THE REAL XL600R VS XR650 COMPARISON!

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[@Ritalie]

Finally, someone said it. The 1980's dirtbikes were the best looking machines ever made. The colors, and the body lines, with that black paint on the engine, is just stunning.

[@elitecystuning]

Take a look at my 628r lol bet never seen one like it 🤟

[@elitecystuning]

@Jim Dandy 93 best model Built . I have a old Jim dandy tractor btw hence the name Jim dandy lol🤘

[@libtards1393]

Hell yes I cant get enough of that Suzuki blue and yellow with the blue engines shit just looks so dope

[@user-qn2su9cy5z]

Amen to that

[@DavidArayaRapacesdeCostaRica]

You just said it... AMEN!

[@FonicsSuck]

Man, this dude is America. God bless.

[@MechaNick03]

Hes not fat enough to be an American

[@suomenpresidentti]

Now that's the kind of president the America should have. Instead of these recent ones, that are more a joke than a proper president. Greetings from Finland!

[@ball7411]

@@MechaNick03 America is the 10th most obese country in the world.

[@robertgrant8883]

@@ball7411 now only 12th.. WHAT IS HAPPENING....?

[@nickacelvn]

yep dumb ... 5 decades lol.

[@deborahchesser7375]

Man I’ll take the 85’ every time, look how pale and sad the newer one looks.

[@vadimkargin3200]

I agree looks all happy and bright 🌞 old school

[@deborahchesser7375]

Vadim Kargin way better, and higher compression ratio too, uncork it and run good fuel, it’ll run off and leave the newer bike.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Dunno, both look kinda shit really. I'm an XT or DR guy though. Never got used to this modern style. Google the French Paris/ Dakar XT500.

[@deborahchesser7375]

Red Toberts I’m a big Yamaha fan too, I’d love to find a TT500

[@deborahchesser7375]

@@redtobertshateshandles is that the blue one ? Giant ass 12 gallon tank or something

[@michaelmurphy6869]

That '85 XL looks almost showroom condition,great job on the restore. The XL/XR's were bulletproof!! Run forever. I had a '84 XR350R was a great bike! Miss it.. it was a tractor and a tow truck... Towed a many bikes out of the desert and the mountains.. easy to ride. It's been said," Old XR's never die... They just get new owners"

[@scooterfoust4361]

Thanks for the video! I have the 1986 Honda XL600R... with the red, white & blue tank, gold-colored rims and Pro-Link. I am the third owner and I've had it since 2000. LOVE that machine!

[@Stu650Zuk]

The one from the 80's is an awesome looking bike. Loved the colors of the whole XR line from back in those days. I believe,,I may be wrong would have to read up on it..,,the newer XR650L actually has the old XR600r frame and suspension but with less hp. Newer CV carbs just don't compare to a pumper carb, but laws on fuel shutting off if wrecked is what changed that. What Honda really needs to do is bring back the XR650R in off road trim and in dual sport trim,,maybe call it a CRF650L? Fuel injection, a bigger tank, and not neutered from the factory. It would take a huge chunk out of the KTM690 enduro R which is what I ride right now. The KTM is fun but not nearly as reliable as my old highly modded DR650se or any Honda XR. I put over 3K in upgrades in the 2005 DR to make it the best dual sport it could be from full suspension, pumper carb, JE piston, big valve head, full exhaust, seat, bars, wide pegs etc. It was a beautiful bike when finished. Biggest downfall with the DR was the 17" rear rim as any off road capable bike should have an 18" for ground clearance and better tire selection. My DR was put in Bike World years ago for my build as it brought a lot of attention back in the day. It's still online if I search for it as I was still in the middle of the build engine wise. It was going to be the centerpiece for my channel. Unfortunately I cased it very hard on a public seasonal road. Even with the skid plate it wasn't enough. Smashed the frame, and engine cases. I did not wreck which I attribute to 40+yrs of riding and mostly due to the full aftermarket suspension which kept it in shape. Luckily Insurance covered and almost all upgrades as well being an actual county road. It cased on a big rock that was pushed up out the road out of sight over the top of a berm in the road when the suspension compressed. I was up on the pegs just cruising along around 50mph...Things can happen fast...Sorry wrote a book. Along with my beloved old 2 stroke bikes, 4 stroke enduros plated for the street are my favorite types of bikes even in my mid 50's. I will keep riding as long as I can and I'm sure Kaplan would agree with that.

[@blancosal]

Great testimonial... All hail dual sports

[@bearpawtimber8739]

Just bought a brand new 2019 about 3 months ago. I'm 43 years old, and have dreamed of owning one since my first encounter back in the 80's. What a dream come true.

[@krieger6966]

I turned 16 in 1985 ..rode a 1978 yamaha dt 175 for two months ..sold it ..bought a new 1985 Honda XL 600r ..I was in moto heaven...stop light racing every night ..river trail rides most every day ..it was a great summer...sealed the deal for my love of motorcycles for life ..now looking at a 1983 XL 600 37 years later ...great video as always thank you

[@dredlokhaliday9585]

Had a XR500 in 1989 on the Island of Cyprus...man what a bike...after nearly 40 years of it coming out it still looks fantastic,,,not much has evolved on it since because it was so good the first time...great vid my man

[@blackbirdrc8348]

I wish Honda would bring the XR650R back. I'd love to make one street legal. Looks so much better than the L imo.

[@mr.fancypants698]

Ya, I've seen, and riden, street legal xr650r's before. My buddy bought one brand new, in 2003, I got to ride it, such a badass motorcycle! I don't know why Honda stopped producing them. They're a dime a dozen in California. You're going to pay anywhere between 6k-11k, for the bike, because they're no longer made anymore.

[@TM-529]

​@@mr.fancypants698 The 2003 xr650R is a TOTALLY DIFFERENT bike than the older "xr600R" or "xr650L" depicted in this video. The 2000-2008 XR650"R" (not "L" ) has different frame (all aluminum) - different engine (water cooled) - Different front forks (comparable in performance to the most expensive in today's market) no battery (kick start only). Probably THE BEST dual sport ever made!

[@mr.fancypants698]

@@TM-529 Ya man, I know. That's the bike that my buddy had, and I got to ride it. That's why I was saying, Honda needs to make those bikes again! Cheers!!!🍻 😁👍✌

[@joeygoosen3533]

Mine is street legal just bought one that one slipped i never added the lights cause fuck it hand signals

[@chipverner5011]

@@TM-529 I owned a street legal xr650r for several years, and think it's way overhyped. My KTM 525 exc was better in every respect (better tranny, lighter, handled better, easier to work on, and a comparable motor). Any of the modern euro 500s are far better bikes. For that matter, a well sorted xr650l or dr650 can be built into a more enjoyable all around dual sport.

[@alexg664]

Cousin had a 600r. There wasn't a minute that thing wasn't ripping WOT throttle through a creek, mud hole, field, or on the road. I ride GSXR's but will pick one of these up someday. They were fast for a kids bike for sure, but their reliability was phenomenal. Kids have no fear on a dirt bike and very little concern for maintenance, that's best endorsement I can give to these.

[@terragrappler1]

Nobody does a better explanation of the differences and options of each bike!always nice to hear!

[@redtobertshateshandles]

I just remembered my white XL600. Awesome, quality Japanese made trail bike. Nothing ever broke or stuffed up. Super design. And like the man says capable of around 100mph. Change the oil and clean the air filter. Easy to work on too. One minor complaint, the transition between the carb stages was noticeable, but mine was pre loved, so might have been OK when new. Single carb fan here.

[@TheBandit7613]

Your carbs weren't right then, I had 2 XR500R's, both with dual carbs. The 500 whooped on the 600's for some reason. I'll put a proper XR500R up against any newer XR in a drag race. The 500 will win.

[@motowipeout5670]

I had posters and brochures of that ‘85 Honda hung up in my room! To me it will always define what a dual sport bike should be. Great video 👍

[@shanerr857]

I've had sport bikes, cruisers, and supermotos, my favorite bike is my 2006 xr650l. I can ride it anywhere. I like the 80's one better then the newer one though.

[@sirjhonson8218]

80`s were the bast years .

[@chrishart8548]

Most of the 80's bikes have been lost abused and scrapped shame really. The bikes at the classic shows are the same really old bikes getting even older

[@austinmartin5158]

Wasn’t even born then and I agree 200%

[@billcharlene1450]

Learned how to ride a clutch on my uncle's 350x

[@chrishart8548]

@dlucas90 I was born in 1980 but I'm sure I was lucky to see the end of an era . mk1 Granada's twin tub washing machines Morris marinas teachers still asulting us staying out till it got dark and parents not knowing where you are. Knowing everyone in you're road. Everyone in your class at school living in all the roads near too the school. Going around eachorhers houses just randomly seeing if there in. Much better times. Could of been borne sooner but then I would be even older

[@RSRS-ws3px]

The 80’s were great but we are in a time of performance in the auto and bike market we never even dreamed of back then. But we also have the prices to go with that performance! I was offered a 1994 CBR900 for $7500 by the local dealer back in 1994! Now liter bikes are more than double that price!

[@aircooled2068]

Love the look of the older bike! I just got a 1991 dr650 r and can't believe how much fun on road it is, and the sound from the open pipe is just so good! Before I got it, I thought 650 single cylinder bikes like these, were mainly for off road,how wrong I was! Love the riding position and the light weight of these bikes too.

[@hjmoto]

Kapp, your 18' XR650L is the same as the first one that came out in 1992 as a 93'! I had the 93' XR650L and loved it! I was a wheely king on that bike. Honda still makes a 21' bike and still hasn't changed.

[@seather863]

Tough to beat any of the Japanese 650's whether Honda, Suzuki, or Kawasaki.

[@murraymachado401]

and Undoubtedly YAMAHA.

[@janieledantas8072]

Maria12

[@Wavelover33]

Whether

[@paulslevinsky580]

I used to meet up with a guy on the road to college almost every morning back in the mid eighties. We both always cut it close for time. I was on a Triumph Bonneville 750 and he was on a Honda 600 single. He could pull away from me with ease.

[@husaberg650]

I love Japanese big bores, but a Husaberg FE650 is a superior bike

[@rigguyjt]

My 2002 XR650R was a beast also. You can't beat a long skirt piston. They last forever. I won't buy a motocross 4 stroke those pistons get sideways too easily and turn the motors into a $2000 nightmare.

[@eastsidebadger8416]

Rigguy Change the oil, clean the filter & adjust the valves & they are reliable..a buddy of mine has a KTM350SXF with 120 or so hours on it with no issues besides normal maintenance. That’s just as good as any 2 stroke.

[@rigguyjt]

@@eastsidebadger8416 it doesn't happen to everyone but I'll tell you it can happen to a low hour bike without warning and its catastrophic I've seen it a lot more so with Hondas and Yamahas. They've historically been great bikes. The motocross bikes were designed for racing and usually get rebuilt often. They weren't meant to last as long as the "XR" "TTR" models. The skirts are so short that just a little piston slap and a heavy handed rider can destroy the motor fairly easily. I used to ride my 650R full throttle all the time. It never let me down. Everyone has They're own opinion. I can appreciate yours.

[@eastsidebadger8416]

Rigguy Good points..I have to agree about the XRs being bulletproof, a buddy of mine has an old XR75 & I swear that thing has to have 500 hours plus on it.

[@rigguyjt]

@@eastsidebadger8416 The XL is just the XR de-tuned. I love both models.

[@carportshenanigans5918]

Love the big XR content but it always reminds me of my stolen dream. When I was 10, my neighbor sat me on the front of the seat of his XR500 so I wouldn’t fall off and pulled effortless wheelies, at speed, on a pretty loose, sandy trail… I was hooked. As a teenager, I saw a brand new XR600R on the showroom floor as I was buying parts for my ATC200S and vowed to own one someday. Fast forward to adulthood and I moved heaven and earth wheeling and dealing, gave up my beautiful, built 400EX and finally scooped up my XR600R. Couldn’t have been happier. Got married, moved and put it in the storage and two weeks later it was stolen. Since then I’ve not found one for sale in the Southeast, even if I did, with 5 kids I don’t have the time or the money anymore. Man I miss that machine, probably the only one I ever had an emotional attachment with.

[@27Zangle]

Sorry for your loss. You have more kids but I understand the cost of having a family. My wife has major medical issues and it has cost us financially. We just moved to a new state cross country with better medical, economy, and cheaper cost of living. We have spent close to $20k moving and still have more that needs to be purchases such as second vehicle, etc. I used to love riding my ATV as a teen, it has been 23 years since last time out riding. It was my life and have wanted a new machine since. I am thinking about buying something that needs some TLC to rebuild as a project this winter to resell for a small profit. Hopefully, I can find the time to do this a couple times and include the kids until we have enough for a nice machine. Due to having a family, I would like to have a 4-seat SXS since they are street legal in my state. However, I’d much rather have a 400EX or a XR400, perhaps even a Raptor 700. Then the issues is the kiddos and my wife are kinda left out. We’re always saving for a house for then the housing bubble pops in the coming 1-3 years, whenever that is. I think that is more important.

[@Robert8455]

Excellent comparison. Love your channel, who you are and what you stand for Ken.

[@HWG-wm8ld]

I’m nearly 50, I’d take the 85’

[@markcollins5026]

Man, I'm 66, I'd trade in my crf250l for either one !

[@CatarineausArmory]

56 and the new 650 is a little to heavy. I have sat on all the new bikes 250/450 and they are all basically the same height.

[@stevenbrooking5765]

Im 52, and own an 01 XR650R. Blow them both out of the water lol. Still like the lines of the old bike though.

[@Gravelbomber]

I got a good deal on a very clean 85. I put a new ricky stator in it, adjusted the valves and carbs, new chain & sprockets, tires/tube. Starts in 1 kick every time. I absolutely love it, but I can't stop anywhere without someone offering me money for it.

[@Garage2Trail]

Love seeing the old XR/XLs! Have you had any of the 650R's in recently? The liquid cooled XR. I'd love to see Senior rippin around on an uncorked "big red pig"

[@leesmavicmoments5598]

I had 2003 XR 650R what a beast and so easy to kick start

[@leesmavicmoments5598]

My mate had a 98 XR 400, brilliant bike he did change the oil for 2 years and it still run like a dream. Just a pig to start when it was hot. My 650R you could start with trainers on.

[@bustersmith5569]

Liquid cooled 650XR ? Really !! Omg ...

[@philipthomas3938]

Senior is Larry? Definitely need to see more of Larry rippin' it up!!!

[@larrywoolford8978]

I had a 86’ XR 600 and it was a wicked bike . I put motocross knobby tires on it and it would absolutely fly on fire roads or old logging roads and was very comfortable as well . The only drawback was it was a little too big for tight bush trails and the smaller two strokes could put maneuver me ,but I would always catch up when the trail opened up . It was also great on hill climbing, the low end torque of that big thumper would climb almost effortlessly.

[@ronaldtartaglia4459]

Ken, I love these comparisons. Maybe make it a once a week feature.....

[@pbmachines972]

Love the old XR’s XL’s👍🏻

[@jameschenault7104]

I had the 1985 XL 350. Super bike! Loved to trail and street ride on it. I think the 85's look better than the new ones.

[@SamIIs]

You would be hard pressed to find a better deal then the 2020 XR650L at a $7,000 price point brand new compared to any other bike in or out of its class (air cooled, four stroke, steel frame, street legal 650). From what I've come to understand back in the mid 80"s, the XR600R was the trail bike variant of the XL600R street bike. The XR was a little different from the XL, the XR had more torque and horsepower at lower RPM then the XL also more height and wheel base. The XL600R was a really good bike but the XR was was better and during that time the thing to do was make the XR street legal vs buying the XL. The XR600R was the winning Baja machine of its time until the XR650R water cooled trail bike came along and it commenced to kicked ass for years. The 1993- 2020 XR650L is not like the XL600R of its time a one off variant of a trail bike it turns out that the XR650L is the XR600R of the mid 80's just corked up with street legal goodies and a different top-end taking it out to 644cc to offset the goodies. The frame of the XR650L is the same as the XR600R and most of the engine parts, in fact the kick starters from the XR600R and the XL600R can be installed on the 1993-2020 XL650R. Don't quote me though all of this info is off the top of my head. Great KZbin channel Kaplan is one of my favorites.

[@izzywashington5461]

Kaplan cycle saying his daily is an xr650! Prices are gonna go up!

[@garykochanski5927]

I bought an 85 brand new. Still have it and it looks like the day I brought it home. If you can't kick start it, you shouldn't be able to ride it. USA-1

[@stealthslayer4406]

5 decades???

[@KaplanCycles]

80, 90, 2000, 2010, 2020, existed in 5 decades , so relax your gonna be ok.

[@bustersmith5569]

This guy does a great job presenting these bike's !!! Wish I knew where he gets all the parts to restore the older Honda XR'S........ 👍👍👍

[@timothymckern8956]

I think Honda lost their way there for a while after Mr Honda wasn't around

[@deborahchesser7375]

Timothy Mckern they sure did, he was all about giving us what we wanted to the best of his ability

[@nicksnicknet]

Could only imagine how good the CR series would have come if they let it continue.

[@timothymckern8956]

@@nicksnicknet do you know Mr Honda was against the CR series he was all about the four-stroke CR series was dominant in the late 80s and 90s

[@HIROANDSPRITE]

@@timothymckern8956 Actually, keeping the 650L same was the only way Honda could realistically play it. They sold like hotcakes so why dump a ton of money into R&D? By discontinuing it and making a new model, they would have had to comply to tighter restrictions and made it even slower than the new 2020. Honda did us a favor actually by keeping the same engine instead of downgrading each year due to emissions. That's why we don't see any "new" dual sport 650s from Japan.

[@jefferyobryan6351]

This video makes me feel wealthy, cause I owned them both, and the xr600r! I owned an 85 xl600r, it looked exactly like the one in your video.

[@faceinthecrowd5810]

I had the 1985, loved that bike. Had a super trapp can on it, ran strong. That kick start did fight back often times leaving me bruised and limping but I was a lot younger then.

[@lmbear]

Try kick starting one when you are 13 years old. Anyone that says they start easy are full of it. Mine had the decompression release, but you had to be careful and use it right, or it would come back and bite you.. GREAT old bikes though.

[@richardthered]

Ken i had a XR 600 89 few years back, white bros exhaust , loved that bike so much, great old horse and much fun, Also had a 81 XL 100 when i was about 10 years old. Great memories. God Bless Kaplan America.

[@timothymckern8956]

Johnny Campbell and Scott Summers ran down the competition on those bikes I don't understand why Honda stopped making them XR600 anyways

[@edwards0matic]

Because the XR600R was replaced by the XR650R .. they needed something water -cooled for Baja.

[@ayyblyat9450]

edwards0matic and it sure was a worthy successor

[@billsmith9610]

@@ayyblyat9450 You think ? Summers never won on it and everybody knew he couldn't because it was too big and heavy. The 650r was good for baja but that was after Kawasaki pulled out.

[@ayyblyat9450]

@@billsmith9610 Johnny Campbell......

[@billsmith9610]

@@ayyblyat9450 I don't get your point. He was their main baja guy. He showed up at a GNCC and got crushed.

[@chargerfan2]

Had the 85 xr600r. That bike never let me down. Man I miss that bike. That 85 Xl600 in this video is amazing.

[@sirjhonson8218]

I have always liked the kick start. I never bought a battery with the kick start.

[@chrishart8548]

Well it's not like batteries last forever. Did you just live with a flat battery?

[@FORDboy357]

I've got both on my 650L 👍

[@mattbauckman9907]

All the XR’s I’ve owned always started on the first or second kick. Electric start is nice, but not necessary in my opinion. Having both would be cool.

[@chrishart8548]

@@mattbauckman9907 never had both didn't have electric start till my 4th motorcycle. Must admit I'm a big fan of electric start on a duel sport. (obviously it's expected on a road bike)

[@huxleyhornm7405]

Excellent video and comparison there, Wolverine. Love your stuff from Barber btw. Just found your channel.

[@thelordofhosts782]

Bro every time I think I’ve seen every great Kaplan America vid I see another gem like this . Keep making videos man great content god bless from a fellow New Englander.

[@mikeschlup5279]

Drag race...Jr vs Sr.!!!

[@KaplanCycles]

It's on like Donkey Kong

[@mr.m325]

my money's on the old girl

[@katdaddy469]

Jr for the whole shot

[@redtobertshateshandles]

Nothing in it. Put in starting time, the new bike is streets ahead.

[@JeremyStHilaire]

@@redtobertshateshandles My 84 XL600R starts 1st kick every single time. I've timed it against an electric start XR650L and IF the 650L fires right up it might be 10' in front of me, otherwise it's a toss up.

[@craigbecker8938]

I had a 1985 XL600 when I was in high school (1990)

[@doubledeuce5084]

What you need to test is the 2002 or that year range XR650R also known as the BRP. Uncorked it will keep up with anything up to 100mph. Watch some Honda sponsored Baja racing videos. Keep up the videos, you do great!

[@chuckfry1227]

I love my XR650R’s, yes I own 2 of them. They both see 115 mph regularly😂 I’ve cammed them up and pumper carb and exhaust mods. Meanest dirt bikes made.

[@1bad62baja]

I had a brand new 83 xl600r and then a 84 xl600r and then for many years had no bike and 3 years ago i bought another 83 xl600r and love it my son got a 83 xr500r street legal and we ride together. excellent video thanks.

[@brianmarkey867]

Mad respect to you for having 2 fantastic machines

[@NGC2392Eskimo]

Nice. Had an 83 Xl600 in the 80s. Awesome bike.

[@nickm5460]

Great, after seeing that, now I need an 85 XL600. Love your channel Kap!

[@edfeten4724]

I love that you have these kind of videos. Both these bikes are cool.

[@BraapEffex]

The XL is timeless in every way brotha. Great video 👍

[@rudybishop9089]

Gotta go for a spin on my 93’ 650L here in Marin County Ca - After your cool video - one thing bothers me - that rear seat tool bag - next time your at Home Depot grab a 2 dollar tile sponge 🧽 - it lays in there perfectly and the bag looks like a fine expensive pillow instead of a used rubber. Second - an absolute must is to lose one tooth on the front sprocket. God bless America !

[@KaplanCycles]

That is a brilliant idea I was going to bring it to an upholstery place to have them cut me one but they probably charge a portion I'll just go get the sponge to two bucks

[@cameroncassel994]

I would love to see 1985 Honda xr350r single carb. I had one I restored from the ground up, for a 350 it was a freaking beast with 6 gears!!!!

[@pistolpete8959]

I agree with you 💯 percent. I had a '81 XL500S that I explored Washington state with back in the late 80s. What a great do it all bike. Even though I have a KTM RXC 620, 950 ADV and 1190R. I wish I still had that Honda!

[@AnDrEw122100]

I got a soft spot for these , reliable as the days are long and fun as hell in the bush .

[@rigguyjt]

I had an 87 XL 600 and I rode the shit out of that bike. Bullet proof.

[@talltimber4577]

I had an 87 600 and a 08 650. Loved them both liked the height of the 08. Liked the bigger tank on the 87. I jetted and piped them both I never got anywhere close to 60 mpg! I always said they could make that bike for 50 more years and it will never go out of style.

[@OsadabwaMoto]

I have the XL600 for every day and the XR650R for off-road (which blows both of these bikes away every regard), but let's praise Honda for still making the XR650L! Its unchanged for years and very capable for off-road and dual-sport travel. Uncork it and get spring rates right and honestly, I'd take one of them any day of the week over a KTM 790 or any one of the over-weight supposedly Adventure bikes. Only thing I wish it had was a kick-start. When I can't find my XL600 parts any more (it's already getting tricky), I'll get a 650L and keep it running til I die.

[@spudthegreaterusa8386]

In 1986 I owned a 1975 Honda 350XL . it cost me $300 and was my first vehicle. I went to school, work, offroaded at night with my best friend, everything. I was always lusting after that 600XL though, it was SO COOL. Got engaged, got a car, sold the bike. Im so sad. Im 53 and I literally dream about that stupid bike like a forlorn lover. Crazy.

[@bertayoing]

i have a 1984 xl600r,had it for 20 years,had a few stators in that time plus cam chains.3.as long as you can start it its fine.

[@billmeade9029]

Just ran across this channel or page or whatever it's called, and so glad I did , my first bike was a 1977 XR75, in 85 I bought Honda's first quad trx 250 and in 88 I bought my XR600 , then I bought a 94 Harley Davidson Fat Boy , 2003 Honda RINCON 600 quad ( my buddy's son totaled for me) and last but not least 2018 Honda Rubicon Forman Deluxe 500 , loved every one of them 👍

[@Twin.50aeHolder]

Great video man. I miss my 1986 Honda Xr600R with gold rims

[@BruceHoult]

I bought a 2 or 3 year old used XR600 in 1989. I don't actually remember now which year it was made. I thrashed that thing around Wellington city in New Zealand and the local beaches and very steep hills for a decade, but then got what I considered a stupid high offer to sell it, and I did, as at that time I was more into flying than offroad motorcycling. That was probably a mistake. At least I still have the 1995 R1100RT I've owned from new.

[@muzkat101]

Honestly, I know that in some, if not many cases, the new bikes do have improvements, but they just don't compete in style to the old '83 to '85 XR's. I am sure there are many who will point out all the advantages of the new bikes over the older models, but I am not a performance guy or racer; just an old guy that has always loved the old 80's Honda CR, XL, and XR bikes.

[@robrambo6968]

I have the little brother. 1985 XL250R. Great bike. Some people hated the twin carb set up. Mine is mainly stock with aftermarket muffler (Cobra). Amazing that after 5 decades so much is very simular. Keep up the great work.

[@fixedguitar47]

I’m happy to say I own the second to last 2007 XR650R East of the Mississippi. Have I ever rode it? Just up the block once a Year. It’s never seen dirt, rain, mud, snow. Complete mint and turn key. AND ITS MINE! ALL MINE! NEVER FOR SALE!!!! HAHAHAHA

[@SeanHollingsworth]

I love my 1995 XR650L. . . Of every motorcycle I've ever owned, it is still my favorite. Although my CR500 is a phenomenal machine, it just wants to kill me. ;-)

[@tomphillips2473]

I favor the older as well, of course i grew up in that era too. Got a 87 XR600R project bike last summer i'm rebuilding the motor on now and discovered its an 87 XL600 motor. Was a little bummed but still a good motor.

[@timothymckern8956]

A great video it's always good to see old school Kick-Ass XRS and xl's I would never trade my Hondas for KTM

[@scottcrowley2061]

Rode a KTM 620 yrs ago. Brembo brakes Marzocchi forks and shocks I think, handled quite good but not that much different.

[@markmckenney4534]

For sure the 80’s were Super Cool, had an XR500...and many other Dirt Bikes...how can you not have a soft spot for an X-Ahhh...this video’s makes me feel warm all over! Thanks Captain, love your KZbin channel and of course you and your crew!!! Long Live MX 338 “The Wick” Colin’ at ya from the new mountain bike capital of the world Northwest Arkansas!

[@KaplanCycles]

Thank you brother back at you ML&R

[@chrisbrowne8997]

There's one big difference.... The '85. .. The size of those mirrors... Yikes!!.... They haven't changed because it's s proven package that just works only minor tweaks over the years is all they've really needed... Great job Ken

[@stephtraveler7378]

Nice comparison. Had them both. The '85 is easier to ride. Feels glued to the pavement. The extended suspension on the 2020 is all softness in the progressive spring. Feels nice crossing paint lines and small stuff on the roads, etc, but not really that much better than the 9 inch travel of the static springs of the 85 when offroad....

[@speckitis]

I had a 1986 XR600R, twin carbs and all that jazz. You could sit on the gas tank and torque the front wheel up into the sky. The only issue was that you NEVER gave it gas when kick starting it. IT KICKED BACK! My buddy broke his foot kick starting it. But it was a fun bike. I was in Navy flight school at the time and stomping the Suntide riding area just north of Corpus Christi, TX. Great bike. My favorite memory is riding behind my buddy's XR600R with his left hand in the air, like a rodeo rider. He neglected to safety-tie his grip and it came off in a section of whoops. I bought an early release XR650L in '92 while stationed in El Paso. Another good bike. Probably the best forks on a XR ever. I kicked the asses of some Army noobs on their fancy KX two strokes. BRAAAAAP!!!!

[@RichieB-s9l]

I miss my 1983 XR500Rs. I was trying to remember what was different- why they felt smaller than the 650L I had recently- a lower seat height and 17 inch rear wheel made it seem easier to handle on tight trails most likely and I'm sure it weighed less. I think even my XR350R had a slightly higher seat heat but was still a sweetheart. I even test rode an XR650R and I liked it but it seemed very top heavy on the steep tight trails.

[@plumberhero]

I will say that the old one is much better looking. I get that the shrouds on the newer model direct air towards the engine for coolong but they look really out of place. Good video!!

[@Brian-jz1pi]

No shroud no mud Mud on the cylinder not good for cooling after it dries.

[@TejasToolMan]

Awesome video! Old school color looks best I think, esp the one that had gold rims back in the days. Alot of dad's hated me when I got one finally, daughters wantin to go for rides lol good ole days

[@evangarbison1576]

Liking the mods you’ve done to the 650. Just installed the JNS headlight on mine, great upgrade! Might do that taillight next. Great comparison 👍

[@jm6918]

Great review! I picked up a 2018 XR650l not too long ago. Love the old school feel. It's a fantastic bike.

[@JohnErikjohansson]

PLEASE GET A XR650R for a video atleast. i got my second 650R this summer .

[@jhhd1]

I love the XR650R, one of my all time favorites

[@bush600r2]

How do you rate the 650r compared to the older 600r? I had a 97 model xr 600r and loved it. Found a 2003 xr650r and a 98 600r not sure which one I will take have you ridden both?

[@Ggreg1962]

I had a 83 XR350 , it went 90 mph and was so fun off road

[@pagey007]

The weight difference is huge ,, The 650 is not colour matched ,, high centre of gravity ,,The shrouds look like an after thought ,, BUT having said that I would still happily own one :-)

[@One-Track_Dynamic]

Thank you for making this comparison video. I adore my 21 650L. It's soo much more capable off road than it's looks and age lead some to believe. The soft suspension combined with copious amounts of fork/chassis flex make for a very comfortable motorcycle that bends and forms to the terrain. The rotating mass of the engine is a big plus too, it chugs hard and gets great traction on slow single track. Sometimes i feel like if I fall off the bike it might continue climbing and ride away without me.

[@zegoflorida]

Ever ridden the Aprilia RXV 550? If not - you should. 70hp beast! Been described as “having 2 YZ 250s in one frame” Oh - and I’m 55 and still ride the beast!

[@julianhuertas8909]

I just bought a 1984 xl 600r, a beast

[@jefflundquist5771]

I rode that very same 1980's XL600R during college. It was a beast and would smoke most other bikes.

[@goodstuff8257]

88 looks way better

[@scooterdogg7580]

I wanted to that 2stroke sing I feel robbed lol

[@ericcrnkovich4488]

I've owned these exact 2 bikes. Loved them both. Thanks for the video!

[@paulairola7041]

my own experience on dirt bikes has been! I've raced many types from Kaw., Suzuki, Yamaha,KTM, Maico, Honda cr, in the novice class, then to the senior veteran class, until I bought a 1992 Hondaxr600r and can say it improved my riding style greatly , so much so that year I raced a local Gran prix and finished second overall starting in the next to last row!

[@joeycarbone9778]

Hello guys. Is that 1985 XL 600 from the Mike Bressler collection from NJ ? I live in NJ and have always heard of him and his collection. Nice machines.

[@KaplanCycles]

Yes it is Mike is part of our crew now

[@dwaynerech2825]

Had the Honda 1985 XR 600. In Australia we call them the tractor or the stump puller.

[@RDEnduro]

I loved this,, the older one does look sharp enjoy this weekend everybody!

[@jamesfpianist1168]

I had a brand new 1985 Honda XL 100s that I delivered a paper route on in Southern CA for 3 years. The engine was unbelievably reliable. NEVER died even after being driven through a knee deep river!!! I beat the hell out it riding off-road and clearing off-road over street jumps on it. Of course the turn indicators were eventually broke within a few months as I started getting gnarlier off-road. Throttle was always pegged on full. Outrode my friend with a KX125 because he was too afraid to do cliff jumps or stay on the throttle when his KX was hitting the powerband. My 1985 had those same exact graphics and seat. No monoshock and had drum brakes only. I used off-road only wider rear tire with Answer powder blue wide bars. Eventually, frame was finally bent below steering headset noticeable when I parked next to another paper route friend with the exact bike that wouldn't ride off-road hard. That's a beautiful 1985 there Mr. Kaplan. Showroom condition!

[@jkil218]

Kaplan America baby!!

[@richardpearcey]

I was thinking about buying a 450 KTM or maybe an older WR 450, but now I’m thinking that my 1984 XL600R might be worth putting the money into. Thanks for the video, I do love this old red pig.

i have the 2020 honda and love it for being a tall guy its got POWER! and with a good exhaust it sounds cherry just beast mode

[@bareknuckles3199]

5 decades? ....2.5 decades... I enjoy your videos and own a 1986 xr250r w/big bore kit xr 400 forks and love it.

[@dunxy]

My first dirt bike was a (70’s, I forgot year) xl500r i got for free because old owner had cracked case and just left it for 8 years. I fixed case, towed it down driveway with my roadbike and it fired straight up, 8 year old fuel and all! Exhaust was gone from headers back, built that, toad it on trails for a year of so until i upgraded to modern stuff. It was primitive with drums both ends and twin shock rear but man that engine!! Had no kill switch, had to put it in 3rd up against a tree to stall it, 1st or 2nd it would just dig a trench at idle!

[@owensbama1923]

Love love love these Hondas man. They really are some of the best and absolutely the most bulletproof bikes money can by. You can ride them to death and keep going.

[@hlrembe62]

The XR650L's engine is actually a continuation of the NX650, which was a stroked 600 with the single carb cylinder head. The kicker from the 600 can easily be installed into the 650 with only minor mods, and if I am not mistaken that goes for the de-comp as well. The e-start requires significant mods to the cases, charging system and left side engine cover area of the 600 for a swap there, do-able but not easy. The XL frame differs from the XR(L) frame, which the 650 is a direct descendent of, those differences are in frame geometry at the rear shock mount. The front forks on the XRL are direct directly from the older XR series with the XL being similar in all ways but length of travel and internal valving. Rear shocks are completely different as the XL is not truly rebuildable and the main shafts and bottom yoke is completely different. But all in all great comparison and you are absolutely dead on with any of the big bore, and I'd include the XL350 in that too, Honda dual sports.

[@eddiespagetti8395]

I will take the 1986. I love the older xr and xl ...Cr as well. Thank you. I love these bikes. I would rather have the old bikes over the new ones really.