XR650L Build and Honest Review | THE KING OF BAJA or THE ULTIMATE ENDURO?
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- čas přidán 21. 10. 2022
- List of Upgrades (2019 model):
-XR's Only De-Smog kit
-XR's Only front sprocket cover
-XR's Only front brake fluid reservoir cover
-UNI High Flow Air Filter
-Yoshimura Slip-On
-ProTaper MX bars
-ProTaper Pillow Top Grips
-Graphics by Attack Graphics
-Skid Plate from Ricochet Off-Road Skid Plates
-Seat Concepts Seat
-IMS 4.0 Gallon Gas Tank
-IMS widened foot pegs
The XR650L is a relic that has seemingly passed the test of time since it is practically unchanged by Honda since 1993. These bikes have been known for their bulletproof reliability, expansive aftermarket options, incredible low end torque, and for leaving a smile on their rider's face for almost 30 years now. For a price tag of $7,000 or less, it is a very appealing option considering many other dual sport models cost nearly twice that.
By no means is the 650 a sport bike and it will feel sluggish at first. However, by adding a slip on exhaust with better breathability and removing the smog regulator, the 650 comes alive. If you are considering changing the header pipe as well, I would recommend taking a look at Kaplan Cycle's video that shows negative DYNO mapping results from using a non-stock header. It has shown to push the bulk power curve into the higher RPMs which most riders won't use unless they are in a racing scenario.
Summary:
The XR650L is a great middle ground for both street and off-road use. It is comfortable, has more than enough power, and can be used in a variety of terrain. The downsides of this bike are more noticeable when it is to be used in a competitive environment. It will need aftermarket parts in order to reduce the weight and increase motor performance.
I really hope this video helps you in determining if this bike is a good purchase for you! If it did, please hit that LIKE button, drop a COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more upcoming content!! - Auta a dopravní prostředky
The “Fast Guys - Slow bikes” channel just posted a video of him shredding purpose built race bikes on a near stock 650l, these bikes are still super capable in the right hands.
I’ve had my XR650L since I bought it new in 2006 and it’s one of the most reliable bikes I’ve owned. One additional upgrade that really wakes the bike up is to add a Kehin FCR pumper carb.
They are unkillable machines!! I'll have to look into that Kehin!
IMHO: Declaring the XR650L as the king of Baja, is a bit cheeky.
Sure, it’s a good bike to putt - putt around in Baja, based on what it is and it’s simplicity.
The Honda XR650R dominating the Baja 1000 for decades is without argument the true king of Baja.
You're correct regarding the XR-R for sure! However, the XR-L can be made to be an incredible off-road bike. However, It will NEVER match up against true high-performance bikes, that's NOT the point. BUT ... for "low cost, low maintenance, high reliability, long distance rides, smiles per mile/dollar ..." with proper set-up it's DAMN hard to beat.
I've beat the living shit out of this bike for 16 years, rode it like I stole it from day one, raced fast AND technical hare scrambles, done 320 mile day rides, and 70mph down dirt roads (with fork swap). dirt cheap compared to any other high perf bike I've ever owned.
If you're wondering how I've ridden this Big Red Pig, you can look up “Honda XR650L FUN” and “Pushing the Honda XR650L”(muic was censored by YT) by “Cloud9”. Not kidding, 70,000+ miles of shit just like this! 😉
The Honda XR650L does what it's asked to.
Fantastic review! Gotta love XR650L
I had 2 XR600R years back, 1987 1991 model year, and loved them.
Great video. Very informative!
i love the xl350 inspired look from the movie "The Wraith". Gotta love that old school Honda advertisement! worked well haha
XR650R Rules All !!!
Until you have to kick start it in rocky single track on the side of a hill...
@@cezar177 - thats the way everyone used to do it
Xr650r is the king of all dual sports. But it requires a king to own and ride.
I've had one of these a few older XL's and a xr600r with a dual sport kit. I currently have a XR650R With a dual sport kit. It's by far my favorite big bore Honda dual sport bike I've had to date
Its definitely lived up to the test of time! Gotta love the big bores.
I really need you to understand that the XR650L is completely inferior in every single way to the XR650R, which actually IS the king of Baja. The xr650L was never the king of anything. The xr650R is water cooled, Kickstart (which is why I sold my road legal one because it was horrible to start sometimes) and has alot more get up and go. It was meant to race across the desert at 100mph. The xr650L is made to carry grandpa neckbeard down the gravel road to the ice cream shop . Please adjust the title to your video.
@@redraiderrider3289
Built to the Hilt; 2015 HONDA XR670L HAS 50% MORE POWER THAN STOCK XR650L RWHP
czcams.com/video/5YLiLH2HIQk/video.html
OUR BUILT XR650 HITS THE DYNO!
czcams.com/video/IBj7jQuCmyQ/video.html
Still no Baja star, but neither is it a neck beard bike either. Electric start on the XR650R would make me buy that instead. You see, my kick starting days are waaaaay over.
I have an xr650r that I bought recently. What is the dual sport kit? Thanks.
@@Joe-wy2bnblinkers, mirrors, horn and license plate holder?
Great review of a great motorcycle, I have 7 bikes & if I could only keep 1 it would be the XR650L. It's heavy enough ( barely) to seem planted on the expressway part of my comute with a lot of 18 wheelers present yet light enough to pick up ( barely) after dropping on an off-camber uphill climb & restart thanks also to the magic button- also have an XR650R & can't say that about it especially when hot) or extract when sunk in mud. To me it's the best of the big- 3 Japanese 650's with the Kawasaki being more of a budget adventure tourer & the Suzuki more of a dualsport that leaves the Honda as a big-bore street legal dirt bike.
Batman
I definitely agree, it’s a multi purpose bike for sure!!!
Nice vid, and I agree with your conclusions. For reference: I purchased my big XR new in '08. I'm now 64, 5'7" on good day, 32" inseam. I've had many high performance bikes come and go, the XR stays because is the best LOW COST, LOW MAINTANCE, HIGH RELIABILITY, “do it all” bike I've owned.
Suggestions: You may not realize it but you NEED to swap the front forks for inverted (upside-down) 48mm forks. The difference in “razor sharp” handling and pin-point control, with a fully adjustable set of forks is worth far more than the cost. I have WP 48mm from an '02 Husaberg FE501. Even on the “street”, the improvement in handling is incredible!! Off-road, hard thrashing two track or single track, the wonderful control can not be explained, you have to experience it! The bike is STABLE and “actually goes where you point it at speed or on very rough trails”!
Also, a carb tuning method, “expressly tested and designed for the XR650Ls” is called “Dave's Mods” (if you can't find the instructions on the internet I have a copy). It improves throttle response and the bike pulls from idle to max revs. Especially if you've upgraded exhaust and air-take with after market parts. Pull and Power throughout the revs, BIG difference!!
If you're wondering the type of riding I do with this Big Red Pig, you can look up “Honda XR650L FUN” and “Pushing the Honda XR650L”(muic was censored by YT) by “Cloud9”
You'll find these 'suggestion' make the XR what the bike it should be for true “Baja style” riding and even really tight/technical single track (or NO TRACK), have FUN!!
Great video
I bought a used 650L and felt it was too tall with overly stiff rear suspension. I brought the front forks higher in the triple clamps, loosened the spring setting it up like my MX bikes ie setting the sag! Zero air in the forks. Much better! Steering is a bit quicker no head shake so far. There is a machined area on the upper fork tube that allows tuning. The forks look the same as late 80's CR forks both cartridge units, right off the CR 500 assembly line! Tune it like a CR!
🤟🤟🤟
How do you loosen up the rear spring?
@@LektricEyeGod loosen the lock rings on top of the spring, first clean the threads, use a punch or screw driver then loosen the lock ring on top of the spring. Research setting sag for rear suspension. The rear fender should droop about an inch. When you sit on the bike it should drop about 3 or 4 inches. This let's the suspension work as designed. Free your springs boys!
I have a 2023 and it's a great platform for a build. But they are a solid bike in stock form. The XR650R is a great bike, but not air cooled, more maintenance, older R's were air cooled. Acerbis 5.8 tank, Tusk support flat rack. It's alot of weight. Now that my trail riding skills have progressed, I NEED TO STRIP PARTS. LOL
Awesome bike
Such an awesome bike. If you haven't seen it already, you should check out the video Kaplan Cycles made about their XR650L build
💪 XR is the best 👊
Get it!
Are you in Emmett? I'm in Meridian with a 93' XR. We should go for a ride!
After test riding both an xr650l and a crf450rl I can tell you with certainty that the xr is build for baja and the crf is designed as an enduro. Nice video!
Totally agree. Thanks!
My I ask, what is the difference between a Baja and an Enduro?
@muleavenger9772 baja as in racing across the desert and wide open terrain usually at high speeds. Enduro is more speed through trails and single tracks. Both bikes can race at high speed through a desert but I'd do it on the xr, and both bikes can race on an mx track but I'd pick the crf
Thank your for that replay. I did not know but now I do. :)@@zeezeerhydon7083
I wish they would update the front fork.
Hey my ims 4.0gal tank came in. I'm looking at several tank decals to put on fuel tank. Any ideas what to use being several forums say the decals start to lift off tank due to fuel vapors escaping tank. Any ideas will be great. Kinda want to go factory decal if it will adhere. Thanks pal
Hey Michael. Honestly your guess is as good as mine because the one installed is already having issues with sticking to the tank.. perhaps look into a professional graphics package from like attack graphics or senge graphics or something. Best of luck!
Don't forget the Kkbike front sprocket.
where are you riding in the video? Looks awesome!
Boise foothills!
Did you install the IMS tank? If so, how difficult it was the installation? Does it come with to pick Cox like the Acerbis?
The installation was fairly straightforward since there isn’t the need for any fuel pump work. You just reuse the petcock that comes on the original tank. Hope this helps!
Great video! With your ims aftermarket tank. Do you have any cooling problems loosing the side plastics? Is the ims tank easy to install and how many miles can you get on your 4.0gal tank? Thanks for your time
No cooling problems at all! Its a fairly straightforward install and the bike can definitely run for well over 120 miles on that tank. It turns fuel consumption into much much less of a worry.
@@madjack_757 your the best brother. At 120 miles. I'm sure our backside is ready for a rest anyway. Come very close to going acerbis 5.8gallon tank. Just heard their difficult to install.
Of course man! Honestly I think the 4 gallon is plenty. Yeah we’re gettin ready to take that bike out for the Idaho Backcountry Discovery Route in less than a week. Keep an eye out for the documentary film that’s goin to be comin out in this fall on that 15 day ride!
@@madjack_757 what is the brand of the seat ? Where can I get one
Where did you get the yellow number stickers at?
Attack graphics
Nice review. Where was the video shot?
Southwest ID 🤙🏼
The King of the Baja is the XR650R not the L. Huge difference. The R was an aluminum frame Water cooled beast. Totally completely different. Although this is a great bike, it is not the King of Baja, and the difference between an XR650R and XR650L is night and day. Sorry... Honda quit making the bike in 2007 if I remember correctly. I have wanted one my whole life. Ok I am noticing now that about 100 people beat me to this comment. hahaahaha. I suppose that is one way to drum up engagement on your youtube channel. I will indulge you I suppose.
Is that a trail on Hoodoo Mountain in Idaho?
Boise Foothills!
These bikes are like a Gen 3 Glock. You need to add about half again its cost to get it where you want it. The XL650L is like a canvas in which YOU create your own masterpiece
I think leg inseam is more important than height … I am your height with a 34” inseam and can put both feet down at a stop with no problem.
If you don’t mind me asking, did you notice a decrease in fuel economy when you did the smog delete and the yokinura exhaust? I’m getting 45 - 60 mpg at factory set-up and I don’t want to sacrifice that. I’ve also noticed on CZcams that other owner are only getting 35 mpg with their setup.
Beyond that, I agree with your video. The only thing that I did differently was got better handle guards, a new oil temperature gauge, crash guards, and master cylinder guard.
Interesting points with the leg inseam!
I have not noticed too much of a difference in my MPG on the XR650 after doing the smog delete and adding the yoshimura.
Perhaps you would notice that as a result of riding the bike more comfortably in in higher RPMs though. What I have noticed is that those mods extended my power curve quite a bit and that allowed me to run the bike in higher RPMS which could increase general fuel consumption.
I would however expect to see a difference in MPG as a result of going up a main jet in the carb. With the smog delete and the yoshi pipe, you could easily run the motor a little bit richer and increase your power output a touch (obviously at the expense of your fuel exconomy)
I hope this helps! please feel free to reach out with any other questions or suggestions.
where did you get the rock shield for headlight
I believe Rocky Mountain atv/mc carries it.
@@madjack_757 I've looked everywhere no one has them
love Idaho
Are you running the stock 15x45 gearing?
Yes
@@madjack_757 huh! I have a new '22 that I just got and I feel like even in second gear at slower speeds I need to downshift. I just got a kkbike 14t sprocket to try (haven't put it on yet)
And you say you mostly keep it in 3rd for offroad?
Maybe it's the way I'm riding. Or maybe I'm just slow lol
@@cferro8071 huh that’s strange! One of the big features I thought for the 650 was the ability to hang out comfortably in low rpm’s! I can pretty much sit in 3rd gear on that bike and just coast forever!
It’s a shame Honda stopped bringing these into Australia years ago..
please work on your audio balancing... had to turn volume ALL the way down for your opening then turn it up for your description and again for your ride...
so i dont know what yous aid
Watch different videos; worked fine for me.
With a 15 front and 38 tooth rear. She is the King of BAJA Speed.
What brand is the seat. Thanks
I think it was a seat concepts seat. Though this was so long ago so I am not entirely certain.
Thanks Mate, Hard to get those things in Argentina.
@horaciodartiguelongue4128 I can imagine! Good luck 🙏🏼
These mods and the ones on this bored out 2015 version...a XR670L!
Built to the Hilt; 2015 HONDA XR670L HAS 50% MORE POWER THAN STOCK XR650L RWHP
czcams.com/video/5YLiLH2HIQk/video.html
OUR BUILT XR650 HITS THE DYNO!
czcams.com/video/IBj7jQuCmyQ/video.html
The XR650L is not, and never was, the king of Baja. The XR650R, which is super in Baja, is a VERY different bike! Don't confuse the two. I've ridden the entire length of Baja in the dirt on an XR650R and it was super fun! IMO, the downfall of the R model was its high weight and the lack of an electric start.
Agreed, they do have their differences. Personally I think I would want the air cooling and electric start of the L model for racing Baja though. If it is lack of power thats the problem, the 650l motor responds super well to a D-ported intake, new pipe and richer carb. I'm not a huge fan of messing with compression tho unless the bike is gonna be strictly on the track so i'd leave the OEM cast piston and probably wouldn't deck the head at all. Plus, the weight can be dealt with and the suspension can be run a bit softer for the desert if needed too. Thanks for the comment!
The XR600R was the King of Baja, not the 650R. Ask Jonny Campbell. And the air cooled 600 is a lot more similar to the 650L than the 650R.
anyone know how feasible it is to put an electric start into a xr650r? I'm looking to buy my first bike to get into motorcycles, and I decided that I want a 650 liter dual sport, looking between the Suzuki DR650, Honda XR650L or a used XR650R. So far the 650R really has my attention. People say the bikes are totally different, I know the engines are but what about the frame? can u put a 650L starter on a 650R?
@@zen8704 no. and for a first bike, the XR650R is NOT the bike for you.
@@tieoneon1614 why not? there are modded up street legal xr650Rs near me for 4-5k
Sorry the XR650R is the king of Baja, not the L.
True..the Xr650r was made for the baja, the Xr650l is a really nice bike,i owned one for years but not known and not raced in the baja.. nice video
Yes there is a difference but in the beginning it was the aircooled xr600r that johnny cambell took the championship the xl600r and xr600r xr650l are so close that we really shouldnt have ppl bashing on each other about it! They are super close in all areas
Thank goodness we got that cleared up…phhwew.
@@holeshot1721 not even close. The L is much heavier and whole lot less power than the 600r. The L model is a light adventure bike at best and has no race pedigree like the others.
Not here to bag anyone in any way. The R and the L handle act very differently I'll take an R any day 😂 looking for a 600r reasonable cheap now upgrade from the old 83 xr500r
this is a fantastic bike, but not the king of baja, it is top heavy, heavy, and not good in deep sand unless you are a very good rider. king of baja i think was the xr650r
I thought the xr 650 r was the king of Baja not the xr 650 L
XR650L it’s not the king of Baja racing… XR650R is, please check facts
haha that's a funny joke.
I don’t get it
@@madjack_757 Neither does anyone else…don’t feed the troll.
@@Icutmetal hahahaha
No that’s the L stands for Ladies model. The R is the king.
😂😂😂
Wrong bike
The L is most definitely Not the King of Baja, as the R model is!
My goal was to get people all riled up in the comments lol
L stands for Lame , R stands for Race