If you can register it in your state, I imagine it would be fine. You don't mention turn signals but I assume that is not an issue. The intial recommendations by the tour operators were for bikes no larger than 650CC and smaller cc/weight was better. I would suggest you email Skip on the site (see the first couple posts for a link) and get an official answer. There is a chase vehicle with supplies, so you don't have to worry about a lot of baggage. This is a rare ride for sure, and it would make it super-special if most/all participants were off this forum. Go for it!
And as much as I hate to say it they been pretty much tested out. Shiny the only thing I can see that you may need and I HIGHLY recommend is a good set of hand guards. The ones I'm talking have the metal bar that goes from the end of the grip around the controls and fasten to the handlebar. The will not only protect your hands from branches etc, but will actually protect your controls in a drop. They are expensive (around $120) but they have save my controls many times.
Thanks Chris. I'm always open to suggestions. I've never heard of the D908. What are the advantages? I'm ordering a tire Friday (payday) so this is timely.Shiny,
It looks like your KLR is about ready for the trip. Also nice pics of your kids.
The recommended tires I have been told is D606 in the front and D908 for the rear. I currently have a TKC on the rear and I'm about to remove the worn out Scorpion place a D606 on the front.
My bike currently has just about every guard made.
Welcome aboard, fjrrider! That'd be great if you can join us and your Honda CRF450X will be perfect for this Expedition!!!
While I'm no expert on motor vehicle registration, some states have become pretty sophisticated -- using the power of computers and the information provided by the VIN. In some states, the MVD computer looks-up the VIN and knows if the m/c is EPA/DOT street-legal (or not) -- plate or no-plate.
I have been dreaming about things like this. I have off from November 1.... I can take my time down to AZ, or at least Southern Cali. If I can get the suspension upgraded I might do it. I wish I could have gotten the last
Good to hear it Joe! I just installed the HT plate, engine guard/highway pegs and Nerf bars in July. The installation directions suck eggs. There is a good writeup and pictorial on klr650.net with pictures of an install on a GENII bike (written after I installed mine). I'll see if I can find the link for you. If you have questions I can take pictures of my setup, and wrack my brain for hints/tips if you need it. Just ask.
I see how I was not very clear with my question. No the 450 is not street legal, nor will it ever be. I can put a plate on it from another bike thats registered to me. If Mexico does'nt care, I'm good to go. Full intentions to trailer across the border and then trailer back over. so I guess the question should have been....While I'm no expert on motor vehicle registration, some states have become pretty sophisticated -- using the power of computers and the information provided by the VIN. In some states, the MVD computer looks-up the VIN and knows if the m/c is EPA/DOT street-legal (or not) -- plate or no-plate.I don't think Mexico cares? But, you may have a problem getting back in the U.S.? Depending on if you intend to ride it back into the country (maybe hauling and declaring, too?) and the border crossing/state/etc.?
I guess I'd recco that you try to check this out thoroughly beforehand with all the bureaucracies involved...
fjrrider: I'd definitely give Skip a call regarding your unique situation: 1-800-233-0564. Yes, the bikes are definitely going onto a trailer in El Paso; and coming back over in a trailer to El Paso. What the sticky wicket is going to be is the Mexico Vehicle Import Permit, affectionately or unaffectionately know as "El Banjercito!" I don't know how the Federales/Policia will respond to your bike being ridden without an Estados Unidos license plate. You can also contact: [email protected]I see how I was not very clear with my question. No the 450 is not street legal, nor will it ever be. I can put a plate on it from another bike thats registered to me. If Mexico does'nt care, I'm good to go. Full intentions to trailer across the border and then trailer back over. so I guess the question should have been....While I'm no expert on motor vehicle registration, some states have become pretty sophisticated -- using the power of computers and the information provided by the VIN. In some states, the MVD computer looks-up the VIN and knows if the m/c is EPA/DOT street-legal (or not) -- plate or no-plate.I don't think Mexico cares? But, you may have a problem getting back in the U.S.? Depending on if you intend to ride it back into the country (maybe hauling and declaring, too?) and the border crossing/state/etc.?
I guess I'd recco that you try to check this out thoroughly beforehand with all the bureaucracies involved...
Does Mexico care or would they even check, while I'm there, if my bike (450) is US registered and "Street Legal" ?
I'm a nice shade of avocado myself. First time on a dirt or dualsport bike was late June. I only have 1300 miles on the KLR, and I'm guesstimating only half those are off-tarmac.
You aren't getting in my business -- I keep that off the forum.sent e-mail to Skip.
Shiny - I'm a little confused, why would you want to mount side bags and stuff if there is going to be a sweep truck everday?
Dont mean to get in your business, just trying to make sure I'm signing up for the right trip. I assumed this trip was going to be more than just ridin on dirt roads. I was hoping to try my hand at riding a few donkey trails!
would be sent along in the truck, and my diabla poderosa can travel lighter -- all the better. But I'll need some baggage to get home too. This is all kinda new to me as well. This is all kinda "thinking out loud" stuff.fjrrider: On this trip for daily riding, you'll not need side bags or top box. But, I'm bringing a tank bag (you could subsitute a tail pack bag) to carry the following: Tire Repair Kit - this is just my list and with you being a dirt biker already, you probably already have your essentials. Sticky String, black tire cement, reamer tool, insertion tool and some shop rags.sent e-mail to Skip.
Shiny - I'm a little confused, why would you want to mount side bags and stuff if there is going to be a sweep truck everday?
Dont mean to get in your business, just trying to make sure I'm signing up for the right trip. I assumed this trip was going to be more than just ridin on dirt roads. I was hoping to try my hand at riding a few donkey trails!
