2024 Honda XR650L: The Best Big Bore Dinosaur?

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Are you looking for a highway capable dual sport for both single track and moto camping? Is the KLR 650 just to heavy and road oriented for you? In this video we check out just exactly why I think the XR650L is THE BEST big bore dual sport dinosaur out there!
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Опубликовано:

14 окт 2024

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Комментарии : 96

@swamp033127 5 месяцев назад

I bought my xr650l April of 23. In stock form it will go anywhere you want it to (stock tires are sketchy). I’ve put 16k miles on it in a year and all I’ve had to do is change oil, tires and put gas in it. I have done some upgrades, 14 tooth counter shaft sprocket, skid plate, yoshimira slip on exhaust, seat concepts low seat, uni foam air filter, ims pegs and shifter lever, 4 gallon ims fuel tank, spectrum moto programmable cdi, high output coil, nice cnc oil cooler, smog delete (did that before I had 100miles). Plan on upgrading to a lectron carb in the future. I’m same build as you, 160lbs 5’10”.

@suzyamerica4679 4 месяца назад

LMK please how the Lectron goes. I have a Lectron already on my KDX220 and love it. Wondering what it does for the performance and mpg's on the big red pig - and I'm making an offer on one this week.

@anthonymalfino1 8 месяцев назад

Acerbis 6 gallon. Have fun putting it on. I left it in the sun and then had to sit on it to get it to fit. This is a dirt bike for the road. The KLR is an adventure bike

@SwankyCatProductions 8 месяцев назад

Mmm sounds fun! Haha. Yeah I think that's a good way to look at it.

@superhappyhour8317 6 месяцев назад

Same experience with the tank!

@daltonmcelhaney8013 8 месяцев назад

The dr650 vs xr650 is much more comparable. All amazing machines with multiple generations that get to enjoy them. Not everybody needs top of the line suspension and a rocket ship of an engine to have fun on 2 wheels

@SwankyCatProductions 8 месяцев назад

Definitely, dirt only provides a certain amount of traction anyway. Too much power just spins the wheel!

@nkyryry 16 дней назад

I don’t understand why you’re reading this all in a condescending tone. It’s an awesome bike.

@anthonymalfino1 8 месяцев назад

XR is a freaking beast man

@SwankyCatProductions 8 месяцев назад

Haha True!

@catherined.398 8 месяцев назад

As a Gen1 KLR650 owner, I look at the XR650L a lot. After one valve valve adjustment at 9k miles, my eyes started wandering. Like all the '80s thumpers, the XR has a critical show stopping design flaw. The XR with the stock sprocket, eats its sprocket coutershaft, and has no cush drive. Thumpertalk seems to recommend an XR650R after market front sprocket as the fix, if I remember correctly? Also, it appears an oil cooler is recommended.

@SwankyCatProductions 8 месяцев назад

Wow NO cush drive??? Yikes, that's "rough" lol.

@Adv.Wannabe 8 месяцев назад

I had a XR650L with a 5.8 gallon tank on it and any protection part you could ever want. Sold it a few years back. Bought a 22’ KLR 650 2 years ago. Decked out in Tusk parts which are great. Better on the road as far as wind protection goes. But they really just don’t compare off-road. The XR feels like a real dirt bike in comparison.

@gregweeks4980 8 месяцев назад

Mr Swanky Cat, I have two generation one KLR 650. One with a very tall windshield and one with a small windshield. They both have the basic carburetor exhaust mods to make them run correctly. Both are great for longer distance. I have two XR650L's. They are both for off-road with highway connectivity. They are the best off-road by far. I am 5'11 and 170 lbs I am light enough to set the SAG and go. I also have a Dr 650. They are the perfect in between off-road / on road motorcycle. Now you will think I am nuts. I also have a KLX 650. More power than all of the others. Kawasaki just doesn't make them anymore. I bought those new. It has more of a cam rush like a motocross bike. Lots of fun, but heavy like a DR 650. It handles well off-road I'm just trying to lift anything as it has the off-road versions forks and rear shock. All of them are a lot of fun, it depends on what I want to ride at the time. Pick any one of them, they are all a good time. Honda Honda Honda "Texas on the prairie"

@lifewiththehamptons2191 8 месяцев назад

Any pictures of those iconic bikes in your stable?

@verlinswarey507 8 месяцев назад

You got a lot of bikes,my man! And they’re all quite similar!

@gregweeks4980 8 месяцев назад

@@verlinswarey507 it is kind of funny that the 650 dual sports are my favorites. They're all very similar, but very different as well. The KLRs are excellent at general purpose. The XRs are exceptional at single track and woods riding. The Suzuki DR is shorter in seat height than the rest of the motorcycles and the easiest to ride for almost any reason. The KLX's are the horsepower Kings by far. The KLX bikes are mysterious... Most similar to Honda's XR650R. For some reason I like to collect the 650s. Greg

@gregweeks4980 8 месяцев назад

@@lifewiththehamptons2191 I have pictures of all the bikes, but I am terrible at computers, so I'm not sure how to add the pictures to this website. They're all in excellent condition and I have a different reason for each one of them. But for some reason I have two of each motorcycle, apparently I like to collect 650cc dual purpose motorcycles. Thank God for long legs. The Honda XRs and the Kawasaki KLXs are mountainously tall in the saddle. I've had to set the suspension sag to be able to get my tippy toes on the ground on the KLX. I'll see if I can figure out how to post pictures. They are pretty bikes. Greg

@skyecooleyartwork 8 месяцев назад

Love my XR. It rips, it commutes. To ride it hard, you must be deliberate and ride forward in the seat. Its size demands you have some technique, but the suspension saves you. I do not miss the weight of my VStrom 650. I see the XR650L as the transition to a CRF450RL, Kove 450, AJP PR7, or Husqvarna 501.

@dynaryda8857 8 месяцев назад

The klrs added weight helps on the highway to feel more planted and help against wind

@jeffwesthof9711 8 месяцев назад

I would watch for sure. Love the XR650

@markharrison1160 3 месяца назад

I had a XL600R and loved it. The only thing I want on this one is a bigger tank.

@Michael-qo8bs 8 месяцев назад

You do not have to remove "head" to check valve clearance on klr650! You remove valve cover just like a sport bike. If adjustment is required...you must access shims by using g special tool or rolling cans out of way. The shims hold tolerance better and direct actuation minimizes side load on valve and guide. This type of valve actuation the valves tighten from valve recession. It is my preferred system ..the folder arms in honda can tighten from valve recession OR LOOSEN AS WEAR can occur between cam and rocker... Just different preferences

@anthonymalfino1 8 месяцев назад

XR650 is the piece man. I owned one wish I never let it go. I just bought a KLR 650 which you have helped a bunch. I will stay with the KLR as I believe that it’s a better bike. Love your channel man, you are awesome

@SwankyCatProductions 8 месяцев назад

Thank you! Glad to hear my videos helped you out!

@GlorifyGodInEverything 7 месяцев назад

I have the 23 xr650L. It's literally just a big dirt bike with a ton of torque once set up properly. Emissions stuff off, carb kit, sprockets, more air flow, handle bar risers, bigger foot pegs, plastic tank, low profile tail light, skid plate, aggressive dirt oriented DOT tires, gripper seat and it's pretty much ready to rock and roll through whatever the rider can handle. I'm 6'4 223lbs so it's not hard for me to throw it around but I can see this bike not being suited well for smaller riders trying to do single track stuff. Mine is waaaay more dirt oriented, I pretty much turned mine into a 600R, but brand new and "street legal" lol. Very few and far in between to see dirt oriented L's but they are easily capable of it.

@brucewygal133 7 месяцев назад

The only thing Honda messed up on the XL650 is the tiny fuel tank. Put a decent size tank on it and it would be awesome.

@markmc9229 7 месяцев назад

Love that title … so true. Two great dinosaurs!

@john-hd5ny 7 месяцев назад

i own a 2014 xt250 for single tight operating and dicking around the neighborhood i also have a near and dear to me as i rebuilt it as my first project frame up a 1998 xr650L let me start by asking you what your intentions may be? secondly i have a few thousand seat miles on xr650L in her various configurations which are ever changing only perhaps 10 hours on both klr AND dr i race mx as a passion utilizing several yamaha yz450f configurations hopped up race Only sooo i will tell you the XR DESTROYS BOTH OFF ROAD in perhaps 15 different ways ex ERgonomics suspension etc my challenge to you honestly unless you have Scott Summers' abilities on trails or Johnny Campbell skills in open running whoops etc etc you will never ever ever push an XR to its limits off of the road seat height a sinch as you shave the seat foam down to 34" dont go fiddling with lowering links boils down to in most peoples hearts the XR is it btw all national forest dirt bike signs you see and often american dot dirt bike signs taken from xr600/650 image

@Vorm17 8 месяцев назад

I think this bike is the perfect move from the KLR for video content. Good to compare and see the differences for watchers.

@eminiscalperpro9729 7 месяцев назад

The XR650L is a very good bike. You tend to ride it more aggressive, it has good power and it makes you want to do wheelies and ride it kinda hard like a dirt bike. My brother had it and a DR650. The XR could be hard to start when cold, I believe it was a jetting issue. It wasn't that great if you were going very far on the highway, the lack of a cush drive rear hub made it so that it didn't feel very smooth. I preferred the DR due to it being a smoother machine and lower seat height. The XR is definitely a great bike and as with most, getting it setup to your liking is key, but for me it wasn't very good on the highway, overall I preferred my KLR due to me being able to go further distances.

@nseric1233 8 месяцев назад

I had a KLR650 back in 08 for about 5 years. I bought a DR650 about 5 years ago, it's a way better bike for me. Other than the hard seat I find the dr650 just as good or better on the road and a lot better off road. The seat is an easy fix, I didnt bother tho as my rides are mostly short enough it's not an issue. I looked at the honda and like hondas better for the most part but im short and I'd have to lower the 650l a bunch and after you lower it it's no better off road then the dr650.

@SwankyCatProductions 8 месяцев назад

When I test road my buddies DR, I felt like it was a better ride under 55 than my KLR. Not sure why, less weight up high maybe? Mmm that is a good point. I do wonder if this bike would be just waaay to tall for me as well.

@nseric1233 8 месяцев назад

@@SwankyCatProductions I know a few tall guys who prefer the xr650l, it's crazy tall. The internet is a weird place. On it everyone tells you to get a klr650 not a dr650 but when you talk to someone who has owned or rode both they tell you to get a dr650 unless you hardly ever leave the road. It's like the guys with dr's are out riding and the klr owners are online all the time lol.

@KR-qs3rt 8 месяцев назад

1 point that should be made our economy is definitely not that great right now and these lower cost option bikes which can be built over a period of time to what the guy wants in the end might generate some pretty good traffic. I am kind of a Kawasaki guy at heart but I think the XR or the DR would be a fantastic build to watch.. it also has the potential to connect you with other outside suppliers that might generate more subscribers for you.. Plus when you get done youll have a bike thats WAY more off road capable just like you are.

@jamespolucha8790 3 месяца назад

I’ve tried them all the XR 650l is the best just a good all around bike with the best reliability and price

@SwankyCatProductions 3 месяца назад

I've got one now and I definitely agree!!!

@phillipbatho3213 8 месяцев назад

The XR650L was introduced in 1993. I don't think it has changed since.

@alexhobart9784 8 месяцев назад

I know it's tough to get around here, but thoughts on the AJP PR7? Seems like an all around monster

@SwankyCatProductions 8 месяцев назад

Never heard of them so I checked them out. Looks like there is only one dealer in the US but they are awesome looking bikes! Maybe I'll do a video on them.

@alexhobart9784 8 месяцев назад

@twowheelboomer I haven't gotten to see or ride one either. I have a gen 1 KLR and have been looking for, seemingly, something similar to El Swanky Cat. I always seem to look at something, the XR, Tuareg, V-Strom, 500 EXC, and so forth, but come back and just think to myself that the PR7 is THE bike. Just curious what other thoughts are out there

@RVAMotorsports 7 месяцев назад

Take it from a guy who's bought both bikes brand new, the KLR is subpar off road beyond dirt roads, but decent enough on the highway. The XR was downright frightening on the interstate.

@bbaz6729 6 месяцев назад

I would love to see an XR650L, CRF300L, CRF300L Rally comparison as I'm trying to decide between the three?

@yfzrider729 8 месяцев назад

Definitely interested. It doesn’t seem like a lot of people are making videos on these

@cgm661 7 месяцев назад

2024 KTM 790 Adventure is another contender to look into.

@insatiable_mind 8 месяцев назад

I really wanted an XR but being honest with myself about how much time I’ll spend off-road vs highway I got the KLR. Now I have a potential trade for an XR but I love my KLR and I’m not sure I can let it go.

@ArcticJeff 8 месяцев назад

I have a 2002 KLR 650 C model which is more of a DR or XR design (see my channel). When looking to buy one of the three 650 dinosaurs the XR was appealing. However the main drawback for me is the XR has no cush drive which can cause the drive spline to wear the front sprocket. Can be solved with thicker sprocket. Also there is some known cdi issues, bad solder joints on the board. Not sure if this is fixed in newer models? But it's a contender with lots of aftermarket options.

@meanwileinthedesert..2320 8 месяцев назад

What do you think about doing a follow through or evolution series for the old dinosaur category. A series of search out and find the hidden local gem of a well kept garaged bike that's half the price of a stock new bike. Then modding it to be fun ''adventuring'' dual sport. Jet kits and cans, new seats and tanks, plastics. All surprisingly cheap for these old big bore thumpers. Showing the performance before and after, and whether or not it still has a place in the market.. then to finish each bike off, CHOP AND SCRAMBLER IT! Get a junkyard gas tank and seat that match up nicely, and work with a local fabricator to refit the new look. And then sell the bikes to the viewers. Would be a great follow along series. And you would get to see everything the old designs are capable of, and what they can be made to do. At the end, you can give the most comprehensive and informed opinion of, xr, dr, or klr. I would watch this series beginning to end!

@SwankyCatProductions 8 месяцев назад

Did you read my mind??? Haha. Definitely some awesome new ideas there that I really appreciate, but I have kind of been thinking the same thing. In fact there's actually a DRZ (the bike I had before the KLR, when I had no idea how to ride off road) with some real nice mods on it...

@meanwileinthedesert..2320 8 месяцев назад

Go for it! Everyone already mentions the drz first when old die hard bikes are brought up. Why not start there with the old cast. I'm sure your current skills will make the drz a joy factory. Until you hit the asphalt.. then the world over puts up with it for a month then starts talking about the klr.. which I truly don't understand! They get a light weight off road beast, then when they blow piston rings on the highway collectively the world forgets the xr/dr exists, they only talk about the klr or ktm690 or a twin. people need to remember the greatness of the old goats is still relevant! And amazing! I would say the drz is slightly more modern and slightly more complex of a bike then the xr/dr, just because of the water cooler and internal pump. Because of this, when you chop and flip the bikes into a scrambler, it doesn't look as clean as that simple air cooled engine. The chopped drz's look busy. Where as the xr/dr builds are very clean and classic looks. Then hey, if you scramble an xr/dr just right with the right paint job, just maybe it will become a classic background art piece that's functionally bad ass and just in the background of all your vids for the world to drool over...

@anthonymalfino1 8 месяцев назад

XR is hardcore

@SwankyCatProductions 8 месяцев назад

Indeed!

@rodmcisaac3 8 месяцев назад

Unfortunately, the XR650L is not listed in the Canada catalogue.. For uniqueness, how about a Kove for analysis?

@toddhoad6909 7 месяцев назад

I just watched a video about Kawasaki, they are coming out with a new KLR for 2025. Its called the KLR 700 Baja, I would be interested in hearing your views on this bike. It has a V-Twin motor instead of the single cylinder. Please give your views on this new bike.

@thaicraft1219 7 месяцев назад

Have a link from Kawa re this because at this point all I’ve seen about this particular set up is from some guy that put this together via Photoshop concept.

@AmericanMossad 6 месяцев назад

Great vid. Thx

@SwankyCatProductions 6 месяцев назад

Thank you!

@anthonymalfino1 8 месяцев назад

I’ll finish by saying this: Buy the XR and ride the shit out of it because you won’t miss on this for simplicity. Carburetors are awesome. My KLR is 18 when they stopped. Has a carburetor. Injection sucks. Last of the Mohicans is the XR650l

@SwankyCatProductions 8 месяцев назад

It definitely seems like a pretty bass ass bike!

@stavrozinio 8 месяцев назад

just a small correction - at 14:36 that is not a correct trail explanation as you showed. I would write about it, but it's faster for everyone just to google "trail rake motorcycle" and switch to images to understand. interesting video none the less. cheers.

@SwankyCatProductions 8 месяцев назад

Ahh crap, I knew that didn't sound right! Thanks for pointing that out, I'll note that in the next one!

@benfox8571 8 месяцев назад

DR650 or xr650, both need mods to be good. But it's still cheap enough to be worth it. I can work on them.

@anthonymalfino1 8 месяцев назад

Take the emissions crap off

@YourLocalRaccoon 8 месяцев назад

I'm only 3 minutes into the vid and plan on watching the rest, but it's a shame the title doesn't include the Dr650, which is much more comparable to the Klr650.

@leeredpath8332 8 месяцев назад

isnt this the bike with the flame out issue at low rpm , or am i thinking of a different bike?

@swamp033127 5 месяцев назад

You’re thinking about the crf300l

@suzyamerica4679 4 месяца назад

CRF450L/RL.

@sthr2110 8 месяцев назад

Having owned several of each, I can say the XR is MUCH better than the KLR (aside from highway cruising, which can be easily overcome).

@retiredwaterdoctor 8 месяцев назад

Dinosaur vs the bush pig.....the Honda 650 hasn't been available in Canada for a few years now.....wish it was....had an XL500 and loved it..gear it up and wind protection, and still lighter than the KLR...

@WrecklessPB 8 месяцев назад

Will this finally be released in Canada?

@SwankyCatProductions 8 месяцев назад

Wow it's really not???

@WrecklessPB 8 месяцев назад

@@SwankyCatProductions You can buy them used, but they are all American purchased and brought over the border from what I've seen! We get the 150, 300 and 450

@KR-qs3rt 8 месяцев назад

Make sure to add an oil cooler... As far as off road fairings.britania makes a fantastic unit for this bike..No direct link because YT deletes them Ive tried. Has LED lights, adjustable wind screen and places to mount your gps,usb etc... And it looks decent..

@gabrielkopp2036 8 месяцев назад

It came out in 1993 not the the 80s it's 80s predecessor was the kl600r

@SwankyCatProductions 8 месяцев назад

Was it really 93??? Wow I thought it happened around the same time the KLR600 went to a 650.

@superhappyhour8317 6 месяцев назад

Wait til you need to change the spark plug. 😂

@nathandevine552 17 дней назад

XRL best off road ok on highway KLR best on highway can go off road

@anthonymalfino1 8 месяцев назад

You can also make this a Dakar bike if you want

@theldun1 2 месяца назад

a lot of the KLR's extra weight is fuel.

@ThomasReyes-r4j 7 месяцев назад

The Honda all day. No comparison 😂😂😂😂

@anthonymalfino1 8 месяцев назад

Does not have a cush drive tho. Remember this

@SwankyCatProductions 8 месяцев назад

Mmm yeah, I didn't know that, seems like it would make things a little rough?

@stevelacombe5291 8 месяцев назад

The seat height is going to be a no go for many.

@SwankyCatProductions 8 месяцев назад

Yeah, I'd forgotten it was THAT big lol.

@Nobodysworld333 8 месяцев назад

That’s what she said… sorry I’m not above low hanging fruit :)

@paulherron4289 8 месяцев назад

Do lt!

@Ron-n4s 7 месяцев назад

The K Lar kawasakiisn't even in the same league as the XR Honda.

@brianrahuba6919 7 месяцев назад

Really, a 6speed is overrated . Shouldn't be a complaint on a dirt bike . And the ones that do have a 6speed the seat so uncomfortable it doesn't even matter anyway . I rode 5 speeds bike into other states. The 650L is the best in its class. 2nd DR650 more fun due my feet actually touch earth while not losing too much ground clearance. . KLR 650 aint for me . I want more off road capabilities and the KLR doesn't cut it . Plus whovwants a huge fairing to block your veiw in tight areas . And weight is not your friend . I like the 350 class myself fir trail riding , like my DR350S and the seat is comfortable for what it is. Great dirt bike ? Nope ! Its a fantastic trail bike though ...... Oh the DR350S HAS A 6SPEED. LOL

@SwankyCatProductions 7 месяцев назад

Huh, I didn't know that about the 350. Interesting! Yeah your definitely right about the KLR. In all honesty I bought it as an experiment, just to see, and show, what could be done with it. Now that I have l, I'm sort of done with that ridiculousness lmao 🤣