CRF450l vs XR650l Price and Feature Comparison
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- čas přidán 27. 03. 2020
- After 26 years of waiting Honda released a new big bore dual sport with the CRF450l. However after all of those years is it worth upgrading your XR650l to Hondas new machine. Todays video will go over all of the different aspects of the motorcycles to help you determine which Dual Sport is right for you.
CRF250l vs CRF450l Price and Feature Comparison
• CRF250L vs CRF450L Pri...
XR650l Torture Test
• XR650L In-Depth Review
Cole Seely's 450l video
• GREY AREA
Ivan Tedescos 650l video
• Ivan Tedesco XR650L Mo...
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If the world ended tomorrow and I had to pick a bike to ride through the apocalypse, it would be an XR650L.
drove my buddies last weekend this weekend picking a 2004 up can't wait !! and haven't driven a bike for 35 years :-)
@mrrws1982 A Dual Sport maybe. An XR650L more than likely not. Fuel efficiency isn't that great. Stock XR's don't have that big of a tank. It also depends on the apocalypse. If the earth is all twisted about. You would want some thing more agile. Like a MX bike. Not a Heavy/ top heavy glorified adventure bike such as the XR650L. Hehe! It's not an apocalypse bike.
I would have to agree I absolutely love the xr650l
450x hands down
I agree.
650l to ride across the globe. 450L for riding across town.
Pretty much the only time my 450l sees the town is to get gas 😂
Yeah, and you have to hire an oil tanker to follow you for frequent oil changes.
So for a round town and weekend getaway bike - which is best?
Ride the 650L back into your Grandpas garage and the 450L to your 2nd job so you can pay for that Vortex ECU, Yoshi pipe and throttle tamer to make it run right and all that oil (or oil changes) you'll be buying. What a sad showing by all manufacturers: just build an EFI / e-start 650R successor and a proper WR450R, with optional Rally versions and start counting money.
Assuming it IS a "globe"
I have a 1984 XL600R that I bought new back in 1984. It still runs strong with minimal maintenance.
I think that’s amazing you have had it since day one. There has to be a lot of good memories there when you ride it!
How much can a used one cost am in Zambia Africa
I had an '83 with XR500 suspension grafted on. That bike was a wheelie king!
XL600R best ever!!
Bring back the king.
XR650R w/EFI
That would be a beast!
@Matthew Hoopes
I've owned a Husky 701 and KTM 690 SMC-R and that's what the 650R should have developed into. You're right on all accounts. Honda could've killed it with the XR's platform.
You need to watch mouse McCoy ride that 650 r in Dusty to glory If you haven’t already
@@josephwinkler4863
I know Mouse's crew chief Scott Dunleavy personally. He owns Berkeley Honda- Yamaha-Husqvarna. He helped develop the XR into what it was specifically to win Baja. I never would have retired my XR if it hadn't been stolen. Scott sold me a 2018 Husqvarna 701 SM - he said this is what the XR should have developed into but his pleas with Honda Japan fell on deaf ears. He now races a dialed in CRF450X every year at Baja for its reliability... But no Mouse!
Matthew Hoopes ‘
Ive had two 650L's over the years and I believe it has made me a better off road rider. If you can handle the weight it will go almost anywhere.
And that is a fact! Still a great bike but ya it takes a good rider to push it
Dads Domain When I first heard about the 450l, I started drooling right away , but I came to my senses when I saw the price, over 13000 out the door in Canada!!! My main Dualsport now is the crf 230l. What it lacks in power, it far makes up for in a do it all explore, get around any gate, 80+ miles to the gallon, 6 speed, perfect for the Pacific Northwest as long as you stay off the freeway.
@@trevfirefy8179 They were under 10k in November.
They are probably cheap now!🤣🤣🤣
I bought my first motorcycle in 2013. I was 58 years old and never
had ridden a motorcycle. That bike was an .XR650L. Since then
I have ridden it over 34,000 miles. 8,500 of those miles were
through Mexico.I do all the maintenance on it myself. This bike
will ride to the end of the earth!!! It is a beast!!!
Sold my 450l and bought a 650R best thing I did.
I would love to get to ride one someday
My riding bud has had two of the 650L's. First retired at 175,000 miles and second at 100,000 miles. Two TAT trips including an engine water ingress... Removed the plug, stood it up, drained the water and oil....put another 65,000 mile on it. Bike is still running and engine has never been torn down... Its the bike that will last forever....
Wow thats crazy!
They only last if you ride them slow though because they run really hot if you wind them out. My dad used to rebuild his 600r every winter because he rode the living crap out of it with supermoto wheels on asphalt. The problem is the oil pump cases start leaking when they get to about 200 degrees and then these engines loose most of the oil flow out of the engine and the oil level rises what gets the oil foamy resulting in air in the oil system resulting in top end damage
Bs
I'd have to go for the Old School XR 650L I just love those old school looks and that bullet proof Honda reliability hands down for me.
It’s nice knowing you have something that just runs forever
@@DadsDomain - I had the XR 350 RD. Besides it having a weird sprocket set up ( They were much smaller than on the 250 for some weird) It was a beautiful bike to ride with a high and short wheelbase which made it easy to handle off road and LOVED that 80's XR look with the blue and red.
So I’m 56 and have become quite comfortable with my CRF 250 Rally. It’s not great for off road because of all the styling on the bike. Too much plastic and weight and not enough speed on the highway . My next bike will be an Xr650l, or a DRZ400. I love the old bulletproof technology in both bikes. If I was confident that I could learn to ride the 650 in the dirt, it would not be close because I’m a Honda fan boy. Thoughts?
Oh I’m 6’2, 230. But I’m 56 and new to motorcycles.
I had the 1984 xr 500r with dual carbs and it ran forever and it still runs to this day with no rebuild
Maintenance schedule kills the 450l for me.
Yep it really does for some people. I wish I could ride more. Life doesn’t allow it right now. So with that not being a worry for me it’s a huge swing towards the 450
Are you referring to the 10 minutes it takes to change oil and filter at a cost of approx. 6 bucks? I bought 4 of the oil filters for 16 dollars and oil is cheap. Not a big deal.
@@buddywilson104 time and the operation itself it's not the problem.
But if I am taking a 5.000 miles trip i am not interested in carrying with me 10 liters of oil and 5 filters.
That's the problem for "me".
Rui Carvalho i don’t think the CRF450L was ever intended for a 5,000 mile trip .
@@rc2634 a 5000 mile trip! Haha are you serious
i like how straight forward you are, a quality that's really essential to videos like this one.
Both are good bikes, the XR is a tank and last forever, but the 450l is basically a Street legal motocross bike once you set it up correctly. I equate riding the 450L to riding a BMX bike on the street. Cole seeleys build is what inspired me to get one.
I have a 2016 XR650L and while it has some shortcomings, it meets my needs and I thoroughly enjoy it...great video, keep up the good work.
And just like that my brother in law sold his XR650L that was in this video. He had too much fun in the drag race and that afternoon I let him ride the 450L home and I followed him on his 650. He just enjoyed it too much so we posted the 650l for sale and amazingly, while under lock down, he sold it for $5500. It was a 2015 with just under 700 miles. He'll be getting a 450L in the coming months and wants to build a pretty aggressive race bike and is looking at the San Diego powerhouse kit in the coming year. While I would have enjoyed doing more with the 650L we'll be sure to follow what he does on the channel and the differences in his build and mine. Oh and he said for the record he didn't intentionally pull a wheelie in the drag race, it just had more than he was expecting and he was sitting too far back!
Your lucky to have the choice. Up here in Alberta Canada we cannot get the 650. Picking up my 2021 450 RL in April. Great comparison vid, thank you
Completely without a doubt thee absolute best most honest non bias comparison of two premium units without fail of mentioning the compitition! Good job guys👌
Thank you, I appreciate that! Since I owned them both at times that really helped but I still had to do homework for this one
You did an outstanding job with this video. Everything very well explained. Awesome
Thank you, I appreciate it!
Awesome video! I like the comparison and the fact you brought the xr650r and the 450x into the conversation. Please keep up the good work!
Thank you! I hesitated adding those bikes at first but the story at least as I remember it through the years is better with them included
I've had my XR650l for over 12 years, at my age and experience level it does all I need off road. I have a couple of performance mods which have made it run and ride better. What I like about it is its simplicity, no liquid cooling with radiators to flush, or break, simple old school valve adjustment etc. etc. I've often thought about getting something lighter, but all the new models are not really that much lighter, or different from what I have for my needs. I think unless something really changes in the market, this one will see me out in terms of off road riding. I feel good every time I'm riding with friends on more modern equipment and their bikes start burping coolant when it's hot and we are on tight trails. :) With stock gearing on the road my XR650l would do over 60 mpg, once I rode 95 miles off road on fairly tight trails over the mountains and was still getting 50 mpg at the relatively low speeds.
Thanks for sharing some mpg numbers. I've got a chance to pick up an older one (1996) that needs some work. Been trying to figure out how much I can improve the mpg's. For reference my usual dual sport adventurer is a modified CRF250L which gets very nice mileage at lower speeds.
I’d bet with a few adjustments/modifications you could see 75mpg on the 650
@@muckle8 I think that could be achieved as is, if ridden with the goal of economy, keeping speed to 50-55 mpg. I have got 65 mpg riding on the road with no real thought on fuel economy, just getting from A-B riding somewhat sensibly given knobbly tires etc.. Certainly you could raise the gearing a fraction if on road economy was important, and more road orientated tires could help. I'm also riding at 4500 feet of elevation and above and know from other vehicles in general that fuel mileage improves slightly the lower the elevation. Wind resistance is also a factor, I'm 6' 4" and broad shouldered so am far from aerodynamic in the upright riding position.
@Fiveo waf. Would you consider fitting a screen to help with the wind - resistance?
@@muckle8 I ride off road mostly, or ride to where I'm going off road, so it's not an issue, only mentioned my personal "wind resistance" in respect to what economy the XR650l could achieve.
I really appreciate your demeanor on camera. Very informative and articulate. Thank you
Fantastic review. All info you need. Clever, short jokes. Very good recording and video. Well done!
Thanks, I appreciate it!
XR650L all day long! For a thousand bucks I have CRF450 forks and rsw clamps, and FMF exhaust and your done!
The potential and longevity of the XR650L for me out weighs any benefit of buying a $10,000 CRF 450L.
I started with a cherry 2000 mile XR650L for $3000 dollars at that cost you can afford to build it your way. Nice video, I had seen the 250 vs 450 all good stuff. Thank you.
And thats what makes the 650l so tempting is when you find a great deal! Thankfully I got mine for 8k with a discounted freight and setup but thats still over two of what you paid!
Yeah, no one kiddin'. Not to mention you got that bike at $2000 under book value!
You can put different forks on the 650L?
@@rca3rd You can, RSW makes triple clamps that make the swap to USD forks super easy.
Thanks!@@verbalwidget7267
Hands down the best descriptive channel about motorcycles.
Thanks I appreciate it!
Thanks for taking the time to do this comparison, great info!
No problem glad you enjoyed it! It was one of those videos I wanted to make useful for a long time
In my opinion, the 650 is designed to go around the world & the 450 is designed to go around the block and drain your wallet. Value wise, mod wise, service wise, the 50 year old has the new punk beat. But ultimately, it comes down to getting what you want and riding and that makes you a winner.
Does the 650 ride nice on the highway??
@@stevo6891 I have an 09 650 L and a DR 650 and to ur question the XR is great on the road the DR is as well but totally different feel. Both great in their own right.
@@Formerlywarmer debating on getting a Harley or a XR 650
This was mega useful - really top class video - you answered everything I ever wanted to know
Great to hear it was helpful!
This is the review I’ve been wanting to see!
Thank you! I was really hoping it would be useful for anyone out there looking at them
Well done! Loved the video, it makes sense for a lot of people to just by the X over the L.
I heavily debated doing that and plating the X. However there were far better deals on the L than the X. I wish we knew how many they made of each
Very informative and well done vid. I actually learned some great history here. On my 2nd XR650L and for moderately aggressive trail riding and the indestructible nature of the bike, it's perfect. While I like and can afford the KTM 690 Enduro or 790 Adv-R so I could actually ride to a trail, I saved enough money to farkle my 1200 GSA. I did consider the 450 due to the significantly less weight but the maintenance intervals turned me off.
If it got a second street legal bike it would be an adventure bike. Something with a windshield at least! But as it is I still don’t think I am going to rack the miles on even though I would like to. So with mileage not an issue I was able to get the 450 and not worry about maintenance
you have the best videos on this subject. keep up the great work. wow im so impress thank you. all your vids are good.
Thank you I really appreciate that!
@@DadsDomain yw ill think of some questions you already answer alot of the question i had for years. you guys are great. be safe
Man, I'll take the xr650l any day !
It’s a good bike still. Which is kinda amazing really. There are times I miss it but if money wasn’t an object I would probably want the 450 and the new 1100 African Twin
I am down to get an Africa twin. I bought my CRF450L as a new left over in February during the huge rebates . It was nearly same price as msrp of 650L. The Africa twin was also on sale , was a 2018 left over for $10k. I was so torn . Ultimately I might should have bought the twin first , and then got a lightweight 2 stroke TPI for off roading
Dads Domain ... “ if money were not an object...” LMFAO
LOVE your videos. Keep uploading Bro. Hi from Spain
Thank you! Waiting for the weather to turn a corner here and then I have some more stuff I want to do. Hopefully our riding areas open back up soon too
Top notch comparison. Own the BRP but appreciated the effort.
XR650L "ALL DAY-ANY DAY"!!!!
Always a good choice
I bought a 2017 XR650L from my dealer in 2016 to do some BDR type riding... I'd heard rumors of Honda coming out with the 450L but I knew what I was getting with the 650... I come from a motocross background and I'm quite familiar with being off road... I also ride on the street too so the 650 made sense to me from a reliability and ease of ownership point of view... I know that when I'm out on a trail, I can make it there and back with the 650L.. it's tough, reliable, and predictable. There isn't much that can go wrong on it... vs the 450L with all the electronics...
From a price point the $10,000 vs $6,500 I paid gave me a very large margin to add modifications to my 650L to make it a better bike.. I added pegs, a tank, bar risers and bars, a skid plate and rack, and got the bike pretty comfortable and capable and still have money in the bank. but the biggest concern for me was the maintenance issue.. 600 miles between oil changes vs 3000 on the 650... valve check after 1800 miles vs.... when they start making noise after 5000 or more... I don't need to win drag races... or jump a 300 lb bike... I need to have fun...
I even bought a 2006 650L with 12,000 well used and maintained miles on it for $2,400... with a little simple green and some new plastic and a little elbow grease, I have a 2017 clone... now my son and I are having fun on them... I really like your comparisons and you are spot on on your comments... I subscribed....thanks
I really like the fact that you said you are just wanting to have fun. Because honestly that’s what’s it’s about. We had to sell my 650 to pay for some medical bills two years ago. Had that not happened I probably would have still had it and not looked at the 450l. But we know how that story ended 😉
Great job on this video! Keep'em coming!
Thank you!
Me too.
I am buying the Honda XL 650L.
I rode the XL 350'S IN THE MID 1970'S
LOVED EM.
A reasonable and balanced presentation. I have the XR650L, 2016 version, have raised the front forks .870 and lowered the rear with the KoobaLink,
and installed the Fritzco full width front sprocket. Be sure that when I say I raised the front forks, that translates to lowering the front end. I wish I
fit the bike better, but 5'10" is a bit short for the seat height of this bike. Removing the smog valve is often misinterpreted to mean a boost in power,
but this is not why we do it. I would appreciate a larger tank, but then the styling feature of the air scoops goes away. Going to add an oil cooler,
although our climate on Northern Vancouver Island does not demand the extra cooling. Bar risers, even for my height, are a significant improvement.
Becoming comfortable in the cockpit makes a huge difference on this bike and is a great place to start with mods
Great review and I completely agree with you! Even though I am a Honda fan myself, I would love for Yamaha to come out with a plated dual sport to compete with the 450L
I heard the WR450 is just corked with a throttle stop. I'd be really curious to see how they address emissions
Great video. I owned a 2003 XR650R for 14 years and loved it. Uncorked, fmf pipe and headers. I’m in Southern California and mostly ride open desert, canyons, hill climbs. No heel clickers or Superman’s. I’m in the market for a new bike and have been thinking about the CRF450L. It seems like a great bike from a technology perspective, but for my type of riding I think the 650L is the better choice. You forgot to mention one major advancement for the 650, which is electric start. Not sure when the 650L got it, but my ‘03 650R was kick start. With the decompression lever normally it wasn’t a problem, but if the carb got gummed up with old fuel it was a beast to start. Thanks for the informative comparison.
This is a spectacular review sir. I will have another 650l. Makes life fun. Thanks
Great Video,great comparison !!
Just because of the Cost and easy to maintain I’ll take the XR650l any day. My next one
Will be my 5th one and I can’t wait to get the cash and buy a clean garage
Queen and uncork it and keep it forever. Absolutely Love Honda’s and the BRP 650 L
Had an 85/86xl600
They're heavy turds but there are an awful lot of fun that's dependable big-time torque
Twist a grip enjoy man
Honestly.... I've always wanted to ride since i was a kid... unfortunately my parents couldn't afford.... forward to 2019.....I had a chance to purchase a 2004 XR650L... never rode a bike in my life.... learned on this beast and I can say there's no comparison..... I've rode 2 cycle 250's....and a Honda 500cc.... but I'm in love with my 650.... been riding for a year.. maybe I'm closed minded... but my 650 rocks.
The 650 is a great bike but good for you for learning on that thing! Even if it’s your favorite it sets you up to handle a lot of other machines
Im trying to get one too bro! Any advice on looking for used ones?
Nice video, I've owned the Honda XR650L from 2007 & updated to the KTM ENDURO 690R 2020 motorcycle & just can't say enough about it and to me it's worth the money.
Excellent video. Good information, nice review of main categories and point-by-point comparison. Being 230 lbs. and your height, I appreciated your thoughtful bit on the ergonomics. Articulate presentation, no filler. No bike currently, but looking. Not a moto-crosser. City (Orlando) and trails. I lean towards the L with 'a few' mods (fork springs/brace, wider pegs, de-smog kit, smaller/better battery, bar risers/handlebars, maybe an oil cooler.) Mechanical simplicity (no 20k mile rebuild, simpler tune-ups) and bomb-proof reliability (ex. no radiator) appeal to me. I rarely comment but felt you deserved some thanks for your effort. And yes, the Torture Test (FrickinJim) magazine video is the best I've seen yet. Keep it up! Regards, Dario.
Thanks for the compliments! I do think from what you said the 650 is a better fit for you. Now the other potential option is the 250l geared down with some mods. Now that we changed the gearing on my dads I like it a lot more. I could easily see that in the city and trails (different tires) However if you'd be doing much Highway riding IMO you'd really miss the 650's power.
@@DadsDomain Just FYI, and in case you are not aware of him, there's an interesting series of videos by Jacob Gilliam (Fast Guys - Slow Bikes). He races/raced the L in hare scrambles in Florida and manages to hold his own against much more modern and nimble bikes. Shows what a talented rider can do. Well worth watching. See czcams.com/video/q8FT0N9J0ss/video.html
As a 250L owner I was really excited for the 450L, but was really disappointed. Why put a motocross style seat on street legal bike? Why such short service intervals for a dual sport? They took away all the things that made the 250L great, and basically gave us a street legal MX bike.
I totally agree with you, however its that street legal MX bike that the 25 year old me always wanted! 😉
@@DadsDomain 450 is a dog, they stopped selling them here in Australia because hardly anybody was buying them, short interval servicing, crap seat, way overpriced, flame out which you didn't mention, it's a dog so glad they stopped selling it here but we haven't had big XR Honda's for sale for almost 30 years, probably modify an old drz or go European now in Australia for that type of bike, but back in the day the x r's were extremely popular
wow on the maintenance schedule on the 450. holy heck batman!!!..Makes me LOVE my fat old RELIABLE tractor even MORE!
Very informative vlog. Thanks a bunch.
Glad you enjoyed it!
I turned my XR into a adventure bike loads of mods . Been riding XRs for many years and I really like them ., with synthetic oil I can easy go 5-7 thousand miles . When it starts to look dirty I change it . I think having a oil cooler helps with that . The bike runs much cooler . Extremely easy to maintain. , I’m working on a video now with all the mods on my XR . Great video RIDE ON
Sweet I'll keep an eye out on your channel. I really do like the XR bikes....need a bigger garage. Well and a better paying job to keep everything too 😉
Dads Domain a bigger garage and more money somehow does make a difference. RIDE ON
Forgot to say, I wish you and everyone all the best during these crazy times and let's all look forward to a good summer! Braaap!
Thank you, stay safe too and hopefully warmer weather helps bring things back to normal
I had the 1985 xr350r single carb. Was a super amazing bike. Was the first year Honda did everything right. I simply loved the 6 speed trans. I had a friend with a drz 400 and in a top speed race we were neck in neck in 5th, when I hit 6th that was all she wrote.
That sounds like fun! I know it adds weight but I like it when they add a sixth gear to a bike! My dad had a drz400 a long time ago but I didn’t get much seat time on it so I don’t remember it too well other than it was a nice bike
@@DadsDomain the older Honda's rode like a Cadillac,they just float down the trail!!@
very great review, thank you for sharing!
Super job on this video!
Thank you very much!
1983 was actually the year Honda sold the RFVC type engine for the first time. This was in the XR500R and XL600R. Still the best offroad engine ever created for a motorcycle
Closest thing to indestructible that you can actually buy.
I bought a used xr650l wirh all the mods already done plus dunlop d 606s . Coming from a kx 450f this bike was a handful but as we all know a 450 would grenade itself running on the street all the time. As I became accustomed to the bike I have begun to enjoy it more. The suspension is excellent even compared to my 2015 kx 450f for trail use...the main things that kill this bike are the low power output and top heavy tall feel. But it sure is nice doing hardly any maintenance and the longer you ride it the better you can wrangle it.
The longer you ride the bike the better you get at handling it. At first I thought it was just me but it’s just so different than an MX based bike it takes time. I had the D606 on mine and loved them. Perfect for my favorite loop through the mountains
I just got a 650 Friday. Love it so far.
Very nice well thought out informative video without bias? 😂. Nice work I’m partial to my XR 650 but I’m an old dude
I ride the wheels off of my 650l. I’ve had cruisers, dirt bikes, and now sport bikes, yet I find myself always throwing my leg over the 650. I’ll commute 45 minutes to work on it during the week and then thrash it through some tight technical trails like it’s a 250 on saturdays. Change the front sprocket, get some real bark busters, slap on a skid plate, and change that ancient tiny metal tank, and you have an unstoppable go anywhere machine. As a bonus you also won’t have to rebuild the engine every 4 years if you actually ride it.
I think your use case is a perfect fit for the 650l, honestly I wish I had the time to get those miles on...someday!
I just put a down-payment on a 2021 xr650l to ride to work and fuck around on the trails. Im going to throw a K n N air filter and a Yoshimura on the bitch and call it a day.
@@TheDdrumbum32 mind dropping more details ? how much down they looking for ?
@@dznuttzonyachin7499 at least $500
@@TheDdrumbum32 were you able to talk them down any as well ?
I have had a xr650l xr400r now crf450l .the 650 was way to heavy if you did any real single track. oil change on 450l is a breeze maybe being a mechanic for 25years makes it not a big deal .only thing I didnt like on the 450l was how they mapped it to pass smog it's a terd until you vortex and pipe it cut out the smog but those are the games we have to play for the hippes. There is a place for the 650l just not in my garage.
Sometimes I miss my 650l but not too often really. I will have a pipe and vortex installed soon and I can’t wait!
good video! Informative.
I drove an 85 XL 600, I loved it all. It was a little lower but I absolutely loved it. My favorite is still an 84 XL 350 with a six speed. Not as great for the freeway but it’s kind of a cross between the 250 and the 600 it was lighter but it still had enough all the way around to work and power to get me up the hill as a big guy or riding to upper with luggage the 250 wasn’t quite enough. Not the greatest suspension but good enough if you’re not doing hard-core off-road and plenty of power to get up the hills and through some sand to where the 250 would bog down if you had two people on it or a 280 pound guy. The 450 is clearly a better machine with better tech but I think I’d rather have the XR 650 and I wish they would come out with an XR 400 L. I like the simplicity the air cooled throwing away a cooler on there to get a couple degrees off and they just last forever I can do all my own maintenance super easy and the maintenance in your holes computer entirely Aren’t ridiculous no computer crap to go bad, I get it’s not as I have a performance dirtbike but I’ll take the easy and the reasonably comfortable seat any day of the week, I just don’t think it’s worth the money but it’s not worth the hassle and headache either. When I was younger and worried about the latest and greatest tech and all that, I probably would’ve chosen the CRF but the XR will go 100,000 miles I seen an XL 600 with 140,000 miles on it original piston and it still ran pretty decent it was in decent shape he just took care of it change oil keep air filter clean keep those valves adjusted I need 140,000 miles in replace the timing chain and done somewhere but not a complete rebuild. That is of maintenance is worth it to me all day long to 650 has more than enough power for me and I get other people like the 450 better and in some ways I do I just don’t think it’s worth all the extra effort or the money. Actually I would be fine with an 84 XL 350 or 600 as well if I could get an electric start because that kind of technology I like. 😂😂 I hope to someday find a nice clean 84 XL 350 and figure out a way to put an electric start on so I have both and maybe a little better forks and front brakes and I’ll be good with that. I don’t know I like the tech on the 450 I like the idea, I don’t like that the throttle a little grit glitchy until it’s warmed up and some people haven’t had problems with them stalling out when they give it gas before it’s fully warmed up it’s not a huge deal but the only way to fix it is about a $3000 computer upgrade and you’re already talking about $11,000 bike so honestly that’s ridiculous, Honda should fix it on an $11,000 bike I didn’t that I like It but the seats are a joke unless you’re standing all day writing which I won’t be end it’s just more of a dirtbike then I want I want the sport I want it to be a little nicer on the street a little more comfortable the easy riding position the wider softer seat. So I’m gonna choose the XR 650 L myself and honestly I wish they’d do a little shorter a little lighter XL 400 R or maybe Yamaha could take the XT 250 and do an XT 350 or 400 version of that it’s just a little bit if you’re in a little more motor. Manufactures just sort of lost that whole mid range dual sport if you want a comfortable easy maintenance bike with a very simple tough motor you have an XT 250 do you wanna go above that you gotta go to the XR 650 L or a DR the DRZ 400 is OK but it’s got the crappy little seat they should’ve kept the six speed like the DR 350 and it’s about the same speed as the XR 650 but I don’t know it’s just too dirtbike to uncomfortable it’s just not a great dual sport it’s more dirt but they put a five speed on it so if you’re gonna do slow you only have first gear seconds too fast to do anything technical so it’s a great bike but I just don’t want one I want something comfortable something simple and there were some great bikes like the XL 350 the DR 350 SE had the electric start and it was kind of quirky and had some problems but they still take one they’re easy problems to fix and I would rather have that than a DRZ 400 or the CRF 450 and it’s not as fast and not as high-performance but it’s just a comfortable easy bike. Honda doesn’t give a crap anymore either the Suzuki or Kawasaki going for these very uncomfortable motocross style and if that’s what people want that’s cool but Yamaha is the only one making comfortable simple easy dual sports anymore than TW 200 XT 250. I think if they came out with an XT 350 or 400 I think it would be a pretty good Sales model for them. Everybody has the same complaints on the CRF the key Alex in the DRZ come out they don’t like the seat they don’t like all the tech all the service intervals they want something comfortable and easy I wanna do a sport that I can go out further around and hit some trails do some woods and it’s just easy something that’ll go 60 80,000 miles without having to rebuild it and Yamaha seems to be the only company even making these anymore, Honda keeps releasing the same XR 650 but they don’t care about updates and I’m not gonna have midsize models. I think Yamaha is the only option there are no midsize comfortable simple bikes come in the DRC is the closest thing and it’s great but it’s still not that comfortable so I’m just hoping Yamaha will release an XT 350 or 400 and Honda does an XR 400 L that would be awesome too. The XL 600 seat was even a little pusher than the XR and I can go ride for four hours and buzzed and vibrated a bit but this is the category of the modern the seat was comfortable and it was doable I could do four hours of riding without much problem come out on the CRF 300 or 450, forget it. When I’m looking at a bike now I’m older and I’ve got back in the problems the XR is acceptable but it’s still a little tall can I forget the Cadillacs or the CRF are here and I really like the big adventure touring bikes like a T7 but I want something lighter to pick up and I don’t wanna spend that money and I have to do all that maintenance so the bikes I look at now are the XT 250 the TW 200 it’s cause I like them they’re sort of weird the XR 650 L and the KLR 650. Honestly I don’t want the big heavy bikes anymore I want something like the 250 but I want a little more power on it in the 300s not quite enough so at 3:50 or 400 XT or an XR 400 L I think would be about perfect and most of the people I talk to have the same problems they don’t like the seats on the new bikes not looking for a hard-core dirtbike they want a dual sport they want something that can get you down the dirt roads and trails they don’t care about high performance and winning races and they want something simple and you don’t have those anymore you have the XR 650 L and the XT 250 and nothing in between. :/
This video should have been called “How Honda forgot how to make a good motorcycle”
It definitely wasn't what everyone was expecting. Selfishly for myself there are people who ride a lot more so they'll test out the 20k+ mile life of this engine way before I get there and we'll find out how reliable it is long term.
@@DadsDomain I think it's just a sign of the times. People in the US just don't ride unless the weather is perfect and the stars align. The 450 is a fun toy, the 650 is fun transportation.
@@ghostlight69420 I think that sums it up nicely about the 450 being a toy and 650 transport
@@DadsDomain - It's so weird how Moto Cyclists aren't allowed to filter through traffic.
Honda like to over shot there mark more often than not! How ever I do like the Grom and the Monkey bike!
I have a WR250R. I'd love to see a WR450R but I'd even be happy with something like a 350R. The thing is, maintenance schedules and performance are almost mutually exclusive so I think a slightly smaller engine than a 450 might be the real sweet spot.
The XR REALLY started as the 1983 XR500R big bore, couple years before '85! That's what's so amazing, that RFVC engine ahead of its time, and the head/cam/rockers were mostly the same after the '88 revision.
I didn't know that, thanks for the extra info!
It actually started as the 1979 xr/xl500 bikes
@@jakoberickson2218 I was speaking of the RFVC engine, that was '83
Great fair report thank you.
Thank you!
Technology isn’t all that! I would rather have the 650! You breakdown in the middle of know were good luck getting the 450 going again!
I'm still waiting for the best Motorcycle in History called HonadaXR 600.
Excellent review!
I had a 1985 XL600 for about 15 years with over 80,000 miles when my little brother crashed and totaled it. Oil changes and air cleaners, that was about it. Looking at this video because I'm looking to get something "useful" again - Ducati Panigale not such a great commuter. Thanks for the review. Looks like its basically the same bike.
I purchased my 650 l two weeks ago. I'm not experienced in the dirt, but it's been great on all PA s gravel roads. I can throw my quad around pretty good in the dirt, but this bike doesn't seem very forgiving. I need to get used to it
Thats almost exactly how I felt about it at first too. I was comfortable going anywhere but I didn't feel like I could throw it around at first. That feeling fades with miles though.
I love the 450l , specs and looks . But that matainence schedule is a deal breaker . I'd be changing my oil every month . Looks like the 300l , if it comes to America, is the best option . For me anyway , since it incorporates the modern look of the 450l , and longevity of the 250l .
Nice report. Out the door, the CRF is better in every capacity.... 1 year later, the XRL is still going strong w/ zero service expenses.... the CRF has had countless oil and filter changes. 5 years later, the XRL is better in every aspect...
nice review - i like both bikes for different reasons
I just gotta re=assemble the motor of my 650L. 10:1 compression piston and 657cc should be the ticket. Managed to get it sub 300 pounds tank empty weight. It's a keeper.
Now that sounds like a great bike!
The content in this video is exactly what I needed to see. I really wanted to justify replacing my modified Suzuki DR650 with a lighter Adv bike but it really doesn't make sense for the way I use my DR650. I load it up with gear, tools, parts, gas (9 gallon safari tank) and clothes etc...for a 2 week bike trip out west each year and it takes me everywhere I want to go. It's not fast or stylish. It's just dependable, inexpensive, a bit ugly and super functional. It does everything good, nothing great other than dependability and low cost. A very small percentage of the time I am limited to where I can go by it's weight or power even with lower than stock gearing. I think I'm actually better off with the 650 for the riding I do. The 450 would be great for local, not loaded down day rides but I don't do much of that. I think there are a lot us Adv riders in heavy, dated 650 Suzukis, Hondas and Kawasaki's that would love to have the same rig with Fuel Injection and shed a few pounds while maintaining a reasonable new bike cost along with the great weight hauling capacity. I'm not holding my breath. This video helped me to see that I have the right bike for now.
Thats great to hear! Technically I'm not trying to sell anyone....its that fine line of trying to provide education to everyone based on my personal experience knowing that we all need something different. Oh and 9 Gallons...thats a hell of a tank!
@@DadsDomain yeah Dan, I did not get the impression you were trying to sell anything, instead you were just giving out good information so thanks again for that.
Nice informative video. Well done.
Thank you!
Great Comparison my friend.
Thank you!
After owning a CRF250L and wanting to upgrade, the 450L ended up being not what I expected at all, it’s essentially a motocross bike with a tag, why didn’t they make it a true dual sport that has the longer service intervals and higher weight capacity??
IMO it’s advertised wrong. It totally reminds me of my old 450R but that’s what I wanted so once I get the vortex on I will be really happy. We need the cbr500 in a new chassis. Might be a little heavy but it would sell and be the right machine next to the 250
@@DadsDomain I agree. I loved my CRF250L and occasionally wish I would've kept it. It'd be cool if more manufacturers made slightly more dirt friendly versions of the smaller ADV bikes like the CB500X. If they put that motor in a 450L type frame, I think they'd get a lot of attention from people looking to upgrade from 250Ls and WR250s that don't necessarily want an ADV bike that's built more for the street.
I agree with the folks on the choosing the 650L over the 450. Honda really missed the mark with the 450 dual sport. The market needed a lower maintenance bike and they should've updated the XR650R but they screwed up. The truth of the matter is most folks aren't good enough riders to take advantage of high end performance dirt bikes and would be better served with an excellent XR400 XR600 ornXL650L. Its just a fact and the ease and maintenance intervals and lower cost are considerations. Honda needs to really understand the market will always need capable reasonable priced dual sports for the everyman and let KTM have the majority of the maintenance monsters. Kawasaki needs to also wake up and see they made a huge mistake discontinuing the KLR 650.
I've got an old XR600 but am eyeing a new bike. The theres only two id consider and itsnthe DR400 or the XL650L. No other 400cc+ machine are worth considering because the others cost to much and maintenance cost are too much.
I do think the DRZ400 is a very good bike for people to look at who want more than 250ccs
I got an 85 XL600R and I love it but it’s burning some oil so I might be looking to sell it and get a newer 400+cc too
Dual carbs have good power output but removing/installing for cleaning is such a paiin hah
Call me stubborn but I won’t even consider the KLR, there’s more of them nut I just don’t like it
The old reliable DR Is still available not quite as good at dirt as the XR and not quite as good on the pavement as the XLR. But the balance makes by far the best DS.
I think it's the European emission standards that are causing older bikes like klr650 to be ceased manufacturing.
Awesome video you did a great job comparing the two. I have owned a Honda XR650. And I absolutely loved it. I'm looking for another dual sport. And I'm hoping that 450 is worth its money.
Ok so I haven't done it yet but from all my research the 450l is worth it with the Vortex ECU and a pipe. Roughly $1400. So the bike is worth IMO $10,399-$1400=$8999 without a doubt. Many are happy stock but a 450l obtained for 8999 modded....ya you're good to go!
I love my 650, I love the service intervals, plus the reputation of lasting forever. Young fellas are buying the 450s of any brand even 250 motocross bikes and not servicing them as needed, almost all the bikes you see for sale are junk because of it.
Not only are a lot junk but they sell for a ton! If I buy a used MX bike it will be a two stroke moving forward. I remember when I bought my 450R I thought no way would a 250 four stroke be ok. Then I got to ride one around a track...I was faster and got fatigued less!
I bought a brand new 2019 Xr650l last year but was torn between it and the 450l. I am 6’4 260 I am a big guy so I went with the 650l, and have de corked the bike and it has made a world of difference. That and it’s low maintenance, has made me feel like I had made the right decision hoping to put a lectron carb on it maybe with my stimulus check 😂. Still hoping for the chance to cruise a de corked 450l one day, but my next bike might be Yz250x or xr650r not sure. Nice video and very informative, thanks!
Forgot to add the 650l was created on my birth year and so many years without change, has to be bullet proof. My grandpa swears by His gold wings Honda’s are bullet proof
I would be really curious how the lectron carb runs in the 650. I hear so much about them. I am with you on a Yz250x. If I buy another bike that’s what I want
Dads Domain Jacob Gillian put it on his 650l he raced
@@DadsDomain forget "Daves mod" and throw that cv carb in the trash, Lectron is where its at. Pricey but man what a difference it made for my bike. Buy once, cry once.
@@DadsDomain It is 3 years later now. Did you get a YZ250X?
Great video , top thanks 🙏🏻
Thank you too!
Excellent video.
I used to get 56 MPG on my 2007 650l. That was of course before I had it bored out to 651, mikuni pumper carb and full exhaust lol.
I like option B more though!
Dido! Digit I also had oversized intake valves cut into the head. It’s a whole new bike after all that. Well worth it. I used Al Bakers XRs only in Hesperia, Ca.
Try the LECTRON carburetor on the 650L or any compatible bike for that mater, the need for jetting is eliminated. Actually there are a few mods for the 650L engine. EMIG Racing makes an excellent triple tree that will accept 2018 CRF450X front forks. For an old dog you can still get some decent after market tricks out of it.
I'd like to get a yz250x someday and I want to get a Lectron for it when I do so you don't have to worry about it after that.
@@DadsDomain I haven"t mounted my Lectron yet but I will be riding from sea level to 7900' on the Angeles Crest Highway. I will let you know how it performs after break-in of the bike and then install of the carb.
I think something that people don't put enough weight behind is the fact that when something lasts for pretty much ever, that in my book outweighs everything when it comes to competition as long as it can do what it was intended to do.
I've got 2 ~ XR650L '08 & '09 + my go to '17 CRF450RX that I'm going to plate here soon just to be legal and have the luxury of lights for anything after dark. I bought my RX new in '17 and love the bike! There was no CRF450L at that time and after watching @EnduroLyfe on Instagram I'd totally get the CRF450L as it is perfect for the type of riding I mostly do. Yes you can't beat the maintenance on the BRP and everytime I jump on my BRP it's like sitting on a couch. Great video once again and thanks for all you do!
Thank you for the compliments I appreciate it. If you like your RX and would be ok with less power and more lbs you'd have no issues at all with the L. The RX is the R with different suspension tuning and a kickstand and the L is the X, corked up with street legal kits. (I'm over simplifying both) If you don't want high speed cruising though plating your RX and keeping what you have makes the most sense based on your lineup.
Nice job, I'd love to see what Jacob Giliam has to say.
He has said everything he needs to say.....by not buying a new Honda but buying and riding and winning on old Hondas.
I’m a Blue Collar man... XR650L for me... besides, I weight ( my physical body ) is over the recommended 450’s weight limit .
My 450l is the equivalent IMO to a mid life crisis sports car but much cheaper ;)
Yep me too, got the 650l did all the usual mods, thing hauls my 300lbs around with no problem.
Tractors up hills with ridiculous ease
Good video man
great video guys !!!we were going to get a 450l but i didnt feel like owning a Ducati/Honda hahah with the maintenance schedules that they need . i didnt want to have my wrenches out all the time and just do lotz more riding so we went with a 2021 650l. hope you guys are out chasing for the weekend. #livetoride
As a Honda fan i’ve had a few XRs over the years.....so
Part of me wants a CRF450L
Part of me wants the XR650L
Part of me says... you already have what you want/need which is a couple XR650Rs...
Which need to be made again Honda....
I haven’t gotten to ride a xr650r yet but I bet your logic has some truth to it. If your state allows it you could plate it
Shout out to you from Kz. Thank you! Excellent video!! I'm keeping my 650L. 26 years means this thing is so cheap to fix... and buy second hand. Too bad about the carb. I used to have a xr600R and way back a cr 500 and lots of XR/Ls (250, 350, 400) but the 650 is just so laid back. Thankfully I'm a big guy so for me it's a nice little bike compared to the other beasts I have in my garage. Like my Africa Twin I raised the handlebars by three inches and with a bashplate and proper bark busters it's unbreakable. I ride in the Tien Shan mountains as well as the desert and it's so much better than many carb bikes at altitude. Keeps up with my buddy's XR650 R on gnarly stuff as well and if (when) I drop it I DON'T CARE!!! That is the most important thing. Hugs.
My dad keeps talking about the Africa twin. I think he would enjoy it for a different kind of experience. It’s nice you have gotten to experience a wide range of different bikes
Very well done . Thanks for the information .at 60 yrs old weight is a big factor in the woods . Not looking to ride a lot of street . But hear & there and then to the woods . 👍
My dad says he'd get one for himself but he's almost 70 and they're a little too tall for him, where as the crf250l's height was perfect, but underpowered at times for him
Great! Great! Review ton of knowledge gain from watching this video! Great sales man! I taking the 650L sounds like a great bike!
Thanks, i enjoyed putting these comparisons together but ya at this point I feel like Honda owes me some commissions 🤣
Sorry but I dont think many duel sport people want high maintenance or short hour rebuilds. The reason the xr650L is loved so much it is simple and good. Still sells off the lots even so many years later cause a good bike doesn't need to change.
I do think you're right. If you could take the 450l intervals and *2 I think most people would be ok with that
I've thinking to add an XR and 3k for the 450 is a deal breaker due to a fixed income. My first bike was an XL 250. I would feel more comphy on the 650. Like you said $700 for a tuner on the 450 no way. And my current ride is an 03 Shadow ACE(carbs).
Never over spend on something, it takes the fun out of it. I only pulled this off due to the discount I got. I would like a shadow or similar for street rides. Been looking at them for awhile
Nice little vids, you are putting together! Thank you for adding the links, too! What I could never understand is WHY DID IT TAKE THEM SO LONG TO PRODUCE A COMPETENT DIRT BIKE WITH A STREET TITLE and WHEN ARE THE OTHER MANUFACTURERS GOING TO ANSWER THE CALL??
When I was a kid, I had a 79 KX 125 that loved going through top ends. I took the engine out of the Suzuki SP200 that I destroyed (by simply riding it like a dirt bike) and made a hybrid. More recently, I had a 78 RM 100/125 roller and put an e-start 150 Lifan in it. Both of those engines were better off in their 'new' (20 and 30 year old) homes and could be easily duplicated and sold at super reasonable price points, using 30 or even 40 year old tech and tooling (which is to say that any of the big manufacturers, or even the speed shops, could have offered them 30 or 40 years ago).
I love all kinds of motorcycles, but I don't think ANY of them are worth the MSRP. That goes for any motor vehicle and even bicycles (my other hobby). But I'm glad people with money keep the used market flowing, so that people like me can fill a 2 car garage full of discarded gems! By the time someone has around $15k into a new 450L with mods, I've got a super hopped up 05 CRF450 (used, with street title and racetech suspension for $2500), a 5th gen Interceptor (like new - $2k), built an old Harley Davidson (for about $3k), bought and restored a 93 KX500 (about a grand) picked up a nice y2k R6 for track days ($1k), got myself a pit bike (85 xr80 - $300), my girlfriend a scooter (98 Riva 125 - like new -$300), put new rubber on ALL of them, AND my trailer, got a new set of riding gear (on clearance), and still had money left for gas, beer and tickets to the races!
I just can't see how any one bike can offer more bang for the buck, unless it came FOC (free of charge).
This bike was the first new item I've bought for myself in a long time. The used market here IMO is a little high plus I only found one 450l used when I was searching and they wanted almost retail. Cool history though about how many different bikes you've gotten to be around!
Dads Domain yeah buddy, I've lived a rich life on a shoestring budget. Lol. That's only half the bikes i currently possess. I've had 4 times that and rode maybe double more! But I've still never had a brand new vehicle (probably never will). So kudos to you! We deserve nice things, and being there first owner leaves no questions about it's history. So you and pops enjoy and may goodness keep you all well.
😷🍻😷
Great video genuine
Thank you! I enjoyed making this one. Years in the making so to speak
That 68 is my birth year, where did you get it? Are those stickers? Thanks.
I ordered those off of factory effects website. I believe the model name was Rockstar but they have an online builder that gives you a preview of how it will look before you’re done