I have a xr650r and live in British Columbia land of logging roads. The XR loves to unwind down a backroad and soaks up everything to make it feel smooth as butter!
Had my 2001 since Septemer 2000. Its not going anywhere. Awesome bike. Having access to än RM500 I thought the XR650R was the only 4 stroke that could come near the power of a 500 2 stroke and could be ridden everyday in every way. It was certainly built to outlast its owners. Motor never been split and still needs decomp lever to start. Of Course, like my kids it has been looked but no way as needy as they are! Fantastic, solid and as reliable as they come which is the true XR way.
My 2002 650R has over 70 K on it. Been riding it for 16 yrs and is my favorite of all time. Over 20 K mi since last rebuild. It has never stranded me on a ride. Been all over So Cal desert, NV, Utah, Colorado, AZ. Also have an 03 650R with only 1300 mi waiting to replace the 02. I'm 69 yo so will be riding 650R's the rest of my riding life! BTW, Excellent video!
Larry Ambrose keep your 2x sweet....they are getting more and more rare to see here in Colorado for sale. I just finished my 2x build this winter, so stoked on it, but I’ll keep hammering the miles on my 1x bike!
Just got my dad's 01 I used to ride on the handle bars back in cal city! Now it hasn't been run in 10 years so I have the pleasure of rebuilding her. Brings back memories! Can't wait to get her running!
had lots of bikes. Read so much about guys crying for bike sold that I start to search one... Found it 3 years ago... Now at 63 I"ll ride it until the end :) period
My XR has got me home when other bikes wouldn't have, to a regular Joe it's a pig to own but when the XR is in your soul it starts every time and easily , yeah it maybe for us more manly experienced, old-school riders that appreciate older technology..but it works.. I've got into a high speed mess and got flapping and bouncing closing my eyes to brace for impact only to open them again to see I'm still on the bike and motoring ...these things aren't bikes.. they're guardian angels.
I don’t look at them as pigs, these bikes have won off-road championships and if the riders are in great shape these bikes are still competitive in the Baja 1000 which are still being raced to this day .. 🤙🏻 your post is gospel my friend.
This is how I feel about my XR250R I had from the time I turned 12. I hit 5'10" 145lbs that summer and had that bike till I was 17yrs old weighing 175lbs. I flogged my XR250R so hard all those yrs and it never failed. I just changed the oil with cheap pens oil, a New oil filter every time, cleaned and oiled my airfilter pretty regularly, lubed my chain, only changed my chain twice, and went through countless sets of tires. I always thought I'd get renthal bars and break away levers but I never bent them. I can't count the number of times I made it home on reserve... I lived on the edge of the Las Vegas NV Valley and was on that bike every day after school and lived on it in the summers... That bike was perfect.
As you mention it, fast, safe and agile as long as you are in shape. It has taken me where none has done it, by land, mud, hills and highways, nothing stops it. I have crossed the mountains, jungle and coast without problems, it is a faithful companion, so I agree with you 100%, the best motorcycle that Honda has made so far.
R1200GS, Ulysses XB1200X, DR650. Since I bought the XR650R, those bikes haven't gotten much attention. I use the bike almost daily as a commuter-bike, trail-bike, Starbucks-bike, baja-bike. You must kick it, you must get it dialed in properly, it has zero luxuries, zero bling. But it feels special, feels purposeful and indestructible, and it feels race-bread but without the delicacy that often comes with that. Either you get it and bond with it, or you dont and it's just not for you. Like Nebraska "its not for everyone" :) i just LIKE riding it.
i own a 650r although it is in supermoto form. for me, being a big honda fanatic! something about the XR650R just hit me, deep emotionally! and the fact that they are amazing bikes and keep on running even though some of them are over 20 years old!
Love my XR650R will never sell it , bought new in 2000 always there when needed, always starts "because I know how to do it properly " instead of kickstarting it like a looney! As I've seen so many people do, you know the people I'm talking of , you can't tell them anything! because they know what their talking about!, as they are shouting " f King peace of shit at the bike " and there leg is "winning the fastest moving thing ever to be attached to a human contest" as they are kicking it like a two stroke with no plug in it!!! And complaining that it should have an electric button, eeerrrr no it shouldn't , and do you know way! Because no matter where I've been, I've never had a dead battery! Because it doesn't have one ; ) The thing has Honda reliability and a bomb proof motor that's a beast and will try ripping your arms off if you treat it bad :( so just hold on and enjoy the ride . And the fact that HRC only built them to race Baja and not only win but dominated for years , the bike is a purebred with race pedigree , an icon and legend.
Wow. You have said it best! Once you know how to kick it .... it will treat you right. I actually don’t let anyone ride my xr650r unless they can start it within in 5 kicks. Lol
My 2001 XR650R is the best bike I have ever owned! It's been brilliant on the trails ( here in the UK), it's been brilliant in Supermoto form and it's taken me on many 2000 mile road trips. It's running on 17 inch rear 19 inch front with TKC80'S at the moment and looks and rides superb!. I love the fact that it's bike with a genuine race heritage and pedigree, it's built really well, the suspension is ahead of it's time....just a brilliant bike! And when I'm about to disembark from a cross channel ferry with a load of 'modern ' bikes she starts first kick! . She's a keeper for sure.. cheers, Steve
As long as I can kick, i'll keep my BRP. Period. If I can't no more, will give it to my son and listen to the sound when he will ride it :) Anytime I see new "adventure" bikes, full of electronics and heavy cows, I smile :) Pure pleasure and sensation to ride a real bike have nothing to do with these... Satisfaction ? yes, they can give you .But what about the big smile on your face when you come back in garage ....? :) :) )
👍Just got back on an Xr650r from a Crf450x. I love both bikes, but the 650 is just so easy to go fast, without much effort. It is like comparing a trophy truck to a class 10 car. Sure the 10 car is lighter and more agile, but that big red pig of a trophy truck just holds a line and doesn't deflect off of it. Plus so much better not having to rev it's guts out going down the highway keeping up with traffic. I love mine in Baja and even up in the woods in northern Az.
Just picked one up with original 6000km and am loving it im 49 years old had a 85 xr 500 as a young bloke and sold it for beer money now wiser and not selling 650r its taken 18mths to find. never selling. Hi from Australia
Most fun all around bike I've owned. Powerful, comfortable, reliable. Even rode a guy on the back in baja120 miles to the USA border. Nothing wrong with the BRP!
25 thousand on and off road miles on my 2000 XR 650r I will be driving it to work tomorrow and will only be 20 degrees outside and I'll be ripping down the dirt roads in the summer when it is 80 to 90 degrees outside dialed in carb doesn't skip a beat no matter what the temperature is and still starts right up on the coldest days electric start would be nice though.
I'm the 2nd owner of my 2001 XR650R. Doubt it has 1000 miles on it. I'm 50+ years old now so it gets ridden when we're planting in the Spring or harvest in the Fall at our farm in Iowa. Still has original tires with little wear. Original owner opened it up. She ain't no stock bike. Incredible power with deep roar is just sick. Will be hard to ever let it go.
Bought mine new in 2000. Still rides as good as the day I bought it. Amazes me how easy I can ride in sand dunes without a paddle. Incredible power. I'll never sell it, but I will pass it on to my son when I am finished riding which will be no time soon.
As a proud owner of xt550 yamaha for 13 years I was winning bets outside the pubs for kickstarting with the hand. In Greece 550 was and still is a legend.
I bought the very 1st XR600R to come into NY State in 1986. Of course I paid full price. After a stressful day at work, a ride anlong the Interstate trails cleared my mind.
Iv been riding for 30years and i bought a like new 650r 2 years ago and its by far the funest bike iv ever been on but yes u have to be in shape to handle it 💪💪
Bought mine new in 2001. Been riding it for 18 years in organized Dual Sport events and trail riding. Also have a new Husky FE501. Rode the Honda in most LA-B to V rides since 2001. Was going to ride the XR in the most recent LA-B to V however noticed day before Thanksgiving that the water pump was starting to leak coolant. Ended up riding the Husky. It is a testament to how good the old 650R is that I chose it over the Husky. I think that the Husky is brilliant but the 650R is more comfortable on long distance 500 + mile trail rides.
I've had three... The second one I sold to go down to a DRZ400 because it has electric start. I was very disappointed in that decision and went back to the xr650r. There won't ever be a better bike unless they build this same bike with electric start. Through my journey I did get lucky on the last one the one that I own now and got a 2007 that was basically out of the crate. SCORE!!!
Bought one from a bike dealer, based in Sanson, before Christmas Joel. They are extremely rare here alright, and Im glad I found one. Had some great, high speed rides, along Pourerere Beach, in Hawkes Bay. This bike is an icon alright👍👍👍
@@stevenbrooking5765 2 years on from this comment ...try to find one in NZ now next to impossible unless get an import BIG DOLLARS!! and with covid restrictions good luck!!
I have an 02 XR650R I recently traded with a coworker for my Grom. ProValve dialed in the suspension for me. I replaced just about everything except the plastics. This is the biggest dirt bike I've ever owned. I started out with an YZ250F, sold that and purchased an XR250R , sold that and purchased an XR400R. Luckily, mine is plated so it's a 50/50 bike. Once you figure out the secret to starting it, it's a piece of cake. All my buddies ride KTM 690 enduro's and try to talk me into "upgrading" but that will never happen!
To the Dominator owner. I have watched your videos for a few years with interest-loved the Bob Bell interview-and have admired your dedication and stories. I'm now building what will be my 6th & last XR650R. It is restored and massaged into a thing of beauty.Part Genuine,part contemporary-if they made a new model after looking into a crystal ball....this is what you might find. Would love to share with you the end result. Keep up the homage! From land down under.
2000 XR 650r is definitely a bike of extreme indurance I live in Colorado and have had it on some of the most extrem mountain passes with all of my camping gear and it always got me home.
i own a XR650R for 12 years now , and....it's just great! I love this bike and I never gonna sell'it! 90% gravel and 10 % asfalt. The engine is bulletproof if you just change oil and filter often.
I'm from Australia and have a road legal one and use it for a town commute and very light off-roading. Getting around town quickly on it is amazing as it's so agile and quick. I have a blackbird but it's like riding a elephant in the city so I use that for out of town cruising. I chose the XR as my commute as I've been riding/owing XRs since the 80s and love their simplicity. When I first got my machine it was missing a few minor bits and pieces so I purchased genuine parts and got it pretty much stock accept for the exhaust. Never thrash it and treat it ginger as just cruising the streets brings me much joy. Its not for everyone as I've noticed most riders now days shy away from large cc kickstart engines but it suits me to a tea perfectly.
I hace just bought my xr650r, plated un 2008, spain. 1600 miles of on road. Its spectacular and I love it. Its....something more, you know? I have had 3 bmw 1200gs, ducati multistrada enduro 1200, ....but xr is very special
I've owned 5 xr650r's. Just bought my 6th an planning a totally different build . I've owned everything from a Harley Vrod to a Honda rc51.... I keep going back to the 650r
I dig your vids. I have a pretty mondo XRR build (for the Mexican 1000) that is going to start next week. I went a similar route as you with Precision Concepts doing my motor and suspension. I will post videos of progress along the way. There are actually two others that are building theirs as well. I agree with your assessment by the way. I've heard a good case made for the 600R as well, given it's performance in east coast woods racing as well as desert.
Watched this video again. Love my 2002. I just need to get the heavy duty light on the front, new set of rims from excel and rebuild suspension and I'm good
I bought my 650r last summer. When i went to pick up the bike ...it was like finding the best horse on Red Dead 2. You know from the very first firing up that you sit on a purebreed. Since then, i´ve put the bike through anything imaginable. Trying to find it´s limits and weakpoints. At the end you´ll only find your own. That´s what the 650r shows you. The simplicity is so well engineered, the reliability so thought out... Dude...that bike is a fuckin´ rock. It brings you through any shit and back.
Bought my 2000 model for 2000$ a few years ago I was 17 at the time, ex hare scramble bike, bought it from the original owner. Cleaned the carb and changed the oil and tires, ran like a champ after sitting in the corner of his shop for 10 years. Put easily 3k on it so far.
Hey man I'm a big fan of yours and your videos. Have ridden in Baja for nearly 40 years with my bud steve.Have gone through yamahas, KTM's but the best bikes we both have ridden have been hondas ,not 650's but 250xr's (Baja mule). We have worn out 4 250 xr's in the process. all having at least 15 to 20,000 miles on them. Steve still rides a 400xr and I don't know how many miles it has on it now, but I've gone through 2 ktm's. Many years ago when making it to Mikes we always noted that it looked like a honda shop under the awning by the pool. since then it has taken on many more different colors. Oh to progress. I'm always looking forward to your videos as it brings back so many great memories. thanks.
I sold my CR500 and regret it every day...I will not do that with my 650. I ride Michigan single track with it and love it, really makes you feel like you have accomplished something after a day in the tight trails.
What makes the xr650r so great is it does everything so very well. It can run with a Motocross back off the line, a 450 that is... With it's mild manners it can own tight, tight, twisty trails in the mountains and deserts and swamps. It can take all comers on the street. It's as stable as a Harley at speed on the highway. Excellent breaks and the whole thing is bulletproof reliable. And comfortable. I don't know of any other bike that does this many things this well.
I had one fucking loved it and wish I never sold it a fantastic beast indeed all the grunt in the world and go anywhere my helmet was looking and flat out like a jet
I watched a movie called dust to glory 2007. I think the riders name was mouse McCoy and he just blew my mind! I have an XR 400 and I love it! But, it’s not the 650R ! Now that I have the 400 I want the 650! I’m 52 years old and I’ve wanted an EXR since I was about 16. Nothing like old-school technology keep it simple! Air cooled oil cooler stuck in there just ride!
@@bermcannonk to be the best supermoto out there they need a slipper clutch and a 6th gear but ive had it up to 120mph and thats fast enough on a pig lol
@@eetukoistinen4133 i wouldnt say its a awsome build ,he could of stripped and powder coated alot of the parts if he was doing a proper re-build and cam swap at least to compliment the carb and exhaust system . 😉
I will never get rid of my XR 650 I am in the process of putting a Baja science street legal kit on it I think Honda needs to bring it back with some updates electric start
I'm putting my new old 2003 XR650R together to do adv. riding. Bought with 50 miles on it from a co. in corona called Go Baja Riding Tours. Honda had just come out with the CRF 450 with e start and that made the 650 a no go for the renters. I was going to do the Trans Continental Trail with it back in 03' but never happened. Now my friend wants to do it. He bought a KTM890 adv. R. Had Baja Design wire the stator for 2ea. 125 watt circuits and bought there LED headlamp. Plus purchase another brands LED light set up. Bought a new rear sub frame and rear fender and seat from Honda to weld extra tubing supports to support the 2 weeks of camping gear and still be able to hit the bumps hard without worry. Put in heavier spring front and rear with new seals from Race Tech. It was already uncorked muffler end insert and main and needle jet. Have the removal plug kit to get rid of the EGR valve. Wanted pro circuit or FMF muffler but they have not made any in a while. I do have one on order thru Motosports. We want to do the section of the trail where Colorado to Oregon coast. Depending on time might have to take a lot of fwy, I-70 plus down again. Have Seat concepts making a wider comfort seat so my ass survives the freeway. I'm told don't worry about not having a cush drive rear wheel, the tranny won't grenade. Will take it easy on the asphalt. Bought Giant loop soft luggage and all the sleeping, tent, cook, etc from REI. Just the REI stuff was over a grand. Bought these DOT knobby tires called Motoz, supposed to be good. We'll see how it goes?
I own a 02 and a 06 that I bought in 2012 and have clocked up mega off road miles in Northern BC on these bikes and they have never broke down and left me stranded. I started riding in 1980 and have had many different bikes and have to agree that the 650R is one of if not THE greatest Motorcycle ever. I should add the only thing that is not the greatest is the air box and filter design.
I have a 2007 650R. I can’t ride it enough. For some reason I can’t put my finger on I keep choosing to ride it instead of my KTM 250 XC-W. The 250 is a flickable, nimble, go-anywhere machine. How does the XR keep making me smile so much more?
I have the same affliction but with a 250L. My 2016 CRF250L has lowered gearing with aggressive off road tires, doesnt over heat in technical terrain or at stop lights thanks to having a radiator fan, and starts instantly at the push of button. And I've chosen to ride it exactly 0 times since I bought an Xr650R 4 months ago. Alot of that has to due with suspension though, you can tune the xr650R to handle more weight where as the 250L has a limp and nonadjustable suspension. But the rest has to do with the pull of that big 650 thumper winding all the way out in 5th gear from from 25mph to 85mph.
When they built the last xr650r they destroyed the mold lol..NEVER will another be made.Jst like the CR500 and KX500 in 10years or less the price (which is already nuts) will skyrocket and become unobtainable to most of us...fact!!
My first bike was as XR 100 Ive had many bikes over the years including some 2 stroke MX bikes. I had an 87 XL600R which I intended to dual sport but ran into paperwork issues. I finally a couple months ago got an 18 XR650L I know you hate them but you cant plate an R in my state. i am supersized you can pull it off in CA i am over 4000 mi in 2 months it goes anywhere I have the nerve to put it and just chugs it way through. They run forever Oh and my 87 went to a friend who put it on an 87 600r frame and rode the hell out of it untill he popped it. I think these motors actually have to be warmed up prior to riding if you want it to last. Im trying to pass 10K this year it was at 98mi when I picked it up.
It is sad that the long stroke thumpers have been replaced by short stroke, high RPM, high maintenance grenades. My XRR is a 2003 and I have never had the engine apart. I blame the lack of popularity on a few things. 1) People think a 650 single must be impossible to kickstart. They should have cut a commercial showing how easy it truly is with the right procedure. 2) The painfully lean stock jetting. The stock XRR is a joke compared to what it can do when you open up the air flow, and rejet it. I know they had to do this for emissions purposes, but they should have instructed sales people to explain the jetting and have the dealer throw in a 68 pilot and 172 main with every purchase. When I bought my bike many years ago from an older guy, those were his complaints. Too hard to start, which it is if you try to start it like a 2 stroke, and it wasn’t as fast as he thought it would be. Both of those problems can be solved with a 1 minute starting tutorial, and $8 worth of jets. Sad. Best bike ever made and it wasn’t popular when they were still making it.
I have a 600r and it's a beast. Taken me to hell, back and beyond with great reliability except for a timing chain tensioner issue which if you check my channel vids I do a before and I repair shot
Great review! Love my 400r but I've been itching to try a 650r or even a 600r. After a wreck on my Drz that resulted in a busted water pump and a 5 mile walk home I'm kind of partial to air cooled bikes these days! :)
Im looking at buying one. Selling my zx10r to buy one. All these comments make me really want one. Bloke up the road has one for sale , he wants a bit much for it but they are rare. Done 12000 kms. Stock apart from un corking it. Its mint. It sounds to me it will be worth it then getting a dr 400 or 650.
IMO Honda's XR/XL model of bikes was the best most versatile line ever made from the XR/XL 50 all the way up to the XRR/XRL 650. I have an 08 XR60L and am dreading the day they discontinue it. It's just not replaceable.
I used to be a Honda guy(early 80's to early 00's) and i know what a Honda means. They should be updating their models instead of deleting them. Specially the off road range. They have lost the game years ago.
I own an xr125l and love it to death. (the small cc is bevause Im 17 and live in europe so for legal reasons thats the biggest cc allowed to a guy my age)
I have had all 3 XRs a xr650l and xr650r and 2 xr400s and I currently have a xr400 that I converted to estart and I love it. Out of the 3 it's tough to say the xr650r is great for open trails but it's a little big for the tight stuff although I did plenty of single track in Colorado imo the 650r and the xr400 are much better in the rough tight stuff imo. I think Honda blew it by not making it estart. Imo the 650r and the 400r both beat out the 650l by a long shot. Imo if Honda had made a xr650rl Honda wouldn't have sold one 650l past 2000 and based on the offerings right now in the dual sport segment the 650r would be king of all of them even though it's 19 year old design and probably be selling like crazy.
![ILLSLICK - KILLSHOT REMIX [FULL VERSION]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/RIK8RrqIAzE/mqdefault.jpg)
I have a xr650r and live in British Columbia land of logging roads. The XR loves to unwind down a backroad and soaks up everything to make it feel smooth as butter!
Had my 2001 since Septemer 2000. Its not going anywhere. Awesome bike. Having access to än RM500 I thought the XR650R was the only 4 stroke that could come near the power of a 500 2 stroke and could be ridden everyday in every way. It was certainly built to outlast its owners. Motor never been split and still needs decomp lever to start. Of Course, like my kids it has been looked but no way as needy as they are! Fantastic, solid and as reliable as they come which is the true XR way.
My 2002 650R has over 70 K on it. Been riding it for 16 yrs and is my favorite of all time. Over 20 K mi since last rebuild. It has never stranded me on a ride. Been all over So Cal desert, NV, Utah, Colorado, AZ. Also have an 03 650R with only 1300 mi waiting to replace the 02. I'm 69 yo so will be riding 650R's the rest of my riding life! BTW, Excellent video!
Right on Larry! Thats some serious milage. 😎
I do 1,000 to 1,300 per year on mine
I was avg 4,000 to 5,000/yr. Sold the 02 a few months ago. Now riding my 03 650R. It only has about 2500 mi on it!
Larry Ambrose keep your 2x sweet....they are getting more and more rare to see here in Colorado for sale. I just finished my 2x build this winter, so stoked on it, but I’ll keep hammering the miles on my 1x bike!
Just got my dad's 01 I used to ride on the handle bars back in cal city! Now it hasn't been run in 10 years so I have the pleasure of rebuilding her. Brings back memories! Can't wait to get her running!
Bought mine new in 2000 , just turned 69 Feb. 2 still riding it.
Wow 😮 good for you my friend. Thanks for watching
That is great to hear. I just got one and, at 52, I hope to keep riding it for years.
had lots of bikes. Read so much about guys crying for bike sold that I start to search one... Found it 3 years ago... Now at 63 I"ll ride it until the end :) period
@@babar69110 So true. We never learn do we lol.
You wanna sell it? I need one. Not want. Need.
My XR has got me home when other bikes wouldn't have, to a regular Joe it's a pig to own but when the XR is in your soul it starts every time and easily , yeah it maybe for us more manly experienced, old-school riders that appreciate older technology..but it works.. I've got into a high speed mess and got flapping and bouncing closing my eyes to brace for impact only to open them again to see I'm still on the bike and motoring ...these things aren't bikes.. they're guardian angels.
I don’t look at them as pigs, these bikes have won off-road championships and if the riders are in great shape these bikes are still competitive in the Baja 1000 which are still being raced to this day .. 🤙🏻 your post is gospel my friend.
This is how I feel about my XR250R I had from the time I turned 12. I hit 5'10" 145lbs that summer and had that bike till I was 17yrs old weighing 175lbs. I flogged my XR250R so hard all those yrs and it never failed. I just changed the oil with cheap pens oil, a New oil filter every time, cleaned and oiled my airfilter pretty regularly, lubed my chain, only changed my chain twice, and went through countless sets of tires.
I always thought I'd get renthal bars and break away levers but I never bent them.
I can't count the number of times I made it home on reserve...
I lived on the edge of the Las Vegas NV Valley and was on that bike every day after school and lived on it in the summers...
That bike was perfect.
As you mention it, fast, safe and agile as long as you are in shape. It has taken me where none has done it, by land, mud, hills and highways, nothing stops it. I have crossed the mountains, jungle and coast without problems, it is a faithful companion, so I agree with you 100%, the best motorcycle that Honda has made so far.
Boom 💥
R1200GS, Ulysses XB1200X, DR650. Since I bought the XR650R, those bikes haven't gotten much attention. I use the bike almost daily as a commuter-bike, trail-bike, Starbucks-bike, baja-bike. You must kick it, you must get it dialed in properly, it has zero luxuries, zero bling. But it feels special, feels purposeful and indestructible, and it feels race-bread but without the delicacy that often comes with that. Either you get it and bond with it, or you dont and it's just not for you. Like Nebraska "its not for everyone" :) i just LIKE riding it.
i own a 650r although it is in supermoto form. for me, being a big honda fanatic! something about the XR650R just hit me, deep emotionally!
and the fact that they are amazing bikes and keep on running even though some of them are over 20 years old!
Love my XR650R will never sell it , bought new in 2000 always there when needed,
always starts "because I know how to do it properly " instead of kickstarting it like a looney! As I've seen so many people do, you know the people I'm talking of , you can't tell them anything! because they know what their talking about!, as they are shouting " f King peace of shit at the bike " and there leg is "winning the fastest moving thing ever to be attached to a human contest" as they are kicking it like a two stroke with no plug in it!!! And complaining that it should have an electric button, eeerrrr no it shouldn't , and do you know way! Because no matter where I've been, I've never had a dead battery! Because it doesn't have one ; )
The thing has Honda reliability and a bomb proof motor that's a beast and will try ripping your arms off if you treat it bad :( so just hold on and enjoy the ride . And the fact that HRC only built them to race Baja and not only win but dominated for years , the bike is a purebred with race pedigree , an icon and legend.
Wow. You have said it best! Once you know how to kick it .... it will treat you right. I actually don’t let anyone ride my xr650r unless they can start it within in 5 kicks. Lol
lol! Exactly!
I put a few primer kicks through with the decomp lever in, find tdc, and give it one hard kick. Starts every time.
Metaldogrides top dead center, full choke gas on of course, for cold start. Other than that ya know the drill!! lol
Metaldogrides i love your comment "kickin like a looney" round my way we call it "kickin like a retard"
My 2001 XR650R is the best bike I have ever owned! It's been brilliant on the trails ( here in the UK), it's been brilliant in Supermoto form and it's taken me on many 2000 mile road trips. It's running on 17 inch rear 19 inch front with TKC80'S at the moment and looks and rides superb!. I love the fact that it's bike with a genuine race heritage and pedigree, it's built really well, the suspension is ahead of it's time....just a brilliant bike! And when I'm about to disembark from a cross channel ferry with a load of 'modern ' bikes she starts first kick! . She's a keeper for sure.. cheers, Steve
Great to hear Stephen!!!! I like the 17” rear idea.
I’ve owned 3 of them over the past 13 Years. It’s a really special motorcycle.
I bought mine 10 years ago... love story ... great hommage ✊
As long as I can kick, i'll keep my BRP. Period. If I can't no more, will give it to my son and listen to the sound when he will ride it :) Anytime I see new "adventure" bikes, full of electronics and heavy cows, I smile :) Pure pleasure and sensation to ride a real bike have nothing to do with these... Satisfaction ? yes, they can give you .But what about the big smile on your face when you come back in garage ....? :) :) )
👍Just got back on an Xr650r from a Crf450x. I love both bikes, but the 650 is just so easy to go fast, without much effort. It is like comparing a trophy truck to a class 10 car. Sure the 10 car is lighter and more agile, but that big red pig of a trophy truck just holds a line and doesn't deflect off of it. Plus so much better not having to rev it's guts out going down the highway keeping up with traffic. I love mine in Baja and even up in the woods in northern Az.
This is perfect gospel for the xr650r....... your on point. Thanks for watching 🙏🏼 got new stuff coming.
Just picked one up with original 6000km and am loving it im 49 years old had a 85 xr 500 as a young bloke and sold it for beer money now wiser and not selling 650r its taken 18mths to find. never selling. Hi from Australia
Most fun all around bike I've owned. Powerful, comfortable, reliable. Even rode a guy on the back in baja120 miles to the USA border. Nothing wrong with the BRP!
Had a 2001 XR650R and it was an awesome bike. Definitely my favorite bike I’ve ever owned.
25 thousand on and off road miles on my 2000 XR 650r I will be driving it to work tomorrow and will only be 20 degrees outside and I'll be ripping down the dirt roads in the summer when it is 80 to 90 degrees outside dialed in carb doesn't skip a beat no matter what the temperature is and still starts right up on the coldest days electric start would be nice though.
Turbo Moto DUDE! Best freinds aren’t that reliable 😂 thats alot of hustle your xr has done ✅. Thanks for watching
They're just butter. Plain and simple. Can hang with a CR with top end on dirt and blast down the highway with a harley if needed.
Luke I raced and beat a harley on mine, dunno if he knew we were racing 🤣
I agree, hundred percent!
Iv owned the dr350, dr650, klr650, drz400. But i still wanna xr650r!!
I'm the 2nd owner of my 2001 XR650R. Doubt it has 1000 miles on it. I'm 50+ years old now so it gets ridden when we're planting in the Spring or harvest in the Fall at our farm in Iowa. Still has original tires with little wear. Original owner opened it up. She ain't no stock bike. Incredible power with deep roar is just sick. Will be hard to ever let it go.
My first 650,but three 600 that when from 600-650 awesome bikes. The one I have now is constantly evolving.
Uk xr owner here, agree with you all the way.....hail the King!!
🙏🏼
Bought mine new in 2000. Still rides as good as the day I bought it. Amazes me how easy I can ride in sand dunes without a paddle. Incredible power. I'll never sell it, but I will pass it on to my son when I am finished riding which will be no time soon.
Love to hear this joe. Thanks for posting.
Love my 2001...Its way better than my newer ADV bikes.
Honda, bring it back!
As a proud owner of xt550 yamaha for 13 years I was winning bets outside the pubs for kickstarting with the hand. In Greece 550 was and still is a legend.
i just got one.... soon it will be home ( importing to baja ) welcome home baby
so sick. I went from trying to find one because of this video to buying one in 2018. this is by far the best bike ever made. I will never sell mine
I bought the very 1st XR600R to come into NY State in 1986. Of course I paid full price. After a stressful day at work, a ride anlong the Interstate trails cleared my mind.
Just got one I’m pumped - I’ll keep it forever. Thanks for the vids an inspirational build
Right on!
Iv been riding for 30years and i bought a like new 650r 2 years ago and its by far the funest bike iv ever been on but yes u have to be in shape to handle it 💪💪
Just finished restoring a 2003.... In a few weeks we are gona do our "Baja" ride.... Up the west coast of Denmark.... Can´t wait :-)
Thats great! Morten. Thanks for the comment and supporting my channel.
Bought mine new in 2001. Been riding it for 18 years in organized Dual Sport events and trail riding. Also have a new Husky FE501. Rode the Honda in most LA-B to V rides since 2001. Was going to ride the XR in the most recent LA-B to V however noticed day before Thanksgiving that the water pump was starting to leak coolant. Ended up riding the Husky. It is a testament to how good the old 650R is that I chose it over the Husky. I think that the Husky is brilliant but the 650R is more comfortable on long distance 500 + mile trail rides.
Thats some good feedback dennis. Thanks for the testimony 🤙🏻
I had an 86 when I was 17 and I was the wheelie king! My best friend had a quadzilla 500 and we would tear shit up!
@phxxr650r mine was a 600. The dirt virsion not the dual sport.
I've had three... The second one I sold to go down to a DRZ400 because it has electric start. I was very disappointed in that decision and went back to the xr650r. There won't ever be a better bike unless they build this same bike with electric start. Through my journey I did get lucky on the last one the one that I own now and got a 2007 that was basically out of the crate. SCORE!!!
Big fan of the Xr650r very rare in new Zealand I'm now building up my 2nd one importing all parts from USA great bikes
Bought one from a bike dealer, based in Sanson, before Christmas Joel. They are extremely rare here alright, and Im glad I found one. Had some great, high speed rides, along Pourerere Beach, in Hawkes Bay. This bike is an icon alright👍👍👍
@@stevenbrooking5765 2 years on from this comment ...try to find one in NZ now next to impossible unless get an import BIG DOLLARS!! and with covid restrictions good luck!!
My xr650r is the best motorcycle I've ever riden. Something special about these bikes no question.
Not gonna lie I treated my 650 like crap and it never let me down. Still runs great and faster then most others ;) hall of fame bike for sure!
I have an 02 XR650R I recently traded with a coworker for my Grom. ProValve dialed in the suspension for me. I replaced just about everything except the plastics. This is the biggest dirt bike I've ever owned. I started out with an YZ250F, sold that and purchased an XR250R , sold that and purchased an XR400R. Luckily, mine is plated so it's a 50/50 bike. Once you figure out the secret to starting it, it's a piece of cake. All my buddies ride KTM 690 enduro's and try to talk me into "upgrading" but that will never happen!
Nice 👍 provalve does good work.
To the Dominator owner. I have watched your videos for a few years with interest-loved the Bob Bell interview-and have admired your dedication and stories. I'm now building what will be my 6th & last XR650R. It is restored and massaged into a thing of beauty.Part Genuine,part contemporary-if they made a new model after looking into a crystal ball....this is what you might find. Would love to share with you the end result. Keep up the homage! From land down under.
Please..... would love to see pics of your 650r. Thanks agian for all the support.
i'd vote for it. i'm on my third one now...
2000 XR 650r is definitely a bike of extreme indurance I live in Colorado and have had it on some of the most extrem mountain passes with all of my camping gear and it always got me home.
Just bought an Africa Twin Yesterday. Love Honda's. Next one on my Bucket List is the xr650R. Love your video's, I've watched many times over!!!
Thank you 🙏🏼 for the support... hows the African twin? You like it? Or is it too big?
I will let you know in May! -40 celsius here with a fresh 12 inches of Snow.Sucks to live in Canada!! @@bermcannonk
I am the happy owner of 2 xr650s. Both California plates. One for the street and on for the dirt.
Ultimate
i own a XR650R for 12 years now , and....it's just great! I love this bike and I never gonna sell'it! 90% gravel and 10 % asfalt. The engine is bulletproof if you just change oil and filter often.
I'm from Australia and have a road legal one and use it for a town commute and very light off-roading. Getting around town quickly on it is amazing as it's so agile and quick. I have a blackbird but it's like riding a elephant in the city so I use that for out of town cruising. I chose the XR as my commute as I've been riding/owing XRs since the 80s and love their simplicity. When I first got my machine it was missing a few minor bits and pieces so I purchased genuine parts and got it pretty much stock accept for the exhaust. Never thrash it and treat it ginger as just cruising the streets brings me much joy. Its not for everyone as I've noticed most riders now days shy away from large cc kickstart engines but it suits me to a tea perfectly.
Thomas Lots of xr650r in Australia 🇦🇺 good to hear you have spent time commuting on one. I bet you got stories.
I hace just bought my xr650r, plated un 2008, spain. 1600 miles of on road. Its spectacular and I love it. Its....something more, you know?
I have had 3 bmw 1200gs, ducati multistrada enduro 1200, ....but xr is very special
Super cool man, I love the hall of fame perspective. It's a classic for sure.
I've owned 5 xr650r's. Just bought my 6th an planning a totally different build . I've owned everything from a Harley Vrod to a Honda rc51.... I keep going back to the 650r
Wow!!! I have only had 2 and still wish I had another in the garage
im buying one on monday and i cant wait
Got 2001 model...since 2010...love it..trying to covert to road legal ser...bajs design kit...only 1 in Fiji besides xr600r n few xr650L.
.
650r was my first street legal bike. I learned a lot on that bike and I miss it
Your first love. 🤘🏻
I dig your vids. I have a pretty mondo XRR build (for the Mexican 1000) that is going to start next week. I went a similar route as you with Precision Concepts doing my motor and suspension. I will post videos of progress along the way. There are actually two others that are building theirs as well. I agree with your assessment by the way. I've heard a good case made for the 600R as well, given it's performance in east coast woods racing as well as desert.
Speed Goats please do. Good luck out there. 👍
phxxr650r i think he is referring to the norra 1000 its the “Mexican 1000”
Just bought a low hour original owner 2000 XR650 been chasing one for 20 years finally found the one and had the cash 💸 mine
Watched this video again. Love my 2002. I just need to get the heavy duty light on the front, new set of rims from excel and rebuild suspension and I'm good
Hi chuck here I own 94 XR600R I love it would not ride any thing else best dam bike Honda ever made hands down
Thanks chuck. The 600 is iconic 👍
I bought my 650r last summer. When i went to pick up the bike ...it was like finding the best horse on Red Dead 2. You know from the very first firing up that you sit on a purebreed. Since then, i´ve put the bike through anything imaginable. Trying to find it´s limits and weakpoints. At the end you´ll only find your own. That´s what the 650r shows you. The simplicity is so well engineered, the reliability so thought out... Dude...that bike is a fuckin´ rock. It brings you through any shit and back.
5 Second Prank 😂. Comment of the post right here. Lol.
Had one. Street legal in Caifornia. It's a great bike.
Man that's a beast you're riding 🤟🏼
Bought my 2000 model for 2000$ a few years ago I was 17 at the time, ex hare scramble bike, bought it from the original owner. Cleaned the carb and changed the oil and tires, ran like a champ after sitting in the corner of his shop for 10 years. Put easily 3k on it so far.
i just bought my third BRP, so many plans for it
Hey man I'm a big fan of yours and your videos. Have ridden in Baja for nearly 40 years with my bud steve.Have gone through yamahas, KTM's but the best bikes we both have ridden have been hondas ,not 650's but 250xr's (Baja mule). We have worn out 4 250 xr's in the process. all having at least 15 to 20,000 miles on them. Steve still rides a 400xr and I don't know how many miles it has on it now, but I've gone through 2 ktm's. Many years ago when making it to Mikes we always noted that it looked like a honda shop under the awning by the pool. since then it has taken on many more different colors. Oh to progress. I'm always looking forward to your videos as it brings back so many great memories. thanks.
Jeff thanks for watching. Baja mule??? I never heard that label for the xr250😂 May i have permission to start using it? I love it!!!!!
@@bermcannonk You betcha, keep the videos coming.
Best bike built ever!
I sold my CR500 and regret it every day...I will not do that with my 650. I ride Michigan single track with it and love it, really makes you feel like you have accomplished something after a day in the tight trails.
I have a mint over the top 2001 cr 250 with all the fruit, the 650r makes it look like a little toy lol
What makes the xr650r so great is it does everything so very well. It can run with a Motocross back off the line, a 450 that is...
With it's mild manners it can own tight, tight, twisty trails in the mountains and deserts and swamps. It can take all comers on the street. It's as stable as a Harley at speed on the highway. Excellent breaks and the whole thing is bulletproof reliable. And comfortable. I don't know of any other bike that does this many things this well.
I got 2001 model...really love it
Only 1 in Fiji...apart frm xr 650l n xr600r
Cheers....
you need to see my 2003 i have in mexico work on it a lot is getting lot better than that day when i buy it
I had one fucking loved it and wish I never sold it a fantastic beast indeed all the grunt in the world and go anywhere my helmet was looking and flat out like a jet
I also have a 83 XR500R that I'm repainting in Honda red
I watched a movie called dust to glory 2007. I think the riders name was mouse McCoy and he just blew my mind! I have an XR 400 and I love it! But, it’s not the 650R ! Now that I have the 400 I want the 650! I’m 52 years old and I’ve wanted an EXR since I was about 16. Nothing like old-school technology keep it simple! Air cooled oil cooler stuck in there just ride!
Finally got my XR650R and I'm going to ride it for the rest of my life.
Love mine.built mine into a full on supermoto.will get another one for off road in the future 😎
Supermoto version would be awesome.
@@bermcannonk to be the best supermoto out there they need a slipper clutch and a 6th gear but ive had it up to 120mph and thats fast enough on a pig lol
Jacke the garden sanke is now building an awesome Supermoto from 650
@@eetukoistinen4133 i wouldnt say its a awsome build ,he could of stripped and powder coated alot of the parts if he was doing a proper re-build and cam swap at least to compliment the carb and exhaust system . 😉
A boy and his.... bike!? Awesome video for an awesome machine
Russ Paton thanks Russ just thought I would give it a proper video to honor it.
I will never get rid of my XR 650 I am in the process of putting a Baja science street legal kit on it I think Honda needs to bring it back with some updates electric start
I'm putting my new old 2003 XR650R together to do adv. riding. Bought with 50 miles on it from a co. in corona called Go Baja Riding Tours. Honda had just come out with the CRF 450 with e start and that made the 650 a no go for the renters. I was going to do the Trans Continental Trail with it back in 03' but never happened. Now my friend wants to do it. He bought a KTM890 adv. R. Had Baja Design wire the stator for 2ea. 125 watt circuits and bought there LED headlamp. Plus purchase another brands LED light set up. Bought a new rear sub frame and rear fender and seat from Honda to weld extra tubing supports to support the 2 weeks of camping gear and still be able to hit the bumps hard without worry. Put in heavier spring front and rear with new seals from Race Tech. It was already uncorked muffler end insert and main and needle jet. Have the removal plug kit to get rid of the EGR valve. Wanted pro circuit or FMF muffler but they have not made any in a while. I do have one on order thru Motosports. We want to do the section of the trail where Colorado to Oregon coast. Depending on time might have to take a lot of fwy, I-70 plus down again. Have Seat concepts making a wider comfort seat so my ass survives the freeway. I'm told don't worry about not having a cush drive rear wheel, the tranny won't grenade. Will take it easy on the asphalt. Bought Giant loop soft luggage and all the sleeping, tent, cook, etc from REI. Just the REI stuff was over a grand. Bought these DOT knobby tires called Motoz, supposed to be good. We'll see how it goes?
For this reason alone is why I've bought the XR 650 L . Just a dependable asset you can count on with just a small amount of care
Greatest off-road long range bike ever period.
I own a 02 and a 06 that I bought in 2012 and have clocked up mega off road miles in Northern BC on these bikes and they have never broke down and left me stranded. I started riding in 1980 and have had many different bikes and have to agree that the 650R is one of if not THE greatest Motorcycle ever. I should add the only thing that is not the greatest is the air box and filter design.
Thanks jay for watching. Yeah that airbox could of been thought out better
I understand I’m not quite in the family yet, having a 400 but I’m getting there! But I’m still happy to be the red redheaded step child! LOL
Brett. The xr400 is family!
I have a 2007 650R. I can’t ride it enough. For some reason I can’t put my finger on I keep choosing to ride it instead of my KTM 250 XC-W. The 250 is a flickable, nimble, go-anywhere machine. How does the XR keep making me smile so much more?
I have the same affliction but with a 250L. My 2016 CRF250L has lowered gearing with aggressive off road tires, doesnt over heat in technical terrain or at stop lights thanks to having a radiator fan, and starts instantly at the push of button. And I've chosen to ride it exactly 0 times since I bought an Xr650R 4 months ago. Alot of that has to due with suspension though, you can tune the xr650R to handle more weight where as the 250L has a limp and nonadjustable suspension. But the rest has to do with the pull of that big 650 thumper winding all the way out in 5th gear from from 25mph to 85mph.
When they built the last xr650r they destroyed the mold lol..NEVER will another be made.Jst like the CR500 and KX500 in 10years or less the price (which is already nuts) will skyrocket and become unobtainable to most of us...fact!!
I have a street legal 650r .....fresh !
Own a modified 96 xr600 r big bore yz shocks post 2010 aftermarket monoshock the best bike I've ever owned and very similar go honda
Thinking o want to race mine . I dont care if i win. Ijust want to finish. I think i can with this bike.
The XR650r is the best off road motorcycle Honda ever make I love my BRP
Agility...if you're in shape LOL
😂 you caught that?
My first bike was as XR 100 Ive had many bikes over the years including some 2 stroke MX bikes. I had an 87 XL600R which I intended to dual sport but ran into paperwork issues. I finally a couple months ago got an 18 XR650L I know you hate them but you cant plate an R in my state. i am supersized you can pull it off in CA i am over 4000 mi in 2 months it goes anywhere I have the nerve to put it and just chugs it way through. They run forever Oh and my 87 went to a friend who put it on an 87 600r frame and rode the hell out of it untill he popped it. I think these motors actually have to be warmed up prior to riding if you want it to last. Im trying to pass 10K this year it was at 98mi when I picked it up.
It is sad that the long stroke thumpers have been replaced by short stroke, high RPM, high maintenance grenades. My XRR is a 2003 and I have never had the engine apart. I blame the lack of popularity on a few things.
1) People think a 650 single must be impossible to kickstart. They should have cut a commercial showing how easy it truly is with the right procedure.
2) The painfully lean stock jetting. The stock XRR is a joke compared to what it can do when you open up the air flow, and rejet it. I know they had to do this for emissions purposes, but they should have instructed sales people to explain the jetting and have the dealer throw in a 68 pilot and 172 main with every purchase.
When I bought my bike many years ago from an older guy, those were his complaints. Too hard to start, which it is if you try to start it like a 2 stroke, and it wasn’t as fast as he thought it would be. Both of those problems can be solved with a 1 minute starting tutorial, and $8 worth of jets. Sad. Best bike ever made and it wasn’t popular when they were still making it.
I have a 600r and it's a beast. Taken me to hell, back and beyond with great reliability except for a timing chain tensioner issue which if you check my channel vids I do a before and I repair shot
I've just pulled mine out after a 17yr hibernation. ..
Great review! Love my 400r but I've been itching to try a 650r or even a 600r. After a wreck on my Drz
that resulted in a busted water pump and a 5 mile walk home I'm kind of partial to air cooled bikes these days! :)
I love the 400 joe. However 650r is better for those long hauls. Thanks for watching 👍
@@bermcannonk Yes the gear ratio's are pretty tight on the 400.Keep up the good work!
The 650r is water cooled
Im looking at buying one. Selling my zx10r to buy one. All these comments make me really want one. Bloke up the road has one for sale , he wants a bit much for it but they are rare. Done 12000 kms. Stock apart from un corking it. Its mint. It sounds to me it will be worth it then getting a dr 400 or 650.
Chris the bike has legendary status.
IMO Honda's XR/XL model of bikes was the best most versatile line ever made from the XR/XL 50 all the way up to the XRR/XRL 650. I have an 08 XR60L and am dreading the day they discontinue it. It's just not replaceable.
I used to be a Honda guy(early 80's to early 00's) and i know what a Honda means.
They should be updating their models instead of deleting them. Specially the off road range. They have lost the game years ago.
Totally agree!!!!
I’d rather sell my soul than my 650r
I'm left with this comment as a cliche
I’m trying to find one to buy
Its an easy mistake to make to not include legendary XR600R which put Honda on the podium and enduro map
I own an xr125l and love it to death. (the small cc is bevause Im 17 and live in europe so for legal reasons thats the biggest cc allowed to a guy my age)
You will get there, the 125 sounds fun.
Working up the cuorage to go for a ride !
I have had all 3 XRs a xr650l and xr650r and 2 xr400s and I currently have a xr400 that I converted to estart and I love it. Out of the 3 it's tough to say the xr650r is great for open trails but it's a little big for the tight stuff although I did plenty of single track in Colorado imo the 650r and the xr400 are much better in the rough tight stuff imo. I think Honda blew it by not making it estart.
Imo the 650r and the 400r both beat out the 650l by a long shot. Imo if Honda had made a xr650rl Honda wouldn't have sold one 650l past 2000 and based on the offerings right now in the dual sport segment the 650r would be king of all of them even though it's 19 year old design and probably be selling like crazy.
Wow mike. You got a xr Familia 😎 thanks for the comment. 🤙🏻