This XR650L ADV Build is Making Me Rethink The KLR & T7 | 14 Tooth Sprocket & Gaia GPS Test

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Hey Dual Sport Fans, thanks for joining me on this ride! 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& Amazon: amzn.to/3Jfbfkn Car Play Nav Unit: carpuride.com/products/carpuride-w702-wireless-portable-dual-bluetooth-waterproof-ip67-motorcycle-stereo?ref=pcoxoocl MotoCampNerd: motocampnerd.com/?ref=rAQ-OX06xBU2aq 10% Off First MotoCamp Purchase Code: SwankyCat

[@BlazingCoolant]

Great ride! I just got my license and a metric cruiser and DR650 but I lost my dad 3 years ago before we could ride together. Keep it up until you can’t!!!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I'm sorry for your loss. Glad to hear about the license and bikes though! It's an awesome way to get out and explore! We will!!!

[@Hanky_Bannist8r]

I've been really enjoying your XR build, I have been using it as inspiration for mine with slight changes to suit my height. Having your dad come along looks like a ton of fun he's a great addition.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I'm glad to hear that! Thanks! How are you liking yours? Haha yeah he's always fun to ride with and I like having him in the videos for perspective and commentary.

[@howie119]

Ok! Just cancelled my t7 order and will go to Honda to order a Honda xr650l. The salesman at Yamaha told me I was crazy but I think they were pissed about losing the sale. Thanks for the advice.👍

[@And-Not-Do-What-I-say]

T7 is better choice if you ride on road most.

[@nomoreusmc]

Clip links are great! Always use them. Then you can disassemble the chain on the trail. I carry an extra clip link in my tool bag.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Ever have any issues with them? I really like mine so far!!!

[@nomoreusmc]

@@SwankyCatProductions never. Heard stories but never in real life

[@michaelanderson3771]

if you wish to add one other safety check to the sprocket clip you could install one of the small bolts that would usually hold the sprocket retainer clip. the thicker boss is definitely a benefit if you ride in sandy Muddy terrain. The sand is what chews out the primary shaft as the sprocket wobbles on the shaft. On my 1989 XR600 RK I ran 14/48 for lots of bush and single track and could sit on 100 kph (60 mph) quite comfortably but 120 kph 75 mph was revving pretty high. In Aus 100 kph is the limit unless on the main interstate freeway where 110 is the policed limit. At one point I was running a 15 front to give me more top end and drop to a 14 on the trailhead. then as I did not ride a lot of freeway so 100 kph was pretty much how I road pavement I stayed 14/48.

[@JacobAnawalt]

Great ride! Nice intro! I still double check my computer that YT hasn't frozen every time you do the blank & quiet transition. Thank-you for sharing.

[@patrickroach7289]

I put a 14 tooth on my 650L. Much better off road. 4th gear is an easy 50 mph. Should cruise at 60 on the pavement. An update. I finally took the highway. Top end with the 14 tooth is about 85 mph. Cruises at 60 just fine.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I need to get out on the freeway with mine yet, but it seems like there are very few drawbacks to the 14 tooth so far!

[@Unknown-ym5gz]

i like the b roll with the drive by shots and the local flowers and views. every time you use a long black cut between sections, instead of a simple cross fade that you use in other places it makes me think something has happened to the video feed. using the cross fade is much better. I used a 14 tooth on my husky instead of the stock 15 back in the day. it was much more "peppy" in the lower gears. it worked great for hill climbs and if I found i needed to lug the motor suddenly. enjoy your channel, thanks for sharing.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thank you!!! Mmm, yeah. The longer cuts are for ads. I used to make them really short but now that KZbin replays the few seconds of video from before the ad, I made them a little longer. I could certainly just add a fade in before the ad breaks though. Thanks again!!!

[@chrisronan]

Swanky - love how your channel is progressing. I have to say I was surprised you opted for the XR650L given your previous bikes. The XR650L is a bike I have wanted for some time. Also being 6 feet 7 inches tall makes that bike extra appealing to me. Surprisingly my height is less of a detriment on motorcycles than what seems logical. My two groms fit me great (with risers and pro taper bars). Would your instincts concur that the XR650L would be good for taller riders? Keep up the good work - and it’s really nice to see someone riding with their father!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

My dad is my best riding buddy!!! I'm so glad to get to spend this time together, and capture it on video! I think the XR is a decent choice for a taller rider. Certainly more manageable at stock height for you, than it was for my dad or I. That being said, the pegs are also incredibly high and even at my stature I find my legs a bit cramped on long days. There's also not much that can be done about them as there are no drop kits like you see for other bikes. Other than that, it's definitely one of my all time favorites. The DR is much more sensible, but the XR is just fun!

[@jameslee5428]

As always great Information. You definitely are the trusted source of information regarding these types of adventure bikes. Be safe out there, and enjoy those two wheels.😎

[@EricKoch-s5b]

I was hoping you dad was going to ride the bike since you have lowered it and get his opinion on it. As always, great video, keep up the great work. Looking forward to some DR videos.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

He actually rode it off camera the other day and couldn't believe how much more he liked it! We'll have to do a DR XR comparison in camera with him now that it's lowered!

[@mkramsauer]

Oh man this build is so awesome and that camp i would totally spend the night there so cool. Keep up the great work brother 👊

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Thanks man! Yeah, definitely the coolest build I've done so far! I'm so glad things turned out this way!!!

[@chiptaxfree]

You were very fortunate to have the quality time with your dad. Many folks don't have that. I just sold my xr650l. I have a brand new in the box still in the wrapper 4.3 gallon Clark red gas tank if you'd like to purchase it let me know and make you a good deal. I can ship it from Omaha Nebraska.

[@glowingturbo]

The 16 tooth sprocket will work, you just have to trim down the plastic inside the sprocket cover. It works really well for long highway rides. I have 13,14,15, and 16 tooth front sprockets as well as a 48 tooth rear sprocket. With the 48 and 16 tooth combo I had to swap chains for a little longer one. If I make a really long trip I use the 16 and once I get where I'm going I'll swap to a smaller one... takes 10 minutes.

[@fm4695]

Nice upgrade progress! I'm enjoying watching your motorcycle progression (especially the dual sport comparisons!). I have a 2021 XRL (bought a month ago with 650 original miles) and I've tried the stock 15T/45T then the 14T/48T (bought both new sprockets) which too low for me and have settled on the 14T/45T. For what I'm doing (this my 1st motorcycle so I am a novice) and for what I anticipate riding, I believe the 14T/45T is going to be the best combination. I could try the 15T/48T, but I'd rather give the motor the easier revs with the 14T to turn the smaller 45T than the little extra umph to get the 15T to turn the 48T. I know I'll lose some top speed, but gravel, two-track and living in Colorado, the mountain passes are what I enjoy. For cooling, I will be installing a Sutton oil cooler this weekend!

[@sprancho669]

Enjoying your channel. I would be interested in knowing how a "smart carb" would perform on this bike. In particular in an area with a lot of elevation changes... Road-trip?

[@Michael-qo8bs]

Couple of things...videos are getting better.. You discovered how much lowering a bike helps handling I wish I had hazard flashers like your dad t7...I use my turnsignal that way but have to be careful...any flashing light locates you in traffic better The chain clip...is secure honda is not in habit of risking liability... Chain tension...note swing arm is at down angle when adjusting...it will eat slack when ladened.....the swing arm at down angle means when loaded the arm will eat chain slack. That dimension on swingarm is for when bike is loaded with rider! All mistake in chain tension are on TOO TIĢHT side of things. Racers hold middle of bottom ruñ of chain against bottom of swingarm...then they move swing àrm thru whole stroke that is possiable...if the chain run pulled away from bottom of swing arm...the chain too tight... Too tight ruins components...binds suspension...saps power.... Getting it right is free hp there for the taking... Also 14t sprocket engages chain with less teeth raising lb per inch loading...accelerating wear on components. Thanks

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Very, very good info there. Thank you!!! How'd my slack setting look from a distance... through the camera lens? I used too way over do it, but I think I have it figured out now?

[@T.S.-eo7my]

@5:16 owning and working on motorcycles is the sole reason why I bought a complete set of torque wrenches. The machines have a way of critiquing (sometimes spectacularly) those who try to cut corners with their maintenance.

[@rat_crispy1013]

I’ve got an IMS tank on mine, it’s bigger than the factory tank and I don’t feel any slosh!

[@TheClintmeister]

Have you thought about the 2nd & 5th gear swap from a NX650 Dominator? I seen where the NX650 supposed to have a better oil pump (that can be swapped in) too. I enjoy your channel.

[@ApocalypseNouille]

As far as Gaia is concerned with the Carpuride unit, I wanted to add a bit of info: the app is more limited than on the phone, due to Apple and Android limiting functionality on Carplay/Android Auto for safety. I wish they would add a bit more info, though, especially the info bar that shows current track details and altitude. Other than that, it works great with the unit! You can also have it navigate for you, but you need to create a route first and navigate to a specific waypoint. Gaia is great, I've used it extensively on BDR trips, and it works flawlessly. As for the phone warming up, I wouldn't worry about it too much, it shuts itself down if it gets to unsafe levels. People are playing games that are taxing for the hardware for long periods of time, and it doesn't seem to be melting phones on a regular basis.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Your saying if I create a route on my phone first, it'll show me how to follow it on the car play unit? Good info thank you!!!

[@2-Wheel-Explorer]

I think the Xr650 and dr650 are old technology but for the money performance and low cost of ownership are unrivaled

[@bobkelly2447]

thanks Ben ! I am really liking that seat ! I think I will bite the bullet and get me one too ! I have been seriously wondering about the 14T sprocket I am very glad you decided to try one out. when you get your tach hooked up I think you will find you have alot more RPM than you thought you had ... I discovered that when I hooked up my dash and took off the stock spedo and put it on.... I like it alot but the speedo part of it isn't the greatest because it is not very accurate..( i got a cheap one that is a bear to set!)... about the bigger gas tank... this gas hog needs a bigger tank ! I have a clark tank and I think it is 4 or 4.5 gal and it is about what the bike should have come with from the factory.... not overly big but way better than the stock tank. when I had my RX4 it had a 6 gal tank on it and YES the difference between a full tank and a half tank was really quite alot . I don't have the stock tank for the XR650L the P.O put on the clark tank before I bought it. as well as a supertrapp muffler which is LOUD ! but forest service approved ! .....but I don't think you will notice the Slosh of the gas in the tank at all I don't with this Clark tank it's not like the RX4's 6 gal tank that slosh would almost take me down at a stop sign...... that RX4 was a great bike but it weighed 165lbs more than the XR650L AND that weight was HIGH which really made the balance of the machine off. (the C.O.G was at crotch height with a full tank of gas...maybe a bit higher ! ) the XR650L's C.O.G. is about 5~6" below the seat now with my bike lowered so low. that C.O.G. makes a huge difference on the bike in the dirt ! hay...take your wife some flowers ! she puts up with alot from you ! HAHAHAHA takes alot of work to keep those Kids out of trouble !by the way...i run a 13T sprocket on the front and I cruise at 70mph most of the time and it's not red line !(far from it actually)

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah it's pretty amazing how the slight change in height I made to mine made the bike feel so much better! My dad and I were out running single track with the XR and his Super Sherpa 250 the other day. When we swapped bikes he couldn't believe how much more he liked the XR now that it was lowered! Thanks for recommending it!!!

[@Spool77]

Looks like a great ride day! As far as your phone getting hot.... Running Android Auto or car play wirelessly is pretty taxing on the phone. GPS constantly running as well as transmitting all the info wirelessly to the car play unit uses a lot of battery and processing power which is why the phone heats up so much. It gets even worse if you have to charge your phone at the same time. The XR build is coming along awesome!

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Yeah.... As cool as the big screen is, being way out in the sticks with it seems like it still has some quirky side effects. Thanks man!!!

[@MikesProjectsandHobbiesMC]

Get the big tank. You don’t have to fill it up. Love the 4 gal on my KLX400. And 😊

[@ih8momjokes1]

400?

[@MikesProjectsandHobbiesMC]

@@ih8momjokes1 👍

[@dlrmon1]

Coming from the off-road I use to think my XR628R was a tank until I got a XR650L. Today I’ve Frankenstein’d my 628r with 650l parts to get a 50+ HP apx 315lb street legal machine that’s a blast to ride... its definitely not my KTM 500exc, but the old XR is faster and more comfortable for longer rides...

[@wudntulike2no32]

I always believed in going larger in the back instead of smaller in the front. Making the chain contact less teeth and go around a tighter radius reduces it's service life.

[@cac2244]

I got my KLR650 Adventure ABS this year (2024) and I regret my purchase. Too (top) heavy and so many things that need to be fixed. I am 5'11" and decided to do the lowering links and it's better, in addition to all others (new tusk footpegs, footpeg lowering kit, Tusk crash bars, Tusk panniers, handle bar raising kit, etc...) but no matter what I do, this 480 lbs gorilla is just too heavy for the trails. I am getting a new bike to collection next year (max 280 lbs). At best I should have bought the KLR650S, non ABS.

[@Inferniux]

Klr 650 way too heavy for one cylinder moto so it makes sense only for short trip comuters, because on highway and offroad it is pretty useless. In my opinion.

[@slalomking]

The KLR is the best hiway bike of the XR and DR. Good on gravel and 2 track. I own a Gen 2 KLR and its not for single track. I use mine mostly for riding around on country roads, it will cruise easily at 70 mph. I don’t take it on interstates with semi’s. I have, it’s just not a Harley.

[@Choirboyjr11]

Hey Ben, I just moved to the Madison area. Do you have any must see places you'd recommend in Wisconsin?

[@rickkeffer8053]

Why don't you look at reshaping the seat to flatten it out in the back? That would make the seat profile closer to the shape of the DR seat.

[@joshdoddadbod]

Love me some snail adjusters.

[@davidl546]

My GPS is whichever direction the front wheel is pointing. (I check directions on my phone as a last resort though).

[@SwankyCatProductions]

🤣

[@nseric1233]

I've seen the guys with ktm dirt bikes glue the retaining clip to the sprocket so it cant come off. If you're worried about the clip holding the sprocket at all put some automotive goop or silicone on it and it'll never come loose.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Interesting! That certainly would help keep it in place!

[@gregweeks4980]

I have 13s on both of my XR's. Perfect for the woods and dirt roads. Probably wouldn't work on the interstate at all. In Texas the interstates are 75 mph. To me the bike is a little light for long highway rides. Texas on the prairie

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Hmm a 13 tooth would be interesting to try! Could have used that on the single track test I just did, haha. It definitely is light for long hwy miles, but works pretty darn well for these hour trips up north on the back roads, much to my surprise, even with the 14 tooth!

[@gregweeks4980]

If I remember correctly you are Ben. Hey Ben play 13 tooth works on both of my XR650s. The bike will still cruise around at 60 miles per hour, you may not like it, but what a woods weapon. Since I live in the large metroplex Dallas, I do not ride them here. I actually trailer the bikes to where I ride. It will still easily handle the mountain roads of southwestern Arkansas with ease, but no faster. Interstates are out, completely out. Interstates are 75 mph in Texas. The engine would demand an all cooler. They are not expensive, nor are they hard to install, plus it's a cool look. They install where the smog pump used to sit and it takes oil from the oil cooling tubes

[@slalomking]

Always use the torque wrench, Swanky

[@insatiable_mind]

I’ve never heard that high octane gets worse gas mileage. I will have to test that

[@timlubbers2884]

I much prefer to change out the rear sprocket, it’s less extreme in its change … I used to use Giai mapping but found it didn’t work outside of cell coverage, not great (as you found) on instant changes. Giai is great at pre planning routes, but … I’m using/testing DMD2 at the moment…

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Good info, thank you!!!

[@wvadv]

you can download maps in quadrants and use them offline.

[@timlubbers2884]

@@wvadv that’s true, but if you run past the edge of the quadrant you downloaded and you don’t have coverage soon, your back to paper … And of course, quadrant maps aren’t interactive. Change course, back to paper …

[@steverapp7200]

Nice work on bike, but please take off the smog and put on a slip on. I can even send you a spare slip on I don’t use. You will appreciate the power and sound much more.

[@MontanaDirtRoads]

I use Gaia maps but in a much different way then you are currently

[@astonebrook91]

I'm gonna snag an XR650L before they are discontinued... if I can find one.. lol

[@SwankyCatProductions]

They're pretty darn awesome!!!

[@billcotton1551]

Maybe just carry a fuel bladder, so you don't ruin the looks, and the narrow profile?

[@davids11131113]

Low compression engine shouldn’t need high octane, and lower octane fuels aren’t ’lower quality’ at all, the XR should run fine with mid octane or even low, the lower the better for better power.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

I just use 91 because it's the only fuel available here not tainted with ethanol.

[@davids11131113]

@@SwankyCatProductions Oh yea we,ve got the ethanol free at Maverick stations it’s 87 octane I think.

[@randycallow3736]

Some of the features are not the same.. not comparable. I rode from N.Baja to Key West and back 2 times in last 2 years..Rode from Los Angeles to Guatemala and back.. all on a 1200 and many many challenges..I could imagine a 7 hour day on the freeway loaded..yikes..but if you are doing dual sport..if you are the typical buyer.. bike has to have road manners and bike must be safe at highway speeds and extended highway miles.. you can pretend that middle aged riders are doing 50/50 or 70/30 but the reality for most is the majority of riding is on pavement. XR650..40 horsepower single. Bike is built specifically w little to no wind protection. Tenere 700..a 70+ horsepower twin. Slightly different tank profile with a tiny bit more wind protection and an aftermarket for wind protection.. and if you get real.. your weight..175-220.. your minimum of gear..@20+ pounds, gas , oil and bike you are 650-750 pounds..so off road is a possibility but at 650+ it's not a priority.. only real advice..be real about where you are going to ride and how often, alternative use like getting to work,market or a beer..

[@faissal8997]

Please remove the smog stuff and rejet. Keep the good work 👍.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Performance mods are on the way! I'm going to finish adding components like the rear rack and lights first though, just to make sure it's at it's full build weight first.

[@dothetontim]

I run 15/39 on my DRZ with an FCR carb, air box opened up and Yoshi exhaust and have all the grunt I need on the trails and longer legs on the highway. Unless you’re riding technical trails the shorter gearing isn’t really worth the sacrifice.

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Interesting! I may have to build myself a DRZ soon...

[@dothetontim]

@@SwankyCatProductions LOL didn't you have one? I've been thinking about the XR650 to replace my DRZ as I truly ride 50/50 and the XR 'might' be nicer on the highway but I'm not convinced yet.

[@ridenm7748]

​@@dothetontima DR 650 is nicer on the highway

[@diggy-d8w]

Somewhere I came to think that on the Honda 650L that the stock sprocket can turn into a problem that winds up messing the shaft up? I want to say b/c of it's thickness or something it's prone to get lose or cause the shaft to go bad. I am not using the correct words to describe it but but I think I got it right? I also came upon so engine problems where it seizes up at highway speeds after running for a while in the upper revv zones..... the guy says he knows of three 650L's doing this & that after measuring the rings they are too tight, when it heats up it touches & doesn't allow oil to drop down the piston & it seizes. Locked Up at highway speeds is not a pleasant thought & I'll try to locate the video & drop it back here. It is an important thing to at least be aware of..... You know what, I'm starting to think that the "Bike Fairy" could sling me any old bike & it would be ok.... whatEVER the brand or size, I'll manage to MOD her out to do whatever I need to do. But all these choices sure do make for "Content", HUH? Yeah, I live for content so shovel it on us brother !!!! peace & GB ALL

[@SwankyCatProductions]

Hmm interesting! Any idea what year the bikes were that had the ring tolerance issues? Haha yeah, definitely! All bikes have certain strengths & weaknesses but most can be modded to come pretty darn close to filling all your needs. This build has really made me realize that you need to look deeper than the factory specs! Just a few easy mods and the most extreme off road big bore dinosaur does exactly what I bought my KLR & T7 for! I'm really glad you're enjoying the "ride" with me!

[@diggy-d8w]

No, and I gotta run right now but soon as I get back I will find it & drop what I saw so you can take it or not. I will do it sometime tonight, for sure, that's why I mentioned it to you. peace

[@bensnipes7288]

I have heard that the countershaft issue is mostly caused by the bike not having a cush drive in the rear hub. To much shock and vibrations transmitted through the chain. And the bike most definitely needs an oil cooler for extended high speed running.

[@diggy-d8w]

Yeah, I thought the same about an Oil Cooler & then I learned that they use the "Frame" to cool the oil in this bike which means down low what looks like the frame also has oil running inside of it. I did not like this about this bike & people will argue it's worked for 20 yrs but still you pour the oil into the frame up near the gas tank. I thought about an additional radiator cooler on her but along w/ the frame housing the oil, down low the way the filter is & the drain cock are right near the bottom where it wold be easy to destroy. I know, they got lots of years behind it. The shaft, I've seen them pulled out & the chain is involved but it's got to do w/ the gear on the shaft, it's thickness, and the method it's tightened along w/ the way that bolt is secured. I'm not using the correct words to describe it but the not holding the shaft manages to get loose & the chain naturally continues spinning the gear sprocket letting the gear damage the shaft. I've seen 2 of them torn down & those videos are on here somewhere but I'm not a mechanic that knows everything, just a guy who was looking at this bike so I dug in to learn. I'm leery of this bike for the oil cooling in the frame and the engine seizes at high revv on the highways.... at least 3 have seized at 70mph. I like the bike but I'm double checking everything... I don't have money to mess up. peace

[@deanarmbruster9012]

You need a bigger tank.😅

[@slalomking]

That tank is way too little. KLR has the tank range

[@jkmarshall3553]

Blair Witch Root Cellar...

[@SwankyCatProductions]

😂