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5 Custom Adventure Bikes Built By “Real People”

These impressive bike builds will inspire you to start your next project.

Published on 02.12.2014

1. Honda XR650R Round the World Bike

Honda won the Baja 1000 with the XR650R six consecutive years before replacing it with the CRF450X. XR650R’s are powerful bikes that can produce over 60 hp with a few modifications. The bike’s lightweight aluminum frame and high-performance suspension give it the ability to conquer any trail you dare travel on. But they are also known for their bulletproof reliability, so why not go long distance touring with one?

A couple of German students felt this would be the perfect choice for a Round the World Trip. Being students, they had to do their bike build on a budget and performed most of the work by hand. A full engine rebuild was performed and long-range touring equipment was added in an effort to produce the ultimate lightweight, go anywhere Adventure Motorcycle. It’s not the prettiest XR650R, but we like that it’s a purpose built machine designed solely with functionality in mind.


Honda XR650R (RWT)

Some of the custom modifications included a heavy duty subframe, custom fabricated pannier rack, stiffer suspension springs, oversized fuel tank, Scottoiler lubrication system, rear fender mounted lithium battery, LED lighting, and a touring windscreen. (photo couretsy Juri Klusak/tabain.eu)

Honda XR650R RWT

There was even enough room onboard to bring along his guitar! (photo couretsy Juri Klusak/tabain.eu)

You can check out the details of the bike build on the Horizons Unlimited Forum.


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Author: Rob Dabney
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Tom in Salem
Tom in Salem
February 13, 2014 4:14 pm

I did something similar with my Husky TE630–Safari Tank, hard bags, small windshield, rack, guards–some say I took a perfectly good dirt bike and turned it into a KLR…..Tom in Salem

Ed Flanagan
Ed Flanagan
January 8, 2022 7:56 am
Reply to  Tom in Salem

TE630 is considered by many(and me) the best of the singles .

sam
sam
February 21, 2014 3:28 am

I give to you the ultimate adv bike! (slightly biased as it is mine 🙂 )
http://www.chasinghorizons.co.uk

Philip Barrett
Philip Barrett
September 11, 2014 12:57 pm

The SV650 is a nice custom but about as unsuited for adventure riding as a Goldwing. It would be a short race to see if the oil cooler or the radiator got destroyed first. Luckily the lack of luggage capability would not leave you far to push it home.

Spencer Long
Spencer Long
December 30, 2014 6:22 am
Reply to  Philip Barrett

Or the exhaust…
Suzuki made the V-strom for this purpose, so modding an SV650 into an adventure bike is a waste of time, effort, and money. Kudos to that guy for the fabrication skills though.

lunchemily
lunchemily
September 11, 2014 6:03 pm

you missed this one haha http://oztoice.wordpress.com/emily-2/

Vik
Vik
March 28, 2015 3:07 pm

KLR is a great ADV bike. Who needs to reach 100mph with a fully loaded bike on unknown far flung roads with limited medical support?

C K
C K
April 14, 2017 7:33 pm

Suzuki DR650 is the best platform to start with. You can build a really cool bike that is bullet-proof and nearly 100 lbs lighter then the FS800 or similar bikes. Capable of going anywhere a motorcycle can travel, narrower, very dirt capable with upgraded suspension, tons of after-market parts available. Much more maneuverable then an Africa Twin, GS or even KTM due to the lighter weight and smaller profile.

trackback
2006 DL650 Naked Weight Loss with numbers ! - Stromtrooper Forum : Suzuki V-Strom Motorcycle Forums
December 19, 2018 5:46 am

[…] travel. For some inspiration google sv650 enduro and hit images. The search SV650 Frankenbike. 5 Custom Adventure Bikes Built By "Real People" The above are all easily do-able, this one would be really cool, but a lot of custom parts […]

Michael Burns
Michael Burns
June 4, 2019 8:35 pm

I’m taking an SV650 down the Adventure build trail too and would sure like to see how Russ fabbed-up the underseat tank. That is just a fabulous idea!!

Ed Flanagan
Ed Flanagan
July 12, 2022 6:26 pm

Where can I find more info ,building slooowly my own!

XR-Rider
XR-Rider
August 1, 2022 12:14 am

Did modify my XR650R to electric start and desert race / adventure bike.
Great bike with so mich power and reliabilty.

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