Why I Ride a Honda XR650R Motorcycle at the Age of 74
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ต.ค. 2024
- The Honda XR650R is best known for its string of Baja 1000 victories and star role in the movie, "Dust to Glory". My attraction to the XR650R began much earlier with a string of Honda XR motorcycles. The pinnacle of the big-bore XRs is the 2000-2007 Honda XR650R, the only liquid-cooled version. Purpose built for winning races like the Baja, Honda poured leading edge engineering into this four-valve, single cylinder motorcycle.
In 2013, I found the right bike, a dual-sport converted, street legal 2000 model. I knew this was the bike, even though the relatively low hour motorcycle had very low compression. My top engine rebuild, featured at / @motorcycletechandtravel , brought the bike back to life. I added "uncorked" tuning, a HotCams Stage 1 camshaft and L.A. Sleeve's iron-moly cylinder liner and head work to my build.
I ride both on- and off-pavement. I've had this cycle on single-track trails, two-track, country lanes and secondary highways. The 'BRP' serves as a filming platform and practical access to the backcountry. In this video, I share "why" my XR650R choice is a good fit for my riding skill level, mechanical experience and filming chores...Ride with me!
Love your narrative and your stable of bikes.
I’m a 70 year old old school thumperite - currently rotating my DR 650 with my gen 1 KLR 650 on self-supported camping trips around the desert rimlands of Southern Africa.
Thanks for your feedback...You have wonderful riding venues and reliable bikes for these rides! 70-years-young is a good time to enjoy dual-sport motorcycle camping and outback travel. Each of your bikes is an easy to troubleshoot workhorse...Keep us posted!
Stay safe! Hammer distance!
Mid Seventies here :
Tks., much appreciative.
You're welcome! As the channel subscriptions grow, I'll be able to add more content like this. I value your feedback. Thanks for joining us!
Thank you for sharing...wish you long happy and healthy Life 💐🙂
Greetings. Saudi Arabia 🇸🇦💐🌴
Thanks much, and you as well!
Well done mate. A capable bike. You must be fit. Greetings from South Australia 😎
Thanks for the feedback...This bike is an incentive for staying in condition! South Australia has fantastic riding venues. Great country!
64 here and just came off a 2022 CRF450L (Yoshi and Vortex) and many other medium mods… this bike proved to much for me, wanting to experience the thrill of the brand new 1981 YZ465H I had at 22 years old almost didn’t end well after a spill at Silver Lake sand dunes in Michigan After recovering from knee surgery a 68 year old from South Carolina purchased the bike to convert to Super Moto. Back to the Honda dealer I went for a CRF300L while that was an excellent bike I found myself riding my 2021 CT125 more than either bike and realized it was nearly as fun just driving slow in the desert here in Arizona. The older I become the more important thing is to remain healthy and stay alive to enjoy riding another day. A recent trip into the desert resulted in an 1/8 inch sharp piece of wood piercing the front tire. It was comforting knowing I had the tools to make a repair keep on going and getting back to camp. As stated by you having the mechanical ability to diagnose and repair is absolutely essential. Being a long time enthusiast and fan of all motorcycle racing when in a predicament I ask myself what would Malcom have done.
Thanks much for sharing. We're all at some degree of risk when riding, there's no getting around that one. As we gain insight and experience, our defensive riding skills grow, too. Sounds like your knee surgery turned out well. The CRF300L is a great all-around bike, and the 2021 CT125 is fun and easy to jump on. I'm very excited about a new generation having access to the CT125. Many of us grew up in the era of Honda's legendary Cub 50, Trail 55, 90 and Trail 90. The step-through frame CT125 takes this to the next level with more power and traditional ease of operation. Great choice there! Fixing the tire in the field is a home run, an example of the skills, onboard tools, spare parts and resourcefulness that can get us home from remote areas. Yes, we do draw inspiration from two generations of ISDT and Baja racers. I value your input and subscription to the channel...Thanks!
been riding for 65 years, also started with a 1957 Cushman eagle 5 hp bought new with paper route money. 20 motorcycles later today at 80 years i ride my 2016 Ural side car rig and a restored 1974 Honda xl-250 and Suzuki 1973 TC-100 2 stroke. no plans of stopping.
A subscriber mentioned his '47 Knucklehead, and my thoughts turned to the Cushman Super Eagle of the late fifties. They were "Harley-esque" and very period. Your paper route Cushman made me smile and reflect on my $8, well-used '55 Allstate-Cushman Husky bought with a summer day's gas station wages in 1963. I had just turned 14 and raced to Carson City for a Nevada Scooter License (required a written exam only). On my first ride, the rattling Cushman engine tossed it's connecting rod, busted the camshaft in half and began a life and career at wrenching and motorcycle riding...So pleased you're riding on! I get it.
Had to check out this video because I'm 72 and been riding since I was 17. Did the Rubicon in the early 80's on a '79 Husky WR390. Backed off from riding after selling my CRF250X and Ducati Multistrada a couple of years ago. Continue to ride a bicycle (road and mountain) and lap swim. I really like the button so if I get back into riding I'd get a new Honda CRF300L or plate a CRF450X since I live in Nevada.
Yea, sounds like you're staying fit and prioritizing healthy activity. I have been on and off with the use of my all-terrain bicycle. Have an Australian Shepherd, and he gets power walked every day. I'm using an under desk treadmill intermittently during working hours at the computer. Considered going back to the gym after the pandemic, opted instead for an affordable, pulley/weight home gym that I use regularly plus an AeroTrainer for core...We share similar riding backgrounds and locales. I rode the neighbor's new CRF300L both on and off-pavement, an impressive bike, but I'd likely opt for a CRF450RL. Have you considered the CRF450RL? It's based on the "X" and is plateable if you do want pavement access. We can always dial down the throttle settings! Keep us posted, stay in the loop and thanks for sharing. May our riding paths cross!
Still have my 79 Husky cr390. Plus cr450r, cr450x. Great bike. Just like Honda/Yamaha.
The '79 Husky CR390 has it going on! A long swingarm and cantilever rear shock-springs completely changed enduro riding. Your bike handles very well compared to older vertical shock/spring models. "On Any Sunday" (Barstow to 'Vegas scenes) shows vertical shock bikes with their back ends jumping up and down. (My BSA 441 Victor fit that category...I was young, naïve and thought that kind of handling was normal!) A good friend modified his early '70s Husky by extending the swingarm and canting the shock/springs. The bike thrust forward, not up and down or sideways, in rough terrain. This was the predecessor to mono-shock/spring rear suspension systems like Honda's Pro-Link.
I am older than you and really enjoy the 0 to 100kmph in just over three seconds acceleration that my Goldwing 1800 gives me.
Glad to know your Goldwing 1800 provides that kind of performance! I can see why you would enjoy it...We had a late GL1500SE. The GL1800 chassis and EFI engine took the Gold Wing to the next level, making it a much sportier touring motorcycle. Thanks for sharing!
I knew I was in for a good time when I saw the compression lever and kick start.
Great video sir, thank you for the instruction~!
You're very welcome!...One to two kick starting makes the XR650R manageable. I'll do a step-by-step video of the procedure for those tired of ankle jamming and unnecessary backfires!
That's exactly what I thought 👌👍👍👍
Thanks for posting. I'm 72 with a Super Tenere that I love, but it has grown steadily more top heavy the last few years.
The Super Tenere is very popular for good reason, it's a great bike. I understand your concern, there are many lighter dual-sport class bikes well suited for the dirt. My enduro bikes are not optimal for the highway while your Super Tenere is better suited. For exclusively highway riding, I would be looking at Honda, BMW, Moto Guzzi, Ducati, KTM, Triumph and other sport touring bikes. Off-pavement, I want an enduro or dual-sport that will get the job done.
After owning an '86 Honda XL600R, that was kick start only, and well known for being VERY unpredictable in starting, I will never own another kick only bike. I am 70yrs old and have been riding for 56yrs. I owned that bike when I was 55, and it was horrible. I will take the few extra pounds for elec start anytime. A kick start asa backup is fine.
I understand your viewpoint...The later Honda CRF450s have electric start as do other brands with lighter weight enduro bikes. My XR650R came from an era when a big-bore big was needed, and weight was soaring. Honda's history was kickstart enduro bikes, and they moved from the air-cooled, dry sump XR600R to the XR650R, a dry sump, liquid cooled heavier bike with radiators and kickstart. Kickstart saved weight, and the bike repeatedly won the Baja 1000. Enthusiasts lived with a kickstart machine. Today, there are weight saving methods that allow room for electric starting.
Poofter..easy to start when you have the knack
. maybe an electric boot is more your thing
The best and still light motocross and enduro bikes have gone to electric start. KTM can be credited with making electric start popular on race bikes...New lithium battery technology will make weight even less of an issue. Riding a friend's Beta 500 included an instant start like many other popular dirt bikes. In "Dust to Glory", the XR650R bikes were no joy to start at the pit stops. The auto-decompressor works seamlessly on my '84 XR350R and the XR500R but was a big question mark on the XR650R. I eliminated the auto-decompressor with a HotCams Stage 1 camshaft that apparently would have benefitted the Baja race bikes...I have a starting technique for my XR650R and some tips to share in a video that's coming up shortly. For me, kickstart means riding bikes like the XR650R, XR350R or the XR500R (earmarked for a restoration soon at the channel, a 4-stroke thumper how-to). Qualifying as old school, having kicked a BSA 441 Victor Special to life in the day without being pitched over the handlebars, I ride the fence on the electric start question. With EFI and an electric fuel pump, a back-up kick-start lever would be strictly ornamental. Might as well add an electric starter.
Not sure what issue you had, but you don't start that bike the same as the Yamaha XT of that same period. There is a compression release actuation built into the kick start lever, all you had to do is kick with no extra thought.
Auto-decompressors were popular on most enduro and higher compression thumpers. My eighties Honda XRs each had auto-decompression, which essentially lifts the exhaust valve off its seat to release compression and closes the exhaust valves as the piston crosses TDC on the compression stroke. I have auto-decompressors on my XR350R and XR500R. They work seamlessly, and better yet, they work! The XR650R auto-decompressor was not as seamless, and I removed it with a camshaft change to a HotCams Stage 1. I now start the XR650R with the manual compression release, using the manual compression release to find just past TDC of the compression stroke before kicking through to start. I learned this technique with my '69 BSA B44 441 Victor Special thumper scrambler.
I love my 650R.
Need to ride it more.
Really like your channel!
Me, too, on both counts. Let's work on that...Thanks for the subscriptions!
Right on brother, I’m 68 and still ride my xr650l and all my other bikes, I don’t see me stop riding anytime soon, keep riding and have fun
Physical conditioning and sharpness are the key at any age...Motorcycling demands ongoing practice and riding. (That's okay with motorcyclists!) Enjoy your bikes, they're ageless!
Daaang. Keep on riding, gramps. You’re giving us hope. The XR is a good bike. I’m a junior, and have only been riding since 1974.
The caveat is to not let yourself or your practice slide. Staying in condition and riding regularly is the key as we become "gramps". (Yes, I have eight grandkids and several great-grandkids.) I wouldn't do this without riding regularly. A friend and world class enduro rider cautions that knees are critical...Standing on the pegs is far more common today than when we began riding. (Enduro competitors and ADV enthusiasts look like motocross riders.) I can't imagine riding the old Barstow to 'Vegas race standing up all the time.
Impressed with your attitude towards ability at your age.Im only 55yrs old rode bikes all my life and still ride a xr600r not daily but as much as I can these days. I have no intention of giving my passion for duel sport motorcycle riding up anytime soon…ride safe …👍
Impressed with your XR600R. Great machine and a real enduro ride! Honda's last air-cooled attempt at Baja and quite successful. You have much more versatility with the dual-sport conversion! Safe riding on your XR, "defensive" and "proactive" are the operative words on pavement.
I looked to see what you are doing as I am also 74. I ride 6 Kawasaki street bikes in the Redding area.
Have fun out there!
You as well! We each have access to the Sierra Range, you have the Shasta-Trinity Forest routes nearby...Great riding, enjoy it! Kawasaki street machines are perfect for your backroads and I-5.
Awesome. We used to do the Rubicon on our xrl 600s, xr600s and xr650ls, I was up there a couple weeks ago on my DR650 wishing I was younger or on a lighter bike. I can't believe we used to just rip through there no problem in a few hours.
Rough sections of the trail are much tougher than when we rode it years ago. My first trip in 1967 was behind the wheel of stone stock, F-head four-cylinder Jeep CJ-5. We went from Tahoma down Cadillac Hill, camped at the Springs and drove up the Sluice Boxes. I've since been over the trail more than a dozen times, and as traffic increases, so does the size of the granite boulders! For those unfamiliar, this was originally a county dirt road (Wentworth Springs Road) that in late spring through early fall was passable from Lake Tahoe or Georgetown to a hotel at Rubicon Springs. "Cadillac Hill" east of the Springs was named after a touring car that didn't make it. Today, for the sake of access, this is still an El Dorado County public road with U.S. Forest land on either side. At one point, the trail runs adjacent to Desolation Wilderness, a pathway on the Pacific Crest Trail. Today, the new "normal" for a longer wheelbase Jeep Wrangler JK, JL or JT Gladiator 4x4 is 37" to 42" tires to make it through rough sections without using the bypasses...Dirt motorcycles offer far better suspension and nimbleness than a production SUV, and bikes make it through in a fraction of the time. I applaud your continued motorcycling on the Rubicon. To your point, I prefer my XR350R for this kind of technical trail, it's lighter with a maneuverable wheelbase, rake and trail. A Suzuki DR650 is up for the task, but like my Honda XR650R is a bit on the hefty side. (Is your bike plated, too?) For trails like the Rubicon, our bikes are certainly more forgiving than a 100 horsepower, 550 pound ADV...Congrats, may our moto paths cross!
I’m 74. Had bikes since I was 16 off and on. Got a Rebel 500se this spring. This summer after having my own business for thirty years and helping another company I cut the work to four days a week so I have more time to take runs. Why do people think at our age were half stupid. When asked why I just say I was a paratrooper and we don’t give a crap. Love your video.
Thanks much for the feedback...Glad you're taking more time to ride. The secret to not being half-stupid at our age is the "ram air" oxygen level from riding motorcycles! Keep it up...
I'm only in my 5th decade and no desire to ride dual sports anymore... but love riding so much. This video is awesome and saved by me as part of examples of riding into my next few decades or more, God willing.
Pleased that you feel inspired to ride. Go for it-and do it safely! With age comes insight and sensibility.
Because he freaking can! Respect. ✊
Thanks for the feedback...I always enjoy riding, and any occasion will do!
Great video, great inspiration, great comments, and a great Bike!!
Thanks for your feedback. I'm glad the video resonates with your motorcycle interests. Enjoy riding!
Badass! I’m 33 yrs old with a 650r and it kicks my ass some days lol I need more bike time
Thanks!...Regardless of age, the key is riding the XR650R-a lot. We're at a seasonal climate, frigid winters, hot desert summers. I start the "riding season" with brief time on the XR350R. (My XR500R will be under restoration at the channel soon and should be off-road by next spring.) The XR650R is a lot of machine, to be respected!...Thanks for subscribing, lots of rides and tech ahead!
Good Vid! I stumbled on your channel this morning. I've been riding XR650R's (2002 and now a 2003) for 20 yrs. I started riding at 18 yo and am now 74. Have had several bikes over the years, and the 650R is my favorite of all time. I've logged over 80,000 mi on my 650R's, mostly dirt. I am definitely slowing down but can still get on down the trail. I live in So Cal and ride mostly the High Desert/Phelan area. Have done the LA-B to V every yr since 2004. This yr I pulled a Groin on day 2 just outside of Baker and am still recovering. When it heals I'm gonna start exercising/stretching routine. Also ride a 2013 Honda F6B about 20,000 mi/yr. Anyway, cheers to you and Ride On!
Pleased about your logged mileage, I've speculated that an XR650R engine should last a very long time. Having to rebuild the top end on my engine before I ever rode it, I wondered about longevity. (The original owner had ridden the low hours bike through sand and silt with a seeping air cleaner that wiped out the intake valves.) By design, this should be a bulletproof engine. My engine build included an L.A. Sleeve iron-moly liner by choice, I'm old school when it comes to Nikasil plating. (See my video on the top end rebuild.) Sorry about the groin pull, my yoga instructor wife would applaud your proposed "exercising/stretching" routine. The 37" saddle height alone is an incentive to do stretching exercises and prevent a hamstring pull! Congratulations on the Barstow to Vegas racing, I'm thoroughly impressed! Work back gradually. I just released a video on my approach to fitness that could be helpful toward your recovery.
Glad to see you are still riding.I think the XR is a great choice as you are not racing,simply enjoying life!!Your detailed analysis is very good,you think in the way i do!!!I am a fair bit younger and i have 4 off road bikes!!You are absolutely correct in saying training is the key to building skill and confidence.Good riding into your 80,s!!!
Thanks! It's conditioning and consistent riding that keep us in the game-at any age. You have enough off-road bikes to keep you busy. I only have three, and one (the XR500R) is due for a full restoration soon!
Thank you mate, best vid I watched for educational purposes, please do another, focusing on xr650. Personally I would appreciate extra information on it
Thanks for the feedback, and thanks for your subscription!...For more detail on the XR650R, you'd like the video on why I picked this bike for a dual-sport conversion: th-cam.com/video/VYrk1HneXsk/w-d-xo.html. The tuning and top-end rebuild videos are also useful if you own an XR650R. I will be producing several riding videos with interesting destinations during our summer/fall riding season!
Great information bro. I own 2 XR 650's. Love the history
Thanks much...I'll dive into it, the history sold most of us. "Dust to Glory" immortalized the bike. A pair...Umm, that sounds good. Thanks for supporting the channel!
Great commentary. Your style and cadence remined me of `On any Sunday`, which is obviously a compliment.
60, and riding an XR600 Supermoto, 66` Bonnie and 2001 Daytona 955i. Ride till I die.
Thanks, I accept it as such...Your bikes sound exciting. Great variety!
I'm a young 62 and still love my 2003 XR650R. Ive had a few XR's, I think the 650R might be the best Honda ever made, but I'm biased. Not sure if we can get the L model in Australia. My first bike was a DT100 in 1974. Still riding dirt roads ad tracks on the XR, it's so bullet proof.
I'm biased, too. It's important to note the purpose-built nature of the XR650R. Pop up some popcorn, sit back, and watch another round of the movie, "Dust to Glory" and the Baja 1000 Race. Hard not to be biased. Easy to see why the Honda XR650R seems bulletproof.
76 and been riding since 1962. Strictly a street rider for the last 30 years..... went from a V65 Sabre to a Concours to a Concours 14, and finally a Versys 1000. Not sure how many years I have left, but I'll take whatever I can get.
Glad you're comfortable on the Versys 1000, it's a great multi-purpose bike...Ride safely and enjoy each ride!
Greetings from Wyoming! You are the MAN!! I’m a 70 year old beginner. I’m most inspired by your diligence on conditioning, and skills. I currently have a heavily modified 2017 Suzuki dr650, 2020 ktm690 enduro r, and just purchased a 2023 Honda crf450rl. The Honda is very nimble and I just started to mod it to my preference. I have dropped these bikes and will probably continue until my conditioning and skills improve. The mountain trails here are skills demanding. Hahahaha. Thanks for your insight and inspiration.
Thanks! Sounds like quite a "fleet" of off-pavement and dual-sport bikes, each a good call. I cleave toward the nimble, though the 690 is a strong temptation! What's the ranking order and preferences? Wyoming is terrific country for honing your skills and enjoying open space...Looking forward to your participation at the channel.
@@MotorcycleTechandTravel The most thrilling machine is the KTM 690 enduro r. Absolute fire breathing dragon and can be confidence inspiring with all the rider aids at your disposal. The old school Dr 650 is a dependable smooth operator and sounds great! The newest addition is the 2023 Honda crf450rl. It has the lowest 1st gear for demanding, slower riding with nimble and great balance. I have installed a Vortex ecu and throttle tamer to help my deficiencies. Although I am a beginner at Offroad motorcycles, I have raced road bicycles in the United States Cycling Federation category 2 and mountain bikes for several years. Big difference in technique,balance, power and timing. I am thoroughly enjoying the educational process and hope to ride till I’m satisfied!
You have the muscle memories from bicycle road racing and mountain biking. The steering dynamics for off-road versus on-road are much different. Those of us who ride motorcycles both on- and off-pavement need to keep these dynamics separated. We literally and figuratively wear the right helmet for each! Different dynamics, especially cornering...Enjoy the process. What do you think of the CRF450L-on and off pavement? I like "balance", "nimble" and "lowest 1st gear" for single track crawls.
Greetings! I have just started to ride the 2023 Honda crf450rl. The recent mods have dramatically altered the behavior in the bike in a most favorable way. Better throttle/power delivery and less severe engine braking. The wide ratio gearing is also desirable for slow, technical trails to highway speeds. Almost feels like a mountain bike under me. I’m very happy with my current set up of the Honda. Also the Dunlop D606 tires are much better for me than the original stock. I will eventually change the exhaust among other improvements like we all do in time.
Aloha
This is very insightful information for those considering a new CRF450L! The gearing is a draw for me, too, I can see that for single track, technical trails. Your comment about "engine braking" caught my attention. I ride carbureted XR bikes; riding the neighbor's CRF300L revealed an abrupt "braking" when the throttle closed. It's possible that the emissions programming shuts off injector fuel flow too quickly. A carburetor has venturi effect and still flows a slight amount of air/fuel at throttle shut-off. This prevents an abrupt cut-off of fuel. EFI, on the other hand, can be programmed to cut off fuel strictly on the basis of the throttle valve position. Sounds like Honda has reprogrammed the CRF450L for less abrupt fuel cut-off, and if so, good for Honda! Thanks for sharing your experience with the 606 Dunlop tires. Tires are perishable, we all need the right ones!
My 1976 XT500 enjoyed watching you and your newer bikes.
You have a great bike! The street legal Yamaha XT500 four-stroke dual-sport had all the right ingredients for the era and was highly competitive in enduro form. The rear shocks had gone cantilever, which is a major improvement over the vertical shocks on bikes like my BSA 441 Victor! During the early '70s, a friend stretched the swingarm on his Husqvarna and remounted the shocks cantilever to be essentially what your Yamaha introduced with the TT500 (desert enduro racer) and XT500 dual-sport. Cantilever helps push the bike forward on spring compression instead of bouncing the rear of the bike vertically like earlier, straight up shocks. Prior to mono-shocks and Honda's Pro-Link, this was the solution for handling, ride and off-pavement performance. Stripped down a bit to TT500 configuration, the power and weight are similar to my '84 Honda XR500R. Enjoy it!
@@MotorcycleTechandTravel Back in the 80's I had it stripped down for trails and light motocross use. Not many places here anymore for that type of riding. I have it back to street trim now. Mostly country roads is what it sees lately. My other ride is a 1988 Honda Hawk GT.
Our older bikes get the job done. The Hawk GT is another reliable Honda. I'm certainly supportive of newer bikes with worthwhile technology and improvements. Still have no desire to part with my kickstart XRs, though!
Like you I’ve owned countless motorcycles since i was 14, now at 69 im down to 4…..of all the motorcycles I have owned, my XR650R is my favorite….i did a dual sport conversion and Warp9 tubeless wheels with a Cush drive to help the tranny….but the kick starting drove me crazy, it was temperamental some times….I converted it to an electric start with a kit from Wayne Demonja that uses Honda parts, it was the best thing I ever did….now it starts in 2 seconds and I only added a few pounds to it, and down low……ported head, stage 1 cam, XRs Only baja 1000 exhaust copy and this thing rips, leaves my friends bikes in the dust in drags, left a Ducati Monster 10 bikes behind in a single block race…..XR650R the ultimate reliable, powerful dual sport with Honda quality and endurance….in Alaska it shines….thanks for your video.
Thanks for your feedback and insight into your XR650R equipment and upgrades. This is very helpful to viewers/subscribers at the channel. I can appreciate the Cush drive with the torque output of this engine. We each use the HotCams Stage 1 camshaft, as neither of us need the OEM auto-decompressor mechanism. I'm still kickstart but noting your positive experience with Wayne Demonja's electric start conversion. Umm, tempting!
As long as I can start my BRP, I'll keep riding it!
Good yardstick to measure your BRP. Let's keep it in tune for a one or two kick start!
When I was living in Hawaii in the 80's I had a brand new honda 350 xl that I purchased in san diego and brought with me. Best motorcycle I've ever owned. I loved that bike. Unfortunately after owning a few years it was stolen.
Excellent choice then and even now for anyone with the wherewithal to restore one! As Swiss knife as the XR650R can be, I'm not parting with my XR350R or XR500R. Each of the major motorcycle brands built excellent big-bore, and not so big bore, formidable single-cylinder enduro bikes during the '80s. I'm a fan of their reliability and proof that air-cooling, especially with dry sumps and an oil cooler, was plenty!
In 81 i had a XL500 dual purpose. Loved it. Then it got stolen. Grrrrr. Replaced it with a CX500 which i also loved.
The V-twin, liquid cooled shaft drive CX500 proved highly versatile. Today, they turn heads when converted to a super-moto or cafe racer! Great bikes...
Champion 🏆
Thanks much!
Love my 2001 xr650r...will never sell it..starts everytime...
I know why! Good tune there...
I am only 61, but have to agree on keeping fit, although I am in reasonable shape but hate gyms, I ride 890 Adv r and 300exc for skills practise. Good luck with the channel.
Thanks for the channel support and subscription...I'm not a gym fan either, it's an organizational effort to get there. I've opted for affordable home equipment...Riding your 300EXC (great bike) for "skills practice" is smart. The muscle memories carry over to your 890 Adventure rides...I ride the XR350R when the XR650R has parked for a while. Dirt riding is a form of conditioning, it's a two way street. I condition before dirt riding for strength and resilience. Dirt riding can be intense exercise, we're working all five muscle groups-while having a good time doing it!
Thanks for the channel subscription!...In the staying fit video, I talk about my alternatives to a gym membership...Something else we have in common!
At 62 yrs young, I'm looking to buy a bike & this is one of my prospects.... I saw a man traverse the Rubicon Trail on a Honda xt225
after he'd rebuilt the bike & changed sprockets for that adventure. He did well but I'm not looking for a 225 that's no longer available.
But I suspect there are plenty of 650L's in the used markets which I'll be researching soon. Thanks for all the info provided. peace
Very pleased with your motivation and aims...The Honda XR650L is a traditional, carbureted workhorse. In a similar category, my vintage XR350R and XR500R enduro bikes have been very reliable. The XR650L has a rugged tubular frame and an air-cooled engine with desirable dry sump lubrication like the XR500R, XR600R, XR400R and XR650R. Technicalities aside, parts are readily available, and these cycles are easily serviceable. An XR650L will get the job done. My liquid cooled, dry sump XR650R met Honda's needs for winning Baja 1000 races, boasting an all-aluminum frame, kickstart only and an abundance of power. The XR650L has electric starting, a big plus for any age rider. We're looking forward to your update!
the fact that you can even start that thing is impressive. my son had one and i with a wr400f. if it wasnt his that wouldnt start, it would be mine. thank god for electric start, lol. i dont miss it at all. the new bike is an fe501, getting soft aready at 52.
If they don't start, the workout is extreme. The tune and starting steps have to be spot on. (I'll do a video on how I get the XR650R to start on one or two kicks year 'round.) To your point, EFI and electric starters seem light years ahead of big bore, carbureted kickstart bikes...The neighbor wanted me to ride his new Honda CRF300L. Two-second starts every time, seated with both feet on the ground. (Brought back memories of my BMW R80ST and K1100LT!) The Husqvarna FE501 is a great bike. Enjoy it!
Subscribed after hearing you rode with Super Hunky! AKA Rick S! Of Dirt Bike Mag, I have a 04 650L , love it even though I'm 5 '9" and 65 so electric start is crucial. Did I say my hips ain't what they used to lol! Had raced amateur mx now going to try riding and camping! Still have my yz 125 and 250! Highly recommend
Yep, Super Hunky!...Your XR650L is a workhorse. With all the commotion about air-cooled versus liquid cooled singles, the air-cooled Honda thumpers hold up well when ridden with air flow in mind. (The liquid-cooled bikes require air flow, too.) I've been riding the XR350R since the mid-nineties with nothing more than essential lubrication, filter service, valve adjustments, carb refreshing and tuning. I'm still running the same aftermarket clutch pack. The 350R is wet sump while your 650L is a dry sump like the 500R, 600R, 650R and 400R. I do like the added oil cooling with a dry sump, and the factory oil cooler found on the 400R is a significant asset...As for our hips, the 37" saddle height on my XR650R is a constant reminder of the need for flexibility. I'm still up for it but understand the ADV and dual-sport trend toward 32"-33" seat heights. Must be nice though I'm not there yet! My single-track riding benefits from the added ground clearance...Your XR650L will be just right for the camping plans.
Full appreciate and respect? .yes I'm a new subscriber place keep posting
Thanks for the subscription. I value your participation!
Love your video. I’m 70 and in decent shape. I have drifted away from off-roading and more to LD Touring on my BMW K1600 GTL. My last dual-sports were two Kawasakis; a KLR 650 and a CR 450F for cowtrailing here in Utah. This motivates me to give it another shot.
Utah is great for trail riding and off-roading in general. I have been to Moab many times, now adjusting my visits to times when the crowds subside (before or after the Jeep Safari!). Your BMW brings memories of the K1100LT that I enjoyed so much. Wonderful technology for the open road. I do like enduro, single track, two-track and open desert riding best. Dirt in my blood? It motivates me to stay fit...Ride safely, live long and well. Thanks for subscribing!
A good friend once told me that once you retire, your health and fitness should be your new full-time job, and I took that advice to heart. The day I can’t pick up my K1600 from a tip over is the day I’ll go to a smaller bike, but other than that, see no end to my motorcycle touring days as long as I keep playing it smart.
Yep, playing it smart works! Glad you're healthy and fit with a K1600GTL to ride. Incredible technology and quality...Enjoy it! Looking forward to your participation at the channel.
I’m in my mid fifties and a few years ago I decided to add a bike that I could use in the trails. I would’ve loved to have found a XR650R but the only XR’s available are the L’s. I ultimately decided on a 2017 Ktm 690 enduro r. It’s been fantastic both on and off-road. With a good suspension, ground clearance and plenty of power I couldn’t be happier with it. It’s also a great city bike and I use it as much as possible to commute to work as well as quick trips to the shops. I also have my first and only Harley. A 1995 Springer softail and a 2004 GSXR750 that satisfies my need for speed lol. I hope I stay healthy enough to be riding into my 70’s.
Sounds like a well-rounded stable there...Each bike is purpose built and fits a niche. The KTM 690 Enduro R is certainly a sensible alternative to an XR650R intended for a dual-sport conversion. You have it all with factory equipment and no need to do a "conversion"! Plenty of adrenalin with each of these bikes. Thanks for your comments, looking forward to knowing more about your riding.
Looks like you have exactly what you need and enjoy. Not a lot of people can say that
Takes a while to cull out what you don't need...I'm content and pleased with what remains.
@@MotorcycleTechandTravel hell yea
I like driving though genoa when I do the gardenerville to carson city ride. on my xr400. maybe ill see you out there some time. Ride Safe. cheers.
I'll watch for an XR400R! Great ride along Foothill Road and through Jacks Valley. The Carson Valley lanes bring back memories, and 88 leads to Hope Valley and Carson Pass. Watch the traffic these days! When I grew up at Gardnerville, there were less than 1,200 people in the entire valley, today over 30,000. Let's avoid the commuting hours on 395 and Main Street through Gardnerville!
Eight years ago, I bought a Super Tenere for getting to the western trails. I have to travel across Texas to get there. The Ten is good for graded roads and not much more. Ive been considering this bike or some other near analog 650. I don't want anymore computer controlled motorcycles. I'm coming up on 70 and I'm considering my age and real ability. I enjoyed your comprehensive report. My friends don't ride trails or long distances like I do. I travel with bags on to keep myself tuned to the extra weight. My first bike was a Honda Z50 at 15yo. One of the bikes I now own is a Honda SL125 K0. I am the original owner. Motorcycling is my joy.
P.S. I own a 2008 Royal Enfield with a compression release. I always used the electric start until I discovered the engineering draw backs of their start system. I'm building a shop now (in-between engineering work) to rebuild this lovely bike. I saw at the beginning the compression release. Proper use of it saves ones knees. The RE500 is so easy to start with a kick start that I will be taking it back to it's pre-e-starter days.
Helpful feedback...You're a committed, lifetime rider! Glad you have enjoyed the trails out West. I understand your reluctance around high-tech bikes when traveling alone. (That's why I produced the videos on fitness and on using a jump starter.) The reply from the subscriber who uses an Antigravity battery made sense, too. There's a place for high tech, it offers many advantages, including reliability for the most part. For remote riding, however, simpler fuel-and-spark management systems are often easier to troubleshoot and field repair. Keep us posted on your riding and motorcycle choices. The channel will provide videos on sensible motorcycle choices and places to ride safely.
Fully understood...Very pleased that you are building a shop and will be using it to rebuild your motorcycle...I'll demonstrate safe and relatively easy compression release kick starting in a video. I eliminated the XR650R auto-decompressor with the use of a mild Stage 1 HotCams camshaft. Cold start begins with using the choke and a few priming kick-throughs with the manual compression release pulled on. I then feather the compression release while bringing the piston to just over TDC on its compression stroke before switching the ignition on (Baja Designs kit). Fingers off the compression release lever, I kick firmly through...The piston heads down on its combustion/power stroke, and the XR650R either starts on the first kick, or I repeat the process.
@@MotorcycleTechandTravel I had never used a compression release and had a learning curve locating TDC. I saw the following videos and intend to watch. I don't do cardio, but I am building a shop by myself! I'm balancing two feet off grade with 12 foot 2x6's. Only mis-stepped twice. When riding I generally try to step off the bike and let it fall where it wants. You read like a professional rider, while I am just stubborn and love to ride every chance and all weather. When I was younger I used to ride in the rain for fun. Unlike you, I have fallen off many times when I was younger. The SL125 is heading towards it's 5th total rebuild and 4th engine overhaul.
It's all riding! Balancing the 2x6s is good exercise for motorcycling! I am pleased to find so many lifetime riders committed to staying in the game. Let's use our age to advantage, ride for fun and strive for longevity! The goal is to stay fit, safe and healthy! Building your shop will make a difference. I bought the Harbor Freight full platform/scissors motorcycle lift years ago, it's a great investment. It does require lifting each end of the bike off the deck slightly (one wheel/tire at a time) for tire and rim service. No issue. Would be great for your engine work on the SL125!
Junior here . Im 54 with an 01' XR650R ...love the old girl .
I know that feeling! Brings a smile when you turn on the petcock.
Nice video. I think BSA is coming back to the States soon ( -ish ) with a 650 single. Supposedly, it should be here already in 2023, but somehow it isn't.
Also, could you make a video about physical conditioning for off-road riding? You mentioned it multiple times but didn't elaborate on what exactly it takes. Perhaps you can talk about your general health in your 40s, your nutrition and exercises back then, and compare it to how you do it now in your 70s.
Maybe you can make a video on off-road safety. You said you never had any injury on and off road. It's very common to hear people breaking bones in this sport, but safety videos are rare. Your experience would be extremely valuable to pretty much everyone.
Thanks for the feedback! Yes, I would be glad to produce videos on my physical conditioning and ways I meet motorcycling challenges. I continually monitor my readiness for motorcycling, and as you guessed, I have adjusted my conditioning strategy over time. Off-road safety has been my concern as both a journalist and enthusiast. When motorcycling, I have been fortunate, no breaks or severe sprains, no broken collarbones, fractured wrists or knee damage. My spine remains healthy and intact for reasons that I can share in video content at the channel. Luck and genetics only go so far. Riding technique, judgment and conditioning play key roles...Thanks much for your thoughtful suggestions and expressing your interest in the health, fitness and well-being of riders.
That’s an old Rotax single in style disguise. I sat on it, it feels like an old bike, a very old bike and it’s as fun as that, no more and no less, well a tiny bit more as it’s not old, but new, not much in tech though, but enough. Is it light, no, not at all, nothing is light unless competition gear.
Thanks for your impressions of the current BSA. It's good to get input from experienced riders. The BSA and Norton badges have cache, vintage Triumph, AJS, Ariel, Vincent and Matchless, too. Any current versions are not the same as postwar into the seventies models. (Triumph is a total departure.) Much technology is now driven by emissions (EFI in particular), fuel consumption standards and safety (mandatory ABS at Europe). The Royal Enfield was essentially 1955 British tooling and design for decades at India. Royal Enfield, including the latest Himalayan, is gradually transitioning to a higher tech bike. The vertical rear shock/springs on the contemporary BSA is definitely old school. I owned a 441 Victor Special (B44), A65L 650 Lighting twin and a 750 Rocket III. Each were vertical rear shock/spring models. Dick Mann, riding factory race bikes, made the Rocket III suspension work. So did Gene Romero on the Triumph Trident.
Man, you are my inspiration. I am 68 and I want to get another DS bike. My last one was a XR650L.
Thanks! A dual-sport is optimal for my riding style. Here's the flexibility of highway access and bona fide open desert/single track enduro capability. I do a lot of remote dirt riding, so for me, a cap of 360 pounds wet and loaded is optimal. (If the plan is 600 miles of asphalt in a day, a stripped, lighter weight enduro or dual-sport bike would be stretching it.) Off-pavement, the word "flickable" is still in my motorcycle vocabulary.
I bought a new 650 R in 2000 with supermotard wheels.I have done anything and everything with it.I still own it and I am 60 now.I still love the bike and it is the last bike I will sell.
My 2000 model is a keeper, too. I can see adding other bikes to the fleet, but not parting with the XR650R. Thanks for sharing your experience...We're not alone!
Very impressive and inspiring story! Thank you for sharing. I am 6 years older and have been riding since 1962. Became a AMA expert pro in 1970. Broke my neck three years ago has caused weakness. So I was looking for a lighter bike than my 07 GSXR 1000 or my Triumph Street Triple 765 RS. I found a 2018 garage queen KTM 690 Duke. I live two miles South of the Canadian border in Washington,. We have many great twisty roads with no law enforcement. I am finding the Duke the perfect tool for the job, believe its 350 lbs wet.
I had a Honda XR 350 R and loved it, should have kept it.
I was fortunate enough to get to ride a Yamaha R7 with the factory race kit at California Thunder Hill Track. It was the most impressive bike I have ever ridden.
Thanks again for sharing your story!
Thanks...Through the channel, I'm discovering how many of us are "lifetime" riders. My first "Scooter License" at age fourteen was in 1963, we have much in common. Motorcycling is ingrained. The Yamaha R7 would be amazing on a track! I can understand your move to the Duke, a wise choice. Terrific power-to-weight ratio...The riding posture on a Gixxer or Street Triple RS would each place more load on your neck...Eastern Washington or Island County? Either would be fantastic riding though seasonal like we have in the Reno/Lake Tahoe region. I'm at high desert and can still ride dirt and highway in the winter if dressed for it. It's 29 F this morning and has been as cold as 16 F overnight during the past week. Daytime has warmed to the 40s, and next week we're back in the mid-fifties during the afternoons. I'll be out there and filming...Enjoy the Duke!
Love the way you tell you broke your neck and there is absolutely no question whether or not you will quit riding. Good to know I'm not the only one that thinks this way. Broke my right foot about three months ago and the first thing I did after hospital was get on my Guzzi. I have four bikes and no car at the moment. So I guess I'm the black sheep of the family. Ride safe!
We ride because it's in us. Debates with non-riders generally don't go far. We're aware of the risks.
If still riding, we have learned the boundaries for defensive, sensible riding. Black sheep are not alone.
Cool bike, Dominators are a rare treat in Europa bc of import laws(no ABS or fuel injection).
I get around on a 2000 XL650V(Transalp).
With 50/50 tyres it gets the job done, luckily i'm a tall Dutchman 6.3' 215Lbs so the extra weight is fine.
Keep fit and happy trails.
Yes, I'm discovering the ABS/EFI requirement at Europe. Your 2000 Transalp is carbureted without ABS, right? Is that an issue for registration? The Transalp makes sense, a great bike. The 650V should be plenty of smooth V-twin power (nearly the same as my XR650R single) with good fuel efficiency. Certainly well suited for the highway and fully capable off-pavement, this is a great choice! I appreciate the 50/50 tires, they work surprisingly well. Happy trails!
The Red Beast. God bless anyone that can tame one... Let alone at 74.
Thanks...It's a lot of machine, purpose built, a bike for motivated riders!
Excellent !!!
Glad you like it! Thanks for the feedback...
..and I thought I was doing something on my 2018 Ninja 650 at age 63! Been riding since 1987 ( 4 various model Suzukis previously ). My hat goes off to you !! 🎩
Thanks...You are doing something on that 2018 Ninja 650-enjoying every minute of it!
Wow, many a young person couldn't kick a big thumper into life. Inspiring. Thanks for the potted history, you have quite the experience there. You Yanks are blessed with off-road opportunities ;-)
Thanks for the feedback...Worth the high compression kickstart to enjoy this bike!
Just finished watching your video. Great info. I can back up your claim that if you keep fit that you can ride into your senior years, and also how bullit proof Honda XR's are. Not the 650 but the XR 250. My buddy and I have been riding and exploring Baja, Ca. for 40 years. And in that time we both wore out 2 XR250's apiece. We believe that his last XR used more oil than gasoline. But they never left us stranded His next bike was the XR400 which he was still riding up till 2 years ago. I went a different way with a 98 KTM 400 4stroke single. Great bike until it grenaded the bottom end coming into bay of La. My last bike was a KTM530 EXC. Neither of us have ridden in 2 years since I had health problems. He's 2 years younger than me and my 80th will be in 4 days. I'm getting healther and I dont know if I can ride offroad anymore, but my brain says I can. We will see. My motto is Ride or Die.
You have a great riding history and took a realistic approach with the smaller displacement XRs for Baja. I cannot wear out or break the '84 XR350R, it's ultra reliable and fuel miserly compared to the XR650R! Glad you're regaining your health, riding has always been my metaphor and incentive for staying fit. The KTM530 EXC is a great bike, do you still have it? Happy pending 80th, it's not the years, it's how you feel. I stopped counting years, could that be denial? My riding ability still says otherwise. My latest video shares the exercise and fitness approach that works for me.
@@MotorcycleTechandTravel Hey thanks for the reply, Don't know your first name, I did sell the KTM and about a year or so ago purchased a 2017 Honda crf250L rally. (almost new had 44 miles on it). put about 800 miles on it , Some in the dirt and alot on the street. Did not like that bike for me. I need a lighter bike and also found it to be very top heavy and hard to control. Seat height at 37" with the Ohlins shock and fork mod is too much for me. I have a 32 inseam and can barely reach the ground (not good when you put your foot down and there is nothing there and I'm not stopping 330 lb from going to the ground.) Trying to sell it now and see what happens after that. So again I enjoyed your video and will be following you. Ride or Die. By the way I love that motto ,kind of stole it from a bunch of guys that we guided from Tecate to Cabo many many years ago. They had a club out of the Tahoe here in N. Ca. That was there motto.
Jeff, I'm Moses Ludel, pleased to connect...The CRF250L gets rave reviews but is a height challenge for many. I rode the neighbor's new CRF300L and believe it will meet a lot of riders' needs. Either bike qualifies as a "Swiss knife" and bona fide dual-sport. The 37" saddles have chased many riders into lower height ADVs and crossover models. Some get relief from seat modifications. I "live with" the XRs and their seat heights but am clearly aware of the height. My inseam is 32"-33" much like yours, and it takes a good swing to look "graceful" bridging the seat. Fortunately, there now are bona fide dirt and dual-sport machines with lower saddle heights. They make dirt riding possible for many.
Wow, I really enjoy your approach to riding enjoyment! I am 61, in good shape and still like challenging myself. I feel like I am 41. I have a WR 250 R that I really like to ride because it is dependable, light weight, has the feel of a dirt bike. Most people give up on exercise and therefore their health. I have always liked exercising, I worked out this morning. Just about all my riding buddies have given up or don't take care of themselves well enough to push anymore. That's ok, I am chasing my dream now, and never really thought that I would have anyone to do what I was doing when I can. So, you better be ready to rock n roll alone a lot to do this, I think. Some people do not want to do that. It is fear mainly. I just love to explore, 2 wheels are what does it for me. Being healthy and physically fit give you a lot more needed confidence to tackle the challenges ahead. I have been riding since I was 10. You are great motivation, maybe some wisdom in there, Hehe. Honestly I am enjoying riding now as much as I ever have. I need some BDR's soon! Be safe out there! Merry Christmas to everyone
I don't think it's denial, I don't "feel" 74 when measuring by the so-called "norms" in our culture. Research shows there's more gain from exercise and nutrition than genetics. That means any of us can benefit from an active, balanced lifestyle. For me, motorcycling is a metaphor for being "in the game". Riding, especially off-road, is an incentive to stay fit. I encourage each of us to stay active within his or her current level of fitness. In the lengthy video on an active, fit life, my reflections point to one consistent fact: a body in motion stays in motion. Ride safely and healthily, live long and live well! Thanks for joining us and have a wonderful Holiday Season with family and friends.
My neighbor has a DR with the biggest big bore kit they make and a set of street wheels, that bike is a hoot on the goaty single lane stuff in NorCal I love to ride
Supermoto DR! Why not? Sounds like fun...
Best bike ever babe, but I have to stand up to start mine.
Understood...I'm unabashedly partial to the XR650R, too!
I think I have read some articles you provided in the TDR magazine. Thanks, always good reading.
Yep, I have written "The Long Haul" column/articles for the TDR since Issue 97...Thanks! Are you a motorcyclist in addition to a Ram Cummins owner?
I owned a kickstart only 1973 XLCH H-D Sportster. It started easily following the proper recipe. I presently own a 1981 Honda XR500R that needs restoration. I need to find a reputable shop to help me get it going again
I am pleased that you value the XR500R and want to restore it. I'll be restoring my '84 XR500R after this riding season (late fall/winter) and will be posting videos of that work. Some chores will apply to your '81 XR500R. Mine has the RFVC head and dual-carburetors, but we share the Pro-Link rear suspension and many other features. I'm trusting that the build will serve many XR owners as at least an overview/orientation to these bikes. Keep us posted, especially if you consider tackling the restoration work on your own.
I am 64, and have been riding since age 8. I started out on a Bultaco Lobito 100. I had to give up my Yamaha XT225 a couple years ago, because I could no longer get my leg over the seat. I would have also been unable to repair a flat tube type tire by myself out on the trail. I still ride a Harley Sportster 1200L, and a Kawasaki Vulcan 750, both with considerably seats than the Yamaha XT. I also have a Vespa GT200 scooter. I have serious orthopedic problems with my legs, and can barely walk. I carry a cane with me everywhere I go. A few months ago, I bought a used 2018 Honda Rebel 300, which I think is the ugliest motorcycle ever made. But it has tubeless tires, a low seat, and you can get a bash plate specifically for it. I've ridden it out in the AZ desert a couple of times, and it seems to work fairly well. Enjoy riding while you can.
You have a great riding history! I'm sorry about the orthopedic issues but applaud your determination to ride. I understand the tall saddle heights, "it's a stretch". Your Sportster would be a top pick for me, and the Vespa GT200 brings back memories. Nevada still had a scooter license provision (age 14) when I entered high school. The sparsely populated state was awash with Cushman, Allstate, Vespa and Lambretta scooters (Mustangs, too, though they were too much horsepower for the scooter requirement). The Japanese Honda 50 Cub and Trail 55, Yamaha, Bridgestone and other scooter brands had entered the market. I adapted a Del'Orto carburetor from an Italian scooter to my Cushman Eagle engine, and it actually worked! Glad you've found a suitable bike and your way back into the Arizona desert. Enjoy riding, it's therapy in itself.
G'day mate. XR are the best. I've had my 650R since new in 2000 & I'll keep it for all my life.
My sentiments to a "T". There are many good thumpers built by Honda and others, but the XR650R is unique. If you get the urge to part with your BRP, take a break, make some popcorn and watch another round of the early 2000s (original) "Dust to Glory" documentary. After watching the XR650R sweep the Baja 1000 with every top rider choosing this bike, you'll be glad you still have your bike! I am grateful to have my 2000 model.
@@MotorcycleTechandTravel your awesome mate Dust to glory is my favourite movie & John Campbell & Mike "mouse"Mc coy are my heroes. I'm just fascinated how mouse was on a XR650R & done the Baja 1000 solo.
Watching "Dust to Glory" never gets old. Dana Brown and Scott Waugh nailed it! Each segment with the XR650R is emblazoned in my memory. When the winter snow deepens, an occasional shot of "Dust to Glory" keeps the adrenalin flowing. The scene with Andy Grider taking the Honda B team into the foreground, Johnny Campbell pegging the throttle of his XR650R on the beach, is classic. While the documentary covers the entire 2003 race, dirt motorcycle enthusiasts focus on the bikes. "Dust to Glory" is a tribute to excellent riders, including iron man Mike McCoy, and Honda's string of big-bore wins. Today, several bike brands compete well while Honda and KTM stand out. In its heyday, the XR650R stood alone.
That's awesome! I had a 441 Victor Special back in the late seventies and also an 83 XL600. I loved that old BSA. It was a wheelie monster. The XL was virtually trouble-free, and with compression release built into the kick-start actuation, it made it as easy to start as an engine half its size. I ride a Norden 901 now.
Ah, a fellow BSA 441 Victor Special alumni! The '83 XL600 decompression start mechanism is like my XR350R and XR500R. For some reason, they work seamlessly, and better yet, they work! The XR650R auto-decompressor was not as seamless, and I removed it with a camshaft change to a HotCams Stage 1. You can appreciate that I now start the XR650R with the manual compression release, finding just past TDC of the compression stroke before kicking through. Same way we started the high compression BSA thumpers!
@@MotorcycleTechandTravel If you happened to ever have the ignition points lobe mechanism out, you know there aren't any splines. Just a smooth tapered shaft with endless opportunity to get it wrong. LOL. And I did. It's hard to find, but I still have the scar from having my ignition 180 off. I swear my kneecap was about a small fraction of a way off from breaking my nose when it kicked back. I was a kid in 79 and didn't understand how ignition systems work. It sparks when they open, not when they close! LOL
Oh, boy! Got the visual on that one. I use the metaphor "tossed over the handlebars" if you don't use the compression release to get over TDC. Spark timing off would be a world of trouble! I can feel it, lasting memories! What really got interesting was the BSA/British habit of having a breaker point set, ignition coil and carburetor for each cylinder. This was the case for my Victor single, A65L Lighting twin and Rocket III triple. I would adjust the point dwell for each set of points at the cylinder's coil primary then set the base timing for that cylinder with a timing light. (When necessary, I would block off the other point sets with cardboard between the contacts.) I repeated this for each cylinder. Same with the carburetors: Amal slide heights were adjusted to match, using a vacuum gauge (still have it). Essentially, the twin got tuned like two singles; the triple got tuned like three singles. Brought into spark timing sync, the engine was spot on!...And people lament electronic ignitions and fuel injection?
@@MotorcycleTechandTravel Oh my god! That sucks. The Victor single is the only British bike I've owned. I was living in Denver at the time and the premier British bike engine builder was there. I followed all his suggestions for what components to use. Once I got the ignition sorted that bike was an actual badass. Reagans motorcade was supposed to pass by the repair shop I worked at and I told my boss I was going to ride a wheelie next to him. My boss said that after the secret service was done with me I would be fired. I decided against it.🤪
Insightful boss...Denver must have been an ideal base for a 441 Victor Special!
I have a 2000 Xr650R with a hop up kit - but ride it strictly dirt on our ranch in California. Never thought about running it on the road. Knobbies on pavement sounds like road rash in the near future ! Great video - and agree I still like kickstart bikes - but ride a modern Bonneville on the street.
Sounds like a great XR650R and riding venue. When I got my 2000, it had already been dual-sport converted with a basic Baja Designs kit. That meant easier access to the backcountry (no trailering or a tote rack, no loading and unloading). While testing the Michelin T63 dual-sport tires, I realized a tire compromise was possible for asphalt and dirt. (Check out the th-cam.com/video/2gF-ZqIPOhQ/w-d-xo.html video if you're curious about these tires.) The T63s are functional in either setting. With the growth in the ADV market, DOT tires of this kind are now readily available, and Michelin has advanced beyond the T63s. Admittedly, having ridden the road and dirt bikes I mention in this video, I found myself using the XR650R on the road more than expected. It's certainly nowhere near as road oriented as your Bonneville. (You have a great bike there!) The XR650R with its stock, brick hard OEM seat is good for a 75-100 mile jaunt before it's time for coffee, breakfast, lunch or any other excuse to take a break. As for kick starting, the HotCams Stage 1 camshaft was as much for eliminating the auto-decompressor as it was for the performance gain. Without the auto-decompressor, I can start the BRP in one to two kicks from sub-freezing winter to hot desert summers. I'll do a short video on what works for me when kick starting the engine...As for U.S. XR650R bikes on the highway, many states no longer allow dual-sport conversions unless the bike was originally emissions certified for highway use. California is among those states. For California owners who did not convert years ago (when legal to do so), the XR650R is for dirt only.
I am 73 and have 5 bikes including a 1971 norton commando that I bought new and still ride. Number Plate is 1OWNA
I worked on the non-unit Norton bikes, including 750 Commandos. Wonderful bikes, aesthetically pleasing and great handling. Valve guides were the only trouble area, easily remedied. Performance was beyond the BSA and Triumph 650s. (That's why I liked my BSA 750 Rocket III!) Among the tradition British bikes, Norton ranks among my favorites. A friend at Reno has his Commando in safe storage, though they do need riding! Congratulations on the provenance and plate, enjoy it!
This man is a badass…
Thanks!
I wish they werent so hard to find. Honda should hav made more of these.
I agree...However, carburetion, lack of electric starting and a heavier base weight did not have mass appeal. The XR650R was purpose built for enduro racing, and it's likely Honda was surprised at the dual-sport and super-moto appeal of this bike. It would be great if Honda would share some of the XR650R's assets with the XR650L. Liquid cooling and an all-aluminum frame are XR650R advantages. These gains are more costly to produce, though. The liquid-cooled CRF450 came in lighter and eventually gained EFI and electric starting. That bike has a wide following and now offers a plateable dual-sport version.
When youve been riding 60 years you can ride anything in your sleep. Its not the age its your fitness and ability. I would be willing to bet you could do some single track on a T7. Cheers and stay safe.
I'm willing. Thanks for the feedback! Motorcycling is clearly an incentive to stay fit.
I been riding my 1992 xr-600r for over 25 years i just turned 64 last week and love that bike more than my fatboy ride to the end it’s worth it
I fully understand! You should be riding for years, the XR600R is an incentive to stay in condition...The "air-cooled" XRs hold their own...I'm in the process of setting up a fully lit shop/studio for this channel. From April onward, expect a steady stream of "tech" and travel...One project in step with your XR600R is my XR500R that's due for restoration. We'll have fun with that one. Much of the work will be familiar and similar to your ProLink, dry sump XR600R. Looking forward!
After 8 years on a 2008 KLR 650, I started riding a 2019 Suzuki V-Strom 650 XT Touring at 76 years old. I hope to ride for several more years. I ride 50/50 dirt and pavement.
Good choice in an ADV, not excessively weighty. You have highway capability on the V-Strom that the KLR couldn't muster. Wise decision, enjoy every minute!
Hi Mate , Good tech info on the Hondas, I'm planning to ride as long as I can also. Great to see older riders still going. I like Hondas but _ the Dr650 is my poison. Subb'd
Good poison, indeed! There's quite a following with the DR650 and for good reason. You have a great machine. Ride on...
After looking at super expensive and heavy ADV bikes, I have begun to realize that 600 lbs. and $25 thousand bucks put you on a 2-wheeled ride into misery. Back in the 1970's I rode 2-stroke enduros (Kawasaki KE 250 and Yamaha DT400) in Colorado. I never had so much fun as on these little screamers. Today's bikes have all the tech bells and whistles, but the simple and effective fun factor somehow is getting lost in the mix. I'm 65, and still able to run with the pack. Might consider doing it on the Honda XR650R. You da man!
Thanks...I have seriously considered the ADVs and turned instead toward desert enduro and dual-sport derivative bikes at half the weight. Travel for me is open desert and single track. Like you share, I'm at home on bikes that were purpose built for that kind of riding. Most ADVs have sport-touring bike roots, if not the entire bike, at least the engines. I'm drawn to the torque advantages of single cylinder machines. Electric start would be a nice touch for kickstart bikes like the XR650R, but I have the starting routine down and and find the trade-offs worthwhile. I will do a detailed video on kick starting a thumper for those still wanting a no frills enduro bike.
@@MotorcycleTechandTravel I still kick start my old '47 Knucklehead. But that bike sucks in the dirt.
I'm partial to a weight ceiling under 300 pounds for open desert or single track enduro riding, 360 pounds for my dual-sport converted, fully loaded XR650R with aftermarket racks, luggage, the big fuel tank and my filming gear on board...But that final year Knucklehead is a wonder, the second to the last model year with springer front forks! (1948 Panheads still had the springer front end and hardtail. Hydra-Glide forks appeared in 1949.) I wrote the Harley-Davidson Evolution V-Twin Owner's Bible (Bentley Publishers) and am a big fan of the Knucklehead. They have become collectibles with staggering value now...It would be fun to restore and ride one! Pleased to know you're enjoying that classic bike! I certainly would.
@@MotorcycleTechandTravel I also have a couple of 1938 Indian Fours, and a 1939 Chief, all OEM restored, among other vintage classics. I've been buying, riding, wrenching on and collecting bikes since 1974. Now I'm interested in winter riding down through Baja to Cabo, and am looking at a good ADV bike.
But I should really spend my dough on a shrink, because motorcycles drive me nuts.
The thirties Indians are in a league of their own, and the fours are elegant...When you ride to Cabo, smile your way out of needing a shrink.
Ive had two, best bike ever! Clark tank's , scott dampner, FMF ti , just so good!
The best! My only frustration with the Acerbis 6.3-gallon tank is the need to remove the tank to change the spark plug. In the backcountry with a fouled or dead plug, this is not ideal. The trade-off is mileage range. I renew my spark plug on time and jet the carburetor for correct burn. I'm running an NGK Iridium plug for insurance and optimal firing capacity.
Thanks for sharing your journey! How come a lot of riders say the stock Honda xr650l being sold today starts to vibrate in the front wheel when they push it to 95 mph and beyond? Is there some mod they need to do to keep it stable??
You're very welcome, and I enjoy learning about yours as well...First off, knobby tires are not optimal for highway use, though D.O.T.-approved types are much better. (I run Michelin's earlier generation T63 tires on the Honda XR650R, and they're more bearable and stable.) There is more to it. Trail-and-rake angle plays a role in shake, and this is built into the chassis/fork engineering. Honda does a good job, though I would guess that 95-plus mph would be outside the realm of their design. Another factor, and critical, is loads at the rear. This affects the rear suspension sag, braking and weight on the front fork and tire. Tire pressure, steering head bearing condition and adjustment and tire balance can each contribute to shake. After confirming that everything is on specification (rake, trail, steering head bearings, front fork damping/valving and fork oil, rear suspension sag setting, front-to-rear load distribution, etc.), if shake still persists, an aftermarket steering damper will help. Quality dampers have adjustable tension for various riding conditions. Upgrade triple clamp kits are also available for a complete revamp of the XR650L steering. An example is Scotts Performance Products. They have various kits (and prices) for different stages of improvement: www.scottsonline.com/ShopYourBike_Products.php?Bike_ID=5479#.
@@MotorcycleTechandTravelthank you for taking the time to drop these 💎💎 gems !!
Very pleased this was helpful...At these speeds, safety is our priority...Enjoy the ride!
Riding by brothers 650 in Oregon..miles from home it stalled at a stop sigh. Kick start attempt resulted in painful backfired ankle. Noticing downhill tried a jump on the bike start, first 2 attemps failed. Had just enough downhill for one more try. Stumbling on the bike engaging 2nd gear with more thottle..it fired while i was off balance. Made home.
Theres a electric start DR 650 around now.
I get the visual...When I bought my preowned XR650R, it didn't run. I attempted to start it with the "auto-decompressor" built into the camshaft assembly. The lack of control gave me the kickback you describe and even jammed the kickstart lever. I needed to rebuild the top engine, so the stock camshaft and auto-decompressor mechanism were set aside in the process...With a HotCams Stage 1 camshaft, the mildest "performance" camshaft I could find, my aim was not a hotter bike but rather a bike I could start by using the manual compression release lever to nudge the piston past TDC slightly on its compression stroke before kicking through. I can kick through firmly without kickback-every time. It takes a moment to find the sweet spot for the piston (just past TDC), but the engine fires first or second kick. I learned this trick from starting my '69 BSA 441 Victor single without getting tossed over the handlebars. Otherwise, it is common for thumper riders to jam their ankle. This can injure the ankle joint or Achille's tendon.
sweet video man!
Appreciate it! Thanks for the feedback...Still some riding and filming before the snow flies!
70 here. My go to bike is a 1976 Yamaha TT500. Street licensed. Mild cam and 11/1 comp. Surprisingly fast for an old lump. Bike is pretty good too.
Major race bike in that era. A great bike and yes, "fast for an old lump". Only it's not a lump, it's a legendary, big-bore enduro bike that helped put Yamaha on the map! The TT500 has earned the loyalty of Yamaha riders to this day. Enjoy it!
1976ish TT500 was my bike in highschool. Monster of a wheelie machine. I ride a gen1 KLR650 now in my 50's.
We're still riding...It does stick with us! The TT500 set the muscle memories. The KLR650 gets a savvy rider on board!
I'm glad you're still kicking it, the xr650. Great video.
I rode an old 600 and other than starting it was brilliant. Wonder why they never put that engine in a standard naked bike.
Interesting point, certainly enough power for a naked bike...Today's KTM Duke 390 would be a prototype with its single cylinder. Electric start would be expected by most road riders although there have been plenty of super-moto builds from the kickstart XR600R and XR650R. The XR600R was Honda's move toward dominating Baja. Kawasaki had been very successful, and the XR600R led to the only liquid-cooled XR, the XR650R. The XR600R is a great motorcycle, handles well and has a dry sump lubrication system. Though still air-cooled, dry sump with in-frame oil flow helps. The XR400R added an oil cooler, which many XR600R owners try to duplicate. Liquid cooling on the XR650R has advantages in open desert, though for crawling, it's about on par with the previous air-cooled XR200R, XR350R, XR500R and XR600R models. (Upgrading the stator output and adding fans on the radiators will help here.) The XR400R was fiercely competitive at its displacement and often underrated, a rugged survivor among the XRs. XR600R owners are a loyal bunch, too!
62 and my speed triple has been gathering dust since I got my smcr 690
guess I've had over 20 bike since 1978
Who's counting, right? There all great, can't beat your current KTM Super Moto for performance!
I have a Kaw KLX650R. Great way to explore rhe Black Hills. Gears and wheels for both Enduro and traveling with Giant Loop Great Basin bag. Trailer if to Colorado and Wyoming.
That's the life! Sounds like you've got it down. A great moto strategy.
I restored a 2000 Xr650r that is an absolute blast in open terrain and for a dirt bike is very good on the highway. Not so fun if you have slow single track, then it starts to run hot. But the kick start or the weight has never been an issue for me. It starts 1st or 2nd kick, unless you drop it and it floods the carb.
I fully agree with your description of the XR650R's best riding venues. I did Eldorado Canyon (see the video at the channel) without overheat but was conscious of the engine's temp during every stretch of slow single track. Many think liquid cooling is the cure-all. It might be if we install a pair of thermostatically controlled fans and up the stator's Watts output to run the fans...Again, this bike was engineered for open desert and winning the Baja 1000. It's very flexible and can do dual-sport and even single track with the care you describe...Good to know that at least two of us can kickstart this big thumper to life in one or two kicks. Many owners flood the engine with fuel, expect a backfire, and believe that's normal. With the piston size, it takes very little to prime this engine cold. In sub-freezing weather, I kick through twice with the manual compression release pulled in and choke on full. Then I bring the piston slowly to just over TDC on the compression stroke, release the compression release and kick through firmly. The engine will start with one or a maximum of two kicks...As for optimal riding venues to protect the engine from heat, I applaud this hefty open desert bike's flexibility, but I would not subject my XR650R to the Rubicon Trail or similar rockpile crawls. For that, I'm better off on the air-cooled XR350R or XR500R bikes, stopping periodically to cool the engine.
I mounted 2 spal 4 inch fans, right side radiator on my BRP and can ride slow anywhere even in summer heat and temp stays below 210 works great.
Very good information, thanks for sharing! Did you upgrade the stator? Are you dual-sport converted with street lighting, too?
Yes I upgraded stator, 200 watt electrosport with a split 2 100 watt phases have a battery on one side that feeds all lights and one fan, have a large capacitor on the other to run second fan plus other accessories if needed, yes California plated pig with Baja designs kit from 2001.
Pleased you're plated at the Golden State. Questions when you have time: Did the ElectroSport stator come with a wiring diagram for your approach? Was the capacitor part of a "kit"? What size/type battery and where did you mount it? I have the original Baja Designs kit, too, without a stator upgrade. Uses a NiCad battery, no longer available from Baja Designs...Lighting marginal...Thanks!
I'm 72 with a ktm 890-R and a honda 250 ralley. I've dropped the big bike mostly in deep sand- i much prefer the smaller bike for more technical trails and two tracks- I'm not a top level rider but I do enjoy getting out on one of my bikes!
Nice pair of bikes and very good judgment call there! I hold my technical single track riding to bikes at a peak weight of 310-320 pounds wet, even less if possible. Peak weight for my dual-sport converted XR650R, fully loaded with racks, soft luggage and travel or filming gear is 360 pounds plus rider. There are those who ride and demonstrate large ADVs on technical single track. I'm impressed with their riding prowess. My open desert and crawl terrain riding has always been on enduro and dual-sport class bikes.
After posting the reply above, I checked myself and revisited the specs on my 1969 BSA 441 Victor Special. I was curious whether my first "scrambler"/enduro, factory street-legal motorcycle broke out of the 310-320 pound (wet) weight range. The Victor had a two-up seat, lighting, a chain guard and horn. Generous use of British alloy kept the weight in hand...The wet weight put a smile on my face-320 pounds! Dry weight 306 pounds. Coincidence? Not likely. We're all impressionable when it comes to our first road, enduro dual-sport or ADV bike, the one we essentially schooled on. The 441 Victor Special's dry weight of 306 pounds and wet weight of 320 places the 441 Victor in league with my dual-sport converted Honda XR650R, affectionately known in the enduro riding culture as the Big Red Pig. I'll take it.
Riding an FT thumper and a XR 350R turned 69 yrs this fall
We simply can't let the XR350Rs go...Remarkable bike for the era and optimal for those still riding them. I have the XR500R waiting patiently for a down to the bare frame restoration. Both Hondas are 1984 vintage and dual carbureted. Inside secret: The dual carburetors are not a liability, tuned and sync'd properly, they become a major asset. Set up right, the transition into the secondary carburetor is seamless...Happy 69th birthday and many more!
What's going on with your left-hand indicator???
This is a Baja Designs retrofit kit, and the turn signals are fully manual-no self-cancellation. The fiddling is centering up the switch after turns and lane changes. It's busy and requires attention. Sorry if this was distracting. It can be when riding, too.
I am 65 and ride a Victory Vision. I don’t understand how you can ride that 650 on the street. I need a backrest as my back really bothers me if I ride any longer than a few hours. The big Vic is super comfortable with heated seats and grips and a massive windshield to keep the wind off me. I can ride it all day. I do have a 650 Vstrom for short trips.
Fantastic that you have these two bikes "for all seasons" and are riding them both. The Vic reminds me of my '96 BMW K1100LT and riding over Ebbetts Pass in a light snowstorm-I had to open my jacket up for cooling! To your point, the XR650R factory seat is like a brick. There's no windscreen. Thumper vibration is inherent...Riding a 100 mile stretch of asphalt is enough. A meal or coffee break, and I can handle more of it. (Actually, after a coffee break, I can handle about anything!) I appreciate your best of both worlds.
My xr650r now also has an E start, best of both worlds. Greatest all-round bike of all time 🤙
Even "greater" in your bike's case with electric starting! I am very interested in how this has worked out, the source of the electric starter, conversion parts, difficulty in installing the "kit", and how/where you have mounted a battery. Also, the stator on our XR650Rs is not high output. Did you increase the stator output?
@@MotorcycleTechandTravel C-Fab is the company that supplied the kit, relatively expensive but well worth it in my opinion. Installation would be fairly difficult without experience however c-fab have different options. The New Zealand bikes have a hire output stator, I have also upgraded to a Ricky stator high output stator, it easily runs lights, heated grips and charging
Very helpful, I researched further and found these informative videos filmed at C-Fab: th-cam.com/video/4cwnuUFxzg4/w-d-xo.html and th-cam.com/video/WjQSDFRRyNY/w-d-xo.html. Your Ricky stator and others are mentioned online. Good to know about the non-U.S. models with a higher output stator, too. I see that the C-Fab installed kit's battery (compact Anti-Gravity Lithium) is mounted conveniently behind the starter's position. By design, I like the gear drive system and a one-way clutch. Cost is a factor but the adapter pieces and gear drive mechanism are significant. Owners are on their own for sourcing some of the parts plus the installation. They can consider the merits and whether or not it's okay to kickstart their BRP...Thanks!
@@MotorcycleTechandTravel you my also need a programmable CDI, I couldn't get my bike to start cold on the stock CDI, changing the timing fixed that problem. Apparently it's luck of the draw if the stock CDI Will work with the e start, it is to do with the difference in cranking speed compared to the kick starter. The other pro or con is the added weight to the fly wheel from the one way clutch. I don't mind the extra flywheel weight but I did notice it the first corner came to.
Interesting issue around the CDI ignition and cranking speed. Makes sense. I do understand the engine not decelerating as quickly (abruptly) when approaching a corner and closing the throttle. I'm guessing that the good news with the added flywheel weight is the engine's ability to lug and not die at an idle and slow speeds under load-like a single track, snail paced crawl. With 4x4 trail running engine builds, I always run a larger (heavier mass) truck flywheel. For a traditional small block Chevy V8 or "stroker" 383, my choice has been a 168-tooth ring gear truck flywheel rather than a passenger car or Corvette 153-tooth. A longer stroke engine will benefit from the added mass and tick over at low speeds without chugging, balking or the urge to stall. Do you notice an improvement like this?
Im 65 ive owned many bikes the 800lb juggernaut CRUISER. I ride is probably overkill one of the most reliable bike ive ever owned but so is a postie bike there great transport
As the years tick away, I'm grateful for the muscle memories from owning and riding many motorcycles. We stay fresh and in the game by riding!
I like the XR650R it has crazy torque and wheelie's in 4th gear, the weight is not a problem as I have huge cahuna and can pick the bike up and run with it if needed.My freinds all have the latest 450's and the brp is faster on or offroad , it might be down to me but not sure. I am also over 60 but feel 21 when riding on the pig, ride free brother.
The BRP has few rivals. Usable torque is way beyond the thumpers with higher compression and high-revving power. The bike will "tractor" at just off-idle in a dry creek bed or do as you describe in open desert. I'll be filming rides to give non-BRP riders a sense for why these bikes are keepers. Thanks for your comments and subscription!
Here in Australia I ride an XR250 now off road, used to have a WR450 but a bit too lively for me at age 70! On road I have a CB750 (nighthawk in U.S.) on club registration so only $85 yearly with TAC third party insurance.
The WR450 was a beast. The XR250 can be just right...It's all good riding!
after many Harleys since the 60s I now ride a F6B 2016 love that bike. bye harley.
Gotcha...The Valkyrie was a head turner, the F6B is the ultimate high-tech bagger in a class of its own...Enjoy every ride!
You were riding in Fernley, do you ride there often?
We're based in this area. Fernley and the hills to its west are regular riding backdrops for my videos. I ride primarily at northwestern Nevada...While the XR650R is a street legal dual-sport conversion, the XR350R and XR500R are dirt-only and require OHV permits. The trailering distances to our riding venues are usually short. I often spend more time loading the bikes than toting them to off-pavement riding sites. That's a good thing.
I want one , but they are so tall ! Need to figure out how to get it much lower!
Yep, tall they are...There's the old cliché: "Once you're on it, you won't notice the height." Well, you still have to get on it!
Any pics of the 650R?
There are several other videos at the channel with the XR650R. Let me know if that works or you find an image you like...I will be riding a great deal and filming videos from this month forward with different perspectives of the bike. I'll keep still photos in mind when filming the videos.
I Sure Hope I'm Still Riding Dirt Bikes When I'm 74! I Have Nine Years To Find Out. Thank You.
You can do it! If this is your passion, as it is mine, you'll be riding a long while. I have launched a video in response to a subscriber's questions about my conditioning and approach to fitness at different periods in life.
I feel like seeing an old guy on any Honda dirt bike or dual sport doesn't really need explaining. There's really only two bikes older guys ride, harleys and adv/dual sport. I am a member of my local ADV group on FB and MOST of the guys are 60+ and there's probably more Honda dual sports than anything else lol. I also commonly see Honda dirt bikes for sale/trade because the rider has become too old or too sick to kick start the bike anymore and wants an electric start.
Well, a 37" saddle height is a bit much for most. So is the kick start only, especially the XR650R with its small-block V8 size piston, regardless of the rider's age. (I eliminated the auto-decompressor and will share a video on how to kick start a properly tuned XR650R without the auto-decompressor, hot or cold, year round, with one to two kicks-without an ankle jamming kickback and no backfires.) I haven't thrown in the towel yet and still enjoy all aspects of riding a big bore desert enduro bike. Yes, I humbly concede that a 100 mile highway ride on the brick hard factory "motocross style" seat isn't the best, though it wouldn't be if I was twenty years old. It's clear why many opt for a sport touring bred ADV for extensive highway use. I've owned and ridden road bikes to the behemoth level. (The Honda GL1500SE qualified, and the BMW K1100LT was close.) A bike above 550 pounds just isn't for me, but to each his own. I'm an enduro rider largely due to the extensive riding venues at Nevada. The XR650R was purpose built to win the Baja races, and its dual-sport configured Australian and European versions are not like a Honda XR650L or the late CFR150L, 250L or 300L. These "L" bikes are great, and the air-cooled 650L is a workhorse without frills that's earned its place among the XRs...Though I have my preferences, I'm neither an elitist nor a purist. Anyone having a good time on a reliable ADV, dual-sport or dirt bike gets my vote!
Looks like farm district road in Fernley.
Good eye! Yes, the "Old Lincoln Highway" route...
Wow. Batman, Superman, RumpelstilTskin, and Johnny Campbell all rolled into one!
There's only one Johnny Campbell...Steve Hengeveld, Mike "Mouse" McCoy and Andy Grider count, too. "Dust to Glory" shares their story.
Some people live a life that does not include riding a motorcycle...My Son was on that trajectory until at 21 I said to him one day do you want to learn to ride my XR650R? Lets just say he took to it like a duck to water...
Well, my youngest son of three is the only rider. I built him a Honda XR75R from a friend's two scrapped bikes. He was ten then. He graduated to a tall wheel (high saddle), Pro-Link XR200R at thirteen. Now he rides his time capsule XR400R. That's a customary path. Your son deserves a round of applause for taking on an XR650R as a "first bike"! Good for him...Do you ride together now?