Lowering My XR650L Made It Better Off Road? | Hemisphere Off Road Lowering Link & Side Stand Test

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Hey Dual Sport Fans, thanks for joining me for this test! If you're doing some shopping, please consider supporting my content though these affiliate links. It makes a huge difference for us! Rocky Mountain ATV: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/?ref=1042& Car Play Nav Unit: carpuride.com/products/carpuride-w702-wireless-portable-dual-bluetooth-waterproof-ip67-motorcycle-stereo?ref=pcoxoocl Amazon: amzn.to/3Jfbfkn MotoCampNerd: motocampnerd.com/?ref=rAQ-OX06xBU2aq 10% Off First MotoCamp Purchase Code: SwankyCat

[@johnmignano7872]

Sharing a practical mod I've done for all my XRs, tested and proven to work awesome. The mod is simple and dirt cheap. We use off-the-shelf roller blade wheels made from polyurethane. Each wheel has 2 x 10mm high speed bearing. Makes chain run very easy, even smooth gear changes. Replace front bottom chain block with 1 x roller blade wheel, and rear chain block replace with 2 x roller blade wheels. Use 3 x 10mm bolts as well.

[@kellyyon-x7p]

Elementary I say!

[@johnmignano7872]

@@kellyyon-x7p and thats why its worth doing

[@jakk222rem]

I've seen skateboard wheels used on choppers before.

[@johnmignano7872]

@@jakk222rem cool thanks for sharing, just know these type of wheels are reliable and work, very affordable and easy to replace, been using this set-up on all my XRs over 2 decades now

[@msims1250]

The main thing that has kept me from getting an XR650L is the 37” seat height. With my 28” inseam, it just seems like a no go. I do have a CRF450RL which is nearly as tall, but I have a Kouba link installed and a factory seat with about 2” of foam removed. All that gets the seat height down to right around 34”, and that is more manageable for me. I really do want a 650L, and if I can get the seat height down to 34ish” I just might get one. Thanks for the video!

[@DanHatcher-z7i]

I was very impressed with your video and your great detail! I loved that not only did you do the before and after measurements, you displayed the numbers onscreen. Well done Sir! I am a fan of yours and will be getting the lowering link soon! My front is already lowered and the handling is not bad, with the steeper rake... But getting my fat short leg over the back of the seat, with a rack and about 8" of gear piled there is killing me!!! OBTW, in 5 years of having my BRP, I have "crashed" it 11 times. The last one was turning around on a landing in heavy slash, at zero miles an hour. The 10 times before were getting on or off the bike with the kickstand down, also at zero miles an hour. I need this lowered bike and side stand! Thank you very much!!!

[@TheClintmeister]

You need more subs than you currently have! Looking your channel is "very relevant" putting a boat load of usefull information to all us! THX

[@underthedrone2735]

I lowered my DRZ400S 1.5" on the back and 1" on the front with no ill effects as well. It's good to see the XR650L can be lowered. It's a tall seated bike.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Nice! Yeah this definitely opens the XR up to so many more riders!

[@lumpskie]

I thought you might be exaggerating on the improvement... I just lowered mine and you are absolutely right. It just feels way better! Thanks for the content.

[@ronprince1478]

Thanks, no BS information. I’m an older rider and getting my leg over 😳🤔 is getting more challenging, also of camber terrain has to be thought about more but I love my nx650. 67 not out.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thanks! An NX 650!? I've always been interested in those! Nice.

[@alexcooper9083]

Me and a buddy bought brand brand new xrs in april and heres what ive learned, take the time to tune your suspension, a couple more psi in the forks goes a LONG way, lowering it was definitely the way to go, the factory bridgestones are terrible, ive got the same bar set up and its perfect, the brakes are sub par but thats easily fixable, the stock foot pegs are a must do upgrade. Also i was having the same instability issues at highway speeds and was about to buy a stabilizer however i found the cure , get a fork brace, its a night and day difference! Wish i had done it day 1!

[@dhof3759]

What fork brace did you get? Front end on mine wobbled pretty good when I get up to 60 plus on the hwy. I’ve got to hug the tank with my legs to get it to settle a little.

[@Ethan-su3xr]

Really enjoying your XR650L and DR650 content. I am now very keen on the XR650L! Thank you for all the tips and tricks, your videos are great!

[@frostbitevinnie]

Cool stuff! I had to lower my 690, similar seat height to the XR. Its still a struggle and for me mounting the bike takes some skill especially on rutted, muddy hills!

[@Eds_PanAm]

I'm getting my 701 lowered as we speak, but i decided to go with my dealer doing new springs all the way around, valving and setting it up for my weight, i can not wait to get it!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

NICE!!! Yeah that's definitely a good option! Mine seems to handle very well that way!

[@Hunter1st]

If you ever find yourself in Pennsylvania, you're more than welcome to stop by and try out my xr650r. I'd love to see a comparison video on them.

[@RicCross]

Following along with interest, my riding buddy has a XR650 with the lowering link plus quite a few other mods. I picked up a 2012 DR650 this week with a pumper and pipe. Going to just ride it “as is” for a bit and assess where the mod budget needs to go…

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Nice! Have you guys traded bikes at all to see how they differ? I'm pretty excited to see what happens with my DR after a few more mods. As much as I like the progress of the XR, I think the DR will end up being my pick, but we'll see!

[@randywilliams4325]

If you load the bike down with adv gear lowering the bike makes even more sense . I lowered a xr650r with a Kouba link . When you have 30-40 lbs of gear up high the bike gets hard to control . I always make a jumper harness and ditch the kickstand switch . I am getting ready to build a bike for the TAT.

[@BarnOwlProject]

Lil Tdub sitting there like a Chad at the end just flexing like "I'm still here, you all are temporary"

[@kellyyon-x7p]

That is a fact, but until then, I’m Gassin it all the way to the end.

[@waynes.2983]

In my garage the Tdub only lasted a year. That thing was too gutless, slow, heavy to steering & reminded me of my 1984 XT200 junker that I had back in my junior highschool years.

[@dboutdoors6180]

Looks like I know what's planned for my Saturday evening, installing my lowering link! I did not order a adjustable kickstand, hopefully I can get away with leaving it stock. Great video!!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

NICE!!! Let me know how you like it! And how the standard stand works. If you're only going 1" down, I'll bet the stock length will work fine...

[@markwheat2668]

My stock kickstand does fine with the moose/devol link!

[@T-qm2dd]

I am intrigued I’ve been tempted to put a lowering link on my 93 I’ve got stock suspension I’ve adjusted the sag backed off compression damper to2clicks& 7out on rebound & forks change out oil to motul @ factory oz. I run 4 clicks by out 0 air & I did slide the forks up a1/4 inch I am 6’ 170 works pretty good for me oh yeah stock bars and pegs desmog stock carb 58 pilot 158 main with Dave’s mod on the needle super trap with 4discs modified air box k&n dot knobs Metz frt . Michrear frtz15 49 rear front rim lock can’t even believe that didn’t come with the stock package & magnetic drain plug

[@stevebrittain3807]

i installed the Kouba link & lowered the front.Was going to buy a shorter kickstand, but factory works just fine,although i watch how i park(not with the stand uphill)

[@mkramsauer]

Another awesome video brother 👊 totally I to this new series

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Glad to hear it man!!! Thank you!!!

[@michaelanderson3771]

Just one Question? did you loosen off the rear spring preload to make sure your static sag and then rider sag is 30% of the travel ? removing some preload will allow the bike to squat a little in the rear also. and you slightly loose some clearance without upsetting the travel. the lowering link can reduce suspension travel.

[@joellikness2121]

Dang it man, i had my heart set on a DR650, but now you keep making me look at XRs.

[@suzyamerica4679]

Recently I finally got to borrow a DR650 for a ride. Was not too impressed. It felt more like a street bike with knobbies than a big dirt bike, which is what the XR feels like to me. Borrowed one from a friend last year and got to abuse it off-road. Very nice manners on dirt and gravel .. very communicative. With some mods it would be quite nice. (been negotiating purchase of that one)

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, it definitely feels much more like a road bike in comparison. I think I lost some of that with the lowering, but that was sort of intentional since it fits my needs much better. I am interested to see how a suspension upgrade changes the DR though, hoping it feels a little more dirt bike after that!

[@suzyamerica4679]

@@SwankyCatProductions One place where the design definitely needs to be harmonized is the issue of oil cooling. Ever look at a Harley? One of my relatives is a long-time Harley rider, and when we were talking about the XR he pointed out how Harley's typically have a whole oil tank that's behind the seat and accessible on the right side of the bike. It doesn't have fins or any other stuff. For the XR, honestly, I'd run the lines long and find someplace in the back to stash two separate radiator type coolers - like small transmission oil coolers. Adding more oil capacity helps delay the inevitable breakdown of the oil too.

[@retiredwaterdoctor]

Now your getting it dialed in.....most people will never notice a little lower back than front as they never push a bike to the extreme. Great job. Garth

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Very true!!! For the average dual sport guy I think this just makes way more sense!

[@bobkelly2447]

As far as I am concerned Lowering the XR650L is the best thing you can do to the bike ! bar none! Now I lowered mine to the extreme ! 4" lower than stock ! and there is no Ill effects that I know of.... the only possible ill effect is that it is hard to wheelie like this. ( because of the lower COG I think.) I do not miss the ground clearance at all. I still have 8" of ground clearance.... the SEAT is my biggest concern now.... I butchered it and made it too thin..... and my butt hurts at the end of the day !!!! but getting rid of the Stopping problem where you simply want to topple over when you stop makes a big difference to your feeling of the bike as a whole ! ... it was unsafe for me to ride in stock configuration. I would forget to slide off the seat to get my leg far enough to balance the bike and either struggle to catch it or just fall all the way over. being short (30" inseam) sucks on a tall bike.... so I've lowered every bike I've owned except the Triumph 750 !.... even the Ninja 250 ! and it is a Kick to ride ! at 28" seat height ! just be sure you leave 3 threads in that adjustable lowering link Ben !!!!

[@davids11131113]

I was able to make mine way better by shaving down the XR incredibly tall seat got 3 inches lower just doing that and it’s still very comfortable, plus you sit a bit closer to the CG of the bike too. Looks a bit like a trials bike seat now but whatever I don’t care about looks plus I put on a red Moose seat cover which looks a lot better than the black to me.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Nice! That's a pretty good amount of "ground" you gained by doing that!

[@markwheat2668]

I installed a Moose link which may just be Devol product with a logo for 40 dollars more! Great mod like you said makes the bike more stable and I'll add a much better powerslider! Been riding since the 70's some MX and Hare Scrambles. On a new bike all the suspension linkage bearings including the swingarm bearings need to be disassembled and greased they have a dab from the factory, none of the uncaged needle roller bearings and there are several are fully greased they are not even 10% greased. My new YZ 125 and 250 were basically dry. Before my first ride on the 250 I overhauled the whole rear end, it was torture lol but so much easier with a new clean bike! My XR has zerk/ grease fittings. Never powerwash your bike it just blows dirt past any seals and into the bearings. Steering stem bearings same story. 15 / 42 gearing works flippin great at least for a lighter rider, much less gap between 1st and 2nd and 4k rpm at 65mph.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Definitely much easier to power slide!!! I'd almost forgotten how uneasy it felt beforehand. Now it's much, much more comfortable, for just about everything!

[@joshuaroe3021]

Okay, this is a great how to. Nice job swanky.

[@pauldraper5335]

Might want to check the back of the front fender for rubbing after lowering, or raising the forks.

[@spiritzweispirit1st638]

Excellent Upgrades and Great Video' Thank you!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thank you!!!

[@nseric1233]

To me the biggest downside to lowering bikes is the reduced ground clearance. Honda built the xr with a full foot of ground clearance with the rider on the seat just like hard core off road bikes. Back in the day some crazy guys would race these bikes, they needed that ground clearance to avoid getting hung up all the time. For typical dual sport use you could lower the xr650l 2-3 inches and it'll be fine as it's so tall stock. I think you will find the dr and xr end up very similar after mods. The xr needs lowering, oil cooler and cush hub while the dr needs better suspension.

[@zrkn1]

From what I've heard, the geometry is way more important to high speed racing and jumping. Not so much for regular folks. I would lower, even more, front as long as you don't hit the bars and rear. It's never fun to ride if you feel unstable. Love the kickstand. ps my grandchildren are older than you LOL ride on

[@bush600r2]

That's what I like about the XR650 and XR600, THE HEIGHT. All other bikes feel to small and short for me at 6.1 ft with long legs the XR fits me perfectly and I find it handles great. These bikes were built for taller bigger guys and no offense but if your shorter like yourself then just get one of the many other shorter bikes on the market such as the DR that will fit you. In saying that I haven't watched your whole video but if you managed to modify it to get it shorter to fit you then good for you but the XR was built perfectly in my opinion and needs nothing changed, It's a master piece that's stood the test of time and I know many many other guys that would agree. We like the height as it is and the old school basic simplicity of it. Have a good day 👍

[@toohotcp]

Nothin like a random commenter who didn’t watch the video telling people what to choose to enjoy 😂 come on man. We all buy bikes and find things we have to work with. Almost no one is riding an XR or DR to the maximum potential. Ride what you want and enjoy

[@bush600r2]

@toohotcp I wasn't telling him what to do I was just saying I think the bike is perfect the way it is setup and saying that it's better by lowering it isn't always true. He lowered it to suit himself cause he's short and saying it handles better now which I'd disagree after owning and riding multiple XR bikes over many many years now. Each to there own good for him. I have a couple XR650R as well. I have one factory height setup and the other has been lowered front and back by a previous rider and the lowered one handles terribly compared to the stock one, and I can't wait to fix it and set it up properly that's why I'm saying perhaps better to get a bike that suits your height rather than altering it but if you want to that's cool too, but saying it will be better is not always correct. Like you say each to there own and enjoy your ride. No offence intended in either comment. Have a good day 👍 PS I did end up watching the whole video in the end after making the first comment part way through.

[@diggy-d8w]

I'd lower one if I was doing like 80%/20% on the roads -n- highways just to lower the center of gravity but then I'd be super careful what I tried to drive over & definitely put a good skid-plate on if you didn't already have one. I like seeing the work done but I can't do too much w/o tools. Love to have a friend like you, huh? Yup, we need good friends so ty for all the videos. peace

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah, it certainly degrades some amount of off road ability. I think it's the 20% I'd never use for my purposes though and it definitely increases the abilities I need both on and off road. Not to mention the ground clearance is still far superior to anything ride I've ridden. There'll always be some amount of trade off, you just need to find what fits your needs best! Haha yeah it's taken about a decade, but I'm pretty well set with tools. If I don't have it, my buddy Jason usually does! 🤣

[@diggy-d8w]

That's Right SwankyCat, the key is people determining their own wants/needs, accurately? I am starting to like this bike so for my 5'6" height/165 weight, I'd drop the center down & maybe all the way? My off road desires would be 2nd hand gravel or old fire roads OR on the off chance the sH!T breaks bad & I need to do a, "Rambo" off thru the trees as I head up to the mine.... lol, one never knows but I do appreciate seeing the work. peace out

[@insatiable_mind]

Your mod tests are tipping the scales more to 50/50. I was was strongly in the DR camp but I may just buy the one I find the best deal on.

[@JarrodLeis-ep3se]

That adjustable link looks like a great set up for guys with less than a 34” inseam.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Definitely! Really opens the bike up to a lot more riders!!!

[@RandomParrot]

The XR650HELL. I just can't unheard it now!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

🤣

[@badger523]

Love what you have done with that bike…. Anxious to mod mine out a bit as well! Thanks for the video!

[@mikerichards3248]

My used 07 KLR had adjustable lowering link on it from previous short owner. I set it to original factory length (5" center to center if memory serves) before my first ride on it. Your video has me thinking about lowering it a bit just to see what happens.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

It certainly doesn't hurt to try it! I think I just might have to try lowering my DR now too, just to see what happens! I'll probably put that one back, but you never know!!!

[@BrianSmith-ql5nj]

I still say you ought to make the dr and xr twins. Install all the same parts and match them up as close as possible.

[@keithporter5872]

These videos are great. Thank you. The seat does not look stock and yet a seat is not listed in the mods. Is the seat stock?

[@EricKoch-s5b]

Another great video. Is your DR lowered? I lowered mine and dropped the forks in the triple clamps and it works great. You may want to try that on your DR and see what you think. You would need to get the shorter kick stand from Suzuki. I look forward to your RD - XR videos.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thanks! I'm glad to hear that! It's been a lot of fun!!! The DR is not lowered yet, but I think I may just have to give it a try!

[@marka1919]

Have you noticed any changes in the rear suspension since lowering the XR? I’m been thinking about lowering mine but have been told it will soften the rear suspension.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Interesting... I suppose the longer link would add some mechanical advantage. Perhaps that's why I'm noticing the front end not wanting to come up as easily? I didn't get any HUGE air the other day when I did the full off road test, but I did have it off the ground quite a bit, with zero issues. Perhaps some luggage will change that, but we'll see!

[@OscarSchneegans]

Man, I wish Honda and Suzuki would update the XR650 and the DR650 with modern engines and suspension!

[@JoeyMartin-u9b]

Nice job sir

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thank you!

[@timlubbers2884]

Having high ground clearance looks cool, but if you have 3-5” with the suspension compressed you are fine. The skid plate and your ability to ride will take care of the rest.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Definitely!!!

[@royhayes-ry6rw]

The instructions on my Trust Racing lowering links says front lower 1cm for for 2.5 year as they are not 1:1 effect.

[@royhayes-ry6rw]

Lust racing lowering links

[@ArizonaAdv]

Lowering mine putting a oil cooler on makes a massive difference being lowered um 6'3 and with my little seat cushion I sit perfectly on it. Going through sand no problem it handles far better . Put my tools down low .

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Nice! Yeah it's definitely a good thing to try. I'd bet most would find the positives outweigh any negatives. If it's a dual sport, it just makes more sense & 12" of clearance is still class leading!

[@samuelbuehler8626]

I'm pretty sure I saw you riding north that day when you were just getting into the Wausau area. I think I can see my truck going southbound in your video lol. What part of Wisconsin do you live?

[@MrSpeed396]

I’m curious of the quality of the lowering link as it does not have bearings and is just a bushing style setup? Any thoughts on?

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah it'll be interesting to see what happens after riding through dusty & muddy trails for a while. It's not like the links internals are constantly rotating, but they do need to rotate a small amount, and fairly quickly when riding over bumpy terrain. All comes down to how well they keep the debris out I suppose, and how tough the materials are.

[@MrSpeed396]

@ Thank you for the reply. I’m definitely on the fence about purchasing do to construction of the link. Thank you again

[@johnmclaughlin4802]

Great job 👍

[@jameshisself7375]

Both bikes could benefit from A LOT of weight reduction. That would help more than ride height imo. If you like it better lowered than it is better for you. I'm not tall but the big log thing is common on my local trails so guess how I feel about that.

[@RandomParrot]

Dude I forget how old I am until the next morning! 50+ by the way.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Haha 😂 yeah that's always a bit of a wake up call. I couldn't figure out why my leg hurt so bad the other day, then I went to kick a ball around with the kids again (we'd done it a few days beforehand). Halfway through the first kick I realized what had happened 🤣

[@lohoffssonloffman9668]

How does the xr650l, dr650, 701 enduro and Tenere 700 compare when it comes to vibrations? Which one is smoothest? Could you put them in order? Also hows the vibrations in handle bars / foot pegs on each of them?

[@SwankyCatProductions]

The Tenere has to be the smoothest overall, newer 701s will actually be smoother than mine due to an improved counter balancing system, but even mines not bad. The XR definitely makes your hands buzz a touch after a few hours of running it in first gear off road. On road it's not bad, the DR might be a little less buzzy. Haven't been able to take the DR out for a long hard off road ride but I believe it would be slightly smoother. I'll probably do a video comparing them when I get a bit more seat time!

[@lohoffssonloffman9668]

Thanks man! Please do a video comparing the vibrations on all of them, I relly appreciate it, keep up the good work!

[@kk2into194]

Between the Honda and the Suzuki which one would be better for someone who rides like 60% road and 40 off road?

[@robbieandbeckie]

Now put an oil cooler and a cush drive hub, then change the X to a D on the tank!!!😂

[@evr-mr3cp]

or spend 2k on suspension mods on Suzi, change the D to an X and still not have decent suspension.

[@suzyamerica4679]

About that cush drive hub .. would it make sense to instead make the judder spring on the XR650L a little softer than original? If it's anything like the one on the CRF250L (had it apart a few times) it has a series of washers, one of which is conical and made of spring steel, and its function is to slow the rate at which full contact can be made. There are a couple different ways you can accomplish that.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

That would just about do it! I was thinking 5.8 gallon tank and HLR-650 🤣

[@suzyamerica4679]

@@SwankyCatProductions The one drawback I heard about the big tank is that it pushes the rider's knees quite a ways out. And that's making me think the bike needs only ~200 miles built-in capacity and you'd just put on a rotopax/etc for the longer rides. But for that calculus I'm waiting to see how the mpgs can be improved .. and before tuning it for an acceptable amount of leanness (which will make the engine run hotter) first I need to fix the oil cooling issues.

[@robbieandbeckie]

​@SwankyCatProductions My coworker picked one up for 1000 bucks just a little work on it and now he is out riding. I think I may need and XR to go along with my KLR and DR

[@solacegrove9752]

For 10 bucks you can buy Rust-Oleum Gray 2000 Degree High Heat Primer and paint that ugly black exhaust if you are keeping it.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

That's a good idea! I've got a pipe to put on it though, just waiting for a few of the heavier mods first. Then it'll be performance time!

[@suzyamerica4679]

Been going through the ADVrider forums to see if someone has already spec'd out the "doesn't need to be periodically repacked" exhaust that is the most lightweight. Possibley it's the Yoshimura or the Leo Vince model, not sure.

[@Trumplican]

27:50 "hold the corn" LMAO im stealing that one! I hate ethanol fuel. Also thats so typical the receipt didnt print!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Haha 😆 I'm glad you enjoyed that, go for it! I swear, anytime I actually need a receipt it never comes out.

[@Trumplican]

@@SwankyCatProductions same here! I need them for work and 9 times out of ten i have to go in to get it. love your videos you inspired me to get my 2024 klr

[@dano4530]

Take some preload off the center shock. Back that spanner nut down a little, you will sit lower.

[@stefanhenne7487]

Hey Swanky, would you take this bike around the world? On and off road?

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Perhaps with a larger tank, some highway pegs and a more level seat. It's probably the most fun bike I have at the moment, but also the least comfortable for long rides. With the aforementioned modifications, I think it would make an awesome backroad traveler that can still do some highway riding when needed.

[@stefanhenne7487]

@ Thank you, appreciate your opinion and your feedback!

[@kweholt]

That’s a sweet little rolling bike lift. What brand is that?

[@SwankyCatProductions]

It's "custom" haha. I bought the lift part years ago and then fastened two old snowmobile dollies somewhat recently. I've got an affiliate link to one that comes with a much nicer wheel set up in the description or "more" section below the video.

[@samuelbuehler8626]

I use the harbor freight small transmission scissor jack, which is pretty much the same thing.

[@htchd1htchd149]

Ive stripped my dr sort of super motod slash cafe well it looks like a 70s bike but i digress it is scary and the sound it makes is mean ,i love it it will fly down the road it will lugvon a trail hinestly its to much on single honestly just to umm twitchy but great bike great motor guess why suzuki hasnt really changed it in 30 years

[@pfcokelly]

I have the link, I was waiting to lower my xr untill this vid. Good thing too i forgot I need a lower kick stand lol. Im nearly 6'2 and im not comfortable on it unless i have my motorcross boots on. Big red recommends 87, is there a benefit to 91?

[@SwankyCatProductions]

That's awesome! It's definitely got my seal of approval! If you're only going down an inch you may be ok with the stock one, but I'm not 100%. The big foot stand definitely makes it easier to park off road without it sinking in though!

[@brandonboyce2995]

Now just get rid of that old uuggglly front fender and the donkey dong rear taillight. Looks good, though. Does the headlight shroud/windscreen keep the air off you at speed?

[@brandonboyce2995]

Polisport universal front fender would bring that bike into the right century.

[@unL33T]

Our 91 in Canada (or at least Ontario) all contains corn now. :(

[@alanmeyers3957]

Where do they put all that weight? The 650 R is 75 pounds lighter and has twice the power, they should bring that back with a light kit for road legal use.

[@USA01930]

what handgrip guards are those i had a hard time installing the ones i got on my xr650

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I'll drop an affiliate link for them below. They're the Tusk D flex Dual Sport or Adventure guards. (Only difference between them is the adventure version comes with longer spacers for bikes with longer grips and levers) Tusk Handguards: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-d-flex-pro-adventure-handguards-p?ref=1042&

[@quadsquadgarage]

Man I wish we could get brand new xr's in Canada.

[@gramcameron4469]

Now just add a bst40 carby to get that extra 15mpg

[@nomvonglismerced4311]

Should work on changing the L to an R

[@wadehampton1737]

It sort of looks like you're trying to turn that XR into a DR.😀

[@davegayaldo]

yeah but it’s 20lbs lighter.. they are both great tho

[@JPaul60]

It's tough being a short person. Honda was right to make a bike in an adult size.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I prefer it actually. If my legs were any longer they'd be too cramped on the pegs. Also, the vast majority of dual sport suspensions are set up for my exact weight, so I don't need to do any expensive upgrades. Plus, most manufacturers purposefully leave room for an easy height adjustment like this and since a lower center of gravity means much, much better handling, I really can't complain!

[@gabrielkopp2036]

Now that its lower did you reset your race sag

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Not yet! After I figure out the height I want I'll get someone to help me set it properly!

[@gabrielkopp2036]

@@SwankyCatProductions I personally think the xr650l need to not be so tall from the factory. I had a 2017 and at 6ft2 and 34" inseam it was still tall lol only reason I sold mine was the crapy gas mileage

[@EagerMartialArts-cl7vd]

Could you do some content on horse and buggies next?

[@onerider808]

No, Honda absolutely did NOT get it wrong. Anyone who ‘mods’ the bike that way is just messing it up.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

A lot of manufacturers build things into their bikes to leave room for adjustments like this. That's why the XR has such large sections for the triple tree clamps. The DR650 actually has a second set of holes around back, for the rear shock, and the forks have some internal parts that can be swapped around to lower the front to match. It's all in the owners manual. If you've never ridden a bike before and after it was lowered like this, I'd highly suggest it. Sounds like you'd be surprised!

[@citizenX117]

if you mesure more tha 6ft the xr its perfect but if you mesure less than 6ft then the DR its the right one. the handle bars should be confortable at the same hight of the elbows

[@SwankyCatProductions]

True! The nice thing about the XR though is that you can just stick a couple hundred bucks into lowering it. Where the DR may require suspension work for those who ride a little faster off-road.

[@billegge3074]

Lowered my 2016 klr two inches That makes it three inches lower than a gen 1. Much better road bike. Are you racing motocross? How about hard enduros? Be honest. I have to laugh at fellas that think they need lots of ground clearance to travel around the world. You could do it on a 1930s hard tail Harley. YOU have been conned.

[@z50king29]

If you aren't 6 feet tall, this could be helpful

[@onerider808]

If you don’t fit size 13 boots and stick socks in the end, it’s on you if they don’t fit right. Learn to ride or get a bike which fits you.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Oh, sorry, I actually rode this bike plenty before it was lowered. You can check out the videos yourself if you like! After realizing how much better my DR650 handles both on and off road, I figured this would be a fun thing to try. Turns out, it's waaay better this way! Unless you spend 90% of your time on a motocross track, I'd highly recommend trying it! Thanks for the comments! Ride safe!

[@joshuaroe3021]

Posting this comment as I start the video...I'm giving you a chance. We shall see....

[@LeoPool-v6q]

Honda 650xrl dont play straight up

[@bobkelly2447]

Ben ! you barely lowered it !!! I am surprised you could tell ANY difference ! I've lowered mine 4" at least lower it the full 2" and raise the front fork tubes to the handle bars ! Come on man, do it right you will love it ! lower that thing more ! don't be chicken !!!! LOL my short bod demanded I lowered mine more and I can flat foot the bike when sitting on it with both feet..... it changed the bike from a tip over trap, to a real motorcycle that is useable now....

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Haha yeah I was pretty surprised how much of a difference it made, but an inch is a lot when you're taLking center of gravity. How did you say you got the top clamps to clamp that low on the top of the tubes? Isn't that beyond the clamping section?

[@markwheat2668]

How did you lower it 4"?

[@markwheat2668]

​@@SwankyCatProductions I lowered the triple clamps just to the lower clamping portion of the forks also. Thinking it could go more but would still keep a majority of clamping portion in contact.

[@bobkelly2447]

@@markwheat2668 bought an adjustable lowering link similar to what Ben did....that wasn't low enough for me so I added a 1/2" piece of steel in the link to make it longer...on the front I got handle bar risers that pivot and raise the bars...then lowered the front all the way to touch the handle bars on the bottom then tightened them down, then I took about 1.5" off the side stand, i'm 5'9" tall and 185lbs and have a 30 " inseam I also carved 3" of foam out of the seat and re covered it.... I admit I messed up the seat it is too thin but I can flat foot the bike now !!!!

[@bobkelly2447]

@@SwankyCatProductions YES it is...the fork tube actually tapers inward at that point.... I just put them all the way down anyway ....that I could and then clamped it down nothing bent or broke the clamps are pirty much closed now but the forks are good and tight !!! the top of the fork tubes stick up a good 3" above the triple-tree clamps

[@davessparetime83]

Lower the rear an inch more.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Will do!

[@dont3761]

Has to be a better product then that, looks cheap AF

[@robertgrimm2389]

My concern as well. Amazon sells an adjustable lowering link similar to this and one reviewer had it break on the freeway, one piece link for me..

[@rappsks]

Those frame welds are UGLY

[@randycallow3736]

All these bikes are the same, some paint, plastic and decals and selling the same thing for decades, literally. And all are like most of Americans in denial. All bikes come way under sprung and for not much money and some hassle drop oil and fork springs and with $5 bucks in tools replace rear shock spring yourself. You can see by the dash that Honda is not even trying. And at the other end of the spectrum is the KLR, what happens when you just keep bolting things on trying to make a single cylinder 650 look bigger and different..at least Honda and Suzuki kept it basic. They spend zero to little money on propaganda, probably figure what is the use . motorcycle mags have lost most of their juice, people get influenced by internet and CF Moto and others are bombarding the media with why they are good.. these big 650s could go on small diet, maybe subframe parts, lighter items, forks, and go with tubeless rims . some kind of rally looking thing on the front to have pretend wind protection and get another 10 years w no significant design changes. Real question is war..if China goes into Taiwan the motorcycle industry will probably just stop. Bicycle industry will go completely away.. but if something happens in the supply chain again, the entire 2 wheel everything is going to be sketchy to the point of extinction. Look at Swanky, besides Camel everything else 99%of these guys schill for and bolt on their bikes is from China..90% of the motorcycle aftermarket is Chinese. And gear!! Forget it..head to toe.. helmet, jacket, pants, boots, goggles, communications, navigation, the whole industry has all it's eggs in a Chinese basket..

[@clvrswine]

Unintelligible. Comment with some care for syntax, sentence structure and spelling. You might have a point or opinion, but it's lost here.

[@2010ChargerRT]

Lowering!? 🤮🤮

[@SwankyCatProductions]

That's how I felt too! Now I still can't believe how much better it is!

[@2010ChargerRT]

@@SwankyCatProductions it is a super tall bike.