MORE TIPS FROM XR650L OWNERS! I have had several mechanics state the XR650L is NOT designed for extended highway riding, and they do see a small but significant number of engine failures. Perhaps look at the DR650 or KLR650 for lots of highway mileage... having said that, plenty of owners cruise the highways a lot without problems. For long-term reliability, there seem to be three essential mods. 1 Fit a wider front sprocket to lessen wear of the countershaft splines. 2 Hot weather or extended high speed highway riding? Get an oil cooler. 3 The ECU issue - consider carrying an aftermarket one and/or fix the stock ECU. What else? Remover the pollution gear and do the usual derestriction mods. Get the temperature gauge oil filler cap replacement to guard against overheating. Use synthetic oil for better protection if the engine regularly runs hot. Consider a 13 tooth sprocket for more flexibility. Wider footpegs, possibly moved down and back if you are tall (see Fastway footpegs) Bar risers if you are tall enough to be hunched over when standing. Add high bend bars if the bar risers aren't enough! If you do a lot of highway riding, think about a cush drive hub. Expensive option is buy an aftermarket one to have fitted. Otherwise you can machine and adapt DR650 or KLR650 rear wheels with a lot of work (google around for all this info). It's worth playing with that fully adjustable suspension to get it right. You don't always need pay for suspension tuning. Like most bikes, it runs too lean. Get a jetting kit for the stock carb. Mikuni flat slide TM40 carb if you want a bit of extra performance. Stock exhaust is pretty good, no real need to change. Rear tail tidy and smaller rear brake light assembly. Cut the seat down if a short rider.

@williamrae9954

2 жыл бұрын

Boy in Arizona builds nice looking oil cooler kits....Google him

@Patriotsoul

2 жыл бұрын

I’ve never heard of engine failure on high mileage highway 650L’s. Been riding them since 2002.

@jaredmouret9723

2 жыл бұрын

By ecu.. you mean cdi?

@ken4889

2 жыл бұрын

Pretty much spot on there, have had a couple of XR600's and three XR650L's and ridden my main one across Australia on the dirt with zero problems except for a non rubber seated mikuni flatslide float valve(corrugation) but i just metered the fuel with the fuel tap for 2000klms until i got a new one on the road, she is fitted with Marks oil cooler, FCRMX41 pumper carb from a 2005 CRF450R, Ignitech CDI for zero failures, Mosfet regulator from roadstercycle in the US, Kawasaki KLR650 front sprocket and I move between 14 and 15 teeth for things like the creb track or maytown old coach road to get my gears in the middle-ish, Haan Cush Hub which I got from GHR Honda and machined a tube to adapt from CRF450X bearings down to the XR axle, I get around 21KPL from the carb, stock carb gives 18.5KPL. Any problems have been caused by operator/dickhead error, I now have two temp gauges, the dipstick and cylinder head oil banjo and the temp differential is around 15 to 20deg C on the hottest or coldest days, 90c head/110c dipstick at 100kph all day. About to contact clean all terminals, at 20 years I have some greenspot corrosion on them like every bike well used and river crossings. Cheers, Kenno ADV.

@rockiemountin7535

2 жыл бұрын

I think you hit every problem with the XR650L except losing all the smog apparatus and remove the snorkel in the air box so the big bore can breath I also drilled holes in the side cover and added filter plugs this made the biggest difference to the performance of this weak motor as did the FCRMX flat slide pumper carb making this bike run soo much cooler (not so lean) also installed oil cooler,another great mod would be to change 2nd gear because 1st and 2nd are to far apart but I did not want to split the cases so it’s one of the things I did not do YET and not sure I’m willing to

Bought one new in 1994, sold it 2019 for a lighter weight Beta. The XR was an absolutely excellent bike when used within the parameters it was designed for (dualsport exploring). Only sold because the weight and high center of gravity was getting to my knees after 25yrs of riding and enjoying it. Bought it just out of college, sold it as a grandparent....yeah it's that good.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

25 years... awesome!

@billcharlene1450

2 жыл бұрын

When you go from graduate to grandparent it really paints the picture!👍👍

@monocogenit1

2 жыл бұрын

What other dual sport bikes could you do that with? lol

@AzPauly

2 жыл бұрын

Have mine 17 years, 30k miles..does everything good enough.. cheep ins. and tags, big tank, real hand guards, jetting, play with gearing, 606's.. could get a sexy KTM but l like the simplicity of the old XRL...

@carlovanucci

2 жыл бұрын

I bought a 1981 XLS ,brand new, and two more '81 models over a period of 20 years. You know, wifey insists you get rid of your bike, and ,"Happy wife, happy life" Six months down the line, you send the wife packing and start looking for a bike! TWICE!!!

Honda has made a number of seemingly odd decisions. Ceasing development on this beauty is but one. Why they never proceeded with a new Transalp is another. Just another of life’s great mysteries!

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

ven the Honda CEO admitted they lost their mojo a long time ago. kzread.info/dash/bejne/hKB5qNiooajahJc.html So many missed opportunities.

@lifeoff-road280

2 жыл бұрын

The XR650L is still in production, sold in the US. The one big mistake was ending the XR400, DRZ400's main competitor. They would have sold a TON!

@chrisanderson6611

2 жыл бұрын

The main reason for no changes in the bike is all the emission laws. They can keep producing them as is because it's grandfathered in.

@TheSocketshock

2 жыл бұрын

buy an old own and get parts from honda . easy peasy.

I searched for a used XR650 for a while before I found an NX650. The seat height is 34.5 inches, maybe 1.5 inches lower than the XR, still with 10” of ground clearance. It has a tach and a full dual exhaust. The fuel capacity, including reserve, is 15.5 liters (for you Aussies), so an improvement there, too. Previous owner swapped the stock carb for a Mizuni, so the over lean problem was solved. I added a taller windscreen, so no more buffeting at highway speeds. Didn’t know these existed until I found this one on eBay! Couldn’t be happier to have ended up with this bike.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Great to hear, Joel. Those were great bikes too and Honda would probably make a killing if they brought back that model with fuel injection to meet the emission laws.

@allistairneil8968

2 жыл бұрын

Kickstart?

I have had all 3 (KLR-650, XR-650, DR-650) and the DR-650 is the best overall in my opinion. On road, the DR engine is better than the others. You can gun it to 100mph passing a semi and it doesn't feel like you are hurting it. The KLR isn't as happy cruising 80mph as the DR, but has a comfy seat and big tank. The XR is an absolute dog above 70mph, don't try to get past a semi on the freeway. For street, I would take the DR and put on a seat and bigger tank and it beats the other 2. On the dirt, the KLR is just a heavy pig, and above 70mph on dirt roads it gets squirrely. The Honda also gets pretty twitchy above 70mph. The DR is rock solid even up to 90mph on dirt, and on the street you can stand up and pass a semi truck doing 80 with ease. On really fast dirt roads the DR runs and hides, and the other 2 feel like they are going to kill you above 70mph. Now on really gnarly terrain, the XR has the edge on suspension over the DR, but it is very top heavy and harder to reach the ground. The KLR is a pig off road. The KLR has a lot to break if you fall. The DR and XR have little to break, but the DR has much better cooling. So for me, I would take the DR, put on a tank and seat, and do a little suspension work, and it will be better than the KLR on road, and as good as the XR off road, while totally crushing the XR on the highway.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Sounds like a good summary to me 😊

@twowheelsdown2002

2 жыл бұрын

@@crosstrainingadventure I forgot to add, that there is some muppet in Australia that wheelies the DR for miles, and has used it to beat up on Tim Coleman in hard enduros. But Tim should have known what he is up against in going against the all powerful DR.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Tim is an exceptional rider but a slow learner when it comes to learning the futility of challenging a DR650.

@greenneck2472

Жыл бұрын

All Heil the BushPig O/

@bradsanders6954

Жыл бұрын

Ive ran my DR650 all day, 640 miles from Death Valley to Chico in nor cal, and it rarely ran under 80 mph. Indicating 85 and more but really going 80. The bike loves it. Its stable at speed, it vibrates less at 80 than at 70 mph. Not many big singles of any kind are happy doing this. I used to think I would hurt the DR doing this, it just laps it up. 53,000 miles later it runs the same as it ever did. An XR650L would have been rebuilt twice with the same use, at least.

Hey Barry, for long-term reliability #1 essential mod to significantly reduce wear on chain, sprockets, transmission and countershaft splines, I'm running 3 point roller system, starting from front sprocket/swing arm to rear chain guide block using 3 rollerblade ball bearing wheels, gotta tell ya this works incredible, super smooth on road, no chain drag or slapping, very cheap and simple mod anyone can do, yet amazing, totally transforms bike across all rev ranges.

I owned a Honda XL600R in the early 1980s. Loved that bike, but it was a handful to start when cold. It was lots of fun on steep logging roads here in British Columbia Canada.

@redtobertshateshandles

2 жыл бұрын

It never gets cold here near Sydney. Mine started easily, always. Twin carb model.

Shame that the manufacturers have largely abandoned the dual sport market, specifically when it comes to inexpensive big bores. The late 80s and 90s really were the high point for dual sport bikes. There seemed to be a road legal option from 125cc to 700cc, with varying degrees of off-road vs on-road chops. Odd though considering the global market potential for dual sport and ADV riding right now. Especially with fuel prices.

@robsonenduro3316

2 жыл бұрын

blame green nuts idiots for this.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Sadly it all seems to be about taking the easiest path now... so they focus on two cylinder road bikes that can be adapted for adventure.

@walkerfamilyoverlandingpho4826

2 жыл бұрын

They don't want independence. They want control.. Can't remotely turn off my carburetor

@redtobertshateshandles

2 жыл бұрын

My brothers mate had a Kawasaki Bighorn 350 in the '70's. Always wanted a big two stroke single. The 250 two strokes were great too, but would only do the speed limit, not much more.

@Hansengineering

2 жыл бұрын

They can't generate new models in this space; the physics don't allow big singles to meet emissions. They could make a dingle, but who'd buy that?

I own the XR650L, 1993. I think of it as a good basis for a good light weight and cheap dual sport and I have made a lot of mods to sooth my needs. It pulls like a traktor right of idle. It has helped me so many times going uphill, just turn the throttle in 2. or 3. gear and you get up. I will try to make a list of my mods. DIY bigger foot pegs, lowered 20mm Acerbis 22 liter tank (average 19km/l) Foam air filter Oil cooler Thermometer dip stick NX650 engine swap (previous owner did not check oil level) KK bike 14T front sprocket, rear 48T JT Mikuni TM40-6 flat slide carb O2 sensor in exhaust to measure AFR (just for ease when jetting) Stainless headerpipe, stock muffler ( I like to be silent when riding offroad) LiFePo batteri 8aH Raised handlebars, 28mm Protaper Heated grips USB GPS mount Foldable mirrors CR500 rear fender with LED tail tidy ASV levers that fold backwards when I tip over No Name bark busters LED turn signals LED Rigid extra light Enduristan bags That's about it. Greetings from Denmark (The smallest country with the biggest ego)

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Hilsner fra Australien og tak for informationen! I should do a list of possible XR650L mods as a follow up vid....

I do love the sail adjusters on the rear wheel. Makes adjustment of the chain so easy, very visible, can’t mess it up. If Honda ever remodels it I hope they keep this one feature.

@BruceHoult

2 жыл бұрын

That's "snail"

@bradsanders6954

Жыл бұрын

Snail adjuster is the cheapest adjuster made, one notch is usually too much, or too little. But they are cheap. They can be messed up, guys think one notch tighter is better than one notch looser, and stuff gets ruined running chain too tight. They seemed good in 1972. Bultacos used them.

@bertsmith5569

4 ай бұрын

yea they lack granularity but they are easier to use. @@bradsanders6954

I just bought a 2023. I had a 1994 model back in the day. The new bike is like being reunited with an old friend. No regrets. 🇯🇵🏁

@crosstrainingadventure

Жыл бұрын

Great to hear you still have them there, Mike. Such a shame Honda Australia decided to stop importing them and let the DR650 rule the roost.

Own a 2009 and love it. You can also get programmable ignitec cdi and end the failure worries

I've had a 1997 XR600R for aproximately 6 years that I purchased from the original owner. Love that bike. Just purchased a 2021 XR650L from a private party that had it for one year and only had 90 miles on it. Was basically brand new. I'm in the process of researching all the suggested mods and replaced the footpegs and added handlebar risers immediately. Can't wait to further modify and ride this bike that I plan for basically 50/50 on/off road riding. Going to keep the 97 R strickly for off road. Love the videos and I laughed outloud when you described the 2022 new "features" and how they improve the performance. Awesome.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Nice work on the near new bike, Peter! I've had heaps of handy tips from viewers and compiled them in the pinned first comment. MORE TIPS FROM XR650L OWNERS! I have had several mechanics state the XR650L is NOT designed for extended highway riding, and they do see a small but significant number of engine failures. Perhaps look at the DR650 or KLR650 for lots of highway mileage... having said that, plenty of owners cruise the highways a lot without problems. For long-term reliability, there seem to be three essential mods. 1 Fit a wider front sprocket to lessen wear of the countershaft splines. 2 Hot weather or extended high speed highway riding? Get an oil cooler. 3 The ECU issue - consider carrying an aftermarket one and/or fix the stock ECU. What else? Get the temperature gauge oil filler cap replacement to guard against overheating. Use synthetic oil for better protection if the engine regularly runs hot. Consider a 13 tooth sprocket for more flexibility. Wider footpegs, possibly moved down and back if you are tall (see Fastway footpegs) Bar risers if you are tall enough to be hunched over when standing. Add high bend bars if the bar risers aren't enough! If you do a lot of highway riding, think about a cush drive hub. Expensive option is buy an aftermarket one to have fitted. Otherwise you can machine and adapt DR650 or KLR650 rear wheels with a lot of work (google around for all this info). It's worth playing with that fully adjustable suspension to get it right. You don't always need pay for suspension tuning. Like most bikes, it runs too lean. Get a jetting kit for the stock carb. Mikuni flat slide TM40 carb if you want a bit of extra performance. Stock exhaust is pretty good, no real need to change. Rear tail tidy and smaller rear brake light assembly. Cut the seat down if a short rider.

STILL RIDING ONE! 644cc's of FUN

I bought a 94 for $500 and brought it back to life. It is tall so it makes me feel like a kid again. I bored the cylinder to 101 and installed a 2nd stage hot cam. It pulls like a freight train. So much fun.

Ha, ha, my ride. I love it. As the years go by and I have to travel further on pavement to reach new dirt roads I have basically modified it into a KLR. I have a 2 bike garage. My other bike is a 2005 Suzuki DL1000 V strom. When I am doing highway Kms, that's what I use. In the woods I ride the XR650L. When a son wants to go with me there are lots of rides where the 2 bikes overlap. Great system.

I'm the proud owner of a 2022 xr... And can't wait to explore the Universe with it 😜

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Cool! We'll do an updated vid about known issues and mods at some point. I'd suggest looking at the front sprocket mod for starters...

@rikkiroxx1430

2 жыл бұрын

@@crosstrainingadventure Thanks..I'm not too worried right now bc there's only 100 miles on it. But the XR 650r sprocket is on my radar.

Hello mate. It's good to see you post again. Thanks for the video. Lots of love.

I laughed inside when I saw the thumbnail and the dino edit. Lol. THanks mate. This is the 2nd best thing today.

I have a 2020 XR650L. Absolutely love the bike. I lowered it with a kuda link, added a larger gas tank and swapped out the stock muffler to lighten the weight slightly but left the stock headers. I bought an after market front sproket with wider grip to save the splines. When I first started riding in the 60's, I grew up riding air cooled 2 stroke and 4 stroke bikes. Over the years, I bought modern. My last Off-road 4 stroke was a 2007 Husky TE450. But at 70 years old, I decided that I need a good all round bike for dual sport and less competitive off-road riding so I went retro and bought the 650L. Honestly, I had never ridden one. But I knew that I wanted a bike that could be ridden hard put to bed wet and that would start the next time. The Honda fit the bill perfectly. I was amazing surprised at how well it handled off road and on. With the right tires, this thing will haul in the twisties but I have more dirt oriented tires now so take it easier on the tarmac. Off road, the bike is way better than I am at my age. And as a light weight advernture / dual sport bike, it is nearly perfect especially for the price. I feel so lucky to be able to own one.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Great to hear, Paul! I'm getting heaps of good advice in these comments, I'll do a follow up vid about known issues and popular mods soon.

Agree with your assessment of the XR650L. I test rode both the XR and DR, I went with the DR650 for the reason that I need to ride at least an hour to decent off road. The XR is more off-road worthy than the DR, and if I had lived closer to off-road trails I would have went with the XR. But really not a bad choice between the bikes. Great videos, keep up the wonderful content

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

It's great to still have the XR, DR and KLR available in some countries... it covers the spectrum well.

I bought my XR650R back in 2001 new. I've ridden the hell out of that bike with no issues. I'm thinking of selling it and get a XRL.

The XR650L is better than the other Japanese bikes for dirt, hands down. Give me the XR over any of the "budget Japanese bikes" or any of the expensive options too. But Barry, you're killing me... the BRP badge is reserved for the XR650R! (And now that you've reviewed this, I'll try to tempt you one more time... come ride the XR650R (the real BRP) in Africa! Ask your Patreon supporters to pitch in, sell some autographed underpants, get Traction E Rag to toss in some coin and you'll be here in no time! $3000 or so from Melbourne to Nairobi via Dubai!)

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Yep, but I've also had guys argue the other way and say the L model is the true BRP. So I just apply it to both. Autographed undies, hey? Unwashed? 😂 Who knows, I might get there one day. So many places to ride though!

@bhart89

2 жыл бұрын

The R is a hog the L is a mere pig.

@kiwipirate60

2 жыл бұрын

You're absolutely right except ironically the L is the actual pig..my 650r is a gem

Have had mine for 10yrs. Rode it all over the Dolomites in Italy, PA, andCO. Selling it currently...10 yrs ago at 50, a 300lb bike was a great idea. Went to CO/NM last summer at 60 - it is no longer, but it's me wearing out not the bike. Reccomend Dyno-Jet kit and bar risers asfirst mods.then go from there with tank, rack, seat, etc, .

I've had mine for ten years (2005 model) and love it, have been to Birdsville (Big Red) and Lightning Ridge plus many weekend trips away, I keep thinking I'd like to update to something newer from Honda but the closest is probably the CB500X. Love the simplicity of it, snail cam chain adjusters, and you can access the air filter and battery by just removing the side cover, no tools necessary. Honda should import them again, they are missing out big time

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

It's a shame isn't it, Mike? A great bike for Aussie conditions. Maybe I should ring Honda Australia and find out why they stopped... just out of curiosity.

@MrXrssv1

2 жыл бұрын

@@crosstrainingadventure Please do, I think you possibly can import yourself but it wouldn't be Australian compliant ? 🍻

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

I'd urge you to get a test ride on the CB500X if you seriously think about one, Mike. As Steven said, it's really a dressed up road bike. I sold mine after a few months as it was just not good on dirt roads at all...and scary if the road got bumpy!

Love it 🤩. Did not know its still made. But now i will get me one. Basic, simple and relible 💪🏻😎

I have owned a GS650, a DR650, and a XR650L all at the same time. The GS650 has the smoothest engine with the DR650 a close 2nd. My daughter has ridden the GS from Dakota to Alaska twice and it's easily the best of the three for that ride. The DR650 looked on paper to be a run away winner with such things as the rear wheel Cush hub, so I landed a mint 2008. After a complete suspension upgrade and a 18 inch rear wheel conversion, I was pretty happy until I saw a dude ride a totally stock XR650L on single track all day long. Sure he was an excellent rider, even a foot taller than me but that really low first gear made it look so easy. So I found a show room clean 2007 with only 2200 miles on it and started some mods. Bolted on a bar riser that absorbs vibration and topped it with a flat red S3 Trials bar. Cut and rewelded the foot peg mounts lower, slightly distal, and in on the right side. Added a Sutton Oil cooler and did the 2nd & 5th trans gear swap. Cut an inch and a half off the top of the seat foam and it's still the most comfortable factory seat I have ever owned. The only suspension mod was fresh and heavier front fork oil. Sure there are other mods but the 2-5 gear swap turned the XR650L into the favorite 650 for me. The DR650 got traded in on a Yamaha FZ-07 and I still have the BMW GS650 and the XR650L. I've had more, "Let me know when you want to sell it," on the XR650L than any other bike.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Great to hear, Tim. I'd love to see Honda do an update on the XR650L.... a lot of mods wouldn't even cost them anything in the long run. E.g. changing those gear ratios.

@joshuasarfati5520

Жыл бұрын

I did ride one a while back, I found it a little too heavy in comparison to my dr 650. Years ago I had a 1983 xr 500. The first of the disc brake front end rfvh. I rode it from Darwin to Adelaide taking tracks the whole way. I was lost most of the time. Gotta say IMO the 500 was the pick. It felt much lighter around. I also much preferred it over the xr400

The XR650R is still one of my dream bikes. If they update the R, I’ll buy it in a heartbeat

@bradsanders6954

Жыл бұрын

The R has been dead a long time, 20 years? It was a 290 lb bike as a dirt bike, so it would have been a 390lb bike as a dual purpose bike. Honda likes to make real heavy bikes.

@ih8momjokes1

11 ай бұрын

@@bradsanders6954 actually honda always tries to be the lightest weight even if it's down on power. the more you know

Nice work on the vid! The updated factory performance changes like improved graphics are cool!

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

The Japanese have a real talent for performance enhancing stickers. 😎

Own a 2007 model with all the upgrades and love it, simple and reliable.

I have a 2002 NX 650, with the same engine in a more ADV styled body. I like the simplicity of the big single and know it's a reliable Honda. Also great that parts are still available too, if needed.

Own all 3, The XR650L is a beast, in the Arizona heat I have an oil cooler and shroud to bring more air to the cooler so I can keep the engine oil temperatures under 250F. RSW Billet triple clamps with CRF450X forks and front end are a huge improvement, Shame Honda didn't build them this way. I carry a new spare CDI but have never had to use it ...YET! Lithium battery in the stock box, Get to the air filter with no tools. Honda Quality throughout! 14T best for off road to eliminate the 1st to 2nd gear gap. rear shock is fine. At 6'1" I still installed a lowering link for tighter trails. For off road this is by far the best of the 3, It feels like you are a rebel riding a true dirt bike on the street. This bike carves turns like no other. Street at 70-75 easy peasy. It gets the worst mileage of the three with stock carburetor at 35 mpg.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

It would be great if an upgraded model had that CRF suspension!

I had one brother. Sold it to buy a Harley. Wish I never did. I had the acerbis 5 gallon as well. Had to let it sit in the sun for 5 hours and then sit on it on the bike to make it fit. Sold the Harley last month and the white pig will be my next. Cheers, Tony

@crosstrainingadventure

Жыл бұрын

The white pig... love it! If they were available here I'd definitely be on one.

Tempting now that the XR is not a big red eyesore. I still like my DR650 for all round uses. Glad to see that Honda at least did something to change up the model. Cheers!

@edgewayround

2 жыл бұрын

I still reckon the red pig with the blue seat was the best combo. I had the 85 250 and loved the look. Bring it back.

I owned a 93 years ago, best mods I did 1. Remove the emissions BS 2. Remove steel tank and replace with XR600 tank (which does require threaded tabs welding to the frame). 3. Modify the airbox to accept the battery, ecu & solonoid. (that way you can remove the great box on the side and use an XR600 side cover). 4. Get rid of that great lump of iron silencer and replace with a Supertrap 5. decent set of tyres As old as the 650L is, the Suzuki or Kawasaki does not even come close when riding the type of terrain in this video. The 650L is great and bullet proof for covering lots of ground when trail riding, but its no MX or Enduro bike! But then it will do 30k miles before needing a rebuild!

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Good tips, I'll include those in a follow up vid. 👍😎

@uncensored5104

2 жыл бұрын

@@crosstrainingadventure Also there were other things I forgot about, But I also removed the passenger pegs, mirror, chain guards and standard lighting. I used aftermarket front, XR600 rear and small indicators/turn signals. I also changed the gearing to suit my needs, I ended up with something close to a civilised XR600 👍 Im getting all nostalgic now :P I just had a look in the States and you can buy a brand new 2022 for just over 7k US bucks, that's an absolute bargain!

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Crazy cheap! I figure that's MSRP or whatever it's called in the US so I don't know how much extra it might cost to get it on the road. But I reckon it will still be a bargain.

I want one just so I can say you can't get these in AustraliaI want one just so I can say "you can't get these in Australia". I live in North America, we never get any of the cool or exotic Japanese anything that they sell everywhere else, but here!!!

10 yrs ago I set out to buy an XR650 but found a deal on the DR. Glad I did, I think it's the best choice out of the 3, and the aftermarket is so much better for the DR. IMHO the only DR replacement available is the Husqvarna FE501....27 yrs newer and twice the price, it should be better...lol. I'm going to be buried with my DR and in 2k yrs someone will dig up my grave and say "look a DR, lets take it for a ride."

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

It's good to have the XR, DR and KLR available in some countries as it spans that gap between dirt and road riding so well...

@twowheelsdown2002

2 жыл бұрын

I agree, the XR falls flat on it's face above 70mph, and the DR runs to 100mph with no sweat. The XR is squirrely above 70mph off road too, where the DR is super stable. I once passed a Toyota Tacoma that was doing 70mph on a dirt road. I came by him at 85-90mph on the DR, and his eyes bugged out when he looked out the window at me as I went by. LOL

@alterbayer7196

2 жыл бұрын

@@twowheelsdown2002 ...... why you ride a pure Dual-Bike 100 mph ??? The 650 is not a High-Speed - Junkie .... its made as a pure Cross-Coutry-Bike with a great great Handling !!!!!!! You should not ride a Cross-Country-Bike, Bro .......

@EthanAdey

2 жыл бұрын

@@alterbayer7196 DR650 top speed is 160KPH

@alterbayer7196

2 жыл бұрын

@@EthanAdey ...yes Xr650L 150 ... My favorit Travel-Speed was 110 - 120 kph on Streets m... Some Time i had so 700 km in a day ... come to my Favorit Regions .... Greetings

Had an XR650L and used it in everything from Highway to dirt roads and muddy technical trails it had no business being in. It did it all with the reliability of a hammer

I have an XR650R and it's the greatest thing I've ever owned

@granttaute4516

2 жыл бұрын

Miss mine terribly, this is the best motorcycle ever made +/-50hp uncorked and 120kg, finishing touch would have been fuel injection. Honda WTH?

Have a xr600r and have had a nx650 - the 650l is more or less an xr600r with the nx650 engine. Best bike I have ever owned. Have had plenty of different XTs and TTs as well as dr350 and drz400e.... but the xr is by far the best.

Haven't ridden a 650. Owned a 600 from '89 to '00 I was looking at a new 650 when I was living in California in early 2020 -- but then COVID hit and I returned to NZ, where I bought a 0 km runout model 2019 CRF250L Rally for US$4200 on the road. Before the XR600 I owned a 1980 XR250 (and '74 XL350 before that). The XR600 was awesome off road, especially on the big steep gravelly hills and deep sandy beaches around Wellington. But even in my late 20s I found it absolutely exhausting to do 100 km at highway speeds on it. Now I'm turning 60 this year and the 250 Rally (with suspension upgraded by MotoSR in Taupo) will go damn near anywhere the XR600 would -- stupidly steep hill climbs with ledges/jumps would be the exception -- but I can do 300 km at 100-110 km/h on the road in a sitting on the 250 Rally and feel fine. It also *has* that fuel range on the standard 10l tank (ok, maybe at 100 km/h not 110), which carbureted bikes don't. Let's say 275 km at 110 km/h.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Good to hear, Bruce. I'm keen to see what that CRF300L is like...

Love my pig. Even if it is one of the ones that likes to get hot. Added an oil cooler and its been smooth worry free sailing ever since.

I just picked up a decent 1996 xr650l and I've been loving it! Most of it's miles have been single track so far, my friend's call it the off road couch.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Off road couch... I love that seat! 😂

This superiority started back in the 1980's, with Honda's XL/XR 500 series. Back then, they also blew the opposition away! By far the best option, slightly more expensive ,but a reliable beast of a bike. Best value for your money, across the board for big-bore thumpers. They were so superior that, despite them being fractionally more expensive, the XR 500 was selected as the bike for the South African Defense force Equestrian division! The opposition consisted of Yamaha XT/TT Series, Kawasaki KLR, and Suzuki DR. All bush-bikes, and if you remember the "Bush War" was in full swing back then, so these bikes were regarded as the best of the best, for the job.

I use an xr650l in NYC as a work bike its been great

Just sold my 2002 Xr650l yesterday, T7 comin in a couple weeks. Sold it for $4400, paid 3500 last year, and had crazy offers at 5k, 4900, 4700, I had unfortunately agreed to sell it at 4400 to a guy. This is a great bike and at 6 feet 4 inches, light years better than the DR650. Hemisphere offroad for subframe brace, super pinion front sprocket, rox risers, hyde racing skid plate, foam filter, and j&s headlight

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

I'm about the same height so the XR650L would suit me better than the DR650 as well. Good upgrade with the T7... great bikes.

Great bike, as was the XR600R and the XR400R. Pretty much bombproof and I enjoyed the simplicity, something we’ve lost on modern ones.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

It would be great if they could add just enough tech like fuel injection to meet those emission laws and start selling them worldwide agin.

@manuelforero2116

2 жыл бұрын

Dont forget the unstoppable XR250R

The xr650 is a go anywhere, do just about anything motorcycle. It's power characteristics can be drastically changed to suit a wide range of situations and terrain just by keeping a couple different front sprokets in the tool bag.(I keep 2, dirt front, street front). It truly is the pinnacle of the big thumpers.

@joshmartin7622

2 жыл бұрын

What tooth count do you carry?

@bradsanders6954

Жыл бұрын

The pinnacle? Really? A 20 some year old design based on a 30 year old mild dirt bike. Its the pinnacle. All japanese econo box 650's, are what they are, something to sell a long time with out changing the bike. Not too special.

No XRs in Australia...wow. Was hoping to see you wheelie the BRP! On my second XRL now and have done almost all the upgrades. Most notable were the oil cooler, Dynojet kit, FMF, PBI sprocket, and the Ricky Carmichael high bend bars with 2" up and forward Rox spacers! Yes, she's an oinker, but so reliable and relaxing on fire roads and some trails.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Years ago I did get to ride one and made a review vid over on the enduro channel. Risers AND high bend bars... they really did weird ergos back in those days lol.

Funny intro. Always liked the Honda bush pig

I've got a 2008 XR650L. LOVE IT! I'm 5' 10" and do find the bike a bit tall. It's not really prohibitive, but it's taken some getting used to. I wouldn't recommend it for anyone much shorter than that without mods.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

I figure a lot of riders must cut the seat down?

@ken4889

2 жыл бұрын

@@crosstrainingadventure Lowering link in rear and slide forks up, have done it on my Sons 650L, he is 5'10, if you find you are bottoming out when loaded up with the lowering go to heavier springs in the front and rear or skip the donuts:) I wouldn't cut the seat down unless doing slow work because the stock seat is soft as buggery and sinks right down and you would need to add an airhawk cushion for longer rides.

Thanks for the video! It's great to see you do a segment on such an iconic bike. Next to the DR650 (which I have owned and loved in the past,) the XR650L is one of the bikes on my short list. In a world of too much electronic crap and too many rider nanny's on motorcycles, the XR650L represents both simplicity and reliability. In fact, for the 2019 model year, on their webpage Honda listed the XR650L as "post-apocalyptic reliability." I wish that I would have done a screen shot of that ad. I find it interesting that Honda would change the color to white after all of these years. I really like the change, however, could this have been done on purpose to portray the beautiful white Swan singing it's last dying song? Maybe its time for me to get off of my ass to buy one!

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Post-apocalyptic reliability.... love it! I must admit I prefer the white to the red. They did a white DR650 a few years ago that looked pretty smart too.

@SigmaSheepdog

2 жыл бұрын

@@crosstrainingadventure It's absolutely ludacris that Honda stopped selling the XR650 in Australia. Here in the USA they are still somewhat popular. I really like the white over the red, and with those black rims, it looks great!

Dad got one of these back in 07 which got him back into dual sport thumpers. We both rode it extensively, and he farkled it excessively trying to make it the bike he wanted, but we always agreed it just wasn’t enough of a dirt bike for the dirt and made the wrong kind of concessions for the road. The high battery among other things gave it a kind of awkward weight distribution and a desire to dive into corners and difficult low speed balance, and chasing vibration was a constant struggle. He owned a WR250R concurrently and ended up riding that so much more he gave up on thumpers entirely… well for about six months until he got a DR650, which was/is the perfect blend, and he ended up riding that from Prudhoe to Key West, and then back again, primarily on dirt and on the TAT. As an aside, a close friend of ours got an XR600R that was just barely converted and titled for street use. That was an absolutely excellent bike and a total riot of a machine.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Yep, Honda may have done better with just updating the XR600 instead....

I love your channel and have been watching for years, and only just subscribed. I apologize.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

No probs! I'd suggest clicking that little 'bell' on each vid as well so KZread actually notifies you when a new vid comes out. Even then, they don't always let you know.

I love my xr650l. Brought plenty of tears to novice riders on fancy new high end bikes. When riding with more advanced guys i suffer a bit but just chop it it to learning how to be a better rider.

Subscribe for weekly adventure & dual sport vids! English not your first language? Many subtitles... Safety & protective gear vids bit.ly/3BmKeGE Our dual sport & adv ride vids bit.ly/3HTdvvl Bike & product reviews bit.ly/3BrnVjq The more bizzare side! bit.ly/34ZschR The more philosophical side bit.ly/3v9nKYX Riding across Vietnam bit.ly/3pej9Rt DR650 project vids bit.ly/3gQEStP Check out our other channels too... Cross Training Enduro bit.ly/3Jncax4 Cross Training Trials bit.ly/3uUjwEm

First, your videos are great. Bought an 08 new in 2010. Housing bubble. First dirt bike. Love it. Stock 8.3. Put Xr's Only muffler and Mikuni on it. Wow 12 years ago, getting old and not big like guy in your video. Looks like Kkbikes has the sprocket fix. Gonna try Spark plug heat shield boots for oil line instead of cooler or wrapping header. Az fire roads mostly and the ride to them. Funny how people wave at you on that thing.

A legend of a bike, a true tractor of them all. The measuring stick of dual sport MC's. I'm lucky enough to have ridden a few and you almost wish you hadn't, because you know what you're not getting with a DR or KLR. Would own one in a heartbeat if you could buy one new, used market has seen stupid prices where other bikes become better/cheaper options.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

That's how I felt after riding one, then getting back on my DR650...

I ended up getting the DR650 because I need a bike that can handle lots of highway riding so that I can commute to work, but that Honda did look tempting. the weight alone is a huge help off road

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

You probably made the right choice, I've heard so many owners say the Honda isn't fun on the road at all. But of course more capable in the dirt. The good news is you can drop the weight of the DR650 quite cheaply, we've got a video about that on this channel somewhere.

I love mine ,perfect all rounder and great offroad and to work and back on the tar too

Hey, great videos. What about Yamaha XT? I had a 350 in the 80s. It was great but didn't seem to be built as rugged as the Suzuki honda. I have a DR 650 now but was always fascinated by the Honda 600 R as the ultimate, especially wanting the height for my long legs... I trust God and just ride when I can. Bikes are great.

I'm glad a $7,000 bike is considered a "budget" bike by some guys in 2022. No hate here, more power to you. Y'all ride on, I'll be saddling up my poverty pony.

I’m sure that this issue of large Lizards on dirtbikes has been covered previously. However, in case you’ve forgotten, Charley Darwin espoused a theory -quite a number actually - and one of those said theorems was that T-Rex’s and Allosaurus’s existed somewhat prior to the release dates of the Honda XR650L. As we now understand from fossils discovered clad in rudimentary and ancient riding gear, the XL500SA was the only model available to them. Therefore to preface this article by showing an XR650L with some type of “Saurus” precariously perched aboard is a little erroneous. It is well known that their tiny stubby arms could not have reached the ‘bars- particularly as their legs were like 5 or 6 metres long. Other than that major faux pas I thought you were reasonably accurate with your assessment of the Red Whale. You know, XL500s come on the OZ market reasonably frequently: you could always buy one of them and add to it. Those engines are l o o n g lasting and reliable.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

The T-rex certainly had a lot of back issues with the riding posture they were forced to adopt. And unfortunately ibuprofen didn't exist until a few million years later. 😢 Some academics think the T-rex did exist in the specified era but they were rare and often referred to as one percenters.

@nickhellen6303

2 жыл бұрын

@@crosstrainingadventure Youse guys are smarter arses than I am.

I’ve had my 91xr600 big bored to 660 for 22 years it’s an absolutely wicked bike can’t kill em easy but they will eat the choke butterfly for fun swap the carby and that’s that great bike get one Baz great vid cobba cheers

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

The 600... original and best according to many!

Owned one. Great review, you covered it. Of course the ktm 690r was better, but also MUCH more money.

Great video. Probably the most honest video I have ever seen on the XR! I own one myself. Just came back from a Death Valley Trip. I have first hand knowledge about the weak subframe. I broke mine! My bike is now gusseted and ready to go. The one thing I wish it had the most was a cush drive hub.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks, yeah we get a bit sick of all the so called 'reviews' that just regurgitate the manufacturer's ads. I guess there's no easy way to get a cush drive hub from another bike to fit?

@jhngix

2 жыл бұрын

@@crosstrainingadventure I've read of people using the DR650 rear on the XR for the cush drive, but I haven't tried that yet.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Interesting. I think the DR650 rear axle is 20mm and the rear disc is 240mm. If the XR is the same then it would be a very easy conversion.

@jhngix

2 жыл бұрын

@@crosstrainingadventure looks like the axle for the XR is 17mm and the brake is 220mm, so definitely not a straight swap but definitely not impossible to do

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Bummer. There's no 220mm disc that fits the DR650 rear wheel. It might pay to look at KLR650 rear wheels?

In the 80's I had a XL600R and loved it. Then, for nostalgia I bought a XR650L in 2014 and liked it a lot. Put an ally bash plate, FMF slip-on, 19L Clark tank, hand guards, tail plate and mini screen on. Gave it to my son as I had a 690 at the time as well. XR was a great era. Good fun & memories.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Is the XR still running well, Sean?

@seanfrench1029

2 жыл бұрын

@@crosstrainingadventure dunno. Sold it a few years ago when my son got a job abroad. With both boys out of the house I let the XR go. We'd go to a nearby enduro park with XR, 690 & 300 and occasionally swop out. Messes with your head alternating between XR & 690. Loved both. Sort of like 'thumper polygamy'. 😏😇🤪✊

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

😂

Had a klr and then got an xr600r. Xr was an actual dirt bike albeit very big, and crushed the klr off road. I had some oil consumption issues and ended up selling it but on a performance basis it was no contest. 300lbs is still too big if it really gets gnarly but in desert racing type terrain it was super fun

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

The 600 was definitely THE bike for Baja in the earlier years.

I was watching this while driving and almost crashed because of those graphics! Kudos to Honda R&D department on that one!

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Horsepower-increasing graphics for sure!

XR650L is great in the low speed technical due to the torque and tractor factor.. moderately good offroad at speed.. much better than a DR or KLR from factory- its the weakest of the three for putting down big pavement miles if needed though.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Completely agree... if I was doing long road miles I'd be adding an oil cooler and a cush drive hub. But it's just not made for that sort of work.

@nunya9555

2 жыл бұрын

I agree. With my large posterior planted on the XR seat, it is lucky to get up to 70mph at 5500 feet in elevation. Completely stock bike. Even with mods that doesn’t leave much room for improvement

Chris Scott has a video of his Sahara prepped XR with alu boxes. The subframe really gives a wiggle. I've read someone's story of adventurising their Xr and ruining the gearbox. I think you've got a good pictograph.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

I would definitely want a cush drive hub and beefier front sprocket for doing lots of road miles, Chris. But it's simply not really set up for that sort of riding IMHO.

Best thumbnail ever!

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Cheers JD. The poor old T-rex badly needs risers due to those stumpy little arms.

had a bunch, 1 500, 2 600s and 3 650s, now have a new DR, better on the road which is where I spend 75% riding.

Like. Can't wait for the white/black mods to reach the retail market and put on the big red pig...

Yes & no. Mines a hybrid. XR600 with mildly tuned Dominator 650 engine (leccy start) CV carb with jet kit/pod filter. XR650R front sprocket + custom cush drive. And its supermoto`d. Love it to bits.

As always funny commentary.

Honda XR 650 L, Kawasaki KLR 650 and Suzuki DR 650: all amazing bikes!!!

A bike that's similar in price to the DR650 but a little lighter and with better suspension would absolutely kill in Australia. Considering they still sell them in the US, that means there's an assembly line in a Honda factory somewhere producing XR650s. Send a couple of those bikes to Australia and they'll fly of the shelf.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Amen. That was a really dumb decision back in 2008. Unfortunately the door is closed here now as it would need ABS. We lost the DR650 in 2022 for this reason. 😢

I am on my 2nd XR650L.....such awesome bikes. With a few mods, you can't beat em. Especially if like me; you are 60/40 off road. And on-road who needs to go more than 80 mph.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

I'd love to see them brought back into Australia

I had an XR650L a couple of years ago. Had big plans to eventually ride it everywhere. Then I crashed it running 30 mph on what is basically a gravel walking trail. No idea how it happened. No memory of the crash. Still have many aches and pains when the weather changes from that wreck! Repaired the bike which basically just had a few scratches, and sold it. I miss that thing! Negatives: it sucked to ride on the highway, was tall for my 32” inseam, fuel tank and emissions must go, headlight wasn’t great. All of these but the first can be remedied without breaking the bank. It was very light and easy to ride all day. Great bike!

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

That is always a worry... the very simple crash that can change your life forever. I'm always thinking about my protective gear and what I need to reduce the chances.

I'm real glad you made this video so recently, I've been trying to decide between the xrl dr and drz. Getting varying opinions from just about everyone but it seems general consensus is to just go with the dr and mod to fit my needs. Adding an oil cooler, cush hub, and changing the gearing slightly would fix my issues with the xrl on roads, but from what a lot of people have said it gets unstable/uncomfortable at speeds over 70-80mph which may just be down to the tires they were using but I'm not gonna chance my life on that. Looks like after years of saving and debating, a dr650s is in my near future. And of course I'll be referencing your videos when it comes time for mods.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

I've seen a lot of guys saying you don't want to ride the XR at high speed so I think the DR might suit better then. Unless you could live with the KLR... very smooth on road but just too heavy the rest of the time?

@YourLocalRaccoon

2 жыл бұрын

@@crosstrainingadventure I'd like to hear their reasoning for not recommending the xrl at high speeds, but since I won't read them here I suppose I'll just go back to saving for the DR650s and a couple (dozen) mods.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

There are heaps of comments from XR owners for this vid if you wanted to trawl through them all...

That thumbnail. Id buy a print of that 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

Currently converting a Honda FMX650(built in the Honda/Montesa factory in Spain using the XR650L motor) to a fire-road bike, 19/17" wheels....pretty limp power wise standard,but economical!

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Interesting... I wasn't aware of the FMX model, William.

Funny that you had a T Rex on the 650l, as the bars are mounted so close to the rider, that you have to have T Rex arms to ride it.

Barry, great job mentioning the weight difference due to fuel capacity. We need more of this to stop manufacturers from equipping bikes with throw away tanks (Honda) to make the spec sheet look better. I've owned the XRL, DR and KLR. If choosing from those 3 again it would be the DR and upgrade the suspension. Better road manners on the DR and the Honda is so tall it's not as convenient for normal dual sport use. Great for ripping two track but god forbid you need to get a foot down in a slow section. With my 32" inseam I always looked at it as a 34" plus inseam bike. I could ride it everywhere but I was reaching.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

If they ever updated the XR650L they would need to cut down that seat height a lot, Mike!

@davidnobular9220

2 жыл бұрын

It's got me knackered how people ride KTM 300s in slow steep tech stuff !! I saw one the other day that was so high it had a permanent snow line on the top half........

Love to have one, having ridden one many years ago, but can't see myself on a new one because I'm just too damned short... The low seat on my f800gs just barely let's me be comfortable in a crosswind at a stop light! 🙄

i put 31,000 miles on my 2000 that I sold in 2004, was great motorcycle. Checking the oil level is a pain and burns oil. Best bike per dollar though. D606 tires and acerbis lever guards and don't change front sprocket, change rear only due to counter-shaft wear. I had to weld mine, not good.

I have had two of them and will prob keep the one I have now forever. It is, as mentioned, the most off-road worthy of the budget/old school dually's. It was basically Hondas largest dirt bike, then converted for street use...slightly different engine than the XR600R, but very similar in every other regard. So it is a fairly awesome dual sport, if you want to take it off-road, which is the purpose, right? Just check the counter shaft, that I think is a rather poor design, probably just a take over from their bikes from the 70s. It isn't actually attached to the counter shaft....more just kinda floats on the splines, wearing them out over time, coupled with a 6mm thick sprocket. Get a thicker aftermarket sprocket and keep an eye on it. Oil cooler is not really needed, but I do have one, and if you change out the fuel tank and lose the elephant ears for cooling, which I don't think Honda added for looks, the oil cooler doesn't hurt. They are some of the best bikes ever made, by Honda, in my opinion. Sure there are faster, fancier, and more tech bikes now a days, but there is a reason why it has been in continuous production for nearly 30 years, basically unchanged. Second only to the Honda cub/dream I believe.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

And I think they brought the Honda Cub back to Australia recently... but damn they are charging a high price lol. We wish they'd bring the XR650L back.

have been riding my xr650l for 26 years now only problem i have had is after getting rear ended by a car which jambed the shifter and had to replace second gear other that that it has been bulletproof with 30,000 miles of mostly offroad riding. last October i installed a EFM auto clutch and has really been a excellent upgrade for my with my hand issues (arthritis) which has kept my from riding it much the last 10 years. that has all changed now.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

26 years... she's a keeper!

I have a XR650L. It's not fast but with 47 ft lb of torque it will go anywhere. It's super reliable and the maintenance intervals are far in between. I have 25,000 miles on mine and other than oil changes and a couple valve adjustments I haven't had to do anything to the engine.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Do you run synthetic oil? Some owners seem to recommend this due to the engine running hotter than bikes with radiators...

@bigdaddysatan8075

2 жыл бұрын

@@crosstrainingadventure yes I run a royal purple Max cycle full synthetic.

If they were available in Australia, in a heart beat

@ken4889

2 жыл бұрын

Rising Sun Honda in Townsville brought a few in for Mill runs on the Cattle Stations a few years ago, they would be the most likely to import for a group I reckon, worth a shot.

Had a BRP traded it in for the latest and greatest regretted it. good for off-road riding good for on-road riding. The seat and the suspension were awesome in my opinion it's only downfall was when you would start it with factory settings on the carb you have to let it warm up for 5 minutes otherwise as you twist the throttle it would sputter out and die.

Top of the day Champ. Budget classic all the way!!! Thanks 😊

@crosstrainingadventure

9 ай бұрын

😎👍

I always wondered about the XT660R, everyone said it’s too fat and slow for the bush but that’s what people say about the DR and I love the DR lol

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

I think the XT660R wet weight was 181kg.... 15kg more than the DR650. So it was a bit of a porker but great on the road or faster dirt roads.

@andrewuk184

2 жыл бұрын

I had a 94 XT600 and a 2006 XT660R - so I can compare those two machine. The 660R is a lot faster, and it only feels slightly heavier. The main problem with it is the snatchy fuel injection at slow speeds. Despite that I can well imagine it being faster than both the XT600 and DR offroad. The added HP really makes a difference.

They Actual Did Change and Improve the Sub Frame to Hold more luggage without the need for an Aftermarket upgrade.

I own a XR 650 L. I bought it back in January. Been a great bike CDI box went out recently about 2 months or so easy fix. Love the bike next upgrade is crf suspension. Already have all bolt on power adders done ✅ and full led conversion

@crosstrainingadventure

Жыл бұрын

It would be awesome with CRF suspension. I know the DR650 is a completely different animal with suspension mods and de-restriction.

@Ramcat_Vlogs

Жыл бұрын

@@crosstrainingadventure my bike has a full fmf pipe, smog delete, rejetted carb., airbox mods, the pig has been un-corked lol 😂 next is the suspension like I mentioned and a fcr / pumper carb. I want to keep the reliability so I don’t really have any plans to cam it or punch out the pig 🐖 ever larger. I have a stroker 440 400ex for that ! Maybe I’d stroke the xr down the road 🤔 right now on eBay for $2000 a guy has the billet triple trees and crf forks for sale. Just missing a 450x front wheels and a vapor digital dash to finish the conversion. The electronic speed sensor is the easiest way to get your Speedo back in that conversation imo from my research.

@Ramcat_Vlogs

Жыл бұрын

@@crosstrainingadventure I had dropped a tooth up front as well but it was sloppy and a regular ol sprocket. I got a stock sized 15t and a 14t xr650r sprocket (which didn’t fit) from kk bike outta Germany 🇩🇪. Had it within a week after ordering, both of them. Look up that sprocket company over fritzco. I don’t remember if you did or didn’t mention you changed your front sprocket but if you haven’t PLEASE do it ASAP you’ll thank me later 😉 the kk bike ones uses the entire Spline contact surface to bite down and steel plates that slide into it and ride where the grove is on the output shaft. You’ll see what I mean if you look up that company. Highly recommended if you want to never have to screw around with or keep a eye on your output shafts life.

I have an XR650L that was heavily modified (in a great way) by the previous owner. A stock one is a bit of a donkey, mine in its current form I can live with, although it's far from perfect. Honda needs to bring an updated model out, and not like the BS KLR update. The KLR was always the heaviest but now is just bloated. I think Honda needs to make a T7 equivalent, but make it as light as possible to focus on dual sporting, but with more HP to help get us to those trails with a smile. If they kept it simple and just improved on Yamaha's T7 winning formula they would sell like hot cakes. The KTM 690 is still the closest to the unicorn for me, but I would be willing to give up quite a bit of what the KTM has to get Honda price and reliability.

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Honda could make so much money if they seriously updated these bikes. But sadly even the Honda CEO admitted they lost their mojo years ago. kzread.info/dash/bejne/hKB5qNiooajahJc.html

@alterbayer7196

2 жыл бұрын

..... for the Trials who put a SMILE on your Face ..... you DONT NEED more Power !!

@nunya9555

2 жыл бұрын

I agree with OP. Even just 15 more horsepower would be a huge improvement, as long as weight stayed the same

@elksnitis

2 жыл бұрын

@@alterbayer7196 "help get us to those trails with a smile", aka drive on the road or highway to get to the trails... sheesh...

That fuel tank is AWESOME.

My XR650L is down to 304 pounds (no fuel). 10 weight fork oil and real knobbies makes it pretty fun in the woods. 55,000 or so miles (with one piston/cylinder replacement). Plan on keeping it forever.

@crosstrainingadventure

Жыл бұрын

Damn, that's pretty light. Did you just take lots of stuff of the bike?

@_Bryant.R

Жыл бұрын

@@crosstrainingadventure yes sir. No turn signals, turn signal/high beam switch, gauge cluster, speedo cable, rear subframe, horn, chain guard, mirrors (have a small one mounted on my left handguard), passenger pegs, air box snorkel, battery box (have a Shorai battery and electronics relocated under the seat). It's got an IMS 4 gallon tank, taken the headlight/bracket off in favor for a simpler XR250 headlight from UFO, UFO XR600R number plates, Cycra probends, ricochet skid plate, DG slip on, aluminum footpegs/chain adjusters/axle spacers/handlebars, Rox risers, KK Superpinion front sprocket. I'm sure I'm forgetting something. It's gone through several stages from nearly stock, to more of an adventure bike, to dual sport oriented, and now basically a woods bike with real knobbies. I live in an area I can get away with riding it like this and I'm only 7 miles from dirt from my driveway. Should probably get a different bike but I like it too much. Sorry for the novel, happy trails! 🤙

@crosstrainingadventure

Жыл бұрын

Great stuff, Bryant! I know you can drop about 10kg off a DR650 simply by removing stuff that's not really needed and still be road legal. And LukasM on the DR Rider forum listed his mods and the weight savings with replacing heavier items. I think this got it down to about 150kg with a full tank of fuel? Hindle mid-pipe/GSXR exhaust 3.1kg IMS tank 1.1kg Rem. Helmet lock 250g Rem. Ignition lock 550g Rem. Undertail fender 500g Rem. Sidestand switch 100g Rem. Rear handles 750g Wilbers shock 1kg Vapor computer 500g Rem. chain roller 50g KTM Headlight 500g KTM fender 150g Rem. Passenger pegs 850g LED Blinkers 400g Rem. Sprocket cover 120g Rem. chain guard 170g 520 chain with Stealth sprocket about 400 grams

Your videos probably increased DR650 sales by 50%. This video could cause a run of XR650L sales in the US. Truly Suzuki and now maybe Honda owe you a paycheck!

@crosstrainingadventure

2 жыл бұрын

Nothing in my bank account so far, Tim lol