XR150L In-Depth Review

[@ArjanHarre]

Good to see you back on youtube ... we missed you.

[@anguslloyd832]

your damn right

[@BjPlaysMinecraft]

Best dirt bike KZbinr fr

[@captainkirk3757]

I just like the fact that the XR name lives on, would be nice to see them add something like the xr400 back in the line up.

[@BjPlaysMinecraft]

I would buy one of those immediately

[@jasonjavelin]

Yeah it kind of sucks the offerings are only an XR150L or an XR650 lol seems like a pretty large gap. A 400 would be awesome I’ve always wanted one

[@smileyguyz]

They really should have just called the CRF250F an XR.

[@Rocketman0407]

@@jasonjavelinIf you live not too far from the border you could buy a XR190 for around 3k in Mexico

[@mattharrell4]

@@smileyguyz have to disagree. The XRs were unique machines built for durability first, not power. They have a distinct feel with power, suspension, etc. It’s for these reasons and others to numerous to note that the XR title should not just be slapped onto a totally different bike. It would be like bumping a CRF450F displacement to 500 and calling it a CR500. The name has meaning because of the history; overwrite that and you dilute the meaning.

[@Rus5ell]

I used this bike for a month. went all over Vietnam. scraping pegs on crazy twisty tight roads. went up many off road routes. beaches. mountains. The most fun I've ever had on a bike in my life. I have an r7 currently at home and I miss that little xr

[@yoyojoe9240]

Bought the 2023 XR150L here in the Philippines, $1,435.00usd. Great bike, on mountain paved roads and dirt roads. Sluggish on the Sand but surprisely strong even with a passenger. It is great for Road Trips around the Philippines Islands. By the way GREAT REVIEW...!!!

[@atlas_au]

I started riding on one of these in Vietnam. A 2017 model with 40000kms on it. Loved it. So comfortable and great for a newbie to learn off-road. I had the emissions removed and a fake leo vince pipe put on. It was so loud it would set of car alarms. I abused it like hell and it never failed me. An advantage of owning one in Asia is that many of the parts including the clutch are common scooter parts, meaning that a whole clutch replacement plus labour cost me less than 60USD. I moved back to Australia and upgraded to a Husqvarna FE 501 which is my dream bike, I still miss my little muddy XR though!

[@D-throne]

I moved to Vietnam 5 years ago and bought a second hand rental with nearly 40,000 km on it. I still use it as my daily commute. Over the years it has had every conceivable mod done, including a big bore kit and a set of usd forks. Definitely is a value for money bike.

[@wouter1602]

Also ride one in VN, great bike!

[@earthknight60]

Been riding one here in Vietnam daily since 2017 a well. Solid little bike. Mine needs to be serviced now as it's been through a lot, but despite everything it's been through it's been dependable. I think the international versions may be a bit better than the North American versions.

[@WildlyTame]

Hey Gabe, great to see another video from you, if you’re looking for inspiration for more content I have a DR650 I’d donate to the channel for you to destroy. Let me know if you’d be interested.

[@Thomas-yv5yw]

this needs up

[@machupikachu1085]

Or, you could donate it to me. I can't afford one right now, but I really want one, and I will start a channel with it. 👍

[@jessISaRicePrincess]

Hech yeah brother! And if Gabe didn't destroy it after his testing then maybe give it away to a lucky viewer?

[@tcepilot]

Any update on this?

[@namasbouer4075]

I worked in Bolivia for a year and a half, got me one of these xr150l, put on second hand crf 150r forks, some tougher handle bars and foot pegs and a new headlight. Took me across that country and even to Peru. Wonderful machines.

[@mattevans5812]

There are 100 motorcycle youtubers that get a ton of views you should be ahead of. I never watched one that can ride like you OR understand how bikes work like you do. When I want an honest and in depth review nobody I have watched on youtube has a worthwhile "review" like yours. Not Ryan F9, Revzilla, Big Rock Moto, Dork, nobody. You ride better and can diagnose and describe flaws better than anyone and then fix them and then podium finish a things on like an um DR200 ahead of every KTM and Husqvarna. That's legendary. Seriously, you're the best. keep it up. Please

[@TheManoy66]

Glad to see your back! Watching you ride like a madman while complaining about the XR150L's shortcomings is the most emotionally confusing yet most informative review ever. I'm looking for a used unit now in FB marketplace so i can thrash one around. 😅

[@lensav9985]

Love your videos @TheManoy66! I'm over here pushing my XR 150 all the while being 5"6. 😂

[@genaddi1234]

I just bought one of these and I'm amazed at how accurate and detailed your review is within the first 10 minutes

[@z50king29]

Hell yeah, man! You're back! I probably won't buy this bike but I love your videos. They keep me in the sport

[@Bouwentjes]

Now, this a proper review on a bike. Way underrated channel. Why doesn’t he has 10x the amount of subscribers?

[@aaronbyard2051]

I average about 71 yo 75 mpg in my city. Last weekend I rode it to Indiana 😂 it was a 14hr trip there and back and was getting roughly 200 miles to a tank. Also with concerns to the oil consumption 🤷‍♂️ I change the oil every 500 miles. It's 1.056 quarts, costs about 10 bucks. I dont own another vehicle and it been killer since I got it. I do want to do that sprocket change and re jet the carb tho.

[@DustySteel]

That’s really low for that bike. I weigh north of 200lbs and still average 100mpg in the city.

[@alexkies1497]

Just picked up an Xr150 for my wife, and she threw 160 miles of dual sporting on it the first day. It’s also my favorite commuter/beer run bike I’ve ever had. Plus it saves the miles on my Crf450x “light adv build”. Hoping TTR will release a little more info on some of the mods he did. Detailed descriptions of solutions like the oil consumption issue, air box mods, smog delete, etc. it’s oddly hard working on a bike so new, yet so simple and old. And there are very few online resources for this bike as of right now. But yea, TTR is absolutely thrashing that little bike, and it’s been fun to hear what he has to say about it.

[@PMtoAM]

Holy hell thank god youre back, i thought the 5 month hiatus meant it was all over.

[@ryanmontgomery1622]

"The compression stroke on the forks is pretty good at smoothing out already flat roads."😂😂😂 I'm dead 💀💀💀

[@epicgolly418]

I love this guy's reviews so much

[@erictavares678]

Rode an XR150L in Vietnam back in 2018. Made it from the Chinese border all the way to Saigon without a single issue. It’s more fun riding a slow bike fast than a fast bike slowly

[@jasonjavelin]

Watched all your videos after seeing your KDX video a few years ago. Love to see you back! The 150L is a little too small for me but seems like a neat little bike. Small displacement bikes viability in the US like this soooo depend on where you live

[@back-engineered]

I bought one and loved it. It was insanely comfortable and smooth. Easy to manage and just FUN. The one issue I had was the lack of top speed. Or more the lack of top speed consistency. It would do 65 when I didn't really need it to and would only hold 50mph when I really really needed it to do 60. I decided it was time to upgrade to something that could hold 65mph to get me to the places I wanted to go. I bought a 2019 CRF250L ABS. The 250 definitely outperforms. HOWEVER, the CRF is like riding a cinder block, the throttle is very sensitive and frustrating and the fuel range sucks. I miss the XR sooooo much. I have major regrets. After doing some soul searching, I realized I dont need power and suspension travel. I need that lazy boy seat and smoothness. The CRF is now for sale and I'm shopping for a used XR150. 😂

[@z50king29]

I think I've watched this 4 times now. Thanks

[@modjo4]

Great to see you back man, i started doing off road shit with my commuter cause of you(you owe me a left mirror)

[@bobz1736]

Great to see you back with a fantastic video 👍 You mentioned how lame the suspension is, so what mods did you do to allow for your high speed desert blasting?

[@PruskersChannel]

Great to see you back). Your fitness guide helped me ride better and longer. Keep up the good work👍

[@marcobitran2244]

I have this bike and love it for city and casual dirt use

[@dvpzy]

This is a prepper bike. People use it in SouthAmerica for Off-Road, with high ethanol gas. They use it as a work horse. Is not fast, is not powerful but is reliable and cheap to maintain. In cost $2000 USD in Chile, before 2020 it was less, around $1500 and you could find it used for $700.

[@12main]

Glad you’re back man!

[@brinkzymoto]

That was a torture test for sure! Awesome review man, really good info! I don't think most people would use it about 50% as hard as you rode it, and Honda making a $3k full size dual sport new is just a great thing for North Americans who just want to ride for cheap and not worry. A great stepping stone too. Reducing the barrier to entry for a lot of people is commendable, I hope this bike gets a lot more people out on the roads/trails, or gets them on ones they never would have otherwise.

[@MattLitkeRacing]

Thanks for letting me know what I have to look forward to lol I have 3k miles on mine. It’s been fine other than the carburetor sticking and filling the air box up with gas. I did notice the false neutral once last week

[@dpetrick]

Nice video! I have 4000 on my XR150L and really enjoy it on the rural back roads and gravel roads around here. For me it is a fun bike to ride and I have another bike for long highway rides.

[@recyclememalznz1450]

Great review

[@philliphanwell9057]

Thanks for the upload keep em coming

[@Crooks103]

Finally... Awesome channel great videos

[@WojySmokes]

I love my xr150. Its my first bike and a great beginner bike to get your license on, further more I'm not scared to pin it around turns and it allowed me to really progress to much better rider much faster. Now that I've owned it for a year and put 3k miles on mine I'm think of buying a 450 in a year or two. I love the price point, I love the simplicity, I'm not putting a single extra penny beyond footpegs into it, and as a bonus I use it to doordash all the time allowing me to save on gas. Plus in a few years I can sell it for basically what I bought it for and then get a used crf 450 for a just a few bucks more. It's an awesome deal. I rather buy this then a grom or a trail forsure. Plus space for an extra passenger, and chicks dig bikes.

[@michaelconran5252]

Bought a 2024 a week ago. It perfectly fits what I bought it for, mainly forestry roads. I'm fortunate enough I can have multiple bikes and my wife also rides. So adding bikes to our stable is encouraged. We ride Harley's mostly and I have a KTM 450EXC also, but honestly don't ride it anymore like it was intended and have put supermoto wheels on it, but can switch to dirt. On forestry roads I can enjoy my surroundings and even cutting out the stock spark arrestor and using a sink screen for a spark arrestor, still quiet, much quieter than the KTM and a more relaxing ride. The issue with buying an XR is not understanding its capabilities compared to your expectations. This bike was on my short list, the TW 200 was on it, but a new one costs twice as much as the XR. If you can even find a used one, they cost $3,000+.

[@adrianvogt2174]

I didn't think the gear ratios are bad, in fact I put a smaller rear sprocket to get more top speed, Admittedly I only drive on dirt roads, and I have put a high compression piston, camshaft etc... I am surprised the suspension held up so good, I had to change the seals 3 times already at 20.000km and broke the top mount of the rear shock of. Nice video you are a big inspiration to me

[@quantogs]

I named my kid after this kid. Glad he’s still doing the internet things, it’s been awhile.

[@superconfort]

Just landed here. What a review my friend... Thanks a lot for the show. Subscribed and waiting for the next!

[@Wingnut7078]

Finally dam don't make us wait this long again please 😅

[@GreatGobsOfGoo]

RRAAAAAAGGGHH HES BACK

[@Tezza1970]

Buddy, where ya been ... Welcome back and don't leave us hanging again. Missed ya content !

[@JD_79]

My family owns two of these little guys for light trail riding and camping. For $3k they are a great bikes.

[@marekant7776]

Great video, as usual!

[@diggy-d8w]

I got a theory about why Honda finally decided to drop this bike on the US markets..... lol, she's a proven bike as witnessed by S.American/Asian countries where she sold like wildfire. That said, the only thing Honda had to do is adjust her for emissions by altering the airbox/intake, the muffler, & the carb which was easy enough. Uncorking her for all the pony power she has is allowing a lot more air into the combustion, a muffler to let it out, & many change the jetting but I've seen one man who put in another larger carb to take care of it. He says he got about 10MPH added to the bike after doing these upgrades which if you get 10+ miles per/hour on a bike that went 55-60, that's a substantial increase of power & I happen to believe all that he said about the numbers. He did all upgrades on video & compared since he's got 2 Honda xr150L bikes, one for his wife & 1 for him. Thanks for the video, I'm also wondering about the suspension - can the front suspension off CRF150R / CRF150R Expert be swapped into the 150L Dual Sport? I forgot, the reason Honda brought this bike into the US bike scene is that they want to compete w/ the Chinese bikes on amazon? Seriously, Honda deals w/ them in most markets but I think they saw the numbers of Chinese bikes being sold & for $3000($1,000 more) than the China Bikes you can get a good Honda bike that can last forever if ya take good care of her. Anyhoo, thank you for the video ~ peace

[@KatieJackson-t4m]

Its because usa is becoming 3rd world. and corporate needs every penny they can get

[@MrJanaRobi]

Gabe that was really informative .I have an older Beta 125 fourcycle I have been trying out .No desert here in Maine .

[@krippleandthekid]

Solid content👌👌 Love to see a 300l review too.

[@danewoods2549]

I'm thinking about getting one as my first bike, hoping to ride it to work, etc. Is it a good bike for that??

[@dailylife3975]

All you got to do is open the airbox put a little exhaust on it and rejet it and it gives it quite a bit

[@roseatemistrail]

yessssss great review video as always. Been looking at this bike and waiting for a video since you stared showing it off on your instagram. Appreciate the video hope you have a great day!

[@DoRC]

Interestingly centrifugal filters are actually extremely effective at removing contaminants. They're probably not used more primarily out of perception and ease of maintenance.

[@jessISaRicePrincess]

I'm just waiting for a used white one to come up online. It's more than enough here because our road speed is way slower than the US. Gonna use the xr150l as an adventure/farmbike for me and my dad.

[@Cabooseified]

He lives!!!!

[@rlager22]

I really love the bike for cruising through Honolulu. I agree the 2nd gear is a little too tall. Other than that, suspension is very smooth, control's are very ergonomic and high quality, seat comfortable starts with just a quick flick at that starter. I haven't gotten off road yet, but love it for the small crowded streets and winding mountain and ocean-front roads around Oahu.

[@6mclovin]

Did my MSF course on this bike, it was a pretty fun

[@MrNosajwhitey]

Great informative video mate keep up the good work

[@earthknight60]

Your review makes the North American version seem quite a bit different from the international version. Setting the lack of a kickstart in the NA version aside, I've been riding my international version daily in SE Asia since early 2017 and have never had it kck out of gear, and there is no issue at all with oil consumption. The fuses mine came with were 15am.

[@Hondadude87]

I considered buying one of these. Ended getting an 08 crf230l for quite a bit less money. I couldn’t imagine being on something that weighs 20lbs more and have less power than my 230 especially for the otd price. I feel like if you could find one second hand for $2000-2500 it would be a good deal. For not much more than the otd price you can find a second hand 250l and 300l

[@Imos99]

We missed you...😢

[@jimstenlund6017]

11K mi on that is an impressive amount of dedication. I’m commuting in Tucson on a Condor 150 now.

[@scoochinweasel]

Fantastic vid.

[@rob8823]

Did I miss your back tire choice? Thanks for your videos.

[@randywilliams4325]

In Mexico Honda sells the 150 and they also sell a 190 version with efi .They should have sold the 190 version here . I owned the 190 while I lived in Cabo.No choke and fast starts . The head pipe had a cat convertor in it but it never got too hot .

[@dennisvillacorte4122]

Best review

[@ShanenDanaShoemaker-wf4tr]

Please do videos what you did to prevent oil use in the crankcase breather and the smog block offs. Thanks!

[@6Twisted]

Using a centrifuge instead of an oil filter is a pretty cool idea.

[@vintage4wdrive606]

I guess now my question is, what would you do to make this bike? Be able to handle rougher off road riding with what’s available on the after market. Would you upgrade the wheels to 21 and 18! What about big bore kits? I’d love to see what your ultimate version of this bike would be

[@KatieJackson-t4m]

its on my channel

[@nochilljay6369]

I was just looking to see if you'd uploaded anything like last week

[@IdiotsInTheDesert]

IT FINALLY DROPPED BOYS

[@Rocketman0407]

Budget build for endurance race, please! Let’s see how far this bike can go. Here are some mods: Performance cam and or camshaft “230cc” big bore PWK carburetor or Mikuni TM pumper Smaller front sprocket Lastly the suspension would have to be swapped or modded. Will it make the hill? ;)

[@nickhetu4829]

Good information on the tires! What did you use for the rear??

[@angelwalsh7585]

It's a very old model of bike that's probably the only reason it's allowed to be sold in the u.s if you want to see how a modern dual sport fairs look at the crf 450l

[@123gmor]

It seems to be moving at a good clip in your video. Nice riding!

[@AppleJack76]

Channel name checks out.

[@rightoffatlantic]

Bro... Where's this channel been hiding? SUB!

[@stug77]

Would love to see similar treatment for the KLX140rf.

[@johnlee8523]

So when are you running this on the 24 Glen Helen race? 😂

[@mjb2kmn]

I call mine The Donkey, because it's not pretty or fast, but it'll get the job done. Eventually. Excellent review, dead on accurate. Although I haven't personally had issue with the transmission popping out of gear.

[@shinyribs2178]

I rode an XR400 for years. My dad still has an XR250. We bought in to the "XR's are bulletproof" cult online. Those oil slingers "cleaners" started back in the '70's on the XL's. Pain in the ass since it's behind a gasketed clutch cover to access it. My XL500 didn't have one, though. Honda just...didn't even attempt to "filter" the oil on those. After several years of being a Honda household I was tired of them. Constantly welding frames back together, constantly trying to get the suspension to work, constantly repairing valvetrain issues,etc. My last straw with the XR400 was when the cylinder studs kept pulling out of the case. The aluminum is cheap and was deteriorating and oversized thread inserts couldn't grab enough extra material to keep it from blowing head gaskets monthly and eventually pulling the case threads out again. I sold everything, bought a old RFS KTM and a '05 KTM 300 and I have to fuck with stuff anymore. The suspension works, they're powerful and I NEVER have to work on them. Five years of riding twenty year old KTM's and all I do is ride. Superior in every way, especially reliability and build quality. Every time I see an XR being praised I just roll my eyes. I've been there. Never again.

[@williams.779]

Dude, could you go over some of your riding techniques and learning tips? I’m fairly new to true dirt riding, and I bet a lot of people would love to know what skills are essential to ride as fast as you do. Hell, if I could push 80% of your pace on the same bike, I’d be pretty happy.

[@nickofcambodia2980]

I probably never will buy a 150, But I love the vids so thats 26 minutes of entertainment. Keep them coming! any future endurance racing ? you should buy another kdx or review an xr400

[@TheGamersRace]

You could buy a 230 motor and bolt it on here.

[@bmar916]

Please try a Honda Grom before you knock that out the way. Coming from a 250lb guy, owning that bike was a ton of fun to whip around and was much more capable with it's own unique dynamics being so lightweight.

[@nickofcambodia2980]

@@bmar916 My first bike was a grom. Fun but absolutely useless offroad.

[@bmar916]

@@nickofcambodia2980 Well I think that answers why this reviewer is bashing it 😂 no speed limits or traffic out in the middle of nowhere. I would mostly use it on the street and it's always more fun riding something slower; fast, then it is to ride something fast; slow.

[@nickofcambodia2980]

@@bmar916 they are great bikes in the city for sure, but in the desert you need a dedicated dirtbike

[@godwinbaladad2174]

🎉🎉🎉 welcome Back 🎉🎉🎉

[@toddsorel-pg4hr]

I wonder if it’s just the weight of the shift lever bouncing around that is screwing with the gear selection. I enjoyed your take on this fun play bike!

[@mowis4824]

Damn this guy knows a lot

[@ftf1987]

Being a 2nd gen 150f engine it should take the 225cc bolt on kits and have some potential, just wish it had at least 35 or 37mm forks.

[@KatieJackson-t4m]

check out my crf swap with the xr

[@fernandocdl1968]

hell yea ttm video

[@hondaryder3779]

Goede video, Not available here in the Netherlands, EU laws😮‍💨 My 2000 Transalp was way below this ones price though and never let me down. Last year for carburateurs and no ABS, what's not on it can't break. Great starter bike, looks good, cheap and simple, would suit me nicely. But mine is only 24 yo and i am 50 so she will outlive me. It's a HONDA 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@KM-ps8lk]

Best review stlye.

[@stuarthipkins8336]

I have one 1600 miles..front end was loose..i bought a magnetic drain plug..adj valves at 650 miles..exhaust valve a little tight..just installed honda skid plate..

[@rickrobinson8417]

I wonder how a grom compares on and off road

[@markkiehandolim2431]

You guys badly need to have the crf150l. And it’s dual sport. And more bargain for the money for me. Quite common here in Southeastasia. Honda should’ve have released the crf150l instead of the xr150. Honda missed a market there in the states. Well loves your videos men and more power to come.

[@PainterD54]

After looking at several reviews, I think I just might look into a used 250cc bike instead so atleast I have some power.

[@jeffb.7924]

Good to ear you again. Nice playground you've got, will it be use to torture others cheap chinese product like BHR or Asiawing?

[@tcepilot]

Any plans to ride the CRF or XR250? SP? XR600? I miss those videos

[@zac_in_ak]

Would love to see how to videos of the mods you have done

[@dkrongel]

ayyyyyy there he is

[@bmartin863]

I don’t have a problem paying 100 a month with 30 dollar insurance payment. Plus the cost for premium gas is nothing.

[@schmidtlifeproductions603]

Someone offered selling me a 2023 for $2200. They paid more than 4k out the door. What is your thoughts on this? I just need something for city riding and that can get up to about 60 mph. With some light off roading. Please help me brother.

[@710SurfnCA]

@@schmidtlifeproductions603 buy it

[@TravboySkeet]

@TortureTestMagazine please update if you find a solution to the transmission not wanting to hold gears! Please and thank you!

[@rienkhoek4169]

Bedankt

[@TortureTestMagazine]

Likewise!

[@rattanack1413]

How do you fix the low end torque. Add more teeth to the front and rear sprocket?