For sale: 2019 Honda Africa Twin (manual)

I bought a brand new Africa Twin on the spur of the moment this summer to be able to do a trip out to the Cabot Trail (ride report to come). What an awesome bike! Tons of power, lots of fun, and a real step up from flogging my WR250R (which I'm keeping, btw).

I've also decided the Twin is way more bike than I want, so I'm selling it even though I've added over $1000 of high quality accessories and have less than two weeks of riding on it (under 6000km). My loss, your gain.

You can see the sale posting and more pics here. If you've followed my blog at all, you know that I like to look after things! It's a very clean bike, it runs perfectly, and I've looked after it.

Update February 7, 2020: Bike is sold! I've ordered a new Tenere 700 for delivery in late summer. Can't wait.

Rugged Wheels on Facebook

Just launching a Facebook page for my custom wheel building business, Rugged Wheels. Been busy with customer orders and testing new products over the last few months. I'm selling sample wheel sets at a considerable discount. These reflect combos I built up as part of setting up my ordering system, tooling, etc. All are ready to ride and in new condition, although some may have very minor cosmetic flaws that won't affect performance/durability. Will also be listing some slightly-used odds and ends that I tested along the way. Gotta clear out the shop for more stuff!

Dualsport Diary will continue to be where I post articles and reviews.

For sale: 2008 Yamaha XT250

Found this great little dualsport gem today while picking up some bicycles from a guy near Almonte, just west of Ottawa. He bought it new, rode about 2,000 km, then put it in storage because he moved away. Other than a little ding in the gas tank, it looks to be in showroom condition. Asking $4,000.

If  interested, contact the vendor directly at [xt250@ pointflare . com] and tell him I sent you. However, he's not available to show it until mid-April.  

For sale: Fat bike tires 45NRTH Dillinger

These are a fast, grippy tire for firmer conditions, are studdable, and offer a significant weight saving (over a pound!) and performance upgrade versus the stock tires that typically ship with a fat bike. Compared to the V-Rubber beasts that came on my Norco Bigfoot, switching to the Dillingers gave an immediately noticeable improvement in handling and acceleration. It felt like I'd scraped off an inch of mud.



Performance doesn't come cheap--these tires retail for around C$270 each. I'm selling them for C$90 each. They were used for one season and are in excellent shape: no holes, nicks or significant wear. Width is 4.0" with 120 TPI aramid (folding) bead.

I've switched to the Surly Nates which offer a more aggressive (and slower and heavier) tread that's better suited to the poor trail conditions and deep snow I typically ride on. If I had a second set of wheels I'd definitely keep the Dillingers for firmer conditions.

If interested, email me at frankenbuffer@gmail.com.

KLR 650 for sale

Yep, I've finally decided that this most excellent steed needs a new home. Bombproof reliability and rugged good looks aside, something smaller is probably better suited to the type of riding I would like to do now.

2000 KLR650
40,780 kms
$2500 safetied

- Doohickey replaced with Eagle Mike (don't believe the BS: my original chain tensioner was broken, as were those in two other KLRs I've inspected and fixed.)
- Progressive fork springs
- Braided stainless front brake line
- Upgraded subframe bolts
- New maintenance-free battery
- IMS foot pegs
- Moose aluminum skidplate
- Water pump seals replaced
- Maier handguards

When I first bought the bike at around 25,000km, I replaced all the wheel and suspension bearings with better parts, replaced the chain and sprockets, and generally tuned it up. I also inspected the clutch and valve shims not long ago, and both were in spec. Bike runs like a champ and pulls strong. I'll include the original fork springs, skid plate, and a smaller sprocket. Maybe some other odds and ends as well. If you've ready my blog you know what this bike looks like and can do, and it's never let me down.

Edit: Just to sweeten the deal, I have now installed a new Moose front rotor and new Galfer brake pads (green on front, black on rear). I've also disassembled and cleaned the calipers, changed the brake fluid, changed fork oil, changed engine oil, and cleaned and oiled the air filter. Bike is in heated storage and ready to ride.