The ADV Test: 2023 Honda XR650L (Stock)
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- čas přidán 26. 03. 2024
- Ride along on the first 2023 Honda XR650L adventure! We curse the backroads, county roads and a short forest road. All while paying close attention to the bikes performance, comfort, and awful range...
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2018 DRZ rider here. Only 35,000 miles so far and the number two compression ring on the piston got stuck. Looks like my exhaust valve guides are shot too. Please keep up with the DRZ references/comparisons in your videos. This series is turning out awesome. Great Job Ben!
Mmm ouch! I suppose those were always a little high strung, but dang. Sorry to hear that! I'm glad to hear you're enjoying the XR content though! I'm really excited about it too!
I’m really liking your new bike! Looking forward to seeing everything you do to it this summer.Great video keep it up 👍
Thank you!!!
I''m really enjoying your new techniques for editing your video together.
Thank you!!! I've really been enjoying making and editing these so much more now that I've got the time and the right tools. Not holding my breath, but it seems like things may be happening...
Thanks for that! That is exactly the kind of riding I enjoy. Supposed to be mostly sunny with a high of 54 today in Pueblo so I'll likely take the bike out for a bit now that you've inspired me to get off the couch.
I'm glad to hear that Mike! Pretty hard to beat a ride like this!!!
come on man I'm at 8000 and I've been riding for two months or so! 👍🏻🥳couple long breaks cause of snow but you know... gotta wear out that rear tire before I throw that new one on! See you on the trails!
Plus I heard my bike had never seen winter and we had to change that
Don't be afraid to consider a larger tank. My 2007 KTM 640 ADV comes with a 7+ gallon tank from the factory and I do not notice any sloshing or feel that the front is overly weighted. The XR 650 would be nearly the same weight as my fully fueled 640, maybe a little less even, if you had 7 gallons of fuel on board. Definitely roll with the Roto-Pak for a while, but there is a reason there are so many tank options for the XR650. You'll be able to find one that has the looks you like and doesn't keep all the weight up high. Ride on man, great video!
Thanks! I think I will try a roto pack, or something similar, for a while. Once I see how annoying that is, I may very well pick up a larger tank haha.
That or go with an auxiliary tank, (like itchy boots has on her 300L) ?
I’ve got the IMS tank on mine and love watching my buddies worried about gas when I haven’t hit half yet. I also like the extra weight on the front end.
@@TheEvanRoach careful, you might trigger all the warriors out there that are striving to have all the weight below the waist 😎
(even when on the same bike they pack everything including the inflatable jacuzzi) 😂😂
@@timlubbers2884hahaha handles like a dream!
Out of the KLR, DR and XR650, I'm convinced the Honda has the most potent engine. I'm riding the grandpa XL600R, and I LOVE the characteristics of this engine......off course it has dual carbs too. I've had mine to 100Mph indicated, fun fun bike here in the Rockies out west and endless logging roads.
Yeah I think with the right mods it's gotta be the most race oriented! I'll bet that thing is a blast out there, nice!
Got my xr last week. I’m also in Wisconsin, but not as brave to get in this cold. Have the majority of my mods in my garage waiting for a better day to be installed. Fork brace and larger gas tank will be ordered soon enough. I used to race CCS, F-USA and a AMA flat track friend will be having 2 of his mechanics tune it for me. Haven’t ridden it yet, but it’s pretty obvious it’s a phenomenal bike!
It definitely is! I'm having a hard time not installing all mine at once, but I've got a new set of bars all set up and ready for another test ride! Going to wait until it's above freezing though haha.
Good luck chase your dreams
MSR, Mr. Swanky Rider! Made for you.
The Honda looks good in white with the minimal accents.
Hey yeah! Haha look at that! M.S.R.!
Bro. That intro was painfully long. That being said, my 03 650 is a joy to ride. I’ll be on it in 15 mins 😱❤️🔥😱❤️🔥🖍️🖍️🖍️
Love the video And I am really liking the new bike ❤
Thank you!!!
Glad to see you young guys not only keeping motorcycling alive, but manual transmissions, too!
Thanks man!!! I love my stick shifts and manual big bore bikes!!!
I might have to change what I do for a living.
Even when running out of gas, the ride looks like a great time!
Haha yeah, knowing it's coming, and that You've got it coming helps too 🤣.
Bought one of these as my first bike this year! Live in Northern IL farmland so the wind is rough!
I may have to buy an XR 650 myself. It’s between that and the klr650. If I do I’m going to head up north on a long weekend and I’ll be definitely hitting up the Harrison Hills. I miss riding my snowmobile up there. Just gorgeous!
Other than the range I haven't found too much to complain about! Definitely feels closer to an old motocross bike than a KLR. Not really sure why that surprises me so much, I guess I always thought they were more similar?
Harrison Hills is probably the coolest place in the state, or close to it anyways. There's just so many cool trails, and even more cool sights! Hard to beat the jumps too!!!
helpful video, jersey dude here and wisconsin seems pretty nice
I'm glad to hear that! Thanks!
Love these bikes
Me too!
Ben, those are some gorgeous looking trails/backroads that you get to ride on. I'm envious. I love the look and style of the XR650L. Looking forward to your adventures and upgrades on it in future videos. I did a quick google search and most folks are reporting that they get 80 miles until hitting reserve, so you are par for the course. I would go for a larger aftermarket tank, which IMO never look as good as stock, but if I weigh out looks vs longer-range, then longer-range wins in my books. Also, keep in mind that the really large aftermarket tanks will have an effect on suspension when full of fuel.
Yeah it's definitely an awesome place! I don't spend much time there since it's small, but it's certainly worth the trip! I think I'm going to go with a roto pack on the rear. That way I can pull it off when needed and keep the weight off the front!
@@SwankyCatProductions That's a really good idea!
Wow my Gen 2 KLR hits 200 miles then switch to reserve which has 30 miles of fuel.
Man that looks awesome. But the peanut tank… Thanks Swanky! Chub fat bars help a lot
It does! But it is... Ah well, I like a good problem to solve! Yeah, Chub bars are awesome!!!
I have heard some pretty good reviews about the lectron carbs.
They're not cheap, but I have too. Might give it a shot at some point!
Its a great bike with very time tested great features. The stock fully tunable Showa suspension is pretty good. The rear is linkage suspension (the 2024 Husky still uses linkage suspension)
Resist the urge to replace the exhaust. The stock is good and quiet. If anything you can knock out the two tack welds on the rear insert and remove the baffle.
To bring the bike to life for single track, do the infamous 2nd and 5th gear mods. It puts a lower gear in 2nd and an overdrive in 5th. You get low end power for dirt and keep cruising speed on the highway. if you carry heavy camping gear on the rear, consider reinforcing the subframe. Its a weak spot. Aftermarket makes metal supports that are unseen once installed but add support to the rear fender.
Lots of good info there, thank you! I actually don't mind the stock exhaust too much but I do have an aftermarket pipe to try out. I can always take it back off if it's too much, curious why you say to resist the urge?
I want this bike in the Netherlands. This would be exactly what I am looking for!
I’ve been wanting an XR for years but they’re just about impossible to find. I might make a more concerted effort to get one this year though it might require traveling. Looking forward to seeing what you do with it.
I actually had a few to pick from, but I think I see KLRs and DRs more often. Good luck!
What a great legacy bike, but still a competitor hardly a better bang for the buck. I have a first gen KLR and a XR, the XR is happier in higher RPMs versus the KLR tractor thump. Half the time I’m watching your videos just to see where you’re riding in my neighborhood. Great riding year.
Haha lots of awesome places to explore up that way! Yeah the XR is a BEAST.
Looking forward to tigerton.
ME TOO! I'm a little nervous though 🤣.
As bad as I would want to upgrade the tank, I just couldn’t. This is my favorite color/graphics scheme ever! And I’ve been around longer than the introduction of the bike. Lol... I would have to go roto packs or something... With that said, I too am chewing on my balaclava...
I KNOW RIGHT!?!? I didn't realize how much I liked it until I saw the tank. I had to try it out, and now there's no way I'm going to anything else, unless I'm heading out on a big trip or something. IT'S SUCH A GOOD LOOKING MOTORCYCLE!!!
🤣 Glad I'm not the only one! Haha.
2021 XR650L here..
Minimal mods, just the necessary ones - countershaft sprocket and DG slip on (factory exhaust is soooooo heavy).
I put 2,000 miles on a Primary Drive 14 tooth sprocket. Seems a tiny bit soft, noticable the teeth have a very slight curve in them. Also have a 3,000 mile Fritz co 15 tooth on it that shows 0 wear or curved teeth. Pretty tough sprockets.
In the sprockets defense, they are delt with some punishment. 644cc thumper with no cush drive...
Beats on em...
Just keep n eye on your Primary Drive countershaft sprocket.
Uni oiled filters are Excellent and breath well, protect well too. Many many re uses. I keep 2, one cleaned an oiled ready.
Frequent oil changes and your red dirt hog will go Long too!
An a shout out to Rocky Mountain atv....
Do almost all my scooter shopping there. Good people. 💪👍
Dang that's impressive, I should know better than to open my mouth 🤣. I'll definitely keep an eye on mine, thank you!!!
They really are! I've always had good luck shopping with them and now I'm so thankful they gave me a shot!
You should see if you can nail down an amped outdoors sponsorship for lithium batteries. Super light and give you power and charging capability on the fly as well as camping purposes. Had a couple till my storage got ripped off. I’d have sent one for a test run but VERY confident, with the multiple sizes available and the light weight, they’d come in handy for a lot of stuff for you.
Huh interesting. That all sounds pretty sweet. Other than getting ripped off, that sucks! I'll have to take a look at them! Thanks!
"The basic framework" ... the multi time Baja winning XR 600. Also several national Enduro titles.
Is this frame actually the same though??? My 86 XL250Rs frame was pretty different from the off road version.
Hey Ben, great video! What's the name of the lake with the campsites? I'm looking for some adventure ideas for this summer and that looks like a cool area to check out!
It definitely is! The whole area is called Underdown, it's Lincoln county forest land. This was the largest lake, all the way to the west of the land, but there are several other lakes with campsites as well.
Awesome I'll look into it! Thank you!@@SwankyCatProductions
raining in NE Georgia today or id be riding my 650L. just videos today
My neighborhood!
Gotta watch out with Hondas. Got my bike new off the showroom floor. Month or so later I was riding down the freeway and had to switch to reserve. I was near a station, but figured I could make it five miles to the next exit. I made it, but I was pushing it the last mile! Four frickin miles of reserve. Did it a second time to confirm. Same result.
WOW that's awful!!! Not even worth having really lol.
You can tilt it on its side to get the last bit of fuel out, couple miles more
Mid forties? Get an Aerostich Roadcrafter riding suit. Game changer. I ride in those temps all the time, even down to mid 30s as long as there is no frost, snow, or ice, wearing that suit, heated gloves, and a polar fleece sweater over a t-shirt and do fine. Thick polar fleece ("buffalo skin") when in low 40s and below. Once in the 30s, my issue tends to be my toes getting cold, but the rest of me is pretty good.
Nice! I'll have to look into that!
Aerostich is the hot tip for sure. Not as stylish as other cycling brands but works like a champ!
@@vincemarshall9520 They crash good too. Hit a deer in mine, crashed on ice, crashed on 2" crushed rock, just this week a large piece of debris came off an oncoming logging truck on two-lane highway and hit me in the knee pad. In each case that suit really saved my bacon.
I’m running 7lbs in each front fork, helped a lot to keep the front end from diving hard when breaking. I am running a 4 gallon fuel tank. And get yourself a better set of tires, the bike performs so much better.
I actually just stuck a set of Tusk Waypoint tires on it and it seems like they should be an awesome match for this awesome machine!
@@SwankyCatProductions I’m debating on trying a set of those, they do look like they would do well. I’ve been running the MoToz enduro I/T and love them off-road. I just wish I could get a little more mileage out of them. And with the 4 gallon tank I get between 130-150 miles before I hit the reserve, just depends on how happy I’m being with the throttle.
Used to have KLR gen1 and gen2, DR650 and DRZ. Love them all except maybe KLR Gen1. Now I have Tiger 900 and thinking about XR650.
Interesting. What did you like about the Gen2 that you didn't about the Gen2?
@SwankyCatProductions better brakes, better front fork. Weight is almost the same, maybe 5lbs difference.
Back in the 70"s I rode a 500cc honda motorcross...it only had 4 gears....wondering if Honda kept the same ratios of the 4 speed and added the fifth as a slight overdrive...the way you describe the speed you were going in 4th corresponds to what I remember the 4 speed. If you ever had a chance it might be a interesting thing to look up and see how the 4 speed ratios are to the 4 gears on yours and see how they compare, then see what 5th gear really is...5th or overdrive. Cant wait to see the mods . Garth
Huh interesting, I suppose if it worked back then, there's no reason they wouldn't have kept using it? I guess there's a mod people do where they swap in gears from another bike to lower second and increase 5th... Or something like that.
I'm curious as to whether the stock carburetor has been tampered with or rejetted to get that low of fuel mileage? Adding a Mikuni TM 40-6 pumper carburetor is a game changer! I get a consistent 45 mi per gallon off-road or highway with the Mikuni carburetor. It's a tad smaller than stock but the throttle response is well worth it! Also you mentioned clutch pull, add a clutch lever extender, clutch pull solved!
I believe it is all stock. I got about 45 mpg as well, so not too bad. I might try a different carb at some point though! Yeah, I'll definitely be needing something for the clutch before I ride it on single track!
the DRZ400 makes as much HP as the XR650. it should have been "ok" on the road too?
You can always change the mixture screw try to lean out your carburetor you might get some more range or upgrade to a lectron pretty pricey but 10% more power and fuel efficiency is nothing to sneeze at
Yeah, I think I might actually give one a try!
I wouldn't purposefully lean your carb out for range. You're just making the motor run hotter for a couple more MPG. And they're already factory jetted on the lean side. Not really worth the risk.
I gotta think the 25 pound lighter DRZS is better in the dirt …. but the XR of course has the upper hand on the highways … I’ve got a DRZS and I prefer to keep it under 60 max on the super slab. It’s got 50/50 tires that don’t want to go over 60 on the concrete. I mean you can of course go faster … but the butt-spidey-sense says “not a good idea …” ☮️
I would think so yeah. I didn't know anything about dirt riding when I had that bike and I think it made up for everything I lacked and saved me more than a few times. The KLR was so much more difficult. I assume the XR is somewhere in-between. Just not sure where yet.
Haha yeah exactly!!! I knew it could do it... just seemed like neither of us really enjoyed it 🤣.
So what's the big difference w/ this and the 500X bike? I know this is a bigger motor but I kinda though the 500X was the
competition to the DR650/KLX 650 or KLR 600 ? I'm getting confused at all the bikes now. Guess I'd better watch so I'll
know a little bit about what I'm talking about? Off to the video
The big 5 gallon tank is well worth the money on these.
This model not available in Australia for decades now
I believe that there is a small tank that can be attached to your handle bars. Another solution is to buy MSR fuel bottles and bags to hold them. I think Green Chile adventures sell them.
I've been looking for the MSR bottles! Thank you! I also found a 24" long plastic fuel bottle that would be great... If it wasn't 24" long. Fuel on the bars might be awkward, but maybe not so much if it's a small quantity?
Dr650, jet kit, airbox mod, slip on, 14tooth front sprocket. You’re welcome. Lol.
Haha yeah Jason's bike is pretty awesome with those mods!
Not sure what I'll do with mine...
You are forgetting the #1 mod. Seat concepts.
And I keep saying put a tune on that XL !!!!!!
A tune?
ACERBIS makes a 5.8 gal over sized fuel tank for the xr650l , that's what you need. in white or neutral.
That would definitely make this type of trip much easier 🤣
I believe rocky mountain atv has a tusk windscreen for the xr650l.. no drilling involved..
The universal one that mounts to the bars? Or something else?
You should consider getting a 250 two stroke. To improve you r skills, and know what a full dirt is all about.
Go for the product endorsements. It’s All part of the revenue stream.
Buying new is nice but getting a used you can often get many of the upgrades you want. Maybe add a couple choice gear or components that you feel are essential .
Indeed.
For the riding and mods we typically see him do...I'm really surprised he went with a XR over a DR650. XRs a dirtbike you can take on the road, much like his 701. The DR is more of a road bike thats capable in the dirt and is much more accommodating to ADV mods thanks to a slight size advantage. Went from a DR to an XR and that was my experience. All said...I'd keep the Xr light and dump the 701 for a modded dr650.
Agreed! Thought I'd try something out of the ordinary though... there's always room for more bikes.... 😁
@@SwankyCatProductions no doubt. Sprocket, bars, 600 tail light, and high temp silver on the exhaust is all I've done to mine and I love it. Never let that TW go.
That’s funny. I went from a DR650 to a 2022 KLR650 because of your videos. 🤣 For your kind of riding, the DR650 is better. It easily outperforms the KLR650 off road. The simplicity is its greatest strength. 100 lbs lighter than the KLR650 too. Congratulations!
Thank you!!! Yeah, I think it'll be a good fit as is and I'm hoping I can mod it to something not all that far removed from the comfort of the KLR. Time and miles will tell!!!
@@SwankyCatProductions Cogent Suspension. JNS Engineering LED headlight. Pro Cycle…there. I warned yah! Pro Cycle and DR650’s is a dangerous money pit addiction.
Awesome ride on the 650L. A friend had one years ago and rode it a lot.
Do you have a link to the new MIC you are using in this video?
It should be link in the more section, below the video... Seems like they changed it slightly though and now you get a slightly different set of mics?
yah ! 85mpg isn't that bad at all ! I'm surprised you got that much ! I have a clark tank on my XR650L I think it is 4 or 5 gallons not sure.... but it is big enough for me to go for a LONG ride and still get back without having to stop for gas...but I usually do so the bike is ready to go again ! LOL.... the tallness of the bike was my biggest dislike ! so I set out to lower it
and I finally got it low enough so I can set flat footed with my butt on the seat and knees slightly bent... I had to modify a lowering kit to do that and cut most of the foam away in the seat but my 30" inseam will fit it now ! .... NO Tack that is just dumb Honda ! so I put on a completely new dash with a tach in it ! and have been fiddling with trying to get the speedo working correctly every sense ! I have the fancy back rack and side protectors on mine
and I really like them they are well worth getting. I think I need a front fork brace though
the sprocket was also the first thing I changed LOL....the bike has a SLOW throttle action if you notice... you really have to turn the grip a long way to get full throttle that gives you the impression at first that it doesn't have much power.... but if you actually give it the gas it get's up and hauls ass ! a faster throttle on the handle bars should cure that !
.....
LOWER that thing buddy !!!!!!
Yeah, could be worse. I'll deal with it until it drives me nuts 😂. I too always try to stop at the end of a ride, just so it's ready for next time, haha. I may try to lower it a bit after I get a feel for how it is stock. I've heard so many say that they won't even consider it due to the seat height. It'll be interesting to do all my tests before and after!
@@SwankyCatProductions I understand completely.... I was really surprised I had a 1986 i think it was XR650L and it was not half as strong as this 2001 model... I lowered it to after I stopped on a dirt road and promptly fell over !.... 37" seat height is retarded ! they should never have made it that tall !... I think last time I checked I got 54mpg on my XR650L
I don't ride it very hard but I do like to get the front to bounce every once in a while ! LOL your bike seams peppier than mine it comes up easily mine I have to time it just right.... so I will be watching real close to see all your mods ! I may wind up taking and putting on a bigger front sprocket for better freeway speed but as light as the bike is I am really not sure about that.... for doing 80mph this is not the bike ! it can do it but it dances at that speed ! I bought 3 front sprockets all wider than the stock one and I haven't put on the smallest one yet I expect that will make it a wheelie machine.....but limit the top speed to about 65mph ! i got 14T,15T&16T if I remember right....been running the stock size sense I got it.... haven't had the want to change them yet. it does what I want right now so why change it LOL !
I have a 37” inseam at 6’10”, this might be the bike for me instead of my ‘14 KLR and the XR is lighter, I for sure would be putting a large tank on but most used XR’s for sale have them already as we can’t get a new XR anymore here in Canada. 😢
Hmm, yeah I suppose this wouldn't be a bad option! Does need a few things to make it feel a little more like the old KLR, but we all love mods, don't we?
@@SwankyCatProductions yeah the money 💴 we spent on mods usually gets out hand quickly! 😀
Range on factory 2.6 gal....
If easy on the gas (rare😊) with reserve 115 120...
If normal with reserve 100 115.
If a FUN throttle twisty off road mainly on single track 70 - 90 miles with reserve.
Itll gulp fuel alright...!
Guess i average 45mpg.
Also, ethanol free in ya can (carb).. and 86 octane is fine since it is under 9:1 compression.
Nice! I'll make sure I keep those numbers in mind, thanks!!! Haha yeah she rips!
Bro how tall are you? I'm 5"11 so will i be ok as far as the feet touching the ground in the off-road action?
It's pretty tall, but with the 1" lower seat and my 31" inseam...and years of riding bikes that are too tall... It doesn't bother me at all. It seems like it's pretty darn easy to lower anyways. Lots of good adjustable kits. Hemisphere off road even sells one with an adjustable side stand!
This seat looks like a Seat Concepts brand. Does anyone know if it is the comfort or the low comfort? To me, it looks like the low comfort. Trying to decide which seat to get for my BRP. Thanks
The previous owner said it "had an inch chopped out of it". So I'm not 100% sure if he meant he did it, or that it was just the low. Low is my guess though and it definitely was lower. 36" before I dropped the whole thing with a lowering link.
@@SwankyCatProductions thank you. I appreciate it
So, this ride was before the new bars?
Yes sir! The shorts are usually a little more current than the other videos. The long forms just take me a few days of editing and filming.
What area are you riding?
Underdown County Land
I think you would have been better off with the DR650.
Who says I'm not buying one of those too? 😁
Relatively poor fuel mileage, coupled with a small tank, would be another check in the no box.
Mid 40s isn't bad for the amount of power it has, and how I ride it haha. Plus an auxiliary fuel tank is a nice option for someone who wants to adventure one day and single track the next!
@@SwankyCatProductions I sure wish there were more used ones around. A coworker got one that didn't run for 1000 bucks, but it came with extras. He had it going in short order. These are about 8 grand new out the door, if you can even find one. Would it be worth the extra cost just to get a 690 or 701?
Why are you saying it's stock when it's not? Stock means nothing added beyond what it came with, when new...aside from maintenance items, of course. The Tusk handguards, alone, prevent it from being stock...not to mention the SC seat (wait, I just mentioned it lol).
It had an aftermarket 4 gallon tank that I removed and I don't have the original cover and foam for the seat. Wrap around handguards aren't really a mod, they're a safety feature and not something I ride without.
Gave up a KLR for a less than 100 mile range, how much adventuring can you do with that? Better buy a bigger tank!!!
I've got a bigger tank for it, but I think I'll go with an auxiliary fuel tank to keep the looks up and the sloshing to a minimum.