Bruce

I think I get what you are saying. I'll try rotating the speedo forward tonight so that the cable is in front of the metal tab.

Question for XR owners: When I remounted the front wheel on my XR, I noticed that there was a gap between the speedometer housing and the fork. It's large enough that I can clearly see the axle. I can't remember this gap being there before, but maybe I just didn't notice it. Take a look at the attached picture. Is this gap normal, or did I misplace a spacer somewhere?

XR650L. Not much HP, but a lot of weight. Think I would notice a difference?

What tire mfg are you using? ......and what brand of oil are you using? Smart ass way of saying I *probably* wouldn't be able to tell the difference at my skill level......I suppose 3.9 would be a tad slower to react to rider input but may be better in desert where you want some width.... I'll go one more..... I'm not sure I even know what size I have on right now. I was hoping you would say that this would immediately improve my sand riding skills.

Does the front tire width make much difference? I see Desert IT's in 80/100 and 90/100. Claimed width difference is 3.7 versus 3.9. Would I realistically be able to tell any difference?

Jawhitmoyer, I read your write-up. I don't think you went far enough South. I took the turn to the West too early a couple of years ago and I think I hit the same gate you did. On Google maps, follow the trail heading east from Uruapan. Right at the knee where the trail turns north to Ojos, you will see a tiny homestead marked as Tres Hermanos. As far as I know this is the only trail connecting Ojos to highway 1. This is, by far, the best way to get to Cals.

Is the trail from Ojos Negros to Uruapan still open? Last time I went through there was a fenced corral at the bottom of the rocky downhill. A couple of guys opened the fences for us, but I've been reading some recent reports indicating that it's now locked. Hope not. I don't know any other way to Cals. Anybody been through here recently? Goofy...didn't you go through this summer?

I apologize in advance for another tire post. But, most discussions involve performance or wear. If the selection criteria is limited to only flat resistance is there a particular tire anyone can recommend? I have Dunlop D739 on the rear and it seems to be indestructible, but they don't make a front tire. I've already decided on a heavy duty tube in the front, and I was hoping to match it with the toughest carcass I can find. Flat resistance is my only criteria, less concerned about performance or wear.

Would you recommend bib mousse or anything else?

Yep. My sole reason for looking into them is to avoid flats. Hate 'em with a passion. Was looking at the Mousse option, but was concerned about longevity and the relubing aspect.

Does anyone have experience with tire balls? I'm thinking about putting them on the front tire of an XR650L. Other than the cost, are there any other big downsides to consider?

"I will be helping Craig out by bringing a flask of tequila and some limes to help celibrate each and every break we take :)" I'm not positive, but I don't think Craig needs help learning how to drink tequila. After 10 shots at Mikes on our last trip, I was convinced that it was not his first time.

Reminder: We are meeting at the filling station on the US side of the Tecate boarder at 8:30 tomorrow morning, 4/10, ready to ride. The filling station is on the east side of the road, 200 yards from the boarder. There is only one in town, so you can't miss it. There is a secure parking area immediately behind the filling station, and a couple places across the street. Take your pick. I, and a few others, will be at the one behind the filling station up on top of the hill. Old fat guy on an XR650.....I'm hard to miss. If you get there early, please join us. At 8:30, we will ride down to the filling station in case there are any stragglers we need to pick up. Other than ragnor.......everyone else remember your passport!

Under no circumstance are you to park next to me. Your bike makes mine look like a POS. Oh.....and be sure to take a before and after shot. So you can remember what your bike looked like before it was permanently coated in Baja dust.

Now THATS a set of bags. Is there a bike under there somewhere? Think about this as you are driving down (in the dark) ......if we don't dawdle, 12 hours after you leave OC, you will be in Erendira having a beer overlooking the pacific and watching the whales go by.