do xrrs need engine rebuild at some point in its life? i want to buy one but im afraid itll be parked because of some mechanical issue that i know nothing about,
yes and not cheap or easy like a 2 stroke the R model constant valve checks the L less maintenance engine wise and will go many more clicks on the road not that the R isn't capable of racking the klm.s but more money and repairs
I had an XR650R. It is a bike Honda needs to bring back. I had a 2003. I had friends afraid to ride it. One of the best bike I have ever owned. Nope it didnt like trails. It liked to be wide open. Sold it to a guy who rode it to Alaska
The xr650r in my opinion is one of the best bikes Hondas ever made I had one I made a mistake of selling it and now I have two more I just found one it looks like it came out of a time capsule perfect and I'm not selling any of them they're great bikes. Incredible bike I took it to a motocross track and had a blast the thing is so stable it's like a trophy truck find one by one and keep it in your stable of bikes you won't regret it that's the problem trying to find one that's not beat up most people that have these tuck them away because they have trouble starting them they don't know the technique if you could find one at a good price and they're out there snagit Happy Hunting
I too have an 02 XR650R, setup very similar. Been riding it for 12 yrs now. It's been to Cabo and back, Moab, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, and numerous times to Vegas and Laughlin. Also have a WR450 for the occasional gnarly single track stuff. My 650 is favorite of all time!
Hey cheeseball! I rode the R and the L back to back and was surprised how the R actually felt heavier and more cumbersome. At least the R version has a kickstart but you can stick a real Dominator (NX 650) engine from around '88 in it or use XR 600 R parts and you get a very capable and reliable bike out of the old L version. The L version is still in production with an IDENTICAL configuration since '93, apart from graphics it's the same bike. That's a production run of 20 years which is almost unheard of. There must be something to it to sustain such longevity! Arguably you can say the R version has better suspension, though the difference is only noticeable in really radical stuff. However, you can smash the R version up quite easily as it's water cooled and without electric start it can be a bastard to kick in some locations, just like the iconic XR 600 R. That's the edge the 650 L has with that nice little button. The question is; why did they stop producing the R version after such a short production run, of seven years? Probably because the xr 650 L was overall a better bike. I know you noobs in the states didn't have the real Dominator NX 650 but as far as desert racing is concerned you guys have very little in the way of true hardcore desert racing such as the Paris Dakar (the Baja is pretty lame by comparison) so you don't have the tradition and expertise like us European riders familiar with such phenominal machines like the early L version (with the BIG tank) the 650 Africa Twin and early GS's, but it irks me when use misappropriate monnikers such as Dominator for the R version. You don't want to confuse anyone, do you? I ride a 60 litre XRV 750 Marathon and it would eat XR 650 R's for breakfast lunch and dinner, matey, and it's still going strong.
I still have my 02 . Bob Bell at Precision Concepts did the suspension. I added 1 tooth to the counter sprocket to spread the gearing out. Pro Circuit header and exhaust. I have 2 crf 450rs and a KTM 530exc. All great bikes , but some of my most memorable " in the zone " at high speeds was the 650r. Good choice. Sorry you had to start from scratch.
+willy286 lol thanks willy. Its so funny how the honda xr650r holds so many memories for everyone. Stay tuned to my channel i just shot a video i will upload next week of bob and phil putting a cam into my xr650.
Cool video, it's good to see you're rebuilding it and making into a cool Baja dual sport. I had a new 2000 model 650R that I kept for five years, then sold it. I wish I still had it!
A well set up 650L is not "Lame" or "Cheese-ball" What's cheese-ball is to compare a steel frame, air cooled, street legal 30+ pound bike to an aluminum frame, liquid cooled race engineered non street legal bike. I think anyone that would do that is, well for lack of a better F up word; "LAME"! especially if he is a Honda rider!
I started with a XT 250 as a kid. Then I moved to a XT 650. And then a TE 510. All sold. I live 30 miles from BC and Idaho in Washington state and I want to go explore. I have packed mules much of my life, but I'm getting older and sleeping on the ground is losing its appeal. The BRP may just be my next bike. The Euro adventure bikes are just way too expensive. Hey Mark, enjoy your videos! Thank you!
The 650L isn't a race bike but I wouldn't call it a "cheeseball" motorcycle. It's basically a street legal 600R with E start after a few mods to remove the emissions crap, carb mods. and open the intake / exhaust
Bob's assessment is spot on. I've owned CRF450X and KTM690E and the XR650R is the best of both of these bikes. If only they could have given the XRR more mpg and e-start...it would be the living legend!
Just bought a very low 4000 km 650r to replace my 450x. It is so much nicer to ride on the open fast long tracks and I'm not worried about maintenance as much as the 450x. Don't get me wrong the 450x is awesome I just wish they still sold the 650r.
zeke orosco everything wears out. The problem you may have is how the previous owner looked after it. If you can be convinced it has been looked after and it has low kms or mlge then chances are good it will give you many years of service. Just remember it needs to have had brake fluid, fork oil, coolant and bearing greasing done. Most bikes don't get this and if the coolant and brake fluid are old it could mean $$$$$
i have a 2000 xr650r in north caroilna i would really like to fix her up just like your what would a set up go around for i know people pay go amount for them i may just sell it
Hi ! I bought xr650r with supermoto wheels, could you tell me the secret what wheels/ hubs i can used from other bike to ride off road ?? :) I live in poland so there is big problem to find original fit's to xr 650 r , yeah i know - ebay and US but they define overprice :)
#22 JUBY sorry juby I tried that route and came up empty. The more this xr650r gets older its just going to get tougher. You might have to bite the bullet or go steal some off somebody's xr 😂
@@erikeggenbakstad I've never ridden an NX I didn't really see that many over the years they weren't very popular in the states. I have a 650L and it's a great bike but I'm 6'1" people talk crap about the 650L because they are being naive.
@@SamIIs They are all great bikes! I am 5'8" so that might have an affect on riding the NX in my view in comparison to your height on the XR650R/ L's. The XR650L is a great bike also and it's a Honda, can never go wrong on that. Now I need to sell my Honda CB600F Hornet that I bought in desperation after selling the NX. great bike also but can't run on dirt with that one hehe.. I have and 2003 XR650R for sale here in Norway with only 300 miles on it. But on the other side of the country and with so few of those bikes in Norway the buyers are racking up. We'll see in the end of the week if I got it or not. If I do I'll will most likely post a video on my YT channel. Plan is to ride during winter with suitable tires with studs ;)
hi bloke steve from Australia grate videos on the xr650...love what you've done to the bike....every bit i think everyone going to copy....would like to know where you got the headlight and bracket from thanks
hey how did you get the wheel adjsuter screw out? it hapened to me too and havent fixed it yet! i run with a big nut making tension on wheel, with the size i need to run the chain tight enough ehehehe
im a little noob on that and after a quick search i found that it's more common to happen than i thought. I was already in panic ehehe Thank you and nice rides!!!
I top attempted to butcher the lamb. Didn't work had to drill out both sides and re tap it. Not the most convenient method but it got me riding and was cheaper than a new swingarm haha.
The 650L is a cheeseball motorcycle? Lol! Long before radiators, men used Honda’s Rfvc motor to WIN in the desert. From Africa to Baja to totally dominating flat track in the 80’s with The RS600 - putting out approx 70 HP at the countershaft. I’m not a XRL fanboy, but cheeseball? Nah.
Hey bud, I have watched a few of your vids.. I am an xr650r owner. My first was a 2003 wich I bought in 2005. There were TONS of options back then for aftermarket accessories but in 2008 the economy took a dump and I had to sell it. I recently purchased a 2002 xr650r and I am trying to find buddy pegs. I had Baja Designs passenger pegs on my 03, but I cant seem to find ANYTHING available now. Would you know of anywhere that sells buddy pegs? Thanks man.
@@bermcannonk picked up a pretty sweet 01, wasn't planning on getting one yet but its street legal and i didn't want to pass it up. Lots of nice parts! Has a rekluse clutch in it,, not sure how i feel about that
@@bermcannonk have you ever thought of or done Baja tour guides. I know there's some money to be made in it, and I'm hoping to make it down there in a year or two if I can get a few guys together
Bermcannon Media thanks for the reply! I was going to wrap mine with matte black but it’s tougher than I thought.... did you have to prep it? I feel like every little grain of sand would nick the paint....
Not in the US. You can get a kit to make it legal (mine was), but it didn't come street legal. In other countries (Europe, Aus) it came legal out of the crate.
Hey man, maybe you can help me. Did you ever notice a vibration at high speed? Like 110kph 120kph? Mine is vibrating like on and off. At 110 is 1 second of strong vibration, a second without... At 120 is like half a second on half a second off... And so on... Hope you have any ideas
in this one instance I trolled because I thought it was funny to see you here. get over the grammar thing. it's an immature and lazy way to make fun of people. I'm not writing an essay. this is the internet.
That's what I always thought, they should've used upside-down forks and named this bike CRF650X. And kept the XR650L the same. People would have an easier time telling them apart.
do xrrs need engine rebuild at some point in its life? i want to buy one but im afraid itll be parked because of some mechanical issue that i know nothing about,
I do a top end every 2000 miles or 40-60 hours.
yes and not cheap or easy like a 2 stroke the R model constant valve checks the L less maintenance engine wise and will go many more clicks on the road not that the R isn't capable of racking the klm.s but more money and repairs
Thnks relly apreciate an honest response
+zeke Owww I change my oil on my honda xr650 after every trip and like the guys said above it makes the bike stay out of the mechanics shop alot less.
ROFL You do a top end every 2000 miles?!!
I had an XR650R. It is a bike Honda needs to bring back. I had a 2003. I had friends afraid to ride it. One of the best bike I have ever owned. Nope it didnt like trails. It liked to be wide open. Sold it to a guy who rode it to Alaska
The xr650r in my opinion is one of the best bikes Hondas ever made I had one I made a mistake of selling it and now I have two more I just found one it looks like it came out of a time capsule perfect and I'm not selling any of them they're great bikes. Incredible bike I took it to a motocross track and had a blast the thing is so stable it's like a trophy truck find one by one and keep it in your stable of bikes you won't regret it that's the problem trying to find one that's not beat up most people that have these tuck them away because they have trouble starting them they don't know the technique if you could find one at a good price and they're out there snagit Happy Hunting
100% INDEED
I too have an 02 XR650R, setup very similar. Been riding it for 12 yrs now. It's been to Cabo and back, Moab, Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, and numerous times to Vegas and Laughlin. Also have a WR450 for the occasional gnarly single track stuff.
My 650 is favorite of all time!
Makes me happy that I got a 1983 Honda Xl600R. Can hardly wait to get it up and running
Hey cheeseball! I rode the R and the L back to back and was surprised how the R actually felt heavier and more cumbersome. At least the R version has a kickstart but you can stick a real Dominator (NX 650) engine from around '88 in it or use XR 600 R parts and you get a very capable and reliable bike out of the old L version. The L version is still in production with an IDENTICAL configuration since '93, apart from graphics it's the same bike. That's a production run of 20 years which is almost unheard of. There must be something to it to sustain such longevity! Arguably you can say the R version has better suspension, though the difference is only noticeable in really radical stuff. However, you can smash the R version up quite easily as it's water cooled and without electric start it can be a bastard to kick in some locations, just like the iconic XR 600 R. That's the edge the 650 L has with that nice little button. The question is; why did they stop producing the R version after such a short production run, of seven years? Probably because the xr 650 L was overall a better bike. I know you noobs in the states didn't have the real Dominator NX 650 but as far as desert racing is concerned you guys have very little in the way of true hardcore desert racing such as the Paris Dakar (the Baja is pretty lame by comparison) so you don't have the tradition and expertise like us European riders familiar with such phenominal machines like the early L version (with the BIG tank) the 650 Africa Twin and early GS's, but it irks me when use misappropriate monnikers such as Dominator for the R version. You don't want to confuse anyone, do you? I ride a 60 litre XRV 750 Marathon and it would eat XR 650 R's for breakfast lunch and dinner, matey, and it's still going strong.
😁@scottloftin1730
Chill yourself, you have no idea what true desert racing is, you don't even know what a Marathon is, do you?@scottloftin1730
Kid, the great 650L could be the support vehicle for the great 650R.
I still have my 02 . Bob Bell at Precision Concepts did the suspension. I added 1 tooth to the counter sprocket to spread the gearing out. Pro Circuit header and exhaust. I have 2 crf 450rs and a KTM 530exc. All great bikes , but some of my most memorable " in the zone " at high speeds was the 650r. Good choice. Sorry you had to start from scratch.
+willy286 lol thanks willy. Its so funny how the honda xr650r holds so many memories for everyone. Stay tuned to my channel i just shot a video i will upload next week of bob and phil putting a cam into my xr650.
Cool video, it's good to see you're rebuilding it and making into a cool Baja dual sport. I had a new 2000 model 650R that I kept for five years, then sold it. I wish I still had it!
+Trevor Jameson lol i was in the same boat. The Xr650r is legendary. Thanks for subscribing the next baja diaries start on april 25.
A well set up 650L is not "Lame" or "Cheese-ball" What's cheese-ball is to compare a steel frame, air cooled, street legal 30+ pound bike to an aluminum frame, liquid cooled race engineered non street legal bike. I think anyone that would do that is, well for lack of a better F up word; "LAME"! especially if he is a Honda rider!
I started with a XT 250 as a kid. Then I moved to a XT 650. And then a TE 510. All sold. I live 30 miles from BC and Idaho in Washington state and I want to go explore. I have packed mules much of my life, but I'm getting older and sleeping on the ground is losing its appeal. The BRP may just be my next bike. The Euro adventure bikes are just way too expensive. Hey Mark, enjoy your videos! Thank you!
+norseman7088 we are never to old to sleep on the ground my friend. But yes the euro bikes are too expensive for sure. Glad your enjoying the videos.
Nice job of bringing that bike back from the brink.
Too much of your face and not enough of the bike
The 650L isn't a race bike but I wouldn't call it a "cheeseball" motorcycle. It's basically a street legal 600R with E start after a few mods to remove the emissions crap, carb mods. and open the intake / exhaust
Hi, I also have a similar bike and would like to replace the headlight with a stronger one. You had to put a battery in the bike?
Bob's assessment is spot on. I've owned CRF450X and KTM690E and the XR650R is the best of both of these bikes. If only they could have given the XRR more mpg and e-start...it would be the living legend!
I believe there was a European version with a starter motor by Dal'ara Italy but had some problems.
I'm trying to choose 690/701 or XR650r? Both old. Basically for roads, also bad gravelroads but still roads. Recommendations, please.
Just bought a very low 4000 km 650r to replace my 450x. It is so much nicer to ride on the open fast long tracks and I'm not worried about maintenance as much as the 450x. Don't get me wrong the 450x is awesome I just wish they still sold the 650r.
with proper maintenance can the xrr go without any ishues or will it need a rebuild at some point in its life
zeke orosco everything wears out. The problem you may have is how the previous owner looked after it. If you can be convinced it has been looked after and it has low kms or mlge then chances are good it will give you many years of service. Just remember it needs to have had brake fluid, fork oil, coolant and bearing greasing done. Most bikes don't get this and if the coolant and brake fluid are old it could mean $$$$$
haha that's my xr650r head! I also sent it into L.A. Sleeve and Matt did the work.
i have a 2000 xr650r in north caroilna i would really like to fix her up just like your what would a set up go around for i know people pay go amount for them i may just sell it
jovanni hernandez huh
What sorts of bar and bar riser do you use on your beast?
Hi ! I bought xr650r with supermoto wheels, could you tell me the secret what wheels/ hubs i can used from other bike to ride off road ?? :) I live in poland so there is big problem to find original fit's to xr 650 r , yeah i know - ebay and US but they define overprice :)
#22 JUBY sorry juby I tried that route and came up empty. The more this xr650r gets older its just going to get tougher. You might have to bite the bullet or go steal some off somebody's xr 😂
Oh and the Honda NX650 Dominator was released in 1988 !
To heavy on trails imo, plus other things. I had one ;)
@@erikeggenbakstad The NX or the 650L
@@SamIIs The NX, on really rocky and slow trails you truly feel the extra weight of the bike. Ridden a RX650L also, but not on trails.
@@erikeggenbakstad I've never ridden an NX I didn't really see that many over the years they weren't very popular in the states. I have a 650L and it's a great bike but I'm 6'1" people talk crap about the 650L because they are being naive.
@@SamIIs They are all great bikes! I am 5'8" so that might have an affect on riding the NX in my view in comparison to your height on the XR650R/ L's. The XR650L is a great bike also and it's a Honda, can never go wrong on that. Now I need to sell my Honda CB600F Hornet that I bought in desperation after selling the NX. great bike also but can't run on dirt with that one hehe.. I have and 2003 XR650R for sale here in Norway with only 300 miles on it. But on the other side of the country and with so few of those bikes in Norway the buyers are racking up. We'll see in the end of the week if I got it or not. If I do I'll will most likely post a video on my YT channel. Plan is to ride during winter with suitable tires with studs ;)
Hola , donde obtuviste el foco. (Headlight)
hi bloke steve from Australia grate videos on the xr650...love what you've done to the bike....every bit i think everyone going to copy....would like to know where you got the headlight and bracket from thanks
+Stephen Tyler gday mate! Try trailtech
What did you end up doing about the snapped swingarm bolt? I’m currently experiencing the same issue @bermcannon
🤦♂️ i had to take it to a machine shop and get it drilled out and re tapped. Good luck
hey how did you get the wheel adjsuter screw out? it hapened to me too and havent fixed it yet!
i run with a big nut making tension on wheel, with the size i need to run the chain tight enough ehehehe
Take it to a machine shop they might be able to help.
im a little noob on that and after a quick search i found that it's more common to happen than i thought. I was already in panic ehehe
Thank you and nice rides!!!
very nic bike,need one in Tanzania,rear to find.
I top attempted to butcher the lamb. Didn't work had to drill out both sides and re tap it. Not the most convenient method but it got me riding and was cheaper than a new swingarm haha.
I love this bike honda xr 650 its good motorcicle and good fiabiliti
Bob knows what he’s talking about.
did I see a tweak in the subframe on the muffler side? I know the sub frame has always been ify on the BRP. Love mine though! Great series so far
Thanks Ernie, yeah maybe alittle on the subframe
Had to replace mine , bought a used one on eBay , came with a snapped off bolt in the mount hole ????
looking great brad pitt
i have 23 years old, and i got a 650R last week!!!
very informative and well put together!
at 1:11 you changed your shirt in the middle of the sentence... very impressive sir! lol
"Mr. Know it all" I miss reading those articles....
love the vids
XR650R rules! @100 mph
How did you get the xr plated in Cali? My understanding was that if it wasn't done before 04 it wasn't possible.
+Tyler Moore yeah correct. But it was grandfathered in
The bike looked fine to me. Just hose it off and ride it. I bet it could have finished the baja 1000 as purchased.
lol,,, watched this video again in full length. Makes me want to start a XR650R project myself,,,
Thanks dh. The honda xr650r is king
Did you sell this bike?
The 650L is a cheeseball motorcycle? Lol!
Long before radiators, men used Honda’s Rfvc motor to WIN in the desert. From Africa to Baja to totally dominating flat track in the 80’s with The RS600 - putting out approx 70 HP at the countershaft. I’m not a XRL fanboy, but cheeseball? Nah.
please bore me, had the same problem with the screw in the swingarm and want to know about the butcher the lamb process
How do you grandfather the bike to make street legal don't really know the process I have a 03 xr650r that I would like to get streetlegal
No longer possible.
What was the milage when you got the bike?
There is no milage instrument on this model.
Hey bud, I have watched a few of your vids.. I am an xr650r owner. My first was a 2003 wich I bought in 2005. There were TONS of options back then for aftermarket accessories but in 2008 the economy took a dump and I had to sell it. I recently purchased a 2002 xr650r and I am trying to find buddy pegs. I had Baja Designs passenger pegs on my 03, but I cant seem to find ANYTHING available now.
Would you know of anywhere that sells buddy pegs? Thanks man.
+xBlindDudex i would try IMS products
Tell us what header you ended up using....?
+Scott Lilly just ended up using stock.
Is there a certain year for the 650r that was better then the others? I plan on buying one over the winter and wanted to know your thoughts.Thanks
I would get 2001-2003
@@bermcannonk picked up a pretty sweet 01, wasn't planning on getting one yet but its street legal and i didn't want to pass it up. Lots of nice parts! Has a rekluse clutch in it,, not sure how i feel about that
@@bermcannonk have you ever thought of or done Baja tour guides. I know there's some money to be made in it, and I'm hoping to make it down there in a year or two if I can get a few guys together
I do conduct private tours. Not full time.
Ill have to keep that in mind, hopfully in afew years i cant ship my bike out there and get the baja experience
Where did you get the graphics and front fendeR?
pep boys. lol its just flat black paint to reduce glare from the light at night.
Bermcannon Media thanks for the reply! I was going to wrap mine with matte black but it’s tougher than I thought.... did you have to prep it? I feel like every little grain of sand would nick the paint....
@@devlinbuilderco. correct.... sand it then just spray it, it stays pretty good.
xr650r
the best bike ever build
Awesome!!!! Always wanted a XR650R... Very nice build.... Street legal??
Very Street legal !
Not in the US. You can get a kit to make it legal (mine was), but it didn't come street legal. In other countries (Europe, Aus) it came legal out of the crate.
Mine came from Honda with lights, reg, and plates.
Hey man, maybe you can help me. Did you ever notice a vibration at high speed? Like 110kph 120kph?
Mine is vibrating like on and off. At 110 is 1 second of strong vibration, a second without... At 120 is like half a second on half a second off... And so on...
Hope you have any ideas
+Francisco Campelo check your wheels and rims. Make sure they are tru
dałes drugie życie tej fajnej maszynie
What’s the very low price?
For the xr650r?
Yeah
Most akkor Baha vagy Baja?
LOL Barn find? That thing is a pile, it's been neglected, I hope you didn't pay more than 1500 for it
I like my cheezeball 650l
Just joking tom
Why are you calling the L cheeseball.?Thats all they make anymore. Ask Bob what would it take to put a water cooled head on a L.
I was being a smart ass. The xr650l is very bulky, heavy and slow. Major surgery is needed to make it comparable to the R
Ha you said the 650L is a cheese bike lol...
in this one instance I trolled because I thought it was funny to see you here. get over the grammar thing. it's an immature and lazy way to make fun of people. I'm not writing an essay. this is the internet.
Aww man...you had me until you called the L a cheeseball bike 👎
Just playin. 😎
say it with me.....XR650R rules !!! @100mph
Can you get someone else to narrate?
Спасибо Николай
Спасибо Николай
Water cooled XR? Nah.
That's what I always thought, they should've used upside-down forks and named this bike CRF650X. And kept the XR650L the same. People would have an easier time telling them apart.
Just because all new bikes come with inverted forks , doesn't mean the conventional fork is junk . ask Bob bell
I love the cheeseball 650L
I want a 650R SO BAD SO BAD SO BAD
Nice job of bringing that bike back from the brink.
very nic bike,need one in Tanzania,rear to find.
very nic bike,need one in Tanzania,rear to find.
very nic bike,need one in Tanzania,rear to find.
very nic bike,need one in Tanzania,rear to find.
very nic bike,need one in Tanzania,rear to find.