One year review of my Honda XR650l

[@memorris2]

I love these bikes. Air cooled, carb, can literally take the whole bike apart with the supplied tool kit. Beasts!

[@bobkelly2447]

I agree ! I love my 2001 XR650L ! I have lowered my XR so much I can flat foot the beast with both feet.... I'm short and I need that ! I have a 30" inseam the swing arm sets horizontal if you can imagen that ...I've also lowered the front to where the frame cradle under the engine is almost horizontal as well.... it still needs to drop a bit more in the front though I think. (ground clearance is about 8" now I think) I cut about 3.5" out of the stock seat to lower the rider height as well which I think I cut out a bit too much but it works and works well for me... I have a 13T sprocket on the front and stock sprocket on the rear and if I time it right I can get a good wheelie out of it just by throttle... and I love that ! the bike is very strong, alot stronger than the 1980 version I had previously, it's quicker to respond and even with the 13T sprocket I can reach 70~75 mph if I want.... the bike is way too tall for most riders it is stupid tall ! but you can lower it and have a really good reliable bike for not that much money ! I could have any bike I want and I picked this one.... and I am extremally glad I did ! it's light enough for this 70 year old man to horse around..... I can't say that about the other adventure bike I bought ! so I sold it and bought this one !

[@EvendimataE]

im 5'8" and i want to buy an xr650. i saw one on facebook last week, but the seller said the bike is too tall for me. if i see a good deal again, ill just buy it. at worst, maybe il replace the seat with a thin foam....LOL

[@bobkelly2447]

@@EvendimataE it's not so much the seat as it is the 11.5" travel suspension ! and the 13" ground clearance just get a adjustable lower link and drop the forks in the triple trees and you can lower it close to 30" seat height.... I've messed with mine overly so.... more than what was needed trying to get it perfect for me. cutting 2" of foam off the seat made a big difference but makes my butt sore on long rides the seat just isn't wide enough. so that is a future project.... I wound up recently lowering the XR650L even more....the front forks stick up 3" out of the triple trees and I added a 2" extension to the adjustable lowering link.... I had the seat height at 28" but raised it back up to 30" as that felt the best for me. people just do not know you do not have to have a TALL motorcycle it's an easy and quick modification that anyone can do with a set of tools to NOT lower your motorcycle is a safety issue to you !

[@EvendimataE]

thank you very much for the info@@bobkelly2447

[@Maxumized]

@@EvendimataEI’m 5’-8” and love my XR. Just lowered the front forks about 1 1/2” and installed a lowering link on the rear. The guy selling it just has no confidence in himself…don’t let his negativity change your mind.

[@eugrules]

Riding motorcycles offroad is the most glorious thing you can do. DUDE I just saw the car in the background. COOL

[@badgerbait8351]

"Dinosaur...outdated...CRF is FI..." All from an era where bikes were meant for the owner! These people have clearly never had to do all their own maintenance. The XR is truly a doomsday machine! Though I run Beta 300 and Yamaha WR and have owned countless other dirt bikes, I currently own my second XR and it's the last bike I would sell! With all of it's lack of modern refinements, this pig will not let you down and it's made for the guy who ain't afraid to tune or turn a wrench.

[@GratefulEd907]

I’ve had mine going on 3 years now and I still love it.

[@theadventurousrider]

Man the truth in what you said about there is something different about riding on a motorcycle through an area is so different than in a vehicle. Don't think riding up in East TN would have been as enjoyable in my truck than it was on the bike. Good overall review.

[@lp4619]

Great bikes! Just took mine on the Smokey Mountains 500, and it performed flawlessly. You don't need all that fancy stuff; you just need a reliable bike that does the job. Great review.

[@TermiteOffroad]

I did the sm500 a month or so ago on the xr. Had a blast!

[@lp4619]

@@TermiteOffroad I watched your video! Good stuff.

[@Dizzydre21]

Man, you're not too far from my old stompin' ground. I'm from about a half hour north of Minden, La. Been looking for a dual sport, and the XRs have always been appealing to me. I need a big thumper for the Rockies, where I've been living since 2014.

[@billwaterhouse5894]

Same since the 90’s and a beast. Alright, going to get one…thanks for the review

[@buddahbradley68]

AWESOME! Thank you Sir!

[@derelict_wanderer]

Haters gonna hate. You do you. They don't sponsor you or pay your way on anything. May their tears be your fuel. 😅I've had that epiphany before as well. I was solo on my first short cross country hop in a 2 seat Cessna, not a cloud or soul in the sky. No radio chatter. Perfect temperature. Just the drone from the Lycoming and the wind wash from the prop coming through the air vents, blowing my hair.

[@TermiteOffroad]

Moments you’ll never forget man!

[@grandpabobbydean]

I'm with you brother! I had a 97 and a 2003 and I LOVED them. I did the Tail of the Dragon twice. It is however a young man's bike so when I got into my 50s I traded my XR for a Triumph Scrambler. But I would most definitely recommend an XR to anybody looking for a fun and reliable motorcycle. Excellent video. Keep up the good work!

[@elizabethwonders]

I love your channel name! 😊And this video! Thank you! 👌🏻🤟🏼😊

[@jerrybarnett6118]

Love the bike,got a 2004 with 30k miles and going strong! Really love the 68 Coronet in the shop. Had one of the those too! Thanks for the video

[@michaelanderson3771]

I had a 1989 XR600 RK until October of 2022 and rode that bike in the toughest of Australian bush. Single track, rock gardens and forest trails as well as road ridden as my main daily transport to work. The precursor to the 650 and I had to kick start that pig. Best bike I had and miss it but now have a road going 2005 Honda Shadow VT750 cruiser as all I do now is road riding.

[@DrDanTDC]

I absolutely agree with you, riding a motorcycle is different! Wayyy better experience. The coolest things I’ve ever done was adventure riding on a motorcycle.

[@Yamafizzy]

What a great, honest, down to earth review - well done!

[@trondasdam6443]

I rode through Lesotho on a XR650. Rough ride. Off road. Mountains, rivers. Lots of falls and crashes. Ten days of amazing adventure. And the bike delivered!

[@danarussell4246]

I have a little over 15,000 miles on my pretty much bone stock 2016 XR650L. Adjusted or should I say checked the valves. Change the oil and filter, put gas and it just runs. I mainly ride mine on backroads and most are blacktop. Started riding some real easy dual sports/adventure rides. If it’s a real dual sport I take my KTM 350 EXC-F. Just change out the front sprocket with a thicker one.

[@TermiteOffroad]

Yep pretty straight forward bikes. I have the superpinion front sprocket.

[@edsanderson8603]

I believe motorcycles are proof God loves us and wants us to be happy. I've had two 650ls and right now have a 94 xr600r. Looking for another L. I think the pig is a little bit lighter than you said. God's peace be with you brother amen!

[@takenotesadv]

I like your description of the experience the bike gave you whilst riding. I like my xr650l.

[@oliverallen5324]

There is something to be said about being in a place rather than just moving through it. A bike let's you do that. GReat video. Thinking of picking up a XR150L or XR650L myself. Susbcribed!

[@valienterf]

Love Honda for this, have 250l and looking for 650l eventualy. They feel good. It loves the mud and off road. Dont change a thing they look great and the windchiled is perfect.

[@johnnyvortex1068]

Great review, great bike ! And love the front fender - first thing I noticed !

[@daveanddanniejacobs9432]

Love the cut front fender. I've been wanting a Honda 650L forever n one day soon I will have one. I see alot of haters on here n guess what. Everyone got an opinion n and more power to them I don't pay no attention to that. Best all around motorcycle on the market.

[@a1scoot]

I bought a cherry 97 XR and have been enjoying it for a couple years now. I agree with your assessment completely 👊 You either love these things or you don’t but for this old ex motocrosser it’s a joy hitting the blm stuff here in southern Oregon 🎯

[@gregc6661]

Awesome bike, must be tons of fun. Honda is a great brand, I’ll always have one in my collection

[@levylovits]

I like the newish white graphics. Red always looks good.

[@XLV750RD01]

The crank position sensor is THE biggest failure point on the XR. Mine went out with less thatn 7000 miles. CDI comes in second.

[@thealignmentguy9139]

The windscreen is a Slipstreamer. I have the same one only slightly tinted. I have XR'S only headers and Competition exhaust. XR'S only lowering link,jet kit,magnetic drain plugs, Dirt Bagz saddle bags & duffel bag,rear tail rack. This one is a 2008 with about 12,000 miles. Also had a 1997 with 35,000 miles on it when I sold it. I've had them up to 96 MPH. Also have a Honda Forza 300 fantastic full size scooter. Excellent on the highway 90 MPH. I might be selling the 2008 XR 650. If anyone is interested. I'm 62 and had to move to Ft.Lauderdale . Also have new front and rear tires for it that have not been mounted yet. I used to live in Deland Florida so many places to explore. Not so much in Ft.Lauderdale. Had to move do to parents health. Now it just sits.😢

[@Bobby8451]

Great vid man. Love that bike. I'm planning on buying one as soon as the wife agrees to it. Lol BTW, you sound like the guy who plays in the movie "The Blackwell Ghost".

[@TermiteOffroad]

Haha never seen it but I’m curious now 😆

[@Bobby8451]

@TermiteOffroad If ya do, 7 and 8 are the best.

[@ONThree]

Looking at getting a 650 soon. Thanks for the info!!

[@USA01930]

where did you tap in to get those fog lights to work with high beams. thanks for a great video

[@WOLFZEIT_]

I love mine, such a versatile machine

[@creek_made]

The shorter front fender looks great, man!

[@dandersonjr]

Nice thing about it is everything can be fixed with regular hand tools.

[@meatpie1380]

I got a xr650l and tw200 i love that simple stuff

[@mcclen03able]

I see the PITF stickers I sure hope to make it down there this year !!! Seen the dates just got released!!!

[@stoicwarrior346]

My budget only allows me to buy a 2012 in immaculate condition with low mileage. My concern is I live in Africa and have temperatures between 30 and 40 in the heat of summer. Can it cope and deal with the very few 500 miles in a day trip at 70mph. I absolute love it because I can service it myself. People recommend an oil cooler.

[@TermiteOffroad]

500 miles in a day on a bike is a trek! With the right gearing and yes an oil cooler for sure, you might could but that’s asking a lot being an air cooled bike.

[@stoicwarrior346]

@@TermiteOffroad My apologies,250 miles for the day because we work with km here.🙈

[@TwoFeatherChannel]

are those 4 stroke or 2 stroke? it's hard to beat Honda for reliability. I have a Honda 250SX 3-wheeler I bought in mid 1980's. didn't matter how cold or hot the day was, it cranked on first try. have a Honda 3000 watt generator purchased in early 1990's for when we lose electricity due to hurricanes here in Louisiana. it cranks up with No problems, even when I leave gas in it that is several years old.

[@TermiteOffroad]

4 stroke thumper! Always been a Honda guy as well. Not to much experience with they’re cars but have fooled with just about everything else they make to some degree.

[@TwoFeatherChannel]

@@TermiteOffroad I've been away from offroad bikes for a long time. they say the 4-stroke they make now out performs the 2-stoke. way back when, 2-strokes was the power house for motocross and 4-stroke wasn't even close to that kind of performance. I'm glad things changed, I didn't like having to add oil to my gas tank for every fillup.

[@JackGD1959]

🇨🇦 ✌ I have a 2001 XR650L with 5000 miles and I love it but at 5' 8" I just can't make those bone head mistakes I do like on my XR200R , at 65 years of age it might be time to re home it

[@mercsmith]

Biggest issue I have with mine is the small tank size. Limited range and I have no desire to replace the tank with a aftermarket tank

[@2007srv]

I've got the 14 tooth front coming also I just got to that part Ur vid cool stuff.

[@jsf8145]

Is this a good first bike to get? I’ve never owned a motorcycle before but I’m looking for something to explore around the backcountry forestry roads of Idaho. Maybe the backcountry discovery route. I live in north Idaho. I’m stuck between choosing the 650l or the DRZ400. I prefer long service intervals on bikes like these two bikes. I’m kind of leaning towards the DRZ as my first bike, because it’s a little bit lighter in weight which might help with inspiring confidence when I explore dirt roads. Both seem reliable in comparison to the other high tech KTM bikes with tons of electronics. I’d hate to get stranded 300 miles in no man’s land How is the vibration on the 650 when cruising at 60mph on the highway? Do your hands go numb? I’m thinking most of my riding would be cruising at 30-50 mph on backcountry roads staying away from big metropolitan cities

[@TermiteOffroad]

The drz may be a better choice for a first bike imo. But that depends on how big of a guy you are. The 650l is tall but it’s not to heavy. I’ve dropped it a few times in the woods and I can pick it up pretty easy. Vibration isn’t an issue on the 650 either. I can run 65 easy and it’s smooth. I wear gloves though to but mostly because of sweaty hands and to protect from limbs and stuff in the woods. Either choice is good, 650 is obviously gonna have more power but the 400 is no slouch. I’ve never been to Idaho but it looks like you have endless places to ride up there!

[@karlfonner7589]

Did you buy a motorcycle yet? I’ve never ridden the XL 650, but my friend let me try his SuzukiDRZ 400. I was amazed by the suspension I’m 5 foot eight with a 30 inch inseam and he is shorter than me and he must’ve lowered the suspension. Also, was watching him riding up and down the stairs in San Francisco when we did a tile job.. The bike is water cooled, and a bit more expensive. I’ve been trying to get one used.

[@Nine_883]

It has a carb because if they change the fuel delivery it will have to undergo millions of dollars of DOT, EPA, California crap regulations etc…. It’s grandfathered. Nothing wrong with carbs. Seat height for me is the only down side for me. I am 53 and 5 foot 9”. It’s great when you are moving! I ride mine to work a lot and there are quite a few stops in the burbs. I can barely touch tiptoeing. I just had to get used to one foot down leaned over and I have to saddle it like horse. I cannot swing a leg over without getting a freaking Charlie horse in my leg. Once I am on it I can lean over on one foot. Not a big deal, but if you want this for an everyday driver in all kinds of urban and suburban traffic this seat height is not ideal. And you have to look down because if there is a little dip in the road that’s a little bit deeper than where your tires are sitting you can fall over. I have fallen over. You if you are short you need to look out for dips and holes in the road where you are going to put your foot down.

[@t.crouse]

i have a deposit on one and i’ve already been told “if it ain’t broke don’t fix it right?” twice. i’m sure you’ve heard that a million times lol

[@CenCaBORL_Explorers]

why you running street tires.. i run dot knobbies.. 10 miles from forest..

[@jamespolucha8790]

It’s funny how all the haters talk about this bike but try to find a new one my local Honda dealer says the next 4 coming in are already sold just can’t seem to find a new one, for a bike a lot of people don’t like sure hard to find

[@2007srv]

Hey cool vids Buddy keep em coming :) .I bought xr650L dec, 2023 , bought my 2 teen boys xr400's and a trailer we've been taring it upppp lololl ...I'm 57 yrs old haha Just gettimng into sag ect , might use link like U di=id even at 6' I tippy toe and we know on the trails uneven ground its rough , think coughed on throttle few weeks back turning around at a deep creek on a 3-4ft lil hill and the bike dead weight fell on me lololll. I tok of carb and cleaned it before that , so I'm at 1,000 + elev. I'll try dial in carb alsop , just replaced float needle , left on gas and it leaked out all over lol. Anyway thanks for vids , I need dirt tires also , how much was yours ? I seen another fellas xr650 vid and hes saying 50$ each for tusk he bought , but they are up a lil bit higher now . Ride safe :)

[@ICEB3RG17]

Thank you for the video man. I am probably going to get me one of these and I can't wait. I want a bike that can do a little bit of everything and I feel like this is my bike man. Is it comfortable on the highway at 70-80MPH ish?

[@TermiteOffroad]

70-80 is getting close to uncomfortable. It couldn’t sustain that for real long periods of time. But with the factory sprocket gearing(15/45) it’ll definitely do it. Tire choice will play a factor as well. I’ve got mine geared a little lower (14/45) to make dirt roads and trails a little easier. But it’ll cruise 65 easy.

[@chuckbowen4334]

Its going to run hot. you took off the wind deflectors off the tank. they were not for looks. I like the sound of the stock muffler. so quiet.

[@1stJaytree]

What deflectors? I bought my used '94 with the stock tank and bought the Clarke within the first week. I ride in Florida year-round and have never overheated. In fact, I was in the green swamp WMA last Friday all day with 2 friends on their KLR's, and they were constantly overheating with their fans running. Have fun!

[@HT_Offroad-ADV]

Look at the Kaplan video more closely. They never got the fueling under control before blaming the XR's Only header. It was especially bad in the midrange which they made a big deal about. "5hp down"...you don't just lose 11% of your power on that engine by having a header that much bigger than stock. You *do* lose 10% by having the mixture as rich as they did.

[@Patrick-k4h1o]

I know what you mean, it’s old-school cool and I’ll never sell mine. It’s like an old tractor, a torque monster. Will take you anywhere when time comes. You can gotta work on it. I’ll never sell mine 5:02 5:06

[@johnneitzert2382]

I love my 09xr650 where around the ozarks do you ride ! Do you live close to Missouri!

[@TermiteOffroad]

No I’m in Mississippi, I’ve rode around Mt View a lot and over to around Oark quite a bit in the Ozark NF.

[@levylovits]

Im thinking they should have a xr 650xl version. Like a ralley edition

[@rca3rd]

Did you have to get shorter levers to get those barkbusters to fit?

[@TermiteOffroad]

I had to cut the ball ends off for them to fit.

[@mikaelljungberg1019]

Hpow tall are you. Does both feet tuvh The ground when you are standing still?

[@NaziHampster]

Gotta love the XR`s. What size Clarke tank is that, any idea.

[@TermiteOffroad]

It’s a 4gal

[@NaziHampster]

@@TermiteOffroad Thanks Termite. Ride safe, have fun.

[@gettingout3172]

They haven't changed them because the EPA made it such that Honda is not allowed to change it. If Honda changed anything but the graphics then the bike would become subject to the new emissions standards which this bike will not pass. That's why things like the counter-shaft sprocket is a known issue that is never fixed. Or the weak subframe that cracks under any load.

[@1stJaytree]

Good reply! On the subframe issue, I bought a Cycleracks unit and never looked back! I can carry a large deer on the rack if I had to.

[@walter.s8145]

What year is your xr?l am looking at a 2001.is there many changes done to the newer xr l?

[@TermiteOffroad]

Mines 2015, they’re all the same the only thing they ever change is the decals and colors.

[@johndougherty8296]

i got 2020 xr650l...minor mods...i've run 4 harescrambles on it.....xr650l goes anywhere you dare

[@PA-Tammy]

I have a 1994 KLX650 with 54k miles and it runs hard and is a BDR killer.. Kaw should have keep the KLX not the KLR..

[@levylovits]

Piug windscreen i like the fender cool bike

[@overlandtowater]

Id love to have one.... but do I really need one?

[@TermiteOffroad]

Yes😂

[@Anthony-lr6yp]

can bring joy to you're life

[@arkyhunter2750]

What rear rack you have on it.?

[@TermiteOffroad]

Not sure, the previous owner installed it. I’ve tried to find it online but no luck.

[@SaddleTrampTV]

Hmm... I don't know. It think it's missing a sticker.

[@andyderby150]

Front fender is fine but I don’t get the black wheels thing it makes any car trucks motorcycles look dirty and cheap I was hoping it was just a fad, people are painting their mag wheels with spray bombs😖the new 650 looks like crap black wheels and seat if I want a Yamaha I would down grade from my XR650 , growing up if you had black wheels you were poor and couldn’t afford hubcaps!

[@anitafisch7558]

Dam right brother .........it reminds me of...me.

[@CenCaBORL_Explorers]

over size panniers?? X2 rackless.. the pannier frame adds too much weight. i took stuff off to save weight.. Its called "living" you are in the elements....

[@rebeccagilbers5742]

18939 Cassidy Mission

[@monocogenit1]

a tool for most everything. who care if its tall...? It's supposed to be. and one of the last "dirt bikes" you can buy with a longer stroke....nice torque engine.

[@ChaucerMilo]

636 Beahan Cape

[@NotifySummit]

017 Jo Freeway

[@SusanGamble-b5q]

Jennie Squares

[@AlbertoSosebee-n9h]

Walker Junction

[@ColeridgeOgden]

937 Kunde Greens

[@pete-mz9vr]

Get to the point!! Beginning of the video, way too long!!!