Commute Chat: Honda XR150L & More!

[@-RobHunter-]

I bought one late last Spring and started recording my rides. I love it. Great for the backroads and trails in the Ozarks.

[@OffRoadRodeo]

Right on! Ride safe! The ozarks are on my bucket list 👍

[@danbowser]

I live in Waynesville and got mine yesterday...see ya out there

[@OffRoadRodeo]

Awesome! See you out there buddy!

[@muddyboots6157]

Hope to get a white one sometime. Just got a Super Cub which I love around town and back roads. I love the Asheville area! Thx for taking us along.

[@OffRoadRodeo]

Good choice! Super Cub is a wonderful bike! Ride safe!

[@nostrilnick]

I got the approval from the wife to take the MSF this spring. I haven't been on a motorcycle since the mid-1980's when I was a teenager and riding dirt bikes, all off-road. As I approach 60 years, I find myself wanting to do it all again. I've only ever ridden Hondas, starting with CT70s and progressing up thru XR80s and 200s. We had a blast as kids doing it and want to give it another go before I get too old. The XR150L seems like a pretty decent place to start. Been thru the Asheville area many times and love it for it's beauty. Wish I could ride the BR Parkway every day myself.

[@OffRoadRodeo]

That’s awesome! Riding is just such a treat. I love it as much now as when I was just a kid riding my little Yamaha TTR90. The XR150 is a great place to get back into things. Cheers!

[@busterinny4808]

You are lucky to be able to ride daily in such a pretty area. Ride safe!

[@OffRoadRodeo]

Thanks, you too!

[@williamjarvis3473]

I ride around trashville too sometimes. I frequently ride short distances on 26 north of Asheville and 240 lots of times. I'm comfortable with 60/65 on those roads. I'd noway get on 40 unless it was very necessary. I'm liking my XR 150

[@jerrycoleman6910]

Videos on the small bikes are very interesting. Looking forward to the accessories you add.

[@OffRoadRodeo]

Thank you!! Coming soon!

[@anaveragehuman2937]

I love this thing and really want one. Super basic, super cheap, unpretentious, capable mini-moto.

[@OffRoadRodeo]

You said it best!

[@DaveZee01]

I find my 2015 model XR150L (here in darkest Africa) to be very versatile - it's been my daily rider since my car was stolen, gets used for my motorcycle rider training business, some mini adventure rides, together with/alternating between my old 400 TransAlp as well as 2return trips through the Baviaanskloof Mega Reserve, where I've been chased by a buffalo and had a snake rear up at me! I've also done a 650km return trip to visit a friend on his farm. Mine averages 38km/L or about 90mpg. Mine has a top speed of 112km/h (70mph) on a level road with a one tooth smaller front sprocket, which is apparently equal to 2/3 teeth more at the rear sprocket. This results in closer/in the torque-band ratios for better acceleration, while having more torque for the hills and being able to overcome the air resistance for a better top speed. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGWVfGqpibd-eqcsi=MjkYxDk8OdQzAf4J

[@robertlong2161]

thanks for your honest opinions, got money on one of these but i never rode before and im a little nervous, both about the money and riding for the first time

[@OffRoadRodeo]

I think you’ll be happy with your purchase. It’s not an intimidating bike. It’s light, it’s fun, and it’s money well spent!

[@dpetrick]

I have 400 miles on mine, and it has the vibration. One rider suggested that heavier riders may experience this more.

[@OffRoadRodeo]

That’s interesting, did they say why?

[@dpetrick]

@@OffRoadRodeo they said they have experienced the same thing on other bikes. Think it has to do with the chain and sprockets. Mismashmoto is their channel

[@roadtripper5553]

No complaints with mine 30 miles so far and yes it's a honda 😎

[@OffRoadRodeo]

It rips! Enjoy and ride safe!

[@clydeosterhout1221]

When I was a kid (back in the 60s) I lived on Kimberly Ave and attended Ira B. Jones Elementary school. I rode my Ninja back to Asheville a few years ago, and was amazed at how little the old neighborhood had changed. I have lived in many places, but none of them were prettier (or had better riding) than the area around Asheville!

[@OffRoadRodeo]

It’s really a wonderful place to live and ride! That’s cool that you grew up here!

[@rickymeadows5952]

Interesting videos, and nice scenery. Been looking at the XR150L lately. I like the old school tech, and thinking seriously about purchasing one in the spring as a commuter to and from work, 12 miles each way, and errands as well as weekend rides.

[@OffRoadRodeo]

I’ve had nothing but good experiences with mine so far. It’s a great affordable and reliable machine.

[@poisonousnut]

love my xr150L. just hit 700 miles here in Ohio. and the Biltmore was Awesome when i visited back in the early 2000’s. thanks for the vids. and did i hear you say there’s a wind screen for this thing?!? i need one!!!

[@OffRoadRodeo]

Nice! What part of Ohio? I lived in Columbus for a few years. There were some killer dirt roads out in the farmlands and down towards Athens. As for the windshield I think a good universal dual sport one would work. I’ll investigate further!

[@Liquid_Kylenol]

Love my 150L, awesome little bike that you can Cruz to work then go hit the dirt trails after. The only thing that I am struggling with alittle with this bike is that the clutch is super soft, the ignition from we’re the bike starts moving is pretty much when you let go of the clutch all the way. Other then that small thing that I personally am just not used to (ridden race dirt bikes before this) it’s a great bike for a great price.

[@OffRoadRodeo]

Yeah mine feels like that too, it doesn’t bother me much, but it feels very different from my bigger BMW F650’s clutch.

[@l337l0gan]

The crf300l feels that way to me too

[@captlarry-3525]

adjust it !

[@captlarry-3525]

usually you set up the basic adjustment at the clutch arm on the motor...for the proper play, and then you adjust the lever last, again for proper play. If you think just the lever is the adjustment.. you have lost the thread. Properly adjusted you should be able to get about 1/4 to 1/3 lever release ( from fully compressed) then engagement should begin, with full engagement obtained with about 20-25% of lever travel left. that last being the part of the clutch arm travel at the motor before you start dis-engaging the clutch. there should be a tiny bit of slack in the cable.. the adjuster is really there to compensate for cable stretch over time. If the clutch gets really hot or warped.. it may take more travel to fully disengage... this is the reason it should not begin to engage immediately. If it is too tight.. the clutch mechanism will wear prematurely because the tension is always trying to disengage the clutch. We all have a preference for how we like it to feel...but these are the limits.

[@avipatel3775]

@7:57 110% picking a car, just more practical and is a bigger flex 🤣

[@OffRoadRodeo]

Fair! 😂

[@charlesrupe3001]

Your video is very helpful. Full of useful content.

[@OffRoadRodeo]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks for watching!

[@greglenoir7674]

Looks like a great bike for Asheville.

[@OffRoadRodeo]

It really is! A great commuter and trail bike!

[@MarioScott]

this video put me over the top to get this as my first bike

[@OffRoadRodeo]

I think it’s an excellent and capable first bike.

[@LookinUp2001]

Cool video. I want to buy one of these in the spring. I also have a brother that lives in Ashville. Cool to see the area.

[@klrskir]

Good video. Ride smart, ride visible and turn on that high beam!

[@OffRoadRodeo]

Thanks, will do!

[@noahlevreau3061]

I'm planning on getting a xr 150. It's gonna be my first street legal bike. I'm also in Asheville, so see ya around

[@OffRoadRodeo]

Awesome! Hope to see you out there!

[@stephenalivero4068]

Watching my buddy on KZbin and friggin commercials!!! Dang you on top now 🎉

[@OffRoadRodeo]

🔥 thanks for watching, my friend!

[@mannykagtuna9072]

nice ride with your Honda xr 150L bro 👍 riding motorcycle is more fun than riding a car

[@OffRoadRodeo]

For sure! Thanks for watching!

[@Justinlr72]

I live in asheville! I ride a tenere 700, thinking about the xr150 or a tw200 for my partners first bike. Probably wont happen til next year, but shes only 5'3 and never rode before.

[@OffRoadRodeo]

Awesome! T7 seems like such a fun bike! My partner has never ridden either but she’s been learning on the XR. She’s 5’6” and she’s able to manage it well!

[@ruckuscreates7570]

Thank you that was very helpful

[@OffRoadRodeo]

Glad it helped! Thank you for watching!

[@lorahaworth5]

We subscribed to watch CT videos. Good luck with the new bike.

[@OffRoadRodeo]

The CT hasn’t gone anywhere and there’s a CT video coming next week!

[@CandaceFrench-r1u]

What is your height and weight ?? This bike seems to fit you really well.

[@OffRoadRodeo]

I’m 6’2” and about 190lbs. I feel very comfortable on it.

[@BobDiaz123]

It would be interesting to make a video of the top speed: (1) On flat ground (2) Going uphill (3) On flat ground with a passenger (4) Going uphill with a passenger.

[@Mr.Heitman]

I went up a vertical mountain with a 430lb payload easily in 1st gear (me plus passenger) Easily speeds into 55mph on flat ground Lucky to keep 45mph going up an incline, can't use 5th in higher grade hills Downhill I've only pushed to 65 mph 80% open throttle

[@Mr.Heitman]

Causal cruiser at 45

[@OffRoadRodeo]

On it!

[@lennoxflowers2599]

​@@OffRoadRodeomanaged to create the video?

[@gamemusicmeltingpot2192]

lovely vid thanks

[@OffRoadRodeo]

Thank you for watching!

[@thesmokingburrito9097]

I live in Gatlinburg. Gotta Monkey, and a TW200. My third bike is either going to be this, or a VanVan.......🤔... Groovy vids . thank you.

[@OffRoadRodeo]

Man, I’d love to get my hands on a Monkey. Those seem like so much fun! Both the XR and Van Van are great options! Keep me posted with what you decide to get.

[@iMotoTactic00L]

any 2 wheels is rock

[@___gab0954]

Does the valves make sound when the engine is hot?

[@OffRoadRodeo]

Not on mine, but I think some folks have had that issue

[@lears6169]

Greetings New to your channel so catching up here. If you had to pick between the XR and the CT, which would take and why? I have a CT125 and consider getting an XR150. Appreciate your feedback! Ride safe. Lears

[@OffRoadRodeo]

Wow, great question. It really depends on what you’re after. If I had to pick just one I’d pick the CT125. I am able to recognize that it isn’t fast, it isn’t powerful, but it’s very utilitarian and I like that aspect. It’s easy to get on and doesn’t require the use of a hand clutch which is handy at times! And it’s light. It gets great (insane, honestly) mpg and it’s fuel injected. It can crawl through just about anything and it’s very inexpensive to own and maintain. There’s better aftermarket support for it currently, too. The XR is faster. It has an actual clutch. It has a softer seat and can carry a passenger. It has more suspension and it’s also softer and more forgiving. But…it’s carbureted. It’s heavy for how small of a bike it is. Parts are still kind of hard to get if you break anything. And with that being said it’s $1,000 cheaper. It really just depends. If I needed a bike to commute back and forth over long distances I’d pick the XR. If I wanted a funky adventure machine that’s useful as heck around town, I’d pick the CT125. I can see myself parting with the XR150 down the road, or giving it to my girlfriend, but I think I’ll keep my Trail forever. Does that make sense?

[@Mr.Heitman]

I have 950mi on mine lol the black model

[@OffRoadRodeo]

Nice! I’m up to 450 now! Ride safe!

[@patrickcrain5846]

I would love to meet up with you and talk about the Honda I live in Asheville NC

[@tommyfan6911]

The xr150l is actually Chinese and only sold for around 1543 USD for brand new in China... The Chinese model's name is "本田战驭” or literally "Honda War Wagon" made by Honda-Sundiro. Honda is charging us more here in NA... I think the xr150l bikes in the NA made in Mexico are being made in the form of CKD, which means importing parts from China and assembled in Mexico. Correct me if I am wrong about that. And I still do think that the xr150l is an excellent bike with great value in the NA market.

[@OffRoadRodeo]

That was very informative and yes, you are correct. It’s an interesting machine in that regard. Some people seem to be fine with that fact and to others it’s a non-starter. I’m fine with it because I’m realistic about what it is. It’s a great little commuter and dirt road ripper that gets crazy mpg and is fun to an experienced rider like me and a beginner like my partner.

[@bobfrancis2573]

There is a label on my frame by the vin, it say`s manufactured in China, assembled in Mexico!

[@OffRoadRodeo]

Yep! It’s a world project! Haha

[@kelseydeem]

I would pick motorcycle!

[@OffRoadRodeo]

Me too!! :)

[@benjamin8859]

Do you get any excessive vibrations at certain speeds. Mainly between 45-50mph and 30-35mph? I have this issue and at least a handful of other 23 xr150l riders have too. I know it's a small single, but it doesn't seem normal to me. Other than that, loving the bike. It's a ton of fun on class 3 and tamer class 4 roads.

[@garydixon6947]

Mine gets a weird vibration at 48 mph.

[@benjamin8859]

@@garydixon6947 I've noticed that if I back off the throttle slightly when it starts to happen and then roll back on it usually goes away. This is pretty annoying though because usually at that speed I'm trying to get up to a proper cruising speed or going up a steeper grade and don't really want to back off the throttle. I started a thread about it on the XR150l forum. If you find a fix let me know!

[@OffRoadRodeo]

Hmmm, I haven’t experienced that. I’ve been surprised at how it isn’t really that buzzy. At least in my experience. If I pick up on anything I’ll let you know!

[@benjamin8859]

@@OffRoadRodeo Glad you aren't experiencing that. It definitely puts a damper on the ride. Especially because otherwise it is so smooth for a small little thumper. Still love the bike though. In VT now, but I grew up in VA and I miss riding two wheels on the Blue Ridge Pky.

[@Mr.Heitman]

I've only felt uncomfortable with vibration on long stretches of constant high speeds over 50mph maybe 15 mile stretches of back roads But the enjoyment that comes with constant turning is worth it Obviously not a highway bike but I would absolutely assume it would be uncomfortable on any highway with speeds over 50 for extended periods

[@oliverallen5324]

Can she wheelie? lol. Love the content. Think I'm gonna get myself an XR150L too. Greetings from Charlotte.

[@OffRoadRodeo]

I’m sure she can but I’m a two wheels on the ground kind of guy haha I don’t have that skill! But it’s a great bike and I love it. Come up this way and ride when you get yours!

[@doublestack8686]

Wish I could find someone who has the bike for sale around Asheville because I would like to see bike in person before I get one .

[@OffRoadRodeo]

You’re welcome to check mine out sometime. Shoot me an email! [e-mail]

[@doublestack8686]

Thank you for the offer .I did finally find one of them at a E&H Honda in forest city they have four of them . There going for $3500 that’s with tax out the door . So I got one . I couldn’t say no to that thanks for you videos there great .

[@captlarry-3525]

What I am noticing is that many of your roads are like mine... full of pot holes and unrepaired spots. The XR is eating these up with little trouble... while lots of small displacement bikes with short suspension travel will be decidedly unhappy as will the rider. Where I live in the sticks there are lots of entitled idiots who will blast through these areas never giving an inch...so it is worth the price of admission to be able to manage on rough roads safely ! Reflections made it hard to read the speedo...but it seemed you were cruising between 50-55 at pretty leisurely revs on the flats. This is sort of half way between the S-90 I had as a kid(8.5 hp) and my TU-250X (14-15 hp) which would be 10 -15 mph faster up the hills, but has 4.5 inch suspension travel.

[@OffRoadRodeo]

You nailed it with this. Yes, the XR is powered quite well and it is a very, very smooth running bike. The rear suspension is adjustable so you can customize as needed. At 12HP it’s right between the two bikes you mentioned. Overall I think it’s a fine machine and I’ve really been rough on it. I’ve ridden Hurricane Creek Road here in Western NC as well as Windrock Park in Oliver Springs, TN and it’s been an absolute tank. I’m very pleased with it. I think we will see more aftermarket accessories and customization options in the near future too.

[@davidkallstrom4349]

mpg?

[@OffRoadRodeo]

I’m getting about 100mpg currently. I think the terrain is to blame for that as it’s very hilly here.

[@kotiB-GamePlay]

is this U.S.A?

[@OffRoadRodeo]

Yes, North Carolina

[@mattevans5812]

A comfy seat, big fuel range, and any road capable for less money than the luggage of a BMW GS. Would love to do an adventure trip with a few buddies and everyone is riding one of these. Small bikes are just more fun.

[@michaelnuckols6739]

Stop showing everyone how cool Asheville is, please?! ☮️

[@OffRoadRodeo]

No promises!

[@avipatel3775]

I also never understood how people think those Chinese Hawk dual sports are a better pick than the xr150. Sure, you are paying more for a Honda, but you are getting better reliability and more available parts. Plus, you will get a lot of your money back if and when you decide to sell your bike in the future. Ain't no one buying a used Chinese Hawk bike or even accepting it as a trade-in 🤣

[@OffRoadRodeo]

Exactly! You get real support with Honda in parts and service. And the selling/trade in point is important too!

[@bobfrancis2573]

So it`s not a Chinese clone,----it`s a Chinese bike. Hopefully built to Honda standards.

[@OffRoadRodeo]

Yes haha

[@michaelanthonyahmad9663]

I rather have a motorcycle

[@OffRoadRodeo]

Me too

[@michaelanthonyahmad9663]

I got mine a week ago and I’m loving it so much. It’s black and it’s doing pretty good off-roads