XR650L vs XR250R RACE - Head to Head Showdown!

The lightest full size XR (XR250R) versus the HEAVIEST full size XR (XR650L). Who will win in this desert showdown?!
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[@eveRide]

That was a fun watch! Weight definitely makes a difference in the tight stuff!

[@terracethornhill]

The thing I love about the XR650L is how manageable the power delivery is, it has lots of power because it's big, but it runs like a trail bike, super mellow. The only major flaw offroad is the stock gearing is tall, making for huge gaps between gears, so you rarely feel like you're in the ideal gear. That's easily fixed with a set of sprockets though.

[@martycech5844]

Peter ... High quality suspension setup is key. On every machine.

[@TortureTestMagazine]

This is probably the only race I'll ever win :) Check out my website for dirt bike related merch, premium content, and sponsor spots: torturetestmagazine.com/ Check out this page that has up-to-date info on my current bike setups! torturetestmagazine.com/pages/bikes Check out the page that has an up-to-date list of my current riding gear! torturetestmagazine.com/pages/current-gear Start shopping at Rocky Mountain ATV/MC by bookmarking my affiliate link! www.rockymountainatvmc.com/?ref=1046& See my Amazon favorites like the supplements I take to stay healthy and athletic! www.amazon.com/shop/torturetestmagazine Buy whatever you would normally buy on Amazon, but get there by bookmarking this link so I get a kickback! amzn.to/3vVlH8p Get a ton of teaser content by following my Instagram! instagram.com/torturetestmagazine/ Don't forget to subscribe with notifications turned on, hit thumbs up, leave a comment (even if it's just "leaving a comment to turbo charge the algorithm"), and share this content!

[@MR0birdman]

I really wanted to see that comparison man, I loved it. And it's a shame that the beast couldn't win, probably you weren't using premium gas TROLOL... Some day I'll have an XR650

[@vincentbaelde-millar670]

It's not a beast, just a pig. An XR650R is a beast.

[@martycech5844]

Correct and proper Suspension setup has 95% to do with rider fatigue and bike control

[@trevorjameson3213]

Excellent video and comparison! The results you got are to be expected, and the reason why I have both an XR250R and a DR650; the XR250R is a near-perfect dirt bike (my all-time favorite actually), and the DR650 (or XR650L) not so much, but, it's superb on the road and like the XR650L, the DR is quite nice to have for long dual sport trips, road trips, and camping. I know a lot of guys who think the big 650's are just fine as dirt bikes, and sure, they can do it, but if they were to get on an XR250R and try it out, they would be surprised at how insanely easy they are to ride (and with so little effort or fatigue), over basically any terrain. Anyway, it's pretty awesome to see your 250R and 650L compared side by side on the same off-road terrain, extremely cool video!

[@Blackwaterseal4]

MAn....I love both of them......I still have my "83 Honda Xr500r.......shes a beast... Great vid.

[@dearlove88]

Please get a XR400R and review that

[@jmfaria450]

It would beat then both I'd bet. It's about the perfect middle ground between these two bikes.

[@vincentbaelde-millar670]

This is a really cool comparison, thanks for doing it. What I'd really like to see is you riding an hour on sealed roads to get there, then do this :D

[@2wheelsrenough245]

Should have a XR400 running too!! its light as the 250 and powerful as the 650(almost)!!! nice comparison!!! I really enjoyed it!!!

[@twistygrip4180]

That was really fun to watch!!! Those editing skills....... ;)))

[@46ace]

Thatwas a really excellent video! Thanks for posting!

[@loganhubert6563]

The 650 sounds like a freight train chug #respectthebeast

[@TortureTestMagazine]

So true haha

[@Sgt_Rosz.CIB-11Bravo]

I’ve got an 04’ 250R, the things a dang tank man, it takes everything I’ve thrown at it.

[@zadokmotorfreight2423]

Really enjoyed the video!

[@alangoede2073]

You need to open that 650L up a little more I put a BigGun exhaust on mine and change the small sprocket to a 14 in the rear sprocket to a 49 I also got rid of the battery box and got rid of that television set hanging off the back lol I also run a pretty aggressive rear and front tire I run a IRC M5B on the front and a IFC M5B 140/80-18 on the back. Regardless though it is a heavy bike I also did some internal tinkering but I’m glad to see that somebody wants to ride him still I’m located a little north of you a big vine and we have a lot of the similar terrain Excellent videos love your channel

[@noyopacific]

Watching you ride the 650 was exhausting. I ended up sweating and panting like a dog ! Wait, that didn't sound quite right. ;-) Good video and nice editing. Thanks !

[@TortureTestMagazine]

+noyopacific hahahah. Thanks!

[@Magnus0311]

This was so fun to watch! What tank do you have on the xr650l?

[@captainpegs07]

Great comparison!

[@TortureTestMagazine]

+captainpegs07 thanks!

[@oh-qn6ht]

Thats a damn light weight 650l. Curious as to how you got it down to that weight. Just bought a 250r to build up and also have a 650l. I enjoyed the comparison.

[@algee8228]

Cool! Either way you just rock those bikes! Where I'm from, the 650L would have won by a long shot...can't make XR250R street legal here so if the race started from home, by the time the 250 was loaded on the truck, driven to the dirt, unloaded, kick-started, and got rolling, the 650 would be back having cold lemonade in the shade!!

[@soundslikeaplan841]

Why did you get rid of your endruo race vid!!! Can't wait to finally see it!

[@TortureTestMagazine]

Oh I just streamed that to the channel and then didn't save it! I'll make a cut down video of it soon.

[@alangoede2073]

I gave you wrong information I change the back sprocket to a 50 it took away a little top in but I can still hold 80 if I need to

[@martycech5844]

Great Video... I’m buying a used XR650L

[@smokemagnet]

Interesting, but it be very useful to have an indication of which bike is which on the split screen :)

[@Jimbo4575]

Have he suspension tuned and watch XR650L win everything. Well set up suspension is worth a lot of horsepower

[@martycech5844]

Jimbo4575 ... Expertly setup suspension, on both machines, I believe the 650 would finish Much closer in the tight, rocky stuff.

[@tonyrichengod9280]

Would be great to see a comparison between direct competitors Honda XR250 vs Yamaha TTR250.

[@Bronkorob23]

Awesome video. You really got me looking for an XR250R project. When are you doing an XR650R comparison?? I got one you can borrow 😀

[@TortureTestMagazine]

But won't I die on the 650R? Hehe

[@rennertvolkers128]

Frickin Jim's Affordable Adventures we all want to see you on a 650 r

[@gnomonty3908]

Gabe, your missing he point. Those of us old guys that own this bike want it to make it there and back. We could care less if it doesn't compete with lighter bikes for speed. When we get back on the road we have that weight under us to hug the road.mind you from 37". Luv my pig.

[@gnomonty3908]

I really enjoyed the video if only I had your talent. Thanks much

[@martycech5844]

David David ... actually, most of this centers around High quality suspension setup. For the terrain in from of you. Suspension is Key.

[@AzPauly]

Another old dude on a big bike.. been considering a smaller lighter bike, have had my '96 BRP for 15 yrs (3rd one), now 55y/o, but just can't give up the shuck ton of torque.. running 14/48 gears, IMS, D606's, this thing has Always, Always been reliable-now at 29K,.. tried a xt225-waaay less work, but felt like a toy.. may try and lower my 650l, ultimately something smaller/lighter is in my future, possibly DRZ400E, some E-start 250 (DR/TTR,WR)? But for now, still lovin the BRP (although mine's white).. Loved the videos- kinda eye-opening, been a die-hard open class thumper guy but the reality is the lighter bikes are easier to ride fast-unless you're somewhere HP is KING..AzPaul.

[@jturbodog2981]

Your 140, Im 63 and 215 so there's a bit of difference there.

[@72codeman]

Have you tried out an xr600r?

[@jeremykamel9655]

You should compare the XR400R to these two. More power then then the 250 less weight then the 650. Maybe one that someone has dual sported. Mine is current at SouthBound Honda in Lakewood, WA being inspected for Street.

[@TortureTestMagazine]

I would love to be able to. The XR400 is hard to find these days!

[@ScubaSteveS117]

Any chance we'll ever see a comparison between an xr400 and 250? I'm curious cause I'm looking to do some desert riding but still have some wooded trails in mind and I'm trying to see if it'll work for me. I'd also like to know how they perform on the highway to see which would be better for getting out there too.

[@TortureTestMagazine]

If I ever get my hands on a 400, yes

[@ChaoticDetour]

I am pretty much sold on that xr250, think I need to get myself one at some point. I just rewatched you're review of it yesterday and was thinking I'd like to see more of it. The cow did pretty good though.

[@TortureTestMagazine]

Yeah the 250 is such a great bike. The cow did put up a good fight, I was impressed!

[@MollyDogsm]

Frickin Jim's Affordable Adventures xr400 even better ;)

[@TortureTestMagazine]

But so hard to find for a reasonable price D: Honda, #BRINGBACKTHEXR4

[@ChaoticDetour]

Currently on CL there is 1 for $2000 in Vegas and 1 for $2200 up by Tyler.

[@ChaoticDetour]

An old 1972 SL125 is listed for $900 for a retro review, hahaha.

[@rennertvolkers128]

how is the crf 230 f doing ?

[@Whatever-ib6ve]

Hey there. Love your vids. Also the one on Rheumatoid Arthritis. My wife is med free due to this. Thanks heaps. I have an Xr250r 1990 and just blew the rear shock. Do you know if there is an aftermarket complete replacement for this bike that will bolt in please? The original shock has never been serviced and only just went last week. Love this bike. Such good quality and all the seals on the bearings are still soft. So cool. The shock shaft is pitted from rock impacts and I was just thinking of putting in a bolt in replacement. Thanks heaps. CP.

[@TortureTestMagazine]

I'm seriously glad the arthritis info helped. As far as the shock goes, I'm sure you can find something. The 1990 is not a generation I've owned so I don't know exactly what is out there, but check with Hagon, YSS, and racetech for aftermarket. It's highly likely one of those will have a bolt in replacement. If they don't, measure the eye to eye length of your blown shock and start searching for shocks that are close to that eye to eye length. On my 98 XR250R, shocks that fit the CRF230F basically bolt up with the slightest clearancing needed. Might be the same for your generation XR. Spring rates aren't too far off either.

[@Whatever-ib6ve]

@@TortureTestMagazine Thanks heaps! I will check it out.

[@srartaertert]

what abouth the fun factor? wich one do you prefer? for dual sport? or adventire riding?

[@TortureTestMagazine]

+Vasco Avila oh man, the xr650l cow is super fun but also so tiring. Hard to say which one is more fun in this case. I've been having a really good time on the 650. But if I had to choose one or the other, I'd stick with the 250.

[@vegasxventures]

I hope you can get your hands on an XR400 at one point, I'd like to see how great the difference would be.

[@TortureTestMagazine]

ArmasADVish same! The XR400 and XR600 are so hard to acquire around here so it may be a while

[@Lawrench00]

I need to bring down my LXR 250 and let you see how it stacks up. It definitely ticks the affordable box.

[@TortureTestMagazine]

+Corey .H thee pitster pro! I'm excited to see more affordable bikes entering the market

[@isaacbaker9329]

kinda surprised the 650 was so much slower than the 250

[@TortureTestMagazine]

Thanks for watching! That 650 is a hefty machine with a high center of gravity, and that really takes a toll on performance

[@martycech5844]

I owned, rode and raced an XR600. That 250/277 would Loose. Correct suspension setup is the key to Winning any off road race, Just say’n

[@msncarson]

That was tiring to watch you ride the technical stuff on the 650!

[@dilligaf5564]

What about the XR400r? Will you get or review the 400?

[@TortureTestMagazine]

I've tried desperately to buy one for years, but sellers want too much for them. Still keeping my eye out though.

[@dilligaf5564]

I found one I’m interested in and was wandering how it compares to the 250 and 650 do you have any insight on it?

[@whitecompany18]

I've had all three, the 400 is only 1second quicker over a mile than the 250 but 40 lbs heavier and munches fuel so I've only got the 250 now , I can sacrifice one second per mile to save fuel and weight ..the 250 is like a mountain bike if your use to bigger road bikes and a breeze to pick up.. because you will drop it being one of the tallest bikes, I'm 5'11 and any uneven ground and I can't touch the floor.

[@wolvy350]

No accounting for additional % of intervertebral discs blown out while hossing the 650 around off road?!? Hahaha well done!!!

[@TortureTestMagazine]

+MotoTonto LOL that should definitely be taken into account, actually!

[@soundslikeaplan841]

Cool as

[@EntropicAshtray]

Try a xlv750r

[@leroygt1]

Not bad for a street legal bike, IMO.

[@comepuchas990]

11.18.22 no ww3

[@RE-ct3ht]

Las motos no se conducen solas.