Putting My Retro Rally XR650L to the Ultimate Test! | Carpuride w702 Test
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- čas přidán 31. 05. 2024
- With the XR650-ADV build progress coming along nicely, I decided to take it out for a test ride. We'll hit everything from highway, to the insanely awesome Harrison Hills ATV trails in Gleason Wisconsin. After a few fill ups and about 200 miles of beautiful roads and trails I'll access how I think the build is going and how the bike works as an ADV.
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Hey there, I have done several XR650L and XR650R build ups. Try hitting up Warp9 for a cush drive rear wheel. It makes a bike feel a ton better. Plus it saves the drivetrain. Cheers Brad
Thanks Swanky..big 650 thumpers around 350 lbs are a blast..freeway work is possible BUT not really made for it..back roads and fire roads so good..I notice you ride way faster than us older geezers..MY DR650 always gives me a smile..putting along forest dirt roads is just the best..NICE XR BUILD.. 😃
Thank you!!! Yeah, I'm pretty excited about the 650s. I've always wanted something that I can ride fairly confidently on the hwy (when I really need to) and then still be able to rip down ANY trail I find!
@@SwankyCatProductions If only Honda would give the XR the updating Kawy gave to the KLR……mainly move from a carb to a EFI….updated dash would be nice too….I would have one in my garage.
You are renewing my love for this bike with these videos! I'm in the market for another bike so I've been reviewing everything, (klx300, crf300l, xt250, dr650, drz400, crf450rl, xr650l). Everything seems like I'm settling and trying to like them. I had 2 XR400R's and loved those bikes, but they could not be road legalized here in western Canada.
Use the Gaia gps app on your phone through the carplay device. Should be much better for offroad and even on the road turn by turn with audio
So I'm sitting on a new CB500X in my local Montana Honda dealer. He points at the XR650L and says, "Those things are dinosaurs. We sell a million of them."
Haha that's awesome! They're still around for good reason IMO!
Having that skateboard above my headlight would drive me nuts. Loving the vids, nice work, very informative. 2023 XL650L owner.
I just rode an xr with a 13tooth front sprocket and holy cow does it change the bike still seemed to do well on paved roads around 60 65 ish didnt go much faster but on slow and fire roads holy cow. Torque monster.
The real shocker, can be investing 6 or 8K into a japanese econo box thumper.............
Then taking a ride on a 2019 or newer KTM 690R.
Maybe slow bikes are fun, but the 690 is smoother and easy to ride, and if you wind it up it makes almost 75HP in stock form. 80HP with a few simple mods. 75mph is pretty smooth and easy.
115mph can be done pretty quick, and the 690 slides like a flattrack bike, and flies off jumps really well.
Many only listen to BS on the internet, and think a 690 wont last. Your selling yourself short.
They are the funnest bike ever and 40,000 miles is routinely done and they still run like new.
Great video. Definitely looking forward for additional parts!!
I went with a Dsport rear and the Waypoint on the front of my ‘23 XR. So far it seems to be a good combo.
Love when ya roll out with your dad. Picked up my V Strom DE the other day. 200 miles already and absolutely love the bike. I’ll definitely use your links when I shop for a new tank bag.
I love the manual tripomiters having to wind till you get to 00000 👍
I do too! I just wish I could remember which way to turn them 🤣
Always great videos as well as informative. Maybe some day you will purchase a KTM 390 Adventure SW 2023+. I sold my T7 and purchased a 2023, what a huge difference in the fun factor compared to the T7. It appears the majority of the 390 owners downsized from much larger bikes and most, not all, feel the same way as I do. Keep the great content coming.
I think I'll probably try to get on one at some point. They've always intrigued me and I'm certainly finding that light is the way to go with the new crop of big bores I've got!
It was nice to hear some Swanky Kat music, hope fatherhood and Honeybear are doing well. Nice to see the classic bulletproof bikes being introduced to a new generation.
Haha I'm happy to hear that! Thanks man, I certainly can't complain! We're very blessed! I'm not sure why I didn't realize that this was the right path sooner, but I've never been so excited about making videos. The XR and DR are just such cool bikes and it's been so neat to test them both at the same time!
The rally look you’re going for is coming. When you pushed the head unit more forward it will help with the wind less fatigue even in the trails . I do like the MSR hydration pack nice buy for sure .
Add the lowering link, put the stock seat back on for comfort, and XR's like to be ridden short shifting at a lower RPM.
I did the Hemisphere Lowering Link mod with adjustable kick stand to my XR650L. One of the best mods I did. I’ve put on more miles since I did that mod.
I just did that too! Testing more tomorrow, but the road and gravel ride I did today was AWESOME! It still has way more ground clearance than anything else I've ridden yet it made it handle so much better! Probably the best mod for overall ridability!
Nice!! I didn’t know if it was just me also noticing that the handling was better. Folks always warn that lowering the XR650L changes handling characteristics and isn’t good. Maybe it isn’t good for jumping when lowered but what good is it if I’m not riding it as much.
Nice!! I didn’t know if it was just me also noticing that the handling was better. Folks always warn that lowering the XR650L changes handling characteristics and isn’t good. Maybe it isn’t good for jumping when lowered but what good is it if I’m not riding it as much.
nice !!! wish i was out there chasing with you
If you put a pirelli mt21 front tire on with the tusk D sport or dunlop d606 rear, the only thing you give up on the road is mileage. The pirelli is way better on the road than the d606 while being as good or even better off road. DRZ guys have been using that combo for 20 years now, it just works and there's still nothing better than it for a lot of riders.
Maybe I'll give that a shot, thanks!!!
DITTO on the D606 rear / MT21 on the front. Until two years ago, I've been running that combo on my DRZ since 2006. I have a D-Sport on the rear now, but they don't last as long as a D606. I'd NEVER put a D-sport on a big bore dual sport bike after seeing the poor life span of it on my KTM 450. They don't hold up as well as a D606
I believe if you touch the speed limit it drops down and shows your speed. Keep up the awesome videos
Love the channel and the XR content. I've had two.
I liked the Dsport rear, but found the front would be a sudden wash out in dirt/gravel and wandered a lot on road. The Pirelli MT21 was much more predictable and tracked better on road (longer life too).
I would get 50-55mpg if riding at 60/65 or lower, including off road on the ride. When I pushed faster, especially with a headwind could drop as low as 38/40mpg (all stock).
If I’ve seen it commented once I seen it commented at least a dozen times. People posting that they wish they never sold their old 650 dinosaurs and are now back in the market for another one after riding a more advanced and Heavier “MAGIC” ADV motorcycle. Especially after they have a bad injury on one of those Herculean motorcycles that takes 2 people to lift back to its feet after going down in some sand or just fell over at camp.
People do not hunt quail with a 10 Gauge shot gun either. Mass marketing at its finest!
There shouldn't be any reason to put 93 in a stock engine XR650L. They have an 8.3:1 compression ratio and aren't known to knock or pre-detonate.
Look the Dunlop Trail Max mission fron and rear tires. Those are the most solid tires for a motorcycle I ever have seen. American made and they are 50/50
Go with a 42 rear sprocket, hadn't seen a 16 front. Lowering link is a great mod
I've got a 16 from a sponsor that's supposed to fit, but it seems too big to me... guess we'll see! I can't wait to lower mine!!!
Are you going to the Ride for Research next weekend?
A Taco Bell, KFC hybrid restaurant? I still like the way it looks with the rally tower on it.
Would be good to see some comparisons between the 650 thumpers and the t7 on a twisty mountain road, not just a straight highway. One of my favorite things about the t7 is it can handle nearly everything i throw at it off road, while stil feeling sporty and quick on road. When i owned a klr650 i enjoyed it off road, and it was fine on the highway, but super boring on any twisty road stuff. The t7 can have a great time on a ride with 90% dirt, or 0% dirt. I feel like its a great quiver killer for those who ride both on and off road, and place equal importance on both. Can the same be said for these 650s, or would i end up wanting to own a road bike for days when hitting the dirt isnt in the cards?
Mmm interesting! I'll have to get my dad and the T7 up to some twisty roads for a test.
T7 goes 450lbs before any mods, and is top heavy. It needs about 5K in mods to start to work in the dirt, will always be top heavy. It depends on what kind of dirt a person rides, anything works going down a basic dirt/gravel road.
I feel the fate of the 701 will be a trade towards a true lightweight Enduro....2 stroke!!!! Used KDX200 or KTM XC-W plus cash in your pocket for those performance TW top end parts. Highly anticipating "the shortening".
Do you plan on putting a desert tank back on it? The lack of distance on the stock tank is the one thing I dislike. If so, Acerbis or IMS, I like the look of the Acerbis, but hear so bad reviews regarding install. What's your thoughts?
Great video. What helmet was Jerry wearing?
Thank you!!! It's actually my old GMAX, here's and affiliate link to it on Amazon. amzn.to/4bDLwi7
I’m still laughing inside at the idea of a “middle weight” adventure bike. Even a “middle weight” adventure bike is still too heavy for what most riders want to do with them. They have an idea that it will be better off road.
I’ve been looking for a video from you comparing the DRZ to the XR. Gets mentioned a lot but I can’t seem to find any more lengthy comparison if you discuss it in any of your vids. My DRZ is set up like you’re doing with the XR and I am considering switching to an XR for better highway manners if it’s a big difference. Lack of a taller 5th or 6th doesn’t suggest it would be that much more comfortable at speed.
I really need to get back in a DRZ, but from what I remember the XR feels like it definitely has the power I was missing above 55mph and cruises at hwy speeds much more comfortably (again from what I remember). I think the gears must just be spread a little farther apart on the XR and the bigger motor just has the extra thump you need. It's no 701 or T7, but I believe it'll be a noticeable improvement. I'd say try to test ride a DR and XR and see what you think!
An XR65L is not what you want for on road riding. Not comfortable, they vibrate, they dont have wide ratio gearing, they dont like going down the hiway................................youtube guys will say most anything about a bike, if it helps their channel get clicks and likes.
They kinda have to to make it work.
@@bradsanders6954 +1 on "they vibrate"...had mine 18yrs, it's the most fatiguing factor...off road biased tires don't help...but, she's an old school Manly Beast and fun to ride..
I don't recommend the D-Sport rear on a big bore dual sport.
I have one on my DRZ, it has decent lifespan. I can't say the same for it on my KTM 450 EXC-F. I have 1600 miles on my KTM now and the rear is toast. I run MT-21 on the front of both bikes.
I'd skip the D sports and try a set of trackmaster 2's.
Several questions:
Which MSR Pack are you using in this video?
You mentioned wanting to lower the 650L. How tall are you? (short inseam?)
Doesn't look like the bike squats much when you sit on it, so I'm guessing you are small build / lighter weight like I am.
Do the T7 "running lights" really flash, or is that some camera FPS artifact?
I still think I'd feel uncomfortable with those solid aftermarket rally fairings blocking my tire view. Maybe it looks better from eye-height than from the chin-mount camera. That would take some getting used to.
I'm still trying to figure out how the heavier DR650 works better than the DRZ400. Is it a wider gear box, lower seat and center of gravity, and wanting more road worthy adventure-lite than offroad leaning dual-sport? (You do still have a 701 tho...)
Fun riding! Wish I were there.
Nope, it just looks that way on camera. Might not be bad to have them flash like that on the road during the day though!
The fairing does certainly block your view, but no more so than the Tenere or KLR. They do of course have clear shields, but I usually block them with a GPS anyways haha. I do really like that when I stand up it all disappears though, can't say that for the Tenere or KLR!
As for the DR & DRZ, I think I need to get on a DRZ again soon to see how I feel about it now that I've got a little better off road and ridden a few more bikes. For now, I like the DR better for its smooth quiet ride at hwy speeds. Just seems to have more go to it above 55mph than I remember the DRZ having.
I've always wanted the XR and they don't sell new ones here in Canada anymore. The only used ones that come up for sale are 15-20 years old with 70k on them. The DR's are a dime a dozen. Does the XR overheat at 100km/h extended periods or is it faster than that when I hear overheating claims?
I have a 2015 with almost 10k miles. Haven’t had any overheating issues… bikes sits around 270 degrees when I do 60+ mph for an extended period of time…sits around 285 degrees when I’m on trails for an extended time on an 85 degree day.
Thanks for keeping up the good content! 👍 I’m really thinking about getting one of these xr650l’s. Anyone with experience with a xr650r? Would you recommend the R over the L for a dual sport adv build?
I'd check service intervals, but the XR-R seemed like a fairly good option when I last looked at them. Much more powerful than the L and lighter I think. The main reason I went the with L is that it's still available where the R has been disconnected.
I have both! Been riding both for 20 years in CO. Highway, Forest roads & single track. I love both! Power and off road suspension with R is on another planet compared to L. Maintenance is a bit more often than L, but not much in my experience. It’s a Honda. I have L set up with more ADV stuff, but quickly removable for technical dirt. I have taken L on serious scary single track and lived, R is way better for that, but still scary. My R is “as is” from factory except for bars. That said, I ride the L 100x more than R. It’s just such a good all around bike. I want to ride the R more but, unless I feel the need to race someone on the dirt (modern KTM/Huskys are always shocked), the L just checks more boxes. Disclaimer, I’ve never ridden those other brands, they seem pretty awesome also! IDK. You can do a bunch of mods to the R to make it more versatile like L, but I feel you loose the “race” benefit of its agility if you do that. Since I’m fortunate to have both, I have the luxury. Something to consider, L has E-start, R is a kicker. If I drop R, it is sometimes pretty hard to clear and restart…. L runs upside down. At least the few times I’ve tested that function…. Lastly, I think that the L is usually referred to as the BRP (Big Red Pig), The R most definitely wears the “King of the Baja” title. Don’t let the “Pig” moniker dissuade you, that is only really when comparing it to an actual dirt bike! It’s a super capable ADV bike and dirt bike. Keep it light if on mostly dirt! No extended distance oversize tanks…. It changes the center of gravity too much (higher). It causes a push in the front end while cornering in dirt then, slams you to the ground hard! Just add a small rotopax to the back when you think you want more distance. The R is everything advertised as King of the Baja and then some…Times 10. Hope that helps and good riding with any choice you make.
@@SwankyCatProductions good point, thanks for the reply. Maybe it would be more beneficial to build the L into something more like the R. Excited to keep watching your build!
@@scottscribner4705 thanks for the detailed reply. Maybe it would be beneficial to build the L into something more like the R? How does the gearing compare on your R vs L? Which is more suited for an all purpose bike that can do highway and off road?
If you’re going to lower it, why not just keep the DR650 which is already there…. Honest question. I had an xr 650r that was plated and it was really tall and kick start only. I want to try the 650L but it seems the dr is a better choice. Now I’m really confused.
Do you have a jet kit in honda at this time
Not yet! I'll be doing a performance upgrade video after all the heavy mods are in place.
Good video, Do you do tool reviews? We'd love to invite you to do a review for portable air pump.
i would never lower a bike, as long as you can reach with your tippytoes it is fine :) its gonna compromise its offroad capability's
I've always said the same thing! The XR has 12" of ground clearance though which is a solid 2" higher than any other bike I've ridden. While more is usually better, 10" has always been more than enough for my trails AND I'm fairly certain lowering the center of gravity along with the seat height, will improve the bike for 95% of the riding I'll do.
@@SwankyCatProductions that is a good point, but since you probably will be swwapping the seat out i would wait with lowering on the suspension, you are still messing with the geometry and rake when doing that, you could still use it as a harddualsport adv xD
I think you meant assess in the description not asses 😁
Uh oh, haha. Thanks for catching that. Apparently I need to quit working after 10:00pm lol.
How tall are you
5'10", 31" inseam & about 155lbs.
I'm 57 yrs old, and I can contest any onboard computer will just dumb us down . How about learning the true environment you're in . The woods tell you everything what's going on in the area . Most fire roads will lead you to an asphalt road . The problem starts when you start single tracking . The woods will even tell you what direction you're going if you observe the tree life . Or follow a river if you can . At least you will have a water source . Look for dead animals in the river for bacteria reasons . Let your bike computer solve that problem for ya . 😉
On the flip side, can tree lean tell you where a gas station is or more importantly a hospital?
Interesting. I'd definitely agree that we should be far better at reading the woods. But I've spent years doing just that. Most of the trails we ride are pretty well ingrained in my brain, not so much the lengths but definitely where they go and the type of terrain along the way. I rarely look at the trails on my maps unless I'm looking for something specific like a lake or feature visible on a satellite image. The biggest reason I like having a nav unit is for the public / private land boarder info.
How about just letting people ride however they like?
We ride for different reasons. No need to police peoples preferences.
The trees can tell me if I'm on an Indian Reservation, Federal land or someone's private property l?
Next week I'll talk to a tree and ask for directions to the closet ⛽😊
That gas millage is a major issue with the honda xr. Even with a larger gas tank it's still not enough. From what I understand these engines don't last as long either. And no cush drive. Suzuki is finally fuel injecting the DR650, and DRZ400 for next year. Let's hope they add a 6th gear to the trans.
Fuel injection for next year on the DR? I doubt it. Where are you getting that info?
Where did you get in for about FI? Haven't heard anything about that.
If a person rides an XR650L long enough and hard enough on road, they get hot.
Really hot. Anyone whos really done this knows the deal. They need a big oil cooler, they need taller gearing, they need to not buzz and vibrate on the hiway. Some weld more cooling fins on the head. But in the long run the head and valves and top end will wear out.
A head for an XR65oL brings big money on ebay, they are in demand.
I tried to kill a DR650, 51,000 really hard miles, 80+ mph for hours on hiway, just beat it and beat it. Took the top end off, its all good. It needs nothing. Huge oil cooler stock.
donaldheine6243 Where is there info about the DR and DRZ getting fuel injection next year?