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Hey, have you ever tried a fork stabiliser? I had the same "flimsyness" problems with my Dr 650 and bought one just to try it out. Together with new fork springs it feels like a totally different bike. Mounting takes about 10 minutes, the part itself costs about 120 bucks (at least here in germany). Retrofitted 2 DRs and an old XR with it and ran them through north africa and eastern Europe until they fell apart. If you ask me the best upgrade for those old thumpers with those thin 1990s forks!
What kind of miles can you get out of this engine? Looking for something to drive back and forth to work. 120 mile round trip. Its between this and a sport bike
@@FastSloW-qt8xf IN my opinion you're better off buying a new one so you know exactly where it's been. I sold a 97 two years later for more money than i bought it. I've had my 2012 since new and am loving it.
@i don't believe in the sun The possible buyer should look at the market and make an informed decision as a consumer. I'm not selling my XR but if a new one is 7k and a used one that's ten years old is still almost 5k, what would you do?
@i don't believe in the sun I just saw an 08 for that price, which is ridiculous, but there's ones with higher miles still going for 3.5k or more. Crazy.
Exactly! Finally someone that actually rides them in the desert. Hard. Haha. Tired of these reviews with guys cruising down a country paved road at 35 miles an hour. Trying to pick out short comings of the bike!
Great review. I envy your riding skills. I had a 2004 650L. I used it to commute 65 miles daily. I stayed in the slow lane to stay away from the freaks. My friend found a extra set of wheel that I purchased and put stock size continental conti go street tires on it. Best thing ever. I averaged 55 to 58 mpg. At worst 50 mpg. My wife and I would swap to the knob bikes for trail riding on the weekends. Change the front sprocket right away. My case had to be split because of a stripped counter shaft. At that point we changed second gear which was a major improvement. The original motor went 72,000 miles. After the rebuild it ran even better. XR650L can can chug up a hill at low rpm even with two adults on it.
When I was a kid (45 years ago) the XR 75 and XR 80 were the default beginner dirt bike. These things last forever... After the Apocalypse and the end of the world when the only thing left are cockroaches and Twinkies, the XR 75 and/or 80s will still be running... The XR design is fucking bullet proof!
my second first bike i was given when i was 6 was a xr80 i treated it like crap and it giver showed any signs of abuse they also make great farm bikes honda should still make them and the exact same way with no updates with those comfy old seats
1st. Great job on the video. 2nd. I bought a new xr650l in 1999. I'm 5' 10" and weigh 240 and fairly muscular, even today at 63. And yes, the bike can wear you out on a technical trail but it is is a blast. You can point this this up a steep hill and just let er rip knowing she can get you there in a hurry. I've left mine all stock and use it to run around the community and to check the cows. Plus I take an occasional camping trip with it loaded to the max with all my camping gear. The Ozarks offer a lot of great trail riding up in Arkansas. She's been a really tough, dependable , thrill machine for all these years. And for a man like me...it's just right. If I ever wear out this one....at my age I'll probably.....by a Jeep.
Gabe, I honestly think you make the best dual sport reviews on TH-cam. You cover EVERYTHING, the footage is excellent, the VO is spot on... seriously man you're just excellent!
The only people hating the XR650 are either too weak to handle it properly or just can't ride and end up blaming the bike for lack of skills, The 650 is an unstoppable tank if taken care of and the rider makes No excuses
i totally agree wt you i m 5'11 75kg and i owned 2 xr650L..excellent reliable..machine..of coz if really mountain/valleys deep forrest i use my Wr250f..thats my 2cents opinion
mudsuitable..i 200%totally agree with you...i hv 2 Xr650 brand new..one with motard the other original..both with Clarke 4.7 gallons..37..44...52mpg i dont care one with fmf slip on and one with japanese slip on..both i hv modified jet kit..to improved performance..love xr..all bit of it..i m 53yrs old 5'10.5"
I rode mine from Missouri to Utah through mountains with luggage on board and she pulled all the mountains with no problem at all. Best way to describe the Honda XR650L is it’s a BEAST. It has all the low end power you need in any gear she will pull right through anything.
Nice review. Some notes: The XR650L front end flexes too much. Fine for the street, shit in the dirt. A fork brace improves the handling so, so much. A USD fork conversion is even better. Ditch the XR650R sprocket for a "Fritzcoinc" front sprocket. Greater spline contact without the chain offset caused by the R sprocket. If you ever rebuild the engine, replace 2nd main shaft gear with the NX650 2nd gear to reduce the gap between 1st and 2nd. You can also replace the 5th gear on the countershaft to increase the gap between 4th and 5th. While you're at it, get an XR600R countershaft in there just in case you eventually decide to perform the kickstart mod. Currently in the middle of a rebuild. I have 44000 miles on it. Only "needed" (not really) a top end, but decided to do the kicker mod and gear replacement mod. This is a bike I will keep until I die.
Awesome, that makes me want to get one even more. Can you comment on how necessary the sprocket /countershaft mod would be for someone using is primarily on the street/occasional dirt and gravel roads? Thanks
I have an XR600 with CRF 450 UDS's and a FCR carb. 628 Cycle Wizard Bigfin head etc. Goes well. Just need to do more offraod on it. The stardard forks were sketchy, like wet spagetti.
I rode one in the Israeli desert for 9 months ,handling improved drastically when I reduced the front tire pressure ,this provided more stability and comfort going over fist sized rocks so common on desert tracts and dry river beds. And with an after market muffler on it I literally had a blast ,could do with a weight reduction of thirty pounds and a bigger fuel tank ,a 450 with a bigger fuel tank would be a good choice and increasing your strength to handle the big 650 is worth considering .Great review thanks .A +
I bought one of these for my first bike. Actual I had a XL500 35 years ago, but not for long due to wife's concerns. Yep, I didn't start riding until I was 55 years old. Had an old KLR for a year then got the XR650L. I am 6'3" tall and about 220lbs, give or take 10 lbs. It is a beast on the trail but I love riding it to the trail then on the trail and then home. That was 5 years ago. After getting tired of picking it up, I got a good deal on a WR450 and rode it and loved it for a year, but gave it up because it was to scary fast and I liked to go fast but I figure I am too old to go fast. So, I picked up a TTR250 and love it on the trails but I still have my XR650L and ride it regularly to work and to the trail, just not as technical trails as before.
@@harounben342 I stopped riding for years after getting married. Went back a few years ago when I hit my 40s. After riding for a week and getting over the initial sedentary body ache, I feel young again! Of course, one needs to know their limits, but it was definitely the medicine I was looking for.
I can relate. It was my first bike when I got back into dirt riding after raising the kids. Still have it. But I did ride dirt as a kid. And after a few years I did get a lighter bike for the dirt, not that the XRL was hard to ride in the dirt, it's not, it's actually very forgiving and the weight disappears once in motion, but it's a real bear to pick back up on the trail.
@@Bredaxe Exactly. I grew up on dirt bikes but now I don't do enough. Working out is boring to me. I'm getting a trail bike for the exercise, and the fun.
+gno monty they can go anywhere and conquer anything with a skilled rider, Moab is a lot of fun on an XR 650 just make sure you have sticky tires and iron balls then it's literally unstoppable.
Cool review man. To fix the strong clutch pull simply install an extender / longer bracket where the clutch cable goes into the engine... its amazing the difference it makes. Super soft and smooth, they come with 3 or 4 position holes on the usually depending on your soft / hard required amount
This review is soooo well informed. You literally cover everything someone would want to know and then some more. You've actually confirmed my feelings about its wonky handling offroad too... I don't actually ride very hard but part of that is that I never feel confident at the sort of speeds your doing so I avoid it. I feel the the 650L's greatest strength is just how mechanically simple and reliable the whole package is. I probably should have subscribed to you awhile ago..I don't know why i haven't.
Great review. You capture the essence of this bike in a really down to earth kind of way. I really wish I had seen something like this before I bought my 2003 about six or seven years ago. I would have gone in with far different expectations or, more accurately, more realistic expectations. Biggest issue for me was range. An Acerbis 5.8 gallon tank answered all of my needs.Then, a JE 10:1 compression piston, Dave's mods, and a full XR's Only exhaust boosted the power enough to really change the personality of the bike. My perspective on the size and weight of this bike are much different than yours. I'm a 6'1", 270 pound, very dedicated weight lifter. Anything smaller than this bike makes me look and feel like a bear on a tricycle at the circus. I'm not all that skilled as an off road rider, so I take it pretty slow and easy. This bike, with its outstanding low end grunt, is perfect for a guy like me. Your review kind of suggests that, so I thought I would confirm that this bike really is an outstanding choice for bigger guys like me who are not looking to tear up the trails, but more just want to get there and back. It has served me very well in that capacity.
Really great review, and I'm glad you did this. Because there are a lot of people who can use this information. Anyway, I'm not surprised that the engine has that many miles and is still in good shape, not using oil, and not leaking oil anywhere. That is very typical of the older Honda XR's from the '90's. I don't know how they did it, but they did. I have a 1999 XR250R that is also still not using oil, and not leaking or seeping oil anywhere, and original clutch pack (although it's getting thin). I have ridden that thing for 18 years, and never had the top end apart. I've had to adjust the valves once in 18 years. I check them twice a year, but they never move. Amazing durability. I have no idea if the newer Honda bikes are as good.
When I was a kid my grandfather bought an 1982 Honda big red. 200cc air cooled. I used to beat the snot out if it. And to this day it still fires right up and purrs like a kitten. Never touched the engine. Those 80s Hondas are bulletproof.
@@halfnelson6115 My grandfather also had a 1982 Honda big red 200cc and a 110cc honda atc (not sure of the year) but those things were bulletproof. Back in the late 90's I wanted a xr200r because it shared the same motor as the 200c big red but that never came to fruition. That 82 200cc big red still runs today.
i'm 5"6 and i ride my 650l mostly on the road and its great at rolling off miles and being comfortable for a dirt bike. to love the XRL you have to see it in its proper context. its for higher speed open trails and road use. its not a high performance machine. it has 8:1 compression it'll run just fine indifferently on 87 octane. doesn't need specialty oils and maintenance is well...dumping gas in it haha This is the bike you want in the world of Madmax. it'll get you to point B with its big manly grunting 650 that makes me gitty every time i twist the throttle and it beltches out a big gob of torque like barnie from the simpsons around last call. that big thumper feel never gets old. if you get a crf450 carb and a good pipe for her you'll get some throttle response i assure you. alot of people switch back to the stock carb because it is alittle much to handle.
All hail the mighty XR650L! Guess I'm one of the few who started late in life (45!) AND started riding offroad on a big XR. Great review that hits all of its strengths and weaknesses. Having addressed all of the short comings on my bike, its so much easier to ride than stock. Proof again that fun doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg. Great, honest review and keep up the good work!
This was about the best and most thorough motorcycle review I have ever seen on TH-cam. Your riding style and location is insanely entertaining to watch too. Got me to subscribe. I'm thinking about getting an XR650L to replace an XR650R I sold a year ago, and I think this review has me sold.
I'm 5'5 145 pounds and I ride mine everywhere even with my girlfriend of 100 pounds. This bike is as good as your riding ability. With 14 45 gearing I can pull up wheelies in 4th gear with no clutch. 5th also with a small roller hill. Videos on xr650l on fb. Much easier with the clutch tho. The shell Rotella t6 is the same oil I use and is much better than the gn4 Honda oil. This bike with some mods can be alot of fun, versatile, and very reliable if not over reved. Motor made for torque not rpm. The front end benefits alot off road with a fork brace and for heavier riders, upgraded springs, valves and oil, or a complete upgrade with usd forks. Ignitiontech cdi is a huge recommendation. Awesome video
Wow, that was one of the most thorough reviews I've seen of any bike. Very good! I am ancient and began dirt biking in the late '70s. I bought a brand-new Honda XL-500 back in '82 or '83. Loved that bike. Didn't use it off-road much at all, just around town, commuting to class, etc. I loved the low-range pull of that bike, though it was much too heavy (and tall) for me to ever consider using it for much off-road duty. (and btw, it had no electric-start. Only a kick starter. That's how we rolled in the old days!) Now FF 35+ yrs later. I've not ridden at all for the past 27 yrs. I would like to get another dual purpose bike just for puttering around town, the occasional EASY dirt road/trail, and just for getting some grins. I am considering the XR650L, or either the CRF300L or the KLX300. (it depends which bike my dealer is able to get first in these covid economy-troubled times) I know I would love the 650 for the low-end grunt that it has, however I would also like the 300 bikes for their weight reduction, "flickability," all while still having some decent power. I ruled out the KL650 immediately once I saw that it's 460 lbs wet. The XR650 at 346 lbs is no lightweight, but it would be doable for me, particularly as I would not do any serious off-roading with it. Anyway, thanks for the excellent review!
@@opaic777 Actually, no. I ended up with a Yamaha WR250R instead! I had heard good things about it and came across one of the last new ones made, and had to do it. Love the bike, it's great for around-town. Then a year later, got a Honda CB500X. Very sweet bike too, I like it as much as the Yamaha.
Great review. I grew up riding the XR's in the desert north of scottsdale. Ive had the XR500, XR250R, XR650L. These are not motocross bikes with tags, they are tractors with an addictive low end. If you're not a professional offload racer, then these guys are for you. Perfect for most any trail, desert run, fire roads, and even onroad.
Seriously, great video! I just bought a 2003 with 18k miles. It IS heavy. But your comments on lightening it are appreciated, and you have just great riding footage. Inspired me to bust this thing loose a little. Thanks for the effort and the vid!
I have owned my XR650L for two years now and my verdict is that it is probably the best all purpose dual sport on Earth. Light enough for me to take it on very technical trails and hill climbs. Fast enough to go 60 - 65 mph for a longer road trip. Reliable enough to literally last a life time (if you keep and eye on the oil level). I absolutely love mine!
I have one of these and agree with all of your points, but the area where this bike shines is an an adventure travel bike because it has the torque and capacity (with a beefed up rear subframe) to carry the gear of a fully loaded ADV bike but is way more capable offroad that my KLR650 or my friends' big GS's. Great review and great riding in the video!
Bought a 650L last year. My first bike. As my riding has become slightly more technical I've wondered how many deficiencies were mine and how many were the bikes. I think they're still mostly mine, but good to get a perspective. I love the bike. It suits what I do now well and is a ton of fun. It is a heavy, high center of gravity beast though.
This is the best review of any bike I have ever seen. True, honest, and hits all the points you want to hear about a bike you potentially want to buy. And I have watched hundereds of bike reviews. Keep up the good work.
Sold! I have wanted a dual sport for years and this model just presented at an affordable price. Thanks for giving the suggestions for improvement too!
Has everyone forgotten about Scott Summers winning multiple off road races in the '90s on a big XR? Honda even offered a race kit for the 600 to bump it to a 628. He was also known to be able to lift the entire bike as well... That being said, I prefer my CR500 & KX500 for offroad duty.
That's what I came here to say. I actually find the big XR's easier and much less tiring to ride fast off road than my KX500 or former KTM450 was. The 450 was probably a little faster in some sections, and the XR in others, but I could maintain a fast pace racing XC for longer on the big XR than I could on my 450 back in my racing days. Great bikes! The 500's are impossible to beat in the fun department, though. Power wheelies in every gear just make you smile, haha.
@@jeffsmith4801 Yeah, I think it's about a 40-50lb difference, ready to ride. However, it's pretty easy to put the 650L on a weight loss program. Swap the battery for a lightweight lithium battery, ditch that giant silencer, and removing the smog pump/canister, etc. will drop a good bit of weight off the bike. I'm not suggesting that you could do that and go beat Graham Jarvis at Erzberg with the bike, but it's plenty capable for most of us.
Dood. If you like the 500 2-smokes, you should get a ride on a 500 KTM. It's just slightly less powerful than the 2-smokes and a bit heavier, but it is way, waaaaayyy more civilized and ridable. Plus . . . it has the sixth gear -- which is worth its weight in gold. As is the electric start. It's a brave new world, dood.
That was one of the best reviews I've seen in a long time, you covered absolutely everything, very informative and fun to watch, great stuff, thanks.!!!
My 2004 now has 56,000 miles on it. I bought a new one because I dearly love that machine. Just waiting to wear out the old one. But it just keeps going and going and going. More than 30,000 miles of them are off road. Moab, Monument Valley, New Mexico, Washington, Idaho, Oregon. It's an amazing off road warrior! But that front end needs that brace, and heavier oil. Rubber side down brother!💖
Great honest review of the 650L. I bought a brand new 2017 last year for riding OBDR trips (oregon backcountry discovery routes). It's tall... It's kind of "clunky" between 1st and 2nd.. and I wish the ratio was a little tighter between 1st and 2nd, but It's not all that bad. It is heavy, but so are the other 650 singles... I like the bike. It is simple, easy to work on, easy to modify, easy to ride, and fun. I have never seen anything over 45 mpg so I'm not sure how you get 60 out of it as one of the comments below states, but I put a 4.7 gal clark racing tank on it and it helps with the longer trips. I love the bike and even though I have an Africa Twin, and a Harley Road King... it is still a blast to ride and fits a spot neither of those bikes can. Great job reviewing it and convincing me it was a good move to purchase this bike... it's a lot of fun!
I have a 2002 with 880 original miles on original everything. I absolutely love it. Single track, sand pits, power lines, street. It does it all and is awesome. All I’ve done is put a different front sprocket and tires on it. I bought it about a year ago and it’s given me ZERO issues. I am 6’5” and 215 pounds. I have no issue with the weight. I can stand above it and Sit flat foot legs bent.
Been muscleing mine around since 94 im 6'6" 240 and i have 150k on it no major problems. I did put a cush drive on it and did the front sprocket mod & lectron carb. Love mine and its bullet proof
As a 650L owner since 1996 I have to congratulate you on this review. What makes us love it is what it used to be. And that there's barely any updated substitute
Really enjoyed hearing the break down compared to the smaller bikes. Not every day that you get that spread. I don't fully understand all the tech stuff but I'm learning. Master the pig!
I had an 2004 XR650L. We replaced second gear to get a even gear spread. My buddy found extra 650 wheels. I mounted Continental Conti Go street tires. At 42 PSI and 58 mph I could get 55 to 58 mpg. It made it all the way to a 72,000 mile rebuild. These bikes will chug up hill with to adults on it. It’s a great bike.
I had an XR650L for 17 years. It is the perfect do-it-all machine. If you can only have one bike to do everything from single-track riding to extended stints on pavement, this is the motorcycle to own. Easy to maintain and practically bulletproof. Since I am a shorty, I had to purchase a lowering-link in order to get the seat height down to a point where I wasn’t falling over a every stoplight. As for the complaint about the vague handling due to the flexing forks on this bike, a set of Progressive Fork Springs and a fork brace will cure that problem. This a great review covering the XR from a more off-road oriented perspective. If you want to get into adventure riding, but don’t want to deal with the massive weight and complexity of all the modern multi-cylinder beasts on the market, you should rake a closer look at the venerable XR.
Awesome review! I love my XR650L and it's insane seeing how much it can do when ridden by someone like you. Looking forward to seeing more videos with this bike!
Good review! I bought a brand new XR650L back in 2006 and rode it for ten years before selling it and getting a new Africa Twin. I've been riding for 46 years of my 52 years on the planet, mostly dirt/dual purpose and I loved that bike! I'm only 5ft 7, so I was tippy-toeing it until I installed a lowering link and Corbin lowered seat. Once I did that, it was much more manageable. The second mod I did after de-snorkling it was install an FCR 41mm pumper carb, and it turned it into a whole different bike. I also installed a Scott's steering damper which I found helped the front end when riding on sand/loose dirt.
This was supper helpful I'm buying a new one of these hopefully end of this month. The only reason I chose this beast of a bike is because I'm 6'1" and 280lb and the big bike just feels right. Exited to try it out and hopefully as a beginner I don't die 😂
I got the Honda because it will always get me back from the wilderness....KTM not so much. And I like having no radiator to break in a crash in the wilderness. Power is secondary.
I once owned a 1975 XL 350 it weighed about the same as the XR 650 aprox. 350 lb. On the trails it felt heavy, but on the road in a croswind it was to light. I loved it. Gave away my 1984 Gold Wing, and I have a brand-new XR 650 on order at my local Honda shop.
love this video and review. .thank you for all the information. one of the top bikes im looking at right now from a dealer..im a bigger guy.. so hopefully my size and strength will help me out off road.. im surrounded by old logging roads. fire roads and OHV
One of the Best dual sports ever hands down. 1500 miles in 5 days in my home state of CO. Over our highest dirt passes and only minimal hwy and the XR 650L claimed two untouched high altitude set up bikes with NO fail! 8 different bikes beside and all had issues. Don't change this bike Honda. We do love all 2 wheels though and want best for consumers! This includes Engineer pass!
Bro I have the exact same bike 1993 !!! I'm agree with your opinion 100% many people don't like this kind of bike and talk a lot of BS for the simple reason , they don't know how to manage high torque !!! To me the bike is perfect !! Thanks for the video, well done
Man you should make good money doing reviews! I've had my 94 about 4 years now an still love it 56 years old 180 5'11" ya the front end tends to plow like a tractor , or at least it did maybe I just changed my riding style. I have a fork brace that I haven't put on yet. It's no where near as fast as the new 450 dirt bikes I ride with but with my crazy top end speeds I don't eat their dust. It is a workout at times but I'm 56, an don't do gyms. I've rode several newer bikes but mines set up purdy well for me an see no reason to shop for buyers or bikes.
Also if I choose to stop an rest while riding with others I always stop at the beginning of a wide open straight away. Never underestimate old age an treachery!
Nice one Mike. Feel pretty much the same at 55 - 178cm and see no reason to shop for other bikes anytime soon. I see a lot of my buddys shopping around every year or two changing bikes. XR's are great machines in the hands of riders that appreciate them for what they are and can work around their perceived shortcomings. If I ever get a tattoo done it will probably read XR.
Ive owned 79 xl500s , 83 xl600r, 84 xr200l, 98 01 02 03 xr650l. That is a total of seven xr's of experience. I loved each and every ride. The weight to power ratio on the 79xl500s with the 23" front tire was the best wheelie machine. I could pop up 5 gear wheelis a 55 mph with 100% stock set up. The 83 xl600r wad a great bike aswell I gotvit when i was 15 and out ran half the cops in the county on it. Studded tires and wheelied across many laked. A bike of stiff suspension but when 15 it was a awesome bike to jump mudhole and give your friends their first 100mph dip down the road. loved the dual carb. set up. The 84 xl200r was light nible and would climb any hill fun trail riding bike to ride not fun on the pavement reved out at 70mph. I got my first xr650l brand new when i wad 19 Road it across northern usa in october in a 1200 mile one way trip. All around best of all bikes ive owned. Topped out at 116mph going down mountain on hwy 66. Many 120 day trips made crossing 3 mountain ranges. I do a lot of mountain riding on tight trails. This bike has made me a bettet rider dancing 350lbs plus my 250lbs on it through the steepest tightest trail imaginable. Yes there has be a few climbs where i had to baby walk the bike back down the steep mountain trails backwards using clutch and engine for braking. But that is the luck of the roll making memories on a man and his machine. I am a true "XR MAN". As long as i can still swing my leg up on that tall pig I will ride it like i stole it. Xr650l best bike for the Money hands down.
Got this as my first bike a year ago, and I've been riding pretty regularly since then. I agree with basically everything you said, down to the letter. It's massive and unruly, each one will have its own, weird quarks, and it takes a lot of time to get used to, but they're just so fun and reliable.
News Flash... Honda keeps selling the same antique dirt bikes because they keep selling, and because it would take a major investment to meet current emission standards. The old designs are grandfathered in as long as they don't change anything.
Well, honda hasn't had to play catch up in the 4 stroke department like all the other dirt bike manufacturers, they perfected the xr line before 4 strokes became popular so that didn't really give them a need to update. And to be fair the xr650l is really the only old one left and I suspect the 450l will eventually take its place as mid sized dual sports become more and more popular. The big thumpers are certainly a dying type and it's sad to see them fading.
@@Cw0346 I have a 2003 XR250R, and while it is still as capable as it ever was I would not call it perfect. The carburetor floods easily, and the CC to horsepower ratio is nowhere near newer engine designs. It handles the job adequately if you do some basic engine upgrades and throw a bigger sprocket on the back, but it is relegated to a trail bike - it could never compete with the newer/better suspension, lighter frames, and stronger engines of the newer designs on the track. The fact that the suspension bottoms out on even medium jumps takes it out of any competition use. For trail use it is bullet-proof and it works great (with the above improvements)... It will probably still be here along with the cockroaches and sharks long after man has nuked himself from the face of the earth. LOL
@@barking.dog.productions1777 Yeah the 03 250 r is certainly not going to compete with modern bikes but if you compare it to other 2003 bikes I would bet that it's one of the best in the 250 class, maybe not in power, but that's not everything. (Would you expect any less then bullet proof reliability from a Honda, I think I would go buy a ktm if I wanted sketchy reliability : )
@@Cw0346 Well friend, I am the last one to knock the Honda, but I also deal in reality. It is a good bike, and maybe even great in it's day, but to say that it has not been improved on is because it is still the best is a fantasy. I stand by my original post, which is to say that the older dirt bikes have not been upgraded because it would be cost prohibitive to meet the new government pollution rules... They are "grand-fathered" in as long as the design does not change. They are all good bikes, and for that reason sales are still good... But given today's technology they could be so much better if it were profitable to the company to do so...
@@barking.dog.productions1777 and as I said before I believe the modern 450l will over take both the big bore and small bore machines becuase they have the playfulness of the 250 class with the highway capability of the 650's
it appeals to this retired sw engineer that started on an old honda 305 scrambler in the 60s and now at 76 w/parkinsons wanted to get back to it while i can. height is 75" and weight 240, more, i too did the free breathing, battery, pipes, and gas tank & led lighting; favorite ride is fire roads & desert. LOVE This bike bought new in '16, just getting new front rubber at 6300+. i had a nighthawk 750 in late 90's but just didnt really love street riding. dirt for me w/enough street to get from trail to trail.
I love the old XRs. I grew up on one, before moving to a YZ80 2 stroke. My top love ever since has been for the 2 strokes. The idea I have floating around in my head now is to convert my '92 YZ250 to a dual sport, and try to get it plated for the road. 🤙
I have a DR650, maybe I should do a full video review on it. I'd say it's certainly not as dirt worthy as the XR650L, but the DR is a much better street bike, while still being capable off-road. The main thing though, is the DR650 never overheats due to it's large oil cooler. Plus, it can be very easily modded to suit riding style (adventure, trail, highway travel, commuter). It's basically a true 50/50 dual sport.
Trevor Jameson, I've been looking into getting one, I've read they're more off road oriented then the KLR. I'm trying to figure out the best all around bike for my next purchase and I think I've settled on a 650 thumper. It has to be big enough to cruise highways, 70 mph, and handle our heavy Wyoming winds at elevation (30 mph-60 mph). I would like to cruise 2 tracks and forest roads as much as a 2.5 hour drive to the next town.
Wyoming, that's awesome! I'm from Texas, but I take both my DR650 and XR250R to Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and California at least once per year. I can tell you from experience with the DR650R, it works very well on 4x4 trails, two track, and forest service roads in the mountains, at elevations from 7000 to around 10k. Those types of trails are easy for the DR650. Also, the stock gearing is excellent for street use, and it will very easily cruise at 75 mph on the highway. I do a lot of weekend traveling on highways here in Texas, to get to some great camping areas, and it's perfect on the highway. I know the winds in Wyoming are strong enough to blow over trucks and campers, I've seen it. I've never ridden the DR in high winds like that, but it does handle moderate winds with no problem. The KLR is a giant pig, I've ridden one and hated it. It's not only 60 lbs heavier than a DR650, but it's also underpowered in comparison. I have a friend with an XR650L and its a good bike too, but taller than a DR, vibrates a lot more, and is in general more dirt oriented. Still a good bike though. If you get a DR650, let me know. I have owned DR's since '05 and know a few things about them. It's important to uncork it, and re-jet it, at the very least.
Yeah, born and raised, I love it here. Will do, I'm a ways out from getting one, I have to sell my Harley and then get the DR. Hopefully I won't be riding I the really heavy winds, but I do plan on riding to my destination then exploring some. Thanks for the advice, ride safe!
Get a fork brace. Makes an enormous difference in handling. Also, a braided steel brake line will help a lot with the braking power. You actually can add a kick starter. You can also directly swap in a lower second gear to close that huge gap from first, and taller 5th gear for more efficient highway driving. And yeah, it's a good idea to get an extra cdi box as a trail spare. Those go out randomly. Sometimes they'll last 5+ years, sometimes they'll last 2 months. Also, the heidenau k60 is an amazing tire on this bike both on and offroad. I never had a tire that kept traction as well as that one, including the brand new Dunlop 606s that were on the bike when I bought it. The heidenau also lasts forever. And yeah, this was my first bike, that I bought at 34 years old. I am tall enough to flat foot both feet while sitting on the bike, and I never thought it felt heavy. But I never could get the knack for offroading on 2 wheels. I didn't grow up riding dirt bikes like so many others and I think I'm just too old to try to learn now, especially without health insurance. But now I've graduated to a 2014 valkyrie, which I love to death. I can't even believe I own something so amazing. Probably going to sell the Xr650l once I fix it to help pay off the Valk, though I kinda still want to keep it.
Good review guy! I owned two 600xr from 87 and 89, and after 15 years on other enduro motorbikes, j just came back 4 months before for a 650 from 2007, and it's such a pleasure. One of the better bike ever made!
Except KTM has the ultra reliable MOST POWERFUL SINGLE CYLINDER PRODUCTION ENGINE with the 690. If KTM detuned the 690 or even the old 625 LC4 to make as little horsepower as the 650l it would prolly do a million miles with no rebuild lmao.. Plus reliability is pointless when you fall asleep on the handlebars. A 650 with acceleration similar to a 250? That's just fucking disgusting. It better at the very least be super reliable! You're pretty bad at critical thinking.
Bud honda is known for there extremely reliable engines with great performance, a ktm 690 Isn't really reliable its just fast af unlike the xr650. Now ktm kinda owns competition bikes but not really honda nailed the 2019 crf250r and 450r as well as the rx models and the 450x oh and 450l test riders have said for 2019 ktm's bikes are mellow and slow.
When one can't afford KTM, that's the comeback of choice. It's one's only consolation. These XRLs provide a lot of smiles per mile and they're terrific bikes but coming back to it after a few rides on the KTM it feels a bit clunky.
I've had a Honda as my first bike, and I've seen them outlast the Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki bikes I've gotten later. So far I've owned over thirty plus some odd bikes, and the only ones still running dual sport wise are my SL125 and XR600 Hondas. Race wise I've still got my bought new 1975 Heiki Mikola Husqvarna CR250 setup personally by none other than Rolf Tiblien and gotten thru Malcolm Smith in Riverside Ca. and it still runs. We also bought a new 68 Sears Puch, and it has less than 1,000 miles on it, and it still runs. Bottom line is you pump up the horsepower and lose reliability every time. Nothing like everyone taking off there belts to make a "tow rope" to drag your ass home, while you eat dirt getting towed. I can still picture our buddy covered in mud after this some 45 years ago.
Loved your unbiased and honest review of a beast of a bike. I love these honda classic king of the enduro bikes but untill now wouldn't consider owning one due to the weight and torque. Hats off to you!!!
Nice review! I know you probably don't have a budget to test many bikes, but if it ever happens I would love to see a review of a DR650. I love your reviews, they are honest and seem unbiased.
It's on "the list!" Just waiting for one to pop up at a reasonable price. People think they're made of gold or something, because I've seen clapped ones and people still want over $3,000... Must be something good about them for people to hang onto them with a death grip. We'll see eventually!
My review isn't unbiased, but they're basically the best bike out there. I got 35,000 miles out of mine before a bad engine job on my part took it out of commission. I still miss it.
Jim, it would be cool to see your review of a DR650. I would be curious if it could hold up to the type of riding you do out in the desert! (it's doubtful) lol... I have one, and it's not made of gold, but it's a great dual sport, leaning more towards street use really (it's a fantastic street bike).
AWESOME video with all the information you would need. Its your voice delivery wich is like the cherry on top. You speak with clear and nice voice and as a dude who lives in europe, your english is so casual and easy to understand that I could multitask and do other things while watching and THAT is rare for my adhd having ass. :) Here, have my thumbs up button!
It really is amazing how much simply doing Dave's mod, de-snorkeling, and de-smogging, improve the bikes. I rode mine for years stock and was just "meh" about it, but wow just one hour of work and a $5 jet and it is a monster!! The only other thing I disliked was how high first gear was, but just putting a new sprocket on the front with 13 teeth fixed that. Weight and height are the other disadvantages. I bought a crf300l because I was afraid of this bike and just couldn't overcome the learning curve, but now that I have a smaller machine to practice gnarlier things, I am really loving and appreciating the xr650l!
I was looking for a comment like this. My CRF300L was stolen just a few days ago. Been looking at bikes to replace it and the XR was pretty much top of the list.
There’s just something about the XR. Yeah, sometimes they want to spit you off and try to kill you, but you can’t help but love it. I ride a Husqvarna TE630 now, but I’ll always have a soft spot for the XR. 🏁
I also bought an XR650L for my first bike. I wanted a cheap dirt bike that could be ridden on public roads so I could learn how to ride without having to worry about getting hit by cars. One bike that could do it all. Its nice that it is hard to stall and I can go freeway speed with it. Definitely not recommended for anyone much shorter than 6' as it feels like I'm trying to throw my leg over a horse and I'm 6'1". Mine has been far from reliable. First the pulse generator gave up, then the engine started burning a lot of oil (about a quart for every two hours of riding) and cutting out. So I rebuilt the top end with a high compression piston and a new header pipe. It changed the character from something you could go putt around on to something where you're looking for cars to embarrass in a street race. Great review. One day I'll be able to go that fast off road but it won't be for a while.
Your review is dead on. I had a 2005. Heavy ,tall , john deere engine with pogo sticks for forks. Fun on the road or fire road, nightmare when airborne or in a pit or mx track.
I have been riding since I was 10. I’m 50 now and bought my 650l new in. .2002. She is a tank but still my favorite bike ever. I will never sell it. A must have👍 never had a single problem ever. Built like a battleship.
I own one. 07 650L. Love the beast. Now there are a couple things that need to be done to help the old girl out on the trails. The first thing to go is the goofy circa 1970's bars. They are absolute rubbish if you are more than 4 feet tall and want to stand on the pegs. I installed the 2 inch rox risers with a set of CR high bend fat bars. This allows for comfortable standing and I can adjust the forward pitch of the bars as well now. Ditch the 15 tooth front sprocket for a 14 tooth. Now she accelerates like a scalded cat. Lost some top end speed, but only those that are done living take this thing much over 100kph anyway. Go here for the sprockets. No need to reverse them like the 650r Sprockets. advrider.com/index.php?threads/honda-xr650l-maximum-spline-contact-double-life-front-sprocket.1111998/ . If you have the know-how and funds toss the CV carb in favor of the FCR/MX flatslide (mine came off a CRF450R). The accelerator pump is worth it. An adapter is required to make it fit. Don't have the link handy from where got mine. Now that old Honda is running how it should have from the factory. Next up is USD swap ....
Sheep Dog , I bought new 2012 650L and raised bars six inches using two sets of rox. Had to get 4 longer cables. Then I lowering linked, kouba, down an inch n three quarters. So much better as I'm sitting in it now and not high, top heavy. Fits like it should, now. Went with A-LOOP tank,seat kit, the seat is lower than OEM and tank is smaller, 2.5gal. see it on my ch. If you like. Six air raid speakers on bars with iPod or Android connection, loud, not shitn. I am pavement 95% and have MEFO rear, get at least 7,500 miles from the super explorer 99. I highly recommend MEFO, they make only two types, the explorer Which is a dual sport and the stone master which is a knobby. Both are dot rated. I've not used the stone master but completely impressed with 7,500 mile tire for $200. Check em out, spring time I'm Maine, don't need to use heated grips or heated fly ignitor gloves now but I will again this coming winter. Long as pavement is clean and no black ice, my adventure still lives. 👍
Great revie. I believe the stock countershaft on the XRL is dampened. Also, throw a FCRMX carb on it, probably the best mod out there after a pipe and bigger tank. I have owned about every dual sport bike that you can imagine for over 30 years (starting with a 1971 Kawasaki 90) and I went back to the XR650l. There is simply nothing out there that fits this niche better. Good on-road, good off-road. Others are better in one place or another but none are better than an xr650l in both. The fact that they NEVER need engine maintenance and there is simply nothing better.. FWIW i put 25k miles on a nx650 without anything but oil changes, yet my KTM 990 could not seam to go 500 miles with something needing to be tweaked. The only thing that has ever come close was a BMW f650XChallenge, but the rear suspension was junk and subframe was prone to cracks. If Honda had half a brain they would fuel inject this motor and put it in a lighter frame with an oil cooler and updated forks to dominate the ADV market.
stupidscum josh good luck with that, $2500 any day but the money they are getting new for one may make it harder to find many of them hitting the market, seen a cherrry 94 no mods under 1000 miles for $5000. Of course that is extremely extreme on both ends.
The power dynamic you explained is what I experienced on my crf100 when I was a kid. It wasn’t fast but it was hard to stall. It just went. I didn’t care about fast, I enjoyed the rough trails.
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Ur the legend man! Got your channel from everide :D
Hey, have you ever tried a fork stabiliser? I had the same "flimsyness" problems with my Dr 650 and bought one just to try it out. Together with new fork springs it feels like a totally different bike. Mounting takes about 10 minutes, the part itself costs about 120 bucks (at least here in germany). Retrofitted 2 DRs and an old XR with it and ran them through north africa and eastern Europe until they fell apart. If you ask me the best upgrade for those old thumpers with those thin 1990s forks!
Frickin Jim's Affordable Adventures I'd love to ride my 83 xl600r with you man it'd be great to see how they compare
I can't wait to see what you create in the future man.
What kind of miles can you get out of this engine? Looking for something to drive back and forth to work. 120 mile round trip. Its between this and a sport bike
Honda's problem ~ You can buy a good XR for $2k and in 10 years sell it for $2k.
True!!
Yeah I wish you could find a nice street titled xr around my way.. people ride them for 5 years then list them for 4500.. you can buy new for 6500
@@FastSloW-qt8xf IN my opinion you're better off buying a new one so you know exactly where it's been. I sold a 97 two years later for more money than i bought it. I've had my 2012 since new and am loving it.
@i don't believe in the sun The possible buyer should look at the market and make an informed decision as a consumer. I'm not selling my XR but if a new one is 7k and a used one that's ten years old is still almost 5k, what would you do?
@i don't believe in the sun I just saw an 08 for that price, which is ridiculous, but there's ones with higher miles still going for 3.5k or more. Crazy.
I bought one in 1999. sold it, and bought a new one in 2017. Still love it.
I'm thinking this because I had one or a wr250r
happy story
One of the best 650L reviews on the whole internets. Thanks!
Excellent review
Exactly! Finally someone that actually rides them in the desert. Hard. Haha. Tired of these reviews with guys cruising down a country paved road at 35 miles an hour. Trying to pick out short comings of the bike!
Great review. I envy your riding skills. I had a 2004 650L. I used it to commute 65 miles daily. I stayed in the slow lane to stay away from the freaks. My friend found a extra set of wheel that I purchased and put stock size continental conti go street tires on it. Best thing ever. I averaged 55 to 58 mpg. At worst 50 mpg. My wife and I would swap to the knob bikes for trail riding on the weekends. Change the front sprocket right away. My case had to be split because of a stripped counter shaft. At that point we changed second gear which was a major improvement. The original motor went 72,000 miles. After the rebuild it ran even better. XR650L can can chug up a hill at low rpm even with two adults on it.
When I was a kid (45 years ago) the XR 75 and XR 80 were the default beginner dirt bike. These things last forever... After the Apocalypse and the end of the world when the only thing left are cockroaches and Twinkies, the XR 75 and/or 80s will still be running... The XR design is fucking bullet proof!
Amen! I went from an XR50 to an XR100 and 125 now a 650L! They are truly bulletproof!
I had an XR75 way back. It survived 3 generations of solid abuse until the oil ran out while being ridden.
The XR lineup was truly solid.
Its bc its honda
my second first bike i was given when i was 6 was a xr80 i treated it like crap and it giver showed any signs of abuse they also make great farm bikes honda should still make them and the exact same way with no updates with those comfy old seats
My first bike was an 1986 XR 100. I sold it years ago after Highschool and regret it to this day. Keep on riding!
1st. Great job on the video. 2nd. I bought a new xr650l in 1999. I'm 5' 10" and weigh 240 and fairly muscular, even today at 63. And yes, the bike can wear you out on a technical trail but it is is a blast. You can point this this up a steep hill and just let er rip knowing she can get you there in a hurry. I've left mine all stock and use it to run around the community and to check the cows. Plus I take an occasional camping trip with it loaded to the max with all my camping gear. The Ozarks offer a lot of great trail riding up in Arkansas. She's been a really tough, dependable , thrill machine for all these years. And for a man like me...it's just right. If I ever wear out this one....at my age I'll probably.....by a Jeep.
Gabe, I honestly think you make the best dual sport reviews on TH-cam. You cover EVERYTHING, the footage is excellent, the VO is spot on... seriously man you're just excellent!
The only people hating the XR650 are either too weak to handle it properly or just can't ride and end up blaming the bike for lack of skills, The 650 is an unstoppable tank if taken care of and the rider makes No excuses
Mudsuitable im with you on that one!
Scott summers world champ open class moto cross 1994? On a xr600
Just bought a xr650l. Can't stop it. I haven't rode in 20 years. Got on it, a little time to fillmilar myself with it. Unbelievable ride.
i totally agree wt you i m 5'11 75kg and i owned 2 xr650L..excellent reliable..machine..of coz if really mountain/valleys deep forrest i use my Wr250f..thats my 2cents opinion
mudsuitable..i 200%totally agree with you...i hv 2 Xr650 brand new..one with motard the other original..both with Clarke 4.7 gallons..37..44...52mpg i dont care one with fmf slip on and one with japanese slip on..both i hv modified jet kit..to improved performance..love xr..all bit of it..i m 53yrs old 5'10.5"
I rode mine from Missouri to Utah through mountains with luggage on board and she pulled all the mountains with no problem at all. Best way to describe the Honda XR650L is it’s a BEAST. It has all the low end power you need in any gear she will pull right through anything.
Nice review. Some notes:
The XR650L front end flexes too much. Fine for the street, shit in the dirt. A fork brace improves the handling so, so much. A USD fork conversion is even better. Ditch the XR650R sprocket for a "Fritzcoinc" front sprocket. Greater spline contact without the chain offset caused by the R sprocket. If you ever rebuild the engine, replace 2nd main shaft gear with the NX650 2nd gear to reduce the gap between 1st and 2nd. You can also replace the 5th gear on the countershaft to increase the gap between 4th and 5th. While you're at it, get an XR600R countershaft in there just in case you eventually decide to perform the kickstart mod.
Currently in the middle of a rebuild. I have 44000 miles on it. Only "needed" (not really) a top end, but decided to do the kicker mod and gear replacement mod. This is a bike I will keep until I die.
Wow. You're a fountain of information. Great comment. Worth bookmarking.
Awesome, that makes me want to get one even more. Can you comment on how necessary the sprocket /countershaft mod would be for someone using is primarily on the street/occasional dirt and gravel roads? Thanks
I'd keep the XR650R sprocket, and ditch the rest of the bike; and then attached a whole XR650R to the XR650R sprocket.
I have an XR600 with CRF 450 UDS's and a FCR carb. 628 Cycle Wizard Bigfin head etc. Goes well. Just need to do more offraod on it.
The stardard forks were sketchy, like wet spagetti.
@@TS50ER bahaha
I rode one in the Israeli desert for 9 months ,handling improved drastically when I reduced the front tire pressure ,this provided more stability and comfort going over fist sized rocks so common on desert tracts and dry river beds. And with an after market muffler on it I literally had a blast ,could do with a weight reduction of thirty pounds and a bigger fuel tank ,a 450 with a bigger fuel tank would be a good choice and increasing your strength to handle the big 650 is worth considering .Great review thanks .A +
Holly cow, this has been the best and honest review for XR650L !
You ride that thing like you mean it. Good to see someone on the brp that can actually get down to business, awesome review👊
The "BRP," or "Big Red Pig," is the Honda XR650R, not the 650L.
I bought one of these for my first bike. Actual I had a XL500 35 years ago, but not for long due to wife's concerns. Yep, I didn't start riding until I was 55 years old. Had an old KLR for a year then got the XR650L. I am 6'3" tall and about 220lbs, give or take 10 lbs. It is a beast on the trail but I love riding it to the trail then on the trail and then home. That was 5 years ago. After getting tired of picking it up, I got a good deal on a WR450 and rode it and loved it for a year, but gave it up because it was to scary fast and I liked to go fast but I figure I am too old to go fast. So, I picked up a TTR250 and love it on the trails but I still have my XR650L and ride it regularly to work and to the trail, just not as technical trails as before.
Thankfully I saw your comment, now I feel like I am not too old to start riding bikes.
@@harounben342 I stopped riding for years after getting married. Went back a few years ago when I hit my 40s. After riding for a week and getting over the initial sedentary body ache, I feel young again! Of course, one needs to know their limits, but it was definitely the medicine I was looking for.
I can relate. It was my first bike when I got back into dirt riding after raising the kids. Still have it. But I did ride dirt as a kid. And after a few years I did get a lighter bike for the dirt, not that the XRL was hard to ride in the dirt, it's not, it's actually very forgiving and the weight disappears once in motion, but it's a real bear to pick back up on the trail.
@@Bredaxe Exactly. I grew up on dirt bikes but now I don't do enough. Working out is boring to me. I'm getting a trail bike for the exercise, and the fun.
So how's the KLR650 vs XR650L in your judgement?
10.5 piston, Hotcam, wide pegs, bar risers, dual wall bars, headlight swap to LED, sand exh ports/header welds, LED turn sigs/brake light, remove pssgr pegs, Gold Valves in forks, Tubeliss tires, full exhaust (no lighter than stock btw), chain slider to roller, heated grips (hey why not), shorai battery, 4.3g tank, etc. Absolute beast compared to merely uncorked XRs in every way.
After all those mods it's almost half as good as an XR650R, and almost one fourth as good as a KTM 500 EXC-F.
I went from a TTR125 to an XR650L. What an interesting experience. I can't wait to see what will come next! Thanks for this opportunity everyone!
Haha yeah I was also questioning my choice on that first ride hahaha! Not sure what I'm gonna do with it yet.
Can a xr650l do moab?
+gno monty they can go anywhere and conquer anything with a skilled rider, Moab is a lot of fun on an XR 650 just make sure you have sticky tires and iron balls then it's literally unstoppable.
@@Mudsuitable what tires are you recommending?
I went from a 2004 ttr125 to a 2007 xr650r
Easily the best real life moto review ever. In depth, a little technical, great rider vocabulary and great riding! Thanks for the effort.
Cool review man. To fix the strong clutch pull simply install an extender / longer bracket where the clutch cable goes into the engine... its amazing the difference it makes. Super soft and smooth, they come with 3 or 4 position holes on the usually depending on your soft / hard required amount
This review is soooo well informed. You literally cover everything someone would want to know and then some more. You've actually confirmed my feelings about its wonky handling offroad too... I don't actually ride very hard but part of that is that I never feel confident at the sort of speeds your doing so I avoid it. I feel the the 650L's greatest strength is just how mechanically simple and reliable the whole package is. I probably should have subscribed to you awhile ago..I don't know why i haven't.
Friday'sThe Bomb your channel is inspirational my friend
grumpychunk1 thanks :)
Reviewing a xr650 and not going over 60 isn’t informed. The bikes meant to go 70-90 for hours and not break. This review tells us nothing
My XR650L is a supermoto that was already converted when I bought it. It has CR250 stiffened forks, geared for the street and it's a blast to ride.
Great review. You capture the essence of this bike in a really down to earth kind of way. I really wish I had seen something like this before I bought my 2003 about six or seven years ago. I would have gone in with far different expectations or, more accurately, more realistic expectations.
Biggest issue for me was range. An Acerbis 5.8 gallon tank answered all of my needs.Then, a JE 10:1 compression piston, Dave's mods, and a full XR's Only exhaust boosted the power enough to really change the personality of the bike.
My perspective on the size and weight of this bike are much different than yours. I'm a 6'1", 270 pound, very dedicated weight lifter. Anything smaller than this bike makes me look and feel like a bear on a tricycle at the circus. I'm not all that skilled as an off road rider, so I take it pretty slow and easy. This bike, with its outstanding low end grunt, is perfect for a guy like me. Your review kind of suggests that, so I thought I would confirm that this bike really is an outstanding choice for bigger guys like me who are not looking to tear up the trails, but more just want to get there and back. It has served me very well in that capacity.
8
Thank you for your perspective on the bike. It's useful as someone more your size than the reviewer's.
“Bear on a tricycle at the circus”…🤣
Really great review, and I'm glad you did this. Because there are a lot of people who can use this information. Anyway, I'm not surprised that the engine has that many miles and is still in good shape, not using oil, and not leaking oil anywhere. That is very typical of the older Honda XR's from the '90's. I don't know how they did it, but they did. I have a 1999 XR250R that is also still not using oil, and not leaking or seeping oil anywhere, and original clutch pack (although it's getting thin). I have ridden that thing for 18 years, and never had the top end apart. I've had to adjust the valves once in 18 years. I check them twice a year, but they never move. Amazing durability. I have no idea if the newer Honda bikes are as good.
When I was a kid my grandfather bought an 1982 Honda big red. 200cc air cooled. I used to beat the snot out if it. And to this day it still fires right up and purrs like a kitten. Never touched the engine. Those 80s Hondas are bulletproof.
@@halfnelson6115 My grandfather also had a 1982 Honda big red 200cc and a 110cc honda atc (not sure of the year) but those things were bulletproof. Back in the late 90's I wanted a xr200r because it shared the same motor as the 200c big red but that never came to fruition. That 82 200cc big red still runs today.
I'm picking up a 2022 XR650L next Saturday from the dealership. This review is what sold me on the bike!
i'm 5"6 and i ride my 650l mostly on the road and its great at rolling off miles and being comfortable for a dirt bike. to love the XRL you have to see it in its proper context. its for higher speed open trails and road use. its not a high performance machine. it has 8:1 compression it'll run just fine indifferently on 87 octane. doesn't need specialty oils and maintenance is well...dumping gas in it haha This is the bike you want in the world of Madmax. it'll get you to point B with its big manly grunting 650 that makes me gitty every time i twist the throttle and it beltches out a big gob of torque like barnie from the simpsons around last call. that big thumper feel never gets old. if you get a crf450 carb and a good pipe for her you'll get some throttle response i assure you. alot of people switch back to the stock carb because it is alittle much to handle.
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All hail the mighty XR650L! Guess I'm one of the few who started late in life (45!) AND started riding offroad on a big XR. Great review that hits all of its strengths and weaknesses. Having addressed all of the short comings on my bike, its so much easier to ride than stock. Proof again that fun doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.
Great, honest review and keep up the good work!
This was about the best and most thorough motorcycle review I have ever seen on TH-cam. Your riding style and location is insanely entertaining to watch too. Got me to subscribe. I'm thinking about getting an XR650L to replace an XR650R I sold a year ago, and I think this review has me sold.
I'm 5'5 145 pounds and I ride mine everywhere even with my girlfriend of 100 pounds. This bike is as good as your riding ability. With 14 45 gearing I can pull up wheelies in 4th gear with no clutch. 5th also with a small roller hill. Videos on xr650l on fb. Much easier with the clutch tho. The shell Rotella t6 is the same oil I use and is much better than the gn4 Honda oil. This bike with some mods can be alot of fun, versatile, and very reliable if not over reved. Motor made for torque not rpm. The front end benefits alot off road with a fork brace and for heavier riders, upgraded springs, valves and oil, or a complete upgrade with usd forks. Ignitiontech cdi is a huge recommendation. Awesome video
Wow, that was one of the most thorough reviews I've seen of any bike. Very good! I am ancient and began dirt biking in the late '70s. I bought a brand-new Honda XL-500 back in '82 or '83. Loved that bike. Didn't use it off-road much at all, just around town, commuting to class, etc. I loved the low-range pull of that bike, though it was much too heavy (and tall) for me to ever consider using it for much off-road duty. (and btw, it had no electric-start. Only a kick starter. That's how we rolled in the old days!) Now FF 35+ yrs later. I've not ridden at all for the past 27 yrs. I would like to get another dual purpose bike just for puttering around town, the occasional EASY dirt road/trail, and just for getting some grins. I am considering the XR650L, or either the CRF300L or the KLX300. (it depends which bike my dealer is able to get first in these covid economy-troubled times) I know I would love the 650 for the low-end grunt that it has, however I would also like the 300 bikes for their weight reduction, "flickability," all while still having some decent power. I ruled out the KL650 immediately once I saw that it's 460 lbs wet. The XR650 at 346 lbs is no lightweight, but it would be doable for me, particularly as I would not do any serious off-roading with it. Anyway, thanks for the excellent review!
Hey! End up getting a 650?
@@opaic777 Actually, no. I ended up with a Yamaha WR250R instead! I had heard good things about it and came across one of the last new ones made, and had to do it. Love the bike, it's great for around-town. Then a year later, got a Honda CB500X. Very sweet bike too, I like it as much as the Yamaha.
Great review. I grew up riding the XR's in the desert north of scottsdale. Ive had the XR500, XR250R, XR650L. These are not motocross bikes with tags, they are tractors with an addictive low end. If you're not a professional offload racer, then these guys are for you. Perfect for most any trail, desert run, fire roads, and even onroad.
Seriously, great video! I just bought a 2003 with 18k miles. It IS heavy. But your comments on lightening it are appreciated, and you have just great riding footage. Inspired me to bust this thing loose a little. Thanks for the effort and the vid!
I have owned my XR650L for two years now and my verdict is that it is probably the best all purpose dual sport on Earth. Light enough for me to take it on very technical trails and hill climbs. Fast enough to go 60 - 65 mph for a longer road trip. Reliable enough to literally last a life time (if you keep and eye on the oil level). I absolutely love mine!
I have one of these and agree with all of your points, but the area where this bike shines is an an adventure travel bike because it has the torque and capacity (with a beefed up rear subframe) to carry the gear of a fully loaded ADV bike but is way more capable offroad that my KLR650 or my friends' big GS's. Great review and great riding in the video!
You are one of the most knowledgeable and thorough dudes I've come across when it comes to this stuff. Love your videos man. Been a fan for years.
Bought a 650L last year. My first bike. As my riding has become slightly more technical I've wondered how many deficiencies were mine and how many were the bikes. I think they're still mostly mine, but good to get a perspective. I love the bike. It suits what I do now well and is a ton of fun. It is a heavy, high center of gravity beast though.
This is the best review of any bike I have ever seen. True, honest, and hits all the points you want to hear about a bike you potentially want to buy. And I have watched hundereds of bike reviews. Keep up the good work.
Thanks, I'm glad I hit the mark
One of the best reviews I've seen of any bike. Thanks for making this.
Sold! I have wanted a dual sport for years and this model just presented at an affordable price. Thanks for giving the suggestions for improvement too!
Has everyone forgotten about Scott Summers winning multiple off road races in the '90s on a big XR? Honda even offered a race kit for the 600 to bump it to a 628.
He was also known to be able to lift the entire bike as well...
That being said, I prefer my CR500 & KX500 for offroad duty.
Hallowed be thy name.lol
That's what I came here to say. I actually find the big XR's easier and much less tiring to ride fast off road than my KX500 or former KTM450 was. The 450 was probably a little faster in some sections, and the XR in others, but I could maintain a fast pace racing XC for longer on the big XR than I could on my 450 back in my racing days. Great bikes! The 500's are impossible to beat in the fun department, though. Power wheelies in every gear just make you smile, haha.
Yes, but that was the XR600R -- not the 650L. The 600R weighs probably 60 pounds less than the 650L.
@@jeffsmith4801 Yeah, I think it's about a 40-50lb difference, ready to ride. However, it's pretty easy to put the 650L on a weight loss program. Swap the battery for a lightweight lithium battery, ditch that giant silencer, and removing the smog pump/canister, etc. will drop a good bit of weight off the bike. I'm not suggesting that you could do that and go beat Graham Jarvis at Erzberg with the bike, but it's plenty capable for most of us.
Dood. If you like the 500 2-smokes, you should get a ride on a 500 KTM. It's just slightly less powerful than the 2-smokes and a bit heavier, but it is way, waaaaayyy more civilized and ridable. Plus . . . it has the sixth gear -- which is worth its weight in gold. As is the electric start.
It's a brave new world, dood.
Great review!First time rider here.53 years old on a 2023 XR650L.I love this thing!
That was one of the best reviews I've seen in a long time, you covered absolutely everything, very informative and fun to watch, great stuff, thanks.!!!
My 2004 now has 56,000 miles on it.
I bought a new one because I dearly love that machine.
Just waiting to wear out the old one.
But it just keeps going and going and going.
More than 30,000 miles of them are off road. Moab, Monument Valley, New Mexico, Washington, Idaho, Oregon. It's an amazing off road warrior! But that front end needs that brace, and heavier oil. Rubber side down brother!💖
Great honest review of the 650L. I bought a brand new 2017 last year for riding OBDR trips (oregon backcountry discovery routes). It's tall... It's kind of "clunky" between 1st and 2nd.. and I wish the ratio was a little tighter between 1st and 2nd, but It's not all that bad. It is heavy, but so are the other 650 singles...
I like the bike. It is simple, easy to work on, easy to modify, easy to ride, and fun. I have never seen anything over 45 mpg so I'm not sure how you get 60 out of it as one of the comments below states, but I put a 4.7 gal clark racing tank on it and it helps with the longer trips.
I love the bike and even though I have an Africa Twin, and a Harley Road King... it is still a blast to ride and fits a spot neither of those bikes can.
Great job reviewing it and convincing me it was a good move to purchase this bike... it's a lot of fun!
I have a 2002 with 880 original miles on original everything. I absolutely love it. Single track, sand pits, power lines, street. It does it all and is awesome. All I’ve done is put a different front sprocket and tires on it. I bought it about a year ago and it’s given me ZERO issues. I am 6’5” and 215 pounds. I have no issue with the weight. I can stand above it and Sit flat foot legs bent.
You make great videos. Keep up the good work.
Not only is this the only visual riding comparison between other bikes in its ilk. Its a look into ALL xr650ls. really appreciate the video!
Been muscleing mine around since 94 im 6'6" 240 and i have 150k on it no major problems. I did put a cush drive on it and did the front sprocket mod & lectron carb. Love mine and its bullet proof
Amazing! Simply invincible!
250k? Holy... that’s awesome, I’ve never heard of a bike lasting that long
@@flamachiiman 1 Kilometer =.62 Miles since I think they use Km in PHP but still awesome!
What brand of cush drive did you put on your XR650L?
Been reading bike reviews since the mid- 70s.... BEST EVER!!! Thank you sir!
You do a great job at making very thorough reviews. If you fit on the bike it's hard to beat a dependable thumper.
As a 650L owner since 1996 I have to congratulate you on this review.
What makes us love it is what it used to be. And that there's barely any updated substitute
Really enjoyed hearing the break down compared to the smaller bikes. Not every day that you get that spread. I don't fully understand all the tech stuff but I'm learning. Master the pig!
Vegas
Gurl
I had an 2004 XR650L. We replaced second gear to get a even gear spread. My buddy found extra 650 wheels. I mounted Continental Conti Go street tires. At 42 PSI and 58 mph I could get 55 to 58 mpg. It made it all the way to a 72,000 mile rebuild. These bikes will chug up hill with to adults on it. It’s a great bike.
Even though I don't have a 650L, I was really impressed with your review! Keep up with the great videos you post Jim.
Shut up.
I had an XR650L for 17 years. It is the perfect do-it-all machine. If you can only have one bike to do everything from single-track riding to extended stints on pavement, this is the motorcycle to own. Easy to maintain and practically bulletproof.
Since I am a shorty, I had to purchase a lowering-link in order to get the seat height down to a point where I wasn’t falling over a every stoplight.
As for the complaint about the vague handling due to the flexing forks on this bike, a set of Progressive Fork Springs and a fork brace will cure that problem.
This a great review covering the XR from a more off-road oriented perspective.
If you want to get into adventure riding, but don’t want to deal with the massive weight and complexity of all the modern multi-cylinder beasts on the market, you should rake a closer look at the venerable XR.
Awesome review! I love my XR650L and it's insane seeing how much it can do when ridden by someone like you. Looking forward to seeing more videos with this bike!
Good review! I bought a brand new XR650L back in 2006 and rode it for ten years before selling it and getting a new Africa Twin. I've been riding for 46 years of my 52 years on the planet, mostly dirt/dual purpose and I loved that bike! I'm only 5ft 7, so I was tippy-toeing it until I installed a lowering link and Corbin lowered seat. Once I did that, it was much more manageable. The second mod I did after de-snorkling it was install an FCR 41mm pumper carb, and it turned it into a whole different bike. I also installed a Scott's steering damper which I found helped the front end when riding on sand/loose dirt.
I have owned ALOT of bikes The XR650 is my favorite of all time!!
I just got my '94 Xr, its my first motorcycle and my first dirtbike! So far I absolutely love it!
This was supper helpful I'm buying a new one of these hopefully end of this month. The only reason I chose this beast of a bike is because I'm 6'1" and 280lb and the big bike just feels right. Exited to try it out and hopefully as a beginner I don't die 😂
I had an XR650L for 10 years your review sir is spot-on
I got the Honda because it will always get me back from the wilderness....KTM not so much. And I like having no radiator to break in a crash in the wilderness. Power is secondary.
I once owned a 1975 XL 350 it weighed about the same as the XR 650 aprox. 350 lb. On the trails it felt heavy, but on the road in a croswind it was to light. I loved it. Gave away my 1984 Gold Wing, and I have a brand-new XR 650 on order at my local Honda shop.
I'm really impressed with your reviews. Keep up the good work.
love this video and review. .thank you for all the information. one of the top bikes im looking at right now from a dealer..im a bigger guy.. so hopefully my size and strength will help me out off road.. im surrounded by old logging roads. fire roads and OHV
One of the Best dual sports ever hands down. 1500 miles in 5 days in my home state of CO. Over our highest dirt passes and only minimal hwy and the XR 650L claimed two untouched high altitude set up bikes with NO fail! 8 different bikes beside and all had issues. Don't change this bike Honda. We do love all 2 wheels though and want best for consumers! This includes Engineer pass!
Bro I have the exact same bike 1993 !!! I'm agree with your opinion 100% many people don't like this kind of bike and talk a lot of BS for the simple reason , they don't know how to manage high torque !!! To me the bike is perfect !! Thanks for the video, well done
Man you should make good money doing reviews! I've had my 94 about 4 years now an still love it 56 years old 180 5'11" ya the front end tends to plow like a tractor , or at least it did maybe I just changed my riding style. I have a fork brace that I haven't put on yet. It's no where near as fast as the new 450 dirt bikes I ride with but with my crazy top end speeds I don't eat their dust. It is a workout at times but I'm 56, an don't do gyms. I've rode several newer bikes but mines set up purdy well for me an see no reason to shop for buyers or bikes.
Also if I choose to stop an rest while riding with others I always stop at the beginning of a wide open straight away. Never underestimate old age an treachery!
Nice one Mike. Feel pretty much the same at 55 - 178cm and see no reason to shop for other bikes anytime soon. I see a lot of my buddys shopping around every year or two changing bikes. XR's are great machines in the hands of riders that appreciate them for what they are and can work around their perceived shortcomings. If I ever get a tattoo done it will probably read XR.
Thorsten Wanoth that's funny! If I ever get a tattoo I believe it will be Xr based too!
Mike, I'm 57 years old -- your age now. When you get tired of the weight of the old 650L, get a KTM 500 EXC-F. It weighs 105 pounds less.
Ive owned 79 xl500s , 83 xl600r, 84 xr200l, 98 01 02 03 xr650l.
That is a total of seven xr's of experience. I loved each and every ride.
The weight to power ratio on the 79xl500s with the 23" front tire was the best wheelie machine. I could pop up 5 gear wheelis a 55 mph with 100% stock set up.
The 83 xl600r wad a great bike aswell I gotvit when i was 15 and out ran half the cops in the county on it. Studded tires and wheelied across many laked. A bike of stiff suspension but when 15 it was a awesome bike to jump mudhole and give your friends their first 100mph dip down the road. loved the dual carb. set up.
The 84 xl200r was light nible and would climb any hill fun trail riding bike to ride not fun on the pavement reved out at 70mph.
I got my first xr650l brand new when i wad 19 Road it across northern usa in october in a 1200 mile one way trip. All around best of all bikes ive owned. Topped out at 116mph going down mountain on hwy 66. Many 120 day trips made crossing 3 mountain ranges.
I do a lot of mountain riding on tight trails. This bike has made me a bettet rider dancing 350lbs plus my 250lbs on it through the steepest tightest trail imaginable. Yes there has be a few climbs where i had to baby walk the bike back down the steep mountain trails backwards using clutch and engine for braking. But that is the luck of the roll making memories on a man and his machine.
I am a true "XR MAN". As long as i can still swing my leg up on that tall pig I will ride it like i stole it.
Xr650l best bike for the Money hands down.
i love my big red pig. i rode as a teen, wanted to do more as an old fart. 68 w/parkinsons, but still cruising off road, perfect bike for me...
Jack, you’re my hero.
Got this as my first bike a year ago, and I've been riding pretty regularly since then. I agree with basically everything you said, down to the letter. It's massive and unruly, each one will have its own, weird quarks, and it takes a lot of time to get used to, but they're just so fun and reliable.
Great review!!!! Im picking one up tomorrow in Stockton. Liked and subbed
I've had my XR650L for 16 years and agree with every comment you made on the evaluation! Perfect review!
News Flash...
Honda keeps selling the same antique dirt bikes because they keep selling, and because it would take a major investment to meet current emission standards. The old designs are grandfathered in as long as they don't change anything.
Well, honda hasn't had to play catch up in the 4 stroke department like all the other dirt bike manufacturers, they perfected the xr line before 4 strokes became popular so that didn't really give them a need to update. And to be fair the xr650l is really the only old one left and I suspect the 450l will eventually take its place as mid sized dual sports become more and more popular. The big thumpers are certainly a dying type and it's sad to see them fading.
@@Cw0346 I have a 2003 XR250R, and while it is still as capable as it ever was I would not call it perfect. The carburetor floods easily, and the CC to horsepower ratio is nowhere near newer engine designs.
It handles the job adequately if you do some basic engine upgrades and throw a bigger sprocket on the back, but it is relegated to a trail bike - it could never compete with the newer/better suspension, lighter frames, and stronger engines of the newer designs on the track. The fact that the suspension bottoms out on even medium jumps takes it out of any competition use. For trail use it is bullet-proof and it works great (with the above improvements)... It will probably still be here along with the cockroaches and sharks long after man has nuked himself from the face of the earth. LOL
@@barking.dog.productions1777 Yeah the 03 250 r is certainly not going to compete with modern bikes but if you compare it to other 2003 bikes I would bet that it's one of the best in the 250 class, maybe not in power, but that's not everything. (Would you expect any less then bullet proof reliability from a Honda, I think I would go buy a ktm if I wanted sketchy reliability : )
@@Cw0346 Well friend, I am the last one to knock the Honda, but I also deal in reality.
It is a good bike, and maybe even great in it's day, but to say that it has not been improved on is because it is still the best is a fantasy.
I stand by my original post, which is to say that the older dirt bikes have not been upgraded because it would be cost prohibitive to meet the new government pollution rules... They are "grand-fathered" in as long as the design does not change. They are all good bikes, and for that reason sales are still good...
But given today's technology they could be so much better if it were profitable to the company to do so...
@@barking.dog.productions1777 and as I said before I believe the modern 450l will over take both the big bore and small bore machines becuase they have the playfulness of the 250 class with the highway capability of the 650's
it appeals to this retired sw engineer that started on an old honda 305 scrambler in the 60s and now at 76 w/parkinsons wanted to get back to it while i can. height is 75" and weight 240, more, i too did the free breathing, battery, pipes, and gas tank & led lighting; favorite ride is fire roads & desert. LOVE This bike bought new in '16, just getting new front rubber at 6300+. i had a nighthawk 750 in late 90's but just didnt really love street riding. dirt for me w/enough street to get from trail to trail.
oops! 67 yrs old, not 76...
There was a 81 year old man at a hare scramble with one of these probably bought it when it came out lol
I love the old XRs. I grew up on one, before moving to a YZ80 2 stroke. My top love ever since has been for the 2 strokes. The idea I have floating around in my head now is to convert my '92 YZ250 to a dual sport, and try to get it plated for the road. 🤙
I too would love a DR650 review, I thoroughly enjoy your content! Keep up the good work!
I have a DR650, maybe I should do a full video review on it. I'd say it's certainly not as dirt worthy as the XR650L, but the DR is a much better street bike, while still being capable off-road. The main thing though, is the DR650 never overheats due to it's large oil cooler. Plus, it can be very easily modded to suit riding style (adventure, trail, highway travel, commuter). It's basically a true 50/50 dual sport.
Trevor Jameson, I've been looking into getting one, I've read they're more off road oriented then the KLR. I'm trying to figure out the best all around bike for my next purchase and I think I've settled on a 650 thumper. It has to be big enough to cruise highways, 70 mph, and handle our heavy Wyoming winds at elevation (30 mph-60 mph). I would like to cruise 2 tracks and forest roads as much as a 2.5 hour drive to the next town.
Wyoming, that's awesome! I'm from Texas, but I take both my DR650 and XR250R to Colorado, Wyoming, Utah, and California at least once per year. I can tell you from experience with the DR650R, it works very well on 4x4 trails, two track, and forest service roads in the mountains, at elevations from 7000 to around 10k. Those types of trails are easy for the DR650. Also, the stock gearing is excellent for street use, and it will very easily cruise at 75 mph on the highway. I do a lot of weekend traveling on highways here in Texas, to get to some great camping areas, and it's perfect on the highway. I know the winds in Wyoming are strong enough to blow over trucks and campers, I've seen it. I've never ridden the DR in high winds like that, but it does handle moderate winds with no problem. The KLR is a giant pig, I've ridden one and hated it. It's not only 60 lbs heavier than a DR650, but it's also underpowered in comparison. I have a friend with an XR650L and its a good bike too, but taller than a DR, vibrates a lot more, and is in general more dirt oriented. Still a good bike though. If you get a DR650, let me know. I have owned DR's since '05 and know a few things about them. It's important to uncork it, and re-jet it, at the very least.
Yeah, born and raised, I love it here. Will do, I'm a ways out from getting one, I have to sell my Harley and then get the DR. Hopefully I won't be riding I the really heavy winds, but I do plan on riding to my destination then exploring some. Thanks for the advice, ride safe!
I was thinking the same thing as I was watching this. That would be a great bike to review.
5' 8" here. I bought a kouba link and lowered it. I'm 62 and I really like it.
Xr650l is the dual sport tractor made to carry swag, you can hammer it but why when the scenery is so nice lol
Get a fork brace. Makes an enormous difference in handling. Also, a braided steel brake line will help a lot with the braking power.
You actually can add a kick starter. You can also directly swap in a lower second gear to close that huge gap from first, and taller 5th gear for more efficient highway driving.
And yeah, it's a good idea to get an extra cdi box as a trail spare. Those go out randomly. Sometimes they'll last 5+ years, sometimes they'll last 2 months.
Also, the heidenau k60 is an amazing tire on this bike both on and offroad. I never had a tire that kept traction as well as that one, including the brand new Dunlop 606s that were on the bike when I bought it. The heidenau also lasts forever.
And yeah, this was my first bike, that I bought at 34 years old. I am tall enough to flat foot both feet while sitting on the bike, and I never thought it felt heavy. But I never could get the knack for offroading on 2 wheels. I didn't grow up riding dirt bikes like so many others and I think I'm just too old to try to learn now, especially without health insurance. But now I've graduated to a 2014 valkyrie, which I love to death. I can't even believe I own something so amazing. Probably going to sell the Xr650l once I fix it to help pay off the Valk, though I kinda still want to keep it.
"V-tech unkicked in yo" 😭
Good review guy!
I owned two 600xr from 87 and 89, and after 15 years on other enduro motorbikes, j just came back 4 months before for a 650 from 2007, and it's such a pleasure.
One of the better bike ever made!
Try and get that reliability from KTM.
Except KTM has the ultra reliable MOST POWERFUL SINGLE CYLINDER PRODUCTION ENGINE with the 690. If KTM detuned the 690 or even the old 625 LC4 to make as little horsepower as the 650l it would prolly do a million miles with no rebuild lmao..
Plus reliability is pointless when you fall asleep on the handlebars. A 650 with acceleration similar to a 250? That's just fucking disgusting. It better at the very least be super reliable!
You're pretty bad at critical thinking.
Bud honda is known for there extremely reliable engines with great performance, a ktm 690 Isn't really reliable its just fast af unlike the xr650. Now ktm kinda owns competition bikes but not really honda nailed the 2019 crf250r and 450r as well as the rx models and the 450x oh and 450l test riders have said for 2019 ktm's bikes are mellow and slow.
@@CptAngelKGaming more power = less reliability = KTM
When one can't afford KTM, that's the comeback of choice. It's one's only consolation. These XRLs provide a lot of smiles per mile and they're terrific bikes but coming back to it after a few rides on the KTM it feels a bit clunky.
I've had a Honda as my first bike, and I've seen them outlast the Yamaha, Suzuki, and Kawasaki bikes I've gotten later. So far I've owned over thirty plus some odd bikes, and the only ones still running dual sport wise are my SL125 and XR600 Hondas.
Race wise I've still got my bought new 1975 Heiki Mikola Husqvarna CR250 setup personally by none other than Rolf Tiblien and gotten thru Malcolm Smith in Riverside Ca. and it still runs.
We also bought a new 68 Sears Puch, and it has less than 1,000 miles on it, and it still runs.
Bottom line is you pump up the horsepower and lose reliability every time. Nothing like everyone taking off there belts to make a "tow rope" to drag your ass home, while you eat dirt getting towed. I can still picture our buddy covered in mud after this some 45 years ago.
Loved your unbiased and honest review of a beast of a bike. I love these honda classic king of the enduro bikes but untill now wouldn't consider owning one due to the weight and torque. Hats off to you!!!
Nice review! I know you probably don't have a budget to test many bikes, but if it ever happens I would love to see a review of a DR650. I love your reviews, they are honest and seem unbiased.
It's on "the list!" Just waiting for one to pop up at a reasonable price. People think they're made of gold or something, because I've seen clapped ones and people still want over $3,000... Must be something good about them for people to hang onto them with a death grip. We'll see eventually!
My review isn't unbiased, but they're basically the best bike out there. I got 35,000 miles out of mine before a bad engine job on my part took it out of commission. I still miss it.
dustysquito review on which bike?
Jim, it would be cool to see your review of a DR650. I would be curious if it could hold up to the type of riding you do out in the desert! (it's doubtful) lol... I have one, and it's not made of gold, but it's a great dual sport, leaning more towards street use really (it's a fantastic street bike).
AWESOME video with all the information you would need. Its your voice delivery wich is like the cherry on top. You speak with clear and nice voice and as a dude who lives in europe, your english is so casual and easy to understand that I could multitask and do other things while watching and THAT is rare for my adhd having ass. :) Here, have my thumbs up button!
Love your motorcycle reviews would like to see a review of a DRZ 400 if you ever get the chance. Like to here your opinion on it.
Looking forward to doing a DRZ400 review in the future!
It really is amazing how much simply doing Dave's mod, de-snorkeling, and de-smogging, improve the bikes. I rode mine for years stock and was just "meh" about it, but wow just one hour of work and a $5 jet and it is a monster!! The only other thing I disliked was how high first gear was, but just putting a new sprocket on the front with 13 teeth fixed that.
Weight and height are the other disadvantages. I bought a crf300l because I was afraid of this bike and just couldn't overcome the learning curve, but now that I have a smaller machine to practice gnarlier things, I am really loving and appreciating the xr650l!
I was looking for a comment like this. My CRF300L was stolen just a few days ago. Been looking at bikes to replace it and the XR was pretty much top of the list.
Great review man! I think your perspective and opinion are spot on, especially about people seeing “650” and expecting something different. Well done!
The best bike review ive ever watched on any bike. So glad you were riding the bike the whole time!! Would love to see you review the DR650.
There’s just something about the XR. Yeah, sometimes they want to spit you off and try to kill you, but you can’t help but love it. I ride a Husqvarna TE630 now, but I’ll always have a soft spot for the XR. 🏁
I also bought an XR650L for my first bike. I wanted a cheap dirt bike that could be ridden on public roads so I could learn how to ride without having to worry about getting hit by cars. One bike that could do it all. Its nice that it is hard to stall and I can go freeway speed with it. Definitely not recommended for anyone much shorter than 6' as it feels like I'm trying to throw my leg over a horse and I'm 6'1". Mine has been far from reliable. First the pulse generator gave up, then the engine started burning a lot of oil (about a quart for every two hours of riding) and cutting out. So I rebuilt the top end with a high compression piston and a new header pipe. It changed the character from something you could go putt around on to something where you're looking for cars to embarrass in a street race.
Great review. One day I'll be able to go that fast off road but it won't be for a while.
Your review is dead on. I had a 2005. Heavy ,tall , john deere engine with pogo sticks for forks. Fun on the road or fire road, nightmare when airborne or in a pit or mx track.
Race Tech fork springs made the bike balanced
I have been riding since I was 10. I’m 50 now and bought my 650l new in. .2002. She is a tank but still my favorite bike ever. I will never sell it. A must have👍 never had a single problem ever. Built like a battleship.
I own one. 07 650L. Love the beast. Now there are a couple things that need to be done to help the old girl out on the trails. The first thing to go is the goofy circa 1970's bars. They are absolute rubbish if you are more than 4 feet tall and want to stand on the pegs. I installed the 2 inch rox risers with a set of CR high bend fat bars. This allows for comfortable standing and I can adjust the forward pitch of the bars as well now. Ditch the 15 tooth front sprocket for a 14 tooth. Now she accelerates like a scalded cat. Lost some top end speed, but only those that are done living take this thing much over 100kph anyway. Go here for the sprockets. No need to reverse them like the 650r Sprockets. advrider.com/index.php?threads/honda-xr650l-maximum-spline-contact-double-life-front-sprocket.1111998/ . If you have the know-how and funds toss the CV carb in favor of the FCR/MX flatslide (mine came off a CRF450R). The accelerator pump is worth it. An adapter is required to make it fit. Don't have the link handy from where got mine. Now that old Honda is running how it should have from the factory. Next up is USD swap ....
Sheep Dog , I bought new 2012 650L and raised bars six inches using two sets of rox. Had to get 4 longer cables. Then I lowering linked, kouba, down an inch n three quarters. So much better as I'm sitting in it now and not high, top heavy. Fits like it should, now. Went with A-LOOP tank,seat kit, the seat is lower than OEM and tank is smaller, 2.5gal. see it on my ch. If you like. Six air raid speakers on bars with iPod or Android connection, loud, not shitn. I am pavement 95% and have MEFO rear, get at least 7,500 miles from the super explorer 99. I highly recommend MEFO, they make only two types, the explorer Which is a dual sport and the stone master which is a knobby. Both are dot rated. I've not used the stone master but completely impressed with 7,500 mile tire for $200. Check em out, spring time I'm Maine, don't need to use heated grips or heated fly ignitor gloves now but I will again this coming winter. Long as pavement is clean and no black ice, my adventure still lives. 👍
6 inch bar raise. Oh my. That is huge. How does it handle ....
Handles same as before but comfort and sit in, not on sheepdawg😉
Great revie. I believe the stock countershaft on the XRL is dampened. Also, throw a FCRMX carb on it, probably the best mod out there after a pipe and bigger tank.
I have owned about every dual sport bike that you can imagine for over 30 years (starting with a 1971 Kawasaki 90) and I went back to the XR650l. There is simply nothing out there that fits this niche better. Good on-road, good off-road. Others are better in one place or another but none are better than an xr650l in both. The fact that they NEVER need engine maintenance and there is simply nothing better.. FWIW i put 25k miles on a nx650 without anything but oil changes, yet my KTM 990 could not seam to go 500 miles with something needing to be tweaked. The only thing that has ever come close was a BMW f650XChallenge, but the rear suspension was junk and subframe was prone to cracks.
If Honda had half a brain they would fuel inject this motor and put it in a lighter frame with an oil cooler and updated forks to dominate the ADV market.
I would like to find a xr650l for $1600
stupidscum josh good luck with that, $2500 any day but the money they are getting new for one may make it harder to find many of them hitting the market, seen a cherrry 94 no mods under 1000 miles for $5000. Of course that is extremely extreme on both ends.
If you are willing to go closer to 2500- 3000 you can get one with very low miles.
Literally just saw one for $1700 online looked like it had been sitting in a garage for nearly 20 years, and got a bath, and new battery to be sold.
I love this video so much I find myself coming back and watching it about once a year.😂👍
"2 and a half decades with the same design and that's pretty much unheard of"
Ahem, tw200
Pw50 ahem
The power dynamic you explained is what I experienced on my crf100 when I was a kid. It wasn’t fast but it was hard to stall. It just went. I didn’t care about fast, I enjoyed the rough trails.