Honda XR 650L

I love this thing. It’s a bike that can perform great on the street and in the dirt too. I believed that if it could do both it was no good at either. I was wrong. If there’s ever an emergency and traffic is terrible as usual, you could always go off road and take some short cuts.

This bike gets up on the highway 70 miles per hour easy and I was surprised at how smooth it is. You would think that a 650cc one piston thumper would vibrate your bones apart but it doesn’t. The tires work well in the dirt. I’ve ridden it in the rain, hail, high wind (yikes), off road in heavy mud, even dropped it going up a muddy hill in the hailing wind storm, it’s a tough bike. How many motorcycles can handle this kind of variety? Not many. This bike has good suspension, it’s well balanced and I like the high ground clearance. It’s the best of both worlds.

Conclusion:
Overall, it’s a great bike. It has lots of power and plenty of upgrades available to have fun with. This bike is worth every penny. If you buy one you won’t be disappointed.

Engine/Drivetrain

• Bulletproof 644cc SOHC four-stroke engine produces power and torque ideally suited for both on- and off-road riding.

• Radial Four-Valve Combustion Chamber (RFVC) allows excellent combustion efficiency and high power output.

• 42.5mm constant-velocity (CV) carburetor offers crisp throttle response, excellent driveability and maximum power.

• Reliable electric starter system allows easy push-button starting.

• Gear-driven counterbalancer minimizes bothersome and tiring vibration.

• Free-flowing, two-into-one exhaust system with quiet, USDA-qualified spark arrester/muffler.

• Maintenance-free automatic cam chain tensioner and solid-state CD ignition with electronic advance keep you out of the shop and on the road.

• Dry-sump engine maximizes power by minimizing crankshaft windage and engine temperature.

• Durable five-speed transmission offers a gear for every on- or off-road situation.

• Heavy-duty, multi-plate clutch.

• Heavy-duty, low-maintenance #520 O-ring-sealed drive chain.

Suspension

• Semi-double-cradle steel frame is lightweight, strong and offers precise handling manners.

• 43mm XR-spec Showa cartridge fork features 16-position compression damping adjustability and superb off-road performance.

• Pro-Link Rear Suspension (see Technology Section)

• Lightweight, strong and durable aluminum box-section swingarm with quick-detach rear wheel.

• Front and rear disc brakes offer superb stopping power.

• Lightweight yet super-strong wheels.

• Frame-mounted passenger footrests allow two-up riding capability.

• Aggressive, dual-purpose front and rear tires offer excellent performance both on and off road.

• 18-inch rear wheel for greater tire selection.

• Lightweight rims and hubs feature straight-pull spokes.

Additional Features

• Honda Racing-inspired colors and graphics.

• Combination headlight/number plate and dual airflow shrouds direct cool air to the engine.

• Enduro-style headlight features high/low beams.

• Motocross-style seat is comfortable and allows maximum rider movement.

• Large, durable fenders keep debris off the rider.

• Lightweight tubular engine guard.

• Wide-section folding, cleated footpegs are comfortable and self-cleaning.

• High-output 12-volt electrical system.

• Flex-mounted turn signals resist breakage.

• Compact speedometer features tripmeter/odometer, a neutral light as well as high-beam, turn-signal and sidestand indicators.

• Easy-to-use choke allows for simple cold-weather starts.

• Push-to-cancel turn-signal switch.

• High-quality controls include comfortable grips and brush guards.

• Convenient helmet lock and rear-fender-mounted tool kit are standard equipment.

• Transferable one-year limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan.