I had a xr650l back in the 90s beat it to death then sold it what a mistake, I wanted together another one but couldn’t find a good deal in my area, finally the local Honda dealership called me and said they just got a 2024 in , I went right down there and bought it I’m keeping this one forever, I got it right where I want it geared handle bars, exhaust, and rejett the carb , perfect now and loving life, I own street bikes and dirt bikes but I’m happy with my xr650l, good luck with your new bike
I just bought an XR650L! I rented one in Ecuador for my first solo 3 week ride and just loved it. Mods are cheap and easy in the US (front sprocket, bigger gas tank and rear subframe support is all I’m doing.) No it’s not a perfect bike. And not right for everyone. Who knows, I may find out it’s not the bike for me. But it’s my second bike, and I hope to modify it into a RTW machine. I am NOT however looking forward to approaching head on a huge semi truck at 60MPH with a 30 MPH side wind that is the norm in Kansas. That’s what my Gold Wing is for. 😂 It’ll be fun to have a bike I can work on and have fun with. (Oops! Really old post! 😂)
Back in the mid 80s I would go to SA for work, in my off time id buy used dirt bikes at the time the Rand to dollar conversion for me was just insane. Id buy 5 or 6 bikes load em on a container then 6 or 8 months latter id get them on Ascension Island, I got some very cool euro spec bikes from SA id buy mostly enduros but a couple of street bikes including a dream Honda 650 twin. Im 62 been blown up about 5 times, just getting back into bikes as Ive moved to rural Arkansas. just picked up a 75 BMW R75/6 im putting 70/30 tyres on it lifting the fenders up a bit and making a seat. I also have an XL600R but kicking it is killing my tortured Right leg. enjoy your channel I subbed! Ive owned multiple TW200s kicking my self for selling them hell for selling all my bikes haha
I don't blame you for selling the XR. There are days I think I should sell mine - for all the same reasons (I did put the stock tank back on) - and parts, for now, are easier to come by in the states.
Thanks, Ronald. I appreciate the comment. I do have to say that there are days that I really miss the bike now. But yes, it does help if parts are more readily available. Enjoy the XR!
A lot of people in your part of the world have doubled down on the Suzuki and Kawasakis. Not because they don't enjoy the Honda, but because logistically it's just too hard of a bike to keep going. Cross Training Adventures in Australia has a similar disposition. Still loving the content.
Got a CRF300L and was thinking swapping it for a XR650L...maybe I shouldn't, because the CRF300L is actually rally great fun...hmm...apart from the suspension a bit. But upgrading the suspension makes the CRF300L more expensive than the XR650...
@@GreaseAndGravel yep, if you get an XR650R or an XR600 and do a review with a XR650L then that would be awesome, Also a review of a Sutton oil cooler on the XR600R
THANK'S for the info, XRL is'nt really an adventure bike any way, I'm still watching you're videos because there interesting and basically, like U said U did most of the work yourself. Myself I liked you and your wife road across Africa on the Chinese 125s, my self my XR's rebuilt I can learn how run a you tube Channel and I can show what the next 50,000 miles is going be like, because it's all an adventure, just keep rid'en, and you'll stay young forever. U KNOW Y BECAUSE XR'S RULE!!!!!! THANK'S from NOR-CAL!!!!!
Thanks, Chris!! I really appreciate the kind words and continued support! I was really worried about what the XR-fans would say. I really enjoyed the ride and chats with XR-riders. You have to start that TH-cam channel!! (I've already subscribed ;)). I'd love to see some XR build vids. I won't stop riding, that's for sure! Thanks from SA
That XR650L gave you my SUBSCRIBE lol, i understand. i live in Mexico i dont thing i will have those shipping problems since im really close to the US Border. in im the process of buying one.. what do you think.
I'm in the process of selling my XR650L. Hands down, one of the worst bikes, I have ever owned. Yes, it likely took a beating from the previous owner, so I rebuilt it. Extensively. It was a money pit. With the cash I dropped I could have bought a new XR, and another used one. Should have stopped, but I wanted to see it through. That XR always had issues, and it was never good on the road, not even with my mods. (Tires, sprockets, carb, oil cooler). That bike spent more time being torn down and fixed than I did riding it. I absolutely hate my bike. Old ancient technology and design. Simple is not always better. And Honda is just so bland. No performance, no character, no design. I had some good memories on Honda, but the best time I had was with Yamaha. I cant't wait to get rid of mine. Team Blue all the way. Just had to Rant. Given with my overall experience, past and present, I will never own another Honda again.
Your rationale is perfectly understandable... As a Generation 1 KLR and a DR rider, I loved your work on the XR 650. And I am going to love your stuff on the AG. I’m always looking out for an AG or a TW... They are stunning bikes, and ultimately more suited to true backcountry, self-supported , moto-camping travel...
Thanks for the support and encouragement! I really appreciate it. Hopefully we'll have a KLR on the channel sometime soon. I agree... I love the simplicity of traveling with small basic bikes. Cheers
Every time you see another Honda XR 650 L your heart is going to sink lol just kidding just keep riding. If you want I will send you pictures of my XR 650 L from time to time.
Its almost like you got rid of your super hot girlfriend so you could be with that disappointment. They couldn't sell that bike here, but as long as you are happy.
@@GreaseAndGravel I'll take a cute farm girl that knows how to have fun ANY day over a super-hot girlfriend who's too expensive to garage and isn't suited for long-distance expeditions. But I'm older and wiser now. ;)
I just got a r1200 GS. Still have my DR 650 thinking about selling it to recover some money from what I spent on the GS but deep down I know the simple single is the best. I’m going to try to keep it.
Wow, @@davidrivera1727 I also recently got a 2006 R1200GSA and I love the bike. They are actual quite simple to work on (I'd say easier than my XRL in some ways, e.g. the spark plugs). I recently went for an offroad riding course on the GS and I think I just need to practice more. The big can do so much more than I can. Enjoy the GS!
Nooooo. Francois! Why did you do that. I bought an XR650L because of your channel and I'm picking it up this Friday. What am I going to do? Anyways, congrats!
Don't worry!! You'll love the bike! Check out these two channels if you haven't already: th-cam.com/users/HeddleTown and th-cam.com/channels/Js1_c-dXD7v3nzGPqUnGLA.html There are also 3 awesome Facebook pages (I am sure you've joined them already). So many awesome XR riders on there. If you are in the US, there are sooo many parts and upgrades... Here I had to make my own chain slider because I'm not paying $60 for a piece of plastic where you can buy one on Amazon for $9.99. Enjoy the bike and let me know what you think of it!!👊
![แข่งเพิ่มน้ำหนักใน 24 ชั่วโมง!! [Ver 2025]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/20xn0g6k-ec/mqdefault.jpg)
No problem ,the main thing is to keep riding bikes and keep fiddling with them in the garage ,but i love my xr650l.
Thanks for the support, Bjorn! I will definitely keep riding and fiddling with the bikes. Enjoy the XR!
I had a xr650l back in the 90s beat it to death then sold it what a mistake, I wanted together another one but couldn’t find a good deal in my area, finally the local Honda dealership called me and said they just got a 2024 in , I went right down there and bought it I’m keeping this one forever, I got it right where I want it geared handle bars, exhaust, and rejett the carb , perfect now and loving life, I own street bikes and dirt bikes but I’m happy with my xr650l, good luck with your new bike
I just bought an XR650L! I rented one in Ecuador for my first solo 3 week ride and just loved it. Mods are cheap and easy in the US (front sprocket, bigger gas tank and rear subframe support is all I’m doing.) No it’s not a perfect bike. And not right for everyone. Who knows, I may find out it’s not the bike for me. But it’s my second bike, and I hope to modify it into a RTW machine. I am NOT however looking forward to approaching head on a huge semi truck at 60MPH with a 30 MPH side wind that is the norm in Kansas. That’s what my Gold Wing is for. 😂
It’ll be fun to have a bike I can work on and have fun with.
(Oops! Really old post! 😂)
Back in the mid 80s I would go to SA for work, in my off time id buy used dirt bikes at the time the Rand to dollar conversion for me was just insane. Id buy 5 or 6 bikes load em on a container then 6 or 8 months latter id get them on Ascension Island, I got some very cool euro spec bikes from SA id buy mostly enduros but a couple of street bikes including a dream Honda 650 twin. Im 62 been blown up about 5 times, just getting back into bikes as Ive moved to rural Arkansas. just picked up a 75 BMW R75/6 im putting 70/30 tyres on it lifting the fenders up a bit and making a seat. I also have an XL600R but kicking it is killing my tortured Right leg. enjoy your channel I subbed! Ive owned multiple TW200s kicking my self for selling them hell for selling all my bikes haha
Wow, that is an awesome story! How's the R75/6 running? I'd love to own an R65 or R80 but they are super scarce now
I don't blame you for selling the XR. There are days I think I should sell mine - for all the same reasons (I did put the stock tank back on) - and parts, for now, are easier to come by in the states.
Thanks, Ronald. I appreciate the comment. I do have to say that there are days that I really miss the bike now. But yes, it does help if parts are more readily available. Enjoy the XR!
Parts availability is a big consideration that many don't bring into mind when buying a bike.
Yes. And it depends on where in the world you live.
A lot of people in your part of the world have doubled down on the Suzuki and Kawasakis. Not because they don't enjoy the Honda, but because logistically it's just too hard of a bike to keep going. Cross Training Adventures in Australia has a similar disposition. Still loving the content.
Thanks for watching! Yeah, it is a pity we don't get any of those bike here anymore. I love the old tech.
I love my XR600R so much I spent 11K in mods on it. Got a RedMoto CRF300RX for the tight stuff...
I was actually looking for an old XR600R after selling my XRL. I think they were tougher than the L.
@@GreaseAndGravel They're the same, the L just has less compression, a starter and all the street legal crap.
I bought mine new back in '92
Got a CRF300L and was thinking swapping it for a XR650L...maybe I shouldn't, because the CRF300L is actually rally great fun...hmm...apart from the suspension a bit. But upgrading the suspension makes the CRF300L more expensive than the XR650...
Yeah, that's a tricky one. I'd stick with the 300... it's more practical
I really like the light do it all bike concept.
yeah, simply and light is better
I hope you buy another XR650L,
I loved your XR650L videos,
I look forward to you getting an XR650R or an XR600R and making more videos
Thank you, John! I appreciate the kind words and the support. I’d love to get an XRR next time.
@@GreaseAndGravel yep, if you get an XR650R or an XR600 and do a review with a XR650L then that would be awesome,
Also a review of a Sutton oil cooler on the XR600R
My XR650L is not for sale
THANK'S for the info, XRL is'nt really an adventure bike any way,
I'm still watching you're videos
because there interesting and basically, like U said U did most
of the work yourself. Myself I liked you and your wife road across Africa on the Chinese
125s, my self my XR's rebuilt
I can learn how run a you tube
Channel and I can show what
the next 50,000 miles is going
be like, because it's all an adventure, just keep rid'en,
and you'll stay young forever.
U KNOW Y BECAUSE XR'S
RULE!!!!!!
THANK'S from NOR-CAL!!!!!
Thanks, Chris!! I really appreciate the kind words and continued support! I was really worried about what the XR-fans would say. I really enjoyed the ride and chats with XR-riders. You have to start that TH-cam channel!! (I've already subscribed ;)). I'd love to see some XR build vids.
I won't stop riding, that's for sure!
Thanks from SA
That XR650L gave you my SUBSCRIBE lol, i understand. i live in Mexico i dont thing i will have those shipping problems since im really close to the US Border. in im the process of buying one.. what do you think.
Thanks for the Sub, Ricardo! If I lived in the US or near it, I’d definately get an XR again!
I'm in the process of selling my XR650L. Hands down, one of the worst bikes, I have ever owned. Yes, it likely took a beating from the previous owner, so I rebuilt it. Extensively. It was a money pit. With the cash I dropped I could have bought a new XR, and another used one. Should have stopped, but I wanted to see it through. That XR always had issues, and it was never good on the road, not even with my mods. (Tires, sprockets, carb, oil cooler). That bike spent more time being torn down and fixed than I did riding it. I absolutely hate my bike. Old ancient technology and design. Simple is not always better. And Honda is just so bland. No performance, no character, no design. I had some good memories on Honda, but the best time I had was with Yamaha. I cant't wait to get rid of mine.
Team Blue all the way.
Just had to Rant.
Given with my overall experience, past and present, I will never own another Honda again.
I bought a new one this year.Going to sell it.Way too tall.I am 5'11" too.
Yeah, I am enjoying my old 2006 R1200GSA way more
Your rationale is perfectly understandable...
As a Generation 1 KLR and a DR rider, I loved your work on the XR 650.
And I am going to love your stuff on the AG. I’m always looking out for an AG or a TW... They are stunning bikes, and ultimately more suited to true backcountry, self-supported , moto-camping travel...
Thanks for the support and encouragement! I really appreciate it. Hopefully we'll have a KLR on the channel sometime soon. I agree... I love the simplicity of traveling with small basic bikes. Cheers
Alway like your vids👍🇿🇦👍
Thanks, Herco! I appreciate it. Next month I'll start testing new bikes if all goes according to plan 🤞
Every time you see another Honda XR 650 L your heart is going to sink lol just kidding just keep riding. If you want I will send you pictures of my XR 650 L from time to time.
That happened just yesterday when I saw another guy's TH-cam vid, riding his XR. Thanks for the offer!🤣Cheers
Its almost like you got rid of your super hot girlfriend so you could be with that disappointment. They couldn't sell that bike here, but as long as you are happy.
Interesting analogy 😅 But I think it is more that I want to experience different types of bikes. I was tempted by a farm girl🤣
@@GreaseAndGravel I'll take a cute farm girl that knows how to have fun ANY day over a super-hot girlfriend who's too expensive to garage and isn't suited for long-distance expeditions. But I'm older and wiser now. ;)
Lol, good one!😂
If you want to support the channel when buying your motorcycling gear and mods, please consider using this affiliate link to Amazon: amz.run/50R3
Bad choice buy it back
I know!🙈
@@GreaseAndGravel 😂 I am thinking of selling my xr650l for an XT500 - even though xr better offroad - I just love the old XT
@@JoeProAdventures My first bike was an XT500 with a 30L tank... I wish I could get it back!!
@@GreaseAndGravel same had a 1976 xt500 first on/off road bike got it at 17 in late 90’s
You should never need Honda parts. NEVER.
They stopped selling them here in 2013😢
Obviously Francois you do as you see fit. No worries. Now let's see what can be done with the Africa Gangsters.👍☺🌲
African Gangsters🤣😎 Lovit! Thanks, I really appreciate the continued support!! It helps keep me motivated👊
👍🏽
😢
I know😥
I just got a r1200 GS. Still have my DR 650 thinking about selling it to recover some money from what I spent on the GS but deep down I know the simple single is the best. I’m going to try to keep it.
Wow, @@davidrivera1727 I also recently got a 2006 R1200GSA and I love the bike. They are actual quite simple to work on (I'd say easier than my XRL in some ways, e.g. the spark plugs). I recently went for an offroad riding course on the GS and I think I just need to practice more. The big can do so much more than I can. Enjoy the GS!
You make zero sense. It's a 30 year old production bike and you can't get parts? Sounds like you need a purse.
In SA there aren't many of these around and Honda charges silly prices and has to order the most basic parts from Japan. It was a big headache.
Good rationale and good luck!
Nooooo. Francois! Why did you do that. I bought an XR650L because of your channel and I'm picking it up this Friday. What am I going to do? Anyways, congrats!
Don't worry!! You'll love the bike! Check out these two channels if you haven't already: th-cam.com/users/HeddleTown and th-cam.com/channels/Js1_c-dXD7v3nzGPqUnGLA.html There are also 3 awesome Facebook pages (I am sure you've joined them already). So many awesome XR riders on there.
If you are in the US, there are sooo many parts and upgrades... Here I had to make my own chain slider because I'm not paying $60 for a piece of plastic where you can buy one on Amazon for $9.99.
Enjoy the bike and let me know what you think of it!!👊