Selling the CRF230L Dual Sport

Now that I have the new to me WR250R, I'm selling my CRF230L dual sport. Full details and pics can be found in my Craigslist ad: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/mcy/4737824665.html

Been awhile since I've posted, so time for an update. Long story short: been spending months looking into stepping up a notch with my dual sport. After endless research online and test riding a few bikes, I zeroed in on a Yamaha WR250R. It just showed up today (I had it transported from out of state), and here it is next to the existing CRF. It's interesting to note the difference in features, weight, etc. More to come, but for now just letting them get to know one another!

And here she is after the first test ride, and a little clean up and lube of her lower parts, if you know what I mean. Just switched over the hand guards from the CRF to the WRR, as this bike is definitely going to be a keeper!

New USB Power and Rear Rack Gas Tank Test

Did a little accessory installation today on the Awesome Possum. I installed a USB power cable from 3BR Powersports. Mounted the USB at the handlebars, and tapped the break light power lead so that the USB is not draining charge while the engine is switched off. I connected the ground to the battery negative terminal. The inline fuse ended up right next to the main fuse box, which was convenient. I also mounted my new RAM phone mount as well. All works well, but it will be interested to see how it charges over the course of a day while riding (will it make the phone too hot? will it slip with vibration? etc....) Some install pics....

 

Another thing that I will figure out is how to deal with that messy USB phone cable...right now I just have the excess wound up and strapped to the handlebar, but I'm sure that I will find a much neater way to manage that cable :-)

I also did a test install of my spare gas tank, which attaches to my new rear rack. Assembly was easy, and it fits on snugly. When I attach this tank, I should be able to put cargo on top of it...but I will have to be careful not to overload the rear rack until I can add some extra structural support underneath. Here's a couple of pics of the test install...

New Accessories

I've installed some new accessories onto the Awesome Possum, and I'm delighted. I installed the original muffler spark arrester, replacing the loud 'billet' muffler cap that had been installed by the previous owner. This makes the bike sound like it should, and makes it run much better!

I also installed a new rear cargo rack, which comes with an attachment to hold an auxiliary gas tank when needed…

Afternoon Ride to Lick Observatory

Took a little ride for my first real outing on the CRF230L, aka the Awesome Possum, and it was epic. I've been waiting for a part to arrive so that I can get this thing running proper, and now she runs great. I rode from my place near downtown San Jose up to the Lick Observatory and back…what an amazing ride on a beautiful day. Now for some of the evidence, including plenty of bike porn…

Had to stop a lot for deer crossing the road!

Yep…just like that.

A lil' selfie on the way.

Stopping to take in yet another boring, ugly view.

Putting the bike in photos for sense of scale, the way the

old timer explorer photographers did.

I'm halfway to the observatory, which you can make out

way up yonder on that there hill top.

I also had to stop for wild boar in the road!

Spare Fuse on my CRF

I'm trying to figure out how to connect a wire to this spare fuse in the main fuse box on my bike. I need to connect a USB power cable that can be switched off when the ignition is off, and that will charge my smart phone when on. It's probably a straightforward connector, but I can't find an example online of how the connector should look that would work with this box plug. Is it a bullet style connector? Do I just plug in the wire to one side or the other of the blade fuse? Hmm...

Dual Sport Motorcycling Navigation

My dual sport motorcycling lesson for the day: You can turn your smart phone into a super sophisticated navigation device that does not need a cell signal or internet connection to work, plus you can stream your route in real time, change course on the fly, save pics and make notes on points of interest, and many other features. You can make a turn-by-turn route on your computer, then upload it to your phone, and vice versa, or share routes with other people. You can also run the phone off the bike's battery so that you don't have to worry about it running out of juice. Oh, and some of the newer phones are waterproof so you can use them in the rain or if you go through water such as a creek crossing. Expensive, clunky, dedicated GPS devices (like Garmin) are done.

I'm getting my new smart phone this week, and I'll start playing around with the different apps that let you do all of the above. I'll also install the USB charger and phone mount on my bike. Once I get into all of that a bit, I'll report back with pics and details!