A better headlight will be in order. That little bulb as a low beam is a joke and the high beam is well, really the low beam as compared to my other vehicles. Anyone got a simple replacement for the headlight that doesn't break the bank? (under $100)
I was looking at these yesterday on sale for $95, but don't know of anyone who has them to give me any real world feedback. Acerbis Headlight LED Vision Orange http://www.mx1west.com/acerbisheadlightledvisionorange.aspx DOT version - Acerbis Headlight LED Vision HP Orange http://www.mx1west.com/acerbisheadlightledvisionhporange.aspx
PHP: oil burn Questions for the knowledge... I have noticed the past two times I rode my bike for a couple hours or more that the next day when I happen to look at my sight glass the oil is no where to be seen. I know specifically this last time it was at least 3/4 of the way up... Should I not worry about the sight glass and only measure based off of what goes in and how much comes out...or is this a ridiculous amount of oil to be missing after one ride? I would drain and measure both transmission and engine oil. There are a couple problems that can oil to transfer from the engine to transmission. I had at least one of them; a pressed on gear with a hole in it for oil flow, that did not stay aligned with a oil passage.
I use these guys......http://www.pmxtec.com/upgrades.htm works great and you get to keep the cool looking stock headlight! bnundy
Just finished setting-up my new 2010 450XCW. Installed a Baja Designs 8" HID racelight and a high-output stator from Trailtech. Super nice bright white light, full brightness at idle. Oh, and there was something wrong with the first reg/rec that was included in the kit, so they sent me a replacement, and it's a new style 'switching' reg/rec with a relay in it that senses when the stator is putting out power. Turns the headlight on/off with the engine (can still operate it with the headlight switch too). It's got an adjustable time-delay feature, which allows you to set it up so the light will stay on for a predetermined amount of time after the engine is turned off - useful if you stall the engine, etc. The new reg/rec is not on their website yet, but is available if you ask for it ($15 upgrade if you're buying a stator kit at the same time).
That's the Pro-Moto Billet Kickstand. I've ran one for 150hrs or so now and it's been great! Built a LOT better than stock and adds extra security when hauling heavy loads on the bike. Hodakaguy
In planning for a suspension upgrade I am also looking at the gear I plan to carry on the bike for 1 to 2 night out and backs. I am looking at a Giant Loop tank bag since it says it is "water proof" although I have heard stories their zippers are not on other bags and the Kriega US70 kit. This should give me plenty of gear storage for all my stuff and clothing. I may come up with some sort of custom rack system after messing with things. Most important things on board will be tools, tubes, tent, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, Jet boil, food, water, and dry clothes. I do not like the Giant loop "horse shoe" style bags. I like the Wolfman Rolie system, but it does not look like it has much capacity. So with all of that said does anyone know what the stock spring rate is for the 08' 530 EXCR? I am currently 230 lbs and will probably add 40 lbs of gear to the bike with the above stuff.
I weigh 270 or at least I did when I bought my 530. I set it up with EE springs, as the famous Allan Randt picked up the phone when I called for advice. 50 fork springs: https://www.enduroeng.com/ProductDetail.jsp?LISTID=800002A9-1177528319 and 9.6 Straight rate rear: https://www.enduroeng.com/ProductDetail.jsp?LISTID=80000937-1229613545 I'm happy with a click or two of extra rebound damping and a 25ml extra fluid in each fork leg as I was still bottoming the forks once I started pushing it.
I went with this set up for: 1. better lights, 2. wanted a fairing for the highways and 3. powerlet outlets and gps mount. I have not given it a test run yet but I will post asap.
lopaca, You gotta give us the maker and model of the fairing and headlight kit. Thanks Dutchman I will look into those parts.
I'm not really sure what you're asking, but I think you're asking if you're going to need to do suspension work? The answer to that is YES - you will need to respring it at the least. I went with the Stiffest front and rear springs from Race-Tech, and it's working OK... not great, but OK.. but then again, I'm so far outside of the "normal" weight range, that it's just not funny.... really.... The front in particular is a bit soft, I may change the fork oil to a heavier weight (left that stock) to try and quell the nose dives on hard descents or stops. As to the Rolie system, don't forget you can go to the medium sized bags with that, so it will hold a fair amount. Plus there are attachment points on those medium bags to attach another (Size small) bag to them - I would only do that to the center bag personally though. I haven't used the GL system, but I will say the Rolie system, while taking a few extra minutes to strap everything down, does not move an inch while riding. No flopping or moving around at all. I like it, but yeah, it's definitely not a set up I'd want to ride to Panama with.... While we're at it, I have the stock fork springs and stock rear shock spring from my suspension work I'd like to sell for a few extra bucks, if anyone's interested.
530 with the Trail Tech halogen 8 inch light. This is just a test fit to check for clearance and light aim. I'll trim the wire, solder connectors and make it look pretty. Holy carp this thing is bright. I did the stator too. I am also buying the ballast plate to use as a cover for the top of the light. Thanks to Hodakaguy for the recommendation.
Posted something previously about Robo-Boogie riding his 450EXC from Chico to Virginia City on SM wheels with his dirt wheels and riding gear strapped to the back fender with Voile straps. Got to the race, swapped out his dirt wheels, unpacked his riding gear, raced, then packed up and rode all the way back to Chico. Just saw these pics for the first time tonight and forgot that he cruised through Tahoe afterwards on the way back too!