My Thoughts on the Honda XR650R vs CRF 450X o

[@Maxpower4908]

When I ride my friend’s 450x, it feels like a toy compared to my 650R. Not to mention I have never had the top end apart. It is a 2003 with God knows how many miles it. His 450x has already Grenaded once requiring a $2000 rebuild. He is faster in single track, but as soon as the trail opens up into a sandy straight away, I put coal to the BRP and pull 40 bike lengths on him. Then we stop and wait for our friend with the DR-Z to catch up. I guess if you want to drink tea while riding, adjust your monocle, and brag about how smooth your motorcycle is, get the 450x. For my For my money, the XR650R is the best enduro ever made.

[@RonTimmonsM1]

Honda XR650R is the best bike ever made without a doubt. But you definitely need to uncork it to get the full potential power!!

[@bermcannonk]

"Honda Xr650r = Trophy truck Crf450x class 1 car " ....... Bob Bell

[@FineTuneCBShop]

I love my XRR .. makes me feel like I'm back on my 1979 XR500R again, that was a few years ago. Turned almost 60 miles the other day.

[@peepit2745]

A bermcannon leme get those Jonny camble jet specs for xr650r, I just bought a 03 and I wanna rip.

[@azdesertdog]

Yup. I lusted after the XR650R when i first got to the desert 17 years ago. Then they stopped making them. Gently used examples were few and far between. I think the wide ratio 450 is a great desert bike. However, if you can find a XR650R ridden to church by a little old lady from Pasadena buy it not matter what she is asking.

[@TheClayCoKid]

I was lucky enough to find one!

[@MOTO809]

@@TheClayCoKid Me too, just got mine about 4 weeks ago.

[@docjholiday]

I bought one of these after your last XR650R review and it makes me smile every time I ride it:)

[@prairiedog879]

He's putting around and feeling the weight. The 650R is purpose built to soak up 80 mph in a straight line through the whoops and rough stuff without upsetting the chassis. The faster you go the more you appreciate this motorcycle. Its not a Putster as Everide is riding it in the vid.

[@H3avyHaul3r]

they are so good i bought 2 lol.... my last bike was a xr600 i sold in 91....so kicking the 650r is no problem even 20yrs on and wearing flip flops (thongs in aussie slang)...and it was made easier to start with a mikuni tm40 carb the 650r is a bike for wide open spaces, hence why they are good supermoto conversions which is what i have a 2nd one for... if you are only in 1/2/3 gear a lot while riding in the dirt you have the wrong bike...still doable but not so much fun... the bike is way more friendlier with the carb change (and unlocks more power) and the clutch can be made a whole lot better with a RSC stunt clutch lever and a fresh cable.... while i’d like a push button start crf450 i’m not up for the high end maintenance of the motor... xr650r simply a great dirtbike

[@bermcannonk]

owned two 650's in my lifetime. classic

[@MOTO809]

I just bought a 2003 650R for adventure/cross country riding. I've been on a CRF450R for the last 12 years, and yeah, the 650 feels like a tank. But, it really doesn't handle that bad, and it's nice to have the heft when you gotta get on the highway. I looked a lot at the 450X, and the electric start was really appealing, but the 650 isn't that hard if you do it right. The one I just got was already set up with the street legal kit, luggage rack, and oversize fuel tank, and that was the kicker. So far, I love it.

[@backcountryadvmoto]

That’s so awesome Ty! I had no idea you did that vlog while we were up there changing that tire....or waisting our time since it was just the valve stem. 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@darrynbuck5182]

I’d have my xr650r any day it’s just such a beast it is like a bucking bull but it’s that twist of the throttle and boom your off to orbit with this sick as smile on your face and a dukes of hazard yehaw cheers Buck great vid too Tyler

[@mrclean6796]

I have a 450X and a 650R so your review really caught my attention. As always, l love your videos Tyler. Keep up the great work. Thank you!

[@travisbarr5367]

I wish Honda would bring the whole XR-R series back

[@skulldriver1019]

Doesn’t go that fast? Have you uncorked and rejetted yet? Pipe helps a lot too. An uncorks 15-20 horse on top of the 30. It was limited down from the factory.

[@metaldog7128]

@Skulldriver101 : yer that made me laugh 😂 it’s not fast 😂😂 go tell Johnny Campbell, Andy Grider and Steve Hengeveld or Scott summers , that it’s “slow” 🤣 or any of the guys that raced it in the Dakar rally and so on ... the thing will pull your arms off , and I guarantee there’s not many guys out there that can ride the mighty XR650R to it’s full potential like desert legends 🙌🙌🙌

[@johannej3241]

XR650r would be the millennium falcon and the CRF450X is the x wing. 650r is big yet capable Baja tested going over 100mph. So pls. Honda give us back our Pig.

[@TheXaelem]

XR650R's "heavy" feel is what is called straight line stability. The CRF450X feels "nimble" because it is basically a motocrossbike modified to do desert racing and all it wants to do is turn and shake its head all the time. DRZ feels easier to ride only because you are used to its quirks but it is in no means any better than either aforementioned XR or CRF. If you were forced to rife anything but a XT500 for the next year you'd think that was the holy grail. Me I prefer a XR400R above all right now even though I am honest enough to admit is trying to buck me off all the time and is about as stabil in highspeed desertracing as a kite in a sandstorm.

[@brianvaughn2096]

I felt top heavy on my DRZ 400S, on my 650R I felt like all the weight was down low, felt more Secure and confident in corners.

[@DennisTkalec]

Is the R you rode uncorked or stock? The stock bike is a shadow of what it was meant to be. The real beast is the HRC kit version of the xr650r (Honda high compression piston and advanced cam, open intake it’s the motor as they raced in the Baja). I have it and love it. The stability at speed is mind boggling. It is so confidence inspiring to ride it. It hill climbs like nothing else. Power/torque to change the rotation of the earth. I can kick start mine sitting down, just knowing the sequence and using the compression release. I upgraded from a 1979 xr500 to the 2002 xr650r... it felt so light and nimble lol. I guess perspective is key. With a few mods I think it has potential to be as close to the 1 bike to do it all as it gets.

[@kevloos86]

Dennis Tkalec what gas do you use octane wise. I’m thinking of doing a hrc kit for mine

[@MichaelAbramo]

@@kevloos86 93 pump

[@peteranderson5283]

You should do a comparison between the L and the R. Long live the BRP!

[@leandroflaherty]

A true race bike vs tame bike. Both are great, but the XRR is a beast.

[@epine5122]

There is no comparison. Lol

[@docbsingletrack]

I own a perfectly running 1994 XR600R and a 2014 Beta 450RR. This is what I’d say: Impressions - they are totally different bikes, not necessarily one better...just different. Best I can describe- The XR aka “Punisher” is an ANGRY bike and wants to tear chit in front of it up; and at the twist of the throttle the rear tire digs, hard and planted, on pavement or dirt. ANGRY bike.. The BETA feels more like a guy that’s sitting on a European beach for the first time “hey your sexy......oh chit hang on” damn her top came off sensation. The Beta’s back tire kicks around like a child skipping down the sidewalk. Brap Brap Brap goes the 4 stroke. The Rekluse clutch is like a magical witches stick and there must by fairies in there casting spells to make it work. Bewildering witchery at work. Plenty of power overall and tractors up hills; although not angrily like Punisher. Beta is a very nimble bike and launches its self gracefully off jumps; lands like a ballerina. Punisher hits the ground like “FU ground............ I will kick your a$$” Overall the Punisher is an MMA fighter and the Beta is Bruce Lee. The end! Awesome work on your videos! Big fan!

[@29ballin]

Awesome 👏

[@kellycatian9629]

I live in Baja,own 650s & 450s I love 450s power/weight ratio but if you ride em hard and long you're gonna be doing top ends to keep it snappy. 650s can handle it...for months,years even...hard as you can ride em. I'd get both!

[@ridingdeep8530]

You had me at AT-AT vs. AT-ST, I appreciate the clarification. :)

[@castromudong955]

My 650r out in the desert was a beast.nothing even comes close at over 100+mph on dirt..

[@mperhaps]

California is the most difficult state to try to register a dirt bike for street. Right now I have duck tape covering the off road green sticker. I have my plates from my 92 XR250R on the bike presently. I owned both bikes. The 92 XR250 and my 2002 XR650R which displays the plates from my 250. I even have 250 decals on my 650 but I put the odds at 50/50 at best that it fools a police officer when that day comes.

[@kinguin7]

Picked up a plated one recently, in part due to your old review. It's incredible, but takes some effort and concentration to handle!

[@pseudoscientist4585]

XR650R all the way baby!

[@ricardofriezas180]

The xr650r is definitely a men's bike. 😎

[@Venom3303]

Sexist

[@ronanrogers4127]

@@Venom3303 realist

[@randywilliams4325]

I own a plated xr650r that I converted into an adventure bike . If you are going to pack stuff and tour the 650 is a better bike .For a day only ride the The 450 would be more fun to ride .Honda calls for more maintenance on the 450 .Motorcycles are like tools in a tool box-pick the best 1 for the job. A big guy might be able to use the 650 as a trail bike.I put 2400 miles in Baja on my 650 and only added motor oil ,lubed the chain ,replaced 1 air filter.Only down time was a nail flat on the back tire . The 650 is the sledge hammer of dirt bikes.

[@ColoradoForestBeings]

Hi Randy, what tire combo did you use? I am taking mine down there next month and undecided...Thank you!

[@randywilliams4325]

Colorado Forest Beings little late but here is the scoop-Dunlop at81 front 90/90-21 and a Shinko 244 5.10-18 rear . This set up will run 2500 miles . Runs smooth on the road with good steering on sand . Was running 18-20 psi f&r

[@ColoradoForestBeings]

Thanks I ran the Kenda Desert Parker DTs and we did 2189 miles total and am impressed. Take care

[@MKmod-hp3lw]

Got my 650r 2001 love it and will never get rid of her...78.4hp at dyno at 87mph....big red pig baby

[@Erik-gg2vb]

I bought one in 2003 and put it away. I'm now converting to a ADV bike, it has a ca. plate! I think it will be better than my friends KTM 890 ADV R on the trails but not on the street.

[@ChaoticDetour]

I am thinking that a trebuchet would have quite the kick in the pants acceleration followed by the realization that it doesn't have much in the way of brakes. ATGATT is highly recommended.

[@jefframbo2061]

I had a xr650r and definitely a beast but love my drz400e much more for the trails I ride. Plus electric start is way easier. Great vid man keep it up.

[@josephamos2876]

i have an old 1984 XR350R with some top end work done. i relate it to riding a recliner up a mountain, but it will eat up any mountain, lol.

[@ronmower3694]

i have a 83 xr350r all just redone new .xr pnly headers and exhaust its a billy goat,ive a 99 xr 600 as well luv both

[@Erik-rp1hi]

I'm finally putting my new 2003 XR650R together for what I bought it for, Ride the trans Continental Trail, 1st leg we will do is Denver to Oregon. Bought another rear sub frame and will weld extra tubing to support the Giant loop soft luggage for weeks of trail side camping. Problem will be on the freeway from LA to Denver and then Oregon to LA. Bigger countershaft and smaller rear sprocket and wind protection. Stator wound by Baja Design for 2ea. 125 watt circuits for lighting and such. Installed heavier springs. Wanted to have a Yamaha Tenere 700 for this but none available now. Also Seat Concepts seat. Will see. My KTM 450 XCW that has a ca. plate would die doing this loop.

[@andrewwilliams2361]

Erik, are you in Denver by chance? I just bought an Xr myself

[@Erik-rp1hi]

@@andrewwilliams2361 No I'm in LA. Good luck with your XR. From what you tubes I've seen the bike starts pretty easy. Make sure you jet richer, main and needle jet. remove the egr smog unit and if using stock muffle get the end baffle that only has the screen.

[@sailingyemaya9781]

The Xr 650 is a Massey Ferguson

[@iD4v1d]

The in between bike you're looking for is the Husaberg FE 570

[@Kaegis]

Best bike ever made

[@user-fl4wn9dn2c]

Would love to own a XR650R

[@eliasmora715]

i have one, and it never gives up , and i always ride alone..... i will never sell it, very fast bike, lots of power, perfect to ride my back yard ( Baja) :)

[@kyleh628]

you keep saying how big of a bike it is but when you compare it to KLR 650 and the xr650L to the xr650r, they are both heavier and much more under powered. The xr650r seems like the perfect dualsport. Not underpowered like the drz 400, or lame like the xr650l with the only real downside being kick start.

[@ArmPump]

Is that bike you're on uncorked?

[@davidkris]

Hahahaha that's a perfect description!

[@shrubitup]

I had a CRF450X with a BBK (500). The CRF is NOT faster than the XR650R (uncorked). The XRR has a lot more overall tug at every throttle position compared to the CRF.

[@jered2177]

I didn't know you had an XR 650 I bet it is a beast. Raw FTW

[@jgrc73]

Trebuchet 🙂👍🏻

[@rufusmarmeduke]

If you ever want to ride and review the XR650L compared to the R, hit me up. I'm in STG.

[@adildewji]

I love it

[@alphawolf2993]

650 thumpers are the best sounding dirt bikes easy

[@frankcrawford416]

What are the differences between the 650R vs. the L. Is one street legal and the other is not? What are other differences such as power and what the bike comes with as far as accessories? Thanks.

[@WoodY19861210]

Frank, Biggest difference is 650R is liquid cooled whereas the 650L is air cooled.

[@randywilliams4325]

2 completely different bikes . Honda built the R just for racing Baja before the 450’s came out . It’s water cooled + has an aluminum frame . The xrl is a descendant of the old air cooled xr600 . Air cooled with a steel tube frame . Most xrr have had mods done to suit the rider as the bike came out as a dirt only bike with a small gas tank . Try to find some old Baja racing vids of Johnny Campbell . There were built to run wfo for miles . If you want a light but powerful Japanese dual sport you have to build it .

[@musaabdi694]

That's good you're right

[@wolffo999]

XR650R rules .....@100mph !

[@Dangerwiggles]

I thought the XR felt tiny compared to my usual KLR. (well because it is, lol) The power it makes is incredible.

[@stevequimby4655]

I owned both at the same time . A 2002 xr650r and a 05 450x , both uncorked. I thought for sure in a strait run to 65 or so the 650 should walk away from the 450x but found it was the opposite. 450x walked the 650 by bike lengths and was much quicker . Even from a roll the 450 was faster but the 650 was more fun to ride.

[@MotorosVandor]

OMG Tyler! Tell me, that was 1,5x fast forward! Damn, you are much faster than one year ago! :O

[@mxgryan]

Well one is basically an MX bike with tweaks

[@kiwiridernz69]

aluminium frame too which was next gen, still is compared to the drz

[@johndunn9819]

still had said nothing at 2:31. which is where i checked-out.

[@biffbinford8767]

My xr650r is my daily.... It doesn't see much off road use. I doubt I'll ever buy a different bike.

[@jamesshedd752]

You won’t notice the difference till you get up to about 75 to 80 mph in the desert

[@motoendurocalaveras429]

XR650R = Star War's AT AT🤣

[@ryanmeister8241]

650r is meant to have hi comp piston and big cam. I'd you haven't ridden it like that then yiu have no clue

[@miloraca]

Riders have moved on from the XR bikes,many riders want killer 2 stroke bikes

[@DaBombDotCom77]

The 650R is a wild stallion, while the 450x is pony

[@jeremydale2835]

450x is definitely not faster than the 650r.

[@levylovits]

You can drive the buick all day. The civic 2 hours max

[@jeffreyespindola]

Thank you so much for pronouncing it A-T-A-T and not At-At... just saying... Han shot first

[@Holgrinator]

George Lucas said it's pronounced At-At.... just sayin.

[@Errol.C-nz]

its not a boys bike... before you try ANY comparison... put them both in sand or at least off road... dribbling along a road says NOTHING

[@peterhart5882]

you will not blow up the xr650r. i blew up my crf450r in the desert and i knew what i had to do. i found a great condition xr650r. as i age, the xr650L might be in my future. push button start.

[@mxgryan]

XR650L maybe more in the middle?

[@Tarzisme]

Drz is like a 93 Nissan 240sx great outa the box but meh suspension and needs just a bit more power

[@johnmignano7872]

😆😅😂🤣

[@jambormbac345]

holly cow is a pagan believe

[@caccadu12]

Panzer means tank in German

[@randyrowe3097]

The 650r is 30yrs old

[@randyrowe3097]

I was exaggerating. They are true legends. The motors with an upgraded clutch and suspension and chassis would still be top of the food chain.

[@goldteethman8720]

@@randyrowe3097 The broad I was cumming in last night is 30 years old and a fucking 10, great ride

[@TillDeathDualUsSport]

Better get to work on your Lancelot costume!

[@mikenelson189]

Great bike but your right... I have owned both a 2000 xr650r a 2008 450x and a xr650l and 18 years ago had a xr400. I sold my crf450x after 4 years of riding and bought another xr400 and converted it to e-start re valved the front and rear suspension plus slapped a pumper carb on it. it's uncorked with a white brothers e series pipe and header welds ground and it rips!! Don't miss the xr650r too big and no majic button. With that said if it had electric start I might still have however endef up selling it and kept my xr650l because it had a button and ended up putting 25,000 miles on the L before I sold it for another xr400. Out here is Colorado the xr400 is perfect when set up right and beats them both imo