XR was such an amazing user friendly bike line up, my first bike was an XR80, then I went to a Yamaha XT250, before getting into 2 strokes, but the XR650R is definitely a bike on my bucket list
I've had my big red pig for years and years always get shit at trail rides and I always smile as I leave them in my dust & smile, even more, when I've had to tow them home.
I bought a new XR650R back in 2001 for $4,500. I put the Baja Designs street kit on it. The incandescent bulbs don't last but 2 seconds. I ridden that bike on so many single track trails. I still have it and still runs great.
Same timeline, same price, same baja design kit with flash 💡 bulbs... Mine was all corked up when I bought it (lucky for me). A full year later I fixed it and it was like a new bike. It was a new bike. A blast on the streets and a 👑 king on the (fast) trails. I've since upgraded to KTM 450sxf factory edition 😊 I do miss them long legs.
Great video! I had a 1986 Honda XR600R years ago, it was bored out, had an aftermarket piston with higher compression, the carbs were rejetted and it had a Supertrap exhaust. That bike was extremely fast and so well suited for the desert riding that I did in the areas surrounding my hometown of Tucson Arizona!
Kris, I'm from NZ and have that same bike a 1986 (last of the drum rear brake bikes) with a thumper 660 kit. It's a beast 120mph no problems with road gearing around 60 hp
Due to price I picked up an 05 Suzuki DR650 with some nice accessories, one being a set of Excel Super Moto wheels with Pirelli tires. Upgraded rear shock and reworked front forks and about $1000 worth of bolt on items all for a whopping $2100. Plus it's got electric start. (I'm getting older what can I say 😄) I've raced/rode Honda's all my life and sold them for 5 years and this is the first Suzuki I've ever owned and for a play bike I'm super happy with it. If I were younger and was still racing, I'd definitely be looking for a 650R though. Thanks for the video.👍
I had a BRP for 9 years, and decided I wanted to try something different. Huge mistake. I went through 3 other bikes, and none of them measured up. I just bought another XRR and I am going to be buried with it.
Started in 2020 with Husqvarna 701 (Fell in love with sumos) > KTM 890 (great but too smooth/clean, felt like playing a video game and was stuffed with electronics) > Yamaha MT07 (Stunt riding without traction control or modes whatsoever) > 2024 Honda XR 650R in Austria modded but 100% street legal. Preowner pumped a fortune into this beast (but not even has a battery) static smile
There are a few good ones out here in Utah for $3000-4500, they’re clearly well used with large desert tanks and bright lights and water tanks, but they mostly run great and are already street legal
The xr650r was always road legal in Australia, as were most of the other xr's from the 250 up. Its bizzare to me that they wouldn't be road legal in other places.
There are a few in a couple provinces in Canada but they removed the ability to make them road legal at a certain year so the numbers are always falling. Still, pretty reasonable. Most I saw were like 5k Canadian which ain't terrible.
I have a 2002 that I bought last April I was going to hang on to it for a bit fix a few things a sell it well after new tires and putting a lowering link on its shaving the seat down I can reach the ground now and I’m hanging on to it.this thing is a beast and riding it is a blast did I mention that I’m 67 yrs old feeling like a kid again once I twist the throttle.
xr650r was my dream... never found one.. but I did get a 96 klx650r with a flatside lectron carb and it was a monster...too brappy to trust on bumpy medium inclines.. i called it the loop monster.. my biggest complaint was kickstart and no battery system... I still want a xr650r.
Hadrian Haine the husaberg 650 is a Dream of me , at this moment I own a yamaha XT660Z tenere, a gasgas FSE 450 and a Kawasaki KDX250. But not a single bike of these can compare with the XR650R
I had one for two years and sold it. I loved it but it was hard to ride on very tight single track trails in the woods in Washington State. It was such a fun bike but I went through tires once a month on that thing
Always wanted one searched high and low till I found a mint one, fully sorted by one anal owner wanted for nothing every mod even fitted an key ignition on it. I found it uncomfortable, shredded tires so I sold it for a decent profit. I kept comparing it to my TE 510 Husky enduro I had back in the day, it would have wiped the floor with the honda in every aspect but probably not in reliability although I had no issues with either. Don't regret it one bit but they are an iconic bike just never jel'd with it.
Proud owner of a 2004 XR650R bought it stock back in 2004. it would not even get the front wheel off the ground and I do live at 9.500 feet in Colorado. 40,000 miles later and a lot of tires, rims and mods. High rev CDI box, 4 after market exhaust systems, "The Pro Circuit T4 is my favorite" Hot Cam stage 2, Full port and polish, Stock carburetor and stock piston for reliability and the next thing I'm buying is a TM40 pumper carburetor. I just bought a TM40 pumper carburetor for my 2004 XR650L and just love it, Cant wait to get one for my R. And Can A 450 or 500 do a 110mph off road with a 225 pound rider?
Had one years ago here in Australia you can register it as it come stock form man I ripped up ground like a bulldozer and miss the grunt of that bike so much wish I never sold it
I have had every one now my grandkids r rideing xr80 1983 in like new condition rebuilt 5 times in 30 years looke rides as new ,my favorite is xr400r w 440 kit stag3 cam and makuni carb ,
excellent video! i just picked up 2003 and restored it back to new conditon. watched so many baja videos i had to try one for myself. being a moto guy riding a kx 450f and kx 500, and i ride a 05 GSXR 1K i found the power really lacking uncorked....but with a FCR Pumper carb swap and full exhaust, it is defiantly the bike i was looking for to use as a dual sport,off road enduro bike. i came from a tricked out wr 450f for my dual sport and i hated all the oil changes.(only holds 1L) the wr is much better off road with the killer SSS suspention and has more top end power with similar mods. but i like the bottom end grunt of the 650r, comfortable suspention....so im going to keep it around for awhile! in canada a clean 03-09 wr 450f will go for the same as a XR 650r so price wasnt the concern, just wanted to see if the bike lived up to all the hype. its not the best at anything but it has something about it i love and can see why this bike has a cult following. also its a great bike to take my 5 year old for rides, its comfort for us both, so thats a huge plus!
Im like you .... Open class moto rider...and man that experience really helps with a tall heavy Xr650. Poor guys with no moto experience have to take a beating in the learning curve. The Xr weighs the same as my Motocross bike with my girlfriend on the back...that is what took me the most time to adjust to. I wont be going over logs where the top of log is 2 feet above the ground with my BRP and 100 extra pounds.
Agreed buddy, I’m going to pick up a Ktm 300 for a woods weapon. I have a 99 Cr 250 I have set up for woods riding but been wanting to try a new tpi Ktm and see what it’s all about! Keep rippin dude 👌
@@paulbrinston3336 That fuel injection is sweet for guys out west going from 4000ft altitude to 12000 feet. Here in the Florida mountains I may hit a lofty heavenly 345 feet above sea level..... gasping for air... LMAO!
@@thekrazydave A CV carb can do that. Thats why they put them in airplanes. But I hate CV carbs for the throttle delay they have. Got to build the vacuum to give the gas. Bad for technical riding.
As good as it may be, and I do hope you're happy with it, I think I'll keep my DR650. Its a bit heavier than the XR650R, but very manageable. The DR650 can be had at a good price ($6,700 MSRP) brand new, or you can pick up a lightly used one for nearly half that price. The problem is finding one for sale. People seem to hang on to the DR650 and KLR650 - they have a following. The aftermarket support for both of those bikes is awesome, and you don't have to kit them up to be street legal. The DR is a pretty good middle weight dual sport that I'm very satisfied with. I hope you have many hours of fun, and miles of safe riding on your XR650R. When you find something you like, you just like it. Thanks for sharing.
Dr650 is great dude, I own one. It's a fucking hoon machine, I can't resist getting sideways on pavement or dirt. But once you load it up with 50lbs of camping gear picking it up is a lot less fun. The suspension plain sucks and I'm only 140lbs. I imagine it's worse if you weigh much more than that. For the amount id have to invest in my suspension on a bike that's not really designed to be hooned like mad offroad makes me think twice.
I hate to burst your bubble, but the XR650R wheelbase is 56.1 inches and the WR450F wheelbase is 57.7 inches. So much for a longer wheelbase making things more stable. 650R rake is 27.8 degrees. www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/Honda/honda_xr650r_05.html The 2020 YZ450FX is 58.3" wheelbase and 27.2 degrees. Wet weight with 2.2 gallons is 256 pounds.
I had an XR600R, great bike to ride, but some reliability problems. I'm not sure the 650R makes the cut as a dualsport though. Dual sports should be comfortable cruising on highways for hours carrying luggage. I've also heard the 650 is struggling to go 100 miles on a tank
Yeah very small tank. It's a very reliable bike. But also a bike that people tend to ride hard. I have yet to meet a xr650r owner that babied their bike.
It was a great bike in it's day but my money will go to a KTM 690. Sorry Honda should have kept up with the times. KTM has been willing to answer the dual sport and supermoto vacuum. The big four have really let us down in this area.
@@Lucas-hz1jt the technology just exists to do so much more and if the big four had been more innovative in the market, the pricing would be more competitive. The U.S. EPA and DOT standards have a high effect on what the manufacturer sees as marketable, but in my opinion, the Scandinavian companies are leading the way in dual sport options. True, Honda now has the 450L now but that's just about the only semi interesting model Japan has produced in a long time in this arena.
@@Lucas-hz1jt I'm a large man and I live in the mountains so a 500cc or less dual sport bike just does not excite me at all. If it had not been for this coronavirus I'd of probably been in the market for a KTM 690 in a couple years when my Indian is paid off, just to have something light, fun and fast on a twisty beat up mountain road. Don't get me wrong. I can still enjoy my chieftain on these roads but a supermoto is the ultimate fun where I live.
@@JP-ec9rl I ride three bikes at the time. A XR600, a XR650r and a husqvarna sm 125 two stroke. All of them are supermotos. I live in germany and we have enaugh twisty rouds here too. I weight a bit more than 100kg and the 125cc two stroke still makes so much fun even with it´s 36hp.
@@Lucas-hz1jt I'm sure you do have some fun roads there. I've had a couple different 250cc four stroke Supermotos. Don't get me wrong they were fun bit lacked power. Here in the U.S. two strokes are hard to find due to our environmental regulations. Most states do not allow road registration of factory off road bikes. They have to be titled from the manufacturer as "street legal". For me they are just too small and underpowered. To each their own. The Drs 400 is a popular bike here. It is heavily customized. Some people like that but chassis design innovation is still great and the market price of the smcr 690 is comparable with the crf450l which in my humble opinion is a high maintenance afterthought. It's sad that Honda manufactured a dual purpose motorcycle with such a high frequency maintenance interval. KTM recognized that problem for a dual purpose machine, addressed it and gave the market a reasonably light, advanced designed machine, that sustains freeway speeds comfortably, that makes 70 HP stock and is in the same price range. It's a 'no brainer' to me.
Awesome bike a legend that Honda should definitely bring back to the production and get rid of the cheesy Honda xl650l these bikes are bulletproof long-lasting and who cares about a Kickstart if you know the technique how to start it you could even start it with sneakers on these bikes are worth looking out for a good bang for the buck but their value is increasing so happy searching
and... what about the ktm 690 enduro or husky 701 enduro? and, i'm not talking about the new 2019+ 690, which is on a different level. eh.... and... don't misunderstand me, the xr650r is one bad mutha, especially for the money.
Bought my first bike a year back, and yes its an XR650R 2002, some one has done something to my BRB over the time, and now its a weird beast, does not want to start hot, i've already learned the starting procegers and everything, can get it to start even on super cold mornings on the 3rd kick. But god dam, i cant figure out why it does not like the hot starts... If there is anyone that is BRP NINJA, help me :)
its low Miles ( 6k ) uncorked, full Powebomb on it, nothing i did, i cleaned the carb on it, hoping that will help, and changed the "nosels" don't know the correct name in english for them lol. Anyway, i know this is a longshot, but in my country i cant find some one, who knows these bikes in and out.
@@wonderbread2364 I have the same Jetting on it, but i will check if i have the S ones. Drill out the pipes, do you mean the exaust? Because i just have an FMF stuck on it. Yep have the nice manifold in there, air box has just a big a** hole in there, with a custom protector. Plug off the smog - have not seen anything like that on my BRB, had to google it to be honest, but its not here. Found a shop, that just does carbs, so will bring it there, for them to have look, and try to figure this out...
There is an adjustment screw on the side of the carburetor that might help your hot start issue. The factory repair service manual is pretty easy to find online and it tells you the proper procedure to set it, but I think default is about 2-2 1/2 turns out.
@@PietriGuitars Yes! This is what helped! First - since last i had to rebuild the engine, not fun ... But now my pig has a new heart .. Found a Jedi, who loves brp's helped set up the carb just right and now i have a fan aswell - now more losing boiling coolant lol. May i add, considering this bike was verry neglected when i bought it ( my second bike in my life, did not know better.) i thought its a beast. Now, tuned right, rebuilt... WOW, just WOW. And hot or droped or anything, 1-3 kicks, its back! :)
@@Schbouygan thank you for the info, before my street tagged xr650r kills me i'll be sure to let my family know to sell it in California for top dollar.
The vstrom is more offroad oriented, then a gs? Have you ever ridden a gs and then ridden a vstrom for some contrast?😂😂😂 the vstrom is literally a sports tourer with spoke wheels🤨
When i put my xr650r dual sport i had to get the state police to give me an inspection after i installed all the dual sported gear like battery, blinkers, hazards, banjo bolts for brake lights etc... It was fairly simple but i can see why people dont go through the trouble. Many existing xr's are already dual sported
I kinda doubt just an uncorked XR-650 would give anywhere near 55 hp. My DR-650 bored to 790 with a higher compression, big valves, ported head,,42mm pumper carb, oversize head and mid-pipe and Gixxer 1000 muffler and opened airbox can barely reach 60hp. Stock the XR, DR and KLR put down around 35 hp to the real wheel. They are still a hoot to ride be realistic.
The xr650r should already be uncorked its a closed course bike. The xr650L is the one with emissions and already street legal no kit. The xr650r only needs a brake light and of course the vermont trick to get a plate and be street legal.
They actually are the almost the perfect big dirtbike. Miles better than twin cylinder trailies off road and good for distance on road as well. A bit of weight loss, an electric start, better headlamp and modern clocks/ instruments would have made it spot on. Up smoothly off the clutch at quite slow speeds in 3rd was best for wheelies. Mine was geared to hit 95 flat out and got there quickly.
But what’s the differences? Why not just buy the L if you’re going to ride on the highway? Does it come with better options than the L? I’m asking because I was considering getting the L.
The R is much more race oriented, has a dry sump, water cooling, and aluminum frame resulting in more horsepower in a marginally lighter frame at the expense of several conveniences, an electric start being one. Mine handles highway speed just fine, probably tops out in the high 90s and gets there fast. Most existing Rs are far from stock and are likely to already be modified for road use, but are rare all together.
@@VehicleHunter you dont know what you are talking about. The L was a dualsport. The R was offroad only. The L had about 35 horses. The R had about 55. Thet were made for different purpose. Its likecssyinh a F16 is better than a 747. They are made for different purpose! Good luck with your brain.
Wolf Rose disagree, I have an xr600r also. In my opinion, a way better bike than the xr650r but not nearly as much fun as the ktm690r. Side by side comparisons
@@TheNeckasaurus Only on the 2008-2014 models, got the 2014 Model, just install newer model rocker arms early and you'll be good! Not gonna lie though, I would absolutely love an XR650R, looks fun!
Had one, sold it, don't regret it. The lack of a subframe, estart, keyed ignition, and stater output are big handicaps as a dual sport. The long wheelbase and low head angle make it a pig to turn in tight woods. The motor is great, but not good enough to live with the other shortcomings. Way better all around bikes can be had for the same money.
@@timventers5858 at the time, I went to a KTM 525 exc, which I liked better in every way. Husqvarna te610 also a good choice from that era. Now days, though, a lot of of the later model euro dual sports are coming down to the $3.5-$4.5k range which makes them a better buy.
@@CBRRR-eh3ky a we'll set up 650l makes a fine dual sport. I've got a heavily modded dr650 that is a great all around bike. It's not nearly as dirt worthy as a 650r, but the amenities make it easier to love with for adventure type riding.
As reported many times over, the xr650r in the 'uncorked' form tests around 50hp 50tq wheel on the chassis dyno. 45 HP 'stock' sounds about right, but that does not tell the whole story. You get 40+torque from 2,500 rpms up so the power feels amazing everywhere. The only people getting 65 HP out of the xr650r were the honda pro racers in it's hay day racing Baja or others with serious cam and carb mods. I'm a lucky xr650r owner. (street tag)
@@TokenTombstone Advertised specs are crank HP, almost never RWHP, so on the crank xr650r had 62 or 63hp depending on the source. I guessing the US-version is "legal in 50 states" therefore is corked to suit California. Street legal klx650r has 48hp and 610TE had 54hp (1993 both).
These are great makes but I wouldn’t be making comparisons to street bikes on the road 😂 if you get out launched on a xr650 while riding like an r6 or something you need to go home 😂
Stock is nice, add a stage 2 cam + hi compression piston and oversize intake valves... more powerful than any bike. Uncork and does not give you fifty five horsepower. This guy doesn't know what he's talking about if you've never ridden with the cam piston and valves.... and oem xr400 cdi
How the XR 650R is the worst dual sport bike for the following reasons. One no electric start and try starting it hot. Second it needs a fan for the radiators in the woods. Three Suspension is crap. Four no aftermarket support. Five no sub frame for any rack or the addition of saddle bags. Honda built this bike for one reason win the BAJA and in that arena it was King. But the KTM 690 will kill it in every single match up. Yes 20 years ago this bike was king in its own right but now its history. I owned two XR 650Rs and one KTM 690
XR was such an amazing user friendly bike line up, my first bike was an XR80, then I went to a Yamaha XT250, before getting into 2 strokes, but the XR650R is definitely a bike on my bucket list
I've had my big red pig for years and years always get shit at trail rides and I always smile as I leave them in my dust & smile, even more, when I've had to tow them home.
I rode mine in BAJA last year and she has been all over CO and some Utah. Never lets me down and never fails to make me smile
They really are gold
omg an actually good review, no rave music and no "Whats up guys" ffs get a new line! thank you very helpful
and they played tool!!
best of both worlds
I bought a new XR650R back in 2001 for $4,500. I put the Baja Designs street kit on it. The incandescent bulbs don't last but 2 seconds. I ridden that bike on so many single track trails. I still have it and still runs great.
Same timeline, same price, same baja design kit with flash 💡 bulbs...
Mine was all corked up when I bought it (lucky for me). A full year later I fixed it and it was like a new bike. It was a new bike. A blast on the streets and a 👑 king on the (fast) trails.
I've since upgraded to KTM 450sxf factory edition 😊
I do miss them long legs.
Great video! I had a 1986 Honda XR600R years ago, it was bored out, had an aftermarket piston with higher compression, the carbs were rejetted and it had a Supertrap exhaust. That bike was extremely fast and so well suited for the desert riding that I did in the areas surrounding my hometown of Tucson Arizona!
Kris, I'm from NZ and have that same bike a 1986 (last of the drum rear brake bikes) with a thumper 660 kit. It's a beast 120mph no problems with road gearing around 60 hp
Due to price I picked up an 05 Suzuki DR650 with some nice accessories, one being a set of Excel Super Moto wheels with Pirelli tires. Upgraded rear shock and reworked front forks and about $1000 worth of bolt on items all for a whopping $2100. Plus it's got electric start. (I'm getting older what can I say 😄)
I've raced/rode Honda's all my life and sold them for 5 years and this is the first Suzuki I've ever owned and for a play bike I'm super happy with it. If I were younger and was still racing, I'd definitely be looking for a 650R though. Thanks for the video.👍
Got one and its an awesome bike. Good mpg 55+- with carb mods. Reliable. Gas savings over the truck pay for the bike so basically free daily driver
I had a BRP for 9 years, and decided I wanted to try something different. Huge mistake. I went through 3 other bikes, and none of them measured up. I just bought another XRR and I am going to be buried with it.
So am I :D Long live Honda Xr650R!
same here.... need to get one again. Actually @4.03 and @5.03 that is my old XRR !
Did you get the XR600R at some point. i did.. its OK.
I got my first one a few months back. I've been working on it ever since, can't wait to try it out for the first time in a few days.
our a wize man.
Greatest machine ever - ride it daily, love it - rips, electron carb, tons after markets goodies on it. Just rips and rips, love it
How do you like the electron carb on this bike vs a pumper?
Started in 2020 with Husqvarna 701 (Fell in love with sumos) > KTM 890 (great but too smooth/clean, felt like playing a video game and was stuffed with electronics) > Yamaha MT07 (Stunt riding without traction control or modes whatsoever) > 2024 Honda XR 650R in Austria modded but 100% street legal. Preowner pumped a fortune into this beast (but not even has a battery)
static smile
There are a few good ones out here in Utah for $3000-4500, they’re clearly well used with large desert tanks and bright lights and water tanks, but they mostly run great and are already street legal
The xr650r was always road legal in Australia, as were most of the other xr's from the 250 up. Its bizzare to me that they wouldn't be road legal in other places.
U can get ur L plates on it in nsw
There are a few in a couple provinces in Canada but they removed the ability to make them road legal at a certain year so the numbers are always falling. Still, pretty reasonable. Most I saw were like 5k Canadian which ain't terrible.
In Argentina you are ought to pay for the license plate every month, but not allowed to ride on the streets, due to the lack of lights and horn
It’s because of emissions and other road certification reasons
Ich hab 2 Xr650 eine supermoto Zulassung und einmal.orig. komm aus der Bananenrepublik Österreich
Love my 2001 650R best bike I ever had.
One of the most beautiful bikes.
I have a 2002 that I bought last April I was going to hang on to it for a bit fix a few things a sell it well after new tires and putting a lowering link on its shaving the seat down I can reach the ground now and I’m hanging on to it.this thing is a beast and riding it is a blast did I mention that I’m 67 yrs old feeling like a kid again once I twist the throttle.
xr650r was my dream... never found one.. but I did get a 96 klx650r with a flatside lectron carb and it was a monster...too brappy to trust on bumpy medium inclines.. i called it the loop monster.. my biggest complaint was kickstart and no battery system... I still want a xr650r.
I miss my xr650r. It was a great bike. Please Honda bring this bike back with fuel injection.
They did bring it back. They reduced the displacment to 450cc. CRF450L?
@@chuckbowen4334 no they did not bring it back. They just slap some lights on a 450. 200 cc's is a large difference.
The card is the best thing about it
Oh when I was 14 about 18 years ago this was the one I wanted, both with gravel and tarmac wheel setups. Such a cool bike.
Honda xr 650r Is a Beast!!!!
I miss my 650r so much, it really was the best bike I've ever had
But you have a FS in your profile picture surely no one should be lucky enough to own a 650fs and a XR650R at the same time?
Hadrian Haine the husaberg 650 is a Dream of me , at this moment I own a yamaha XT660Z tenere, a gasgas FSE 450 and a Kawasaki KDX250. But not a single bike of these can compare with the XR650R
Had mine for 3 months. I love the big pig.
How's it on highways?
I had one for two years and sold it. I loved it but it was hard to ride on very tight single track trails in the woods in Washington State. It was such a fun bike but I went through tires once a month on that thing
Yeah i had the same problem of going through tires on it too.
@@VehicleHunter Why is that?
@@fjp3305 No rubber dampeners in the back wheel hub, so every piston stroke puts a lot of stress on the rubber.
Always wanted one searched high and low till I found a mint one, fully sorted by one anal owner wanted for nothing every mod even fitted an key ignition on it. I found it uncomfortable, shredded tires so I sold it for a decent profit. I kept comparing it to my TE 510 Husky enduro I had back in the day, it would have wiped the floor with the honda in every aspect but probably not in reliability although I had no issues with either. Don't regret it one bit but they are an iconic bike just never jel'd with it.
Proud owner of a 2004 XR650R bought it stock back in 2004. it would not even get the front wheel off the ground and I do live at 9.500 feet in Colorado. 40,000 miles later and a lot of tires, rims and mods. High rev CDI box, 4 after market exhaust systems, "The Pro Circuit T4 is my favorite" Hot Cam stage 2, Full port and polish, Stock carburetor and stock piston for reliability and the next thing I'm buying is a TM40 pumper carburetor. I just bought a TM40 pumper carburetor for my 2004 XR650L and just love it, Cant wait to get one for my R.
And Can A 450 or 500 do a 110mph off road with a 225 pound rider?
the keihin fcr41mm is much better carb, easier to tune, but requires molding of the tank to allow fitment
XR250R IS MY PERSONAL FAV.
I'm abusing my 3rd XR650R as we speak. It does everything so well. Everything.
Update; 4th...
Had one years ago here in Australia you can register it as it come stock form man I ripped up ground like a bulldozer and miss the grunt of that bike so much wish I never sold it
I have had every one now my grandkids r rideing xr80 1983 in like new condition rebuilt 5 times in 30 years looke rides as new ,my favorite is xr400r w 440 kit stag3 cam and makuni carb ,
i got one... like new :)..... i live in Baja , cant wait to bring it home.
excellent video! i just picked up 2003 and restored it back to new conditon. watched so many baja videos i had to try one for myself. being a moto guy riding a kx 450f and kx 500, and i ride a 05 GSXR 1K i found the power really lacking uncorked....but with a FCR Pumper carb swap and full exhaust, it is defiantly the bike i was looking for to use as a dual sport,off road enduro bike. i came from a tricked out wr 450f for my dual sport and i hated all the oil changes.(only holds 1L) the wr is much better off road with the killer SSS suspention and has more top end power with similar mods. but i like the bottom end grunt of the 650r, comfortable suspention....so im going to keep it around for awhile!
in canada a clean 03-09 wr 450f will go for the same as a XR 650r so price wasnt the concern, just wanted to see if the bike lived up to all the hype. its not the best at anything but it has something about it i love and can see why this bike has a cult following. also its a great bike to take my 5 year old for rides, its comfort for us both, so thats a huge plus!
Im like you .... Open class moto rider...and man that experience really helps with a tall heavy Xr650. Poor guys with no moto experience have to take a beating in the learning curve. The Xr weighs the same as my Motocross bike with my girlfriend on the back...that is what took me the most time to adjust to. I wont be going over logs where the top of log is 2 feet above the ground with my BRP and 100 extra pounds.
Agreed buddy, I’m going to pick up a Ktm 300 for a woods weapon. I have a 99 Cr 250 I have set up for woods riding but been wanting to try a new tpi Ktm and see what it’s all about! Keep rippin dude 👌
@@paulbrinston3336 That fuel injection is sweet for guys out west going from 4000ft altitude to 12000 feet. Here in the Florida mountains I may hit a lofty heavenly 345 feet above sea level..... gasping for air... LMAO!
@@llshamelessll I just went from sea level to 8k no problem with the stock carb yesterday.
@@thekrazydave A CV carb can do that. Thats why they put them in airplanes. But I hate CV carbs for the throttle delay they have. Got to build the vacuum to give the gas. Bad for technical riding.
I love my xr650r its a great bike. But I just picked up a 95 klx650r a few weeks ago,I can't wait to get this thing rebuilt.
Was road legal from the shop in many countries.
As good as it may be, and I do hope you're happy with it, I think I'll keep my DR650. Its a bit heavier than the XR650R, but very manageable. The DR650 can be had at a good price ($6,700 MSRP) brand new, or you can pick up a lightly used one for nearly half that price. The problem is finding one for sale. People seem to hang on to the DR650 and KLR650 - they have a following. The aftermarket support for both of those bikes is awesome, and you don't have to kit them up to be street legal. The DR is a pretty good middle weight dual sport that I'm very satisfied with. I hope you have many hours of fun, and miles of safe riding on your XR650R. When you find something you like, you just like it. Thanks for sharing.
You sound as boring as a dr650. Ya nanna.
@@cv8z231 HaHa, I am!😑
Dr650 is great dude, I own one. It's a fucking hoon machine, I can't resist getting sideways on pavement or dirt. But once you load it up with 50lbs of camping gear picking it up is a lot less fun. The suspension plain sucks and I'm only 140lbs. I imagine it's worse if you weigh much more than that. For the amount id have to invest in my suspension on a bike that's not really designed to be hooned like mad offroad makes me think twice.
Brought the DR650 new in 2012 it was nothing like my 2003 XR650R . XR is 60lbs lighter with 50% more hp . It will smoke the DR ...
My dad wanted to get a dirtbike like when he was a kid saw an xr650r for 3100 dollars and bought it I dont think he was expecting it to be that big
A 117kg 610TE for me please. But the xr650r engines are worth envy for both output and longevity.
What world are you on that a te610 weighs 250 pounds
I had a 1986 XR 600 i use to race enduros with it
I hate to burst your bubble, but the XR650R wheelbase is 56.1 inches and the WR450F wheelbase is 57.7 inches. So much for a longer wheelbase making things more stable.
650R rake is 27.8 degrees.
www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/Honda/honda_xr650r_05.html
The 2020 YZ450FX is 58.3" wheelbase and 27.2 degrees. Wet weight with 2.2 gallons is 256 pounds.
I had one. Still miss it.
The Big Red Pig.. I would love to have one..
🤔 they don’t beat sport bikes to 100mph far from it.
Maybe a 250 ninja
Yeah, I own both and it's not even close.
I have a 400 R but it’s nothing more than a watered down version of the 650 R so I can find one I’m going to get it!!
I had an XR600R, great bike to ride, but some reliability problems.
I'm not sure the 650R makes the cut as a dualsport though. Dual sports should be comfortable cruising on highways for hours carrying luggage. I've also heard the 650 is struggling to go 100 miles on a tank
Yeah very small tank. It's a very reliable bike. But also a bike that people tend to ride hard. I have yet to meet a xr650r owner that babied their bike.
I think you are describing a adv bike.
@ 3:15 - Who makes those passenger pegs???!!!
I bought one from new in 2001..and still got it.....6000 km...its done in 20yr..
@@PietriGuitars yes just sat in my garage
Fun fact in my country the xr is perfectly legal and I need one very bad
Where you at bro? I want to move there
Xr's are much better than CRF by far. Is not only more reliable and dependable bike. It's legendary
Thanks for the review.
I have a 1979 XR500. It’s a blast to ride
It was a great bike in it's day but my money will go to a KTM 690.
Sorry Honda should have kept up with the times. KTM has been willing to answer the dual sport and supermoto vacuum. The big four have really let us down in this area.
Jeremy P i would still go with the XR because of simplicity and lightness. But you are right. I would love to see a new XR, KLR, TT or DRZ.
@@Lucas-hz1jt the technology just exists to do so much more and if the big four had been more innovative in the market, the pricing would be more competitive. The U.S. EPA and DOT standards have a high effect on what the manufacturer sees as marketable, but in my opinion, the Scandinavian companies are leading the way in dual sport options.
True, Honda now has the 450L now but that's just about the only semi interesting model Japan has produced in a long time in this arena.
@@Lucas-hz1jt I'm a large man and I live in the mountains so a 500cc or less dual sport bike just does not excite me at all.
If it had not been for this coronavirus I'd of probably been in the market for a KTM 690 in a couple years when my Indian is paid off, just to have something light, fun and fast on a twisty beat up mountain road.
Don't get me wrong. I can still enjoy my chieftain on these roads but a supermoto is the ultimate fun where I live.
@@JP-ec9rl I ride three bikes at the time. A XR600, a XR650r and a husqvarna sm 125 two stroke. All of them are supermotos. I live in germany and we have enaugh twisty rouds here too. I weight a bit more than 100kg and the 125cc two stroke still makes so much fun even with it´s 36hp.
@@Lucas-hz1jt I'm sure you do have some fun roads there.
I've had a couple different 250cc four stroke Supermotos. Don't get me wrong they were fun bit lacked power.
Here in the U.S. two strokes are hard to find due to our environmental regulations. Most states do not allow road registration of factory off road bikes. They have to be titled from the manufacturer as "street legal". For me they are just too small and underpowered.
To each their own. The Drs 400 is a popular bike here. It is heavily customized. Some people like that but chassis design innovation is still great and the market price of the smcr 690 is comparable with the crf450l which in my humble opinion is a high maintenance afterthought. It's sad that Honda manufactured a dual purpose motorcycle with such a high frequency maintenance interval. KTM recognized that problem for a dual purpose machine, addressed it and gave the market a reasonably light, advanced designed machine, that sustains freeway speeds comfortably, that makes 70 HP stock and is in the same price range.
It's a 'no brainer' to me.
Awesome bike a legend that Honda should definitely bring back to the production and get rid of the cheesy Honda xl650l these bikes are bulletproof long-lasting and who cares about a Kickstart if you know the technique how to start it you could even start it with sneakers on these bikes are worth looking out for a good bang for the buck but their value is increasing so happy searching
3:35 "Im not starting now, its lunchtime"
My cousin has a 650 in his back yards needs new springs though
haven't seen one liquid cooled in person , been looking for a 600r or a 650r not easy to come across
Seems owners hold on to these things.
@@VehicleHunter they rebuild over and o:er. Comunities all over the world
and... what about the ktm 690 enduro or husky 701 enduro? and, i'm not talking about the new 2019+ 690, which is on a different level. eh.... and... don't misunderstand me, the xr650r is one bad mutha, especially for the money.
Yes its awesome but I'm happy on the xr650l too
Love the big girl heaps of torque electric leg would of been heaven big tank and reliable as
Great review
I like that package rack where can I get one?
Bought my first bike a year back, and yes its an XR650R 2002, some one has done something to my BRB over the time, and now its a weird beast, does not want to start hot, i've already learned the starting procegers and everything, can get it to start even on super cold mornings on the 3rd kick. But god dam, i cant figure out why it does not like the hot starts... If there is anyone that is BRP NINJA, help me :)
its low Miles ( 6k ) uncorked, full Powebomb on it, nothing i did, i cleaned the carb on it, hoping that will help, and changed the "nosels" don't know the correct name in english for them lol. Anyway, i know this is a longshot, but in my country i cant find some one, who knows these bikes in and out.
@@wonderbread2364 I have the same Jetting on it, but i will check if i have the S ones.
Drill out the pipes, do you mean the exaust? Because i just have an FMF stuck on it. Yep have the nice manifold in there, air box has just a big a** hole in there, with a custom protector. Plug off the smog - have not seen anything like that on my BRB, had to google it to be honest, but its not here. Found a shop, that just does carbs, so will bring it there, for them to have look, and try to figure this out...
There is an adjustment screw on the side of the carburetor that might help your hot start issue. The factory repair service manual is pretty easy to find online and it tells you the proper procedure to set it, but I think default is about 2-2 1/2 turns out.
Just get on a facebook xr650r forum and i garabtee u every one will chime in to help u figure it out for free. Trust me i know what im telling u
@@PietriGuitars Yes! This is what helped!
First - since last i had to rebuild the engine, not fun ... But now my pig has a new heart ..
Found a Jedi, who loves brp's helped set up the carb just right and now i have a fan aswell - now more losing boiling coolant lol.
May i add, considering this bike was verry neglected when i bought it ( my second bike in my life, did not know better.) i thought its a beast. Now, tuned right, rebuilt... WOW, just WOW. And hot or droped or anything, 1-3 kicks, its back! :)
Xrs and Drs are awesome bikes. The xr r may be hard to tag though in some states.
In California Xrs with plates cost $1500-$2000 more then off road use only Xrs
@@Schbouygan thank you for the info, before my street tagged xr650r kills me i'll be sure to let my family know to sell it in California for top dollar.
XR650R rules @100mph! that’s 160 kmh people
My xr600 from 87 did 165 km/h with me tucked in with tight leather jacket :) Front fender waving like crazy due to the unbalanced front wheel.
@@robertandersson2523 💪🏻 you are def at the limit of the frame/suspension/knobbies at those speeds - badass !
I think it was a on 70% street tire. My TKC60 melted on Nürburgring above 130 km/h🤣 I loved that bike.
I made my 01 into a supermotard and never looked back.
The vstrom is more offroad oriented, then a gs? Have you ever ridden a gs and then ridden a vstrom for some contrast?😂😂😂 the vstrom is literally a sports tourer with spoke wheels🤨
What is the process of titling and registering it for the street? These things were sold with a blii of sale for offroad use only.
When i put my xr650r dual sport i had to get the state police to give me an inspection after i installed all the dual sported gear like battery, blinkers, hazards, banjo bolts for brake lights etc... It was fairly simple but i can see why people dont go through the trouble. Many existing xr's are already dual sported
HAD ONE!! SOLD IT!! CRAP! MANY MANY YEARS AGO!!
I kinda doubt just an uncorked XR-650 would give anywhere near 55 hp. My DR-650 bored to 790 with a higher compression, big valves, ported head,,42mm pumper carb, oversize head and mid-pipe and Gixxer 1000 muffler and opened airbox can barely reach 60hp. Stock the XR, DR and KLR put down around 35 hp to the real wheel. They are still a hoot to ride be realistic.
It's a 650r not a 650L, completely different animals.
Anyone know what speedo is on the bike @2:20mins. mark.?
In my opinion the 600r is the best because it’s lighter. If i wanted a water cooled bike i would just get a brand new Ktm Exc-f 500
i want one of this😍😍😍
would like to have a xr650r
I have a 2000 xr650r. Riding on the East coast about a thousand feet above sea level what do you recommend for rejecting has an FMF silencer
Take it to the dyno and do it right.
The xr650r should already be uncorked its a closed course bike. The xr650L is the one with emissions and already street legal no kit. The xr650r only needs a brake light and of course the vermont trick to get a plate and be street legal.
They actually are the almost the perfect big dirtbike. Miles better than twin cylinder trailies off road and good for distance on road as well. A bit of weight loss, an electric start, better headlamp and modern clocks/ instruments would have made it spot on. Up smoothly off the clutch at quite slow speeds in 3rd was best for wheelies. Mine was geared to hit 95 flat out and got there quickly.
Why would you want the xr650r over the xr650l?
The R is so much better than the L. They are not the same bike.
But what’s the differences? Why not just buy the L if you’re going to ride on the highway? Does it come with better options than the L? I’m asking because I was considering getting the L.
The R is much more race oriented, has a dry sump, water cooling, and aluminum frame resulting in more horsepower in a marginally lighter frame at the expense of several conveniences, an electric start being one. Mine handles highway speed just fine, probably tops out in the high 90s and gets there fast. Most existing Rs are far from stock and are likely to already be modified for road use, but are rare all together.
@@VehicleHunter you dont know what you are talking about. The L was a dualsport. The R was offroad only. The L had about 35 horses. The R had about 55. Thet were made for different purpose. Its likecssyinh a F16 is better than a 747. They are made for different purpose!
Good luck with your brain.
@@microwave221 the L has a dry sump as well!
Puedo viajar en mi 650r largos tramos?
It would be my fave and in my garage but its not street legal... damn you Honda.
I agree
277lbs ?? thats lighter than the honda 300l or the 250l
I’ll stick with my ktm 690.. suspension ain’t so hot on these old hondas
LV426 Thats like walking backwards..
Wolf Rose disagree, I have an xr600r also. In my opinion, a way better bike than the xr650r but not nearly as much fun as the ktm690r. Side by side comparisons
@@g000se99 690's are bad mamajammas. But those rocker arms though.
@@TheNeckasaurus Only on the 2008-2014 models, got the 2014 Model, just install newer model rocker arms early and you'll be good! Not gonna lie though, I would absolutely love an XR650R, looks fun!
I needed someone legit to waste time watching
Anyone know where to get a stronger subframe? Love my pig 🐷
Tusk has subframe reinforcement kit for the 650L ... might work for the 650R maybe? copy it and mod?
@@llshamelessll probably just need to triangulate with a welder and some angle iron.
Off-road.de offers a great rack that stiffens the back end a ton. Worth it
Do they even make these anymore?
Bill Smith no sadly
I think you will find that 2007 was end of manufacture.
Had one, sold it, don't regret it. The lack of a subframe, estart, keyed ignition, and stater output are big handicaps as a dual sport. The long wheelbase and low head angle make it a pig to turn in tight woods. The motor is great, but not good enough to live with the other shortcomings. Way better all around bikes can be had for the same money.
Name a few of these bikes Chip?
Now go back to the XR600R lol
@@timventers5858 at the time, I went to a KTM 525 exc, which I liked better in every way. Husqvarna te610 also a good choice from that era. Now days, though, a lot of of the later model euro dual sports are coming down to the $3.5-$4.5k range which makes them a better buy.
@@CBRRR-eh3ky a we'll set up 650l makes a fine dual sport. I've got a heavily modded dr650 that is a great all around bike. It's not nearly as dirt worthy as a 650r, but the amenities make it easier to love with for adventure type riding.
@@chipverner5011 i see. Thanks for your time. I own an 2000 XR600R. Not sure what im missing besides power.
45hp? Was this for L version?
R version has 65hp. And was/is street legal in Europe
As reported many times over, the xr650r in the 'uncorked' form tests around 50hp 50tq wheel on the chassis dyno. 45 HP 'stock' sounds about right, but that does not tell the whole story. You get 40+torque from 2,500 rpms up so the power feels amazing everywhere. The only people getting 65 HP out of the xr650r were the honda pro racers in it's hay day racing Baja or others with serious cam and carb mods.
I'm a lucky xr650r owner. (street tag)
@@TokenTombstone Advertised specs are crank HP, almost never RWHP, so on the crank xr650r had 62 or 63hp depending on the source. I guessing the US-version is "legal in 50 states" therefore is corked to suit California. Street legal klx650r has 48hp and 610TE had 54hp (1993 both).
These are great makes but I wouldn’t be making comparisons to street bikes on the road 😂 if you get out launched on a xr650 while riding like an r6 or something you need to go home 😂
Theres another one which just as good or better....the DR650 from Suzuki
The mighty DR does not come close to an XR650R performance. 650L yes, but not the R.
I think you might be thinking this xr650r is the xr650l. Very different bikes. The Dr650 might compare to the xr650l. But not the R
这是本田的真正的好车
Wheelies in every gear .....utter bullshit
This narrator is not an BRP rider.
Pretty sure hes never been on one.
Stock is nice, add a stage 2 cam + hi compression piston and oversize intake valves... more powerful than any bike. Uncork and does not give you fifty five horsepower. This guy doesn't know what he's talking about if you've never ridden with the cam piston and valves.... and oem xr400 cdi
I got mine for $1,500 CAD XD
👍
Yeah 450 all they way 650
just too heavy not practical and weigh a shit tonne. You can’t do any decent trails on a bike this size.
It depends on the rider.
Us larger guys need a larger bike to lower our center of gravity and haul our butts around effortlessly.
Too bad it's not a Dual Sport.... Off-road bikes cannot be tagged where I live.
Pity it was water-cooled.
Too bad its not a dual sport
How the XR 650R is the worst dual sport bike for the following reasons. One no electric start and try starting it hot. Second it needs a fan for the radiators in the woods. Three Suspension is crap. Four no aftermarket support. Five no sub frame for any rack or the addition of saddle bags. Honda built this bike for one reason win the BAJA and in that arena it was King. But the KTM 690 will kill it in every single match up. Yes 20 years ago this bike was king in its own right but now its history. I owned two XR 650Rs and one KTM 690
XR600R with Mikuni TM41 will do better vs KTM690 than XR650R.
you're stupid if you think it needs an estart
Owned one. Subframe twisted itself east. Forks are the worst ever. No button. Basically a giant piece of shit.
It's the 31hp 650L that they call Big red Pig. This 650R is called the Dominator. Dummies.