MG, some pix of my REtromoTARD!
Sorry for the crap quality photos, but here's a run-down.
Almost 2 years ago, I traded a client an older iMac with a smoked hard drive for an '87 XL 600R completely original with 21,500mi on 'er. The bike had sat in his garage for over 2 years without moving. I brought it to my shop, didn't even drain the gas and oil, and she started on the 10th kick!
That's when I tore her down, and began my search for parts and upgrades. Thru the wonders of my local Honda dealer, eBay, MotoStrano and XR's Only, I was able to acquire and custom fit the following: Front forks and triple clamps from a '98 XR 650, Pro Tapers, 17" Wheel kit (as stated previously, the rear end is this winter's project) with Conti's - was able to mount a Blitz to the stock rear wheel for now, 320 Braking disc, UFO Flushmount Light kits (used the same resistor as used on sportbike LED's to control directionals), Progressive Suspension Rear shock spring, Dirt Digger heavy duty clutch kit, XRs Only complete exhaust, Twin Air filter, Cycra Enduro Brush Guards, New Levers, "custom carved" one of those 'universal' Acerbis rear fenders and threw on a supermoto front fender and more.
This winter I plan on tackling a complete top end rebuild and valve job, plus carb tuning and of course the rear disc/CRF swingarm and shock conversion. But, to get this beast to handle properly, as it was ridden 100% on road, my temporary fix was to get the front forks charged with quite alot of air to stiffen them as well as slide them almost as far as they could up in the triple clamps. I balanced this with the stiff rear shock, and thru tons of fine tuning and adjustments, she handles amazingly now! So much so that I may do a Loudon or NJ track day this summer on it!
It's not the fastest bike on the road by any means, but you can enter turns so fast and hold it on forever, and who cares about straights right? And I have it geared pretty tall so it's not a slow wheelie machine, but 3rd and 4th are no problem.
True motorcyclists and old school off-roaders flip out when they see the REtromoTARD, and at times I wish I didn't beat the hell out of the thing the way I do, but afterall it's an old Honda, and with routine maintenance she'll run longer than I do!