Very informative video Ron. Its in the top 5% of all motorcycle review videos simply because you took some time to plan it, were articulate and set your camera in a steady spot. Some of the videos out there could give a guy as seizure or stroke just trying to watch it.
@NW3D Yeah I was thinking the same and realized it was true when he started talking about carrying the chain lube. Still a well done and Id say accurate review. I picked one up at 98mi almost a year ago and put 8000 on it mostly single track mine looks like a dirtbike now lol
Great review and talking points i cant wait to get another xr650l. Best bike i ever had. What people dont understand is caveman tech wont leave you stranded. I love my ktm's and huskies for performance but when it comes to an adventure enduro these oldschool aircooled primitive bikes do the trick better than anything else.
Excellent video Ron, much appreciated. You took a lot of time to put that together as a review; but you made it look like it was natural. Well done and thanks again mate!
Thanks R/R for a very good video. Thinking about buying my brothers XRL . Rode it several times and like how solid it feels on pavement and dirt roads.
Very nice info, Sir. Thank you. I am in the middle of the dual sport buying decisions right now. I have had 3 XR's in my motorcycling history: 2 500's and a 400. Have loved them all. So like you, I am predisposed to the Honda. My main decision now is used bike vs. new. Really appreciate your advice, information, detailed mods and most of all adding up the mods/budget info. A consideration of mine as well. Love how your bike looks too! Many thanks. Well done!
Thanks for making the video. I like the dog at the end and the wife saying "Are you sellin' it". I have been considering the KLR but will look into other options now.
I was torn between the KLR & the Honda,........... But I have always had good luck with Honda. Honda 650l it is........... Thanx! :). Awesome video...........
Love the honda xr my first was an xr 100! But I must say I got a 2006 DRZ 400 and I'm more than satisfied what a few mods I'm hanging in there with all of them
Great video! thanks for taking the time to go over all the details...I am looking for a bike now that my wife and i can take on little trips and i can take in the back woods. This really helped me out in my research.
que hermosa maquina.. y que bien cuidadita la tiene el tipo este. Un saludo de Uruguay.. y Honda la mejor maquina del mundo. saludos a todos los fanáticos de Honda como yo ..
Good informative video Ron. Rode a CR250 for years as a kid and now want a dual sport bike. I'm leaning towards the Honda, seat height not a big deal I'm 6'3". Found a few good deals around $4k with minimal miles.
Thanks a lot. you made some good points and comparisons between the bikes, especially the ground to motor gap, that's something I would've missed. Thanks.
Great video I recently bought a 2021 XR650L, and these great videos are giving me lots of ideas to personalize my new bike. I’ve been a motocross guy my whole life and my age is leading me to more mellow riding that includes my wife as a passenger from time to time. Thanks again... Oh, and brand new, my XR listed for 6999
My XR650L / XR600 engine. 50lbs. lighter but no electric start. I'm at 80% dirt. Basically a street legal XR600. Love reliability. Super low maintenance. Energizer bunny of Dualsports.
Great video Ron, very focused with lots of good detail! I've been street riding for many years but am looking to get into dual sport and am trying to decide between the Kawasaki KLR and the Honda. I think my mind is made up.
Hey Ron, GREAT video!! I'm thinking I'm going to go ahead with my first choice from he start. This bike! I'm the same height as you and was concerned about the lowering link sacrificing ground clearance . Not so! I'll have a passenger here and there so I need my feet planted firmly on the ground when she's getting on the back. I also noticed the smog delete was done. I'm 51 yrs. old and dying to ride off-road again! Thanks again my good man!!
just got mine on Saturday. Brand new off the floor at cycle county in Oregon great people over there made me feel part of the family and most definitely be back to finance a bike for the my kids. My dad is 56 and scored a 2001 he needed a riding buddy. Didn’t come with tool kit. Said I didn’t need lol.
Excellent information and advice! I ride the BMW GSA and is so comfortable and while standing it feels so balanced. I also have the XR650L. Although I live the motor this bike is a real odd ball feel bike while standing. It feels like the foot pegs should be lowered as my knees feel to high on the tank. It’s very too heavy. Most cases you don’t need such extreme ground clearance. I’m lowering my XL with the link and shortening the front shocks in the trees. Get the bike down and enjoy a lower stance if you don’t need the clearance. I’m 6’ with a 32” inseam.
Nice informative video! I'm just thinking of getting a second bike to start exploring the gravel and light back country. The fuel range is a huge deal, so it's nice to know that all those issues can be addressed at such a reasonable investment price. I just want something that is reliable & light...I was leaning to the KLR mostly due to the fuel capacity. It's comfortable and reliable with a huge fuel range...but I'm not adverse to any of the brands (except BMW for the reason you mentioned)
I just found a 2006 XR650L for $1225., its suppose to have only 800 miles on it. Really looking forward to making it as nice as your! Great vid too thanks.
Good video, I've set up lots of DS /mini adv bikes for several customers. I realize it's another price bracket but I like the 690s for bigger bikes and 500 excs for superight.
Just to clarify, The seat height is FINE on this bike. I started riding a 250X, which sits slightly higher and has harder suspension, when I was 5'10", and I never had problems. I recently sold it and now own a 650 Thumper, and I have to say that I LOVE the 650L. The suspension is very soft stock, so it could use a little pumping up for the dirt, and the "deathwing" dual sport tires make sand interesting, but otherwise, I have never been happier with a bike. Loving what you did with yours!
I agree! I got the XR650L because I wanted to take jumps (albeit small ones) at the motocross track. I couldn't imagine a KLR or a BMW doing well on the track or in very rough terrain!
I have a 2008 XR650l. With a 30 inch imseam, I added the lowering link, and the Saddleman Dual Purpose seat. I also lowered the front end an inch and a half by loosening the triple trees. I can ride it much better than before. I love the Thumper!
I had the 650R and it's a freakin monster. I like tight trails and it was just more bike than needed, which made it unruly. Plus you need Premium fuel. Going fast in desert or fire roads the bike was amazing. I miss the bike a lot, but have been happy with my xr400.
Thanks for the info, already two weeks ago i buy a 2001 i´m in dominican republic, but i buy like a proyect to restore, the bike is runnig pretty well, but a few things is missing, and you are 100% true in your las comment thanks for share this helpfull Video! And enjoy the bike!
Great points, and thank you for declaring your bias early on! :). As a KLR guy I of course believe it was sent from the Kawi heavens to ride on water and reverse my age...
Hi Ron, Great vid. great modification points to ponder. At 45, I'm looking to purchase my first motorcycle. I've looked at just about all of them and have done a LOT of pre-purchase research, Dirt, Street, Cruiser, Sport, Classic Retro (Standard), Cruiser, and I keep coming back to the Dual Sport for the versatility. I've been looking at the CRF250L, which appears to be growing in popularity. The primary reason, for me, is the seat height. 5'6" 220lb, I have a 29" inseam and bone stock, with a 37" seat height, the XR650L is jussst a wee bit in the clouds for me. The only remedy that I have been able to find is the following: The Kouba Link is one useful first option, lowering the front forks, the other option would be shaving the seat 2-3 inches. With regard to the rack, I'd probably have to work with a metal fab and machine shop to develop a very useful and practical pannier and top box set for the bike, which would be geared toward commute, grocery shopping and fishing/camping trips. I DO like the hour meter and tach gauge. Considering the combined weight, I figure an adjustable rear shock is probably going to be required. As for the CRF250L, the bike certainly doesn't seem to be a bad alternative, BUT...... For all it's pros, it does have it's share of cons. For me, it's primarily in the way of engine size. I am uncertain whether it is a bike that I would outgrow. I kinda wonder about that part from time to time. I think the 250 is probably what I will end up with, but the 650, with the mods, sure is tempting, too. Perhaps a future acquisition after I've put some time in? IF Honda could come up with a CRF450L that was water-cooled, fuel injected, 6 speed, 250L seat height, with the adjustable suspension, I think the bike could turn out be a darned nice machine for someone like myself who's primary interest is versatility, fuel economy and of course, be more accessible to us shorter stature'd folks. Thanks for sharing. :>)
Hello Twinhit. What did you end up buying in the end? I am curious because I own both a CRF250L and an XR650L. I could have plenty of sound advice based on owning and riding both daily. Anyway.... hope you respond.
@@xrrider914 I'm in a similar situation to the OP. I'm new to bikes, but I've been driving stickshift and fast cars all my life so I feel like I'd outgrow a 250 quickly. I'm trying to decide between the Honda 650 and the Suzuki DR650. I honestly don't like the look of the KLR. I'd be using my bike 50/50; commuting 50 miles roundtrip to work on nice days and also on off-road trails when I go hunting/ camping etc. A lot of people are saying the Honda is more for off-road. Am I gonna eat it if I take a corner too fast?
@@cg9608 Hi Chris. I will try to help a little. If you are new to bikes as you say, and you are planning on commuting AND doing some trails, you would probably be better off starting with something smaller than the 650's. There are other very good dual purpose bikes out there that are comparable to the CRF, but I will stick to only the bikes that you mentioned ok? Here goes : The CRF is a very manageable bike on the asphalt and in the city. You will be able to handle it much more confidently around traffic. It is probably mostly due to the fact that it is much lighter than the XR and the centre of gravity is way lower. It inspires confidence. You will probably have more fun and be safer. I also commute approx. 50 miles to work and I enjoy those rides. I found the CRF lacked some pep. I changed the sprockets (smalller up front & larger in the back) and that helped a lot. Then I bought an aftermarket pipe & presto, more usable power that transformed the bike. It literally transformed the bike! Up to 65MPH the CRF shouldn't disappoint you As for cornering, it all depends on the tires you buy. If you buy some dual purpose tires with smallish knobbies, you can corner more aggressively. But you will then have trouble in the trails. Between the Suzuki 650 & the Honda 650, I would recommend the XR. If you look closely at both bikes in regards to street riding and trail riding, I can't see that the Suzuki has anything at all over the XR, no advantages anywhere. Both bikes are very good though, whichever one you choose. The XR has more power for sure. Dependable as hell. Probably too much bike to learn on in the trails. Learning on the XR on the street should be ok. On the street, commuting and in traffic, the XR is a good bike to learn on but you might actually be safer on the CRF. Think of it this way; if you aren't planning on racing but want to really learn how to ride, and zip around town, do some trails on a bike that will allow you to do so without killing yourself, then a CRF250L would be a good choice. And if you end up outgrowing it after a season or two, then so be it. By then you will know exactly which bike you will need next to suit your needs and preferences. Where do you live Chris? and when are you planning on buying? Keep me posted if you like, I would like to hear about how it goes.
@@xrrider914 Thanks for the feedback! I hear you with the 250, but ive made up my mind and ruled it out. You made a great point though and that is the center of gravity. I see people acknowledge the XR being top heavy. It also sits higher at 37". It's going to come down to comfortability (is the seat too high? The DR is 3" lower...) and power. You said the Honda is faster, but my research shows it at 40HP vs 46HP DR? Maybe it has better gearing, more torque, higher rpms? I'll probably keep the stock knobbies and buy more street appropriate tires. Just change them out depending what I'm doing. I hear you with the safety concern, but the highway/ towns/ hills won't he for a while. I'll be practicing in large fields and empty back roads. I got a truck to haul it wherever to practice! I'm in eastern PA. Gonna buy asap once I decide which bike (Leaning towards honda bc reputation and looks). Found a 2015 with 1.5k miles for $5.5k recently...
+DR Dan I have one, 2012 XR. raised bars up 3" and forward 3" Lowering link, A-LOOP tank/seat/kit, MEFO rear 140/80-18 . 14 tooth up frt and easily change to 13t If I want to trail ride the day. Love the pig and I got 10k miles outta the MEFO, I recommend highly. check it my ch and have a laugh as well :)
That's a great looking 650l .. really informative video too. I have the XR650R which I love but wish it had the E start and lighting of the L. We don't get the L model in the UK, but I'm sure you could import one. Steve
I was looking at upgrading my xt 225 and I chose an 2001 XR 400 that has been dual sported. It is at least 100 pounds less, way better for off road but it is geared a bit to low for the highwsy. I miss the electric start, but boy does it climb hills offroad.
I've owned the R and L version and would prefer the R version as the performance differance is significant no matter what you do to improve the L it just isn't as strong.
Raymond Johansen , I currently have a DR650 but used to have an XR650L. The DR is definitely smoother in every way; engine, ride, and handling. Keep in mind the XR650L was originally designed as a dedicated dirt bike (derived from the old XR600 dirt only model). The DR650 was designed as a true dual sport and it's very good at that. The Honda I had felt much more like a real dirt bike and felt better off road, but not silky smooth like the Suzuki when on the highway. Can't speak for the KLR because I've never ridden one.
Great video Ron. Thanks for taking the time. I had a 2006 XR650 L It was a great bike. As you mentioned very tall, at 6.2 it was even still a bit on the high side... and I miss it, now I am in the process of rebuilding my 2007 KLR. Im liking all the gadget mounts want that for mine this time.. Ram mount?
Great video! So much cost worthy informations thanks men. But if i could give you some constructive critisism it would be great if you could add the numbers in meters as annotation as im german and have to pause and google every time you talk about foots and punds :D (i hope my english is understandable)
Where did you get the mount for the XM radio?. I am thinking of purchasing a KLX 650 in the next few months and you have the coolest products.This video is the BEST by far of all I have watched.Cant believe you sold the XR, but we all need to be happy with our bikes. Thanks for the video.
