Honda XR650L Adventure Bike Build

Honda XR650L Adventure Bike Build: rmatvmc.link/h...
Since its introduction in 1993, Honda’s XR650L has been a favorite of many adventure riders. Its tall seat height and high ground clearance appeal to off-roaders, while a reliable engine and nimble handling make it popular with road riders. Unsurprisingly, the XR650L is one of the most popular dual-sport motorcycles ever produced. But does the XR650L make a good adventure bike? It looks promising at first glance, but to know for sure, we picked up an XR650L for ourselves and started making changes. If you want to see the results, watch our video as Chance goes over all the parts and accessories he added to his XR650L to make it a more capable adventure machine.
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[@rmatvmc]

Honda XR650L Bike Build Parts & Accessories: rmatvmc.link/honda-xr650l-bike-build

[@jesseg8920]

I like the simplicity of the bike not having a radiator and just being simple for more survivability. I think I want to build one just like this.

[@gncc1race]

Good job Chance! On the build and the video. I've enjoyed the RMATVMC ADV bike builds, and had been waiting for this one. Wasn't disappointed...

[@rmatvmc]

Thanks *gncc1race* for watching! Glad to hear the wait was worth it.

[@AspearMotorSports]

I love my tractor

[@htiek30120]

Nice video. When are we going to see it in motion to get an idea of how well the additions work?

[@yankotactical1134]

I'm enjoying the video but I got to say sounds to me like somebody's got a sponsorship from tusk.... Just saying

[@jeffferguson899]

my god, how much money is in that xr 650l. might as well start with a better bike

[@mohba01]

the most badass bike... Have one here in India, I think the Air cooled, Carburetored, steel framed, 'lightweight' and easy to self-service/repair adventure bike is a dying breed. Lots might disagree, But.. Lets say, someone wants to do a 5 year RTW and doesn't want to ride a bike that they don't have to plug in every few months to keep running or needs a NASA qualified technician to diagnose; or spend ridiculous amounts of cash on parts, then it's these bikes they will be looking to. Back in the days, being a motorcycle traveler used to be about using your creativity to take a basket case old hag and using only grit and ingenuity, turning it into a "one of a kind eye dazzler", then risking your life on the asphalt on a bike you made yourself out of pride... You can do this still with the XR series. This bike is a time capsule! once the CDI is swapped with an Ignitech one, and oil cooler installed, there is no stopping the PIG...

[@neildawson8603]

Awesome take on bike ownership. I've learned a lot about wrenching and get a sense of satisfaction when completing projects, repairs, and even regular maintenance.

[@ajbikerr]

Do you have the DR??? In India???

[@kiwisalentino2989]

@Alinel Woundhorn Totally agree with you Man. Awesome bike but inexplicably not available in Italy.

[@wolfgt12]

agreed friend. I have a drz, almost exactly like you described

[@mohba01]

@@ajbikerr yes. I am a proud owner of a 2002 xr650l and the pd10 xl600v from 1996, in Madras,. India

[@BaxtersBlades]

And now you have a $12,000 adventure bike

[@CoachSteve4u]

Exactly my thought!

[@mikegillaspy1721]

Only think still honda is the decal

[@alejandro1904]

A light, bulletproof and personalized adventure 12k bike. You can take this to Africa and will take u everywhere. Worth those 12k

[@BaxtersBlades]

Yes. I agree. If your going across Africa. Throw lots of money at it. If you have one bike. Throw money at it. I love that bike. And im a honda guy. I have 6. But its great stock. And im not going around the world.

[@Splintermill]

Totally agree Tiger. Awesome bike stock. Great thing is, it’s cheap enough even new, and you can take your time and mod it as time and money allows, cause it’s an XR 650L! They never die!👍🏻

[@dwayneharris3874]

Wow! Your bike is a custom model based on an XR650L. I had no idea so many custom parts were available for the bike. You had a clear idea what you wanted and made the bike to work for you. Well done!

[@scottshort6419]

Dude, its an ad

[@illhaveanother4365]

@@scottshort6419 doooood

[@FridaysTheBomb]

Mines still better ;)

[@SaltyRNFrank]

Lolol

[@MichaelAbramo]

Highly recommend the USD fork conversion. Major upgrade for this bike. The seat concepts seat, because it is wider in the back, gives you better grip for your knees during standup riding. Shoutout to DirtBikeAfrica, they're doing a lot of good work for the XR650L. I have their "Adventure Kit" which gives you a rally tower and fairing as well as an oil cooler.

[@ronntice7562]

USD forks!! After some 'modification' I bolted the complete front end of a Husaberg 501 to my big XR (its a Hondaberg). From the Magura bars down to the Excel front wheel NOT skipping the 48mm WP fork. GET RID of the OEM forks for any decent 450 MX bike, FULLY ADJUSTABLE USD, forks. You'll be glad you did!

[@mikecude4167]

Based on experience, run away from the foam air filters and stick with the paper ones...when I worked at a Honda motorcycle dealership, we had many many piston replacements due to sand and dust making it past the foam filter. It's not worth it.

[@thulsa5218]

Very true to all that, and I will add that the K&N type air filters are even worse than the foam filters at stop dirt and wreaking havoc on the cylinder.

[@socaladventuresdavidt2557]

Ya but u lose power and u can clean em. Or put paper on before a dusty ride.

[@marcosolo810]

Funny, I bought a 2017 XR about two months ago, put on an Acerbis 5.8 gal. tank, racks, subframe supports, and bags, and did 1400 miles of CDR - Montana/Wyoming. I then rode 1350 miles of two lane back-roads home with everything else bone stock. The stock pegs did not hurt my feet, my stock battery did not fail, my stock lighting was more than adequate, the stock bars worked fine and neither my turn signals nor my mirrors were damaged. The mentality that all of this is something we have to do to make the bike work properly is silliness. Yes, some of these changes would improve the bike's cosmetics or comfort, but functionality is not really affected. This is just trying to make a silk purse out of a perfectly good pig's ear.

[@claysavage8047]

Well said! I've always felt the same way.. I live in Alaska and I constantly see guys on decked out $20,000 BMWs that seem so serious, I wonder if they're even having fun. Meanwhile, I'm having a blast on a nearly stock KLR that I got for 2k. I bet the BMWs sure are comfortable though! ;)

[@marcosolo810]

Thanks - I've got a Beemer too. I've done the ALCAN/Cassiar six times and when I lived in Homer for seven years I had a Harley. I don't begrudge people's accessorizing their rides in whatever way it pleases them, but a vendor telling people that the bike they bought is substandard unless they buy these products is what gets me. The XR650L is a well thought-out bike as is. I did put on an aftermarket front sprocket to keep the countershaft splines from getting eaten up prematurely. I just ordered a Sutton oil cooler to increase engine life and a bash plate to keep it from getting tattooed by rocks, but unless something else bends or breaks, that's about it.

[@AZdirtdog]

And you grooved your stock counter shaft with your stock counter shaft sprocket.

[@Makelifehappennow]

With you 100%. My XR650L Seat is just fine. Upgraded the headlights with a $50 kit from Ebay which works just great. Everything else on the bike is bulletproof. I have a GS1200, but it's 90% street, 10% off road. My XR650L if 50-50 and does it all. Easy to maintain. Sturdy. Fun to ride. The mirrors are great. Added a 5.8Gallon tank. the footpegs are fine. This bike will last for decades. Can't go wrong with an XR650L.

[@slimjim7411]

​@@AZdirtdog Yup known problem with this bike, and should definitely be upgraded first chance.

[@borkfork3163]

Really appreciate this. I won't do all these mods but it's still helpful to see them.

[@tahirusman5929]

Great stuff!650L rider here across the globe in Pakistan

[@voltagemedia7344]

Awesome in-depth but super straight forward breakdown, good job! Would love to know what you paid for the bike and what all the described mods cost you.

[@toddgardner3088]

I'm with you on all of this stuff... I have one question though... if you had it to do again, would you stay with the standard Seat Concepts seat or would you go with the lower option that is 1" less than stock given the high seat height of the XR650L? I'm 6'-0" and the stock height is fine until you get into some serious trail systems... I can almost flat foot the bike on level ground, but I'm wondering how the bike would feel with a lower seat height.

[@jerrywhyte1323]

This is like chicks buying cosmetics online. Don't listen to RMATVMC. Your bike is beautiful as it is.

[@patriotvet5569]

Nice bike. 1 billion dollars later. I’m torn between this and a DRZ400

[@Meekerextreme]

I still prefer my XR650R with over 100,000 miles and my IMS 7 Gal tank...LOL

[@stopchangingmynameyoutube]

i've owned both and the R is a better bike. Too bad they stopped making them

[@steveevers6668]

Meeker, please, can you tell me why you like your bike better than the L model? Seriously, a 100k miles... I love that. You need to educate all of us in how to make an XR last that long... Wow, I'd love to sit down and drain your brain on your own XR longevity. Thanks man.

[@telcobilly]

Fantastic review and narration. Very detailed and comprehensive. Makes me want to run out and get a XR650L and do it up like yours. I've had a '93/'03 DR 650s in the past and rode my brother's XR650L. Very tall bike, so it's a good thing I'm 6'3"..

[@lenwenzel7440]

Now that's a bike build to be proud of.

[@robertatwater8818]

Absolutely love this bike. Great set up. Be the way I would want mine. Totally awesome!!

[@jakemcnally4868]

Great setup on a solid adventure bike option. Well Done!

[@tommaples9174]

Awesome machine, no oil cooler upgrade for hot desert Operations?

[@wheresbrent]

How did you get your decals to stay on the tank? Every plastic tank I ever had off gases and delaminates/bubbles stickers from the tank..

[@rmatvmc]

*Brent Lawrence* Our Attack Graphics Tank Decals have perforation cuts in the graphics to help it breathe better and avoid getting that bubbled up look. Cleaning your fuel tank with some contact cleaner will also help the graphic stick better in the long run. Here is our How To Install Graphics video as well: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eGrYgYOKoNaGhJY

[@desert4seat]

Great video! You’ve got it dialed. The only thing you missed is a fork brace. You’d be surprised at how much those things flex.

[@neon10net]

What do you think of the Honda NX650 Dominator with a few changes to make it more suitable for off-road use, such as a new front fender, different tires, a shorter gear ratio and weight savings by changing the fairing?

[@rmatvmc]

I think with just those upgrades you mentioned you'd be in pretty good shape.

[@neon10net]

@@rmatvmc Okay, thank you very much, I think so too, I just wanted to have a confirmation

[@SimplyFabLife]

Would this setup fit someone thats 5'10"? 178lbs. Seems like a pretty high bike!

[@tonyrichengod9280]

These bikes are MAD! I just got a chance to test one yesterday and WOW! Freakin punchy thing! Roll on and INSTANT torque! Thinking of it as my next tourer after my romance with my DRZ is over.

[@themountainraven]

minus the bags, how much we talking for all these upgrades?

[@rmatvmc]

The link in the description of this video will take you to a page with all the parts to give you an idea of the cost total. Thanks for checking out the video!

[@khaccanhle1930]

THAT my friends is a REAL adventure bike. I'd like to see these 1,200cc low-slung Highway hog "Adv" bikes compete off road with this thing. A real adventure bike is a dual sport with soft bags.

[@oakstream6041]

Super clean and most of all reliable. Gotta love it. :)

[@orangelion03]

Excellent build! Ticked off all the boxes! My old 93 is about 75% there. You didnt mention it, but it is obvious that those hand guards have built in turn signals...an excellent way to get rid of the front OEM signals (you have to relocate them anyway if you use the big Accerbis tank). I used LED tape on mine, but this is a cleaner, tidier way to do it.

[@KurNorock]

Heidenau k60s are a much better adventure tire on this bike. They hooked up in the dirt better for me than the 606s did, they are smoother on road, better in the rain, and they last MUCH longer.

[@socaladventuresdavidt2557]

2017 XR650L. All I need is re jetting, 4.7 gallon tank and jns lights and auxiliary light mount. Oh and bar buster lever saver things.

[@socaladventuresdavidt2557]

Would you rather have XR650L o'r KTM 690R enduro both bought same time both 2017 KTM has barkbusters XR650L just needs tank&re jetting

[@CaptainLicorice]

Definitely should have done the gear box mods. Lots of work but worth it

[@edc7423]

Geez is there anything u like stock about the bike?

[@kBIT01]

No, they are in the business of selling parts.

[@rickmuha4278]

You really kicked it up a notch! Fantastic job!

[@FCOM11S6G27]

This bike doesn’t share anything with the bikes Honda used in the Baja races.... Probably you misread that somewhere because the Baja queen is the XR650R which is a VERY different bike although the name is similar.

[@bradymcphail9690]

Holy Smoke Chance, what is that about a 40k bike? I can appreciate everything on it for sure! I wonder, would everything fit on a XR650R? I'm entering back into riding after 40 years away. I'm deciding if I want to ride a XR650R or an L. Basically do I want and electric starter or do I want to Kickstart my bike. Can I get an electric starter for the R? I'm very smitten with the XR650R unless I can be persuaded the other way...

[@mikegillaspy1721]

I upgraded mine by using premium gas. You should have just bought a frame and started from there.

[@shoechew]

LOL, yea.

[@drumsnbass]

My XR650L build; 2008 model Beefed up fork & rear shock springs Gold Valves all around TKC 80’s Sutton oil cooler Skid plate Magnetic drain bolt Primary Drive 15T front, 42T rear by Protaper JNS light plate Moose fender bag Foam air filter (TwinAir) Desmogged & rejetted Stock exhaust Subframe stays Side racks & top rack Rear disk fin protection LED aux lights (ADVmonster 60’s) Buckin’ roll tank bag by Giant loop Risers Hand guards Aux USB power Double take mirrors Windscreen Clarke 4.7 gal tank And... A Sherpax trailer by Kipmoto !!!

[@stuartbrock7586]

How much did all that stuff cost? How much better is the new suspension? Does anyone make a bigger beefier fork for the bike?

[@randomtheater2159]

Could you do a crf450l build next?

[@basedury]

I think the huge OEM fender actually looks awesome, along with the stock small square headlight.

[@johnr5545]

Nice god bless

[@teepee4296]

That’s the best XR650L I have seen, what tank is that IMS or Acerbis ? Also I’ve noticed you’ve gone from the Doubletake enduro to the adventure mirrors any reason why ? As I’m looking at getting a set but can’t make my mind up which ones.

[@TheFixer-rq9tj]

Really nice build. Not much left of the stock bike though. Pretty much everything needs to be fixed except the frame and brakes. It is good to start the project on a used one to make sure you don't exceed the price of a more equipped stock adventure bike. Nice video guys.

[@shoechew]

Or you could just ride it.

[@CenCaBORL_Explorers]

why arent you using the highland x2 rackless? on the xr? i bought the set for my vstrom, but after using them think they are better suited on the xr.. i have them mounted and they look great! on the XR650L cant wait to pack em up and hit the trail..

[@patriotsleepercell4060]

DR650 stock exhaust weighs 18lb guess how i know this? Just took mine off and replaced it with a FMF Q4

[@felix23traxtech]

What a waste of my time. It's one big commercial advertisement. No actual information just "it looks awesome " " it's a must have" why? So you can profit? I'll go find so real info somewhere else.

[@quegemo]

Thanks so much for doing this video. I plan to get this bike and I want to do most of the upgrades you did. This was very good on upgrades and review

[@SarupSingh-mc5gk]

One of the best builds i have come across...gonna consider this for my 2018 xr650l

[@louisdriscoll2580]

Just bought a KTM 690 no need for all those upgrades

[@dougcovert5931]

15000 Honda lol

[@garyketola2382]

just picked up a 97 xr 650. i want to upgrade to a lityium battery but a have heard that the charging system wont fully charge the battery.

[@davidcisco4036]

4:06 "brake lever saver" aka - brake snake

[@miguelmiranda9122]

Well done buddy! Nice job on the bike and nice riding. Very well thought out upgrades.

[@CenCaBORL_Explorers]

unless you are over 6 ft tall the risers are not needed.. the weight on these bikes is high, they are top heavy, so the LAST thing you want to do is raise the bar height. in doing so put less weight on the front end.. not good for offroad.. i dont understand todays thinking..

[@fernanddurler5822]

God you may aswell by another bike with all those accessories insane cost! Sounds like you’re trying to just sell everything…sorry just saying its a little over the top no…

[@OURBMWTEAM]

you are grate doing this build am from united Arab emirate's id like to have one of these bikes with a complete upgrading how much you think it will cost me in total

[@kBIT01]

How much weight did you add to it with everything

[@eduardosampoia5480]

yes

[@strictlyJDM]

I miss my XR650L

[@spencer82rocks]

I used to race this bikes in the Philippines and I will buy another one to use here in Pacific Northwest 😀

[@benpeterson776]

Tusk Tusk Tusk! Shut the Tusk up!

[@KurNorock]

Would you rather be didn't tell you what the parts are in this build video?

[@kiwiridernz69]

Bruh for the kickstand just crash a can and put it under

[@Formerlywarmer]

Very nice build. I’d like to add a few of ur ideas to mine so thx for showing us what it’s all like in a package.

[@rmatvmc]

You're very welcome! What parts are you thinking about putting on your XR?

[@protectork9831]

You should get together with everide adv

[@project4stroke876]

xr650L is not a good bike at all the xr650R is way better i have a 400r

[@JuanCruz-lv2gm]

No gpr or Scott that's the upgrade End some precision concepts for you my large friend

[@manditrrr]

Holy crap, your upgrades cost more than the bike.

[@hortenseplaceg9740]

Bro, please add a kickstarter!!! Soooo important!

[@rajanrairealty8979]

its a 644 nothin like a 649 liquid r. ktm all the way or dr or klr. dr is better offrd

[@ravendon]

Wish Honda looked at this video and made these mods standard.

[@socaladventuresdavidt2557]

What size jets did you/ y'all go with?

[@jorgecastillo9755]

Every thing here is you must have!😂 or your bike will be not good

[@warithabdullah8179]

Damn finally a bike for tall people!

[@Lemonarmpits]

You work your ass off to ride that and then you put more weight on it all my

[@michaelbarnes7086]

Great video!! The decal you put on your acerbis 5.8gal tank. Was it difficult applying without wrinkles? If you could. Give me part number for the decal you run please. Thanks for your time

[@rmatvmc]

If you take your time it's not bad! We currently have another set of graphics available on our website you can check out here: www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/attack-graphics-renegade-radiator-shroud-decal-p If you want the specific ones in this video, you can email [e-mail] and let know you're looking to get the tank graphics used in this video and they should be able to get some made up for you.

[@DaddyEric222]

Missed the suspension, just look how soft it is with a little off road. Heavier springs are needed.

[@rmatvmc]

Are you sure?! Min. 4:56 . Thanks for watching *Eric Fling.*

[@DaddyEric222]

Must have missed that somehow, whoops! I've done a lot of mods to my XR but I'm now getting it ready to do the TAT next summer. So luggage and various other mods are needed. Crazy how expensive these parts and mods get... Thanks for making this video!

[@troypowell2403]

Too bad these bikes cost more than a friken Corvette!!!

[@Mr.G399]

It's cool but don't mention it in the same breath as Baja.

[@llshamelessll]

Add a fork brace and an oil cooler too. Im glad I now run a denso iridium plug too. Run 1 range colder tho.

[@cullennowell7813]

but why?

[@Zeus33rd]

Are you guys doing the battle born ride this year? If so, and you are taking the same route as before, you gotta stop by Midas, Nevada. You guys were within 5 or 6 miles of here last year. I can show you guys around, some excellent possible alternate routes and scenery. Can offer a place to take a shower, fix your bikes and camp out if ya want. You can get a drink at the Midas Bighorn bar and see some pretty cool old mining stuff.

[@rmatvmc]

thanks. No plans right now. we are planning one into colorado in the next couple months....Justin

[@dennismacwilliams196]

Great Video You gave everyone, good ideas... Thanks

[@RjRock11]

hey could you guys do an adventure build for the honda crf250l rally, Thanks!!

[@rmatvmc]

We'll look into it. Here's our First Impressions video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKq6m3qfjKt_mNk

[@brianh8484]

Upshiftonline did a good 250 rally build.

[@brianh8484]

Wave Dancer The question was “can you do a build”. Not “does it exist” kzbin.info/www/bejne/lafMqZqVi7J_eLc

[@younggun9956]

I cut my fender down free way to make it look sporty

[@mike87364]

how much did all of this cost?

[@TheMattboudreau]

A mans bike, Honda doesnt make manly bikes anymore

[@smr4712]

I want one, awesome review ;-)

[@curtisbrennan7134]

I wish they still sold those in Canada

[@eviltango]

Dream bike!

[@someone46018]

That's pretty much what I'm looking forward mine will look like.

[@rmatvmc]

It's a good look! Thanks for watching our build *Equinos al Volante Costa Rica!*

[@Thizlamic]

AWESOME RIG...you are giving me alot of inspiration on my personal set up!

[@moskito5864]

why this WORLD can not agree to use ONE, the METRIC system when it comes to weight, or fuel or distance or temperature. Damn we are having 10fingers not 12 and even kids can count with their fingers... I cant watch and listen to this anymore when i always need a calculator for checking what 184lbs or 98 degrees fahrenheit means.. :/

[@dillondurham8692]

Fritzco for the win on the sprocket.

[@johnnydangerously9598]

after all the add ons could you have bought a ktm?

[@johnk815]

Maybe two!

[@rmatvmc]

Ouch! Haha. I'm still cheaper than a bone stock KTM. And I could probably run this thing out of oil and be just fine. - Chance #aircoolediscool #MyotherbikeisaKTM

[@Daniel-oy4gu]

But what if u hate orange......and valve adjustments

[@jimstenlund6017]

Like he said, these haven’t changed since ‘93, you don’t need a new one.

[@justinwilliamson6355]

KTM won't last anywhere near as long, as a Honda XR650L.

[@kenkl5204]

I want this bike..