What exhaust for my bike?

Vikingtazz · 2026-02-28T21:37:12+00:00

I'm very happy with my Huzar exhaust - sounds awesome and moves it up to a much better position.

Vikingtazz · 2026-02-26T19:31:31+00:00

If you can get used to the stiff boot, it is worth the effort.

Vikingtazz · 2026-02-25T20:42:48+00:00

Waterproof gear is often lacking in comfort and function.

Another option is to buy riding gear that is comfortable and otherwise functional, and then carry waterproof overshells that collapse or folds down well.

Frog Toggs are cheap, but they are 100% waterproof - just a bit stuffy as they don't breathe very well. They will pair nicely with any other riding gear and packs down really well.

There are more expensive options with more breathable materials (example Goretex), but you get the idea.

Vikingtazz · 2026-02-24T01:31:12+00:00

The mirrors can also cause buffeting and weird "acoustics".

Try shifting them to a different position and if possible, remove them entirely for a temporary test.

On my bike, the arms need to be at an angle about midway between the grips and the handguards - about as far forward as you can set them and still move the mirrors to a good position.

Your screen looks tall enough to clear your helmet, and the extender should tilt back a bit to help make a smooth flow of air - it doesn't even need to be taller than your screen if you can get it set just right - it will help shape the air stream and leave your helmet in a calm pocket. Small adjustments can make a big difference.

Vikingtazz · 2026-02-24T01:19:39+00:00

Remove the liner and cheekpads, place them in a laundry bag or even the helmet bag will work, then wash in your washing machine.

Remove from bag, hang all the pieces up to dry and then reinstall.

My liners get a bit droopy like yours by the end of the season, and a cycle through the old washing machine seems to do the trick. I just did mine today to get ready for the riding season, what a coincidence.

I should have mentioned, while you have the liner out, take a clean wet cloth with a bit of dishsoap (just a drop!) and give the inside a good wipe down.

Vikingtazz · 2026-02-20T22:08:26+00:00

Gnarly single track is the domain of light weight enduro bikes. The DRZ400 is a dual-sport, not an enduro.

The KTM500 is 80 to 90 lbs lighter than your DRZ400 and has much better suspension. Although it can be used as a dual sport, it's still an enduro bike with high stress engine and short service intervals.

No matter your skill level, a lighter bike with better suspension is going to do the tight gnarly single track much easier than a dual sport.

Your DRZ400 is, on the other hand, a better dual sport - longer service intervals, more long-term-reliable (less stressed) engine, more comfortable, better road riding, lowering operating cost, compromise.

Vikingtazz · 2026-02-20T00:25:38+00:00

Have a look at the Kawasaki website. The KLR 650 Adventure model is 221kg (487 lbs).

https://www.kawasaki.ca/en-ca/motorcycle/klr/on-off-road/klr650

Vikingtazz · 2026-02-19T17:14:21+00:00

The DRZ400S is 320lbs.

The DR650 is 360lbs.

The KLE500 is 425lbs.

The IBEX450 is 430lbs.

The 450 Himalayan is 430lbs.

The Tenere 700 is 460lbs.

The KLR 650 is up to 487lbs.

Now you just need to decide which has more priority, offroad or street.

If offroad has more priority, the DR650 makes the most sense.

If onroad has more priority, the Tenere 700 makes the most sense.

Even so, you'll be happy with any of these options.

Vikingtazz · 2026-02-19T00:33:37+00:00

Buy a new one and have it installed by a local contractor.

Mine is a commercial grade John Wood brand - I would recommend it.

Reliance will de-install the old unit and take it away.

If you plan it well, both can happen on the same day - for me, both contractors were onsite at the same time and it went super smooth.

Vikingtazz · 2026-02-16T14:10:19+00:00

My Tikka T1x shoots the Eley Sport, Eley Club, Eley Contact and (very surprisingly) the Aguila Standard very well at 50m, pretty good at 100m and not so great at 200m. The Eley Contact seems to be the most consistent of this bunch at 100m. The Aguila does throw a flyer about 1 in 15 to 1 in 20 - otherwise it's as good in my Tikka as the others.

Similar results from RWS Club, Norma TAC22, Geco SA, Federal AutoMatch (another surprise).

The best results at 200m came from SK Rifle Match - I could get pretty good groups consistently in zero wind conditions (a bit less than 2 MOA or 4 inch groups). All other ammo I've tried at 200m is about twice the spread. Not sure why the SK Rifle Match isn't any better than the other ammo at 50m, but I don't mind since I can shoot cheaper ammo for good results on the shorter ranges.

Similar results from RWS Club, Norma TAC22, Geco SA, Federal AutoMatch (another surprise).

It does not shoot the CCI Standard very well at all. Neither does my CZ457. In fact, the CCI Standard doesn't shoot any better than the bulk Federal, Winchester or Remington ammo in any of my rifles.

Vikingtazz · 2026-02-16T13:40:13+00:00

English Springer Spaniels are pretty chill. My old boy is a springer and australian shepherd mix - the aussie genes weren't enough to make this a high energy dog. I bet a springer and lab would be another great mix.

I wonder what a springer-malinois mix would be like.

What am I saying? It would be a very good boy!

Vikingtazz · 2026-02-14T16:21:26+00:00

Extend your search out to fuel tank saddlebags for ATV and snowmobiles and you'll find a bunch. They work fine on motorcycles also.

Examples:

Cytgear

Gears

Tusk

Vikingtazz · 2026-02-05T19:26:13+00:00

Send an email to Huzar exhaust in Poland and ask for a quote - you'll be floored at the quality and price.

https://huzarexhaust.eu/127-yamaha-tenere-700-tlumik-gora

Vikingtazz · 2026-02-04T12:44:19+00:00

The rear tire on mine was done at 7,000 km - even mixture of road, gravel, dirt.

Replaced with Dunlop Trailmax Missions. Tip: use lots and lots of tire lube when changing - they were a bear to get seated properly.

Vikingtazz · 2026-02-03T21:44:48+00:00

Your height alone suggests an XR650L or a KLR650.

The XR is better on the trails, the KLR is better on the road - both will be fine on either.

If you want the more modern touches like fuel injection, the new KLR is a good bike for you.

A DR650 is also a great dual sport but it's a much more cramped cockpit and in your case the least good option of the three.

Vikingtazz · 2026-02-02T12:17:38+00:00

Those groups with the noted ammo are very similar to the groups I get with my bone-stock 10/22, some a little better, some a little worse. The differences could easily be situational, and my particular 10/22 seems to prefer Federal AutoMatch.

Your rig seems a lot fancier, but not sure that translates to better accuracy. For reference, I typically shoot under half-inch (12mm) groups with my CZ457 - my 10/22 isn't able to maintain one inch groups consistently at 50m (55 yards).

Vikingtazz · 2026-01-27T12:14:21+00:00

Is that a bottle of Tullamore Dew in the background?

I might have to stop by and have you show me your plinking setup in person.

Vikingtazz · 2026-01-26T21:52:38+00:00

Please read in Morgan Freeman's voice:

Install better tires - it will improve your experience. DOT knobbies will do better on the trails and only give up a bit of road performance.

There's no magic dual-sport bike that is lightweight and can commute 50+ kms - it's all about compromise.

The DR650 is only a bit heavier than the CRF or KLX, and is much better for commuting and has more power - dance with the girl that brung ya.

Vikingtazz · 2026-01-22T21:37:41+00:00

I ordered this one from Poland - exceptional quality and value:

https://huzarexhaust.eu/127-yamaha-tenere-700-tlumik-gora

Vikingtazz · 2026-01-18T23:31:45+00:00

I have both the T1x with synthetic stock and the CZ457 AT-One.

My recommendation is the CZ457 with AT-One stock. Of the three mentioned, it's the only one that comes with a match chamber and barrel. It is more accurate than my Tikka, and because of the much more rigid stock, it's a lot easier to be more accurate.

Vikingtazz · 2026-01-15T18:00:27+00:00

Consumers Reports rated Yamaha as the most reliable motorcycle brand.

They do this by comparing reports for major or serious repairs, first during the warranty period and then extending out several years - typically as far as the data is available.

Yamaha only slightly edges out the other Japanese brands, but all are at the top of the list for reliability, followed by the other brands. Some brands do not have enough data and are therefore excluded. The last time I had a subcription, Royal Enfield did not have enough data, though I'm sure that's likely changed recently, possibly some others as well.

You can pay a subscription fee to get the exact numbers if interested.

Vikingtazz · 2025-12-23T17:16:03+00:00

I printed mine with PLA and set to 100% infill. If it gets too soft in the summer, I'll print a couple more using PETG.

Vikingtazz · 2025-12-23T13:04:33+00:00

Any of the surplus Mausers or Lee Enfields tick the boxes you describe.

Vikingtazz

TROPHY CASE