There’ve been a couple changes to the stable that I haven’t shared here yet—though the observant might’ve caught a glimpse of a certain aggressively green machine lurking in the background of a few photos. Yep, late last year, a brand-new 2024 Kawasaki KLX 230S joined the garage.
Now, before the die-hard torque junkies roll their eyes, hear me out. We’ve got a few newer riders in our orbit—friends and family looking to get their street/trail legs under them—and the KLX 230S checked a lot of boxes. Lower seat height? Check. Friendly power curve that won’t bite back? Check. Street legal right out of the crate? Big check. And with the end-of-year sales making it too affordable to ignore, it was a no-brainer.
Father Daughter Ride
It’s not built to be a beast—and that’s exactly why it’s perfect. Most of its life will be spent easing around town, maybe exploring a gravel road or two. Other than the addition of a rear fender rack for hauling snacks, sunscreen, or the occasional bag of hardware-store glory, it’s staying bone stock for now. Think of it as the chill friend in the group, happy to go along for the ride without starting any trouble.
But let’s talk about the real surprise: the return of an old flame.
A second 1997 Honda XR600R has entered the chat. The plan was simple—grab it cheap as a donor bike to keep our already-dual-sported ’97 XR on the trail and out of the boneyard. But sometimes plans change.
See, the thing is… it runs. Too well, actually. Fires up easy, holds idle like a champ, and doesn’t smoke. So now I’m sitting here staring at what was supposed to be a parts bike, trying to explain to myself why I shouldn’t just build it into another bike altogether. You can guess how that argument ended.
1997 XR600R
So, new plan: we’re going full dual sport conversion on XR600 #2.
But not just a clone of the first build—we’re splitting duties. One XR will lean toward lightweight adventure duty: larger gas tank, more comfortable seat, dual sport tires with more street grip, luggage racks, hardwired GPS, and probably a windscreen for the longer hauls. It’ll be the pack mule that still wants to run. The other will stay rough and rowdy—mostly dirt, with just enough street kit to keep the rangers off our backs when we duck onto forest service roads.
Downside? Two running XR600s means twice the maintenance… and the need for another parts bike. Maybe we’re starting a collection. Maybe it’s a sickness. Hard to say.
What is easy to say is this: it’s shaping up to be an interesting season. One new bike that barely growls, one old beast that refuses to die, and one increasingly crowded garage.
Stay tuned. It’s gonna get loud.
