Top 5 Honda XR650L Mods 

I’ve had mine for 22 years and 30000 miles mostly off road. Road everything for the 6- days in Michigan to local fire roads. The best advice i can give is free up the power potential of the beast. Smog pump elimination kit and a free flowing pipe , and a jet kit (Baja design)along with the air filter you mentioned. The extra-power will make it feel a ton lighter and I use the extra power to help in handling. Forget the orange brand I would buy this bike again and again!! :)

1) Dave's Mods w/foam filter 2) Twinwall handlebars w/Handguards 3) Plastic Tank 4) Gold Valves (in forks) 5) Tubeliss 6) Headlight+console replacement 7) Hi Comp Piston 8) Hotcam 9) Clean up header inlet slag/ sandpaper smooth exhaust ports [free] 10) LiFePo Battery

FINALLYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!!!! You cannot imagine how much I wanted to see this!

It's amazing how much better the bike gets with those bar risers and bigger pegs

I’ve had an xr650l for years. Couldn’t be happier with Tusk racing developing products for this machine. Good work and keep it coming

Great bike build... my top 10 were the Rox bar risers, Double Take mirrors with RAM mounts, Clark 4.7 tank, IMS Super Sport pegs, Sub Frame stiffener, Renthal 7/8" Windham bars, Twin Air filter, Anti-Gravity battery, Moose Racing skid plate, and the Tusk oversized counter shaft sprocket...

I just bought this bike and I gotta say, these are pretty good top 5 choices. They are all affordable and totally utilitarian. I already have an air filter, but I am going to go for the ROX handlebar risers because standing on the bike with the stock bar height is brutal, and the front sprocket to save on a much needed repair bill. Thank you!

Oil cooler, heat fin mod. More heat fins, drops head temps, burns your leg on hot days at high speed fully loaded down. Front fork brace really helps handling in tight spots. Mine was way overdone, still ran hot w/ 2 oil coolers, turned pipes blue crossing the desert. Gotta make sure its a touch on the rich side. The subframe support is a must if you run penniers. Eventually the vibrations metal fatigue the welds. Been there. Great and fun bike though. Miss mine! My 83 600 seemed to run better though.

He has a good top 5. I added a Lectron carb and the difference is incredible. So easy and much less daunting than a traditional carb with jets, springs, 6 million pieces, etc. I would also suggest suspension springs - the shock is hard to remove - and a fork brace but there aren't many excellent options.

2014 XR650L and I love it!

Excellent !!....thank you.....got all these mods and a few more......keep em coming!

Nice vid...short sweet and right to the point. Great job.

First time seeing this video and I’ve done every modification he talked about. 👍🏻

All good stuff. A couple nearly free mods are removal of the air intake snorkel and the "Dave's Mods" to the carburetor. The carb mods in particular, really just help the throttle response and tractability of the engine.

I'm glad I saw this video! Im getting an XR650l here soon and was doing some research and found the stock front sprocket to be an issue with these bikes. I'm gonna move the sprocket mod to #1. I noticed on Amazon there are zero reviews for this sprocket and that's a problem for me. I can't decide from Fritz or primary drive..

I just love Rocky Mountain ATV MC they are very accurate with your orders, and fast also.

Good practical list.

Yes! More XR650L mods please. I bought my XR650l new in 2000. Still have it and still love it. More mod ideas are always appreciated.

Excellent ! Concise and informative f

My top 5 are; FCR carb, Beefy pegs, corrected bar/placement, CRF450 front fork and re-sprung/valved rear shock, and steering damper

I’ve been riding xr’s for over 6 years my best mods are smog removal “I’m in Arizona” ims foot pegs, rox handle bar risers, twin air filter, and taller renthal fat bars I think there Windam bend

Living only 20 miles from you Kentucky warehouse, it's nice to be able to pop over and buy parts for my XRL. Been eyeing the IMS Rally pegs, but I've been spending my money on other stuff. They'll be on my bike soon though!

Always wanted a Honda XR650L,,, nice video guys,,, Love that Tusk sub frame support rack system,,, good job on the front sprocket guys,,

Great video, mine changes were, thicker 14 tooth front sprocket, bigger footings along with moving the right foot inward, smog is gone, jet kit, and a 5.8 gallon tank, and 2" bar risers. Great bike still

Great video. I am on my 2nd xr650l. Must haves are skid plate, larger foot pegs, larger tank, hand guards, and better tires.

Great video! That Chance is so hot right now!!

good video!!!!

1st mod should be the exhaust and jetting. Did it. Changed the throttle response big time!

I have a 2017 XR. I street ride about 90% of the time so I went with comfort for my top 5. #1-bigger tank! Acerbis 5.8gal. #2-for ride comfort, Flexx bars with 1 1/4" risers. #3-Pivot Pegz foot pegs. #4-Fatter tires. Pirelli Scorpion MT90AT. #5-and just because I wanted to sound good, FMF Powercore4 pipe with the jet kit. I am going to look into that front sproket next.

I feel like a kid in Toys R Us! Thanks RMATV!

Tusk wraparound handguards was one of my first mods on my 2013 along with all of yours.

( I’m on my 3rd L) NUMBER ONE FIRST THING YOU DO IS BUY THE 650R primary sprocket!!! Did mine at 14 miles had it waiting when I rode my new bike home. The stealership can sell you one if you are there buying a new bike also

I love this bike when it first came out in 1993 and was real close to buying one. I ended up with a Dr 650 at the time because it was less expensive. I would definitely consider getting one now. One thing I heard you must do on these bikes is run an oil cooler as they do run hot.

Aloha & mahalo 4 the excellent vid!

The stock paper air filter will trap literally 100% of the dust compared to a foam filter for maximum engine longevity. But a foam will provide good protection and free up some hp. Everything is a trade off.

Got it and race carb, full exhust, custom full suspension, bored out increased compression, battery mod

Good to hear Primary Drive made an improvement to the front sprocket. I've been using Fritzcoinc for about a year and a half now which are also a major upgrade. Better than using the 650R sprocket too. Mine has CR250R forks, RSWRacing triple tree, resprung/valved shock, and a DirtBikeAfrica rally fairing, among other things.

Fork brace! It absolutely transforms the handling of an L. The best mod is one that can’t be done. And that’s to make it 100lbs lighter. Still a 650l is hard to beat for the money and they run forever.

All XR650L are prone to the CDI failing. (Search XRs Only or Thumbertalk and you will see its a very common issue). Therefore after the handlebar Mod (definitely #1 to do), Rocky Mountain has an excellent $14 replacement., Not only will it save you from becoming stranded, it has a slightly hotter tune therefore will give the engine a bit more pep. Particularly noticeable if you do what I consider another must Mod, get a carb re-tune kit; my #3 mod. (I think I got a stage two because I also had installed a slip-on FMF muffler and it ran like crap without rejetting the carb). The Carb kit made it run really well, but the aftermarket CDI just added the extra crispness rarely achieved with stock engines; and it fixed the intermittent spark issue I had. NOTE: I also replaced the dead oem lead acid battery with a Shorai Lithium-Ion. Not only is it MUCH lighter, but has lasted for 8 years now, and will crank after sitting for months (an entire year at one point... due to the spark issue). I've also replaced the foot pegs, and removed the smog crap. What I NEED is the rear lowering link, an rear fender, light & plate holder replacement (to clean it up) and a better headlight. Not just for better lighting, thats easy, but to replace that 80s looking light assembly with something more modern. Lastly the front brake is a bit week. I've heard that just replacing the oem rubber hose with an aftermarket braided line improves it. But I'm hesitate doing that if what it really needs is a larger disc. Any experience or recommendations here guys?

Fritzco makes sprockets for the 650l. Buy from them.

Brah, you have a beautiful bike, very 👍.

Can the Tusk sub frame support be installed when one uses the XR'S ONLY exhaust?

I know of a old logging trail in Ontario Canada that can take me real close to Hudson Bay..Lots of mud, always wet, you never get dry lots of bugs, Bears and rough riding..Will this bike work? I cant ride any my BSA's...

#6: Oil cooler.

Ive tried really hard to find out whether the aftermarket tanks increase head temperatures on the xr650L. I figure the restriction of air past the head and the removal of the air scoops can cause the temps to rise. Anyone have experience with this?

Which category on the site are the bar risers under?

Is Rocky mountain offering the graphics kit you have installed?

Proud owner. Edelbrock carb. Fmf header. Procircuit T4 exhaust. Oil cooler. Tag metals handlebars and raisers. Double front headlights 8"LED. Acerbis high capacity fuel tank. Xr600 kick starter assy and decompresor system. Electrosport CDI and stator. Stainless steel engine protector. Cycra solution mount system.

my favorite mods; raising the compression and lightening the flywheel

Very nice bike I must say. WE WANT MORE UPGRADE TIPS on this bike PLEASE.

When people say these bikes have not changed, are you/they referring to the XR600? If this is the case will the racking fit an XR600? It seems the frame is the same along with the tail at the rear.

Primary Drive front sprocket fits XR600R also.

Needs front panniers, larger rear panniers, large front fairing, and aftermarket touring seat, also ;P

You need to use some grease to "glue" the base of that foam filter to the housing. Otherwise you are sucking unfiltered air into your engine. Also, a fork brace works wonders for these bikes, and a larger gas tank is a must.

do, they make a larger gas tank, for this bike?

Hi from Russia! You fogottn: change supressor on low weght, cange light om more powerful, deforsage motor, ang 20l fuelplastic tank for long trip, and make protestion of motor and bar. And make oil cooler radiator! Ecskuzme for my mistake in grammar.

Subframe support is the only thing that I haven't done. I am thinking about a bigger tank for mine and really was surprised yall didn't mention it. Stay safe

Is the "after market" front sprocket the same as a factory xr650R sprocket (which I think honda stopped producing in 2007, but you can still get parts for)? Also..a word of warning on foot pegs with sharp claws on them: always wear a boot that protects your ankle bone. As a kid I had clawed footpegs on a dirt bike, and went for a trail ride one day with friends. I wore tennis shoes rather that boots one time, took a jump, my foot came off the peg and when I landed and my foot came back down and missed the peg, it caught below my ankle bone and tore my hide open - a tear about 2.5 inches wide. It was gruesome! I still have the scar 40 years later. Always wear boots that go above the ankle when riding a bike that has clawed pegs. :] That was your PSA for the day. Ride safe.

.... do all Honda 650ls require a cush drive modification? Cost?

Bigger fuel tank should be one of the top five, but I'm ok with it being in the top six. . I've made all of these mods but swapped the subframe bracing for a fuel tank and a bash plate =) The Tusk rack system will be my next upgrade! What lighting setup is that?

Can you please do an indepth comparison between your moded DR650 and this Honda?!

I got a power bomb with it just as a whole bunch more low-end torque I also did the Dyna jet and of course the small kid tarantula removal kit the bike now starts Click Boom cold hot doesn't matter

Can i go down one tooth on the front sprocket and not have rear chain wear?

Great video! What gearing do you recommend sprocket teeth front/rear?

JUST SWAPPING FRONT SPROCKET FROM STOCK 15Tooth to PD 16t a good idea? What about chain and rear sprocket relationship??

What are the tires you are running? Obviously Dunlop but what series, and who makes you skid plate? Thanks for the info

Great tips! What tire PSI do you run on asphalt vs. dirt?

Quick question to rocky mountain ATV or anyone who knows, what tank/decals are you running on the bike shown? It looks truly bitchin with the setup and design you have. Would love to fly the Rocky Mountain ATV logos If it meant meant my bike would look like that.

I just bought a '98. First time I've owned one. Seems clean. Haven't got out for a ride yet though!

Also, what gear sprockets are you running front/rear?

Easy 2 crack the frame for sure. 1) Pigtail on battery for external charger. 2) Led lights 3) Luggage rack

I would like to see more with and about the XR650l mine is built allot like that one for adventure riding . I run extra front brake cable and a throttle cable in case if one breaks. I also have heat plugins for heated clothes. If your serious about the journey I feel the vapor trailtechs are really good.

what front sprocket did you use? can it also be use on XLR 200?

Top five should have been: #1) Air filter #2) Pull smog and rejet, #3) Lowering link in rear. #4) Throw bars in trash and replace with protaper CR bars and adapter. #5) Front sprocket.. And an extra for power and mileage, #6) exhaust....Hanging luggage off the back without changing the spring is wrong!!! You will have a poor handling bike due to too much weight. The shock will not dampen properly. A heavier spring is needed first. I love my XRL. After 15,000 mi. it needs the suspension fluids changed and Race Tech gold valves. And a high compression piston for POWER. Have fun! Try NOT to hang a bunch of weight on your XRL, they're heavy already!

Suspension needs to be on that list for that bike.

What brand handle bars are on this bike? Thank. you.

what's a top choice for a larger tank

What is Tech For Life mod for XR650L

Can u change the headlight bulb? So I dont have to get a while new headlight ? I'm going to put lights like the ones u have. I have Protaper handle bars. HAD TUSK FOOT PEGS AND IMS RISERS...MY DAD LOST THEM 350$ DOWN THE DRAIN....! ONCE I GET THEM SHOULD I GET FRONT SPROCKET OR GAS TANK? I HAVE 2017 XR650L 1.4K MILES.

Great mods, I've got all of them except the rear supports. I would add a video showing the carburetor mods (Dave's mods) that really unlock the bike's potential and grinding the welds at the flange on the exhaust header for increased flow. All XRL's have messy welds there and can be cleaned up with a die grinder for much better flow. Looks like you have already added an FMF pipe replacing the 15 pound bazooka that Honda calls a pipe.

Is this worth making into supermoto. Everyday commuting and some distance riding for camping

So you telling me the the stock subframe is too weak for some lugage? I was planning to travel offroad with my girlfriend and luggage 😅

I just bought a 2021 xr650l and cant ANY of these upgrades online and neither can my mechanic! Any suggestions would be helpful

you should put a LECTRON carib

Question, can the front sprocket be replaced by the front sprocket from the XR650R ???

Are those the McDonalds arches you have there on your skid plate?

I love these old XRs, they’re dead nuts reliable.

Bar riser? Please don't think of me as stupid, but when I stand(I'm 6f3inches tall) the bars seem a mile away! Is there a standard for the riser? Or can I buy the height I want? Need this mod,but the riser I have now just don't get it!

It’s probably a good idea at the beginning of your video when you talk about, for example, the handlebars, You should state how tall you are, because what might be in your lap, for you, might not be for somebody else.

Did the 650r front sprocket before I even rode my bike while everything was new, stock sprocket is a joke and will do significant damage before you even change the rear tire depending on rider

Fuel tank ? Seat? That’s number one and two.

First mod: handlebars. Way too low, especially for a tall guy like me. Went with Easton EXP's but when I added the steering damper I had to switch them out. Bark Buster hand guards; since I'm a very poor untrained dirt rider this was money in the bank. :^) Larger tank: Got the 5.8gallon Arcebis tank (sp?). I have since gone back to stock just to keep the bike light for city riding. Still have the larger tank for later. My bike has burnt up twice due to Honda installing an under sized cylinder liner (and a possible kinked lower oil feed line). L.A. Sleeve and it appears I'm good. But the first melt down cause a full engine tear down so I did the 2nd gear replacement going to the NX650 2nd gear. Did not do the 5th gear - didn't know about it at the time). Did the foam filter but frankly the paper one breaths just fine and does a better job with the nasty fine dust you find in the desert. Back to stock. Additional items: Wolfman pannier racks(no luggage yet). Wider foot pegs, digital tach and hour meter, windscreen, Scotts steering damper, rear rack, high output stator (for heated gear and possible extra lighting), extra set of wheels - I have street tires on one set, DOT knobbies on the other.

Drop the front sprocket 2 teeth, really brings it to life

Does it hurt these bikes to ride on the road for extended periods because they don’t have a cush drive?

I have a 2007 is there a good proper way to lower it an inch and what are the advantages and disadvantabes to different amounts of teeth on the front sprocket. I went to order one but it has an option from like 13 -17. I am not sure what to get so if you an link a video that helps or quickly explain which one I should choose? Thanks in advance.

I'm surprised the smog system removal kit isn't on here. Everybody gets rid of the smog crap on these bikes. It holds them back so much.

I've never been so thirsty for anything in my life. THE GODS OF SPEED ARE WITH ME. I'LL HAVE MY XR SOON. 🤘🤠🇺🇸

De-smog kit, exhaust, air filter and carb rejet turns the xr650l into a totally different bike. These big thumpers are corked up BAD from the factory, makinf a sad 34hp. They easily make 50 to the wheel with the mods I listed

I have xl250r i believe manufacture year 1995. I am suffering to get genuine spares. I need driving chain. Sprocket. Clutch wire. Filter. Suspension. If somevcan help me please.

Tires?