Honda XR650L Highway 4K What’s it like? Questions answered.

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Honda XR650L on the Highway from Philadelphia to New Jersey over the Benjamin Franklin Bridge.
I was very concerned before buying a 650 dual sport/enduro as to how it would perform on the highway. Whether you’re just curious or getting ready to buy your own dual sport/enduro bike, hopefully this will be helpful!
XR650L has more than enough power to ride on the highway. Let there be no doubt, I have never even come close to maxing out 5th gear. Also, I have a knobby rear tire and a 60 road/40 off-road front tire. With more road appropriate tires, this would be better. The main issue for riding the XR650L on the highway is the lack of wind protection. Not only is it uncomfortable, but it works against stability. Also against stability is the bike’s total weight of 350lbs. Regardless, the bike gets the job done and I don’t want to be overly critical, because I love it. I plan to instal a custom or purchased quick release windshield, and I will let you know how that goes.
I was split between the Honda XR650L and the KLR650, and yes, I’m sure the KLR is better in this realm. But there’s no way the KLR can keep up with the xr650l off road. XRL @ 350lbs is hard enough to pick up when dropped, I can’t imagine the klr @ 425lbs.
Anyways, the fact that this bike can handle the highway, then deliver such amazing off-road performance, I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I’m not sure of anything else that can handle such a diverse set of conditions with competency in all realms. Literally can drive you from to city to the forest, and turn straight onto the trail.
Like and subscribe PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE.

Опубликовано:

14 окт 2024

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Комментарии : 174

@justoneperson 7 лет назад

WAY TO GO NICE ONE . I had my heart set on a KLR but after watching your videos, I'm going down to the Honda shop and checking out one of these bad boys. Thank you and everyone who posted in the comments so much for your honest opinions. It helps.

@seaninthecity6034 7 лет назад

Dude, really means a lot to hear such great feedback. The XR/KLR debate is pretty easy... KLR heavier, better highway. XR - light, rough on highway, off-road capable.

@tomayers880 6 лет назад

I run 75 every day to work and I've done 85 several times no problem

@Steve-q3b1s 18 дней назад

Is it good on highways

@Xterraforce 7 лет назад

Good video. My XR650L has the common mods such as exhaust, carburetor rejet, snorkel removal and one tooth lower on the front sprocket. Even before that I'd run 5th gear any time over 45 mph and had no trouble accelerating even climbing mountains. As it is now I can go from 40 to 80 mph in 5th gear quickly and still manage to hit triple digit speed although I don't like riding it at anything beyond 75. You have a great bike there and as you said if you want to have some fun off road it's definitely the best. Ride safe.

@Bence316 6 лет назад

You have a bike that pulls like a tractor from like no rpm at all and you don't use 5th gear on the highway?

@seaninthecity6034 4 года назад

Bence316 I’ve heard this before but my bike definitely did not pull like a tractor from low rpm. The thing would frequently stall and have very little pull at low rpm. I’m certain the bike was out of tune and it was bone stock. Clearly I was novice at the time of this video, and I commented in more detail above, but I usually tried to stay in an rpm where I felt I had the most responsive throttle regardless of speed

@timsgta 3 года назад

@@seaninthecity6034 That's when you take it back if you bought it new

@seaninthecity6034 4 года назад

Another note for the haters: clearly I’m not an expert, but the stock bike, which I was riding here, had terrible throttle response (which is why most people update air intake, carb and exhaust), so I think I developed a preference for riding in lower gears because it gave me a better response. Also here I had stock gearing, which added to the same.

@TheBraveheart55 7 лет назад

What are you talking about? You said you were going 65 miles an hour and about to shift into 5th gear. I have driven my XR650L over 16,000 miles in four years and almost always shift into 5th around 45 miles an hour.

@seaninthecity6034 6 лет назад

Stephen Mandracchia what size sprockets do you have on it. Mine were stock at the time of this video

@brettkovak6344 5 лет назад

Depends on the gearing

@seaninthecity6034 4 года назад

In addition to gearing I bet you have non stock carb and exhaust. Not comparing apples to apples

@armadilllo 3 года назад

@@seaninthecity6034 all four of mine have been stock, never had a problem.

@xrkenny9759 6 лет назад

i use 5th gear on the road all the time,dude you're burning more fuel than you have to

@12gaug-gaming66 3 года назад

If I could use 5th pulling off I would 😂😂

@86angrybees 3 года назад

@@12gaug-gaming66 just rev n dump it 🤪, clutch wear is a myth made up by big clutch

@deltoid77-nick 2 года назад

I was very curious about the highway experience thinking about getting myself my first-ever anyting and my first-ever anything will be a XR650L really loving the Vintage styling

@peytonstevens3466 4 года назад

Dude I live on a dirt road and I go like 75 on the xr650l stop being a panzee 😂

@toddjacobs5660 3 года назад

Nothing beats a good ol Honda Engine ...back in 1987 i raced an 86 XR600 in enduros...

@dougiequick1 5 лет назад

I can understand the aversion to 5th if you have stock carb jetting if you feel a lack of instant throttle response up there ...Stock car setting suck! Put in a jet kit and THEN you will like 5th gear! Get rid of stock air cleaner element too! If you want to cheap out just buy two jets and follow "daves mod" washer under needle and grind some material so idle air is adjustable etc....remove all the smog crap too if it is still there...uncorking REALLY makes a difference!

@billbayer5526 7 лет назад

Two words man, "fork brace." JP Cycles has them. Kind of pricey but it will dramatically stabilize the front end at speed.

@Nucky131973 7 лет назад

I wanted to see it on highway you won't take it out of 4 gear f$#@$#

@boomdawg56 6 лет назад

I picked up a 2017 XR650 last year, I am 240 and 6ft. I don't have any problem at highway speed, plenty of power. handles great good brakes, my only issue is a 33 inch seat height. I have a 32 inch inseam and I have trouble getting feet on the ground on the DR400/650, the KLR, and the Honda. I love mine and after a lowering link gets installed, it will be ridden daily.

@seaninthecity6034 6 лет назад

I’m 5’10” 160lbs and I love the height!! You just have to counter the weight with your other foot on the other foot peg.... Enjoy your new bike! Sounds sick

@boomdawg56 6 лет назад

It is a great bike and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a dual sport. I took two inches out of the saddle, and a lowering link will get me another two inches out of the suspension without really compromising anything too much. On the trails in mountainous and rocky areas I really need to be able to get a foot on the ground on either side without shifting my whole body.

@seaninthecity6034 4 года назад

For all the haters: I didn’t realize at the time, but my gloves were terrible and they really made using the clutch more difficult than it should be. Especially on turns with those gloves I basically had to choose between shifting or keeping a good grip. I got the bike in the Fall and started vlogging in winter so I needed the warmth.

@fugitivetattoo 2 года назад

I didn't read any "hate" in the comments, I read bikers giving some useful tips. You're a pretty sensitive fella.

@bravadopapo9964 6 лет назад

I have a 2017l I bought new put 1000 miles on it before a wheelie drop put the serated peg put a 3 inch whole in my shin down to the bone n 40d/ stitiches in my leg past year. Haven't touched it since do to busy. I totalled the Ducati 1098s a few years prior to purchase. MANNNN THIS IS THE FUNNIEST BIKe. I'm 6ft 4 and 260 got me up to 93 with factory 50/50 tires. Can shoot around in big city. See a Walmart catch a power line behind it.. a construction site...curbs....etcm Dual sport that isn't like top heavy and soft like a Klr...can actually feel at home on a trail even w stocks on wheels . Side roads downtown feels like a legal dirt bike...hwys aren't Fun.. but fresh off the dealer I blew 80 down 85 interstate for 5 miles( not a great break in lol)

@markboza6215 6 лет назад

i ride my xr650l silly ,5th gear on the highway to get away from all the idiots is what its all abought ,the quicker you accelerate to get out in front the better off you are, ride it like it was stolen,if your not riding that bike hard enough to melt a crayon park it.

@seaninthecity6034 6 лет назад

I get it bro - you and everyone else - I know it can go faster - hence my comment on it not being a question of power... but when your front end starts shaking, it’s time to back off... and I don’t care how tough you are, the wind is a major issue, even on a calm day, on a very windy day a gust can take you into another lane

@eyelovehotmoms 7 лет назад

I'm from Philly too, and for that. SUBBED!

@seaninthecity6034 6 лет назад

Thanks bro!!

@RandomGRK 3 года назад

Phillyyyyy! Me too. Well, Cherry Hill now.

@avonlearebel Год назад

The KLR/DR/XR debate is so funny to me. They are all super capable and reliable. Get an XR and put an additional tooth on the front sprocket, rejet, new exhaust. Boom you have a highway capable bike. Get a KLR put a 14 tooth sprocket on the front, off road tires, and you have a heavy road bike in the dirt. To me it’s DR650 or XR650 all day any day.

@Steve-q3b1s 18 дней назад

Which would you take if you were highway riding?

@avonlearebel 18 часов назад

@@Steve-q3b1s well, i have done 750 mile highway rides with an XR. If you are only doing highway rides, thats it, i dont know if a dual sport is what you want.

@Brandtalones 3 года назад

Are you running the stock tires here? I would think that any asphalt running with those kinda tires would be pretty squirrelly. B

@billbonu1639 2 года назад

Be nice if you adjust the camera DOWN about a half inch so we can see the speedometer.

@SolomonsMartialArts 4 года назад

I have a 2015 xr650L I think it s better than the crf250L and the rally that weighs the same. with no power. I do 70mph on the hiway easy cruising. And I keep up with crf450L off road but it s more work with the weight difference

@daytonowsley2125 7 лет назад

Hello! I loved the video. It was more informational than I expected! I'm planning on being a first time buyer. I used to ride dirt bikes when I was younger and I really miss riding trails. But, as a working guy, I would love to have something to commute with at the same time. I only need to commute to and from work, 30 minutes a piece roughly and the highway I take goes up to 60. This video only made me feel better about getting a dual sport bike over an adventure because it seemed to be a lot less crazy than I thought it would be. I wouldn't ever need to go more than 60. That being said, do you have any suggestions for me? Obviously you are driving a Honda here lol I kind of like the idea of the VanVan 200.

@maxhenry9724 2 года назад

The Suzuki DR650 would be a better fit for you I think. Best true dual sport made and you can customize it to fit your needs easily and affordably. It fits right between the KLR and this Honda. Hondas best in the dirt and KLR is best on the highway but the DR does both nicely. They are all awesome bikes. I have all 3 but if I had to choose which one to keep it would definitely be the DR.

@jackrabbit8703 7 лет назад

Hiway speeds in 4th? I'd drop the geaing in the rear sprocket by adding some teeth and run in 5th. I've heard these are a bit high geared for off road anyway.

@seaninthecity6034 6 лет назад

I did drop it down a tooth on the front, but this video was stock 15/45. It was way to high for offroad and even onroad I never used to top end of the range.

@microtechmachineshop 5 лет назад

i have the bike personally i do not use the highway with it i find its too slow i use it for back and forth to work and fun winding back roads

@DirtyMikeHoncho 2 года назад

lol you're too slow the bike is not.

@davejewell229 7 лет назад

You are out of your mind. "pain in the ass to switch to 5th" WTF?

@socalexplorer 7 лет назад

Here in San Diego its 65 or or get ran over. The other problem is that the bike is so light, that between cars you get a wind push that after a while of having your bike thrown around you would prefer to be in a Dakar Race.

@nvmcrider8475 3 года назад

Not doing so hot on the swearing. I wouldn't suggest mounting the phone to the bars as I have ruined electronic devices this way due to the vibration.

@BearInThePhillipines 2 года назад

ANYONE else notice the OIL SLICK that the bike is tracking in across the bridge? Catering trucks will often dump grease as they drive as well as garbage trucks. Oil on the road is enemy to motorcycles

@earlgray1710 5 лет назад

Sounds like to me you’re running stock gears 15 in the front 45 in the rear when I had that set up I’ve very rarely used fifth gear maybe after 55 I would be shifting into fifth gear but now that I’ve changed to a 14 tooth sprocket in the front and The 45 in the rear I found that I shift into fifth gear quite often now at least by 50 mph going to the 14 tooth I lost about 10 mph off the top end but what I gain on the lower end was worth it the bike is more peppy and wheelies a lot easier in second gear now.

@markt.282 6 лет назад

Great Video! I also did a freeway video on the pig. I can't believe how much power this bike has it's awesome!

@LTDanno360mods 6 лет назад

i live in a big city and was thinking about getting one it has traffic just like this is it a good option for running around SoCal not on the freeway ofcourse

@BigTimber81 2 года назад

Struggles to get to 60? Seriously? Do they not know how to give the bike throttle? I'm 360 and hit 60 halfway through 2nd gear. I hit 75 in half a city block. I'm confused.

@novicereloader 4 года назад

Is it possible that the person complaining about low power was at very high altitude?

@JohnnyRebKy 4 года назад

So it can do 70 and not feel like it's running it's guts out ?

@johnwgibson24 3 года назад

100mph easily, 55mph sounds like your idling

@TheMotorman116 Месяц назад

Guy who owns an XR650 says “I rarely use 5th”… tells me everything I need to know.

@dougiequick1 5 лет назад

If you hate 5th gear so much? Gear down so it is not as high then you have 5 gears again...I ordered a 14t CS sprocket to get a bit more power to the ground in low gears

@scanner87 10 месяцев назад

Does it overheates while runs like that?

@mikegreen5502 2 года назад

Man they drive so proper up in Jersey Florida's highways are death pits 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

@1x93cm 7 лет назад

I was looking at these at the local dealership. It'd be my first dual sport but I'd be coming from a honda magna. so i'm used to the power and hwy speeds.

@paulhunter5303 Год назад

Got a Magna myself 😂. Looking at one of these to do alittle off/on road riding with my uncle. Won’t be my daily tho.

@juntjoonunya9216 6 лет назад

I'm new to motorcycles. why is this an issue? all I know is engine size and isn't 650 strong /big enough for highway riding? is it the suspension and over all ride that make it not suitable for these speeds?

@armadilllo 3 года назад

its fine, don't listen to him

@Alaskandualsport 7 лет назад

hey seaninthecity great video and ride tried to watch in 4K ,but my laptop started to smoke,,about 1080 is as good as it gets ride safe my motorcycle brother,,,liked (thumbs up )

@seaninthecity6034 7 лет назад

At least you tried! Haha always grateful for the thumbs up!!

@mikejones-qk2ou 3 месяца назад

I never cruise over 40 in less than 5th gear!

@sheepdog819 6 лет назад

Some advice please... I’m trying to get the wife out on a bike. She rides with me but I sold my bike and now I am looking at dual sport bikes because I’m a practical guy. I’m really impressed with the CRF250L and R but want more highway speed without stressing the bike out. I think I will be buying her the 250 but I’m stuck on what I should buy. Thinking about the 650 or converting a 450 to street. Anyone’s input on this is much appreciated.

@markboza6215 6 лет назад

xr650l no questions asked you wont be disappointed its a beast and most reliable for 2 decades so dont second guess.

@sheepdog819 6 лет назад

Mark boza thanks for the feedback bud. I'm eyeing the WR250R and trying to get her ass in a MSF class to boost the confidence and have her wanna ride solo. Fingers crossed!

@seaninthecity6034 6 лет назад

Hey man - from the sounds of it you’ll be doing mostly street riding, and especially if you frequent the highway, rather than simply ‘need to be able to’ like me, then I would get a less dirt oriented bike than the XR650l.. if you insist on dual sport, the KLR could do it... and regarding converting a 450 to street, if you can afford that, I’d go for it, a crf450 supermoto is my dream bike

@qcenduroredneck9370 6 лет назад

You could wait for the crf450l thats coming soon! Im buying a cheap bike but I may sell for next year if the review on crf450l is good enough for me!=)

@sheepdog819 6 лет назад

QcEnduroRedneck $10k for 25hp and enduro maintenance?

@markboza6215 6 лет назад

Ya I have had that happen around 75 or so, but I'm a big guy so maybe I dont feel it as much as a lighter person.

@twing21able 7 лет назад

Bike easily does 65or 75mph w stock sprockets. I have seven skull candy air raid speakers on the bars so I don't know exactly how fast I am going but no matter, went down a tooth up front and speed is not my concern 😎

@kevinjohnson7891 7 лет назад

Go ahead and drop the F bomb we are adults here...whats the fastest you can cruise on the highway, 120-130kms/hr?

@seaninthecity6034 7 лет назад

kevin johnson "can" and "do" are two separate things imo because the bike gets really unstable at 75mph and above with the wind and your upright position. Like I said, plenty of power to reach 85 90 whatever but it's too unstable to get that high

@ch3kw4 6 лет назад

SeanInTheCity you are right it is not stable when it reach that certain speed. The dirtbike are not designed for speed thats why it is not aerodynamic and maybe the cause of the wobble is the thread pattern or the tire and the long fork.

@earlgray1710 5 лет назад

I’ve had my XR 650 L up to 95 mph and at about that moment I realized I’m going 95 mph on a motherfucking dirtbike And backed her back down to a comfortable75. but that was with A 15 45 gear set up. I’ve dropped the front sprocket two a 14 tooth now when I’m at around 75 mph it feels like I’m Revving out a bit too much but it’s totally doable. When I gain on the lower makes it all worth it.

@mrsmel269 3 года назад

great video !!! these babies can handle 80 all day long i got gps doing 96. be safe and hope you got to do some chasing today . #livetoride

@RonnyK737 4 года назад

Thanks for the video! I live in Center City Philly and am buying one soon.

@seaninthecity6034 4 года назад

Bro! Hate to say it, but definitely consider something liquid cooled.. Speed isn’t enough vs. sun and slow riding in Philly summer... or change your oil like monthly

@mmaaddict78 4 года назад

@@seaninthecity6034 Or put an oil cooler on it.

@jamespolucha8790 3 месяца назад

@@seaninthecity6034just buy it you’ll love it, I have all kinds of bikes and ride coast to coast every year and I just bought a 2024 xr650l and love this thing so much I’m going to try a coast to coast on it maybe next year after it’s broken in really good, comfortable and such a blast to ride, sure there other bikes maybe better but this is so reliable that’s why they never changed it

@mikepeters4916 3 года назад

Don't understand not using 5th on the road, if I had a 6th, I'd use it.

@chazmichael7967 4 года назад

my TTR 250 goes 65... lets go buddy cmon

@Smittyschannel 3 года назад

struggles my foot...... I had an '86 600 xl & it was a powerhouse

@grumpychunk1 6 лет назад

Are you using stock sprockets?

@bassel.m2988 4 года назад

Your a responsible rider. Thanks for the video and fuck the haters👍👍👍

@bf9396 7 лет назад

what speed do you recommend to switch to 5th at?

@seaninthecity6034 7 лет назад

Probably 60. It depends if you’re aiming for mileage or responsiveness. I’d say 60 is the average best speed to switch

@seaninthecity6034 7 лет назад

After all my audio sucked, still gotta refine my technique

@77TickTockTime 7 лет назад

Awesome vid regardless and always appreciate the 4k quality ;-) Definitely interesting thoughts I never would've considered for anyone looking to buy the xr650.

@seaninthecity6034 7 лет назад

Thanks for the good vibes man!!!

@billbonu1639 2 года назад

Nice clouds!

@BlueKitty6 7 лет назад

a worn knobbie (or any worn front) kills high end stability. so does a death grip on the bars. no reason that bikeshouldn't be rock solid at 100 setupcorectly

@seaninthecity6034 7 лет назад

Krystine Adams - I would love to see someone doing 100 on an xr650l, with "rock solid” stability, and no death grip on the bars hahaha I will watch like and subscribe. To be fair, I wasn't attempting a top speed here. But also, I know that I need to do some work on the bike, and I know I’m not the best, so in the spirit of getting better: My front is 80/20 on/off road, and my rear is the dunlop d606. Both still in relatively good condition, do you think having the knobby on back works against stability at speed? Even in good condition? And the bars jerk drastically when hitting bumps at speed, hence death grip. That and the wind, I’m not sure I want to loosen/relax that grip.. do you have any other recommendations? I’ve heard changing front fender, another commenter suggested a fork brace.

@bootyfloss2208 Год назад

my right ear was a huge fan of this.

@rivertimeable 5 лет назад

you dont like using 5th...THATS WHY your not comfortable, your rpm is to high, on a hwy, unless your goin 40 mph you need top gear....

@damianorsini4260 7 лет назад

philly kid????? because if so...I'm fuckin ` subbing.

@seaninthecity6034 7 лет назад

Damian Orsini sub sub sub

@tylerjackson7948 Год назад

Use the gear it’s there to save your engine

@user-fl4wn9dn2c 4 года назад

problem is its too lean from factory. This is his issue.

@ericramirez2722 5 лет назад

Should I get this bike or a Yamaha wr250

@seaninthecity6034 5 лет назад

I don’t know the Yamaha, but after owning this I wish I just had a 250.. the weight factor for all of your daily riding will outweigh the occasional highway use.. unless you’re going cross country or something really rugged

@silverstacker6507 7 лет назад

dude i have a 2006 stock xr650l and i get up to 95mph. on flat land. up hill 70mph.

@seaninthecity6034 7 лет назад

silverstacker650 I believe that man, I've never even come close to maxing out 5th gear. This video was not an attempt at a top speed

@silverstacker6507 7 лет назад

SeanInTheCity , there great bikes to ride. soon ill be putting in, 12to1 piston, stage 3 cam,valves, and jet kit. be safe out there buddy.

@silverstacker6507 7 лет назад

M773 , thanks for the information buddy. ill look into it more. what about 710cc big bore kit.

@eugeneworrell1883 7 лет назад

Mine hits 115 mph

@twing21able 6 лет назад

These bikes are not made for speed but they will go hiway nonetheless. I went with fourteen tooth and take not exppressway. 30,000 miles on mine, hit by car once and dumped it once on pavement. If I was going fast, I could be a vegetable or home

@JohnSmith-nh9vr 5 лет назад

Please don't clear out notifications on your phone while riding, be safe.

@wickedleeloopy2115 6 лет назад

Duel sport on highway = fucking terrible. I'm not going to sugar coat it. 😑

@seaninthecity6034 6 лет назад

I wonder about the KLR 650 - they say that’s better on the highway and the xrl is better offroad.. relative to one another

@wickedleeloopy2115 6 лет назад

SeanInTheCity the vstrom would be 10 times more comfortable than a KLR

@seaninthecity6034 6 лет назад

v strom weighs like 500 pounds so yeah, but you can’t take that off road like the xrl

@drumsnbass 6 лет назад

I’ve taken mine up to about 60mph and it’s just no fun

@seaninthecity6034 6 лет назад

See everyone! It’s not just me.. this thing is not very stable and you’re getting blown all over by the wind.

@drumsnbass 6 лет назад

RamboJohnJ27 - front is a 50/50 and rear bald enough to almost be a street tire. The BRP just vibrates a lot and is not really a good fast street bike. Tank too small for distance as well. But is a great dual sport to ride the slab and then get in the desert.

@tomayers880 6 лет назад

I run 75 on mine and I've done 85 a few times going past some cars, never had any issues