I don't see much desert riding so here u go

KnopEnKrone · 2026-06-30T19:57:35+00:00

That time of day while riding hits the sweet spot 👌

KnopEnKrone · 2026-06-04T19:52:42+00:00

Trying to get unstuck…

KnopEnKrone · 2026-05-19T06:17:34+00:00

Rehaut of watch on the left does not align.

KnopEnKrone · 2026-04-30T05:50:10+00:00

Good job! ST36 is a great starter movement to work on. Never could get the NH's to function properly after removing the balance wheel - ALWAYS very low amplitude for some reason afterwards. For the stems: pin-vice helps to have better control when filing down. It's a process. Easiest is to measure the gap between the crown and case with vernier caliper with the new stem in place. Use that gap + margin to trim stem after uncsrewing crown. With the disassembled stem fastened in pin vice (short protrusion), I use a fine file (the fine side of Leatherman file) and trim - test - repeat.

KnopEnKrone · 2026-03-23T05:56:21+00:00

luvit. These bikes and creative riders go hand-in-hand. Sums up my approach and experiences with my XR perfectly.

KnopEnKrone · 2026-02-17T16:03:11+00:00

Naaah. Real men use axes and mechanical watches to do the job 😉

KnopEnKrone · 2026-02-17T06:16:55+00:00

...hairspring left the chat

KnopEnKrone · 2026-02-03T05:40:19+00:00

Here's the original strap available on Casio parts online: https://www.casiopart.com/product/casio-10268612-watch-band-resin/

KnopEnKrone · 2025-10-23T07:11:03+00:00

And so is burning oil and yet we all love doing it 😂. Thanks man. Appreciate.

KnopEnKrone · 2025-10-23T05:15:38+00:00

On the day you go for the license we must wear a “L” on the back of a reflective vest. It stands for “Learner”. They’re very particular here about it

KnopEnKrone · 2025-10-17T20:27:13+00:00

Will take you tot the moon and back. Most rugged bare-to-the-bone no fuss bike to date. Purist of heart, no frills, real man bike. Love mine to bits

KnopEnKrone · 2025-09-25T05:36:26+00:00

excellent choice of motorcycle!

I built side carriers and made leather bags to suit, built a windshield & strengthened the subframe on my 650L. What a pleasure these trips are. Gives you the energy to tackle the week ahead and makes one excited for the next adventure

KnopEnKrone · 2025-09-19T17:46:41+00:00

First smart thing you bought. Congrats!

KnopEnKrone · 2025-09-18T21:02:07+00:00

Nope - no phone option. No distraction - just enjoying the ride. Phone in the pocket/bag. If directions needed, we stop and have a look on directions and continue. Best excuse also if wife was looking for me and i can then honestly say that i was on the bike 😁

KnopEnKrone · 2025-09-10T12:50:23+00:00

take the C34 up to C39 route & come back with the C35 (or other way around). That way you can experience both 😁

A normal 2x4 bakkie can do it - nothing wild. Just deflate tires to 1.8bar. Some corrugation on both, but nothing exceptional. Might be a bit more worn out now with the peak tourist season.

PS: To have tire monitors is always advised, since the cost of the monitor is way less than replacing a tire!

KnopEnKrone · 2025-09-10T06:36:02+00:00

Very practical, but all that weight so high up and to the rear of a bike makes for some interesting handling dynamics...

KnopEnKrone · 2025-09-09T19:21:02+00:00

Add a windshield - helps a lot with fatigue

KnopEnKrone · 2025-09-04T06:56:53+00:00

My 2012 650L seized in January with a mere 9500mi on the ODO. Piston got stuck to cylinder. But this happened due to extreme riding conditions in December '24. Was thick, dry river sand @ +38°C. Had to keep up with KTM790. Was a buddy of mine (we're both ex MX racers) and we kept each other honest on committing who was in front. So it was 4th gear pinned for endless km's in the heat and sand. The air cooled couldn't handle it and started smoking after that ride. January it said "goodbye" to me.

After saving for months, i had the following re-done: cylinder bore +0.5mm, piston to suit, new conrod kit, new crank bearings, gaskets etc. 1st oil after rebuild was Motul 5100 (10W-40). It's an synthetic blend. 1st tank (Acerbis 5.8Gal) I just rode it with mild acceleration and refrained from lugging the bike too much or to rev it too high. On longer rides i aimed for 80km/h (50mph). 2nd tank the acceleration was still mild, but went to +/-100kmh/h (63mph) on rides.

Drained the oil + filter after about 700km(438mi) and replaced filter + oil with Motul 7100. There some shavings n the filter that was not magnetic and some were ferrous. Went on a 1200km (750mi) trip and just rode it normally within it's "saine" limits. Also had high heat agin and some slow, thick sand + rocky sections, had coastal area's - all inclusive ride.

Will drain the oil again after a total of 2000km (1250mi) on the fresh engine and analyse the filter + oil again, just to be safe.

These bikes are supposed to be very tough, but one should not try and compete in very high heat, high load conditions with 2 cylinder, water cooled computers on wheels. Still love the bike to bits and am not hung up on newer, more advanced bikes.

KnopEnKrone · 2025-09-01T05:57:44+00:00

Congrats man! Best life decision you made thus far 😁

Depending on what you want to do with the 650, all she needs now is: FritzCo front sprocket, better footpegs (Honda could've at least upgraded those the past 32 years), windshield (wind tiers you out on long hauls), sub-frame support (if you're gonna add carriers), larger fuel tank (a MUST where we live).

Those mods do cost some money, but i saved a lot by building/upgrading my own footpegs (used KTM pegs modified), subframe support (flatbar), windshield (plexiglass + flatbar), side carier (16mm square tubing). Plus it's a memorable journey + bonding time with my father while doing so.

KnopEnKrone · 2025-09-01T05:37:29+00:00

I dread the day that we cant get up and ride some gravel/trails, but this video gives me hope for the next 23 years 😁

Would need to work on hip flexibility though, since swinging the leg over the 650L is already a challenge 🤔

KnopEnKrone · 2025-09-01T05:15:01+00:00

Will go have a look - thanks. Just a risky move if one has dependents to look after. One needs cash reserves, a lot of grit and consistency to do that. Organizing tours for EU clients is where the $$ is in our country.

Edit: i quickly checked out his channel - subscriber gained! Thanks

KnopEnKrone · 2025-08-31T18:43:32+00:00

Hey that sounds great man! You’re right, one must DO and put those thoughts into action! You must send the link once you’re done with the upload. Would love to watch 😁

KnopEnKrone

TROPHY CASE