Honda XR 650L

Review

Nothing. The XR650L hasn’t changed in all that time. Why? Well, the market for big dual-sports isn’t exactly super competitive nor terribly popular. The Suzuki DR650 hails from 1990 and the Kawasaki KLR650 from 1987. Development in the sector has occurred in the high-end — KTM 690 Enduro R — and in the small capacity — Yamaha WR250R, Honda CRF250L.

But, while the XR650L is likely older than many of our readers, its age doesn’t limit its ability. The basic nature of the bike also makes it dead reliable, its age and lack of updates mean parts and knowhow are easy to find and, at $6,690, it’s relatively inexpensive to buy, too.

And make no mistake, this isn’t one of those modern ADV bikes which are basically tourers dressedup in off-road drag, it’s a bonafide dirt bike with a 21-inch front wheel, long travel suspension, 37-inch seat height and a gas tank that’s only good for about 50 miles.

The Ride

Our group of four rode two XR650Ls and two Honda CRF250Ls from Los Angeles to Saline Valley Hot Springs, a round trip of approximately 600 miles, 100 of which were on dirt.

Even wearing knobby tires, the XR is surprisingly happy on the highway, so long as you limit cruising speeds to between 70 and 80 mph. Push any harder and the big single-cylinder motor does start to vibrate a little too much. There was one 10-mile stretch where we were pushing speeds a bit, which caused it to transfer so much vibration to my body that I became convinced I’d peed my pants. Turns out it had just made my entire groin area go so numb that it just felt wet.

But it’s off-road where the XR really shines. There, it’s simultaneously friendly and respectfully fast. It’s under-stressed motor might only make 33 bhp and 32 lb.-ft. of torque, but it does so over a wide, easy rev range that enables you to maintain a solid pace.

The biggest limitation off-road is in the ergonomics. As stock, the pegs are so high and the bars so low that, at 6’ 2” tall, I’m virtually unable to remain standing for longer than a minute at a time, the degree of back bending required is just too extreme.

But, what the XR lacks in outright performance or even dirt friendly ergos, it makes up for with an understated capability that will get you anywhere you want to go with little effort and no complaint.

What’s Good

The 644cc single is flexible and easy to use, if not terribly powerful.
Simple and rugged. This one won’t break and, if you do damage it, this bike is robust and easy to repair.
Goes anywhere. Absolutely anywhere.

What’s Bad

Bad ergonomics limit your ability to stand up.
Suspension gets the job done, but lacks damping.
33 bhp and 32 lb.-ft from a 644cc motor? That’s Harley levels of performance.
At 345 lbs (wet), the XR is no lightweight.
Lever shields provide no actual crash protection.
Fuel range is 54 miles before you hit reserve.
No luggage carrying ability.

The Verdict

You know when some hillbilly shouts “get ‘er done” then chops down a tree with little but a hatchet? That guy is the living embodiment of the XR650L. It’s not fancy, it’s not going to impress anyone, but it’ll get you where you want to go with a simple, rugged capability that belies its spec sheet or prehistoric origins.

Source rideapart.com