looking for some insite on XR650R OR L

[REDRIDDER]

Who has one and how do you like it? what are some pros and cons of this bike, i really would like one for the simple fact that its an on off road bike and still would be able to ride trails and to work saving gas and just being able to ride on the roads legally.

[z400rida44]

i would like to get one of those eventually also. but i would definitely check out thumpertalk for tons of info.

[REDRIDDER]

thanks

[GPracer2500]

They are two completely different machines. I don't think they share a single part. They're both good bikes in their own right.


XR650R: Not street legal as new. Kick start, aluminum frame, liquid cooled, pretty good suspension, pretty heavy for a dirt bike. Great off-road dirt bike if you've got the muscle for it. The faster the trail the better. Tons of power and torque. Ok on the road. Seat is pretty narrow. Built to replace the XR600R and win in Baja. Introduced in 2000.

XR650L: Street legal off the showroom floor. Electric start, steel frame, air cooled, suspension is several generations old, very heavy for a dirt bike. Based off the XR600R but softer and slower. Introduced in 1993 I believe but it's basic design has been around since well before that.


If you can plate a dirt bike, get the XR650R. That's what I did and I've been very happy with it. Many are turned off by having to kickstart a 650cc bike but once you learn the technique, it's a *****cat to start. The only time it's a PITA to start is after it gets dropped.

If you can't or don't want to bother with plating an XR650R, by all means--get the XR650L. It's not as hard core or as fast as the R but it's a fine motorcycle. Tough as nails, more comfortable for street riding, and very easy to live with overall. Won't hang with the R though, especially off-road.

XR650R:
http://www.travelizmo.com/archives/2007-honda-xr650r-off-road-motorcycle.jpg

XR650L
http://www.rc-trucks.org/Honda-XR650L.jpg



$0.02

[REDRIDDER]

Hey thanks GPracer2500 but what do you mean by plate?

[GPracer2500]

Originally posted by REDRIDDER
Hey thanks GPracer2500 but what do you mean by plate?

By "plate" I mean get a license plate and registration for on-road use.

[REDRIDDER]

Originally posted by GPracer2500
By "plate" I mean get a license plate and registration for on-road use. oh yeah i get it now duh lol...but yeah this is why i want an xr650 so i can ride legally on and off road and with the price of gas these days it would be more economical to do so.What does the insurance cost about?

[GPracer2500]

I pay $650 a year to State Farm for full coverage ($250 deductable, 100k/300k/100k limits plus uninsured and underinsured coverage). It could be less. I've got a CR500R with similar but not quite as good coverage through Progressive and it's less than half that. But when I just did had a bare-bones liability policy through Progressive on the 500 it was about $100 a year.

That may mean next to nothing for you though. Your age, location, etc can make a big difference.

[REDRIDDER]

Thank you GPracer2500 you always have good knowledge that i can trust and you always have a good explanation for things.When i see a post that is from you i know its worth checking it out and as always thanks, I live in NY and have Gieco for car insurance and their great but they also do ATVs and motorcycles ill have to check it out.

[blacknblue#2]

man your gonna love these things.............i got mine yesterday, i have rode the wheels off of it. Put 127 miles on it and 2 days and have only put 13 bucks worth of gas in it hahaha

[REDRIDDER]

blacknblue#2
witch one did you get the R or L? year?

[blacknblue#2]

I bought the L i wanted something already street legal.....i bought a new left over 07

[blacknblue#2]

.
http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t207/aerospac/007-9.jpg

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t207/aerospac/006-15.jpg

[quads14589]

blacknblue how is the power of the L version that you bought? whats the top end speed? how heavy is it for you and how is it on gas?

[blacknblue#2]

Originally posted by quads14589
blacknblue how is the power of the L version that you bought? whats the top end speed? how heavy is it for you and how is it on gas?
The power aint bad. its like anything else.. i cussed it when i first got it but after it got broke in it powered up a little. Its real torquey, i can get it to pull up in 3rd now lol. Its not real heavy actually. i Have a CRF450 and of course its heavier than that but not by much. Im 220 lbs so i have no trouble throwing these bikes around a 155lbs guy may find it heavy. as far as gas i cant complain. it has a small tank and fills up on 6 bucks. But i filled it up last night and took a 120mile round trip to a party and i need gas again but it made it the whole trip on 6 bucks you might as well say. It has an airplane 5th gear so it dont burn any gas on the highway. And fastest ive had it is 95. It was still pullin but i let out. It registers for 115

[quads14589]

not bad, have u taken it in the woods yet?

[blacknblue#2]

nope i havent made it to the woods yet. just some fields around the house here. I know their classified as street and trail but i classify it as mostly street around here. All of our trails are tight and this thing is geared fairly high. Its like a stock 04/05 honda 450R and noone around here that trail rides those keep the stock gearing.........now on a good wide open trail you would have it made.

[quads14589]

yeah, how many miles do you think you can put on a bike like this until it ****sthe bed

[REDRIDDER]

Originally posted by quads14589
yeah, how many miles do you think you can put on a bike like this until it ****sthe bed its a HONDA i dont think they s@#% the bed LOL! nice xr you got their blacknblue#2.

[blacknblue#2]

Originally posted by REDRIDDER
its a HONDA i dont think they s@#% the bed LOL! nice xr you got their blacknblue#2.

Thanks redridder. And i have to agree it is a honda lol. The Odometer dont go above 5 digits but i have heard of these bikes have 40 thou and above on them. It wouldnt surpirse me to get that and more with the right maintenance