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The Long Story. Currently I'm 64, 5'7" on a 'good day', 32" inseam, on a 'good day'. Bought my '08 XR650L BRAND new, Honda actually put it together for me when the one I was going to buy was sold before I got back. What I've done and feel are NECESSARY to make the big XR a "GREAT" all around, "low cost, low maintenance, high reliability, dirt worthy "Dual Sport" bike”. FIRST "AND CRITICAL": swap the front fork for a good pair of 48mm USD forks!! Make whatever deal you can, pay whatever it costs … IT IS WORTH IT!! It's not only GREAT on “tight” hard enduro single track, it's 300% better ON THE STREET!!! I have been the ONLY, and HAPPY, owner of my XR for 16 years. HOWEVER, I would NOT have kept this bike for 2 years AND WAS GOING TO SELL IT, because of the way the forks handled, … but fortunately(/unfortunately) I had a blown '02 Husaberg 501FE (still sad about it), so I took the entire front-end off, had some machine work done and bolted it onto the XR and have been a HAPPY owner of this bike every since!! (many other bikes have come and gone, but the big XR is the “BEST” do it all, “you can only have one”, bike) TUNE the suspension to the way you ride and GO!! “Dave's Mods for XR650L” is the BEST way to de-smog and TUNE the carb, makes the bike run GREAT everywhere! I live at 4500ft and can take it up to 12,000ft, still runs good. I also raise the bars, at the time I found, and still have on it, an excellent 2 ¼” riser, again really happy about that too!! 4.7 gal Clarke gas tank for 225 mile range to reserve, I KNOW THIS FOR A FACT, proven a number of times. You have the hand guards, DON'T forget a really good skidplate!! I have SEEN people put rocks “through” their motor cases, it is NOT worth the risk of going without! Lastly oversized stainless steel foot pegs, ALSO worth the cost! Options that “should” be done: after market air filter, full stainless steel exhaust, light weight lithium battery, etc. … I ridden this bike like I stole since day one, it probably has about 65-70,000 mostly hard-core off-road miles on it, (didn't have the speedo cable length right and broke it after a year with new forks), I had the top end rebuild a couple of years ago when the cam chain tensioner needed replace, figured, what the hell, redo the whole top-end while their in there! Piston and cylinder were still in very good shape! My clutch cable was like yours too but lasted 15 years, had to replace it just last summer. I've had to have cracks and breakage of the subframe rewelded back together 3 times from the vibrations of riding off-road. The Big XR650L is one of the most under-rated bike there is (once forks are replace). If you can only have ONE BIKE for Interstate Hwys, ADV rides, easy riding around town, 70mph gravel roads, easy or hard two-track, 4WD roads, flowing ATV or single track, or hard-core technical single track, AND you want a LOW cost, LOW maintenance and HIGH reliability, dirt worthy bike … it will check ALL THE BOXES … except ONE!! At 365lbs fully wet … it is one hell of a bitch to up-right when you're a lone and it's up-side-down, leaking gas out of the gas-cap, while wedged between a rock wall and a pine tree, on some god-for-saken nasty technical single track trail, … yeah, ... then, … “THEN” … you'll wish you had another bike!! Hope some of this helps.
Great info, thanks for sharing. Looking into getting one of these beasts with only 600 miles on it. 06 and kept in a rich man's garage most of its life. The weight is the only thing holding me back, but I figure I can get a smaller bike down the road if I really think I need it.
@@2007srvI did it and like it much better. If you don’t plan on doing 90 all the time go for it. The trade off in top speed is worth it for trail riding.
Outstanding! The stock XR bars are soft steel bend-o-matics guaranteed to bend to bend if you drop it. I too trim the nubs instead of drilling the bars. Grip cutter, I didn't know I needed that till now, much better look than Xacto knife. Looking forward to more.
100%. Triming the nubs just doesn't seem to have any real drawbacks for me. Also makes it easy to just toss everything on, and then figure out the locations after actually riding it.
Excellent video, Ben. It's one of your best yet. It is such a pain getting new bars set up right, but it is well worth the effort. The XR is looking great. I think you are right about dropping the pegs. Can't wait to see that video. You will have me looking for an XR, I think.
Thank you!!! Yeah, I used to really dislike doing it. Now that I've done it 6 or 8 times I actually enjoy it 🤣. Oh, and thanks so much for joining as a channel member!!! I didn't even realize it but I've got 2 now!
glad you swapped those bars, this build was going in ugly direction, then the new bars and we are back to a retro beauty!!! Great video. Hope you're loving the bike.
I blame you, I went and bought a 2023 XR650L yesterday. I was doing a complete build on a 1994 XR650L and your new videos on your 23 XR, made me want one! Thanks LOL! Keep the videos coming, really excited to see what other upgrades you are going to do. Dave's mods?
Oh no!!! Haha 😅 They are really, really cool looking bikes. Aren't they?! Thanks, I'm glad to hear that! I'm not really sure about performance mods yet, need to do some more research. Lots of other parts to work my way through first anyways lol.
I had a 1998 XR650L, lowered it so I could ride it, but life happened and I sold it it was a good putt putt machine not impressive at anything.... I got another 2001 XR650L and boy was I surprised at the difference in power ! this is my go to bike now even at 71yrs old ! the old XR's are not as strong as the newer ones ! the only way I could wheelie with the 98 model was dump the clutch with my 2001 model I can bring up the front with the throttle alone ! something I love to do ! I run 13T front and 45T rear sprockets and can still do 70 mph on the street !
You don't have to halve the controls. Just loosen, remove bar clamps, and you can just slide the throttle assy and such off either side. Almost always have enough slack in cables.
Rox 50mm pivot risers with Renthal KTM MX bar which is very wide with not much sweep worked great for me on my XRL I bought my 2009 XR650L new from the Honda shop in Umhlanga, SA in 2011. I've had the most awesome rides in South Africa on my XR over the last 13 years. Being a ham fisted German born individual I naturally gravitated towards destruction testing the XRL. It is still here now. Went on a losing the weight quest a couple of years ago - got my XR down to around 149 kg with the Clarke tank full - 328 lbs for the imperial crowd here comprende. Best bike ever! The two XR600R's were good too and the HP2 Enduro was a sweet trade to "upgrade" to my XR...L
Just commenting to help your algorithm- I had a similar idea with my KLX300. Light adventure. I went light because I am learning, and I am trying to set myself up for the most chance of success. Also these days, my patience for carburetors is not great anymore. Like you I also changed bars for a KTM flat bend, ROX offset risers, and tusk d-flex pro, all from Rocky Mountain. I DID stay with 7/8 bars because there are SOOO many conflicts with parts that will not work together on the KLX (like t-rex windshields), if you aren't running stock sizes, some mods may not fit with each other.
Barriers are a Plus on on every dual sport I have. Important to be comfy while you're standing. I am very excited about you lowering the foot pegs on the XR. I will be watching that video very intently. My XR's are somewhat cramped from my long legs. Texas on the prairie
Definitely!!! Haha, yeah it'll be interesting trying to find something for that... I need to set up a meeting with JNS and maybe I'll even draw something up myself. Seems like a very underserved market!
Interestingly enough, that was supposed to say bar risers. Barriers are important as well. I broke my foot 3 weeks ago on a dr650. Those bar risers on DR650 didn't keep me from doing something dumb... So maybe barriers is appropriate. I was wearing my work boots and not my motocross boots. Dumb dumb dumb. "Texas, in an aircast boot, on the prairie"
for dualsport thumpers i think a good ol trashcan windscreen looks the best. 6'3" so all my bikes get risers. Helps the bars not look so high compared to the rest of the bike. for the tusk grip heaters if you put a thin wrap of self sealing silicone tape on the bar first to act as a heat break so the bars dont act like a giant heat sink it makes them way more better to the point of to hot if on high
Great video! I like the ATV high bend bars but the stock cables are definitely too short as you demonstrated. The Moto bend with the risers look good, I am still running stock bars on mine but I want to upgrade. The hand guards are a must. I also removed those goofy looking scoops from my bike. Some guys like them, to me they serve no purpose. Never had any issues without them. You get better cooling with them off as I ride the tight woods trails in Wisconsin that are mostly 1st and 2nd gear. Stock jetting is too lean for any temps below 65 degrees F. Re-jetting is a must. Stock exhaust is also very restrictive. I pulled the inset out of my pipe to cure. Aftermarket pipes are loud, expensive, and add zero power. They do look a little better but not worth the money.
Thanks! I'm pretty happy with the improvements. The higher bars would be nice. I think the Motobend is a decent compromise though. Sure beats the stock set!
I think you should blue locktight ALL the screws in the hand guards ! I didn't and lost 2 on my first long ride... scrounged around a long time finding screws and then blue locktighted all them in and they have beenfine every sense ! it's not something you want to forget eh?
Tires can absolutely be part of the Aesthetics of any vehicle put a set of bald tires on any motorized vehicle in the world and then put a set of brand new tires on it I guarantee it's going to look better with the new tires
interesting video, i enjoyed it! i'm gonna have to look at your earlier videos, i just purchased a 701 myself, i came to the realization that i didn't want to pick up the panny out in the woods LOL...i purchased the husky heated grips for mine, all plug and play, and since i'm vertically challenged at 5'7 with a 30in inseam, i'm getting it lowered with WP susapension parts....i can't freakin' wait! lol. sláinte
Thanks, I'm glad to hear that! Yeah, a light bike is so much less stressful to ride. The 701 is an awesome bike! Mine was lowered professionally by a shop for the previous owners wife. It definitely makes the bike a lot more manageable for me, but honestly, the lack of weight is what helps me the most I think.
@@SwankyCatProductions I'll def let you know how it feels after . Right now its 14 gear tooth and try set sag see if I can get it a bit lower , if not lowering link ,and back dirt tire worn and I bought it w/ a stock tire on front /dirt back . Bought in Dec 2023 , 06' bought my 18 and 16 yr old sons xr400r's 2002 and 1999 we've been taring the trails up around here . I live by Mt Shasta Ca. And you ride 3 blocks away from my house theres a moto track and then ride either to left or right and its all out back :) . Awesome stuff thru creeks ect , so I have to get height carb ect dialed in . I pulled front sprocket other night , thought they replaced , but after watching ur vid it wasn't lol. It looks fat like the upgrade though but its not . At 5,000 miles the spline looks good though .Good stuff
I lowered my pegs on my DR650 and yes it is more comfortable but your feet will hit and get hit by more stuff offroad. Sticks and stones etc. These japanese engineers usually do things for a reason. Awesome bike anyway
Great vid. Really looking forward to your XR series. Are you gonna delete the smog parts? I’m getting an XR soon and have the same overall upgrade philosophy in mind. But that smog kit has gotta go to let the bike breathe lol
I had a 1999 XR650L stock and new... I was very disappointed in how heavy it was and didn't want to track down a gravel road...I put a lot of parts on the bike, kinda helped and the motor was redone and i sleaved it out to a 720cc from L.A. Sleave, larger carb ect.... She had power now but still was a heavy old girl. I sold that bike and bought then a new XR650R and uncorked that bike and installed a stage 2 HRC kit.....Now thats the bike you want...not this heavy pig.
Wow I had one back in 83 when they called that platform a xl600 than again in 91 with the xr 600 when it got a rear disc and cartridge Forks. I can't imagine buying that old technology today. By 2000s you could buy a 520 525 ktm that was like 50 lbs lighter and so much more reliable.
I get that, but I think of this more like an old muscle car you can still walk in and buy brand new today. They're not perfect, but they are cool (in my opinion).
Question for you. How do you like the high seat height? I only have a 30 inch inseam. How much sag does it have once you sit on it? I’m guessing tip toes or only one foot down is definitely gonna be the go to move for most everyone.
There is a small amount of sag. The biggest thing is how thin the bike is though, really helps me get the ground a lot easier. I do need to shift to the side if I want to flat foot, but it works!
I think im going to have to do something similar to your setup. I need more bar height. But this part 16:22 made me have to ask how you reinstall that throttle assembly? I have this 16:22 style throttle on my bike(klx250). I can’t get my throttle put back together where both cables ride on that clearish white plastic piece. At least that’s what I think my issue is. My throttle sticks like crazy and I’ve tried to reassemble but I just can’t seem to get it. Any tips?
Im looking at getting the 650 here very soon. Would you recommend the 650 for road, and a beginning just having fun on a motocross track? Also being 6'6 I shouldn't be to to cramp on it right?
Hi hope this reaches you friend I can answer atleast 1 to maybe 2 of your questions - being 6'6 not sure about comfort of your torso Yet 1 thing about your inseem (inside of you legs ; straddling to seat yourself on the Honda XR650 ( L or R ) the seat is at the 37 inch mark Im 5'8 and I have to keep feet reaching for ground when seated at rest The XR650L version is made street legal already it reads 90 m.p.h. on the tac average gas coonsump is roughly 55 miles until empty Though with the tank up grade you can easily reach over q00 miles on a single tank by nearly doubling the tank size Hope it helps friend
Hi, hey how tall r u ? I'm at 6" and have to walk up the bike like I seen U do . I'm still tippy toeing it haha. I think I see you changed seats ? I'm doing the sag and pre load right now, did u get into any of that ? Happy riding ;)
I'm 5'10" with a 31" inseam and it's definitely a tall bike! I purchased the bike with the seat concepts seat (thankfully) and the precious owner said it had 1" cut out of it, so I'm a little closer to the ground. Definitely need to shift myself off to the side pretty far to touch still haha 😂
Man, I never know if the fat bar upgrades are worth the cash for me personally. I've already twisted two tusk 7/8 bars within the year, and I dunno if the fat bars are strong enough to actually be worth the extra cash.
Question? What's the big difference between this bike & Hondas 500x ? I get it's a different motor size but really aren't both basically aimed at adventure type scenarios ? Right about the time I like one bike, another rolls into view = go figure?
The main difference is the extent of their off road abilities. The XR is extremely dated, but was designed to be a pretty capable big bore dual sport with LOTS of off road bias. Bikes like the 500x are really aimed more at newer adventure riders, who want some off road capabilities, but are more interested in on road comfortability over long highway stretches.
TY SwankyCat, these manufacturer's are throwing so much stuff out at the public that it's difficult, especially for newer riders to figure out. I don't have enough understanding of the platforms they sell or the terminology to be able to even discuss it here... lol, so I'm always thankful when someone who knows gives me some time. Much appreciated.
What about the issue that the risers don’t have the bottom humps that rest inside the rounded stock clamps? That will reduce the amount of weight/torque you can put on them, especially with their offset, likely requiring re-tightening/adjusting over time as you ride.
I was thinking that might be an issue too. Thing is, the half round bumps don't really contact the old bar location. They make things look a little nicer, but that's about it.
@@SwankyCatProductions good luck, either way it’s an easy adjustment down the road if required ☮️ … just from personal experience I’ve found that the offset risers can be especially prone to shift.
Why would you choose to stand up like a post? When standing on a bike you really should be positioned with your back at an angle to your legs and elbows pointed out with fore finger pointing inward - ditch the upright goon standing position and do it properly, the bike will feel better and you will both ride better, you also will not suffer back problems - antagonise it or whatever, keep the goon stand for the odd occasion if you feel you need it - XR, cool bike
The only time I ever actually ride fully extended like that is to stretch out on the road on long rides, never for aggressive trail riding. Although I do like the bars a little higher then too just so I'm not so hunched, that's really rough on my lower back.
hey, do you have a wierd issue when the temperatures are below 38 and the flashers dont really want to work. and also does your bike have that weird querk where the left peg is more in than the other. I fixed my peg issue with the set back pegs and cut off the peg post from the frame and re-welded a spacer in
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One more thing. A state of the art LED headlight that will burn your retina's inside out from 1000 yards.
Love love love this mod
The Long Story. Currently I'm 64, 5'7" on a 'good day', 32" inseam, on a 'good day'. Bought my '08 XR650L BRAND new, Honda actually put it together for me when the one I was going to buy was sold before I got back.
What I've done and feel are NECESSARY to make the big XR a "GREAT" all around, "low cost, low maintenance, high reliability, dirt worthy "Dual Sport" bike”.
FIRST "AND CRITICAL": swap the front fork for a good pair of 48mm USD forks!! Make whatever deal you can, pay whatever it costs … IT IS WORTH IT!! It's not only GREAT on “tight” hard enduro single track, it's 300% better ON THE STREET!!! I have been the ONLY, and HAPPY, owner of my XR for 16 years. HOWEVER, I would NOT have kept this bike for 2 years AND WAS GOING TO SELL IT, because of the way the forks handled, … but fortunately(/unfortunately) I had a blown '02 Husaberg 501FE (still sad about it), so I took the entire front-end off, had some machine work done and bolted it onto the XR and have been a HAPPY owner of this bike every since!! (many other bikes have come and gone, but the big XR is the “BEST” do it all, “you can only have one”, bike) TUNE the suspension to the way you ride and GO!!
“Dave's Mods for XR650L” is the BEST way to de-smog and TUNE the carb, makes the bike run GREAT everywhere! I live at 4500ft and can take it up to 12,000ft, still runs good.
I also raise the bars, at the time I found, and still have on it, an excellent 2 ¼” riser, again really happy about that too!!
4.7 gal Clarke gas tank for 225 mile range to reserve, I KNOW THIS FOR A FACT, proven a number of times.
You have the hand guards, DON'T forget a really good skidplate!! I have SEEN people put rocks “through” their motor cases, it is NOT worth the risk of going without!
Lastly oversized stainless steel foot pegs, ALSO worth the cost!
Options that “should” be done: after market air filter, full stainless steel exhaust, light weight lithium battery, etc. …
I ridden this bike like I stole since day one, it probably has about 65-70,000 mostly hard-core off-road miles on it, (didn't have the speedo cable length right and broke it after a year with new forks), I had the top end rebuild a couple of years ago when the cam chain tensioner needed replace, figured, what the hell, redo the whole top-end while their in there! Piston and cylinder were still in very good shape! My clutch cable was like yours too but lasted 15 years, had to replace it just last summer.
I've had to have cracks and breakage of the subframe rewelded back together 3 times from the vibrations of riding off-road.
The Big XR650L is one of the most under-rated bike there is (once forks are replace). If you can only have ONE BIKE for Interstate Hwys, ADV rides, easy riding around town, 70mph gravel roads, easy or hard two-track, 4WD roads, flowing ATV or single track, or hard-core technical single track, AND you want a LOW cost, LOW maintenance and HIGH reliability, dirt worthy bike … it will check ALL THE BOXES … except ONE!!
At 365lbs fully wet … it is one hell of a bitch to up-right when you're a lone and it's up-side-down, leaking gas out of the gas-cap, while wedged between a rock wall and a pine tree, on some god-for-saken nasty technical single track trail, … yeah, ... then, … “THEN” … you'll wish you had another bike!! Hope some of this helps.
Great info, thanks for sharing. Looking into getting one of these beasts with only 600 miles on it. 06 and kept in a rich man's garage most of its life. The weight is the only thing holding me back, but I figure I can get a smaller bike down the road if I really think I need it.
Nice bikes for sure . What do you think on trading out the front spocket for 14 tooth ?
@@2007srvI did it and like it much better. If you don’t plan on doing 90 all the time go for it. The trade off in top speed is worth it for trail riding.
@@TheMotorman116 Awesome thanks for telling the good news. ride safe
@@2007srv you too! 👍
Outstanding! The stock XR bars are soft steel bend-o-matics guaranteed to bend to bend if you drop it. I too trim the nubs instead of drilling the bars. Grip cutter, I didn't know I needed that till now, much better look than Xacto knife. Looking forward to more.
100%. Triming the nubs just doesn't seem to have any real drawbacks for me. Also makes it easy to just toss everything on, and then figure out the locations after actually riding it.
😁
Excellent video, Ben. It's one of your best yet. It is such a pain getting new bars set up right, but it is well worth the effort. The XR is looking great. I think you are right about dropping the pegs. Can't wait to see that video. You will have me looking for an XR, I think.
Thank you!!! Yeah, I used to really dislike doing it. Now that I've done it 6 or 8 times I actually enjoy it 🤣. Oh, and thanks so much for joining as a channel member!!! I didn't even realize it but I've got 2 now!
glad you swapped those bars, this build was going in ugly direction, then the new bars and we are back to a retro beauty!!! Great video. Hope you're loving the bike.
I had no idea I was going to like your choice of this bike so much. This is going to be so cool.
Thanks Mike!!! I'm really glad to hear that!
The sound affects is what sold me baaaa baaaa!
Haha 😂
Glad I’m not the only one who braaaaaaaaps in the garage with the bike off
🤣😂🤣 you're definitely not the only one!
@@SwankyCatProductions Nope, He isn't alone :) I'm pretty sure we ALL do it, just some do not admit it LOL :D
Definitely looks even better now. I’m looking forward to more videos of this bike. I’m hoping you’re gonna uncork it and de-smog it as well.
Thanks!!! I've got LOTS planned!
I blame you, I went and bought a 2023 XR650L yesterday. I was doing a complete build on a 1994 XR650L and your new videos on your 23 XR, made me want one! Thanks LOL! Keep the videos coming, really excited to see what other upgrades you are going to do.
Dave's mods?
Oh no!!! Haha 😅 They are really, really cool looking bikes. Aren't they?! Thanks, I'm glad to hear that! I'm not really sure about performance mods yet, need to do some more research. Lots of other parts to work my way through first anyways lol.
@@SwankyCatProductions I just ordered.... Protaper Fatbars Cr Hi, Cycra Probend handguards, Primary drive front sprocket upgrade, JT 48 rear, WPS rear tail light, 55/158 jets with needle shim & drilling slide, xitomer smog block kit.
Lots more upgrades to come!!
I had a 1998 XR650L, lowered it so I could ride it, but life happened and I sold it
it was a good putt putt machine not impressive at anything....
I got another 2001 XR650L and boy was I surprised at the difference in power !
this is my go to bike now even at 71yrs old ! the old XR's are not as strong as the newer ones ! the only way I could wheelie with the 98 model was dump the clutch
with my 2001 model I can bring up the front with the throttle alone ! something I love to do ! I run 13T front and 45T rear sprockets and can still do 70 mph on the street !
I've been wanting to lower my pegs too but haven't found any options. Can't wait to see what you do.
You gained another new subscriber!
No? Oh, I thought they're would be some options out there haha 🤣. I'll see what I can figure out! Glad to hear that, thank you!
You don't have to halve the controls. Just loosen, remove bar clamps, and you can just slide the throttle assy and such off either side.
Almost always have enough slack in cables.
True! That can speed things up!
LOL he'll learn with time ! after a zillion handle bar changes you LOOK for short cuts !
Swank: nice improvement..the ability to stand up while off-roading comfortable is a key change..keep going..watchin ya buddy :0)
Definitely! Thank you!!!
Hell ya! The Xr Storm trooper is coming along.
Indeed!!!
After the bars. IMHO the next must do mods is a 14t front tooth sprocket and a FCR/MX flat slide carb
Rox 50mm pivot risers with Renthal KTM MX bar which is very wide with not much sweep worked great for me on my XRL I bought my 2009 XR650L new from the Honda shop in Umhlanga, SA in 2011. I've had the most awesome rides in South Africa on my XR over the last 13 years. Being a ham fisted German born individual I naturally gravitated towards destruction testing the XRL. It is still here now. Went on a losing the weight quest a couple of years ago - got my XR down to around 149 kg with the Clarke tank full - 328 lbs for the imperial crowd here comprende.
Best bike ever! The two XR600R's were good too and the HP2 Enduro was a sweet trade to "upgrade" to my XR...L
Nice bar upgrade. The decisions are always hard when changing bars, yet mods do happen to make a bike fit. Grip cutter tool=another tool I need!
Indeed, I second guess everything, at least a few times 🤣. Yeah it's pretty simple and pretty slick!
Just commenting to help your algorithm- I had a similar idea with my KLX300. Light adventure. I went light because I am learning, and I am trying to set myself up for the most chance of success. Also these days, my patience for carburetors is not great anymore. Like you I also changed bars for a KTM flat bend, ROX offset risers, and tusk d-flex pro, all from Rocky Mountain. I DID stay with 7/8 bars because there are SOOO many conflicts with parts that will not work together on the KLX (like t-rex windshields), if you aren't running stock sizes, some mods may not fit with each other.
Barriers are a Plus on on every dual sport I have. Important to be comfy while you're standing.
I am very excited about you lowering the foot pegs on the XR. I will be watching that video very intently. My XR's are somewhat cramped from my long legs.
Texas on the prairie
Definitely!!! Haha, yeah it'll be interesting trying to find something for that... I need to set up a meeting with JNS and maybe I'll even draw something up myself. Seems like a very underserved market!
Interestingly enough, that was supposed to say bar risers. Barriers are important as well. I broke my foot 3 weeks ago on a dr650. Those bar risers on DR650 didn't keep me from doing something dumb... So maybe barriers is appropriate. I was wearing my work boots and not my motocross boots. Dumb dumb dumb.
"Texas, in an aircast boot, on the prairie"
best upgrade video i have seen, and man have i watched a bunch, love your taste in components, im the same way
Thanks man! I'm glad to hear that! It's the little things that make a build!
I had to extend the throttle and clutch cables when I did mine. Pro Cycle has them.
Did you replace them with longer versions? Or add extensions?
Either one of bars would’ve worked for me , at least you had options. The windshield would be nice on long rides until the weather gets warmer.
for dualsport thumpers i think a good ol trashcan windscreen looks the best. 6'3" so all my bikes get risers. Helps the bars not look so high compared to the rest of the bike. for the tusk grip heaters if you put a thin wrap of self sealing silicone tape on the bar first to act as a heat break so the bars dont act like a giant heat sink it makes them way more better to the point of to hot if on high
Both good ideas! I've used a few wraps of electrical tap on the last set I did. Definitely made a difference!
Good choice swapping those bars around. The XR looks sharp!
Thank you!!!
I love those bars! I put them on my DL1000 and it’s more comfortable to stand when off-road
Nice!!! Yeah I really like this bend too!
Ha, I was just about to say, lower your pegs. I guess I did any way. Lol...
The bike looks awesome. Best looking XR650L I’ve ever seen.
Ha ha it took me until the test ride to realize it. Thinking that is the best option. Thank you! They are pretty cool looking bikes!
The ol xr. Had many. Same bike different year… just like my dr650. Both need updated bad
Great video! I like the ATV high bend bars but the stock cables are definitely too short as you demonstrated. The Moto bend with the risers look good, I am still running stock bars on mine but I want to upgrade. The hand guards are a must. I also removed those goofy looking scoops from my bike. Some guys like them, to me they serve no purpose. Never had any issues without them. You get better cooling with them off as I ride the tight woods trails in Wisconsin that are mostly 1st and 2nd gear. Stock jetting is too lean for any temps below 65 degrees F. Re-jetting is a must. Stock exhaust is also very restrictive. I pulled the inset out of my pipe to cure. Aftermarket pipes are loud, expensive, and add zero power. They do look a little better but not worth the money.
Thanks! I'm pretty happy with the improvements. The higher bars would be nice. I think the Motobend is a decent compromise though. Sure beats the stock set!
Are the Moto bend bars also Tusk Chub Bars? I am going to order a set from Rocky Mountain MC.
Thanks for vids man , thanks for listing product links . Good stuff . time to upgrade my 06' xr650L :) ride safe Brother.
Nice! Let me know how you like the mods!
Ben your bike is so cool. Any Honda purchase will increase your views.
Thank you!!! Haha, let's hope so!
Learned a couple of neat tricks off ya, thanx!!
I'm glad to hear that!
I’ve been using the same kind of lift like that for years thought about changing the jack out
I wondered about that too!
I think you should blue locktight ALL the screws in the hand guards ! I didn't and lost 2 on my first long ride... scrounged around a long time finding screws and then blue locktighted all them in and they have beenfine every sense ! it's not something you want to forget eh?
Definitely blue thread locker on everything! I wait until the end, in case I need to make adjustments.
Tires can absolutely be part of the Aesthetics of any vehicle put a set of bald tires on any motorized vehicle in the world and then put a set of brand new tires on it I guarantee it's going to look better with the new tires
interesting video, i enjoyed it! i'm gonna have to look at your earlier videos, i just purchased a 701 myself, i came to the realization that i didn't want to pick up the panny out in the woods LOL...i purchased the husky heated grips for mine, all plug and play, and since i'm vertically challenged at 5'7 with a 30in inseam, i'm getting it lowered with WP susapension parts....i can't freakin' wait! lol. sláinte
Thanks, I'm glad to hear that! Yeah, a light bike is so much less stressful to ride. The 701 is an awesome bike! Mine was lowered professionally by a shop for the previous owners wife. It definitely makes the bike a lot more manageable for me, but honestly, the lack of weight is what helps me the most I think.
@@SwankyCatProductions right on! 🤘🏻
Oh,Thanks again I'm going w/ same bar set up good job !
Good deal! I'm glad you found it helpful!
@@SwankyCatProductions I'll def let you know how it feels after . Right now its 14 gear tooth and try set sag see if I can get it a bit lower , if not lowering link ,and back dirt tire worn and I bought it w/ a stock tire on front /dirt back . Bought in Dec 2023 , 06' bought my 18 and 16 yr old sons xr400r's 2002 and 1999 we've been taring the trails up around here . I live by Mt Shasta Ca. And you ride 3 blocks away from my house theres a moto track and then ride either to left or right and its all out back :) . Awesome stuff thru creeks ect , so I have to get height carb ect dialed in . I pulled front sprocket other night , thought they replaced , but after watching ur vid it wasn't lol. It looks fat like the upgrade though but its not . At 5,000 miles the spline looks good though .Good stuff
I lowered my pegs on my DR650 and yes it is more comfortable but your feet will hit and get hit by more stuff offroad. Sticks and stones etc. These japanese engineers usually do things for a reason. Awesome bike anyway
Yeah, I've definitely had that issue too. With the 13" ground clearance I think that'll be less of an issue, but still could cause problems for sure.
@@SwankyCatProductions Its true tht ground clearance is one clear advantage the xr has on the DR
Great vid. Really looking forward to your XR series. Are you gonna delete the smog parts? I’m getting an XR soon and have the same overall upgrade philosophy in mind. But that smog kit has gotta go to let the bike breathe lol
Only mods I did on my Super Tenere were a crash cage, bar risers and a Seat Concepts seat.
How are you liking the super T?
I couldn't agree more It looks awesome!
Looks better nice job SWANKY
Thanks Scott!
I had a 1999 XR650L stock and new... I was very disappointed in how heavy it was and didn't want to track down a gravel road...I put a lot of parts on the bike, kinda helped and the motor was redone and i sleaved it out to a 720cc from L.A. Sleave, larger carb ect.... She had power now but still was a heavy old girl. I sold that bike and bought then a new XR650R and uncorked that bike and installed a stage 2 HRC kit.....Now thats the bike you want...not this heavy pig.
great bike- great road and weather 🤩
Indeed!
Great video. What brand is the seat on this bike? Thank you
Come on yank off the emissions bull crap and throw a pipe on that bad boy LFG!!!
Bars look fantastic! You got another bike?
Wow I had one back in 83 when they called that platform a xl600 than again in 91 with the xr 600 when it got a rear disc and cartridge Forks. I can't imagine buying that old technology today. By 2000s you could buy a 520 525 ktm that was like 50 lbs lighter and so much more reliable.
I get that, but I think of this more like an old muscle car you can still walk in and buy brand new today. They're not perfect, but they are cool (in my opinion).
@SwankyCatProductions that's true and I love my old muscle cars.
Very like that bike and u can put topbox on your xr650 as in long ride
I think I'm going to try my old reckless x2 system to help keep the weight down actually.
don't forget that odd ball foot peg on clutch side
....huh?
@@SwankyCatProductions One peg sits different than the other
Question for you. How do you like the high seat height? I only have a 30 inch inseam. How much sag does it have once you sit on it? I’m guessing tip toes or only one foot down is definitely gonna be the go to move for most everyone.
There is a small amount of sag. The biggest thing is how thin the bike is though, really helps me get the ground a lot easier. I do need to shift to the side if I want to flat foot, but it works!
I think im going to have to do something similar to your setup. I need more bar height. But this part 16:22 made me have to ask how you reinstall that throttle assembly? I have this 16:22 style throttle on my bike(klx250). I can’t get my throttle put back together where both cables ride on that clearish white plastic piece. At least that’s what I think my issue is. My throttle sticks like crazy and I’ve tried to reassemble but I just can’t seem to get it. Any tips?
Im looking at getting the 650 here very soon. Would you recommend the 650 for road, and a beginning just having fun on a motocross track? Also being 6'6 I shouldn't be to to cramp on it right?
Hi hope this reaches you friend
I can answer atleast 1 to maybe 2 of your questions
- being 6'6 not sure about comfort of your torso
Yet 1 thing about your inseem (inside of you legs ; straddling to seat yourself on the Honda XR650 ( L or R ) the seat is at the 37 inch mark
Im 5'8 and I have to keep feet reaching for ground when seated at rest
The XR650L version is made street legal already it reads 90 m.p.h. on the tac average gas coonsump is roughly 55 miles until empty
Though with the tank up grade you can easily reach over q00 miles on a single tank by nearly doubling the tank size
Hope it helps friend
Hi, hey how tall r u ? I'm at 6" and have to walk up the bike like I seen U do . I'm still tippy toeing it haha. I think I see you changed seats ? I'm doing the sag and pre load right now, did u get into any of that ? Happy riding ;)
I'm 5'10" with a 31" inseam and it's definitely a tall bike! I purchased the bike with the seat concepts seat (thankfully) and the precious owner said it had 1" cut out of it, so I'm a little closer to the ground. Definitely need to shift myself off to the side pretty far to touch still haha 😂
Man, I never know if the fat bar upgrades are worth the cash for me personally. I've already twisted two tusk 7/8 bars within the year, and I dunno if the fat bars are strong enough to actually be worth the extra cash.
I think the lower bends would definitely be pretty decent. I mostly like them for esthetic reasons though.
Question? What's the big difference between this bike & Hondas 500x ? I get it's a different motor size but really aren't both
basically aimed at adventure type scenarios ? Right about the time I like one bike, another rolls into view = go figure?
The main difference is the extent of their off road abilities. The XR is extremely dated, but was designed to be a pretty capable big bore dual sport with LOTS of off road bias. Bikes like the 500x are really aimed more at newer adventure riders, who want some off road capabilities, but are more interested in on road comfortability over long highway stretches.
TY SwankyCat, these manufacturer's are throwing so much stuff out at the public that it's difficult, especially for newer
riders to figure out. I don't have enough understanding of the platforms they sell or the terminology to be able to even
discuss it here... lol, so I'm always thankful when someone who knows gives me some time. Much appreciated.
What about the issue that the risers don’t have the bottom humps that rest inside the rounded stock clamps? That will reduce the amount of weight/torque you can put on them, especially with their offset, likely requiring re-tightening/adjusting over time as you ride.
I was thinking that might be an issue too. Thing is, the half round bumps don't really contact the old bar location. They make things look a little nicer, but that's about it.
@@SwankyCatProductions good luck, either way it’s an easy adjustment down the road if required ☮️ … just from personal experience I’ve found that the offset risers can be especially prone to shift.
Uh, locktite?
For the first handlebar that you thought looked too tall after installation, couldn’t you have used it without any risers???
The bend, yes. Those specific bars, no. I'd have needed a 7/8" bar.
Astetics?
If they only still sold the xr650l in Canada ....😐
Great vid
Thank you!
Do you know of solution for the foot pegs - move them back and improve standing position?
I've been looking!
@@SwankyCatProductions Knight Designs makes pegs for XR650L that lower by 1".
Would lowering your foot pegs help you while standing up in the bike..?
26:19
Yes! I think that's going to be my best option.
Thread lock?
Does Tusk make a seat and hand cooler for those of us here in Florida? LOL!! No, but seriously. 🤥
Lmao 🤣 I suppose I could see that being helpful down there.
DR400?
The fuel tank needs to be 2 gallons bigger.
That'd be nice!
Traded in for what?! How dare you
The plan was to sell it outright, but I found something else I've wanted to try forever!
Please let it be a plated CR500...
Why would you choose to stand up like a post? When standing on a bike you really should be positioned with your back at an angle to your legs and elbows pointed out with fore finger pointing inward - ditch the upright goon standing position and do it properly, the bike will feel better and you will both ride better, you also will not suffer back problems - antagonise it or whatever, keep the goon stand for the odd occasion if you feel you need it - XR, cool bike
The only time I ever actually ride fully extended like that is to stretch out on the road on long rides, never for aggressive trail riding. Although I do like the bars a little higher then too just so I'm not so hunched, that's really rough on my lower back.
Sounds like an opinion peice
I'll just put that with all the other useless knowledge from someone who thinks in one size fits all
Why do you talk like a weatherman?
Or do they all talk like me...
nothing matches the butt test
Nope, and it definitely helped me realize I needed to move my pegs now.
hey, do you have a wierd issue when the temperatures are below 38 and the flashers dont really want to work. and also does your bike have that weird querk where the left peg is more in than the other. I fixed my peg issue with the set back pegs and cut off the peg post from the frame and re-welded a spacer in
You can also measure and drill the holes in the bar then doing all that nonsense extra work
I've done it both ways, but much prefer this route.