These Big Bore Thumpers are ADV Bikes In Disguise!? | XR650L DR650 701 Enduro 

I think it’s smart that you’re reviewing versatile bikes that are simple and available to a large audience. Good on ya! 👍

Hope it works out for you so you can keep making videos. I like watching them, especially the ones with the Xr and Dr

Also, the Tdub and DR650 will probably bring in the most views. In this day and age of electronics and needing an app or laptop just to work on something, I really appreciate the simplicity of these two bikes in particular. If the SHTF, they'll still be running.

I'd like to see a solution to lowering the foot pegs on the XR. I find it cramped at 6ft

Good luck and Godspeed! Been looking at getting back into motorcycling after a long hiatus and your channel has had the content I enjoy due to the fact it is featuring my two targets, the DR650 and the XR650

Another idea: meet up with another RU-vidr and get that cross-over audience. In many of my other hobbies, I learn about other content creators this way. Push your Facebook presence and create a group where we can interact. I'd love some random live streams or appearances on ADV/Dual Sport channels. Interview other content creators. A Wes (t-dubs kid) interview would be epic. A live stream with Rodney from T-dub Club would be a blast. You and Ben from Dork In The Road or you and Dustin from Dual Dorks would be great. Nick from Till Death Do Us Sport would be an elusive. There is a loose community that needs a unifier!

Sell that 701 and pick up a cheap 1st gen KLR so you can have even more projects! In all seriousness I love your channel and can't wait to see what you come up with for these 650s!

Sell the 701, invest the funds back into the channel and the affordable dual sport world we are all here for. You're channel is sick, it will all work out. Keep after it brother.

Love my 2018 Honda XR650L, wouldn't trade it for any other bike for trail or adv riding. I added a larger tank to extend my range, changed the front sprocket to a Fritzco sprocket to get full spline engagement with the same tooth count and I'm good to go without all the new stuff to break. Proven, simple, dependable and plenty of power for me. I never have to work the clutch when trail riding, the gearing works well for both trail and highway. Plus I can buy a hell of a lot of premium ethanol free gas with all the money I saved over the more fancy adv bikes.

Probably not a popular opinion, but sell the Husky and the TW and buy a Gen 1 KLR and you'll likely have money left over for groceries 👍 That way you have all 3 Dino 650's to compare, as the Gen 1 is more of a dual sport and more in line with the DR and XR. Just brain storming, LOL. Whatever you end up doing I will follow along with views and likes.

Whenever you feel like it’s all closing in on you, go for a ride. No cameras, just you and one of the bikes (which I’m envious of). I don’t even have one, yet!

On my 2023 DR650, I added a Parabellum Rally windscreen and swapped out the front springs for some stiffer Cogent springs, both from Procycle (The DR650 Superstore). The stock springs would dive with the slightest brake pressure. The stiffer springs made all the difference in the world. Looks like you could use new seals on your DR. The Parabellum windscreen got a lot of the wind off my chest, but the way you are talking, I bet you are going for a rally kit I saw recently that incorporates new LED headlamps, aux lights, and rally computer options. I look forward to seeing that. It had been almost 50 years since I'd ridden motocross (we owned a Suzuki shop in the early 70s and my brother and I both rode the original RM 125s), and I now feel like a kid again on the DR. Lots of fun and therapy. I treat the DR like I would my mountain bike - heading down an embankment to get to a side road, using alleys, cutting through woods, etc. It's not a motocross track bike, of course, but if I see something interesting, I can usually take it off road and not worry too much about it. I plan on riding BDRs with it and camping and stuff.

I have a '94 Xr650L that was bone stock. The first thing I did was take off all the emissions items, rejetted and found an original SuperTrapp for $150 on the evilbay. Huge difference in power/response and slight in economy. I'm excited to see what you do for wind protection I've come up empty handed for something reasonable.

Good stuff dude! I'll be picking up my 701 soon, so I'll definitely be watching to see what all you do to yours lol...... my buddy has a 5 1/2? gallon tank on his DR...he loves it, and it actually looks really good.....i can't wait to pick up the 701, the pan america is great, but I just wanted something a little smaller for offloading.....

You def got the white bike theme going on 😂 In all seriousness keep up the good work. I enjoy the content 👍

I purchased a new XR650L this winter and have put it through the works it for more technical adv riding. Rear rack and subframe supports, slip on, snorkel delete, smog delete, dynojet kit, pegs, shift lever, skid plate, bar risers, bark busters, IMS gas tank, oil temp gauge dip stick, LED headlight, and rally windscreen. I consider it money well spent, it is an impressive bike coming from the VStrom and KLR. FYI, if you're doing the tusk rear plate rack and subframe support, grab yourself 2x M6x70mm screws for the old turn signal mounting brackets. The factory screws are not nearly long enough especially if your slip-on mounts there as well.

I figure it this way if dork in the road can do it… why not!

Excited to see what comes next!!!

If your looking for a great light for the XR, look at manic rally ADV rally fairing! They come with diode dynamics ss3 lights with interchangeable lenses (spot, fog,she driving,she fog) and change the lense colour too! I just placed a order and they look sick. They also make them for the 501 and 701

Hey guys as much as I hate to ask, I could really use some monetary support to help bridge the gap during the next few months. Even just $2 a month can really make a big difference in helping me reach my goal! Thanks for your consideration! Join this channel to get access to perks: ru-vid.com/show-UCheb13NPzPaFXvu-mamu-5wjoin

More camping, keeping it simple, make some cool moto meals.

I would take the DR or XR over the Husqvarna any day of the week, and twice on Sundays. I was once a die-hard KTM guy, but I gladly put that behind me, and I now ride a '23 KLR. I'm looking forward to the DR and XR projects!

Enjoy your channel , even the e bikes, maybe get a major bike manufacture brand ebike. Next purchase at RMATV I'll use your name..

Having just bought a 2004 DR650 which is fairly stock I'll be interested in what you do.The stock seat really is bad and like most DR riders I think I need to lower the pegs and get higher handlebars . Have fun.

Subscribed because we both have the xr650, I would love to start down the path you're going, it just seems so hard to start especially with small children. Great respect for you and hope it all falls into place. Great videos, would love to see more vlog style just adventuring around in the future.

My mind changes daily. I’m back leaning towards the DR. It really does seem a little more versatile and the aftermarket is huge. I’m not seeing where you sign up for a channel membership.

Leaving this comment for the algorithm!

How about a Stay SWANKY t-shirt or cap? Stick with it these lightweight Thumpers really are the easiest way to get into adventure riding without overdoing it weight-wise

The Husqvarna is cool, yet I prefer the older bikes. I still might buy a new Husqvarna though.

If you need help with the DR forks I'd volunteer. I'm only a little ways past the WI Rapids

Rally front ends both the Suzuki and Honda that will add wind protection . New tires, double ram mount mirrors , rear racks for mounting your tusk bags

Get the LED light strip for the inside of the DR650 aftermarket tanks, a glowing gas tank, what could go wrong?

Stoked on where you are taking the channel! Been watching your videos for some time now, first discovered you because I also have an 86 xl250r, and I ride in WI! Love these bikes, out of that group I've only ever ridden the xr, but I have a drz400e and don't foresee myself ever getting one of the bigger adventure bikes, so I find this content very relatable!

Seeing the DR next to the XR the height difference is very evident.

You don’t have to tell us which one is best but after owning 3 KLR’s 2 DR’s and a XR650L I have first hand experience knowing how awesome the XR really is lol

Always wanted a Husqvarna like one in bid, maybe soon!

Sell the 701.

Ask Dork in the Road about this. You need to ditch the 701 because no one is really interested in it. It's a drain on your views and finances. Use the money to help you out with the bills. You are on the right track with the two bikes you have.

💪💪💪!!!!!

I’m on my second DR and I love it a jet kit with a slip on and air box mod and it will feel and preform so much better … at 80 mph I can pull away and pass cars with ease

God I really want an adv bike swanks. Not sure what to get. I’m 5’5. Seat height not an issue for me as I got a 23 z H2 se.

Excited to see more of the thunder adv bikes! Wisco riding starting soon

Nice work

Ben will be bigger than The officer Tatum!

Bradley mods for the TW should generate some traffic. Maybe some more personal stuff. Like the chickens or what it's like to live where you live. You are the reason we watch, less so for the machines. Humanize the channel a tad more (while maintaining privacy, if that's what you need!). We already have Jerry videos and they are great. Just my two cents!

Brother you are doing great things and reaching allot of people in a positive way. I /we enjoy the content your creating and look forward to what your sharing. You do what you gotta do Ben we will be watching 👊

Sir, use locals or rumble as platforms for the adv bikes,,,,, Where to start?.. lol. Less tech to break, simple, can fix in the field. lighter. They’ve been around forever, the bugs have been worked out. Great power to weight ratio. Great aftermarket supplies. Great online community. GREAT PRICE. Cheap to insure. If ya drop it, ya don’t care if it gets scratched…..may I say more???…..

Great video

Good luck you can do it.

You GOT Me "Swank", put me on ANY bike(street) and I promise you it'll be an adventure..... lmao, by the time you follow my path off thru the trees/brush the bike will be christened as an Adv Bike. But I guess w/ the right tires / suspension you can make any ole' bike be your adventure bike? Did you buy all these bikes for the channel? You don't have to answer, I'm curious but as I see more bikes I'm figuring out that it doesn't matter what you have >> > you get any bike & make it into Your Bike ! Good video, peace

They sure haven't changed the XR 650 in 30 years. The speedometer the XR uses, is the same one my '87 XL 600 had. Still cool bikes though.

Hope everything works out. Nice to have you just an hour away.

Really liking your channel I think your content is great ❤You and your family are definitely in my prayers 🙏Keep it up

Comments help, or so I understand.... so here is mine ! I have a 2001 XR650L and I love the thing...... I have the understanding that it has an automatic decompression system for starting... and I think mine is not working right it labors real bad trying to start and it has a good battery.... so I am really wondering if you will dig into that aspect of the XR650L also cleaning ALL the filters ,screens and stuff of the oil system.... seems to be hard to find info on that..... have a good one.... and good luck on your new adventure in the financial world....

Good luck chase your dreams

I plan on buying the XR or the KLR very soon. Whatever modifications I decide to do with it I will be sure to use your links when I do.

Cogent dynamics ddc for the fork and mojave shocktotally transformed my dr650.

good luck man and i love the xr650, hope it works out for you and you can do your dream job

The Honda is so reliable,big and heavy but doable, I’d go with the Honda just for the reliability

Def want to see some vids on Bradley Performance stuff. I have the rear shock for the TW and its been a huge difference.

Let me know if you want to sell your 701 to a Montanan.

I hope it all works out for you.

Great Video, don't second guess, your doing a great job, keep it going!

I enjoy your channel and your honesty about the reality of RU-vid. Honestly, RU-vid really needs to support more content creators like you better financially versus someone like me who just posts random videos for friends and family. Keep the faith, stay swanky and I believe things will improve.

👍👍

Great shop!

You should buy a jeep all this camping going on

Great info! I just bought a 2024 DRZ 400s, and kind of wish i went with a bigger bike, like the DR650 or XR...the other guys i ride with are all on KLR's, DR;s and BMW's....i guess there is always an argument for another bike!! lol

Love the thumpers. Sold me ‘14.5 klr for a more versatile Versys 1000. Missed the single so I’ve added a DRZ400 to the stable. Going the rally route as well. Looking forward to your build. I would keep your build to 1 bike to keep your budget in check. Love to see you succeed!

Sick intro

Can't wait for more!

Liked & subscribed. Looking forward to this. Like your plans. Recently picked up a 2019 690. Plan to do backcountry discovery route trips, Moab, local Ohio APVs Indiana Haspin acres etc with son friends & eventually my grand boys who only have 4 wheelers now. Hope you can.. not only cover the bikes but your locations & ride experiences. Eventually you run slow on bike comparison upgrade & repairs content but new trails woods mountains streams crossings dunes etc rides content can be ever fresh & interesting no matter what bike you or the audience rides. Some riding buddies their bikes mishaps on the trail camping. Just bike life as you live it done sort of like a mini Netflix series. Never ending fun & helpful bike/biking content while covering the thumpers good bad & indifferent. Anyway just some ideas for you. I’d like to do a 3 weekend two week vacation riding adventure trip starting at the boarder riding down the California Baja to Cabo & back. We did this in a truck sans the bikes this past Christmas New Years & first part of January. Great weather Some cool desert riding trails through crazy cactus and mountains you’ve never seen before. Plus bits of Baja race course little villages even two real desert oasis plus stellar Sea of Cortez and Pacific Ocean beach & mountainside views. PaChow 😆

As a DR650 owner (only 2 years now) I looked at all three of these bikes before settling on the DR. REALLY looking forward to seeing you break down and compare all three bikes! Super excited for the future of Swanky Cat!!!

These bikes have simple mechanics the any one can learn and feel confident riding them knowing they wont get stuck because of a sensor error or something like that. I like DR650 and the XR650 its e great combo to have on your channel. I cant buy these bikes new where i live for some years now but i i could i would get a DR650 and modify it a bit for exploring. With some charging usb and 12v plugs

Show videos that seem to do really well the dork in the road guy made a video that garnered 149,000 views within 3 months it was about "Honda transalp 750 versus the Yamaha tenere 700" so it's like a comparison video that seems to be doing pretty good prefacing a video with a question "which one's better?" usually entices people to ask that question and the video is right there to answer it for you. here's another one break Magazine made a video that has 97,000 views within 2 weeks titled "the internet thinks you're wrong about the adventure bike" has a picture of a guy doing a wheelie on an adventure bike what I think this does is puts the viewer in the situation of "how am I wrong?" and it entices them to watch the video. Also I'm biased my personal suggestion because I love Adventure travel series with motorcycles like going to interesting places making it a episodic video series so that's like something for when you're more of a full-time RU-vidr by that time I bet Personally I really enjoyed RevZilla Adventure traveling to Wyoming and Alaska series not so much I enjoyed the gimmicks of having weird rules like only on dirt roads or has to be on a specific bike like the Honda trail 125 (I like the 650 bikes a lot especially the XR can't get enough of XR content TBH I'm really curious about that dr650s oil cooler) a more extreme version of this is what itchy boots does where she goes to some foreign land like Zambia and is in a dangerous situation with lions everywhere and is a episodic multi-season thing she Garners like a million views and over in just 3 weeks it's crazy! I kind of made this as a simplest to most difficult or dangerous kind of ranking lol I hope this input helps you

I just bought the Fork Solution Kit, Cogent DDC kit off pro-cycle for my Dr 650. If you have any questions what you need you can text the people at pro cycle and they’ll get you hooked up. I’ll wait to install mine if you do a video on it!

Probably the best bike ever made for light adv was the DR350se. And a close second is the XR650l. Now that I am middle aged and fat I now have a 650 to lug my weight around haha

Dude just do the e-bike videos. I don’t watch them but it’s weird watching you plead with the audience to join the membership thingy. Not a good look. Always been a fan of your channel but don’t like the guilt trip. It’s not the audience’s responsibility to take care of your family.

Lookin forward to seeing the builds! 👍🏼

I love the xr I own one before unfortunately this bike is known to burn excessive oil I have mine replace the top end on warranty and very carefully rode it during break in period change oil valve adjustment first service done by dealer I took 400 miles ride on freeway and burnt almost one courter oil a had 16 tooth front sprocket doing 75 mph this is a known issue whit xr 650 I love the bike but is not good for highway I sold it 🤷‍♂️

It all depends on your definition of “adventure” they really are just big Dualsports with a lower stressed and longer lasting engine. I’d could make the argument that a Versys 650 is more of an adventure bike than any of the single 650s.

Hey people don't forget to like a bunch of other comments to help spread this out and to mess with the algorithm. I just bought a dr650 last week I like it because it doesn't have all the electronic stuff on it and I can fix it easily without a computer. The only electronics I like is my GPS unit.

Install a temp sensor and do an in depth review of Dr650 oil cooler delete/bypass. I busted mine off in a crash and rode it the rest of the MN summer and most of the next season with a bypass and only returned to stock configuration to trade it. Only once did I notice 'excessive' heat riding some slow and technical dry creek beds on a super humid 95 degree day.

Hang in there!I am really looking forward to watching what you do with the XR.I bought one last year.Only thing i have done so far is put IMS pegs on it.

wishing you the best in this transition to You Tubing, and I'm looking forward to see how your builds go. I wrote this comment and subscribed to show some support.

hahaha Old Navy Destroyers I build Destroyers in Bath Maine , and , yes we have some analog guages oon a billion $ destroyer … brand new

give me an xr250 or 650 anytime.

I think I go back to the Gen 2 KLR days with your channel. I am very excited to see the videos on the new bikes.

Love the mix of bikes. Most people only have 1 at a time to compare. And for some reason I feel like people always mention the xr but never actually get one. So im happy to see some new xr content.

I can't wait to see what you do with the Dr and XR. I've been working on my for years I am excited to see what you come up with on your bikes. I may want to add some of that to mine. Texas on the prairie

Best of luck to you. I’m just a short ferry ride across the lake from you so we should meet up and go riding this summer. ✌️

KLR 650 owner missing that content related to that bike but Im still interested in adventure gear content.

Good luck with the channel, you got one viewer from Morocco, where does 3 bikes belong :)

Pretty impressive Swanky. But I would think you will miss the KLR. Keep your knees in the Breeze 👍

Thank you for making great content. You got this! This will work!

definitely check out hemisphere off road for the rally inspired front fairing

Keep these videos coming. These videos only giving me inspiration.

I love when you and you and your dad go on rides together. Exploring and talking about the bikes you’re on. And swapping back and forth and comparing the two. I have a tdub and enjoy those videos as well, but like to watch content on the bigger bikes as eventually I’d like to own one of those as well. And would likely be the XR or DR you have featured. I’m all in, love it, keep it up!

I'm new to the channel but really like what you are doing.

Good luck man!