Honda XR650L: Sprockets, Gearing and Fuel Consumption on the Highway

I got sent four different sizes of FritzCo counter shaft sprockets for the Honda XR650L and did some testing on the freeway. I was interested to see the effect on fuel consumption at a constant cruising speed of 65 mph.
For more info on the gearing and fuel consumption on the freeway, check out: adventurebiket...
Link to the FritzCo sprockets: procycle.us/pr...
#HondaXR650L #XR650L #FritzCo

[@zachariahrager1306]

What an awesome video man, very rare I find a video that is EXACTLY what I was curious about!

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks, Zachariah. I planned on it being more scientific... lol. Let me know if there are other things you'd like me to test. Cheers!

[@brendansierra6451]

I have a 2016 XR650L. Threw away the factory sprocket at 6K miles, went with 14t sprocket as I live in California & ride the Sierra mountains. I feel you nailed it good on the description. I go back to 15t easily when I ride the valley floor. After listening to your homework I think I’ll try a 16t as well.Thank you for taking the time to make these. Very informative.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks for the comment, Brendan. Yeah, the 14t is a great all rounder for me. I'd be very keen to hear whether you could make the 16t fit.

[@johnheckscher7138]

You make good videos, Keep them coming 👍

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thank, John. I appreciate the support! I will try my best to keep it up :)

[@bjornzorger3731]

Wish he would come back to you tube ,enjoyed his XR videos

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Your wish is my command! LOL... just posted my first video in ages!

[@baconsteakey]

You are a true bokman Francois! Awesome video. Look forward to the acceleration test vid.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks, Stephen! 😂 I somehow missed this comment and had a good laugh. Cheers

[@borkfork3163]

Thanks for this video. That 13T is insane.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Yeah, I love it. Can't wait to play some more with it.

[@chrisiollich4890]

Were I live "SIERRA FOOTHILLS NOR-CAL "the stock 15 - 44 is excellent for paved and most of the dirt roads and trails ,but on the HIGHWAY were the speed limit is 65 it a little high in the R's , I use my bike to travel fairly long distances this is kind of off subject but I have SUPER MOTO wheels with 15-40 and it will pull 80+mph up to 116 . 15tooth in the front, the stock one is sloppy , I definitely going with the Fritz 15 for all around both sets of wheels!!!!! THANK'S from NOR-CAL!!!!!

[@GreaseAndGravel]

I missed this comment earlier. Thanks for the info! Wow, 116 mph... that's insane!

[@custompowerpaintdecorate3704]

Thanks for the effort that is valuable info. And yeah the 3 options are 15 14 and 13. The aftermarket cover from Hemisphere has a little more space but that's not the engine case ne!? Here's a top secret. Lol. 15 with 46 is right where you want these BRPs geared. Translates to instead of 110 kmph it's 105. Around a 2.5% difference all round so imo almost where the 14 tooth is at. 13 if you're 80% off road otherwise overworks the motor for highway. Prefect for short track supermoto! 14 imo is for those who want to get out of first in a hurry to mostly lug second. Low rpm in second gear causes a jerk jerk result on both sprockets instead of a steady pull. So 15 drive and 46 or 47 final drive is the answer to it all for anyone doing 35 to 45% or more on hard top getting to off road locations. Again my opinion but I'm sticking to it lol. With those ratios the bike still has that long fifth gear that can cruise at 64kmph and get to 110 in a hurry without changing down if there's road ahead. The dyno tests prove this. Most of us are Dakar Baja wannbes and even those of us who are intermediate and even pro aren't rolling 300 plus pound bikes around on any off road surface at 85 or more. Ry lekker meneer. Your passion is obvious.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Hey, thanks for all the info! I must admit, the ONLY real issue I have with this XRL is the jerk jerk you are talking about when riding slowly in second. It is excruciating 😂 I might give that 15-46/47 a try to see if that cures it somewhat. I assumed it will be very similar to 14-45... Once I get going, there's nothing that bothers me anymore. Dankie weereens! Cheers

[@natashahancock9896]

What?

[@jc-pf5bt]

I run a 14/48 and I love it in the dirt.

[@CKILBY-zu7fq]

Thanks for your video.. So... we all know what the 15 tooth Gear can do, if we own one. But the 16 tooth gear will give you more speed for less fuel consumption, you'll go faster down the street, with less effort. But take off slower, And you should use less fuel. But the 14 tooth gear will make you clime a hill easier but with more effort, it will run at a high rpm on a street, but get lousy milage, And it will eventually wear out the mechine. So... the 16 tooth will have higher speed on the road with less rpms = savings. Cool👍, stay safe brothers.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

I enjoyed the 14t as I never really went far on the tar... For some reason, the 16t would not fit. The chain would touch the engine case

[@jamiebra92]

Very interesting have thought about changing the gearing on my 85 xr250r she can do 100+ but feels like I'm pushing her to hard feels more comfortable at 80-90 k's I prefer sticking to dirt roads I run a more aggressive knobby so I avoid tarmac as much as I can so I'm probably better of with the stock gearing great video btw can't wait to watch you go on a adventure mate 👍.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks, I appreciate the support. To be honest, I prefer cruiser at around 90-100 too. I may even be better off with a 250. I'd love to go on a trip, but family making it more difficult these days. May go for a short solo camp soon.

[@chrisiollich4890]

Oh yeah excellent video. THANK'S from NOR-CAL Again!!!!!!!

[@grandriver3152]

Your best video yet my man👍🌲

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks, I appreciate the support! Cheers✌

[@HydeMyJekyll]

When I tried to fit a 16t on mine, the only thing the chain was rubbing was a little rubber boot for what I believe is the Neutral Position Sensor. I've considered deleting this sensor, but for now I'll just not run the 16t. My original plan was to run 16/48 and end up with the same ratio as stock, and swap to a 14t front for offroad adventures.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

I think I deleted this sensor my accident when I fitted the 16t. Never ran the bike like that, but after pushing it a few yards, the neutral light now stays lit and the bike does not die when I put out the side stand. I would like to see more clearance before riding at speed.

[@HydeMyJekyll]

@@GreaseAndGravel Lol I think that answers my question about clearance of that sensor boot.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

@@HydeMyJekyll 😁

[@grndragon2443]

I have the 16t sprocket. Plus the 2nd and 5th gear mods. No special chain. I've ran a standard o-ring chain and z-ring chain. I would suggest getting a KK sprocket to save your counter shaft.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks for sharing. I could not get the 16t to fit without the chain rubbing on the case.

[@gti20vtMarcel]

Nice vid!, A little explanation on the important Fritzco sprockets would be nice though, further i think it mostly depends on how you use the bike, the 14 teeth is more fun but on longer distances the 15 is better! Fuel consumption should only matter then. Ps did you ever tried a XR600R or 650R before?? 😁

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks man! Yes, I should have explained the Fritzco sprockets... I think I've done it in some other videos already and just forgot. I agree, fuel consumption doesn't really matter when playing in the dirt. Good point! I actually never considered that. In conclusion, having both and swapping out makes the most sense. It is so quick and easy. I've never ridden the XR600R or XR650R... but I'd love to! I sold my XRL and if I get an XR again, it will be an R.

[@NaziHampster]

@@GreaseAndGravel Nice vid, but lol you still didn't explain the fritzco sprocket to the guy above (although I have the feeling he knows) It has a wider fitment area on the part of the sprocket that goes over the output shaft splines coming out of the transmision. Gives the sprocket more surface area on the shaft to help eliminate wear. The same as fitting a sprocket from a xr650r. Salute from the UK.

[@CKILBY-zu7fq]

Take it to the trails and get it up in the air Bro. It goes up quite high and is such a blast, on mine I was drifting shear drop-offs at 70 mph in the hills chasing deer 🦌 , its the best all around bike for dependability and endurance, and its geometry is the best anywere, and patented as such. Transalp to an XR? XR IS FUN AND AGILE, SO IS THE TRANSALP WITH MORE. THATS WHY THEY MADE THE AFRICAN TWIN. Hey, peace. 🤪👍

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Reading this comment, I really regret selling my XR!! I want it back!!!

[@pedrothomas4944]

very good info the best for sure

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks Pedro!

[@jacekrusak6529]

on my wrr changing the sprockets resulted in a speedometer being completely off - how did you make sure that the speed you used for testing was indeed the same with different sprocket sizes ?

[@losttheplotcolin]

The speedo drive is on the front axel.

[@brianmetzker5225]

Thanks for sharing, very informative.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks for the comment, Brian!

[@jeremybrunes38]

I cut my cover back i ride with it the bike is a dog i have daves mod jets yoshi slip on sutton cycles oil cooler Fridays the bomb air fuel mixture knob . I have a 42 tooth rear sprocket i can send you to try the fuel milage. I used it for less then 100 miles! Love the video.

[@jeremybrunes38]

I am on 15/45 gears seems happy

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks, Jeremy. I appreciate the offer. Unfortunately, I am in South Africa. The stock gearing is probably best for touring. Currently, I play around closer to home, so for me the 14/45 is a great combo. Cheers, and thanks for the support

[@3RunSRKI]

Nice review mate :) I own NX 650 which shares same engine. It would be nice to do temperature test with those sprockets, on summer days riding on highways 120kmh the bike's temperature is between 120-130 (that was with 10w50 full synthetic oil) degrees celsius with 15-47 sprockets. Also oil density play a big role, so if you change the density check the difference. Cheers mate 👍

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Great idea! Thanks! I need to find a temperate gauge. Would be able to do some awesome tests with that. Locally, I can't find anyone that stocks them. Does the NX650 have a cush drive in the rear hub? I don't think we ever got them in SA.

[@3RunSRKI]

@@GreaseAndGravel Is there louise shop in SA, or maybe they can ship it. It is RR oil temperature gauge trustfull and precise. Yes it has, XRL doesn't have it ? Also do you have an aftermarket exhaust?

[@GreaseAndGravel]

@@3RunSRKI Thanks, I will check out that gauge. Would be very helpful to have one! No, the XRL doesn't have a cush drive. Would have made a huge difference on the tarmac. I still run the stock exhaust.

[@3RunSRKI]

@@GreaseAndGravel Then you should definitely put an aftermarket exhaust. Torque will be significantly higher, and Dave's mode would have full potential 💪

[@GreaseAndGravel]

@@3RunSRKI Thanks for the info!! :)

[@stephtraveler7378]

The 13 causes premature wear on the swing arm chain guide (front one that wraps the spring arm). 14 front and 48 rear is a great combination. To really wake that bike up, do the 2nd and 5th gear swaps. It makes that bike incredible.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Yeah, even with the 14 there is more slap on the chain guide than the 15. The larger 48 in the rear should help I assume? I can imagine the 2nd gear especially makes a big difference.

[@stevenmackey542]

What is the second and fifth gear swap?

[@7x779]

@@stevenmackey542 there is an after-market company it makes a much better gear ratio 2nd and 5th gear. Stock 2nd here is a big RPM drop from first, and fifth gear is too close to 4 so should be higher for the highway

[@charlesboston1]

@@stevenmackey542 guys swap 2nd and 5th gears from a nx650 to tighten up the 1-2 gap and give a higher 5th gear

[@7x779]

I have a similar bike, the Yamaha XT 600 version. The torque curve on all these old style bikes is similar and starts at 3,000 RPM. I don't see the need to have it spinning past 4000 on the highway, it's annoying and vibrates more. I went from the stock 15/42 2A 16/42 and it's much better and comfortable up to 65 mph, and off-road in the desert Southwest even with the passenger first gear is still too low. So I'm going to also change the rear and go with 16/39.

[@7x779]

It seems like that 42mpg gas mileage is really bad. I get that with my Buell 1200cc xb12x Ulysses around town. I also recently completed and 81 mile trip on my thirty-eight-year-old Yamaha XT 600 with 16/42 gears, with a passenger, about 35 miles off-road and the remainder both Highway and stop and go where I got every single red light. Filled it up when I got back and it used 1.25 gallons which was about 64 miles per gallon with a passenger including off-road and on-road. Pretty impressive. And I feel the gearing is still too low for the highway and freeways, if you're not doing at least 70 it feels dangerous like people are going to run you over And first gear is still fine in fact it could be even taller and it wouldn't bother me. Even off road

[@victorsturdivant4731]

Good info. Thank you.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks for watching!

[@rolandrodriguez3854]

You don't need a wider countershaft sprocket, just use a moly grease 2-3 times per year. Reduces wear 99%. Save your money.

[@jonoheck]

Good video, are you getting another XR?

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Thanks man. Maybe someday.

[@one_terrabike3151]

Checked out your link to the website for more info and this is definitely a test I wanted to see someone do! When you tried the 16 and encountered fitment issues was your sprocket cover off (that's what some people have to do apparently)?

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Yes, I haven't fitted the sprocket cover in ages. I actually couldn't fit a 0025inch feeler gauge in there... I think my chain is thicker than most

[@one_terrabike3151]

@@GreaseAndGravel that's still very interesting! What chain is that?

[@GreaseAndGravel]

@@one_terrabike3151 I have no clue! It was a fairly cheap chain... apparently from Italy. Got it from a local bearing shop.

[@jeremybrunes38]

I cut mine at the wall so I could fit it on

[@one_terrabike3151]

@@jeremybrunes38 I read about people doing that too, but I didn't want to do that personally due to the worry of my chain breaking and going through my crankcase 😂

[@ryanwagner3223]

In the United States of America the factory counter shaft sprocket of the Honda xr 650L is 14 teeth.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

i did not know that. I love the 14 over the 15

[@motorcyclelad]

I believe stock is 15 in USA

[@2loulucas]

Try 14/47. I watched a couple of videos and a lot of people run that configuration

[@LygnirEvolution]

can anybody confirm that the numbers on Gearcommander are correct?? have a 87 XL600RM (Norway) and according to the table i should have 3200rpm@80km/t, mine is more like close to 4500rpm@80km/t.

[@suzyamerica4679]

Thank you for posting this video. I've ridden an XR650L a little (friends got one as a spare) and was wondering what its highway mileage could be. Wonder if anyone has tried the Lectron carb and what their results were. Otherwise it's hard to find a bike that does both highway and dirt and is light enough for me to pick up.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Hey Suzy, thanks for the comment. I think the right carb on this bike would be insane. In stock form I was quite dissapointed with the fuel economy. Some rider to much better though. Yeah, it is tough finding that perfect balance between highway ability and being light enough for playing in the dirt and picking it up. I checked your channel and saw that I've actually watched some of your vids before. I've sub'd now. If you upload catchy thumbnails (I do mine in Canva) and make the description something people would search for, I think you channel will grow much quicker! ;)

[@suzyamerica4679]

@@GreaseAndGravel I did find one person who put a Lectron carb on their XR650L .. but they use it only for off-roading so there's no telling what the highway mpg's would be. But I may be able to get my hands on one as a wintertime shop project .. belongs to a friend and we're both working in it .. so I might try to see how much it can be turned into an adventure bike while still retaining most of its dirt abilities. Oh I am just lazy with regards to my channel.

[@charlesboston1]

15t x 38t sprockets please

[@tommcqueen3145]

👍

[@philippecasgrain3448]

YOU TALK TOO MUCH, PLEASE GET TO THE POINT!!!!

[@GreaseAndGravel]

It is a disease... I know!

[@hennies9509]

@@GreaseAndGravel let him talk, you can always go somewhere else.

[@GreaseAndGravel]

Dankie @@hennies9509! 👊