Honda XR150L | The $3,000 Dual Sport... Should You Buy One?

[@BigRockMoto]

Would you buy a Honda XR150L given the pros and cons I've talked about? 🏍TODAY’S GEAR: ⚡ Klim Krios Pro Helmet: bit.ly/34ekJLL ⚡ Forma Adventure Boot: bit.ly/3F03CMx ⚡Mosko Moto Woodsman Pant: bit.ly/46igTMb ⚡Mosko Moto WorkHorse Jersey: bit.ly/3RLx941 ⚡REV'IT! Proteus Armored Shirt: imp.i104546.net/jrmgxM ⚡REV'IT! Scram Knee Guards: imp.i104546.net/xkZPAy ⚡ Alpinestars Halo Glove: imp.i104546.net/21WgmQ ⚡GoPro Hero11: amzn.to/40VM1Oy ⚡PurplePanda Helmet Mic: amzn.to/3vkL7Ni 🏍BEHIND THE SCENES / DISCORD SERVER / CHAT WITH ME! ⚡ Patreon: www.patreon.com/bigrockmedia 🏍 SUPPORT BIG ROCK MOTO BY USING MY AFFILIATE LINKS! ⚡ Rocky Mountain ATV/MC: bit.ly/33kgRIz ⚡ Revzilla: imp.i104546.net/6bxxXN ⚡ Mosko Moto: moskomoto.com/bigrockmoto ⚡ Amazon: amzn.to/3viGZ0A ⚡ Merchandise: big-rock-moto.myspreadshop.com/

[@luckylarry2715]

No, I wouldn't buy one because I bought a TTR 125 10 years ago to teach a family member to ride. It is my farm bike, visit the neighbors bike, trail maintenance bike and I'm never selling it. I've been over many trails in north and central Idaho and it has no problem making it through. So, I agree with your assessment of small bikes and their great utility and fun factor.

[@sganzerlag]

I would totally buy one, if I didn't already own a small-displacement dual sport (restored 2000 model year honda xr200r).

[@Estradinhas_do_ES]

I actually have a similar one, I purchased a couple of months ago.

[@braaaaaaaaaaap]

You should consider adding more voice free footage to some of your vids at the end or maybe a "More Big Rock Moto" channel.

[@Vorm17]

I've got to say that I bought a Chinese Hawk 250 more than two years ago. It has a simpler motor using a pushrod engine instead of overhead cam but it is a 230cc and creates a lot more torque than the Honda XR150L. I've got over 7 thousand miles on it all stock with no mods besides an LED headlight and it has been rock solid. It looks almost IDENTICAL to the XR150L and for $1,500 I have a hard time thinking that the Honda here is really worth that much more. Considering the Chinese bikes are so cheap I'd love to see you take one out for a spin to compare to the XR150L. The quality is definitely down as far as quality control, no warranty, but the issues are fairly well documented now. The couple of key things is really just making sure to replace the oil before running the bike (new) since they put terrible stock oil in the thing. They have a fuel injected one for a little over $2,000 which is neat. Considering I was able to legalize the $1,500 model of the bike where I live, I just see no point in the XR150L besides the Honda name since it really looks to be the same level of quality components. Just better put together from the factory.

[@petezny4343]

Pit bike, city bike, motor home bike, easy trail bike, spare bike for a family with young teens - Honda absolutely nailed it for $3,000. If I had room in the garage I'd buy one. Honda's success with its mini moto's probably gave it the courage to bring this bike to the US, I hope it sells and they get rewarded by bringing more people into their dealerships.

[@BigRockMoto]

well said

[@Deertracks123]

Sure it's over $4000 with fee's for crap

[@Deertracks123]

Honda doesn't need more customers foreign market bikes not good .

[@mxbadboy263]

@@Deertracks123 Yeah, the local dealer adds over a thousand dollars of charges before sales tax.

[@bryanbrowning5746]

@@mxbadboy263shop smaller dealerships, even if you have to drive a ways to get it. I bought mine for $3213 from a small town Honda dealer in Montana, after being quoted $4900 by dealers in Washington.

[@dandersonjr]

For all of us that grew up riding SL and XL's in the 70's this is a great bike for 12 to 16 year olds to start trail riding. Fortunately we didn't have the internet telling us how ill performing our motorcycles were. We were just happy to have one to ride through the farms, woods and strip mines in my area. We also, believe it or not, built ramps and jumped them. Again there was no one telling us we couldn't or that our motorcycles weren't capable of jumping.

[@Coletrainbaby]

This, I miss those days. I remember ripping around on xr80’s, crf 100’s, before we moved to the big bikes. Living in the country with dial up internet your knowledge of new bikes came from the odd mx magazine. You’d just be happy with what you had & worked on your skillset.

[@tl3192]

Yes, you nailed it. I had an SL and an XL mid 70s and I bought this bike for my grandson. It is a fun little bike.

[@jerrycoleman6910]

Exactly right.

[@SomewhereInside]

First bike a Honda z50J …I found paradise when my parents bought me that shiny chromed yellow mini bike 47 years ago.I took it everywhere I later took my YZ80 and IT 175 , only slower and without wheelies and power slides . Ride what you can and afford . We are blessed not being in war zones and famines .

[@moolieboy]

Yeah. As a former yamaha enduro 125 and yz75 owner, I'm kinda "F&$k This Guy" too. I still plan on buying this bike. Fifty-six year old me will enjoy owning a motorcycle again all these many years later. One that won't kill me, and that I can pick up after inevitably laying it over.

[@person.X.]

I have ridden the length and breadth of Vietnam on an XR150L along all the back roads. They are absolutely perfect for Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos etc. Yes they are slow but you cannot realistically do more than about 80kph in those places anyway due to narrow winding roads with obstacles popping out all the time. A surprisingly comfortable long distance bike with a good range, reliable and able to handle whatever you throw at it. For places with faster roads the low top speed is a limiting factor.

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks for sharing!

[@LukasHalda]

The first "big bike" I've ridden in Vietnam (mostly automatic scooters before), surprisingly this is already large and upmarket in the local market. The top legal speed for motorbikes in Vietnam is 70 km/h (countryside and multiple lane road only), so XR150L is happy to overtake most others even 2-up :) I may have been close to overheating the engine at times in southern Vietnam city traffic though.

[@deanmalkewich2366]

@@LukasHaldathat’s the first thing I thought, great bike to tour countries like that.

[@NghiaHoang-nt4ib]

​@@deanmalkewich2366most of the touring agency in Vietnam run this bike exclusively. They have proved to be a reliable workhorse

[@jessISaRicePrincess]

Yeah it's made for asia where 80kph is fast with road obstructions and roads being very badly maintained

[@dc-o2976]

I live in the Sheboygan Wisconsin area. I bought this XR 150 L for my adult daughter. The goal was to enable us to get back to trail riding after a few years hiatus. We used to camp and trail ride in the southwestern deserts and wanted to see if we could return to something like that good ol’ dad and daughter adventure riding. She decided to commit to a formal riding class and attained a proper motorcycle endorsement on her drivers license. Made me proud. In the meantime, during that process I decided to put some miles on the bike. I rode it to and from work every day, taking different routes home almost every day. I did this for about one month until my daughter completed her training and licensing, then I handed it over to her. She is absolutely over the moon about it. She is in her early 20’s, 5’ 4” tall, average weight. She rode it quite a bit this summer, to work, friends, gym, various hobbies, her boyfriends house… short local trips. She is mostly dressed with good safety gear and I’ve never seen her ride without head to foot protection. She has returned to college now so I will go over the bike and winterize it until next year. Here are my impressions of the 2023 XR 150 L. I am a 57 yr old man, 6’4” tall, 250 lbs…probably 265lbs. with my gear. It starts ands runs exactly like Ian describes. It needs to warm up a bit. The motor is smooth, super quiet, very linear power. It will go 55 mph all day long with my jumbo (regal) butt on the seat. The breaks are surprisingly effective. The tires are decent on the street but rather “meh” in the dirt. I laugh out loud in my helmet at how much fun this little squirt of a bike is around town. Big as I am, I probably look like a portly cricket folded up that seat, but the bike is feather weight, short and flickable. The suspension is too soft for me. But the rear end seems harsh. I thought I would find a better shock set up with adjustability for the rear, but then I thought naaah. It’s a $3000 beginner bike. If she wants something more, we’ll move up. No problem. Shortly after she got her license, my older son came home from the Army for a visit. So we taught him how to ride it, he decided to attend the same riding class, and he attained his motorcycle endorsement this summer as well. He has since returned to NC but does not own a bike at this time. (He intends to buy a Honda CB 500 X later on) Thirdly, my baby girl has a twin brother. Know what happened next? He’s tall like me. We taught him how to ride as well. However, he’s getting crushed with work and school as it is, so he was not able to attend riding classes and become licensed this year. So there ya go. We trained three adult beginners on that bike this year. They all had a blast and none of them were overwhelmed or intimidated by the weight, power, or the seat height. Now that they are all back it college and the army, Dad will put a few more hours on it before the snow flys. The rest of my opinions are very similar to Ian’s.

[@gadgetman_nz4092]

Much like my plans. Get my daughter started on one of these off road to build up the basic skills. She already has a learner road bike but hasn't ridden it yet because she injured her wrist. With a centre stand on her learner road bike I've had her operating all the controls and running it up and down the gears which is a good start so she doesn't have to think about those things so much when she has it on it's wheels and rolling. Looking forward to payday.

[@poisonousnut]

at 40 i’ve never owned or rode a motorcycle. i bought this about a month ago to teach myself and have about 200 miles on it so far. i love it.

[@Jimmy_Watt]

You made a good choice. I hope you get hooked and ride for decades.

[@819jt]

15+yrs riding experience: bought a 2007 CRF150F last year and I take the dog out with it. This appears to be the same platform; might get it. The 2007 runs like an absolute dream, rode trails for a week straight in July with absolutely no problems.

[@SethJayson]

If you were a single person looking to travel the entire world with as few hassles as possible on a motorcycle, this might be the best one I've seen. Far fewer systems to break or go bad. And if you can't have fun at 30-40mph, you can't have fun at all.

[@J0J0McM0M0]

nah man, boomer take. this thing's too underpowered to atleast somewhat comfortably take on the world. hop on an old transalp or africa twin if you need the reliability.

[@masondrip42]

you get it

[@svpearlsailacapegeorgesail4758]

I’ve spent years in both Mexico and Thailand, a 150 is larger than 95% of all the existing bikes. The 125cc bikes are used for everything, often 3-4 people will hop on to travel somewhere. Of course 1st world countries are marketed heavily towards the huge expensive bikes… but are they necessarily? I’m currently driving a 125 Honda Wave here in Thailand. It’s great to be able to park anywhere… store your helmet under the seat… just gas and go… I’ve had Ducatis other Sport bikes, love them too. Just maybe we don’t need 1800cc bikes?!

[@SpringfieldFatts]

Similar experience when I lived in Vietnam. These were the "big" bikes. Even my Honda Winner 150 was considered large.

[@judge831]

I think 400cc is the perfect size if the bike weighs less than 400 lbs. I have a 300cc single, and it's plenty quick, but its top speed is about 75 mph which sucks on the highway.

[@machupikachu1085]

@@judge831 I'm looking forward to taking my Dr.Z400sm to Thailand and the Philippines.

[@garydixon6947]

I agree. I spend a lot of time in central america and 125 cc is the norm. Rarely do I see anything over 200 cc. The main thing here is economy and simplicity, also the roads are not smooth so speed is not a consideration.

[@envii17]

I have almost a month with my 159L here in Costa Rica, of course for highways 150 cc isn't enough, but in counties like Costa Rica not all streets are designed for high speed. This kind of bikes are just perfect, and I'm enjoying it a lot and Honda make good bikes c:

[@bryanbrowning5746]

I’ve been riding for 50 years, and currently have a full size dual sport, and saw the XR150 online, found a Honda dealer in Montana who was asking MSRP, and bought it without a test ride(having trust in Honda quality). The bike is worth every penny, and is great fun on the paved country roads, gravel roads, and less demanding single track. I bought LED bulbs, and highly recommend that mod. Tail light takes about 1/2 hour to access, as the side covers,rack, seat, and inner shroud have to be removed. It’s going to make a great camping bike, as it’s nice and light to put on the rear pickup carrier. Not yet broken in, it easily gets 100 mpg!

[@ferkuzuel]

There's a KZbinr that is currently traveling from Mexico to Argentina, on this same bike so far 9 countries at this time, no major issues with the bike

[@Jeremya74]

What youtuber?...thanks

[@ferkuzuel]

@Jeremya74 Pato Coll, as far as I know He already finished his trip, and the bike made it without any major issues

[@lestersmyth692]

Great review Ian, this reminds me so much of the XL 125 I had as a teenager about 40 years ago in fact the engine looks identical. On a good day downhill it would do 60 but that wasn’t what it was about, I had so much fun with it. I fell off more times than I remember and basically picked it up, straightened things out and rode off again. 👍

[@machupikachu1085]

Same. I started on a hand me down XL125 that used to be my uncles. it had trial type tires on it that were probably original equipment lol. That bike survived everything - jumping, sand pits, single track, two ups, and even being driven into a lake. Cheers!

[@pawelwolski1316]

This bike itself is an adventure, so in a sense, this is a true adv bike. It guides you off highways, away from Starbucks, away from WiFi and all the rest. Like you mentioned, it gives you freedom from the worries of a 200 kg plus ( the "middle weight bikes"). It took you on a new trail around your house already. In a way this could be around the world bike, parts are everywhere, oil change a 5 min deal. Like some of the other commenters, I also live in Asia and have a totally different outlook on what motorcycling is form your western point of view is. I ride bunch of 150s here, they are awesome, my Rally 300 is the big bike. But kudos to you for a fair review, the choke, carb, manual petcock all signs of true adv machine.

[@andrewthompson1313]

Great review. Reminds me of the Honda 125 dual sport that I rode to high school in the 1970’s (side streets, 45 mph speed limit at most). I also used it almost daily for riding trails in the Arizona desert with my friends (who had similar bikes). It allowed me to explore and learn to ride off road. I have bigger bikes now but I wish I still owned my old 125 (I sold it when I went away to college). I would love to add one of these to my stable. I commend Honda for making this bike available. Great bike to start on. I would still enjoy exploring using one today.

[@Kiyoti]

...same here....early 70's had a CB 100 detuned to a 90 to ride to high school before car license....at 14 years old.

[@dpetrick]

I have 3000 miles on mine. At about 1500 miles it really perked up. On level roads and no head wind I can run 55mph. 50 is cruising for me. I live in rural Iowa and there are plenty of roads suited for this size bike. Lots of gravel roads to ride. For touring I have a Spyder

[@BigRockMoto]

Thanks for sharing

[@philipcloutier2553]

Same here 3000klms. now and can ride at 55mph to 62 mph no wind , top speed 66mph. tucked down trying to draft a bus with the wind .

[@jafareinakian4077]

I have had this bike from last July 2023. It's an awesome bike, cheap maintenance and really fun. I commute every day to work, and I have made a couple of road trips around. I have already driven 5000 km and no single issue except gas one oil change. Thanks for this great video.

[@jamessmith9786]

What fun! When I started riding way back when, no one discussed "picking up your bike", because you just picked it up and rode on.

[@lizdg3892]

I just turned 65. Haven’t risen since my twenties. So I got this bike for back roads highways and trails. Perfect for that. And yeah you have to ring it out to get up to speed. This does improve right around 1,000 miles as the bike breaks in at that point. Great to have a very capable brand new Honda to ride around on with out dropping a bundle. Once I feel more capable and confident I can upgrade to a 300 which will be better suited for the pavement. PS I’m 5’1”. So the lower seat height makes this very approachable.

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

One thing to keep in mind when riding back country roads. Watch the sides of the road constantly. Those deer will charge out either in front of you, or sometimes they will hit you right in the side of the bike.

[@TheTaylorfam1988]

I’ve been riding 40 years and still find this bike to be a blast to ride. Just yesterday I rode 20 miles of single tract with it. I initially purchased this bike for my daughter, but me and her three grown brothers all like to ride it. I found this bike used with only 95 miles and have put 500 miles in the last 90 days. We even took over Cumberland Pass in CO at 12,000 ft. Great little bike.

[@jgrc73]

Thank you for the info on bike at altitude

[@michaelconran5252]

Exactly, I am 57 and own 7 bikes including Harley's and a KTM 450EXC. I bought this for a trail bike on the Forest roads I am surrounded by. The KTM is of course a much better off-road bike, but is much higher maintenance and not a bike that lets you relax and enjoy the mountains leisurely. It's too high strung and now I use it with supermoto wheels on it.

[@jt3366]

Cool review. I’m glad I got my Kawasaki klx230 which has many of the same go anywhere care free attributes that this one does. At 293 lbs wet it’s about the same weight as the Honda so it’s easy to pick up, turn around etc. It has fuel injection, front and rear disk brakes decent suspension and will cruise at 55 easily all day long. It however is another bump up in price. Price wise it’s sorta in between this Honda and the 300’s. I appreciate your content thanks.

[@michaelota5167]

Hard as a rock seat though.

[@chasetan1059]

So you’re 230 and the 150 have the same max speed? I would already have one of these if it cruised at 70!

[@shoechew]

You are 230

[@jchaverri]

Ian, in my country these are quite popular for people doing delivery like Uber Eats or just city commuting. I have a friend who owns one and has had 0 issues with it, even rode it to another country on a 1,400 mile trip. This bike will take you anywhere, just won't do it fast. I doubt someone would regret buying one as long as they have the right expectations

[@GrandSolarEclipse]

Are we talking km,or miles here?

[@jchaverri]

@@GrandSolarEclipse that's miles round trip, over 2000kms.

[@GrandSolarEclipse]

@@jchaverri wow, that's a long trip on a small bike. I will be getting the CB150x soon.

[@jchaverri]

@@GrandSolarEclipse Agreed! But it's a great small bike. I think with the right expectations is awesome.

[@dirtbikingcanada]

A re-jet kit would make a huge difference. I have a 2008 CRF230L and re-jetting made a night and day difference. I also drilled a 1/2” hole in the inside cap of the spark arrestor (not necessary but sounds proper). Stock it ran like the air filter was plugged. Pulled me and the wife well, our combined weight about 350 lbs. If no jet kit is available, use a thin washer under the needle jet and go richer on main jet. The pilot jet was not removable. This is an excellent option for used bike as it had a rear disk brake, more cc and similar weight as the 150. Zero problems.

[@GerhardCombrink]

Used one to commute with when I got back into biking 10 years ago. Yes, it is a bit slow and not great for splitting lanes up to the front (most cars can easily out-accelerate it). But for exploring footpaths, simply unbeatable and incredible fun. I still often pass by places on my R1250gs wishing I was still on that little bike and able to see where those paths go, and find the solitude and silence that comes with them...

[@paulbester9516]

This bike has been for sale here in South Africa for many years now. It gets used as a delivery bike a lot of the time because of all the points you made. I've also never heard of one breaking.

[@adrianm.1910]

Great review! Earlier this year, I rode an XR 190 around Machu Picchu. The 190 is the same motorcycle only fuel-injected and with more power. It never struggled, and it was fun all the time. North America needs more of these.

[@mikelobdell2666]

You would have thought that that would be a more popular version for north america.

[@netkev92]

Ditto. I saw a 190 in Cozumel, so I was primed to want my own XR when it arrived.

[@chasetan1059]

How fast is the 190?

[@chasetan1059]

@@netkev92 how can I buy the 190 in the states!

[@albertthiessen6014]

I have a 2019 model here in mexico. Got 45,000+ kms on mine and still runs good. Did 1100 kms in 1 day with it😅 gets amazing fuel economy. Thinking of upgrading to the xr190 tho since it has more power and fuel injected

[@nevillecartwright7292]

Hey Ian, thank you for another great review! I do agree with your summation of this bike 100%. I own a little Honda XL 200, which is very similar to the XR 150 you've reviewed. I also own a BMW GSA 1150 & a BMW Dakar 650, so have experience with bigger bikes. My "little 200" however is just such a fun little bike to ride. It's certainly no freeway warrior, but get it off the beaten track, and it's a ton of fun! Single tracks are really where it excels due to it's small dimensions and very light weight. It's certainly no speed machine with very limited and soft suspension, but if like me, you're happy to slowly explore new trails slowly, it's totally the business. It runs on the sniff of an oil rag, and the little motor is super-reliable! I love this bike for all the reasons you've mentioned! Thanks again & greetings from South Africa!

[@thr3ddy]

Man, I'd love to pick one of these up to ride around the farm and forest trails. It could also be fun to use as a modding platform since it's so simple. Great vid once again!

[@dannystephens7246]

I had a Trail 90 as a kid years ago when they were the new thing on the block. It was a great farm and light trail bike and it worked great for herding the cows and parts and tool runs. I can see the XR150L doing the same job as a farm bike with a little recreation riding on the side. I'm 68 now and I may have to get one of these! I've had the big bikes and the little ones. But I get more smiles to the miles on the smaller bikes as they are more relaxing and fun to putter around on the back roads and trails.

[@WorldBiker]

Nah, man...these things are the best bikes to keep...I've got an old Honda 125R that has just about seen everything and it's my go to bike when I just wanna get somewhere without the hassle of some heavy behemoth. These are great little bikes!

[@enriquejaimes3368]

My first bike was a XR125L 12 years ago. Amazing for learning. I love hondas, now I ride my AT :)

[@tankdiesel9738]

Great review… I bought one and it is exactly what you say it is… keep up the great work!!!

[@chasetan1059]

How fast is it ?

[@MotoCampAdv]

I just picked up the Transalp XL750 . What a machine . Looking forward to your thoughts and review of that Honda

[@BillyW80]

Yeah I would buy 1 good to see Honda bring this to the USA as I’m getting older I don’t care about HP or big heavy bikes

[@mediocreman2]

Getting older you might care about having to keep a carbureted bike going though?

[@timmmax]

@@mediocreman2 What's so hard about 'keeping a carbureted bike going?"

[@MishMashMoto]

Well done Sir. We have over 6,000 miles on our XR150L’s now with no mechanical issues other then one blown electrical fuse. They are light, cheap, simple, fun, and reliable. IMO they are well worth the money if you can find one not marked up to much.

[@Mo-kl4fb]

What do you think about upgrading the wheels? I'm thinking about buying one and I'm already thinking of upgrades

[@MishMashMoto]

@@Mo-kl4fb I am sure one could do a 21/18 swap but I don’t really see the need for it.

[@TexasSteele67]

Having a Daughter with 4 boys- (oldest is 14 and 6'2" already) this looks like a real winner !! Each one can learn and move on 1 by 1- great review Big Rock

[@shpritzer]

The fact that they would make such a bike in this age is extremely cool. I love it. It would be a perfect toy bike for the whole family. It’s not the bike you sell your old one for, just get this as well. 👍

[@cmerighe2]

It is understandable that in the age of ultra heavy and very fast motorcycles with a lot of technology, a bike like this will be too slow. I love the simplicity. It is light, affordable and economical. It will run forever. My first bike was a Honda CG 125 back in the 80’s in Brazil. It ran on fumes, it never broke, and it was a dream to me since I didn’t have any fancy KZbin channel to tell me it is too slow. I miss those days!

[@Estradinhas_do_ES]

Great review, as always. It is good that you put some light on these out-of-our-radar small bikes. I have a Tiger 900 Rally, but I also have a small Yamaha Crosser YTZ 150, similar to this Honda 150. It is the perfect bike for city riding and is also very capable off-road (way more capable than I am...). Mine has a 30L top box that is very useful for carrying groceries, tools...

[@123gmor]

My first street legal bike was a 1971 Honda SL125 and I wanted one now one to put on the back of my camper. Well here it is, but with many improvements!

[@marcoarana4167]

Mi estimado amigo: espero con ansias sus videos. Me gusta mucho su trabajo. A mí parecer es un formato agradable y placentero, cuando menos lo espero ya terminé de ver el vídeo completo. Está XR150 es uno de los caballos de batalla de Latinoamérica, muy popular en México y de lo más asequible en cuanto a línea premium. Saludos y excelente día

[@JTinGA]

I'm glad you did this review ! I was really looking hard at one of these, but found a used fuel injected XT250 for a little less money (and under 10k miles). I think I would have had a ball on this XR150L though ... maybe when my grandson gets a few years older 🤔👍

[@mikelobdell2666]

XT is a very big upgrade over this Honda.

[@adrianlopez5215]

You got me subscribed🎉. 3 years ago all I wanted was a car not a motorcycle but after going back to Guatemala for a week I learned riding motorcycles in a Suzuki GN125cc Now I want a motorcycle so much to go work. Looking to buy this XR 150❤

[@Veer1958]

I have had all Hondas. 125, 250, 400 and 450. My riding buddies all ended up selling their bikes due to family and work obligations. I ended up selling my 450 as I had no one to ride with. That was about 15 years ago. I’m retired now, 66 years old and long for the riding days. The XR 150L caught my eye. I don’t want to go crazy fast like I did in the past. I want to just poke around on the trails behind my house and the roads at my cabin. So, I bought the 150L yesterday. Having a skid plate and hand guards installed. I pick it up next week. Now having to get new riding gear and loading ramp. Always preached to never ride alone. Well I guess I will be until I cajole my former riding buddies to buy the 150L..

[@tosh2012]

I have one. Its not fast, but its pretty capable. More so than the other Honda minimotos i have. If i had to have just one minmoto for everything, this would probably be the one. Very practical.

[@Squatch_Rider66]

I am a big boy at 6’2 280 and the 150 almost bottomed out when I sat. Went with xr650l and still had to beef up the suspension

[@jasongreen2745]

I bought one. I have never ridden before, and with meager skills, it's an adventure bike. I can put my lunch on the back and explore for a day. I have no idea how to ride a big bike, so for now, this seems perfect. If I get stuck, I can pull it out.

[@philipcloutier2553]

I can only think of one better honda in this category and that would be the XR190L . I beg Honda's top officials. Please release the XR190L apon the masses of North America . This bike can wide open throttle travel at highway speed . My little heart is pounding at the thought we could be bless with such wonderful machine as the XR190L If anyone knows the price difference please chime in . Maybe Yamaha could bless us with the WR155R .

[@diyeveryday67]

Thank you Ian. My 19 yr old decided she wants to learn to ride and I think this would be a great bike for her. I would pay $300 more for EFI.

[@philipcloutier2553]

The XR190L would be sweet then again the scooter guys well have some mods soon .there is a 177cc plus cam in Asia already. You can start by rejeting to a 115 main jet if under 1500 ft elevation.

[@gerrybailey447]

If you're gonna learn it's the way to go, easy way to get to grips with how a motor bike works, it will do everything you need except make things happen so quickly that you can't react to the unexpected, when you grow out of it you're ready.

[@inspectorclouseau3880]

I do like that rack, it's a good starter bike if you've just passed your test and if you want to go camping and try some trails. Big tours and highway riding you'll need something bigger, but as a starter bike it looks great

[@Eutski]

As an owner of one, I’m so glad you loved it as much as I do

[@coastaku1954]

I really really want this bike. I'm 6ft, 210-220lbs and live around 80 to 90km/h country roads and I think this will be a perfect first Motorcycle. It's a dual sport, small, simple, and not that fast, which would make my parents less warry of me riding it

[@netkev92]

Fun review! We got one as a neighborhood and grass airstrip bike. Riding a 1975 Suzuki 125 enduro taught me I don’t need a big bike on grass or trails. My wife enjoys short rides to friend or family homes around the corner. It’s been perfect to teach our 13-14yo son on. I ride my SV650 with him to coach. The younger two will grow into the 150 soon enough.

[@Animalignis]

I rented the Honda XR150L for a month ($500) in Vietnam in 2020 and rode the length and breadth of Vietnam on quiet back roads. The bike is perfect in Vietnam where the speed limits are 40 or 60 km/h. I managed to get the bike up to 100 km/h, but the acceleration from 80 to 100 km/h is measured in minutes. Below 80 km/h, the XR150L is quite agile and manages to keep up with the traffic (in Vietnam). A big minus of the bike is the service intervals; oil change every 1500 km. In comparison, the Honda CRF300L requires an oil change every 12,000 km.

[@SethJayson]

OK, dangerous video. I had to go check out the bike at the local dealer (they had them!) They also had a brand new Transalp sitting there. The XR is really charming. I'm 6'3" and it wasn't clownishly small for me. They also had a brand new Transalp sitting there. Fits me better than my bike. Dangerous to my wallet...

[@Leonidovych]

Ohh. My first one. So sweet memories. Love this bike. Made my first moto trip on xr 150 (600 miles), a lot of forest enduro, and even tried this bike on motocros track.

[@christoforospilitsis541]

That bike actually looks like it was made just for you.Fits you like a glove dude.

[@erictavares678]

Rode one all over Vietnam, did some gnarly roads within an issue. Wouldn’t want to take it on the highway but it’s a fun little bike. Maximum smiles per dollar

[@toddbachman3912]

THEY'RE A GREAT LITTLE BIKE.. I HAD LOTS OF HONDA'S IN THE PAST....SO GLAD THEY HAVE THIS ONE NOW... 👍👍

[@vansantsam]

I have owned motorcycles ranging from 125cc to 800cc, It is always more fun to ride a small cc bike fast than to ride a big cc bike slow.. Two of my most fun bikes were 125cc Hodaka Enduro and an Ossa 250cc SDR Enduro..

[@alejandrorojas2583]

Your review was great! I was on the fence but your comment on exploration sold me. Wandering and discovering new places is exactly what I want a bike for. Thanks, bro!

[@Ntmoffi]

I think it's cool that Honda didn't go the 49 state legal route and instead made this inexpensive offering available here in CA.

[@hondaman8648]

California is crap and ruined it for the normal states

[@timetoadventure7]

a few of us have taken out the 105 Main jet and replaced it with 115 with good results, better torque and smoother top end. every ride is just a lot of fun.

[@timetoadventure7]

also cleared up the difficulty with cold starts

[@BulletsNBand-Aids]

Have one of these in South America. Perfect for jist about everything. Realistic tops sppeds you would wanna travel here is about 100kmh/ 60mph anyway. Cruise at 50 all day.

[@kalaharimine]

Nice honest bike, reminds me of my 1st bike, a XL125S that took me to college daily and the bush on weekends, total fun and never had any issue with.

[@valveclearance8699]

Been using mine for 5 years. No major issues at all, just common issues that a motorcycle usually experience

[@sergeyko559]

That's My first bike. Like it! Discovered in me adventure, so proceeded with cb500x, and next T7. Neverthless amazing T7, left xr150 in my garage, as love it, like first love. Riding it, however rare, but still giving me a lot of fun and emotions

[@chrispekel5709]

These are popular with foreigners living and travelling in Vietnam, due to many of them being taller than the local population. They are a grey import there not sold by Honda but brought in by a third party importer. Really the perfect bike for that country if you are a taller person.

[@gadgetman_nz4092]

I'm thinking of picking one of these up. I last rode in the mid 80's and even then I only had a 200cc bike, it was lighter and twice as powerful as the XR150L but just so much fun. The modern XR's seem to align more with the old XL's. I think this would be perfect with a little tuning here where the speed limit is 100km/h and there are not that many places that can be done as trucks can only do 90km/h anyway.

[@Billbillbillhahagdvdve]

I love putting mine on the back of a motorhome. I’ve left mine in the garage for multiple months at a time and fires right back up - no problemo

[@jasoncochran853]

We all know it's not fast, but it's quiet and looks like fun. Thanks for the review.

[@TheRcApprentice]

That laugh at 14:20 is exactly what ultra lightweight bikes are all about! My sister is about to buy a 150L as her first bike and I can't wait for her to be ready for the second one so I can buy the xr from her! It's the perfect spare bike and it just looks like such a joy to ride.

[@dirtbikingcanada]

Glad to see “XR” being used instead of Honda using “CRF” for everything.

[@BigRockMoto]

me too

[@IRON_D]

I actually had fun watching u ride that thing… having another source of transportation when main car/truck in shop, teaching my kid to ride… yeah, priceless

[@JohnJonh-n7y]

You will hit 65ish. But you’re supposed to get bigger carb jets for that. They recommend it when you buy it unless you got an incompetent sales rep.

[@phatsmitty]

Ian yet again giving thorough and honest content. We appreciate what you do!! Ian - I know that sometimes you mention criticism from viewers.... I hate to be that guy... but for crying out loud, put some curl in the brim of your hat!!! 🙃🙂

[@Mclovinthedank]

My first bike. Blown away. I've done 1,800 miles in a little over 2 months. Everytime I get gas people say that thing must be fast... I can get a little over 200 miles until I have to switch the reserve on. I am 150 pounds and unless there is a headwind or incline she will cruise at 60mph. Down hill you can hit the rev limiter at about 73mph. I was looking at a Grom and the Trail, but as soon as I saw this bike was out, I knew this was it!

[@BERZERKERSV4]

Made in China exclusively for the above 55 RV Park Crowd…. Great honest and sincere review…

[@philipcloutier2553]

A radical upgrade from hop up golf karts . I like it

[@joeblow5037]

I miss your old house, Ian. That mountain mansion was super sweet.

[@kirkbobo1363]

You made comments “it’s a trail bike wt city riding ability “ for low entry price and new rider or experienced rider. Perfect

[@xbigbobsagetx]

Love your content. Picked up a xr150 as my first manual shift. Upgraded from the Navi. It’s fun, more highway capable. I actually love this style and I figure by the time I pay this one off I might upgrade to a crf300 like in your other videos.

[@shaneleslie8968]

Hired one in Vietnam, did everything right. Fun little bike

[@scrambler69-xk3kv]

After it starts from cold, move the choke to about halfway between on and off. It will sit there and idle so much better. After a very short period you can open the choke fully. Your welcome.

[@danbrimhall150]

If you add a wind screen you not only will be more comfortable on the road but your top speed will increase. A wind screen will deflect the wind around you. As you sit on a motorcycle with outstretched arms on the handlebars you're essentially a big sail pushing against the wind. The wind screen fixes that. The smaller the motor the more effect you get.

[@exer9009]

i get 250 miles before i have to switch to reserve, so that comes out to 106 mpg. most comfortable bike i've ever owned

[@ronsexton3685]

Something to be said about the friendliness and ease of a non snatchy throttle carburetor bike as well. Nice seat!

[@confettihunterminus1]

You’re my favorite motorcycle channel on youtube. I appreciate the amount of clear effort, thought, and love you put into your videos. I bought a royal enfield himalayan thanks to your review. Can’t wait to see you review the new 450 Himalayan when it comes to the states. Again, love the comprehensive reviews. Keep the content coming and we’ll keep watching!

[@PisgahGravelProject]

Well, dang..... I am going riding, but looks like it'll have to wait an hour. Always interested in this guy's opinion on bikes. Fun fact, my very first brand new bike was an XR 100 in 1992 at 11years old. Had it for a year an got a CR80R at 12, and was on a 125 at 15. Such good little bikes, might get one for my niece

[@ShreddedWheat305]

Great video...I live in a small town and most of the speed limit is 45 but coming out of my neighborhood it goes up to 55 mph for about 1-1.5 miles then goes to 45/40. Based on the price and mpg...I'm thinking it would be good and like the rack that I could put a milk cart on and get groceries or ride to a job.

[@michaelfrancis-vb7tp]

I think they made the right move I'll probably buy one for all the reasons you mentioned.

[@diggy-d8w]

Simplicity is an air-cooled bike w/o all the fancy bells -n- whistles ...... I'm seriously thinking about it but the single biggest issue that I see is that it won't do all the local speed limits. That said, rerouting & staying off the interstate is wise although if you are a defensive rider you could do it for a short period. It would wear you out if you had to ride under that pressure too far & I know about riding when you can't go as fast as everyone else..... thanks for the review

[@scottturner-zm1vu]

At 56, I bought an XR150 for first bike in 25 years last September, thinking I'd just play around a little in the neighborhood, maybe a little light off road, but nothing serious. By November, I bought a BMW310gs. Sold the XR150 in May. Now eyeing Ducati Multistrada V2S, as well as a Yamaha XT250. Be warned, It's a slippery slope!

[@jacobac42]

I feel like I'm looking at a Walmart brand XT225. They weigh about the same (XT225 is 20lb lighter), are roughly the same size, and have the same usage goals. Additionally, in my area a XT225 in really good shape is also about $3k. The difference is the XT makes 75% more power, will do 70 mph, has suspension that works off road, and has a large aftermarket. They both get roughly the same gas mileage, both are reliable, and I imagine both are equally easy to work on though I doubt many people have had the need to work on a 150L yet. I'm just struggling to figure out why a XR150L would be a good option when other equally approachable and equally fun/happy bikes like the 225 exist and are readily available

[@mediocreman2]

I'm very confused why people are buying these also. I've already seen tons of them for sale after only 50-100 miles on them. So obviously they aren't everyone's favorite. The XT225 is better for sure. Since the XR150L is made in China, if you really wanted new you could get the Lifan 250. Fuel Injection, much more power, can go on the highway, much better on and off road, better build quality, etc. I am not affiliated with any company, but the value proposition sucks for a Chinese carb'ed 150. If this was made in Japan, or even Thailand and was fuel injected, this would be a great bike to get.

[@MrThejunkman]

Trying to brainwash my husband into enjoying motorcycles. I ride a 650 CFMoto for going around town but have found that the “power” is pretty unnecessary. I hate taking it on the highways, I just don’t trust the way people drive in Georgia (I hate driving on the highway in my car, much less my bike). I’m moving towards city commuters and adventure/dual sport bikes. Thinking of getting the Tuareg 660 for myself after driving a KLX 300 to get used to hitting trails. DEFINITELY going to start my husband on a fun little bike like this. Used bike prices are so crazy and I’d rather get a brand new, cheap bike than a bike that was amazing 15 years of hard riding ago.

[@Racer-M]

BEEN WAITING FOR THIS REVIEW.. :))) THANK YOU

[@gnr4954]

although its a very basic bike i love that it at least has modern aesthetics with the plastics and headlight. Wish Suzuki would do this with the DR and DRZ.

[@brettsteele2146]

Make it a 2 stroke you have a winner. A 150cc 2 stroke would likely even do the highway stuff you are worried about and yeah it might burn a little more fuel but then it's smiles per gallon instead of miles per gallon :)

[@bobbyjoesugar]

Just traded my z125 for one of these and I am loving it-

[@clvrswine]

It would be helpful to state the tire pressures when you do the road speed test. My bike's highway speed is very, very dependent on a higher tire pressure than I would have in the tires for off-road.

[@advredbikes]

Thanks Ian for a great review of a fabulous nimble bike!

[@philipcloutier2553]

I Beg Honda to unleash the XR190L and the XRE300 Apon the North American populous . Patiently Waiting Canada 🇨🇦 .