Motorcycle

[dpimike]

I was recently thinking how advantageous it might be to add a dual sport motorcycle to my emergency preparedness.  Found a 2002 Honda XR 650 for a steal. It's no trailer queen like my Harley but a pretty serious on/off road beast. Thinking that this could be great for accessing remote areas in a pinch with something that sips fuel. Maybe its to get to a hunting location, run for medical supplies or just scout out nearby terrain that I can't access with my truck. Now just figuring out what components to add like pvc mounted pipe to hold maps of surrounding areas, flashlights,  larger fuel tank for extended range, etc. Anyone have any good ideas on how to deck out a dual sport bike?

[meapplejak]

I have 2 pods that flank my rear fender I forget who makes it some guy just assembles them and has a small online business you can buy small packages.  I bought 2 sets of the pods they come with small metal red fuel cans and locks plus simple mounting hardware.  Ill look up where I got when I get home from work.  And ill show a picture if I remember :]

[scoob]

Anyone have any good ideas on how to deck out a dual sport bike?

Yup.  Spend some time surfing http://www.happy-trail.com/
I have a set of their Teton panniers on my KLR 650.  Solid, quality stuff.  Great company to deal with too.  The owner is a heckuva good guy and does a lot for the dual sport community and veteran- based charities.

[soupbone]

I'd add a muffler or three - make it as quiet as you can. If you're going sneakin' and peekin', sneak and peek - don't broadcast your presence. I'd also think about painting it in a subdued color - not camo per se, but something that doesn't scream out at you in the woods, yet something that you wouldn't mind riding to the store.

soup

soup

[red211]

  A friend and me talked about this the other day.  I think the most likely use would be a fuel shortage and getting around locally on very little fuel.   As an old MXer I would want something quick that would handle, but in the real world an older Honda XR 250 would be a great choice.  The 650 is kind of heavy and a handful in rough off road conditions like crossing creeks and the like.  On the plus side the 650 would be a little nicer for highway use.  I would try to stick with a Honda since there are many still around so used parts could be found.  I think the fuel usage will be the best reason to get a bike, and an on/off road will double as a bov if needed.  It is on the list for me, behind some other prep stuff though.

[joeinwv]

For best fuel economy the smaller / lighter the better - thinking 125 - 2 smoker. For street legal, the detuned 250 four strokes are going to last and get great mileage. But be slow.

Most utility is the bigger bikes - 450, KLR650, Honda 650.

[meapplejak]

http://thetooltube.com/Home.html

Pretty cool little accessories with many mounting options.

Couldnt find this thread for a little bit but this was what i was trying to link earlier

[Sushidog]

For best fuel economy the smaller / lighter the better - thinking 125 - 2 smoker. For street legal, the detuned 250 four strokes are going to last and get great mileage. But be slow.

Greetings all. I recently purchased a pair of 125cc Chinese CT-70 Honda clones for my survival prep. I'm planning on a full time mobile survival strategy and these little bikes fit perfectly into my plans. They are light weight (about 150lbs ea) and the handlebars fold down just like the old Honda mini-trail 70 I had as a kid did. They can be easily carried in the bed of a pick-up or on the back of an RV. They will get 80-120 mpg and will easily do over 50 mph. Many parts are interchangeable with Hondas and replacement engines and parts are readily available. Here's a couple shots:




I made a couple mods so far, such as replacing the stock 19mm emission restricted carbs with bigger 22 mm adjustable units and better air filtration, but I'm not quite finished yet. I need to get some dual sport tires to replace the street rubber and will gear them a tad higher too (1t bigger CS sprocket are in my plans).

Chip