Honda XR650L | An Owners Review 

The Ron Swanson of motorcycle reviews. Practical with reasonable opinions based on experience.

I'm 6'4" and on my XR I can stand flat footed but there sure isn't much weight on my feet. The bike is so tall nobody can steal it..they just fall over.

Your review of the XR650L is spot on. I have owned one for about 2 years now and I am 5’9” tall as well. Too tall, yes. Heavy, yes Plenty of Power. And I love that it is mostly an off-road bike. I have been pulled over by police 2 times because they thought I was riding a dirt bike. Mine is set up pretty much exactly like yours and also with no turn signals. I did put an oversize tank on mine and it gives me a little more comfort factor on range. The most important two things I have learned about riding the heavy 650 off road is power through obstacles and loosen up your arms and body to let it flow through the ruts and rocks. Of course, I drop mine several times each time I go out but I ride pretty hard. Love this sport.

I had same problem with seat height I put the duvol lowering link on and shaved my seat 2" brought the seat height down to 34" and also bought some handle bar risers made a big difference and I as well am 5'10 " tall this mod made it a lot more fun to ride.

Iam 6 foot 2 225 pnds man I love this bike it's absolutely bullet proof ill own it for life so versatile and reliable:-)

I noticed a lot of posters on here suggest you get a shorter MC. I am 5'2" with a 25 inch inseam. So you can imagine how it works for me. I get on it and off it like a horse. Start rolling and throw my leg over saddle. I have lots of other bikes. I will never get rid of my XR650L. Tons of power. Handles great. Just a little tall. LOL Thanks for the review

The trick to off roading in those difficult areas is getting off the seat, using your body as a rudder to help balance and steer. It takes a while, best practiced in soft sand but it is just another part of the learning curve. FINALLY so decent music for one of these videos. Thanks

I'm picking up a 2018 XR tomorrow. I'm 6'2". Great fit. Great video!

google is telling me the average height is 5' 10''

Nice vid. I like your candor. You mentioned the KLR 650 as the "other 650" dual sport. The Suzuki DR650 kind of fits in between the Honda and the Kawi. They are a couple inches shorter seat height, in the same price range and probably a little better on road, where as the Honda has better off road suspension. Just thought I'd mention it.

I'm 6'3" and like to do lots of hiking. This seems like a great offroading bike for just that. Thanks for the review.

I'm 5'9"-10” as well, thanks for posting a great straight forward review.

Great honest review. Thanks... I'm 5'11" and here's what I did to help height of my xr650l. I did buy and install a lowering link " sacrifice @1" of ground clearance "...next slid fork tubes up thru clamps @ 3/4". Last I cut some seat foam out . Now I can close to flatfoot but most important I can stab a foot down in tech.spots and not drop the fucker every time I get in the rough stuff!

if i didnt know better, this video looked like it was filmed out on the bartlette lake road.. i used to live in phoenix for 7 years and when friday came, thats where i went until sunday, loved it out there, nice video

really glad youre gaining subs man. you deserve it. exellent quality too. keep up the good work

Thanks for the honest review... answered a lot of my questions. I'm thinking of buying this or the KLR 650.

The most truthful review, thank you. Peace

Great video excellent review! I have my xr650l set up for touring and I commute with it almost everyday and love it! It truly is a bullet proof bike. I've done quite a few mods to mine to fit my needs but that's what's great about these bikes they have an aftermarket part for any need. Great stuff man your content is great!

Your videos have made me make up my mind about what my next motorcycle is.

I think if you had people to ride with you'd enjoy your XR more,

I've had mine for 4 years and still love it . It is heavy at low speed ya just gotta keep on truckin' It's funny I can ride @ low rpm or high ,but I always have to put it on reserve @ around 90 miles

i have the devol 5/8 lowering link, its easy to install and makes a huge difference for getting your feet on the ground, but hasn't been a problem with clearance

Spot on review bro. The XR is the definition of a dual sport. The terms dual sport and adventure bike have been thoroughly molested by a lot of people who have no idea what they are talking about. A set of 30mm Tusk handle bar risers would make your life soooo much easier for $30. The bike will run forever bullet proof. I am a big VFR fan. Loved the old 700's. I know some of the purist VFR fans don't like the 800 but I think that Honda did a great job with them. If you buy one get one used. Super deals out there.

Yeah whatever 👍 The best no frills review I've seen in a long while if ever, nice work. FYI, imo, if you take your cbr off-road it becomes a dual sport, if you race your xr it becomes a race bike, etc.

I've got the same rack on my 650l. These are very well designed bikes and simple, bonus that honda still makes them.

The stock tires are death traps off road. Dunlop D606 tire is most popular on rear, I put a michelin s-12 on the front and its been awesome for being so knobby styled. I highly recommend the oil cooler. Cools oil down 40 to 50 degrees more than without.

Ah good to see the VF500 get a mention. That's what brought me to you originally

Cool intro man nice little vid! :)

Those engines were virtually bulletproof if internally was kept stock as long as air filter was kept clean and oil changed often enough. I ride quads and alot of people have went to the more complicated 450R machines. I remain on a 2005 Honda 400ex because of the simplicity. Basically same engine as on your 650, just a 397cc.

I bought one brand new in July and already have 4500 miles with zero issues. I'm a big dude 350 lbs and this seems to the best dual sport bike for me.

I love how you are lugging it. That's the best way to ride those big singles.

Great review and straight from the heart!

Awesome review man . I’m 5’5 and I dropped my Honda XR500 probably 70 times and my 2002 Honda XR250r . It hard not to when you riding up the hill. I’m super short on the wrong sport size bike. But I love my XR’s so fun air cooling super reliable. I want to lower my

I know they make lowering links for the bike or put a big girl on the back, they are fun to ride too. I am 6'2 with long legs so the high seat height has never been an issue. However my muscle-head brother who is 5'11 couldn't quite touch the ground. Happy moment for me telling him you are just a wee-little guy this bike is not for you. I love the bike, hope you can find a work around. Also if you think touring bikes are "dorky" check out the FJR1300 or some of the other hyper-touring bikes.

About a new XR650L in 2007 I've never regretted it always liked it, One battery several tires, Replaced the needle and seat for flooding is only problem I've ever had. Keep the oil changed ride on. This year replaced the front sprocket just to be on the safe side

Sounds like the perfect dual sport for me. Being 6’5” and 38” in seam I shouldn’t have any issue flat footing it. What I’ve read is the seat is just as high as my 250R and I can flat foot that no issue.

This is a great review man ! Found a reason it might not be a dual sport- in Ontario Canada the 650l isnt classified by the MTO(our dmv office...barf) as a 'dual sport, 'enduro' or any such, its classed simply as 'motorcycle'. In licensing a 650l here most admin workers, with some struggle and nosebreathing will search away and eventually find it then likely grumble about it being a motorcycle NOT A DUALSPORT! lol Anyway, always enjoy your channel brother

Good video, LOVE the N.R.A. sticker on your Interceptor's windshield!

quality editing bro!

Im 6' 3" and i tippy toe on my 09 xr650L. The TERAFLEX 140/80-18 M105 tire raised it up a couple more inches, but that tire will dig into soupy clay on logging roads. When I start going over, I put my foot down and kick off and get on the gas.

awesome, can't wait for the next vid! keep them going.

Awesome bike I just got a 2004 Honda XR65L I absolutely love it. The big problem is huge and I’m 5”4 5”5 and 130 pounds so way way to tall

That factory height is perfect. Short people should just lower it. It's meant to be the most durable bike you can buy which is why I don't own a KLR or DR..

yeah , i like how you didn't get caught making excuses for the cons. I'm 5'10 and yeah the adv bikes look funny , but I've been researching so long , i look at them and see what they are built for , it grows on me. i want a BMW GS. but i also want a dual sport that can cruise at 80 whithout blowing up lol. i hear the 450s are good , but probably not the best for a long "tour". honestly the Harley Davidson 750 is the top of my list , or Maybe BMW nineT scrambler. honestly , off road is generally talked about as off road hell paths ive seen. but where I'm from there's alot of dirt roads , trails and just places to go off the highway/2lane , seems that i shouldn't have trouble with an adv bike unless I wanna really get lost lol. after all the research vids , i do kinda wanna get lost lol. good vid man

Having owned first the DR650, then the KLR-650, and finally the XR-650L, I have to say the DR is the best overall of the 3. Mainly because of the motor, seat height, and stability. I found the DR motor to be the most comfortable of the 3 at cruising 75-80 on the highway. The XR650L had good torque, but above 70 it felt like it totally fell flat on it's face. Total dog above that speed. The KLR was better above 70, but still not as good as the DR. I ran the DR up to 100mph on multiple occasions while passing semi trucks on the freeway. I would not hold it at 100, but of the 3, it seemed like it went there with no drama or complaint, and was the most smooth cruising at 75-80mph. On dirt roads the KLR and XRL were both rather twitchy, where the DR was rock solid stable. The KLR would start shaking it's head above 70, and the XLR also felt a bit squirrely. Not so on the DR. I passed a Toyota truck on a dirt road, that was doing 70, and on the DR I was doing between 85 and 90 and it was rock solid stable. (Kenda K-270 tires) The KLR is a heavy pig off road. I really like it the least of the 3 The XRL is lighter, but tall with a high center of gravity. It may outdo the DR suspension wise, but the DR drifts corners easier to me. The seat sucks on the DR and tank is small. Both easy fixes. The KLR gets blown around way more than the DR(the price of having that fairing I guess) So overall, if I did it again I would do the DR. It is a better street bike than the KLR if you put on a better seat and bigger tank. Better motor than the KLR, easier valve adjustments, and way better handling, both off road and on the street. The DR motor is way, way better than the XLR motor at speed. Handles better on fast dirt roads, and is easier to touch the ground. It only gives up ground clearance and a bit of suspension travel to the XRL, but the stability and motor more than make up for that. Just my 2 cents on these 3 choices.

always keep a extra cluch cable with you, they like to break. there on ebay for 15$

I ride an '04 650L im 6ft and its a little tall. not too bad at all i got my license on it. had some riding experience as a kid. I agree I went with a re-jetting I used Dave's Carb mod. and an EGR delete. well worth it! simple mods.

KLR sounds like what you would like minus the weight since your mainly a road guy, it’s the only touring-ish bike I’d ever consider

klr 650 is pretty heavy but on the road it's pretty good the wind still throws you around tho just ride safe you'll be good

I have 13 bikes, street,dirt,vintage and I love riding this bike the best, I have a big heavy touring bike for coast to coast riding but I’m thinking of taking my 650 and try it

Awesome bike I just bought one today 2004 Honda XR650L Only 1200 miles. I love it. Electric starter not kick start. I wish had kick start too in case the battery or starter goes out. The only problem is I’m 5”4 almost 5”5 So is really scary I’m so freakin short. So I’m going to ride on dirt roads but not crazy hill because is little heavy and so tall. But I love it I will see if I can lower it

Good review. Gave me a good idea of what the bike is like. Thanks.

Thorough review. No stone unturned. Sold.

im 6ft2 and the one i had i put a 2 inch lowering link on mine. for the same reason, couldnt get my feet to the ground.

Don't forget, the Suzuki DRZ is another great options for people looking to get into dual sport for good price, great reliability and is lighter than the Honda and Kawi 650's. Just thought I would add that. Great vids buddy.

Great review bud 👍

I see so many more DR650's out in the stick than KLR's. The DR650 is so customisable. The XR650 is like a lifted Baja truck. Designed to hit hard.

Great information and review.. Thank you

if you arent afraid of moding then get a 2- inch rear lowing link,it makes the ride 100% better off road and way safer.if you ever want to make this bike perfect like the classic XR's then add a kickstarter,remove the smog pump,lower the seat hight, and remove the silencer in the muffler to make it sound half decent.

I miss my 1984 Honda XL350R

I think I said before, the XR is a beast and with the lowering link, (inch three quarters) the beast is under control. The best bike of its kind and with mine , I take the soft shoulder as and nearly like a dirt bike rips...... I hop back on the tar and leave dust behind... Fun bike!!!!

Great video!

ha, talk about ironic. Had a 1986 interceptor 500 and a 2005 XR650l. I didn't keep the XR very long. Had many dual sports and the xr had good torque but was just too heavy and vague feeling for serious dirt antics.I really miss my interceptor, they were fantastic machines way ahead of their time.

Very good review. Thanks man

Started on a DR200. At 5'7" I can stand over it with room between the seat and my ass. Picking it up and throwing it around was easy. Moved to a WRR witch is way taller but OK because of a year on the DR

Very accurate review! I have a xr650l and I feel the same way about it! And I'm tall at 6'3

I'm 5'6, its tall but i softened my shock so it sits down easier. bought mine brand new knowing its height. dealership kept trying to talk me out of it because i was short -what an insult for a dealership to try to talk you out of a sale.

Is this over near Bartlett Lake? I assume you're in Arizona because of the sticker I saw in the beginning of the video, and past 11:00 it looks like you're near Cave Creek haha.

I'm 6'3 and love my xr600 but I've been having carburetor problem with mine

I've been thinking of picking one of these up.. I looked at the CRF 250 first because I'm 5'9 also but for the extra money I'm going to have spend on it to get it to run worth a shit.. I could just grab this 600.. I want it to ride back and forth to work 24 mile round trip. And to play in the woods I would say I'm a a good off-road rider and Novice street rider.. Most of my riding has been on strictly dirt bikes.. The seat height is 37 on this and 34 on the 250 so much different.. I might check out the lowering link before I decide.. Nice video. Enjoyed your review

Cool vid man, I have the 250L and I wish I had something bigger, but I really think the 650L might be too big, this is a great vid man, thanks again

My 650 is boggin at 55 hell im still in 4th gear, my bike will do 80mph all day, not revin high till about 90 95mph

My friend is 5,9 and he has a kx450f and he touches the ground on his tip toes (when both feet are on the ground).

new sub. not sure if you guys can get them over there but an XR400 is worth a thought. I'm 186 and just got a 650L - already has the koubalink fitted - but my dream bike was the 400 still has the legs and tow load but almost as light as a 250 for chucking around. anyway cheers for the vid dude.

Yea pretty much hit the nail on the head with this one

Great review! Not sure what you mis-read about average human male height, but it's not 6'3"! Try 5'7". Regardless, yes, at 5'9" you'll feel the height. I'm 6'2" and love the height. If you're going to spend much time on the highway (especially in warm temps), add an oil cooler. Where are you located? The terrain looks very familiar.

I have this bike and two friends have it and one sent his shock out for lowering by valve shorting along with the lowering link got it down 2 inches

Just bought a brand new 2017 its in my Bunkie with my CBRRR1000. I was going to sell the sport bike. This is a tall bike I'm 6'2 my hips are fckd so I have to step on the foot peg to get on it.The last endure I had was a XT500 Thumper back in the late 70s...

I would never tour a XR650L unless it were off road. For all the basic 650’s, this is THE lightest. Try a KLR for almost 100# more! If you drop your rear gear a couple teeth highway speeds really go up. 75mph is east then. But you’ll give up some dirt capability. Putting the money into appropriate weight springs and valves front & rear really makes this bike shine. I bought a super clean used one with the idea of spending a few K to ‘make it mine’ and it’s really a day/night difference!

digging the camping vids

good info .u know u can get a cut down seat and. their is adjustment for the forks and their is a 1 to 2 inch lower bracket or adjustment for rear shock also and u wount drop her anymore cool ?? so ck it out and thanks for the video bro next time do some weele"s too

Have your bike handling skills on the road increased with time spend in the dirt? Great vid. Thanks

I’m 5’6” the bike fits perfect. From a short guy perspective.

great review..I am 5'8 with a 28 inch inseam..I have the seat shaved some and a lowering link and the seat is about 34 1/2 now and i STILL can only to tippy toe or one foot almost flat footed at lights. I am also a street rider switching to a dual sport and have to say that seat height is intimidating every time i ride it..She is a BIG girl but I love her....it is a Tractor that just keeps going

.....Have you ever had any issues with "over-heating" in desert areas?.... or on long trips?! How well does it do on Interstate Highways, keeping up with traffic, passing, bucking headwinds, etc.?!...

What year interceptor? I had an 86' 500. Bike was frigging Awesome. I had many many bikes including an 05 650 BRP. Interceptor was by far the best. V-4 / Hyd clutch. That bike was so smooth, ahead of it's time.

I'm 6'4" aka adult size. This will do fine

love my 2013 xr650l although it could use more power any suggestions? i have a fmf pipe thats it

I think people are misunderstanding me. I do understand the aggravation of a bike that's too tall. I'm referring more to riding style and keeping momentum going without putting your feet down too much. with some of these vids...it appears that some people may not have as much experience at others riding offroad....just a general statement...nothing specific guys.

I've had two of them just push the handlebars forward and lock it down

Hey came back to this vid for a random question, do you use your tool bag often on this bike? I wanted to buy one for my CRF230L if possible just as a simple bag to put either tools or stuff like food in it or something for a single day adventure for example.

the extra 4 inches is the yum yum land moment

Who said it isn't a dual sport? Slap that fool.

So would you say this would be an alright big person bike? I’m 6,3 a little over 300 lbs. looking for a daily for work during the warmer months. Trucks guzzling gas lol

You can lower the suspension and get a lower seat

hey I'm a new sub, I owned a 1989 Honda NX650 Dominator loved it, even though I'm 5'5 so I looked funny haha. anyways the 650 does this version have the "oil tank" built into the frame itself? if so you need a skid plate asap! that is your protection for your oil pan or oil tank on the others. Anyways there amazing bikes super reliable and torque monsters. I loved owning mine for the 3-4 years of riding it with enduro tires. Have fun and be safe out there!

OH MAN! An interceptor AND a XR650. You are one lucky guy! :-D NICE intro!

Deciding between this and the DR650 this weekend! Pumped. But worried that the XR will be too tall for me.

Have an xr650L and a Suzuki Vstrom 1000 an cannot ever see me selling either one . Love them both an they are both modified to fit my taste. I also have my Harley, an my ZX 1100. But I can see my self selling those. Love them too , just never ride them anymore.

How about a Honda cb500x with a stage 3 Rally Raid kit.