Why Shorter Riders Should Reconsider the XR650L | Lowered XR vs DR & KLR
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- Опубликовано: 17 окт 2024
- Have you ever considered the Honda XR650L but decided against it because of it's massive 37" seat height? Have you always been against lowering a dual sport because everyone says it'll degrade performance? Me too! But after running a few on and off road tests with my newly lowered XR, I have to say, I'm incredibly surprised by the results, and I think you will be too!
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When I bought my first motorcycle (last year) I knew I wanted a dual sport, not so much because I was going to do some insane dirt biking, but because if I was riding around and saw a dirt road and wanted to see where it goes, I probably wouldn't want to do that on a Gold Wing.
As a life long Honda fan, I wanted the XR650 so bad, I love how old school it looks, and it was just what I always thought about when I grew up drooling over Honda dirt bikes. The dealer near me sells the big 4, so I could sit on the XR, DR, and the KLR all within 30 feet. And at 6 feet tall the XR just felt like I was sitting on top of a tall fence.
So I ended up with a KLR... which I love, but I wish it looked more like an XR.
That's an awesome reason to get a dual sport! They're definitely a perfect bike to start on and man are they fun once you get your sea legs! The XR is sort of comically tall, isn't it??? It's like they saw what everyone else was doing and just went 4" higher to prove a point 🤣. The KLR is a darn good bike, no two ways about it!
Although I’m still in the DR camp, you’ve almost got me to consider the XR instead. It’s very close now.
Haha they're both pretty awesome machines!
I am 5’5 with a 30 inch inseam and just bought a 690 enduro. It’s awesome i feel like a jockey on a horse
I'm 5'7" but with 28" inseam, so I feel ya. 😅
Nice! Haha that's about how I felt on this before hand. I've never ridden a full height 701, but my lowered one sure seems to handle well!
Another great video Ben. I've been meaning to ask... Who is the casket flag? I am sorry for your loss and grateful for their sacrifice. ❤
Thank you!!! It's my Grandpa's flag! I spent a lot of my summers learning to turn wrenches on garage sale bicycles with him and my grandma. Both he and my other grandma served long before I was born and thankfully lived to be old and gray before they passed.
Have you ever thought of building your own dual sport with a pre-existing frame?
You can make changes from that point. Such as different motor, handlebars, suspension, etc. making sure it has the perfect center of gravity. That would be a great future video project.
That would be awesome!!! If I ever get to a point where I can do that, I definitely will!!!
I had an XL600R. I miss that thing terribly. It was like driving the living room couch with excellent cornering manners. I now have the same exact bike your buddy in this video does, '06 DR. I had to upgrade the front suspension to the Cogent DDR & Spring kit. That made a massive difference. I also changed the seat foam to a Seat Concepts foam. Any DR owner, unless they are paralyzed in the ass, cannot believe that the stock seat is good. And because of the seat design, another thing I don't like about the DR is the vibration that occurs in the seat at speed. I think it has to do with the seat as well as the Dog Bone cylinder head mounts that attach to the frame under the tank. I'm sure they are there for a reason, but for the life of me I don't know what it is. I go back and forth on which one I like better. The XL was a kick start, so there's that. And the vibration on the DR is a big no thank you. But, over all, I found the XL to be much more sure footed in cornering, both street and trail whereas the DR feels like it might slip out at any minute. I have not upgraded the rear shock to the Cogent Mojave, which was my original plan. That may be the missing link. But, the Honda, right out of the factory did not harness any slipperiness. That thing felt like it could corner a brick wall, by itself. I think I would like the new XR. Just now with the current state of financial affairs I have to keep on truckin' with the DR. I don't think any dealer would do anything trade-in wise and nobody is gonna buy it for what It's worth, at least not right now. Just found your channel. You have succeeded in making me jealous and really missing my XL. Kudos, sir. Keep it between the trees!
Welcome to the channel! I've always really liked the XL600R. I had the smaller 250R when I was younger and it was always a blast. The DR certainly does pick up some vib's when you're on the throttle doesn't it?! Doesn't bother me too bad, but I've got a seat concepts seat and a chub bar. Both seem to help enough that I forget about it, but I've not had nearly enough seat time to know for sure. I'll also be upgrading my springs in the front. As solid as the DR feels on smooth surfaces, I've almost lost it a few times when things get bumpy and that's definitely not cool!
I think Ben needs to lower the XR650L the full 2" and try that ! he can always put it back !
...I say that because I lowered my Xr650L a full 4" front and rear and have a bike I can flat foot while sitting on it ! Doing so completely changed the high center of gravity feeling
I was getting when riding it... Yah I had to custom make a lowering link and lower the front triple trees into the recessed area of the forks (but they still work and clamp good and hard)... the results were fantastic for this short person, my 30" inseam fits the bike now
....and I have not noticed any degrading of the suspension or handling... it did also soften the ride which it needed but not too much. this bike is my go -to bike now ....with over 75 motorcycles owned in my lifetime this bike is the best of all of them. it wasn't till I lowered it.....
That's pretty awesome Bob! I've definitely got you to thank for getting me going on this endeavor. It's my favorite mod so far! I'll definitely be dropping the rear a bit more to see how it feels!
@@SwankyCatProductions I know dropping the front further looks scary but it is necessary. you can add a aluminum shim around the fork tube and clamp on it if you prefer. (a piece of thin aluminum pipe about 2" long, slit down one side and slid over the tube) i simply tightened the fork clamp and it holds great . removing the fork tubes now may be a challenge however....when lowering the rear to the max make darn sure you have at least 3~4 threads in the union ,,,you don't want it ripping out !
why they do not make a solid 3"~4" dog bone to do this is unknown but they should...I welded mine so it was longer if it ever brakes (doubtful) i will just make my one out of steel !
I'd really like to see your XR. Got a pic or video of it somewhere online? I'm deciding between the XR and DR. I actually like the XR a bit more (better suspension and seems more offroad capable), but, with a 30" inseam, I'm leaning more toward the DR (lower seat height, oil & air cooled, cush drive, slightly more aggressive exhaust note).
I doubt I would lower it a full 4", but, maybe 2-3. I'm a pretty husky guy, and I'd worry about bottoming the suspension.
@@jagzilla5049 no I don't have a pic on line ...sorry.... I think I would consider the DR more if I were to do it again... the extreme hi ground clearance of the XR is really a big pain in the ass. although I finally got mine lowered enough.... it took a long time. my complaints of the XR are eliminated with the DR it rides softer compaired to the XR. it's already lower but for me would have to be lower the oil cooler is a major good point... and as for power they are both neck and neck....
and I will be completely honest with mine lowered 4" it looks funny not like it did... the rear swing arm is almost horizontal it was slightly pointed down but now looks flat...i don't know what's up with that...i think the preload has backed off for some reason. but with the high front fender and low rear it looks weird, i think the DR looks better ! I however will not sacrifice looks for ease of riding I won't jack it back up just for the looks
I want to flat foot it.... not being able to do that at a stop sign in the rain and low visibility is asking to get ran over. tall bikes are stupid their deadly to the rider if your short...and if their heavy too you are simply F$#@ed.
that is why I sold my RX4 after owning it less than a year and got the XR
I lowered the RX4 as well but it's COG was very high (seat height) and that caused me to fall over 3 times on stopping.... the XR or DR is a much better
machine in my view. more power too !!!
I'm 5'4" with a 28" inseem, at 60kg, I've had bmw 1150gs, Suzuki dr350s, wr 250 and many more, don't let anything put you off!
Subbed. Man i fking miss my dr650 i regret selling it.
Welcome! The DR is an awesome machine!!!
I ordered a Kouba Link for my 650L. I have the same seat as you and I too stand at an earth shattering staggering 5’10 😂
Worst case scenario I figure is that I get out and ride this thing in more places I typically wouldn’t feel comfortable taking it and then maybe as my skills progress and I push the bike more I can always throw the stock one back on.
Thanks for such a thought out review.
Definitely!!! On other bikes with less clearance I'd be much more hesitant. There just aren't that many downsides. It's just a regular sized bike now 😂
I’ve been binge watching your XR650L content, it’s my top pick as of now. I’m not sure what I’ll end up getting. I can see my wife liking the DR though.
Didn’t have to see all of the video before making this statement on here just recall what I saw today. Another Honda, Yamaha …sport dealership going out of business. Also, if you want a new a Yamaha T-7 I know where about 5 of them are located in of the two dealerships in Oklahoma. Been there for several months gathering dust like an old exercise bicycle. You will also find about 4 or 5 new KLRS in the same conditions as the T7s. What you will not find in either of these dealerships or any other in the State of Oklahoma as far as I know today is a new XR650L. There is a waiting list! The Dr is almost as rare.
The salesman at one of the dealerships said it was probably the price point on the T7s for it not selling.
I guess us Okies are just foolish and can’t keep from buying the XR650L and secondly the DR leaving the rest for someone else to enjoy? Just an observation for over a year of mine and an attempt at some humor.
Love your work Swanky! Maybe do a video on the economy of motorcycle sales in today’s environment.
Wow really??? I'd never have guessed any of that, except maybe the KLRs and that's just because they made a ridiculous amount of them. That's crazy there's a wait for the XR! I've heard they can be hard to find, but there are plenty of used ones around here! Huh, interesting topic. I'll look into that!
Newcastle, Ok XR650L rider here...
Been to Medicine Park....?
Fun!
@@caleroby9483 not on my 650L. But I have been there years ago rappelling when I was about 30 years younger and lighter. Most likely going to do the K-Trail and Talimena Scenic Drive.
Ben, glad you did this project. You know I ride with box of chocolates( Sean) and Ron C. Both recently bought Honda ralley 300’s and I was headed in that direction. After watching this video I’m rethinking that move and will look into the XR650. I’m 5’8” 30” inseam. What is the oil change interval on the XR?
Thanks man!!! Yeah the CRF seems like an awesome bike, but the XR is certainly a good option! I believe the manual says 2,000 miles.
@@SwankyCatProductions
Thanks Ben. Looking forward to seeing what all you do with the XR. Happy 4th.
Hey glad to see you lowered your bike and liking it .I thru my stock bars on mine in some tusk risers last night , still haven't rode it but I'm sure I'll like it better .lol.. I can tell you I'm going back to the 15 tooth sprocket instead the 14 I have on it now . I've road it twice on the road since changing out stock 15 to 14tooth and it seems wound up at 55 mph . The problem I'm having is in traffic its all over me because they want to ride up me while I'm not maxed out on 55mph , but I just need to change it after I ordera primary 15 t now. Ride safe man .
Thanks! Yeah, I'm really glad I gave it a shot! I think I'll also try the 14 tooth, but am pretty sure I'll also end up swapping back. It might not be ideal, but I think it's probably the best on/off road compromise for me! Thanks man, you too!
Interesting comparison Swanky mate. The KLR certainly is a different beast to the XR and DR. I did once lower my DR to see what it would be like, I'm also 5'10, but didn't like the way it handled or felt so reverted. Actually my Scrambler feels even taller not to mention heavier so when ever I jump on the DR it's like I'm riding a feather haha 😂 Stay swanky my friend. ATB Jason 👍
Hey Jason! Really? Do you have videos on that? I think I'll try lowering mine as well, but with the assumption that I'll probably also change it back. Funny how riding certain bikes can make others feel either light or heavy. It's all about perspective I suppose!
@@SwankyCatProductionsit's really easy to lower the back. The rear shock has an additional hole at the bottom of the shock through which you can reposition the bolt that attaches to the linkage. Job done. For the front you can either lower the forks like you did with the XR or, the manufacturers way, take the springs out of each fork and swap the spacer around from top to bottom or vice versa, can't remember but there's heaps of vids out there mate 🤙
I remember the feeling the first time I got on my KLR and it felt like I sitting on top of a skyscraper looking down. The XR must be crazy, being almost 3” taller. I’m tall so I got used to it, but I can definitely see how lowering the bike even just an inch or two could help. I’m ready to buy either the DR or XR now, but unfortunately there are no XR’s to be had. I had initially been leaning towards the DR but I think you sold me on the Honda after these latest videos. I might wait another month or two and see if anything turns up. Then again there are KLRs around every corner, I could have one tomorrow. But I reeeeallllly want the Honda. 😂
Yeah they certainly all give you a pretty good vantage point, but the XR is just ridiculous 🤣. What has you convinced the XR is the bike for you? The suspension? It definitely feels right off road, but I think the DR is still a very good option as well. The oil cooler and cush drive are good selling points for me, but the suspension is annoying. Looks like you can get a set of heavier front springs for a couple hundred bucks... not sure if that'll be enough but I think it might be what I try first. After just fixing and running the stock suspension for a while that is. Good luck with your bike hunt!
@@SwankyCatProductions stylistically I think the XR is slightly better. They both have plenty of cosmetic options available, but from everything I’ve seen it seems that the Honda is the better machine right out of the box. Both can obviously be ridden stock, but the DR seems to need more work just to get it where people can start enjoying it for its intended purpose. Be that jetting, new carb, air box mods, exhaust, the list goes on. With just a few ergonomic tweaks the XR seems to please just about everyone. I’ve owned a Yamaha, two Kawasakis, and two Royal Enfields. Time to give Honda a try, if I can find one 🤣
Thank you for the comparisons. Helpful.😊
No problem! I'm glad to hear that!
Nice video. I'm toying with buying that rally screen from Hemisphere.
Any issues with bottoming out the rear or front suspension with the changes you've made?
You will likely have issues when you add your travelling / camping gear.
Lugguage wise use a horse-shoe style saddle bag to keep weight low.
When using a lowering link on the XR650 - I'd up the spring rate of the rear shock ...and the weight of the fork oil in the front a little.
Also, consider adding a fork brace too - it sharpens up the stability and feel of the front end.
Lastly, don't forget to strengthen the subframe if you are going to carry travel adn camping gear, else it will break.
Very good advice, thank you! I've got a rack that stiffens up the subframe and a reckless system that should work perfectly. I've never considered the fork brace for the XR, but I have seen them and wondered what it would do. Maybe I'll give that a shot eventually too!
@@SwankyCatProductions I was also hesitant and sceptical about the fork brace, but it really does make a noticeable difference on the trail. Note some versions out there reduce the travel available on your front forks so bear that in mind. All the best for more of your great videos 🤘🏼
Bouncy means suspension needs adjustment. I love the videos! big fan. Im a virgo i always point out whats wrong in a situation my bad dont take it any kind of way
I’m 6’1 with a 34 inseam do you think the normal height would be okay for me? Or should I also consider lowering it
When I had my xr650l, I softened the rear preload and softened front compression one notch. It was still too tall for some but it was fast in a straight line over rough stuff. I loved my xr650l but eventually you will graduate to the ktm class 500. It is then you realize you are reaching top of dual sport category. I now ride a 2015 WR450F as my trail dualsport and purchased a DR650 as my street biased dualsport.
Nice! Haha yeah I think I'll end up there eventually! I've always wanted to try a WR450 as well, ever since Jake The Garden Snake was on one 🤣
Is xr650 better than dr650?
@@tvong81 yes in dirt I like xr650 best but on street the dr650 shines
@@tvong81 dr650 is better on road
Loving your XR videos! You plan on adding a desert tank? The lack of distance is the one negative thing I have to say about the XR650L.
Thank you!!! I'm not sure what I'll end up doing with the tank... I almost ordered a 5.3 gallon with a set of XR decals from eBay, but chickened out 🤣. I may try an auxiliary tank, piped into the carb, but I'm not sure yet.
I'm short & old to boot...lmao, I'd asked about dropping the Honda suspension & having 12" ...... deciding this required you really
know how much road verses trail riding you will be doing? I figured about 80% / 20% roads to dirt which made more sense to me
in dropping her so you'd have a better center on the roadways. It doubles over for my 5' 6" height but IF I'd said 80% Dirt riding
then I'd have left it higher up = clearance. BUT I'd be on the roads & lower to the ground/lower center of gravity makes better
sense for higher road use. And this goes for all 3 of these big dual sport bikes. Everyone needs to determine how you will
use the bike, as close as you can guess? For me 80%/20% is it & low center is better for my application but if you are taller
or ride more dirt you might want her higher up.... it's a really personal thing. And all 3 of these beasts are good bikes.
Very true! All depends on how you want it to ride and where you plan on taking it! While they all have different strengths, I'd definitely agree, all of them are indeed good options!
Yeah, I'm seeing that one's needs in a bike is the defining factor..... having said this it doesn't even matter what bike
we have - it's all about tailoring whatever machine you have to the task(s) at hand. I think that's why I like how you
approach this in your channel...... although I get how/why you've run this channel like you have(for content variety),
it just hit me that any bike fits all so to speak ; we simply make what we have work out for us! While you are trying
to work the content balance you're really showing me that "Anything Goes" & you touch on things which can be put
into play on any of these choices for bikes.... I've spent 6 months deeply researching bikes & documenting 5-6 of
my top dual sport picks, right down to all mods on them to problems each has. I don't have enough money but I
basically know what it'll cost to bring any of my choices to the riding level I desire. By knowing these things on
so many I'll be able to grab a used one and evaluate it's value on the "Fly". The only brand new bike is also the
smallest on my list, Honda 150L > $3,500 tax/title & delivered, I know a lot of it's capabilities for upgrade so
when my money finally hits, I'm be ready to go forward. You've done well w/ your plans & I'm glad that you've
got the ability to swing this channel so far, it's not a small task staying in the "game" on-line. Kudo's man, I
hope you can keep her moving along. I keep hoping as I get closer to buying I'll run into some channel &
throw my bike to them & get it where I want letting my bike be their content if they need it? But I'm not
there yet & I await your next offering.... peace & be safe.
Needed this comment. 5'8" just bought a new xr650 for 85-90% off road use
Yeah man, I'm looking closely at this bike & she's got a long proven record.... that said, I think you'll know this answer
but I think when ya jump on it you'll have 2 inches of seat drop on the suspension? I'm thinking that I'd be leaning a
bit w/ one foot firmly on the ground like a lot of other bikes? As of late, I've decided the first thing to do for anyone
getting a new bike & especially for 1st time riders, go to a parking lot & practice getting on/off the bike. Also do all
kinds of slow speed turns & stops. If you do this for only 2 hours you'll be in good shape after 3 trips practicing in
this manner. New Riders ought to do this type thing anyway before going out into traffic. You enjoying the bike?
I know you are but any strange mechanics about how she acts w/ you as you ride? Any trouble spots? Curious
and only ask since you just got one ~ you're in a position to accurately tell us better than others who do not own
one. Anyhoo, thanks for sharing..... peace
I often see videos of fellows riding through small water crossings by just riding their front wheel through them. I personallyalways wheelie through them so my front tire is alwaysprefer to dry and providing optimum traction. I miss my old XR600 with Baja kit with exception of kick starting it. The 650 with elec start would be awesome
I wheelie through them the majority of the time as well, as long as they're not too big or muddy. Works very well! Oh man, my XL250R nearly broke my ankle when it kicked me back. I can't imagine that happening on an XR600!
Interesting video, I wonder how much impact rider height has on this scenerio. I weigh about 200lbs and am 6 ft 1in, maybe this will drop the bike lower based on my weight vs a lighter rider so ride height is closer to lowering link + light weight rider? Makes me wonder if there is a ride height based on rider weight? It definetely drops lower once im on the bike.
There are some costly lowering options, but I decided first thing to trim the seat foam I kept the same general shape of the seat but shaved and shaped off 2 inches and put on a new red seat cover it made a lot of difference from tip toes to being able to get both balls of feet on the ground at least which is still tall but way better.
Nice! I think the previous owner did that to my seat concepts seat as well.
When you get to the Baja, you can always put the dogbones into it and slide your forks up…
Otherwise, get some battle scars on your skid plate!!!
👍🏻👍🏻
Definitely!!! Haha.
I think the XR and DR are just old workhorses. Trying to get top off-road performance out of one is like making a Baja truck out of a ‘95 F350 double cab. You can, and it’d be cool but there wouldn’t be much Ford left when you’re done. These are either entry level duel sports or workhorse world travelers. Add a few updates and mods and never look back. Think I’ll keep my DR forever and just build a fleet of bikes for every purpose. (Might need that Baja F350 to haul them around)
Haha that's awesome 🤣. Yeah I'd agree, there are far better options out there but there's just something about these old thumpers that I really like!
My comment not withstanding, my buddies DR”790” Bigbore is quite the hot rod.
Im a DRZ guy. well i have a Husky701 now Only ever SuperMoto. DRZ can get just as much power as a DR/XR and its just a little lighter. Id go with a DRZ over the 3 you were considering. I used to do 90 down the highway all day on my modded DRZ
Interesting. And you don’t even have a low pro seat, which I actually love. People think they aren’t good because they don’t have enough foam. The truth is, they are 10x as comfortable than any seat I’ve ever had, plus I like the look. It’s like going from a western saddle to an English jumper. I guess only horse people would know what I mean... But the low pro seat gives us short people another inch closer to the ground.
It’s funny, I have my grandfathers flag sitting next to a painting that looks a lot like the one you have behind you. If your grandfather gave you that painting, I’d be curious if it were done by the same artist as mine...
I'm actually not sure what I have for a seat... I should ask the previous owner, he mentioned that it "had an inch chopped out of it" but I'm not sure if he meant he did it, or if it's actually a low pro one??? I really like the look and feel of the one I bought for the Tenere though!
Wow, that is strange... the flag and painting are both from my mom's parents. I'll have to see if I can find a name on it!
you know you can factory lower your dr650 as well with removing the fork top spacers to the bottom of the forks and move the lowering link bolt to the next adjustment hole .
Yeah! Jason told me that! I like where my DR is at, but I think I'll have to give that a try. Even if it's just for fun!
5'10" Short. Guy that s one inch above average.
Have you done a new battery and or the battery box swap? Not trying to be your channel hater, but this is one of the first things you do to move the center of gravity on the xr.
I've got a lithium battery here waiting to be relocated! Soon hopefully!
If you set the bike up for the TAT or bdr routes having a bike loaded with gear makes it tough to manage a bike that high off the ground . Those bikes are built as a platform for their buyers to use . Every bike will end up different . If I was building a travel bike out of the xr it would be lowered .fyi Kaplan America doubled the hp on a xr650l.
Wow DOUBLED?!?! Nice!!! Yeah, definitely! They're some of the most configurable bikes out there and I think it's awesome that they all end up slightly different. Just like their riders!!!
What is so special about the XR650l? How is this bike so popular that after all these years... it is not only still produced today, but has basically never been changed?
From what I've seen, they aren't as nimble as other bikes in its class, nor as powerful. I plan on buying one myself, but that's just because I like the simplicity. But simplicity alone can't have kept this design afloat for so long. So what am I missing?
I wonder if adjusting your rear preload or spring rate would bring the rear suspension back similar to stock after lowering it.
I think it would definitely help, yes!
I'm surprised an inch made that much of a difference- (that's what she said!)
🤣
Link to the front windscreen and mount?
Honda 450L is lighter with more HP :)
Once you’ve got either one of those bikes dialed in to suit you, it’s very hard to want anything else.
They're pretty awesome!
Agreed.
Thank Goodness the Japanese still build them grandfathered in.
Then WE can adapt them to our needs.
😎
Get a lower and narrower seat! Or cut the existing foam and restaple.
how do you like the Tusk tires ?
They work really well if you want something a little more street oriented. I do miss the extra bit of traction the D-Sports provide, but these will probably last much, much longer.
@@SwankyCatProductions thanks!
5'10" isn't short, and you will not need to lower the XR for that. My seat height is over 38" I'm not any taller, it's fine. If you're touching flat footed with both feet on a dirt bike, your dirt bike is too short.
True! But for me, it's an adventure dual sport. Not a dirt bike.
Baja performance? Nobody won anything on the 650L and probably never entered one either. The XR650R is a completely different bike.
True! That was an exaggeration in reference to some negative comments about how this would wreck the suspension. That being said, I think the XR does have a far superior suspension in comparison to the other guys. Or at least it was back in the day!
The XR600R has Baja pedigree though.
@@rat_crispy1013 Exactly, the 650L has none.
@@jimtitt3571 XR650L is a XR600R with lights, electric start and different carb.
@@jimtitt3571at their core they are the same bike. Most folks wouldn’t even be able to tell the two of them apart.